Meet this issue’s contributing writers, photographers and creative artists.
Stewart Marcano
Photographer, “The Full Bloom”
Marcano has been photographing weddings since 2006. His weddings and celebrity editorial work have been published nationally. His style is modern photography that emphasizes the emotions and real moments that connect couples. stewartbertrand.com
Best Tip for Brides:
For afternoon weddings, always begin your cocktail hour 1.5 hours before sunset. This will allow you to take your primary bride and groom photography at the most beautiful time of day.
Leah Christiansen
Makeup Artist, “Dressed Up, Downtown”
Christiansen is an expert in hair and make-up that is timeless, authentic, and fresh. She has beautified the famous faces of Molly Sims, Amber Valleta and Josie Maran. groomergirl.com
Best Tip for Brides:
Make sure to drink plenty of water the night before your wedding. You’ll be hydrating your skin from the inside out so you have a natural glow the day of your wedding!
Cecilia Church
Stylist, “Dressed Up, Downtown”
After a career styling costumes and props for the stage, Church left the theater to pursue her passion—styling. She opened her own shop, Vocabulary Boutique, in Little Italy. vocabularyboutique.com
Best Tip for Brides:
Don’t try anything new in an attempt to be bold. You will feel most comfortable and confident being yourself and doing what you love!
Susanne Duffy
Planner, “Over-the-Top Romance” and “An Affair to Remember”
With experience in planning events at 5-star hotels, Duffy’s weddings are filled with personal touches and unique elements. Crown Weddings, which she founded 13 years ago, is recommended by top SD hotels. crownweddings.com
Best Tip for Brides:
Take the time to book vendors that you trust and who suit your personalities. Picking a team you like spending time with ensures a more relaxed planning process and a more enjoyable day.
Kimberly Buffington
Florist, “An Affair to Remember”
Buffington’s experience began with home arrangements and now she passionately designs for weddings and large-scale events. She loves creating floral arrangements for themed events and clients looking for something out of the ordinary. flowerchildsandiego.com
Best Tip for Brides:
Don’t overspend on ceremony décor because it’s the reception that people will remember.
Brett Charles Rose
Photographer, “Uptown Drama” and “Boys’ Weekend”
A second-generation photographer, Rose brings eight years of experience capturing weddings to Brett Charles Rose Photography. When he’s not shooting, Rose likes to surf, snowboard, cook, and play guitar. bcrphoto.com
Best Tip for Brides:
Give everyone plenty of prep time. Hair and makeup always take longer than you think and may cut into your pre-ceremony portraits.
Bryan N. Miller
Photographer, “Cultural Influence” and “An Affair to Remember”
Miller considers himself a storyteller first and foremost. He focuses on capturing all of the moments that will make the wedding album into a love story to show future generations. bmillerweddings.com
Best Tip for Brides:
Talk to your fiancé and pick a few words that describe your core values as a couple. If there are difficult decisions to make, allow the values you’ve chosen to guide you.
Bianca Silvia Porrino
Wedding Coordinator, “An Affair to Remember”
Since 2000, Bianca Weddings has been coordinating weddings and events around the world. Porrino’s unique blend of skill and enthusiasm shine through in every detail. biancaweddings.com
Best Tip for Brides:
If you or your husband are getting stressed, take 10 minutes and sneak off together for some time away from the masses. Grab hold of your new husband, give him a big kiss, and relax.
