Photo by Danielle C.
Artist Newsletter MAY 2015
Table of Contents LETTER FROM MATT | PAGE 2 STAYING CONNECTED | PAGE 3 AROUND THE OFFICE | PAGE 4 WHAT’S HAPPENING | PAGE 5 ARTIST ADVICE | PAGE 7 NEW ARTISTS | PAGE 8 APRIL PICKS | PAGE 9 ARTIST CALL-OUTS | PAGE 10
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LETTER FROM MATT
You are an ambassador for your beliefs; your actions demonstrate your ideas.
-- Colin Wright
What does it mean to be an ambassador? A representative? Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists one definition of ambassador as “an authorized representative or messenger”. They define representative as “one that represents a business organization” or “a typical example of a group, class or quality”. The way Bellagala sees it, is that when each of you go out to work with your respective clients, you ARE Bellagala. Approximately 80% of our clients initially contact us through our website, coming from referral sites such as The Knot or Wedding Wire. Our amazing sales team reaches out to them and works to bring them into the office for a customized consultation based on the individual needs of the client. From there, decisions are made – in short, they choose you. And when they do, you become an ambassador, a representative for Bellagala. Everything that client has learned about Bellagala is now up to you to deliver. It’s a very important role. It is for that reason that we are so selective about who we choose to be our artists, our ambassadors. You didn’t get here by accident. We didn’t choose you because we couldn’t find someone better. We chose each and every one of you because we felt strongly that you fit the part. We felt strongly that your beliefs and approach to business were in line with ours. And we felt that you would embrace the necessity for continued improvement. It was a logical partnership. As an ambassador, the message that you carry, and the way that you convey it, can be very powerful. As a representative, your actions become an example of the way things can and should be done. It’s not difficult to see that it truly is an important role. It is a role that can bring about change where change is needed. And as an ambassador and representative, your actions become representative for a larger group. In this case, it is the Bellagala group, the Bellagala team. What people see in you, they expect to see in others from Bellagala, and vice versa. So we hope that you are proud to carry the torch as an official Bellagala ambassador and representative. We’re certainly proud to have you!
Matt Rush Executive Director
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STAYING CONNECTED
How are we doing? LET US KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TO REPRESENT YOU BETTER 1. Check your biography on your Bellagala artist page to make sure that the information we have is current and relevant. Have you gained more education in your area of service, started a new hobby that could help you connect better with potential clients, etc? These are all great things to either add or update! 2. Make sure that we are showcasing you most recent and best work. If you have weddings outside of Bellagala that you think showcase your work well (and you have the rights to use these images), send them along to us! We want to showcase your best work, even if it’s not with Bellagala! 3. Would you like a new headshot for the website? Let us know and we can set up a time for you to come in and take your photo. Remember to dress fashionably and smile!
All artist page updates can be sent directly to our Marketing Coordinator, Darac Moua, via email at darac.moua@bellagala.com.
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Photo by Mark W.
Around the Office GET TO KNOW YOUR BELLAGALA OFFICE TEAM Hello all, my name is Amber aka Ambie. My title at Bellagala is Recruiter/HR which means I am tasked (along with Erin) with finding awesome artists like you, and making them fill out boring paperwork with me! â˜ş I have been with Bellagala since June of 2014 but started working full-time this past fall when Gretchen had her adorable baby, Odin. In my free time, I am all about plants (when can I start my garden?), running along the lakes and the river (slowly, but you know, perseverance), consuming pizza like a champ (to balance out all that icky running) and exploring St. Paul. I am looking forward to seeing those of you I know, and meeting those of you I do not at the Kick-Off party this year! See you then! Amber D. Recruiter / Human Resources
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
You’re more than an artist, YOU’RE A BELLAGALA BRAND AMBASSADOR You may not be a celebrity, but we think you’re pretty cool. While we are honored to have such a diverse group of talented individuals representing Bellagala, it is also integral that our team reflects our brand when interacting with clients, guests and other event professionals. Here are some tips for being the best Bellagala brand ambassador you can be: Be professional. Make sure that your attire is appropriate from head-to-toe when working with clients. You are attending a wedding; make sure to dress like it! This means – unless you are required to wear certain attire – dressing professionally like you would for an interview. At the same time, you should be dressed comfortably enough to do your job. Make sure that your look is down-to-the-details (cleanly kept nails; little or no jewelry, facial hair and hairstyles that are neat, well-maintained etc.) Keep a positive attitude. When you arrive at a wedding (and throughout all of your contact with clients before and after their event) keep a positive attitude! Remember that this is their day, and in most cases, planning a wedding is something they have not experienced before. It makes sense if they are stressed or if their day gets a little off-track. To go along with this, be fun and personable when sharing a client’s big day with them – you’re there to serve them. Greet them and their guests kindly when you arrive, and make sure to wish them the best when you depart.
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Photo by Jeannine P.
Network. Though your main focus should be on the couple, don’t forget about the others that are working alongside you! Be sure to greet other vendors and the event site staff upon arrival. We encourage you to go above and beyond to help other vendors when needed. Say a florist has too many boxes of flowers to carry in and you are not currently busy with the couple. It speaks wonders to get positive feedback from other businesses saying that our team is caring and respectful enough to help out those who are not working directly with them. Develop your skills. The best way we can grow is to learn from our mistakes and seek out new learning experiences. Be a sponge and soak up all of the knowledge you can from other team members. If there is a team member that you look up to, seek out the opportunity to work with them on a wedding. If you have a lot of experience in your area and the wedding industry and would like to mentor someone who is new to the team, see if there are any team members who would be interested in shadowing you. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, so we need to work together to help everyone succeed! Leave a lasting impression. As previously mentioned, your purpose is to serve the couple of the day by providing your best service possible. If you have the opportunity to go above and beyond in a situation, do so. While we won’t go as far as putting a “How’s our Bellagala artist doing? Call 651-227-1202 today!” bumper sticker on your car, we do encourage you to reach out to your client after their event. Ask them to share their experiences with you and Bellagala on both our evaluation form and review sites (the Knot, Yelp, and WeddingWire, etc.) As always, our Core Values and Mission Statement can be found online at www.bellagala.com/about
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ARTIST ADVICE
Getting to know Jason STUDIO DISC JOCKEY Tell us about yourself. My name is Jason Hanson, and I’ve been entertaining my entire life. I’m a self-taught guitar player who spent a decade in “the minors” of the rock-n-roll world. I experienced many amazing events, met and performed with a ton of super talented people and learned the true essence of dedication and perseverance. As that time in my life came to an end, I did what all ‘retiring’ rock stars do… I became an insurance man. Ha! I’ve lived in the Twin Cities for the last 15 years or so, but grew up on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota. Being at this point equal parts ‘big-city’ and ‘small town country’; my passions range dramatically both ways. I have two beautiful daughters, Rowan 10, and Ava 8; and they are the light of my life! Tell us about your experience with Bellagala. I started with Bellagala in 2007, it’s hard to believe! The time moves so quickly! The best part of it has been the amazing people, fellow artists and fantastic clients I’ve met and collaborated with along the way! What is your #1 advice for other disc jockeys? My #1 advice for other disc jockeys, especially the newer ones is simple… “It’s ALL about the clients!!!” As you gain experience, you’ll be better equipped to handle various events, crowds and situations… but it’s key to remember that you’re literally helping shape and execute one of your clients’ biggest days of their lives. Put them first, and you’ll be amazed at how many people will notice along the way. You can’t help but find success!
Important reminders! Grill & Chill Rooftop Party The Artist Kick-Off Party begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. Don’t forget to RSVP. See you then! Questions? Contact Erin Porter at erin.porter@bellagala.com. Meet the Sales Team! The Bellagala Sales Team is the direct link between you and your clients. We highly encourage you to stop in and meet the with team if you have not done so recently. The more knowledge we have of you, the better we can match you with clients that we believe are a good fit. If you’d like to stop in, email Matt at matt.rush@bellagala.com to set up an appointment.
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Welcome to the team, Alan G. - Second Shooter Amy L. - Associate Photographer Angela L. - Apprentice Photographer Derrick J. - Apprentice Photographer Jasmine L. - Associate Photographer Audra M. - Studio Event Planner Erica T. - Studio Event Planner Emmy R, - Studio Event Planner Nicole C. - Studio Event Planner Heather F. - Studio Florist Kristi S. - Studio Florist Patrick S. - Associate Disc Jockey Christian S. - Associate Videographer
we’re so excited to have you!
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APRIL PICKS
Photo by Ashley B. | Disc Jockey by Matt R. | Hair by Wendy Z. | Makeup by Mariah H.
Photo by Shinano K. | Floral by Lesley Q.
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Photo by Liam F.
Photo by Mindy M. | Disc Jockey Matt R.
Photo by Jaime R.
ARTIST CALL-OUTS
Word on the street is... MINDY M - STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHER “I thought you both did a fabulous job! You were great at quickly getting everyone in order and posing each individual person. You seemed to have an eye for that and tweaked as needed to get the perfect shot! I enjoyed seeing a few of the photos throughout, your energy, and your compassion. Thank you for everything!” –Greta & Ben
CHRIS N - ASSOCIATE DISC JOCKEY “Chris N. did a fantastic job! Chris was called in last minute when our original DJ had a family emergency. With such short notice, Chris was able to figure out exactly what we wanted from our DJ. It was a blessing in disguise that things turned out the way the did because Chris was perfect. Chris interacted with guests and kept a lot of the energy flowing throughout the reception. I would highly recommend Chris to my family and friends.” –Private user on WeddingWire
DORIS C - STUDIO FLORIST “I was amazed by your flowers they were perfect and beautiful. Never in my life have I had a bouquet equate to the photograph I have used as a reference until now. Your flowers surpassed my expectations. Thank you so much for your artistry that enhanced and created such a beautiful ceremony.” –Angela & Gary
MIKE V - ECHELON DISC JOCKEY “Our Bellagala DJ was experienced and knew exactly what our wedding needed. He used our profile information to customize the night to our preferences. The reception went smoothly as he balanced guest requests.” –Stacy & Bill
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BELLAGALA 255 EAST 6TH STREET • ST. PAUL, MN 55101 651.227.1202 • BELLAGALA.COM