Monthly Archives: February 2008

regina holder photographer – grand opening party

I was so excited to finally have my studio ready to have people over to celebrate my grand opening. My studio is at Biltmore Park, One Town Square, just off I-26 at Long Shoals Road. Even though I found this incredible space last fall, I was moving residences and in the busiest month of the year, so I didn’t really utilize it until January when the first clients met with me. For the party, I invited wedding vendors that I have worked with, a few that I really hope to work with and some close photographer friends over for some chocolate martinis and hors d’ oeuvres. I can’t tell you how incredible it was to have so many awesome people come by to celebrate with me!

I have so many people to thank:

My friend and fellow photographer, Corey Cagle, who helped me carry in everything, rearrange furniture and hang the new canvas prints. She is always such a huge support to me and I appreciate her so much!!!!

Nicole from Verge Events talked me through numerous frantic phone calls and helped me figure out everything. There were so many things that I had never thought of. She was a lifesaver at the last minute and I couldn’t have done it without her.

Blossoms at Biltmore Park – Audrey made the GORGEOUS floral arrangements. They were perfect!!! and Alan saved the day when the bags I bought for the cookies were too small.

Nick at 28806 Deli did an amazing job with the food. I LOVE the mini ruebens that they do (and I don’t even really like ruebens that much). Everything was incredible and he even came back the next day to pick everything up.

Dylan from Blazin Sounds Entertainment set up custom lighting for the party. I love that he was able to take a boring flourescent lit hallway and uplight it purple to set the environment. He even projected stars on the black ceiling – how cool!

Penelope at Classic Event Rental, who got stuck at work and didn’t make it to the party, was so fantastic and had even referred a bride to me the day after I talked to her. Here’s the big “green” tip of the day – rent your plates! It is way cheaper and much nicer than paper or plastic.

Lisa McMillan, Exquisite Events, who bless her was sick with the flu, was still worried about helping me. She came by with all the martini shakers early that morning so she wouldn’t get anyone sick.

My friends at LaCour in Atlanta sent flowers since they couldn’t come and the sweetest note that absolutely made my day. My friends and baby clients Emily and Dawn sent a beautiful orchid that I get to enjoy – it’s even purple and brown! A special thanks also to my former brides and friends, Jennifer and Rita, that bartended and were both a HUGE help!


Karen from Brown’s Floral Design laughs as Corey Cagle races to get out of this room shot.


Patti from Shay Brown Events, Maggie Schlubach and Telle from Chez Nous


I LOVE this arrangement from Blossoms at Biltmore Park!


The signature Godiva chocolate martinis.


I yummy mini ruebens and mini bleu cheese burgers from 28806.


Nicole and Corey McNabb, whose wife Jill is the queen of the martini. I hate that she wasn’t able to join us!


Maura from Honey Darling Events


Jill, Maggie, Corey and Nicole


Maura and me!


Stacey from Bloom Room and me!


The “after party” in the hall to show off Dylan’s lights.


Dana shows her brother and the others the cool plaque she made for my birthday.


Dylan and his lovely wife Xochilt chilling on the couch. Corey Cagle took this fun shot (and many of the others!)

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dine to be kind

Animal Compassion Network in Asheville is holding their 5th annual Dine to be Kind day on Tuesday, February 26. Area restaurants are donating a portion of their proceeds to ACN’s spay/neutral program to help control the pet population. A lot of incredible restaurants are on the list, including 28806 Deli, 12 Bones, Urban Burrito, West End Bakery and Pomodoros.

Click here for a complete list of restaurants and more information.

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asheville pug – february meeting

At our February meeting, the Asheville PUG did a panel discussion. The PUG has so many new members that I thought it would be great to have a format that allowed them to ask questions to a panel of “experts”. Honour Hiers, Corey Cagle, Corey McNabb and I answered questions and got to know some of the new people better. Out of the 13 people in attenance, 8 have been in business about a year or less and 4 were at the PUG for the first time. Questions that we will explore further in future meetings include second shooters and the expectations both from the primary and second photographer, advertising, studio task management and websites.


The group

Sage, Christy and Suzanna


Alicia and Corey McNabb


Corey Cagle and Honour


Mark Block asks a question, Christy, Suzanna, Peter and Zac

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january pug meeting

In January, the Asheville Pictage User Group (PUG) had the privelege of having Justin and Mary Marantz guest speak at the PUG meeting. Their presentation on client “loyalty beyond reason” left all of us thinking of how we can improve how we treat our clients, how going above and beyond on customer service brings clients that rave about you and how to be more exclusive. They are genius at branding, marketing and setting themselves apart from the “competition”, which is really their network of friends that refer weddings to them. By creating client loyalty, resulting in super-referrals, and networking with other photographers, they have been able to shift the dynamic and actually pick and choose which clients they want.

We had the biggest turnout ever, even with the snow that arrived just as we finished dinner. I really appreciate the ones that braved the weather, especially with long drives home and a massive THANK YOU to Justin and Mary that spent 15 hours driving home in a snow storm.

Another big THANK YOU to Corey McNabb and his lovely wife, Jill, the queen of the martini. A few of us headed over to Corey’s studio for some chocolate martinis and fun times with awesome friends.


Look at that group shot! Awesome turnout for a snowy night!


Justin and Mary with Detra Dowling


Martini-maker extraordinaire – Jill McNabb

My BFF – Mary!

Zac Thomas

Cheers!

Corey and Justin

“Say cheese”

Zac, Mary, Corey, Sarah Henry, Honour Hiers, Justin and me in front

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open house – portrait special for habitat for humanity

I’m so excited to announce the Open House for my office! I finally have it decorated and all my canvas prints, so it’s time to invite you all over!!!

Sunday, February 24 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm

One Town Square Blvd, Suite 204, Asheville, NC 28803

In conjunction with the Open House, I am running a portrait special from February 14 – April 20. During this time, all “play dates” will be $50 off and $50 from each session will be donated to The Portrait House. As if it can’t get any better, for every new client that you refer that actually books a session, you will get a $50 product credit!

The Portrait House is on a worldwide fundraising mission to raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Founded in 2006 by photographers, Justin and Mary Marantz, The Portrait House relies on a national network of the top photographers in the industry to offer their services in exchange for a direct donation to Habitat.

Play dates are documentary, photojournalistic photography sessions that shows your child in the family environment, interactions with parents, grandparents and other family members. There are no “say cheese” or formal posed shots. More details are available on the children’s website. Here are some favorite recent favorite images:


Please drop by for a few minutes to check out my new space! I would love to see you!

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