What a week it has been.  Full of Events, engagements, and client meetings for upcoming weddings.  To top it all off, I’ve been working on getting my meeting spaces (yes that’s right – 2 offices) up and running.

A few days ago, the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE)  was in town for their annual convention.  When the organizers here in Austin asked me to help out, I was both flattered, and excited.  I knew that it was going to be an incredible event.

To start the conference, two Event planner powerhouses in town teamed up to produce the opening night Gala at the Driskill Hotel.  Tacy with Meritage Events, and Cindy with Red Velvet brought in the very best Austin event vendors and talent.

Scroll down for some of my favorite shots, or visit the temporary event photo gallery to see all the fun!

The Driskill Hotel in Austin

9-foot tall Glamazons in the Driskill Lobby greeted guests.

Entrance to the Driskill Ballroom, where all the incredible NACE food was displayed

The Driskill Mezzanine, decorated for the NACE opening night with red light by Ilios, and tables from Townsley designs

The Driskill Ballroom

Cowboy hats as take-away favors by Hatbox in Austin

Authentic Can-Can girls gave a special Hello, to guests of the NACE conference.

Real-live cowboy statues greeted NACE guests as they arrived to the Rhinestone Cowby opening night event

The stage was set for American Outlaw at the Rhinestone Cowboy event

Watermellon and Mozzarella appetizers

Proof!

The Hatbox booth was a huge hit.

The mezzanine at the Driskill with special lighting.

Chefs at the Driskill prepared authentic Austin Cuisine for all the NACE members.

Cindy Lo of Red Velvet Events, and Tacy Infante of Meritage Events planned the whole opening night for NACE. Great Job!

Some of the great folks from Townsley Designs

American Outlaw started their set with Fireworks from Special FX in Austin

Come back tomorrow to see the rest of the photos from some of the conferences and the closing night awards ceremony and finale party!

This post is not really for brides, but more for other photographers, and wedding professionals in Austin (and also for my mother). As many of you know, I’ve never bought an advertisement in a magazine, or paid for any advertising for my photography business. I’ve managed to build a successful destination wedding photography business using word of mouth marketing, and the internet. And I’m not the only one. Early next month a group of us are getting together to talk about how we did it, and I’d love to see you there.

It’s going to be focused on photography, but I can guarantee that any wedding professional will gain some valuable information, as well as any small business owner, on how to use technology to get more clients, and improve your business.

Are you using the latest web tools to promote your work and find new clients?
Are you creating content to draw valuable links and increase traffic to your website?
What are you doing to improve your technique and juice up your marketing efforts?

When: Saturday March 13, 2010
Where: Long Center, Austin TX
Time: 11-4
Cost: $20 (the best $20 you will ever spend)

More info & Registration http://bit.ly/bwON5I

Speakers include:

Robert Seale, Houston-based commercial & portrait photographer
Darren Carroll, amazing portraits
ME! Eric Hegwer,
Jack Hollingsworth, @photojack (13K twitter followers)
Taylor Jones – a Digital technician

There will be a Q&A
A lighting seminar
Free snacks
and some incredible info

Questions? Ask me here, and I’ll answer them

Weddings Unveiled is hosting another intimate Bridal show, as they do every few weeks.  The Vintage Villas show is this Sunday from 3 until 5.  Since it’s before the Super Bowl, we’re telling brides that they can bring their fiance for a romantic afternoon–we’ll serve him a cold beer and make sure he’s home in time for kick off.  Or, brides can leave their fiances in front of the pre-game show and make the event a girls’ day complete with bellinis, hors d’oeuvres and chocolate truffles.  I’ve actually participated in a Weddings Unveiled Show.  It was fun!  I’m not participating in this one (for obvious reasons – it’s Superbowl Sunday), but there are tons of other great vendors!  Check it out.

When: SuperBowl Sunday February 7 2010 3-5 pm

Where:  Vintage Villas 4209 Eck Lane, AUSTIN
Discount: $5 at the door or Free when you pre-register online and use FREETIX
More info: http://www.weddingsunveiledaustin.com/

Thanks Crystal.  If anyone has an event they want to announce please contact me, and I’ll share it with the world.

One of the very best ways to make your wedding look incredible is to use some high-end linens at your reception.  Right now you can get table-cloths and overlays in your 2010 wedding color at an amazing discount at Premiere Party Central in Austin.

Between January 11 and Feb 13, 2010 PPC is offering  up to 50% off your wedding rental.  Contact them directly for all the details on this great offer.

When: Between January 11 and Feb 13, 2010

Where:  PREMIERE PARTY CENTRAL
Discount: up to 50% off select linen styles
More info: http://www.austinpartycentral.com/

Thanks Kristi.  If anyone has an event they want to announce please contact me, and I’ll share it with the world.

Laura at Marquee just told me about a great offer for anyone needing linen rentals in 2010. Starting Monday, February 8, 2010 you have one week to select beautiful linen for your 2010 events at 50% off!
Select, in-stock, specialty linen rentals will be half off the regular rental rate, just reserve and pay for your rental during the event.
As a VIP member, you will have access to the full week of the sale. The general public will be welcome to participate the last day of the sale, Saturday, February 13th from 8:00am – 2:00pm.

When: One full week starting Monday, February 8, 2010

Where:  Marquee Event Group
Discount: 50% off select linen styles
More info: http://www.marqueelinens.com/linenevent10.html

Thanks Laura.  If anyone has an event they want to announce please contact me, and I’ll share it with the world.