Dear Family + Friends,

As I enter my third year at RizzaRiz Photography I cannot express my gratitude enough to the amazing people that have given me the opportunity to continue my passion. They are my clients and their families who, over the years have opened their lives and have displayed tremendous hospitality to welcome me and my staff with open arms. They are also my vendors and the people connected within the industry who have shared many a kind word and wisdom and have encouraged me to get up from the ground, chin up with head strong and to continue forward without losing momentum. Over the years the same people have come to be my good friends and have redefined the true essence of what family is to me.

Last summer my family and I went through what I can only describe as a horrific experience when my mother was stricken with a sudden illness. My mother, a woman of great strength and determination, recovered tremendously against all odds in a short amount of time. We are ever so grateful to have her here with us which circles me back to a new-found perspective of family and its importance.

And with this feeling of gratitude, I would be remiss if I did not express in some tangible way to say THANK YOU to all for redefining the meaning of family. THANK YOU for keeping me and my staff hydrated during those hot summer weddings. THANK YOU for asking us if we’ve eaten, inviting us to help ourselves to some fruit or to hang with you in the shade. THANK YOU Uncle Bobs, for cooling us down with your crumpled wedding invitation between breaks and THANK YOU cousin Brad, for helping us organize family members amid post ceremony chaos. THANK YOUbride + groom for believing in me and my vision, even going as far as flying me out to the ends of the earth to tell your story.

With the summer upon us, this certainly leaves a lot of opportunity for family time and because summer tends to bring people together we would love to be there again to document your story. All summer we’ll be offering The Family+Gratitude special, family portrait sessions at $300 – $185 OFF our regular $485 fee to simply say THANK YOU. The summer special ends August 31, 2012.

What comes with your family portrait session you ask?
Family portrait sessions include travel anywhere within the SF Bay Area. Sessions include two hours and come with a disc of your images.

How do I book my family portrait session?
Simply email us at rizza@rizzarizphotography.com if you are interested. We will send you an invoice to book your session and get back to you within 24 hours after receipt of your payment to coordinate a date and time. 

Something I find rare these days are the instant connections when meeting other individual for the first time. When I met Tamra a couple years ago, our creative souls and minds instantly connected. She is a kindred spirit with amazing talent. I have had the pleasure of working with her on a couple creative endeavors. If you aren’t familiar with Tamra’s work, then here’s an opportunity for you to get the 411 on Tamra. If you are still on the search for a make-up artist I highly recommend Tamra. You can view her amazing work here.

1. My Hometown and current location/areas you serve
Bay Area based, but my makeup kit has wheels to travel just about anywhere;-)

2. What makes (Tamra-Marie) different?  
It might sound cliché but the difference is…in the ”details”.  There are tons of people that claim to be artist, but really they are simply applying cosmetics.  They aren’t savvy on color theory, they don’t know how to properly shadow the face….they leave uneven lip lines, poor blending of the eye-shadow, uneven eyeliner, overfilled brows, clumped lashes, OR worst – they leave demarcation (clients face does not match neck and body)and the list goes on…) my work speaks for itself, I pay attention to these little details.

3. What word best describes your work ?
Can I have two? “Fresh & Clean”

4. Fave beauty or style tip ?
There’s no “glamour without proper false lashes”

5. What has been your proudest moment?
Being selected to do a 13 page spread for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine and probably the special feature in Martha Stewart (former couple Jenny & Ben Overman)

6. Who is your ideal or perfect client? Which iconic Brides wedding day makeup would you like to do?
She’s already wed but, Gwen Stefani. That RED LIP would be epic to paint!

7. Wedding industry leaders you admire? And where do you get your inspiration from (person, website, blog, magazine, etc)? 
Preston Bailey, Diane Valentine, David Tutera. I mostly get my inspiration from magazines & tons of them!

8. How many weddings did you do last year? 
Over 25.

9. What’s the real difference from wedding day makeup and everyday makeup?
Coverage is heavier than regular makeup due to flash/photography.  Note, In person your makeup will look stronger in person than looking thru a camera lens.

10. Help! Were getting hitched in lake Tahoe/ Mexico / Vegas/ Italy etc., will you travel? 
Destination weddings can be magical but preparation can be stressful if you aren’t familiar with local stylists, so if you need me to travel, I will happily pack my bags/passport.

11. I’m a cry-baby, will my makeup be ruined?
Most makeup used is waterproof; you don’t have to fret whatsoever. Cry during the ceremony, cry during the toast, cry during the father-daughter dance…Cry your eyes out, your foundation will be set and your mascara or false lashes won’t move.

12. What makes the perfect wedding day gift?
Anything PERSONALIZED

Shot for the lovely Jen at Candid Moments Weddings at Cornerstone Sonoma.