Matteo's Italian Restaurant and an ABC Workshop

Last night was the ABCGLA's (Association of Bridal Consultants Greater Los Angeles Chapter) workshop on Wedding Photography at Matteo's Italian Restaurant in Westwood. We lucked out with Matteo's--what a great venue! I am on the steering committee for our educational workshops and let me tell you, it is not always easy finding venues to host us. It's because our budget is pretty small. Budget brides, don't think we know what you go through!

I love being introduced to new venues and I am definitely looking forward to working with Matteo's in the future. The private Townhouse upstairs is the PERFECT space for a rehearsal dinner, baby/bridal shower, etc. There is even a pretty little rooftop patio. For a retro/rockabilly/funky/glam/vintage/alternative couple, Matteo's would be a fab venue to have your wedding AND reception for up to 150 people. Ceremony upstairs in the Grecian style townhouse, cocktail & dinner in the funky leopard print & red restaurant, downstairs, and dancing back up in the Townhouse. It wouldn't break the bank, either. The buyout for the restaurant is soooo reasonable for LA and especially West LA. The Hollywood history is great too--Frank Sinatra was a co-owner back in the rat pack days.

Upstairs Townhouse

Downstairs Restaurant

Our workshop consisted of 6 photographers that spoke to us about wedding photography. It was informative and fun. We look at it as: the more we know, the better we can help our clients. We were able to ask all sorts of questions such as:

Q. Why is photography so expensive?
A. Supply & demand, Time (on average, 60 hrs is put into each wedding), Equipment, and Advertising

and

Q. How much time do you need for pictures if they are all before the wedding?
A. 2, preferably 3 hours

Our incredible expert panelists were:

James Johnson of James Johnson Photography
Jenny Stafford of Red Loft Studios
Robert Evans of Robert Evans Studios
Donald Norris of Donald Norris Photography
Kari Kochar of Kari Kochar Photography
Nicole Caldwell of Nicole Caldwell Photography

A huge thank you to Matteo's for so graciously hosting us and to our panelists for giving your time and knowledge. What a great evening!