Real Weddings Partner Profile: The Library Galleria

Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!
This week we highlight sweetheart Sandi Stewart from The Library Galleria a.k.a the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. Sandi is an absolute pleasure to work with and we think all of our Real Weddings brides would feel the same way. Take it away Sandi!

The Library Galleria aka the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

Tell us about your company: The Library Galleria is part of the Central Public Library facility at 828 I Street in downtown Sacramento. The Galleria complex includes the Galleria, a stunning 5,400-square foot five-story atrium that accommodates up to 350 for a banquet. An additional 150 can be seated on the adjoining Balcony, making the Galleria one of the largest wedding venues in Sacramento.
The complex also features two 1,600-square foot meeting rooms suitable for bridal parties to prepare for the event or provide a kids’ room should one be needed. Brides can choose from seven of Sacramento’s top caterers for their dining pleasure. The Galleria staff provides highly personalized service so every event is unique. The Galleria’s dramatic art and décor assure that the wedding photographs are striking and memorable.
When did you establish your company? When the Central Library facility was rennovated in 1992, significant meeting space was added to allow for all-staff meetings, lectures by authors and other library programs. But entrepreneurial spirits expanded the original concept and came up with the idea of renting out the space for events to not only bring more people into the library but also generate revenue to support public programming, book acquisition, and literacy projects. And so, one of Sacramento’s premier event venues was created and is now host to hundreds of weddings, receptions, proms, corporate parties and more.
What sets you apart from the competition? The artistic elements in the room and its height and configuration really set the Galleria apart, allowing free play for a bride’s imagination. Whether you’re thinking of a spring time in Paris theme and want a two-story Eiffel tower as part of your décor or you want to delight your guests with a mini-Cirque du Soleil, the room’s design enhances your personal vision. You can also go with a library theme and feature your favorite author (Ask to see photos of our Willie Wonka wedding reception!)
The room features many artistic elements such as three giant wheels of glass in the ceiling, each panel a prism refracting the light, each wheel representing one of Sacramento’s rivers. The beautiful terrazzo floor is inlaid with brass elements continuing the river theme. And the balconies are trimmed with oak, iron railings and sculpture. You don’t need a lot of decorating dollars to have absolutely gorgeous and unique photos of your event. And, by holding your wedding and/or wedding reception at the Galleria, you support the library and its literacy and book acquisition programs. You can dance, drink, and do good works all at the same time!
Where do you find inspiration? From Real Weddings Magazine, of course, and from various other industry, art and theatrical publications with great photos of memorable events.
When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers? We promised a beautiful venue, top quality catering and outstanding service to create memorable events…and we think we’ve held true to that commitment.
Do you have any hidden talents? The ability to wear more and more hats! Flexibility and good humor are essential for anyone in the events business!
What trend do you see coming in 2012? Frugality is essential in a tough economy, but brides will utilize every bit of their ingenuity to create their dream wedding.

Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers

Do you regularly blog? Nah, I’m charging through life, swapping hats, solving problems and looking forward to the next event!

What’s your favorite local restaurant? Naturally, my favorite restaurants are run by the Galleria’s outstanding caterers, Culinary Specialists (Mulvaney’s), Fat’s, Griselda’s and Il Fornaio, although our other caterers who don’t run restaurants are outstanding as well: All Seasons All Reasons, Beth Sogaard Catering and Classique Catering.
What’s your favorite local charity? The Sacramento Public Library Foundation, of course.
What is your favorite thing to do locally? I love good music and dancing so I frequent some of the local blues dives.
Do you have a secret vice or indulgence? I don’t think this is a secret, but I love to read mysteries by Janet Evanovich. When I ride light rail, you should see the expressions of fellow passengers who hear me laughing out loud reading her books.
What are you most grateful for in life? I am grateful for my son, who has turned into a tremendous young man, volunteering to serve his country in the military, learning to be an EMT and save people’s lives. He’s so focused on his family, his country, his unit and becoming the best person he can be!
If you were to plan your own wedding or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you? The most important thing about your wedding is marrying the right person. Everything after that is just a piece of cake.
What advice would give to brides and grooms getting married today? Following up on the previous answer: Marry the right person. Think about this major life decision a lot, not just about the hormones.
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides? Once you’re engaged to the right person, try to enjoy planning, producing, and attending your wedding! It’s a great party! It’ll hone your investigating and negotiating skills as you find out what’s important to you, your fiancé, and your families to create what we all hope will be a once in a lifetime, most memorable event!
Find out more about Sandi Stewart and The Library Galleria by visiting their Web site!
Photos courtesy of The Library Galleria and Christopher Kight Photographers.