We had the good fortune of connecting with Raphael Temple and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raphael, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’m a strong believer in personal connections and truly making your clients feel that they are being well cared for. Taking the time to really understand their wants and build that relationship makes everything much more enjoyable and easier on everyone. In the wedding and event industry, I can not stress this enough! No one wants to feel like they are just a $ in your eyes. I also realized that these relationships with my clients are what brings me true joy in my business and what is motivating me to keep going. To see the love and happiness celebrated when the event comes to a close is all I can ask for. Going above and beyond to surprise clients gets noticed and appreciated and brings in more bookings! Word of mouth is incredibly valuable advertising, without a lot of work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve never considered myself an artist because of my terrible skills in anything involving drawing, painting, or music. When starting a pop-up picnic option, it gave me a lot of room for creativity. There was no right or wrong way to do it, no instruction manual. Designing tablescapes with personalized colors and styling can be tricky to nail down at first but with time and practice, anything is possible! Accepting that it will never truly be perfect and taking risks really helped develop my creativity and my business. Every picnic, movie, and wedding detail is one of a kind. I love drawing inspiration from other creatives and putting my own twists on it. I definitely look back on some of my earlier work and laugh, but remember that was the growth I needed to get where I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I first met in Kindergarten and she’s still my #1 today! We we’re both raised in Prescott, AZ and love our little hometown.

Prescott has a lot of history and activities for all age groups, I can’t wait to mention my favorites!

Our town holds the World’s Oldest Rodeo containing a full week of parades, concerts and of course rodeo throughout 4th of July week. The rodeo dance is always a blast.

For breakfast, we have great memories at the Dinner Bell Cafe & Waffle’s n More! Other local favorites is the County Seat, the Local, and That Apple Pan.

For outdoor activities, you can’t go wrong kayaking in Willow Lake. Hiking up Thumb Butte is a great workout with stellar 360 degree views of the city.

We love window shopping at the downtown square especially when an arts and crafts festival is going on. Lots of incredible local vendors where you can easily spend a few hours.

For lunch & dinner, the mac n cheese at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli is to die for! I am always in the mood for a round of tapas at El Gato. Another is making your own charcuterie board and hitting up the Founding Fathers Collective for pour your own beer and card games.

After, we enjoy a craft cocktail from The Point and end the night country dancing at Matt’s Saloon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A few special people in my life really made it possible during times when I couldn’t do it myself. Starting off with my parents, their unconditional love and support has always been there. They motivate me to go after my dreams and will be there to offer any additional help whenever I needed it. Running a wedding venue with your family can be stressful at times but also incredibly fun.

My sister in law is truly an inspiration and is always talking about new business ideas for me. She is genuinely interested and it feels amazing to have someone like her to bounce ideas off of and to approve Instagram pictures.

Last, but certainly not least, my loving boyfriend! After breaking both of my wrists last year, he was there carrying heavy picnic tables, tubs of decor, and being my rock. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I love without any of them and consider myself extremely lucky to have them in my circle.

Website: www.indigoproductionsaz.com

Instagram: indigoproductionsaz

Facebook: Raphael Indigo Productions

Image Credits
Tanner Parten (first photo) Brittany & James Photography (sedona) rest were taken by me

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