I recently had the opportunity to connect with Raphael Temple (pronounced Ra-Fell) and learn about her event production company, Indigo Productions. While researching her journey, I became fascinated by the extraordinary resilience that certain humans possess. As I absorbed her story, two quotes began to occupy my thoughts. The first is the timeless statement by Nietzsche: "That which does not kill us only makes us stronger." The second quote emerged from an interview with soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was asked about the key to his success in life and sports. His response, both profound and succinct, came after a moment of contemplation: "Talent without hard work is nothing." I was intrigued that Raphael’s story was so quickly conjuring the likes of Nietzsche and Ronaldo. I set out to discover more about this inspiring young entrepreneur and how she managed to transform the fragments of a shattered dream into a thriving event production enterprise.

A born and raised native Prescottonian, Raphael’s family roots run deep in the local community. As a student at Prescott High School, Raphael began to set herself apart. While holding leadership positions in Student Council, NHS, and JROTC, she also played on sports teams, including a club volleyball team that took her to Phoenix three times a week. That is a serious commitment for a teenager. Looking back, Raphael credits the leadership training and the discipline she learned from those groups as some of the most important lessons that have guided her both in business and in life in general.

"These groups are where the foundation was laid for the majority of the skills I’m using today. I had gained experience planning proms, graduations, and other events where we had 300+ guests. JROTC was incredible, and I learned a lot about leadership, discipline, and handling the curveballs life throws at you. Learning how to communicate with others and work together as a team is invaluable, and I’m so grateful for all of the teachers, mentors, and coaches that helped get me to where I am."

Raphael’s dedication and hard work paid off, and she was recruited to play NCAA Division I volleyball at University of Arizona for the Wildcats Women's Volleyball team. Life can be cruel, though, and not long after her dream was realized, Raphael suffered a horrific, career-ending injury that forced her to medically retire from competitive volleyball.

"Although my volleyball journey didn't unfold as I had envisioned, it marked a pivotal moment in my life, teaching me invaluable lessons and shaping me into the person I am today. Following my injury, I faced an identity crisis as I struggled to envision my life without volleyball and determine my next steps. Though disappointed by my body's limitations, I reminded myself that I was more than just an athlete. Armed with a business degree and experience assisting with weddings on my family's farm, I found a new goal to pursue. Launching my own wedding and event planning business has certainly had its challenges, but my passion for the work has only grown, and I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason."

After experiencing life-altering events, many humans, and rightfully so, withdraw and allow the external forces around them to define and set limits on their lives. Others are able to let go, refocus, and move on. Once again, I am reminded of Nietzsche's timeless wisdom: "What doesn't kill us..." Raphael recalibrated and told the universe to hold her beer while she put on a masterful display of resilience with a steadfast commitment to celebrating the positive aspects of life.

This brings us to the here and now. Raphael has put together a company that specializes in custom events. On the macro level, Indigo Productions offers four main event production categories: weddings, social events, pop-up picnics, and movie nights. Wedding planning and hosting were the original products that Raphael offered and could be considered her first love in regard to event planning. However, she has made a name for herself with the other three offerings. While never considering herself to be overly "artsy", Raphael has found her creative side, and her designs for social events and pop-up picnics can only be considered functional works of art.

"In my mind, I always thought of an artist as someone who draws, sings, etc. Nowadays, however, I feel a more accurate description of an artist would be someone who creates art using conscious skill and creative imagination. Pop-up picnics are a perfect example! I absolutely love the creativity that curating a picnic has brought out in me. Combining different styles, colors, and textures is incredibly fun. 90% of the time, I set up a mock version of the booked picnic to make sure everything looks great and the details complement each other. It also ensures that I get everything packed up without forgetting anything."

I would like to emphasize the significance of the final sentence in the aforementioned quote: "It also ensures that I get everything packed up without forgetting anything." At first glance, this may appear to be a trivial statement, but it is far from that. As someone with 20 years of experience as a tour and production manager, working in some of the world's most prestigious venues, I can attest to the importance of this thought process. Raphael's statement exemplifies a crucial aspect of event production that cannot be easily taught: the intersection of creativity and practicality. This subtle but essential element is a testament to her comprehensive thought process and meticulous attention to detail.

Recently, my supervisor, Mrs. Lyons, has been expressing her desire for more frequent date nights. Admittedly, this is something we've been lacking as of late. So, when I discovered Raphael's Movie Nights offering, I was eager to explore it further. The more I dove into the details, the more I became convinced that this was the perfect solution to get me out of the doghouse. Indigo Productions' website provides an overview of what to anticipate, but I sought to uncover a more comprehensive understanding of what a Couples' Movie Night at Lynx Farms entails.

“A movie night under the stars offers a captivating and memorable experience for couples seeking a romantic date. Upon arrival at Lynx Creek Farm, guests are escorted to a deck adorned with soft lighting and vibrant greenery, providing an unobstructed view of the celestial canopy above. It is recommended that couples arrive early to witness the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Bradshaw Mountains and Lynx Creek.

Once settled, guests are treated to a personalized snack bar featuring hand-selected candies, freshly prepared popcorn with various seasonings, and their choice of beverages. The extensive selection of films, accessible through multiple streaming services and Amazon Prime, ensures that couples can choose an old favorite or explore something new without being confined to the current theater lineup. The movie commences as soon as the guests are comfortably seated on a plush couch, complete with an ottoman and blankets, while the film is projected onto a large screen for optimal viewing.

Couples are welcome to bring along their favorite wine or beer, with glasses and ice buckets provided for their convenience. The nearby indoor restroom ensures that all necessities are readily available for an enjoyable evening spent with a loved one. Additionally, movie setups can be tailored to accommodate various locations and group sizes, provided that power is accessible, allowing for a truly customized experience.”

Yes, Yes, and Yes. Goodbye doghouse, and hello happy wife! Seriously, this is a perfect date night in a box. I will be taking my supervisor, Mrs. Lyons, on a Movie Nights under the Stars date in the next few weeks, and I will definitely be sharing the experience!

A trend that has popped up in the last few years is, well, pop-up picnics. (No pun intended.) These events have become an integral component of Indigo Productions' suite of services, alongside their popular Movie Night under the Stars. As pop-up picnics gain prominence in the company's offerings, they provide an enticing option for those seeking a unique experience. Whether it’s an intimate date with your significant other, a get-together with your bestie girlfriends, or an excuse to get the family outside to make memories, the pop-up picnic is here to stay, and I have yet to find anyone who does it better than Raphael and Indigo Productions. I asked Raphael what it is that seems to set her picnic experience apart from the many businesses that offer that service in Prescott.

“Unlike many picnic businesses, which only offer a few standard setups and styles, each of my picnics is crafted to suit the tastes and preferences of the client. This personalized approach ensures that the client feels valued, knowing that extra time and effort went into creating a seamless experience for them.

When it comes to event planning, I treat every client as a cherished friend who deserves exceptional attention and dedication. My priority is to provide genuine care and support rather than view clients as sources of revenue. By fostering a relationship built on trust, I can alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that clients may experience in the lead-up to their wedding or event, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.”

In my never-ending quest to please my supervisor, Mrs. Lyons, you can bet that there is a day date picnic in the works. However, as I discovered through my conversations with Raphael, picnics and day dates are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the range of pop-up events she masterfully orchestrates. From open-house meet and greets at The Willow Creek Inn to sweet sixteen birthday celebrations, Oscar watch parties, and even "Galentine" gatherings with close friends, Indigo infuses each occasion with an added touch of enchantment, transforming casual gatherings into memorable experiences that create memories that last a lifetime.

They say raising a family or starting a small business can take a village. When I broach this topic with a small business owner, I get a relatively standard response about how supportive their family is, etc. Nothing about Raphael’s journey has been normal or standard. Her response is what really got me dwelling on Nietzsche's quote and Ronaldo’s advice. When asked about the role her family and friends have played in her business, she told me a story that I almost couldn’t believe.

"I had a wedding in 2021 that I was very much looking forward to because it was at a venue I hadn’t done events at before. On a side note, this was also going to be my largest wedding yet. Three days before the wedding, I broke both of my wrists playing in a city league softball game. My village, which included my brother and close friends, came to my rescue by providing me with extra hands (literally). We also experienced a major monsoon storm that flooded the venue. We had a whole team sweeping water away, taking tablecloths to a laundromat, and moving decor out of the rain. With everything that went wrong, we were able to put the venue back together 15 minutes before the ceremony started, and it was a beautiful night."

Eh… what? You broke both wrists prior to your biggest event at a venue at which you have never worked? Yeah, talent is nothing without hard work, and what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. Raphael is the living embodiment of the collective wisdom of Nietzsche and Ronaldo.

I was curious what a day date would look like to the master of event planning. I almost wish I hadn't asked, as her response made me feel hopelessly mediocre and unimaginative.

“My boyfriend is currently a flight instructor for Embry Riddle, and on our most recent day date, he surprised me by renting a plane and flying me over the Grand Canyon, which was unbelievable. Afterwards, we grabbed our favorite card game, made a charcuterie board, and enjoyed some tasty brews at Founding Fathers.”

"Our regular go-to is Park Plaza Liquor & Deli, which has always been a favorite. I also love The Raven, County Seat, and Tara Thai. For late nights, The Point has amazing cocktails, and we usually end up at Lyzzards (where we met!) or Matt’s Saloon for some country swing dancing. I should mention that event planners live on coffee, and currently The Raven and Wild Iris are my go-to spots; however, I did recently try the new Century Lounge for the first time and absolutely loved the atmosphere."

Nietzsche, Ronaldo, and now Raphael. Indigo Productions have proven that they will go not only the extra mile but also above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for their clients. With these profiles, we hope you are able to learn a bit about the people who run the small businesses in our community. Raphael is about as unique and special an individual as I have ever met. Keep her in mind next time you want to turn your get together into an unforgettable experience.