simply chic weddings

This blog has moved to...

2009-03-16T08:56:00.001-07:00

SimplyChicPortland.com. This is the new location of this blog. All the posts here has been moved over so you won't miss a beat! See you there.

Announcing the New Simply Chic Blog!

2009-02-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

The new Simply Chic Blog is now live! We've been working hard on updating it to give it a new, fresh look. Go to www.simplychicportland.com .

To celebrate we're giving away some fun stuff on the new blog! Now go check it out, we'll see ya there. Be sure to bookmark the new page!

New site almost ready!!

2009-02-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

We're getting so close to launching the new Simply Chic Blog! I'm hoping to have it all

ready to go by the end of this week. All the info that's been posted here has already been transferred, so you won't loose any of the advice & ideas from previous posts.

Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about all of you...stay tuned!

Working on new layout.

2009-02-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

The blog may look odd or change it's look today. No worries, just looking for a new design and layout for it.

Check back soon!

Clean up to help others.

2009-01-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

You plan your event and see everything come to life in front of you. What about what happens behind the scenes? Do you know if the staff is recycling the plastic, glass or food? Being kind to the earth is more than chic right now, it's an obligation we have to protect it for future generations.
You certainly don't want to be running around in your gown after the event sorting recyclables. We recently found this company called Special E that does it for you.

The Special E is a group that rescues leftovers from events. As they state on their website, they'll rescue leftover food and deliver it to food banks, soup kitchens and emergency shelters to feed people who are homeless and hungry. They even rescue leftover remnants of beverage containers such as bottle caps and wine corks and then re-purpose them into jewelry and decorative products.

This is really a great idea to minimize the impact your party will have on the environment. I especially love how proceeds from recycling go toward purchasing food for abused and abandoned pets. They need tons of love from us too! In a time when everyone could use an extra bit of help, this program sounds like a great one.

Check them out at Special E to see if they are in your area. Good news, they serve Portland!

Don't hire Uncle Harry.

2009-01-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

You have set the date, bought your dress and booked the caterer. You're still looking for a photographer when a family member offers to capture your day as their gift to you or for a very small price. Great you think! Uncle Harry's snap shots look good, his flower pics are beautiful and artsy and he owns a bigger camera then you. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot can back fire. There are numerous reasons for hiring a professional photographer besides their camera. They often act as coordinator during the day and help keep you on track. They have back-up camera bodies, back-up batteries, back-up lighting, etc. You'd be surprised how often gear malfunctions but you never know it with experienced photographers.

A pro knows where to stand to get the best shot during the ceremony, the cake cutting and first dance. They can quickly arrange your family for group shots and are ready to capture the unexpected moments.

Uncle Harry quickly delivers a disk of images that he took. Are they the best they could be? Mostly likely no. Many don't realize how much happens after the image is captured. Backing up your files, editing down to the best of the best, color correction, sharpening and more all happen after the wedding to create the final image.

So you have a disk of images from Uncle Harry, but how does everyone see them? What about an album? Professionals offer online galleries, slideshows, custom made albums and more. These are the things that you share with your family and friends and become an heirloom to pass on to your children.

You certainly don't want to be the one who tells the aweful story of how none of your wedding photos turned out. I have guests come up to me when I'm working a wedding and tell me their stories that are just like this. Can you imagine? All the hard work and long planning you've put into your event and no memories to show for it?! Yikes!

Figure out your budget and start researching photographers in your area. Be sure to look at their online portfolios. Once you've narrowed it down to the top three you like, make appointments to meet with each. Look at album samples, ask questions and go over package options. Take into consideration how comfortable you are while meeting with them. If they seem tense and nervous they will most likely be this way on your wedding day. Take the time to do the research to find the perfect fit for both of you. The photography and video are truly the most important aspect of the day.

Pics from Art of Weddings 2009

2009-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who attended and participated in The Art of Weddings this year. Every year it evolves and grows which is exciting. It's crazy to think it started with an idea I had in a coffee shop four years ago. I was pleased to hear that everyone had a good time. The atmosphere was set by the live jazz playing as you entered the door and wine to drink as you wondered around chatting with wedding professionals. No one felt rushed but instead had the time to mingle, sample appetizers, browse thru wedding albums and take pics in the photo booth. As with every year I learn new things to make the next one better. Here are a few pics from the evening before guest arrived. Thanks again!

Valls Photographic above.

Go Red donation/auction.
Folks setting up before doors open. Peterson Entertainment played live music.
Hand painted glass.

Detail of Swanky Tables candy display.

Garnish wedding gowns.
Willamette Valley wines.
more Garnish gowns.
Feather bouquet made by Lisa of Studio del Fiore.
Studio del Fiore.
Jasmine Photography and Best Car in town.

all photos copyright Jasmine Photography.

Valentines Day.

2009-01-16T11:39:00.001-08:00

Yes, you read the title correctly. Valentine's Day is right around the corner. This holiday gets mixed reviews from people. Some love it others just want to ignore it. Don't spend February 14th running around from store to store to buy a card, box of chocolates or red roses. Let's break out of the rut folks, let's try something new and fun. Show your love with these unique ideas.

Boudoir Photo Shoot.
Gather your lingerie, high heels and thigh high stockings. It's time to work it for the camera in your very own Victoria's Secret style photo shoot. Imagine your man's face when he see's the beautiful photos of you! This gift keeps on giving. Hide one photo of yourself in different places around the house. In his closet, briefcase or by the coffee maker. They'll wake him up quickly!

Our lovely member Jasmine Photography is currently offering a special on her blog. Check it out here: Jasmine Photography Blog.

Photo courtesy of Jasmine Photography.

PantyGram.

This is such a good idea and reminds me of the old saturday nite live skit with the shark who says "Candygram" at the door! I found this online at Sendapantygram.com.

A heart shaped red pair of panties is delivered to him with a secret message from you which then prompts him to go online for a more detailed valentine's greeting. What guy wouldn't want to get a mystery pair of undies in the mail?

Spa Day.

Book a half day at the Avalon Hotel & Spa on the river. Rates are bit more expensive then other spa's in town but they are also longer. Book a couples massage session or try there Romance on the River package which includes one night accommodation, a bottle of champagne, box of chocolates, and overnite parking. Starting at $262.00.

Work it out.

2009-01-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

The holidays have passed and the new year has arrived. One resolution many people make is to get in shape. Getting the motivation to do it is a totally different story. I'm right there with you. Every year I tell myself that this is the year I will tone my muscles and be able to sprint up a flight of stairs without slowing down to take a breath. If you are getting married in 2009, then use your wedding date as a way to push toward your goal.

I turned to Jaya Krupp a certified personal trainer to give us some ideas on how to get started.
Here is what she had to say;

"Setting an intention is the first step to any life change and it's a great way to start an exercise program. Here are some important questions to ask yourself to help set up your intention.

1. Where do I want to be physically on my wedding day?

2. Where am I now?

3. What will it take to realistically get there?

This is where I can help. It is my job to break down the facts and let you know what is a realistic goal and what it will take to get there. My first step to most people physically is to start walking. 1/2 hour brisk walks. It is a great way to shed some pounds, it's low impact and cheap!"

But if you are like me, you have good intentions to work out but you make excuses. You tell yourself you don't have enough time or you need to get more work done. Whatever the excuse is it's holding you back. I took the step this summer to hire Jaya to give me the motivation I wasn't giving myself. Having a personal trainer has been great! I'm having fun working out, work out harder than I would on my own and have more energy. For me having an appointment set with her made me go. Sometimes it's something as simple as that to get you started.

She has developed some fab wedding packages for you, you and your fiance or you and a bridesmaid. You can find out more info via her website JayaKrupp.com.

Behind the scenes.

2009-01-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics from the morning taping for Koin 6 news. Everyone was in good spirits for it being so early. I can't remember the last time I was awake at 3:15am! Kacey Montoya, the reporter was really nice and fun to work with. The event went great last nite and I'll be talking more about that soon and show you photos. Have a great day!

the models after going in the photo booth.
Kacey getting ready to talk to Jerome of Aniko Productions.
Talking to Interstate Rentals.
Soren of portlandphotobooth.com right before going on air.
live jazz playing in the background.
wine samples from Duck Pond.

Sassafrass Catering samples.

Madeline working a model.

Tune in tomorrow morning!

2009-01-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Are you a morning person? If you are awake between 5-7am be sure to tune in to Koin 6 news to get a glimpse of who and what will be showcased at The Art of Weddings on Thur nite.

I'll be honest, I'm not a morning person and am already shuddering at the thought of waking up at 3am to get ready to be there on time. Thankfully it's only for one day and I can take a nap after!

You have my permission to laugh, giggle and make fun of me if I look like a zombie or stumble on my words!

Tickets gone but you can still win!

2009-01-02T15:23:00.001-08:00

All the tickets are now gone that we were giving away with the wedding trivia questions for The Art of Weddings. Thanks to all who entered!

But, there is good news! You can still win by going to 94.7 's website.

Though I'm not exactly sure how you can win on their website, I'm checking into it now for you.

You can also win by going to the newest wedding resource website Portland Style Unveiled. They are looking for your engagement story. Simply post it on their blog and their 5 favorite stories win tickets. Looks like there is not much time to enter, so visit their site now!

Good luck.

Not everyone loves weddings.

2008-12-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Real quick update. So the segment I was talking about in the last post actually aired on the show Portland NOW over the weekend. I'm waiting to get a clip to post so you watch it.

On another note, I was recently made aware of an interesting article written on the Willamette Weekly website. The author, Samantha Herman writes from her perspective about the upcoming Art of Weddings Event. She writes in a very sarcastic tone about how "its comforting to know that people are still forking over money for ritzy events and expensive receptions." What's odd is how easily she trash talks the wedding industry yet never contacted any actual professionals to learn more about it. I never received a call or email with interview questions about the event or wedding industry. I would have been happy to sit down and chat about why I created it and what it's about or why choosing an actual wedding photographer instead of any local artist is a better idea. Reading past posts on this blog would have answered those questions as well.

This blog is about giving you as much local information and ideas as possible. It's a starting point, a resource from folks who have been to a lot of weddings. The final choices are up to you and since you don't get a trial run with your wedding it's a good idea to gather as much information as possible to make sure it runs smoothly. By going to events and having blogs to read, you get to discover what is the most important to you for your day and how to divide your budget within that. Because no matter how expensive or inexpensive your event is, you need a game plan.

With that out of the way, it's almost a new year. I love this time of the year. A time to reflect and make changes. Take a moment to recall all the positive goals you reached in 2008. Be thankful for them and then dream how you can be a better person in the upcoming year. Will you open more doors for strangers? Will you donate blood? Will you spend more time with your family? What ever you do remember to share the love. Happy New Year! See you in 2009...

Weddings Portland Style Today!

2008-12-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

Tune in today, at noon to the CW (channel 3 on cable) to watch Weddings Portland Style! Ericka and I will be talking about the upcoming Art of Weddings Event. We had a lot of fun taping with Eric of Hybrid Moon Video at my studio.

I didn't think I was going to be nervous but I was! The lights were hot and bright, everyone was watching me and the room went silent. My brain locked up and the words I wanted to say didn't seem to form! I think I was experiencing some stage fright. Once I didn't have to talk I felt better. Taking pictures of the model was much easier and natural for me. Either way, it was a fun experience.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit back and watch the episode today at noon. You can laugh at me if you want...I'll be doing the same thing!

Looks like we were given the wrong date for the show! I'll find out when we are going to air and let you all know!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

Are you loving the snow? I bet you did the first couple of days and now you want out of the house! Either way we are having a white Christmas, which really makes it feel like the holidays. Being from the midwest this is how winter looks for four months or longer.
Enjoy it, it will be gone soon and we'll be back to good 'ol Portland weather.

We have one more pair of tickets to give away for the Art of Weddings. The contest questions are listed down a few posts. Thanks to everyone who has entered so far!

Merry Christmas!

New & Blue.

2008-12-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

I recently was in the Pearl District and saw the sign for the New & Blue Wedding Boutique and decided to check it out. It's cute and girly with lovely blue walls. They have a wide assortment of invitations and cute gift ideas. I met Kristen while I was there and we chatted a bit, I asked her what one of the newest trends was for couples.

She said that Save the Date magnets are very popular. This is a great idea. Let's be honest, your guests can be a bit flaky at times by not rsvping or forgetting to mark your date on their calender. That's why giving them a magnet with your names, date and a web-site link is a great concept. They can put it on their fridge and have it as a daily reminder. Here a few of the designs from their website that I liked.

Kristen said it's really easy to order them. Simply visit their website: www.savethedatemagnet.com and you can quickly find the design you'd like to use and order it from the comfort of your home. Be sure to click on preview before placing your order to make sure you have spelled everything correctly. Then decide if you want matching envelopes and click go!

I also liked that they have designs where you can include a photo from your engagement session to really personalize it. Below are two examples.

Once you visit their site you'll see they have so much more. From fun t-shirts that say "bride" to monogram cake toppers, you'll find ideas to scratch some of the details for your wedding day off your list.

Win tickets to Art of Weddings!

2008-12-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yup, you read that correctly. The crew at Simply Chic wants to hook you up with some free tickets to the upcoming Art of Weddings event. We'll be giving away ten pairs of tickets!

Here's how you can win a pair of tickets for you & a guest!

The first ten people to answer the trivia questions below correctly will receive a pair of tickets.

1. In the rhyme 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue', "blue" is symbolic of what?

2. What ancient culture believed that the reason for the engagement ring and wedding band to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand was because they thought the "vein of love" ran from this finger directly to the heart?

3. The oldest bridal tradition, the veil dates back to ancient Rome when it was what color?

You know you are getting ready to google them now! Have fun-you have until Dec. 25th to win!
Email your answers to lxs@jasminephotography.com.

A new kind of registry.

2008-12-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Lucas about a new website he created. I get a lot of emails during the week that are trying to sell me the latest and greatest program or product for my business. So, you can imagine I was a bit hesitant. I decided to visit the site and learn more.

What I found was a clean, easy to navigate website for engaged couples to register for personalized gifts. Sounds basic, right? Wrong! What makes his idea so great is that the registry isn't for toasters, towels or pots & pans. Instead it's for the things you really want and would love to have your family and friends help you out with. You can ask any of your vendors to sign up on the site and create a registry for you. For example, a couple of mine could register for different photography products such as a matted album, fine art canvas print or guest signature book.

Why is this idea so great? So many couples live together before they get married and already have all the essential day to day items that are traditional with a wedding registry. They don't need more of the same and rather have help creating the wedding day of their dreams. I've had many couples who have already bought a house together and rather receive a wedding video, fabulous flowers or a photo booth. The options are endless and opens up a whole new way of registering for your big day!

Visit their site for more information at Wedding Registry Direct.

Art of Weddings...time to get excited!

2008-12-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

I recently attended the holiday Crave shopping event which was so much fun. I love the henna tattoo I received and picked up some cute clothes for gifts. I was excited to because I had the chance to see the Luxe Autohaus space in use. This is where the Art of Weddings is going to be held on Jan. 8th. Let me tell you, I'm excited. My brain was filling with layout ideas for the fashion show runway. The goal with this event to pump it up a notch. The fashion show is going to be great with local designers and some fun surprises.

New vendors are being added weekly. Some new additions are Hotel Lucia and Hotel DeLuxe-fun! Also just added are Ooh La La event coordination and Swanky Table Designs. When you buy your ticket online you'll be able to bring a guest with you. So grab your maid of honor, fiance or mom and get ready for a fun event!

More updates soon....

Wedding Favors.

2008-12-01T22:49:00.001-08:00

I hope you had a nice, relaxing holiday with family and friends. Now it's back to work and back to planning for your big day! Since the holiday of gift giving is right around the corner, three weeks away to be exact, I thought it would be a good time to chat about wedding favors. What exactly are favors? As defined via an online dictionary they are: small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude to your guests from the bride and groom during a wedding reception.

But where did this tradition come from? Let's dig deeper. The tradition of giving wedding favors is a very old one. It is believed that the first wedding favor, common amongst European aristocrats, was known as a bonbonniere. It was a small trinket box made of crystal, porcelain or precious stones. The contents were generally sugar cubes or delicate confections, which symbolize wealth and royalty. During this era, sugar was an expensive commodity and believed to have medical benefits. As the price of sugar dropped, the general populace were able to start this tradition as well. (thanks to encyclopedia.com for the info)

Over the last few years, I've noticed this tradition has started to fall to the wayside. Many couples are opting not to spend the extra dollars on the mini gifts. This is understandable, especially if you are inviting 200+ guests. Besides that, most favors out there are not that great anyway. If you look a bit though you can find some fun and interesting ways to say "thank you" to your guests.

Why not think about the favors as part of the decoration for your event? I absolutely love these sandalwood fans that come packaged in their own box with your names and wedding date on it. Can't you see these at a backyard wedding or at a vineyard during summer when it's warm out? They are stylish and affordable at only $1.50 per fan with box.

Let's continue with taking inspiration from the Asian cultures with these adorable customizable fortune cookies. Dipped in chocolate and then decorated with either a single heart or sprinkles, you get to choose the colors of both! The best part of these is the personalized fortune for the inside. Include your names, wedding date and a note to your guests.

Both of the above favors can be found online at Beau Coup.

Think outside of the standard box with a almonds inside when it comes to offering favors. You might be surprised with what you come up with.

In-Laws and the Holidays.

2008-11-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving only a day away, I thought it may be a good idea to talk about ways to entertain your soon-to-be family without stressing out. Your fiance's family is coming into town to get to know you better before the wedding day. Your palms start to get clammy, your heart rate picks up and you immediately start thinking, "What am I going to wear!?" Don't worry, you can survive the holidays and possibly have some fun doing it. Here are a few ideas to help you comfortably get to know your boyfriend's parents without loosing your mind!

Ask your man ahead of time what his father's favorite drink is. If he loves his hops, have the beer of his choice chilled and stocked in the fridge. Be sure to pick up a few bottles of different local brews that the two of you love. You know have a common interest and a good topic to chat about it. If he likes the pilsner made by Widmer, you now have a fun place to take them to!

Whether you decide to cook dinner or head out to a local restaurant, it's important to keep the conversation going. Ask how their trip was, have they seen any good movies lately or read a good book? Share what you and your fiance have been doing but try not to get to involved with talking about the wedding plans. This could go well or not. His mom may start telling both of you what kind of flowers you should get or that you have to do a first dance. Be prepared for this one, both of you have to stick together and know when to change the subject!

We're fortunate to live in a city and state that has so many wonderful places to visit. If it's a rainy day head downtown for an afternoon at the Art Museum. The current show features photographs from Oregon. Going for a drive along the gorge is always beautiful or if things aren't going as well as you'd like, head to a movie so you get a break from chatting!

You may feel like you are under the microscope while they are visiting, but remember to be yourself! They want to get to know you so don't be afraid to share some things they may not know. Whatever you do, don't start having more drinks to help loosen you up. Before you know it you'll be sharing details you don't even tell your best friends! It's best to not be remembered for having your boyfriend carry you back to the car. No, no; you want to be remembered for being friendly, gracious and sweet!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Secret Sale at Emily Jane Jewelry!

2008-11-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

is having a secret sale...shhhh...don't talk so loud or your girlfriend may beat you to a fabulous pair of earrings! They are offering 50% off selected pieces that are in store, online or via phone!

Of course, to see all the wonderful sparkly goodness they have to offer I recommend going into the store which is located on N.E. Broadway. Now go, find that perfect piece to compliment your wedding gown or find a bridesmaids gift she'll wear again and again! Ends 11/27 at midnight.

Pre-owned Wedding Dresses

2008-11-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

You've been day dreaming about walking down the aisle wearing a Vera Wang mermaid gown or dancing the nite away in a Melissa Sweet empire waist ballgown. So what is holding you back from getting the gown of your dreams? The price tag can be the main factor for many brides and understandably. You can still look fabulous for a fraction of the price by buying a pre-owned wedding gown!

The website states some of the benefits for you:

You can search for your perfect designer gown by name, neckline, silhouette or size. Previous brides list their gowns on the site for you to buy. They only pay for a listing fee (not a percentage of the sale price), allowing you to get the best price. All dresses also contain detailed information and you can receive weekly updates of new dress listings for free.

Let's see what fab finds they really have...

How about this Lazaro a-line gown with jeweled crystal trim accents? Originally bought for $3600 it is being sold for $1400 including the veil.

This lovely off the shoulder Vera Wang gown was only worn for four hours at an engagement brunch. Originally paid $6300 being sold for $2900. Wow!

Think of it like buying a used car, you are better off buying a car a year old with minimum miles on it instead of buying new off the lot. In the end you'll save anywhere from $1000-$3000 which can be put toward your honeymoon or getting a fun band to rock your party.
As with any online shopping, be sure to do your research about the gown before purchasing. Also be sure to read their return and shipping policies carefully.

Visit the site here: www.preownedweddingdresses.com

A.O.W updates

2008-11-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

Things are coming along nicely for the Art of Weddings 2009 Event. Next wednesday we'll be taping in my studio for Weddings Portland Style and Portland Now. I'm a bit nervous to be on tv. I sometimes have a hard time forming complete sentences! I tend to talk short-hand at times, I guess part of my multi-tasking abilities! Madi Cosmetics will on hand to give a make-up demo, Lisa of Studio Del Fiore will be creating a floral display and Duchess will show off their fab men's suits. I'm sure it will be fun.

Another exciting announcement is the addition of Oregon Bride Magazine! They will be emceeing the fashion show at the party and I'm sure they will bring their newest issue of the magazine due out end of December/beginning of January.

Ok. I'm off to prep for a photo shoot. Have a fab weekend, get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Be sure to check out the website for A.O.W often, as we are constantly adding new vendors to the event!

Real Weddings. Elisabeth & Jeff

2008-11-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today's post comes from a local bride and groom, Elisabeth and Jeff who were married on Jan. 19th, 2008. Their 1 year anniversary is right around the corner! Thank to Elisabeth for sending us this post. Enjoy!

"Having our wedding so soon after the holiday, my main inspiration was to use lots of deep, winter colors. We chose cranberry, black and gold as our wedding colors and planned our ceremony and reception around them. My bridesmaids wore black, strapless gowns by Jim Hjelm and I wore a champagne colored, A-line wedding dress by Allure. We used a variety of red roses along with keep red ranunculus and hypericum berries for the flowers. There were so out of season we had to have them flown in a few days before the wedding from Honduras!

Perhaps one of the most unique things about your day was that we had 23 members in our wedding party! It was a bit chaotic, but we are so lucky to have so many close friends and siblings, we couldn't leave anyone out."

The list of vendors from their day.

Wedding Consultant: Ann Black

Flowers: A Floral Affair

Reception Site: Cummins Hall at Christ Church Episcopal Perish

Ceremony: Christ Church Episcopal Perish

Rings & Jewelry: Shane Co. and Dana Harlan Designs

Gown: Allure from Bride's Corner in Cottage Grove, OR

Formal wear: Jim Hjelm from Ania's Collection & Men's Warehouse

Rehearsal Dinner: La Provence, Lake Oswego

Cake: The Dessert Tray, Beaverton

Honeymoon: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Caterer: Eleanor Suman Catering

Photography: Jasmine Photography

Music/DJ: Dancing Penguin

Hair/Make-up: Picasso Salon, Lake Oswego

Veil/Accessories: Bride's Corner

Transportation: Oregon Town Car

Rentals: Barbur Rentals

Invitations: Designed by bride and printed at Lake Grove Printing

Images by Jasmine Photography.

VOTE!

2008-11-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Grab a friend, family member or colleague and Go Vote!

Indoor Ceremony & Reception Sites.

2008-11-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a mini vacation from Canada with my girlfriend. We headed up to Vancouver, B.C. to see the one, the only, Madonna. Before the concert on Thursday we spent time catching up on all the gossip going in with her. Every newspaper there had an article about her, her career, her drama with Guy Ritchie etc. The concert was a blast, we sang and danced to every song!

Now that I'm back in good ol' Portland it's time to get back to wedding talk. I thought with the weather turning to rain and the days getting darker sooner it would be good to chat about indoor locations for your ceremony or reception.

There are so many beautiful hotels to host your party at. Having your event downtown is also a great way to show off our fun and funky city to your guests. So let's look at some options. During this post we'll focus on three of the historic hotels that add beautiful architecture to our city.

The Heathman Hotel.
I always enjoy my visits to the Heathman. The modern artwork mixed with classic furniture gives it a regal feel. The mezzanine overlooks the tea court and has beautiful natural light coming in from sky lights. This site would be best for a smaller event of 50-125 guests so it doesn't fell crowded.

Picture of the tea room on the main level.

Image of the mezzanine with sky lights.

The Benson Hotel.
The Benson is another classic hotel downtown. You walk into the Benson and immediately feel warm and comfortable. The dark wood, fireplace and comfortable seating make you want to kick up your feet and have a cocktail. The crystal ballroom has tall ceilings with lovely gold and white detailing throughout. Its central location is great for your guests to walk to shopping and restaurants. Contact them for details about how many people their rooms can hold.

Hotel Vintage Plaza.
Right up the street from the Benson is the Hotel Vintage Plaza. If you love wine and a warm old world feel, then this hotel is for you. The decor is inspired by Oregon wines. They've dedicated each room to a local vineyard or winery. The Pazzo Cellar is a unique room that makes you feel as though you are in a tuscan wine cellar. The space is small and gets crowded quickly so keep your guest list under 75 for a comfortable ceremony. You can then head up to the Tuscany room for your reception where 130 fit well for dinner and dancing.

one of their unique rooms.

Those are three well known hotels downtown that will make your out of town guests feel pampered and welcomed. They will also make it convenient for them to get to your ceremony or reception if you host it at one of these hotels.

A vendor gets married!

2008-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today's post comes from Christine of Espresso Arts Catering. She talks about her experience planning a wedding. It simple and great advice. Thanks Christine and congrats to you and Wes!

Wes and I have catered many beautiful weddings since starting Espresso Arts Catering, but we never really thought about what our wedding day might look like since we never really thought much about getting married over the span of our 12 years together. Then one day we just decided to go for it, for all the practical reasons, of course. Neither of us likes to be fussed over much; just a nice "party" at my mother's house in the bay area would suffice. So I decided on a date 4 months out, thinking less frills and less guests means less planning time necessary...not recommended! If not for the ease of buying and tailoring the perfect dress, booking vendors, and giving guests plenty of notice, it is worth it to give yourself and your spouse time to get used to the face that you are spending much more time than you are used to and you are definitely going to be fussed over!

Despite my warnings about giving yourself plenty of time for planning, I found the perfect dress off the rack and got all my favorite vendors lined up. After all is said and done, time crunch or not, my biggest advise for planning your perfect wedding is going with what you are passionate about. And I mean PASSIONATE-the day is about the two of you and your passion, right? What food do you love? Rather than go with someone else's recommendation for a caterer, I called our favorite restaurants in the area to see if they could provide food; and let me tell you, our food was spectacular! Are you passionate about wine or beer? We are, so I hand selected our beer and wine line up rather than let the caterer bring just anything. Are you seriously into art? Find a way of incorporating your favorite artist's work (it might be yours) into the venue or invitations.

Being passionate about espresso, we hauled our state of the art equipment down to the wedding and a couple friends from Stumptown Coffee Roasters drove down to pull shots for us and our guests. In the end, the most memorable aspect of our wedding was the espresso. It shared something intimate about the two of us and our lives together. Besides, it's fun to get your half-brother hopped up on four double cappuccinos-they were so amazing guests couldn't help overindulging!

Wedding planning can be fun, but daunting as well. Remember that is takes almost as much time and effort to plan a wedding with 50 guests as it does to plan one with 500- you still need to get all the same the pieces in order. The best way to keep the passion alive during the sometimes stressful planning phase is to make sure you listen to you heart about what you want to share with your guests about yourselves on your special day. Happy planning!

Photos by the lovely Kate Kelly Photography.

It's Back!

2008-10-19T09:42:00.001-07:00

Remember when I said I had something to announce to all of you? Well, it's time to let you know that The Art of Weddings is back!

Going into it's third year, I'm really excited to announce the 2009 event. Every year the site where it is held changes, keeping it fresh and new. Last year we had a nice, intimate gathering at the retro Secret Society Ballroom. For 2009 we'll be celebrating at Luxe Autohaus in NE Portland. This modern building offers endless opportunities for creating a unique event; I can't wait to see it all come together!

I'll be giving you, our loyal readers the first tidbits about the event as they unfold. For more information visit the website: The Art of Weddings 2009.

Lift it, suck it in and smooth it out.

2008-10-15T15:45:00.001-07:00

Ok. It's time to talk about what goes on under your wedding gown. This is a very important part of creating that perfect look. It's funny how some brides either laugh and show off the weird things they are putting on their body or they try to hide it and are slightly embarrassed. Here's the thing ladies, every bride I've worked with has worn one of the items below. So, have fun with it and let's get to lifting, tucking and smoothing it out!
We might as well start with one of the oddest things, the push up gel pads or as many of us like to call them: chicken cutlets! They stick to your skin without adhesive and are used if you have a low cut back on your gown. If these seem to weird talk to your seamstress about adding in cups to your gown. $38 for the pair.
Wearing a slinky party gown? If you are slipping into a silk dress be sure to test all your undergarments before heading out the door! You don't want all your guests talking about your lace blue underwear as you walk away from them. A bra may not work at all, so be sure to try some breast petals as shown above. Only $6.
If your dress is a heavy weight material you have more options with what you can wear underneath it. Get creative and try the lace g-sting above with the words "I Do" in crystal. You also have the option of adding your something blue to this hidden location.
These were found on Nordstroms.com for $31.

Spanx. If you've ever dressed up in a formal gown you know what these are. They come in black or nude colors and there are so many options you may have to try on a few styles. The one shown above is the footless pantyhose for $28. Most brides wear the power shaper that tucks in the tummy and bum. They also smooth out the fabric. Be sure to visit a store like Nordstrom's where they can help you find the correct size.

Last but not least is the bustier. They are a classic way to shape your body and feel sexy underneath all that fabric. This one is by Le Mystere and retails for $125 at nordstroms. Whatever you decide to wear be sure to try it on under you dress before the wedding day. Take your lingerie to your next fitting and make sure straps aren't showing, lines are hidden and the gown is laying smooth. Trying to adjust these things the day of is never fun and can be very stressfull.

Brides Against Breast Cancer Warehouse Sale!

2008-10-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this for all of you sooner, but sometimes time slips away and before you know it it's the middle of October! Either way there is still plenty of time to head down to Milwaukie to find your wedding gown and help fight breast cancer. All the gowns have been donated by past brides to raise money for this great foundation.

This sale doesn't happen very often and they are doing it for the whole month of October!

Below are the details.

Address: 10890 SE Oak Street, Milwaukie, OR 97222

Open: Oct. 1-31st Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm and Sundays 10am-6pm.

They have 10,000 square feet of wedding gowns, flower girl dresses, and bridesmaids gowns.

It's worth going here first before you start shopping for your gown. Imagine saving hundreds of dollars on a dress and helping women fight breast cancer, how can you go wrong!

The beauty of fall.

2008-10-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Fall is a wonderful time to get married. The air is crisp and cool, the leaves are turning orange and gold and fruit is abundant. Nature gives you all the cues you need to create a stunning day. Let's look at few ideas and inspiration fall gives us.

One of a kind boutonnieres. Pieces of fabric cut to look like leaves serve as the background for the fiddle heads and lilacs. Finish them off with a contrasting ribbon wrapped around the stems.

Yellow roses mixed with deep burgundy dalias and leaves create a vibrant bouquet for the bride. Use the colors in nature to inspire your color palette. Oranges, golds, maroon, yellows and green all mix well together or can be displayed on their own.
Pumpkins, nuts and squash make great center pieces and table decorations. Clump them together in groups of three or five for an esthetically pleasing arrangements.

When I saw these cakes I new I had to write a post about fall! They are so amazing, I wouldn't want to cut into them to eat! Ask your vendors for new and exciting ways to display your cake. This one sets atop a cut of a tree. Don't worry, you won't have to cut down a whole tree to get this look. It could turn into an adventure with your fiance going for hike into the woods to find a piece of a fallen tree.

This cake just screams northwest to me! From the bright green moss on the base to the delicate ferns, acorns and tiny mushrooms made out of frosting, this cake is sure to turn heads.

If you're still trying to think of a date for your wedding day, don't rule out fall. Yes, it may rain and you most likely will have to have an indoor site but the decor would brighten up any rainy day! It's also a great way to show how much you love the great northwest. We live in a beautiful state surrounded by great food, fresh fruits and amazing landscapes. Bring some of that to your tables on your wedding day.

All photos from the fab Martha Stewart Wedding site. Check it out for more great ideas.

Working with a stylist.

2008-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today's post comes from Madeline of Madi Cosmetics. I asked her to give our readers some do's and don'ts when it comes to make-up and hair styling for your big day. Below are her general tips and advice when working with a stylist.

Do:

Have a trial consultation two to three months before your wedding date.

At your trial consultation, bring pictures of hairstyles and make-up that you do and don't like. It will help your stylist achieve the look you are after.

Once the trial is completed, take a photo of yourself!

Make sure that you and your bridesmaids are in sync with your overall styles. From past experience, I've see where the bridesmaids look totally different. You want to create a cohesive feel from the gowns and flowers to the hair and make-up.

Check with your stylist to see if they do a complimentary trial session. Also be sure to ask about a travel fee if your wedding is outside of the Portland area. Everyone has different policies.

Don't:

Do not shampoo or condition your hair the day of the wedding. If you do this, your style will not hold.

Do not wait until the last minute to schedule your trial run. By booking early you'll have time to find that perfect look, it can sometimes take several trials to get it perfected!

Do not do anything drastic with your hair color or hair cut before the wedding. Instead get a trim to keep those split ends away.

Don't bring a lot of people to your trial, they can distract you from the look you want and get you second guessing about it. It's good to go by yourself so you and the stylist can get to know each other and talk about your plans for the day.

Ok. That's it for now ladies. I will have some big news to announce soon...I'm excited to share with you since you'll be the first to hear about it. So stay tuned, until next time!

Olivia Luca on Style Me Pretty!

2008-09-26T13:50:00.001-07:00

Our very own lovely and talented Terri of Olivia Luca is featured under fashion week on the fabulous wedding blog Style Me Pretty. We love Style Me Pretty. They were a big inspiration in starting this blog.

Check out her beautiful gowns and the rockin' photos of them by none other than Jasmine Photography.

Visit Style Me Pretty here.

Real weddings.

2008-09-25T17:44:00.001-07:00

Did you recently get married this year in Oregon and want to share it with our Simply Chic bloggers? We would love to hear from you. What made your day unique, fun and inspired by the Northwest.

Email me at lxs@jasminephotography.com with a few words that describe you day, list of your vendors, and up to 4 images that best showcase it. If we choose your wedding we'll contact you for more information. Put "Real Weddings Simply Chic" in the header.

Thanks! Can't wait to see what you submit.

Little Pink Card.

2008-09-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

While scanning one of my many magazines I came across a tiny ad for something called "The Little Pink Card." Cute name but what exactly is it? As it says on their website: "It's a nifty wallet-sized card that assists your boyfriend or soon-to-be husband in always buying you the perfect gift! No more excuses!"

How can a tiny little card do this? Does it read your mind? Does it call your boyfriend or fiance with ideas? No, none of these. It's so simple it's genius. The card has the answers to all the questions your man needs to remember in order to make a thoughtful purchase. He'll be able to pull out his wallet, reference the Little Pink Card and he'll have access to your birth stone, your ring size, your dress size & shoe size.

Imagine getting a new pair of shoes from your man instead of a bouquet of flowers he picked up on his way home at the grocery store. How amazing would that be?! I think I'll be ordering one of these for my husband. I know a select few of you out there don't have to remind your man but for the rest of us this tiny card is a great idea. For a grand total of $14.45 I think this little card will pay for itself with the first gift you receive. Visit their website here: The Little Pink Card.

Tanning. Good or Bad?

2008-09-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Your wedding day is a few months away and you're toying with the idea of either getting a spray tan or starting to tan in the bed. Is one better than the other or should your avoid it all together?

If you are getting married during the summer and tend to spend a lot of time outside in the sun be sure to think about your style of dress and avoid the dreaded tan lines. So if you have a strapless gown don't wear a t-strap swimsuit! Even if you get a little bit a of tan line and don't think it looks "that" bad, it will always look worse in the photos. If you end up with with some lines it's time to make a few appointments at the tanning booth to even it all out but don't over do it. Keep your look sun kissed and golden.

Above: A nice golden glow on her skin. Tanning done right.

Above: tanning gone bad...very bad!

If you're wondering to add some color to your skin or stay au natural, I will always recommend you stay natural. If you tan too much, your skin can look orange. Put on a white dress and you're going to look like a Umpa Lumpa! Yikes. Add a bit of color with a bronzer on your shoulders and neckline. Remember, less is more.

Above: Umpa Lumpa's having a group hug.

I'd stay away from self tanner's all together. No matter what they advertise they will end up streaking or staining your hands. I once had a groom whom used some self tanner and turned his hands bright orange! He was scrubbing as hard as he could to try to get it off before photos.

If you feel your skin is very pale don't worry, you have a lot of shades of white to choose from in fabric for your dress so be sure to try on a few different shades. Wearing white will always make your skin look darker. When it comes to keeping your skin healthy, remember that "No Tan is a Safe Tan".

Back and ready to post!

2008-09-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies and maybe a few gentelmen! I'm back in town from a busy trip back to the midwest to shoot a wedding and see family. It was great but exhausting and we're happy to be home with our dogs and to sleep in our own bed! I know I've neglected you for far too long and will get you some yummy posts very, very soon!

Out of town.

2008-09-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies, just wanted to give you the heads up that I will be out of town the rest of this week for a wedding in Minnesota. It's going to be an action packed trip with visits to both my family and my husbands, a rehearsal dinner Friday nite, wedding ceremony Sat. and our 7th year wedding anniversary on the 15th! We were married back in St. Paul so we're hoping to go visit our ceremony site and have some sushi at one of our favorite places on Grand Ave.

I'll report back soon with more ideas and inspiration for all you simply chic ladies!

Add a touch of vintage to your day.

2008-09-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

After talking about borrowing new and shiny couture jewels and clutches let's chat about one of a kind, beautiful and vintage. Brooches are popping up everywhere; on shoes, in the hair, attached to sashes or simply pinned to your gown. They are an easy and chic way to add a touch of vintage to your wedding day. Check out Decades Vintage 328 SE Stark St. They have a good sampling on their website but head into the store to find more treasures. They do a great job describing different designers and the year their work was prominent on their site.

The hunt to find that perfect vintage piece is part of the fun. Grab your girls and take an afternoon to hit some of our local shops. Try Lived in Lover on 3619 SE Division St. Then head on over to Gilt on 720 NW 23rd Ave. This is the spot for a large selection of antique and vintage accessories for men and women. While you're shopping for yourself pick up a pair of cuff links for your man.

Check out Shop Vintage Portland, a great local blog, to find the latest info on sales and all the hidden spots to find your one of a kind piece.

Something borrowed.

2008-09-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

The tradition of wearing something new, borrowed and blue on your wedding day is one tradition that brides have decided to keep doing. It is always fun to see how each bride has decided to add these touches to their day. The borrowed part can be something special from your grandma or mother but what if you love designer labels but don't want to commit to owning it? Well, there is a new way to borrow for your wedding day. Now having a Prada clutch or diamond & pearl bracelet by Chanel is only a click away. If you haven't heard of this website by now, you'll soon have it book marked. Bag Borrow or Steal is the newest way to spice up your accessories for your wedding day.

Yup, you read that correctly, you can now rent beautiful jewels and modern handbags for the week or the whole month. Let's look at some of their fab offerings.

Add this Gerard Yosca Butterfly Pearl Necklace set to your gown and everyone will be talking!
For $23 a week who could say no?

Gucci chandelier earrings in 18kt gold are yours for $107 per week.

Add some sparkle with a clutch from Badgley Mischka for $46 a week.

Add your something blue with Vera Want Double Diamond Earrings.$171 a week.

Try to stop staring at your hand while wearing this David Yurman Blue Topaz ring. $83 a week.

Now nothing is out of reach to make your day sparkle and shine. Add some bling bling that will make everyone go "Wow! Where'd she get that?"

DIY Wedding Ideas.

2008-08-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

The "do it yourselve" trend is popping up everywhere. From Martha Stewart's craft line at Michael's crafts to a website devoted to DIY home projects. When it comes to your wedding day this is a big topic. Many couples want to create gifts for their guests with loving care, others would prefer to pay someone to do it for them. What it really comes down to is how much time are you willing to invest? Also, be sure to price out the total cost of making it yourself or having someone else do it, often you'd be surprised to find out how much it really costs you to make something from scratch.

A lot of us think "I can do that, why have someone else do it for me?" What are some of the things that are actually do-able versus those that are ill-advised? Since this topic has many options, we'll start with one or two and really focus on those.

1. Create a display for your family photos.

Many couples like to show their parents wedding pictures as well as grandparents. Along with those the couple may also include images from their engagement session and snap shots of trips they've taken etc.

The most common way to display them is with photo frames on a table. If you do this think of a way to add some height to certain frames so they are easy to see. A more unique idea is below and of course, comes courtesy of our craft lady, Martha. Check here for the full description on how to do it. Once the frames are made, you can pick a spot to hang them at your reception site.

Cork or magnetic boards are another idea I love. Fill the boards with images from edge to edge with them overlapping to create a collage look. The curved edges give this board from Umbra a modern look. Hang them in a grid of four or three across.

Umbra really has great ways to display photos, I love many of their designs and are all at a great price. I have the photo tree in the my studio and love it! Here is a mini table top version from them that would attract attention. Go to their website for more great ideas: Umbra.
Hopefully this has started your wheels turning for an easy DIY project for your reception. We'll be adding more to this topic throughout the year. Have a great weekend!

I'm so hungry. Q&A with Jenn Louis of Culinary Artistry.

2008-08-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today's ideas come from Jenn of Culinary Artistry. I asked her her thoughts on the pros and cons of serving a plated dinner versus a buffet.

Plated dinners are more formal and the evening of your event is spent seated. This is great for a slower and more mellow event. For social events, buffets work best as well as family style. Also it is good to take your guests into account. Buffets allow for guests to choose what they want to eat and they can have seconds if they wish. A plated meal allows everyone to be served without getting up. This also gives your guests a bit more time to get to know everyone at the table. Finally, platted meals can cost more since the caterer will need to order more silverware & plates to accommodate for each course. They will also need to have additional servers to ensure guests at the table are all served at the same time.

I had one more question for Jenn before she needed to get back to preparing fabulous dishes,

"How do you go about choosing a menu?"

When it comes to choosing food think seasonal. That will always match best with the time of year your wedding is and will of course, taste the best. Grilled foods in summer, braising in the winter. If you'd like to add a signature cocktail to your event, be sure to serve something that the majority of your guests will enjoy. Lavender mojitos are great, but don't always span the entire guest list's tastes.

Thanks to Jenn for her simple and easy ideas. If you'd like more information on caterering, feel free to contact Jenn thru her website Culinary Artistry.

Images by Jasmine Photography. Food by Culinary Artistry.

Please don't melt!

2008-08-12T17:21:00.001-07:00

Todays' post comes from Allison of Cupcake Mama.

As a baker, one thing I've been dealing with all summer is the heat! An outdoor wedding + buttercream can be a recipe for disaster. If you have ordered a buttercream cake or cupcakes and your reception is outside, talk to your baker. At Cupcake Mama, I am always in direct contact with my wedding couples, the venue, the caterer, to make sure your cupcakes are in tip-top condition on your wedding day. Most often, it's just a matter of creative coordination such as setting up the display while dinner is being served. Your baker should be willing to work with you, after all, it's your wedding day-don't be afraid to ask!

Photo credit to Urban Edge Photography. Copyright Cupcake Mama 2008.

Not all vendors are created equal.

2008-08-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm one of the few vendors who are on site for the majority of the day. I get to see everything come together and also work with other vendors. You'd be surprised on how some vendors treat others. To be honest I was a bit shocked that anyone would be rude or snotty to someone they will most likely have to work with again! This is why I started this blog. Because not all vendors are created equal and on your wedding day you certainly want everything to go as planned. They are your team. Your support system. The backbone of your day. The team that can fix things in a flash such as coming up with other ideas for a ceremony location if it rains or making a new boutonniere for the groomsman who lost his!

The wedding a few weeks back got me thinking more about this. Some of the things I've encountered over the years include the minister not arriving to the ceremony. The bride and groom had to call him and wake him from his nap so he could come and let everything into the church and start the show! I've seen the zipper break on a dress while the bride was putting it on. Flowers that wilted before the event started and then there was the caterer that didn't want to feed us! Instead we had to run to get pizza so we'd be back in time for the toasts.

The folks listed on the right side of this blog I have worked with, a number of times and respect how devoted they are to their profession. Not just anyone gets added here folks, I'm picky, as you should be too! Ok, enough of that...I'll have some fun stuff to post next week. Have a good one!

I now announce you husband and wife...

2008-08-04T19:33:00.001-07:00

I had two really wonderful and different weddings this weekend. During one of the ceremonies I was really touched and started to cry when the groom began to read his vows. It was so heartfelt and full of emotion that it would be hard to walk away from it without feeling more alive and full of love. The ceremony is the most important part of the day, but also the shortest. With that in mind it's important to take some extra time to really think thru your options as to how you want it performed.

The current trend is having one of your close friends or family members become "instantly ordained" online so they can perform the ceremony. This is a great idea but can also lead to a bit more stress and confusion leading up to the service. If this is the option you are leaning toward be sure to think out carefully whom would do the best in front of a large group of people. You'll want someone who speaks clearly and slowly enough and is good under pressure. I've seen some friends pacing before the ceremony, nervous that they'll make a mistake or forget to say something. Practice, practice and practice if you are having a friend or family member perform the ceremony.

The other option is hiring a professional minister to marry the two of you. This is the obvious option if you belong to a church and your minister is available for your wedding date. The next option if you are getting married outside of the church is to find a non-denominational minister. I'll be honest, every ceremony I've been to where Marky Ann Kelly of Custom Ceremonies married the couple, I've cried. What I really enjoy about her is how she takes the time to meet with the two of you and gets to know you. You discuss what you'd like the ceremony to focus on and add personal touches. Your guests learn how the two of you fell in love and how you are committed to each other. It's beautiful, full of love and emotional. The other benefit to having a professional is they have been to a lot of weddings; they are calm, collected and there to help you relax before you say I do.

Sweet Sweets.

2008-07-30T17:50:00.001-07:00

The meal has been eaten and now your guests are anticipating the dessert. If they're like me this is something they'll look forward to. Will it be the classic wedding cake or a dessert bar? This should be a fun option for you and your fiance to decide on. More and more couples whom I meet with don't like cake, so why serve it? Choose something you both like; whether it's your favorite donuts, oatmeal cookies or apple pie with ice cream. Take it a step further and introduce guests to local fair from Oregon. Blackberries and cream or chocolate hazelnut bars celebrate local produce. Below are some samples of what some brides decided to do. Soak in the inspiration, I'll be back with more soon!

Detail of dessert table with local berries.
Square layered cake with flower accents.
Mini cupcakes are becoming more and more popular.

More cookies on the dessert table. Cookies, maroons and more! Yum.
Tall cake with lots of roses in between the layers.
Bright cupcakes.
Simple and elegant details.

Cupcake tower of love!

Chocolate covered strawberries, always good.
Tons of mini desserts for guests.

Martini glasses make a great way to serve a mouse or refreshing fruit sorbet.

All images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008. Ask before you take-thanks!

Make an exit.

2008-07-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

One tradition that seems to be disappearing is the bride and groom making an exit. Whether it's from the ceremony to the party or the final fairwell from the reception, there is something romantic and exciting about it. It may be getting cut from the your time line since it does take a bit of work to pull it off seamlessly. This is where a coordinator would come in, they are great at organizing everyone to get to the right location and letting you know when to make that exit!

Rice used to be the popular good bye to toss at the couple, but is now not allowed at many locations. It is messy, and harmful to animals. Some other fun ideas are long sparklers for an evening event, bubbles are always fun for the guests, or try fall leaves, lavender buds or rose petals. The key is to find something that is safe on the environment and will not make a large mess.

With sparklers.

The bubble good-bye.

Now you need something with wheels to whisk you away. The limo used to be the old stand-by but how about breaking out of the mold to try a classic car like a 1947 Rolls Royce from Best Car in Town.

You can't get more romantic than a horse drawn carriage. I had a couple where the groom surprised the bride with one after the ceremony, bonus points!

I've worked with Fairy Godmother Carriage Services before and they were very nice. They also have a ten person carriage to take the whole wedding party for a ride, how cool would that be!
They are located in the Salem area so you'll have to contact them to see if they work in the Portland metro area.

Then you have the newest option, but not a new idea, of the PediCab. They can carry two to three people and are all pedal power...these are so Portland! I can just see it, a line of four or more pedicabs taking the wedding party to their reception. Go to PDXpedicab to learn more.

Overall it's really a nice way to transition into the reception or let everyone know that the party is now over. It's also a great way to have your guests participate in your day. Ok, time for me to make my exit! Until the next post...

Lincoln Restaurant, Mmm Good.

2008-07-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

I love food but am willing to admit that I'm not the best cook. I have a few go to recipes when needed but other than that I wonder the grocery store trying to figure out something for dinner. At times it is down right frustrating...I just want to eat! When Jenn Louis of Culinary Artistry told me her and her husband David, where going to open a restaurant, I got really excited!

You see I've worked with Jenn at a number of weddings. Jenn and her staff know how to cater an event. They are organized, quick and make simply wonderful food. Their new restaurant Lincoln, is no different. Its warm and inviting atmosphere combined with the great food and service are going to make it a Portland staple. I headed over to N. Williams St, a newly developed and hopping area, to photograph the interior of the restaurant. It's lovely during the day and glows with warmth at night. All the dishes coming out of the open air kitchen looked and smelled amazing. That night my husband and I ate the hanger steak with onion rings and left dreaming about the next time we will eat the dish.

Take time out from planning your wedding and go on a date. Head on over to Lincoln, Jenn and David will take good care of you.

All images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008. Please don't steal images, it will make me sad.

And the survey says...

2008-07-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Celebrity Family Feud? I surprised at how entertained I was when I watched a couple shows. It's funny, you learn odd pieces of information and the winning team donates to a favorite charity.

Well, it's time for a survey on the Simply Chic Blog. There won't be any celebrity's, but instead smart, beautiful soon to be brides. (that's you!) A few years ago I started the Art of Weddings with the talented Marlynn of Urban Bliss Designs. We had a vision. A vision to create a unique wedding event, one that wasn't boring, one that showed off the unique vendors in town and also provided the information brides wanted to know.

We're heading in the third year of the event and it keeps evolving. This is your chance to let us know what you'd like to see and do at a wedding event, after all it is all about you!

Take a moment to fill out the survey below-we'd really appreciate it!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Portland's Newest Event Site!

2008-07-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend. Mine was 1/5 vacation and 4/5 work! I had a blast at each wedding though, really great couples, so it didn't feel like work!

Today I'm happy, thrilled and excited to announce a new event site, Sauvie Dolce. The site is located on Sauvie Island and has a view of all three mountains. There is an amazing grove of tall trees with enough open space for any size ceremony or reception. There is also a creek running along the back edge and an amazing wheat field. Images speak louder than words, so check out the pics below to get a taste of what the land looks like.

Contact Ericka for more info about booking your upcoming event there. We're also happy to add her to our wonderful Simply Chic Group. She'll fit right in with her bubbly and friendly personality.

Images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008.

Jewelry SALE!

2008-07-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

I just found out that Emily-Jane Jewelry is having a fantastic sale this weekend. Everything online is 50% off. If you've been looking for that defining piece to add to your wedding gown, this could be where you fall in love with something sparkly!

The sale ends at 12am on 7.5...yikes! Head on over to their site: Emily Jane to find out all the details. FUN!

Hair Styles.

2008-07-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

I was looking for recipes online yesterday and came across a lovely vintage style hair do for a wedding. It inspired me to do some more searching for ideas for you; our loyal, stylish and beautiful readers! If you're a groom you look good too!

I found a great website called Model Bride which shows before and after images of the model. Love this idea so you can see the total transformation. They also have make-up ideas on the site. There seems to be a trend in adding a bit of bling to your style, whether with a modern headband, silk flower or sparkly brooch, they all look great. Here's your inspiration for the holiday weekend, have a great 4th of July!

As they say on the site, this is a great look for a beach wedding.

Elegant and modern, this look shows off a great neckline on your gown and a necklace that makes a statement.

This is the image I found that started this post. Don't you just love the waves on the side of her head! Really adds a touch of glam to this look.

Enjoy yourself.

2008-06-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

I hope you made it through the weekend heat. I must say I like it warm, but Saturday was pushing it for me. It was HOT!

Today's post is some advice from caterer and owner of Sassafras Catering, Tricia.

Don't try to organize everything yourself, and delegate all that needs to be done on your wedding day. Paying the professionals to do what they do best will save you from feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You want to enjoy this day more than any other, so hand over the reins and let someone else be in charge.

In you are trying to save money, be very particular about where you cut corners. When making a decision, ask yourself if the end result will create more or less work for you are your guests. I have had experiences where the entire wedding party and friends helped out on the day of the wedding, causing them to be tired and stressed themselves. There's nothing wrong with doing much of the work on your own, but keep in mind that your guests and friends want to be with you and enjoy the day too.

Most of all, have a blast. It's your day and everyone is there to support you, so in the eyes of others, you can do no wrong!

This is really simple and good advice. I've also witnessed brides who are the only ones that know where the table place cards go or where the guest book it located and so on. What happens is she has multiple people coming up to her asking where is this? where is that? This leads to stress and anxiety instead of relaxation and fun. I don't know about you, but I'd opt for the last two! I know it's hard for some of us (including me) but when you let go and have others help you, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that they will do a fantastic job.

Flower Power!

2008-06-27T13:11:00.001-07:00

I figured it was time to show some fun stuff since the last two posts were a bit more business than pleasure! With summer finally here, fresh flowers are every where. Here are some ideas for bouquets and boutonnieres. Have a great weekend and stay cool!

Love the contrast with the pale roses and purple thistle, definitely a simply chic bouquet!

By Studio Del Fiore.
Peonies are fresh and beautiful. By Studio Del Fiore.
Your something blue? By Studio Del Fiore.
Elegant tone on tone with pale pinks and soft whites. By Blum Designs.
More luscious peonies. By Blum Design.
Bright & modern by Old Town Florist.
Orchids are always in by Old Town Florist.
Simple and elegant calla lilies.

Follow up!

2008-06-24T15:09:00.001-07:00

I thought the topic of following up goes well with the last post. In the last one I spoke about how during the busy wedding season it can be difficult for vendors to return your calls the same day. In the winter months you should hear back from us in a timely matter, if not...this may be a red flag as to how the vendor runs their business.

Anyway, with today's post I wanted to chat about how the vendors often get left in the dark. By this I mean that the wedding couple has come in for an appointment with a vendor and has a meeting to talk about their plans and ideas. After the meeting is done, you should sit down together on your own, talk about what you liked or disliked about the services and make a decision. With that said, you shouldn't be going to meetings if you aren't ready to reserve that particular vendor. Figure out the top 2 or 3 of each category such as florists, cakes etc and then meet with them. Your decision should be made within two to three weeks at the latest.

Why you ask? Well, there is no guarantee your date will still be available after that time. It could book up within a week by someone else. The other reason is to let the vendor know either way what you have decided, we really do appreciate this! It's totally ok to email your vendor and let them know that you decided to go with someone else and you appreciated their time. This way if they were holding your date, they can open it up immediately. So remember, follow up!

Call me.

2008-06-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

The weather is finally sunny and warm and it's almost the first day of summer. The wedding season has started! June through August are known as the prime time to get married in the United States and beyond.

Lots of couples are also engaged during this time and planning a wedding for fall, winter or spring. For those of you in the planning process it can be hard to get a hold of vendors you are interested in. If you call us and we don't get back to you immediately, don't get mad and think we are blowing you off. Most likely we are running around like mad to do things like creating the flowers or prepping the food for an upcoming event. We are also traveling to locations outside of the Portland Metro area and are away from our desks.

The majority of fabulous vendors in Portland are small business owners, meaning we don't have a team of folks in our office. It's usually just one of us, the owner, who is your contact. So, if you do call or email we'll get back to you as soon as we can, but don't be surprised if it takes a couple of days.

Wedding Websites.

2008-06-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

I'm back to posting, took a quick break while I was in Canada photographing a wedding. It was a fun and quick weekend.

Let's chat about websites for your wedding day. So why is it a good idea to put up a site? It's an easy way to share information with all your guests and family. One great feature is the ability to list the addresses and a map link to the ceremony and reception sites.

It's something to use in conjunction with your invites. Since your invites set the tone of the event you'll want to carry over the same colors and style with your website. Be sure to add the link to the website on your invite. This will direct folks to find out about the details such as where you are registered for gifts, stories about how you met, and who is in the wedding party.

One great site is eWedding.com which let's you set it up for free.

Also be sure to check out MyWedding.com where they have matching invites for some of their sites. What a great idea!

Remember that not all your guests may be internet savvy,(grandma & grandpa) so be sure to list the key information on the actual invite.

Choosing your flowers.

2008-06-10T13:44:00.001-07:00

Todays' post comes to us from the talented Lisa of Studio del Fiore. Specializing in weddings, you can see some samples of her work in the images below.

The flowers at your wedding are a beautiful way to enhance your color palate. From rich, deep hues, to bright vibrant colors, the choices for your flowers are vast and varied. A lot of flowers are greenhouse grown which widens the time of year the flowers are available. You want tulips in August? It's possible! When meeting with your florist be sure to bring all your ideas, no matter how unrealistic they may seem. Color swatches and photos of what you have in mind will help your florist guide you to the flower choices that will help make your wedding just what you dreamed of.

Here is a short list by season of some of the most popular flowers to use in weddings. If you would like a more complete list, contact me at Studio del Fiore.

Fall:
agapanthus
alstromeria
anemone
calla lilies
freesia
gerbera
iris
larkspur
mini calla lily
orchid
rose
sweet pea

Winter:
delphinium
freesia
gardenia
lilies
rose
snapdragon
stephanotis
tube rose
tulips
waxflower

Spring:
astilbe
flowering cherry
freesia
lilac
orchids
peony
poppy
ranunculus
stock
tulip

Summer:
cosmos
dahlia
hydrangea
jasmine
japanese anemones
larkspur
phlox
queen ann's lace
snapdragon
zinnia

Images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008.

Parasols & Lanterns.

2008-06-05T18:59:00.001-07:00

One of the easiest ways to add some simple, affordable and stylish decoration is by using paper lanterns. I found the site Luna Bazaar awhile back and always have it on the back burner just in case I'm in need of a parasol!

You can shop by color. Add a solid colored paper parasol to your bridesmaids pictures. Coordinate it with your flowers and you're set!

So beautiful and shabby chic, vintage style blown glass lanterns can be hung throughout trees with candles or as vases for flowers.

Don't want to have candles, try out the lanterns above that have battery powered lights in them. Use them to light a walkway for guests to find their way.

These parasols are so affordable and beautiful, pick one up for a great photo prop!

The mini string lanterns are a great way to decorate your tent for the reception. String them all around the outside edge to create a wonderful glow. Be sure to check out Luna Bazaar for all your lantern & parasol needs or wants!

Real Weddings.

2008-06-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Some images from Steff and Tom's wedding...

Location: Governor Hotel, Portland, Oregon.
Flowers: Studio Del Fiore.
Photography: Jasmine Photography & Nicole Wickens.
Music: Porkpie.
Coordination: Class Act Events.

Gown: Ania Bridal

Click on image to view larger.

Introducing Sassafras Catering!

2008-05-28T19:15:00.001-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Tricia of Sassafras Catering. She is upbeat, fun and loves to cook! We're excited to have her join the Simply Chic Blog crew and look forward to tips and advice about catering from her.

Let's start with a some Q & A with Tricia to learn more about her.

Q:When did you first realize you loved to cook?

A: "When I was 6 and learned how to make meringues by myself."

Q: How long have you been catering events?

A: "I've worked for other caterers since I was 15, but have been doing it myself for the past 2.5 years."

Q: Describe your style of cooking?
A: "Unique, Southern inspired, healthy and local."

Q: Is there a limit to how may guests you can serve?

A: "No, but we prefer to keep it under 300 to be as personal as possible without sacrificing quality."

Q: What is one of your favorite dishes to serve at a wedding?

A: "Tomato pie. This is a unique southern dish from Lowcountry (coastal region) of South Carolina. It's a savory pie filled with tomatoes and topped with cheese, herbs and carmelized onions."

Images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008.

Wedding Gown Trends.

2008-05-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Wedding gowns are changing, for the good. They have more embellishments, details with the fabric and a splash of color. Stray away from the basic strapless gown to find something that showcases your style and personality. Add color with a bright sash that echoes the colors of your flowers or make a statement with colored shoes.

More and more brides are taking the time to find their dream dress. That means it doesn't have to be white anymore. This is your party, so rock it!

I love the layering and flowers made of fabric on the gown below. Great for a garden or back- yard party.

Try the one shoulder look below, which can be elegant.

The look below adds a pretty bow with a modern silhouettes.

Shorter dresses are becoming more and more popular as well. I love that you can wear a short dress for a daytime wedding or an evening event.

By adding silver beading to the sleeves and waist line, a short dress is instantly cute & modern. Great for a cocktail event.

Try a velvet sash instead of the classic satin to add some texture.

The pale yellow gown below is an easy way to stray away from white but still make a bold statement. Simply lovely!

If you really can't stray away from a white gown, why not get two? Wear your wedding gown for the photos and ceremony, then make an entrance by changing into a fabulous cocktail dress.
How do you know when you've found the perfect one? This may sound silly- I thought so when others said the same thing to me- but you'll just know! I tried on A LOT of dresses and even though they were all beautiful none of them felt right on.

Then I slipped into an empire waist gown with a square neckline and fell in love! It was the weirdest thing...

Day After Sessions.

2008-05-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

What exactly is a "day after" photo session? It is a portrait session of just the two of you in your wedding attire. It's fun, relaxed and stylish. These sessions are becoming more and more popular.

One reason to book a session for the day after your wedding is to keep the event flowing. You won't have to cut into the reception time on the actual wedding day to take photos. This might happen if the two of you plan on not seeing each other before the ceremony and have a large family. Leaving your guests waiting for over an hour while you take family, wedding party and your pictures can be a bit rude. Your guests have flown, drove hours and taken the time to visit with the two of you...don't leave them hangin'.

Another reason to choose a day after session is for the opportunity to change your look. Get more funky with your hair and make-up, add a bright coat or chunky jewelry to your gown. This is your chance to look like the models in the magazines...have fun with it!

This is so popular in China that there is a Chinese company that runs group tours to spectacular sites just so the soon-to-be-married couples can shoot their wedding photos. Can you imagine riding across a lake on a horse back like the bride below? Push your imagination to the next level with ideas for your shoot. Do you love golf? Head out on the greens. Do you love wine? Take a tour to local vineyards. Whatever you do you'll have an experience and images to remember for a life time.

Image above from Time. Pictures of the Week.

All other images copyright Jasmine Photography.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

2008-05-11T18:51:00.001-07:00

Some girls will say they don't care for diamonds but we all know if any of us are given a little box with something sparkly inside you are not going to say no! Let's get honest with ourselves, we like a little bit of bling and we like it when our friends notice it. "Ohh, let me see your ring!" It's fun, makes us feel special and it's a whole lotta love wrapped around one little finger.

So let's chat about engagement rings. It is good idea for the two of you to go to a few jewelers together so you can get an idea of what styles you like. Browsing magazines is another option. If you don't wear rings be sure to get your finger sized when you are at the store as well. It's a big purchase and something you will have forever so talk about what design aspects appeal to you so your fiance has a better chance of picking out a winner.

Think about the shape of the diamond you prefer and the type of setting. You may want a ring where the stones are set in the metal, such as channel-set or pave. These are great since the stone is not sticking up from your finger and will not catch on your clothing. It's also a good style if you are active outside or at the gym. These styles of rings are being created in amazing designs from flower motifs to a braided pattern. Since they are smaller diamonds but the same carat weight as a single large diamond they tend to be more affordable rings.

Common shapes, clockwise from top left: round, asscher, pear, princess, heart, cushion, emerald, marquise.

The type of metal your ring is made out of makes a big difference on how much the ring will cost. Platinum is very expensive where white gold and gold are less. Titanium is becoming popular as well for its strength and how lightweight it is.

Take your time with this and find a ring that fits your personality and style. Also consider passing down a piece of family history such as your grandmother's ring. Another great idea is to look for vintage rings, you'll be recycling in a fun way! Gilt on NW 23rd Ave, is a great spot for vintage rings. (sorry- they don't seem to have a website to link to.)

To support designers try Twist Jewelry store in Pioneer Place or on NW 23rd Place. How about the classic and always welcomed blue box from Tiffany & Co. Find amazing rings in the pearl district at Judith Arnell that will bring her to tears!

Photos from the wonderful Martha Stewart wedding site.

New Seasons for Catering.

2008-05-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

I don't really enjoy grocery shopping, but it's one of those things that has to get done. If you time it right and head over to your local New Seasons Market, then the whole experience just got a bit better.

The other day while picking up a few items with my husband (we were getting desserts) I noticed a flier that read "Catering". Hmm, I never even thought about New Seasons as being an option for catering.

Their menu has some great hors d'oeuvres, such as mini salmon cakes and mozzarella skewers with a basil dipping sauce. My appetite is growing...How about the simplicity of a fresh fruit platter, grilled veggies or a meza platter with hummus, falafel and other middle eastern foods.

They also offer a variety of main entrees. The parmesan crusted chicken breast is one of our fav's for dinner. A roasted pork loin with an herb coating sounds delish, as does the grilled flat iron steak. You can buy dips such as hummus, spinach or caramalized shallot by the pound.

I see this being a great option for the couple who are having a small, afternoon event such as a bbq in the park. It would also work great for a backyard event where you can pick everything up the day of and store it at your home.

Of course they offer desserts...yum! Tiramisu is always a hit but you know the chocolate truffle cake will steal the show. Go to their website for info and pricing. I'm heading to the store now to get something eat!

Wax On, Wax it Off!

2008-05-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Women do a lot to make sure they look their best for others and most importantly ourselves! There's the hair stylist to keep your color fresh and your cut looking new. There's the nail tech who makes sure your nails are buff and shiny. Your massage therapist to release the tension and to tie it all together the painful but worth it waxing!

When it comes to waxing you certainly want to make sure you find someone who is experienced and detail orientated. I asked my good friend and aesthetician, Stephanie, some questions about it.

If it's a new aesthetician make an appointment 3-4 weeks before your wedding date to have your brow's waxed and make sure you like the shape. They should look natural but cleaned up. Then, she recommends having them waxed 1-2 days before your wedding day so you don't have that bright red glow on your skin!

If you're there already, how about getting your legs waxed as well? I'm a new leg-waxer and must say I was nervous that is was really going to hurt! It wasn't pain free but the results were totally worth it. Smooth legs for over 2 weeks-enough said. Perfect to do right before the wedding so you won't have to worry about shaving every day on the honeymoon.

You can contact Stephanie at 503.750.0799 or email at stephyrisley@yahoo.com to make an appointment.

A Burst of Sunshine!

2008-04-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

The color yellow is popping up everywhere, just in time for spring. It's such a refreshing and happy color. Why not consider using yellow as your main color palette for your upcoming summer wedding? The meaning of the color is joy & happiness; the symbolism is the perfect addition to your big day.

Let's get some inspiration from these great swatches below all found on the Print & Pattern Blog.

I'm totally in love with yellow and grey together. It has such a fun and modern feel to it.

Keep it fresh and easy by using all shades of yellow with white as the backdrop. Clean & fresh.

I love the retro feel of adding some brown accents to the yellow. Reminds me of my grandma's ceramic mugs! These two colors love a touch of pale blue as well.

Let the inspiration begin!

Congrats to Wes & Christine!

2008-04-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Wes and Christine of Espresso Arts Catering are going to tie the knot this weekend in sunny California. From all of us at Simply Chic Weddings...Congratulations! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Ribbons & More Ribbons.

2008-04-21T17:47:00.001-07:00

Today's post comes via Lisa of Studio del Fiore.

Like most creative people I love using different elements in the floral designs that I create, but it's not always about the flowers. I know there are a lot of DIY brides out there so I wanted to pass on this great website that I came across recently.

The Ribbon Jar is an online ribbon reseller, they sell a vast selection of just about every ribbon you can think of....and the best part is they sell it by the yard, so you can purchase as much as you need! I also love that they have pictures of everything so you know exactly what you are buying.

Another unique feature that they offer is what they call The Ribbon Jar special collections. Each unique collection is packaged in a new or vintage jar. The themed collections vary from general craft to wrapping. These jars make great gifts for any crafty friend and can provide inspiration for color palettes to use for your wedding day. The uses for ribbons is endless...wrapping the bridal bouquets, add a quick sash to the bridemaids gowns, wrap gifts, hang down a wall with photos attached.

The best part? They are based in our beautiful state of Oregon! Gotta love that.

Destination Weddings.

2008-04-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

The blog took a bit of break while I was on vacation in beautiful Hawaii. I just returned and am slowly getting readjusted to the time change and the chilly weather. While I was there I was thinking about destination weddings and how many couples are leaning toward this option for their event.

So, where do you start? First, choose your ideal spot for the event and be sure to do so far in advance. The best properties and accommodations book up quickly. Destination can mean traveling six hours from Portland to Hawaii or only two from Portland to the Oregon Coast. Be sure to do some extra research about the weather for the location you choose. You don't want to head down to the Caribbean during hurricane season.

You'll certainly want to send out save the dates to your guests to give them plenty of time to book flights and hotel. Make it a weekend of events together for an intimate feeling. How about an informal dinner the day after everyone arrives or cocktails on the beach with appetizers.

Destination Weddings has great tips to get you started. If you find a hotel or resort you like, you can contact them directly to learn about their package options. Many will have the info listed on their websites that they offer, such as the officiant, flowers and tuxedo rental.

One thing to consider is choosing your photographer and videographer from where you live. Since these are the two things that will remind you of all the wonderful moments, you may want to fly them over to make sure everything is captured from stat to finish on your big day. The photographers that are included in the package often snap a couples shots of the ceremony and family and leave.

In the end, your event should be less stressful for you and an easy way to start the honeymoon in a beautiful location. Just remember to bring the sunblock so you don't look like a lobster in your white dress!

All images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008.

Shooting vs. Editing

2008-04-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

by Greg James of Solstice Video Productions

Shooting the video is only half of the equation. While it's important to find someone who's experienced with proper camera angles, lighting and sound, you need to find someone who is a creative editor as well. This is where the magic happens. That is why even though I have a number of amazingly experienced videographers on my team that I have personally trained, I still edit every wedding movie (until, of course, I can truly trust someone to edit as well as myself). Creative and skilled digital editing can greatly increase the value of your wedding video, giving you memories you'll cherish forever.

Some videographers shoot weddings using a method known as "live switching,” meaning they edit as they shoot. This saves the videographer time and money as they do no editing later. It also involves running cables all over the place, creating a hazard and an eyesore for your guests. Unless your budget will absolutely not allow for it, I highly recommend choosing someone who uses a multiple camera setup on the ceremony and crafts the piece together later. You’ll notice a considerable difference in the end-product.

Speaking of a tight budget, if this is an issue for you, instead I recommend attempting to hire a skilled videographer to shoot raw footage of your day for a nominal fee and then have them provide you an option to perform an edit on a later date when you have more funding to do so. At least this way, at the minimum, you will have the assurance of knowing your once-in-a-lifetime day was captured by a professional (as opposed to say, Uncle Harry, with his new camera he just bought at Costco).

- Greg James, www.solsticevideo.com

Size Matters (know your videographer’s equipment)

2008-04-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

by Greg James of Solstice Video Productions

While skill and talent are the most important aspects for creating a quality wedding video (machines don’t run themselves), professional equipment and the use of multiple cameras can go a long way to producing a higher quality product. Short of using Hollywood 35mm cameras (which would be way out of anyone's price range unless you're Eva Longoria and Tony Parker), the best equipment today is the use of digital 3 CCD (3-chip) high-definition cameras and non-linear editing capabilities (all digital work done on a computer). Other formats that may still be in use include Hi8, S-VHS and VHS. However, if you're talking to a videographer that still uses these methods, my advice to you is to kindly thank them and walk away. The amateur quality of these archaic tools will disappoint you and it isn't worth any price savings. In addition, make sure the videographer is prepared to utilize backup equipment in case of malfunction.

Why High-Definition?

You may ask why use high-definition (HD) equipment as opposed to a standard 3-chip (SD) camera? Although you may not have a DVD player or TV that can play HD yet, shooting in HD is still the most preferred method as you are assured your memories are being captured in the highest quality possible. In fact, I still deliver standard DVDs to many of my clients, but all footage is in HD so that the client always has the option. It is the technology we now live in after all. If your videographer is not shooting currently with HD equipment, that is indicative they may be many steps behind in the industry. Which leads you to wonder: if they can’t keep up with present technology, how are they going to be able to keep up with you?

Did You Hear That?

If you want your day captured in true documentary fashion, a professional shotgun microphone on the operator’s camera is mandatory to capture sound. If you are being recorded with only an inferior built-in camera microphone, then be prepared to flinch when hearing yourself and your guests later in the final movie.

As for capturing the sound during the ceremony, the best choice is digital sound recorders which can be placed at specific locations like the podium or in the groom's pocket. While this has to be masterfully synchronized later at the editing stage, the difference in quality over built-in or wireless microphones (due to interference and sharing air time) is unmistakable. Make sure when viewing samples of the videographer's work that you pay close attention to the sound quality, especially at moments when the vows are being said.

As we say in the real-time documentary business, “there are no do-overs.” Make sure your videographer has the equipment to get it right the first time.

- Greg James, www.solsticevideo.com

Choosing a Videographer: Look At Real Samples!

2008-04-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

by Greg James of Solstice Video Productions

In my experience, I have had a number of brides approach me after they had their video made who were upset to find out that their wedding video did not turn out the way the company presented themselves in their demos. While the more reputable video production companies should be creating demos that best represent their work as a whole, this unfortunately is not always the case. You can get a great jumpstart with your search by looking at demos, but understand that these are carefully picked highlights of the production company's work and does not always tell the full story. To decide on the perfect videographer for your wedding day, first and foremost you'll need to see complete samples of their work. Better yet, visit them at their studio and ask to see complete weddings, so you get a good idea firsthand on how the artisan will craft a story out of your amazing day. You don't need to watch them in their entirety; skip around a bit to get a good cross-section of the type of work they do. A professionally crafted DVD should be arranged in chapters, so this should be easy to do.

In meeting the artisan at their studio, you will also get a good idea of their personality and whether you will feel comfortable having him or her following you throughout your day. I can't express how important this is. In addition to being an incredible videographer and creative editor, your perfect videographer must also have an adaptive and comforting personality. If you don't feel comfortable with your videographer in meeting them, chances are you will not feel comfortable when they are around you on your wedding day.

Also, contracts can vary, so read the fine print carefully and be aware of the payment terms. Have them read the contract over with you thoroughly before booking. Most companies will require a deposit when you book their services, so this should not come as a surprise. But other surprises may abound later if the contract is not fully examined.

- Greg James, www.solsticevideo.com

5 ideas about budget.

2008-04-04T00:26:00.000-07:00

by Emee Pumarega, CMP at EJP Events

I am often asked, "Why are weddings so darn expensive? How can I lower the cost of my wedding? What should a wedding (or vendor) cost? Is this a good deal?" and I thought I would share some quick thoughts on the topic of budget.

1. It's not so much that things are expensive just because it's a wedding -- more often than not, it just seems so, because we're not accustomed to hosting so many people for lunch, dinner, cocktails, what have you. The single most budget-trimming thing you can do for your wedding is to limit the number of people you allow to attend.

2. If you're wondering if something is a "good deal" or not, compare the wedding item to what you would pay for a similar service in real life. For example, if you are hoping to serve a multicourse gourmet meal at your wedding reception, think of the last place you went out for a similarly splashy dinner, and see if the price per person on what you spent for food, beverage, and service compares to what your caterer will charge for something similar. Don't compare apples and oranges however -- if the caterer is including items in the quote like rented tables, chairs, and tableware, ask them to break those items out separately, so you can get a side-by-side comparison with your reality check. Conversely, if you're hoping for a barbecue buffet, check your "deal radar" by comparing the wedding caterer's price per person cost against the typical food, beverage, and service (tip/gratuity) at your favorite BBQ shack.

3. DO share your budget with your vendors and your coordinator. This will save you countless wasted hours going to meetings and poring over proposals that are out of range. If you're uncomfortable stating your budget because you're worried that vendors will just charge you the "max", then shave it down a bit, but do have some idea of a number in mind. If you have no idea where to start in creating the budget, ask a coordinator or try one of the handy downloadable worksheets such as the one found at Martha Stewart Weddings.

4. Prioritize what's important to you, then allot your budget accordingly. If having favors and gift baskets isn't a big deal to you and your fiance(e), then make sure that there isn't a huge outlay in that department. Think of the areas that will have the most impact on you and your guests' enjoyment, and try to concentrate on those areas as far as time, money, and mental resources.

5. Use trusted vendors and negotiate customized packages with them based on your needs, rather than choosing the lowest-cost vendor by default, regardless of quality. Sometimes the lowest cost is the best choice, but not always. It makes no sense to save $500 using a vendor who may or may not deliver what you want; when an experienced and creative one will have plenty of expert ideas on how to get as close as possible to your target vision within your budget, and will also do a great job!

Q & A with Embellish Designs.

2008-04-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Happy April 1st! Finding a wedding gown can be a long process filled with lots of tugging & cinching to get an idea of what it will really look like on you. If going to shop after shop is not your style, why not try having your gown created for you? I sat down with Terri from Embellish Designs to find out more about the process.

Q: What are some trends you are currently seeing in gowns?

A: "Brides are having fun adding lots of color to their overall look. This can be in the form of a sash, broaches, or bright shoes. More are choosing knee length dresses as well."

Q: If I'm interested in having my gown made, how far in advance should I start the process?

A: "I recommend booking your first appointment at least 6 months before your wedding date."

Q: What are some of the different materials you offer?

A: "I offer many sustainable fabric options, which are becoming more and more popular. Hemp silk, organic linen & organic cotton are used often in creating gowns."

Q: What can I expect to pay for a custom designed gown?

A: "The cost varies depending on your choice of fabric, how many details you have and the overall design concept."

Q: What happens at my first consultation?

A: "You should bring in pictures of styles you like. We'll sit down, chat about your wedding day plans and start sketching out ideas. By the end of the meeting you'll know the cost of your gown. The initial consultation is free, please contact me to make an appointment."

If you have more questions you'd like to ask Terri, you can contact her via her website Embellish Designs.

Images copyright Jasmine Photography

The eco Shuttle!

2008-03-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

I was running some errands this afternoon and out of the corner of my eye I saw a sleek looking van with graphics on it saying "Eco Shuttle". My interest was sparked and later I went online to see what it was all about. I was happy to learn that they provide transportation to the airport and even more excited to discover you can rent them for events!

How cool would it be to shuttle your guests from hotel to ceremony site via a environmentally friendly van? Very. There are so many ways you could use them to make your life easier on the wedding day or for the rehearsal dinner. How about for your bachelorette party? No more worrying about having to designate a driver. Go have fun!

Besides being earth friendly, they have a lot of great info to read on their website. Check them out at: eco Shuttle.

Picking a Date.

2008-03-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

You're recently engaged-congrats! You've had a some time for it to sink in and you have shared the news with friends and family. Now the big question, what date to choose!

Here are a few tips to help you figure out the perfect day to say I do:

July & August are the most popular months to get married. In our area, the North West, it's due to the least amount of rain so you can get married outside.

Give yourself enough time to enjoy the engagement & for planning. If you absolutely have to get married in August, know ahead that you will be competing with way more brides to book vendors than if your date was in March.

Check your local city calender for events that happen thru out the year. Such as the annual Rose Parade in Portland. If your event is near any of this your guests will have a real tough time getting to you and parking; they won't arrive happy.

Want to make a weekend out of it? Choose a holiday weekend so your guests can stay longer and have a brunch the day after the wedding with everyone.

You're ready to get married now! Plan for a winter or spring date. Event spaces are less likely to be booked during this time.

Weekday is your day. Many more couples are opting to get married on a Friday night. This can be a good option to save some money-always ask if the vendor or space gives a weekday discount.

Whether it's 8.8.2008 or 3.21.2008 it will be a day to remember.

Time for Facelift.

2008-03-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed a bit more color on our blog! It's in the midst of getting a facelift.

Let us know if you love it or hate the new look. Always love to have feedback from our beautiful brides (and grooms) who check us out weekly.

Perfect Pears.

2008-03-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Let's talk fruit, specifically the wonderful Oregon Pear. I came upon the USA Pear website and found some great ideas for wedding decor.

The first one is sugared pears. This is such a simple and elegant way to make center pieces for your tables. Choose all the same color or mix it up. Either way this classic way of decorating needs to make a come-back!

Play off the name of the fruit by offering guest the "perfect pear" as a wedding favor. Keep the packaging simple and add a ribbon to accent your wedding day colors. You could also tie a message around the bag with your initials and the text "the perfect pear!". Get creative with it!

You can dress them up even more by gilding them with silver or gold leaf. I love their idea of using these for place card holders...so pretty! You can download these ideas by visiting USA Pears and click on Lifestyle, Decorating. You'll find other great ideas on their site as well, such as yummy recipes for cocktails and desserts. Hmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking out it!

Lisa Featured on Style Me Pretty Blog!

2008-03-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the very talented Lisa of Studio Del Fiore! The wedding flowers she made for Mike & Nicole's wedding are currently featured on the super cool wedding blog: Style Me Pretty. Our group loves this blog and are inspired by the lovely color palettes they put together in the inspiration boards.

Check out the post by clicking on the title above to see Lisa's Flowers & Jasmine Photography's images from the wedding day. Enjoy!

Invitations.

2008-03-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Your invites really set the stage for the overall feel of your event. From the moment your guests receive them in the mail, they will get a sense of whether your wedding will be fun & carefree, formal, relaxed or a fancy cocktail party.

One easy way to tie everything together is by using your color palette for the font or a graphic element. Take it a step further and add in an image that has importance to the two of you. Examples would be your love of animals-add a deer or rabbit for a rustic touch or how about the skyline of the city you live in-push it up a notch by using a well-known building such as "big pink" in downtown Portland.

Then there is the wording. A typical layout for the text includes: the host line, request line, bride & groom line, date and time lines, location line and reception and RSVP line.

Here's an example:

Mr. & Mrs. Smith request the honor of your presence

to celebrate the union of Lisa Smith to Joe Loomis

at their wedding on Saturday,

the eighth of March, two thousand and eight.

four o'clock in the afternoon.

Grand Ballroom at the Governor Hotel

614 Southwest Eleventh Avenue

Portland, OR

Dinner and dancing to follow.

You certainly don't have to stick to this format, but remember to get all of the key info onto the cards somewhere-nothing worse than receiving an invite and not having the address to the ceremony site on it! Ask your designer for some other layout options for wording.

The lovely samples shown here are all letterpress by Lark Press. Click the title above for a link to her website. Letterpress invites are like little pieces of art.

Finding a Photographer.

2008-03-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

This seems to be one of the harder decisions for most couples - and it should be. If you opt out of video coverage at the event all you will have after it's all said and done is the pictures. When it comes down to it, they really are important. This is an event that you'll want to share with your family and children for years to come.

Here are some things to look for to help narrow down your choices.

figure out your photo budget. give it a range in case you find out you need more coverage or want a photo album.
start by browsing the internet and viewing online galleries.
decide which style of images you prefer: strict documentary (little to no group shots), classic (little to no documentary shots, more posed), or a mix of the two.

find 3-4 photographers who's style stands out to you or brings you emotion.
contact those photographers right away to find out who is available for your date.
set up appointments with your top 3 choices who are open for your date.
try to both go to the first meeting. it's important you both feel comfortable with him/her.

at the meeting you'll want to look for professional presentation of their work. this is often done with wedding albums and or a slideshow. it's important to see their work in print as all monitors give off a different color cast.

when going thru samples they should be of a complete wedding. if you only see "the best" from various couples you should ask to see a full event to ensure they can capture all the moments.
personality. you should feel at ease with them at the meeting, if you don't then you won't during your wedding day either.

you'll pay more for experience and quality products offered. the average price range of these photographers is $2000-$5000+ , depending on what is included in the package.
always sign a contract with all the details of your package on it.

I hope this helps a bit. Have fun with your pictures!

All images copyright Jasmine Photography.

Q & A

2008-02-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

This will be a new post that will feature questions asked by you and answered by local vendors.

Whether you want to know what style of gown will look best on your figure or what time of day is best for family photos...just ask away and we'll answer!

Send your wedding questions to: info@artofweddingspdx.com

The Timeline.

2008-02-23T17:15:00.001-08:00

I hope you've been enjoying the wonderful Portland weather. This is one of the reasons why I love it out here, you get a glimpse of spring in the middle of February! That certainly doesn't happen back in the midwest.

Ok, on to business. Today's topic is all about getting down and dirty with planning your wedding day. I remember when I started to plan mine (over 5 years ago already) and opened up a Martha Stewart Wedding mag to find a checklist more than 2 pages long! Holy cow I thought, do I have to do all of this stuff?!

Not necessarily. There a few key tips you should try to stick to. Why you ask? Because many vendors book up quickly, especially for prime dates such as the months of July & August.

Here's a few to consider sticking with the suggested timeline:

9-12 months out.

choose a few possible dates for the event.
book your ceremony & reception site.
find your caterer for the reception if one is not included with the space.
start looking at wedding photographers.
start looking at videographers.
start trying on wedding gowns.
need help narrowing down your options: get a coordinator!

6-9 months out.

select a florist.
decide on your overall look of the event; colors, formal/informal etc.
decide on music for reception-book Dj or find a band.
book music for ceremony if needed: such as string quartet.
start looking for bridesmaids dresses.
order your wedding gown if getting it from a store...they typically take 6 months to arrive.

4-6 months out.

book your honeymoon.
order invitations.
shop for wedding bands.
register for gifts...fun!

Ok...that list just kept growing and growing. See what I mean? There is so much to do that it can be overwhelming. I'm exhausted just from writing it! To get more tips and advice on what you should be doing when, check out Barnes and Noble for some of these planners:

Peggy Post. Wedding Planner.

Buy local. The Bravo Wedding Planner.

Martha Stewart's Keepsake Planner.

Let's Talk Shoes.

2008-02-17T12:15:00.001-08:00

Ahh shoes. Really, how can you not love buying a new pair of shoes? When you find a pair that fits and looks great, it's like winning the lottery! Good stuff. With that said, let's look at wedding day shoes. So many options to choose from. No matter what, choose something fun, unique or with lots of sparkle. They are such an easy way to personalize your look. Enjoy!

This shoe is simple yet classy and has a good heel height. Kenneth Cole Reaction $85.
I saw this shoe and thought it would be fun with a retro inspired dress. Bonus points for being comfortable. Aerosoles $82.

Add a touch of blue with these fun and funky heels by BCBGirls $80.

This shoe will stand out with a cute tea length dress or by popping out from under a full length gown. By Stuart Weitzman $295.

This pair is a soft cream color with lace embroidered all over it. It's unique and classic

at the same time. By Badley Mischka $390.

For something comfortable and glamourous, try this champagne leather shoe by Matisse for $115.
To add some color without going bright, try this pewter satin pump with beautiful bow detail on the toe for only $80.
The bow is great accent to this shoe as well. I love how it's tied off to the side. By Caparros for $70...what a steal!
Lace is showing up more and more in gowns and now on shoes. If you're dress is simple without a lot of detail, try adding this shoe by Vera Wang for $250 for a touch of elegance.

Before buying your shoes, I would make sure you have found your dream gown. Your gown will help determine the style of shoe you should look for. Also know where your wedding will be held. If it's outside on grass, you won't want to be wearing high pointed heals. Unless you want to air-rate the sod all day! If you are on the beach, a flat, slide or none at all. If you are inside all day, let your shoe imagination go wild!

A really great place to find shoes online is Zappos.com. They give you up to 365 days to return your un-worn shoes and free shipping both ways.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day is off to a great start. Share some love with family, friends or with a total stranger. Today doesn't have to be just about giving something to your girlfriend or fiance. Instead; smile at a passer by, compliment someone on their outfit or say thank you to your fav' barista. Here are some fun gift ideas that say I love you any time of the year.

Yum! Smores heart shaped goodies...

Personalize a pendant for her with your engagement date on it or where you first met.

Give a journal so you can record special dates, vacations you took together or your dreams for the future.
Everyone needs a key chain, this clever idea gives each of you a reminder that cupid has struck.

All the ideas above were found at Red Envelope. Check them out for unique gift ideas that can be personalized for any occasion. Spread the love!

Be Prepared.

2008-02-10T14:08:00.001-08:00

It has many names; the wedding day survival kit, the emergency bag, beauty supplies, the Oh Sh*t something bad just happened-fix it now! supplies. Whatever you want to call it, you should bring the basics with you while you are getting beautified. It's hard to say how many mis-haps I've encountered during the getting ready stage, but I always remember the moment when the bride says "oh, no I forgot to bring deordorant!", then one of the bridesmaids swoops in to the rescue, "I brought some!". I always think to myself, now that's a good friend.

I recommend getting a tote bag to put everything in. If you can keep it sorted & organized, even better. The best, having your maid of honor be in charge of putting together and bringing your emergency kit to your big day.

Ok. Here's your basics:

toothbrush
kleenex
tampons
lint brush
deodorant
sewing kit with good scissors!
mints or gum
same hairspray as your stylist used.
bobby pins
straws-keeps lipstick looking good while drinking.
pain reliever for headaches
emery boards for broken nails
lotion with a light scent if not wearing perfume, otherwise unscented
floss
same make-up your stylist used. use for touch-ups.

Ok, I would say that hits the basics. Now here are a few other products that might be worth adding to the pile.

The new blister block by Band-Aid in case your new shoes start bothering you. I do recommend wearing your shoes around the house as much as possible before the wedding day to break them in.

This is genius, a portable stain remover. Carry it in your clutch for that moment when Uncle Bob bumps into you and red wine spills on your dress.

If you don't want to deal with bringing your goey tube of toothpaste, I think this is a great subsitute.

These are just some ideas, I'm sure there are tons of other things you could think of to bring. Don't want to deal with finding all that stuff, then go online to Target and order this pre-made box of goodies- search for wedding day survival kit. Just click and order. Beauty survival will arrive in 5-7 days.

Great Expectations.

2008-02-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

expectation. noun.

1. a. the act of expecting.

b. eager anticipation.

2. the state of being expected.

All girls have an expectation of how their wedding day will be whether the day it's fully planned out or you simply have a few keys ideas. Either way, these expectations can either drive you to pull your hair out or enjoy every moment. With that said, I think it's really important to get your overall plan down on paper. Then start assigning people who will be a good fit for each task at hand. This way on the actual day, you don't have everyone coming to you asking where does this go? or what do I do with this? Trust me, that can get old fast.

Trusting your vendors is another way to bring ease to your day. You'll know when you meet with them whether or not they are organized, professional and know their craft. Once you book them give them the information they need to make your day beautiful; then relax. They have it under control.

I've seen some brides who expected everything to be exactly as they had it planned out in their head and became upset when things weren't going as they planned. Problem is they didn't fully express these ideas to her friends & family. Therefore, their hands were tied the day of with how much they could really help out. Being stressed carries over to everyone around you...not fun.

Then I've seen brides who laughed, smiled and took the day a moment at a time. Enjoying the quirks that arose and the love from family and friends helping out.

When it comes down to it, your guests will never know that the wrap that comes with your gown didn't make it...that the place cards are set on a different table...that your roses are a lighter shade of pink...etc. What they will remember is how you glow with love, how the two of you look at each other and how much you both were smiling!

All images copyright Jasmine Photography.

Images from Art of Weddings 2008.

2008-02-01T16:36:00.001-08:00

Here's a few pics from the event on Jan 24th. I really liked how laid back the feel was all evening. It wasn't overcrowded and there was plenty of comfy seating to chill out in. Perfect for winter. The ballroom has amazing floor to ceiling red velvet curtains, so we played off of their colors and added more red and brown. Enjoy!

Above: Me (alexis of Jasmine Photography) with Lisa of Studio Del Fiore Flowers.

Above: The lovely models wearing Embellish designs and Emily Jane Jewelry. Hair and Make-up by Madeline Roosevelt.

Above: Winner of the gift bag at the end of the evening. Included goodies such as a silk shawl by Embellish, $50 Gift Card to Victoria's Secret from this blog, Stumptown coffee from Espresso Arts Catering, Massage courtesy of Soltice Video and more...
Above: Lovely bouquets by Lisa of Studio Del Fiore.

Above: Wes & Christine of Espresso Arts Catering.
Above: Yum! Cupcake Mama treats.

Above: Duchess Clothier funky suit!
Above: Culinary Artistry samples.

All images by Jasmine Photography.

Thanks!

2008-01-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

The Art of Weddings turned out great! I'm so pleased with how everything went. It looked better then I imagined it would. The reason it turned out so great is because of all the talented and creative folks who made it come together. The evening was relaxed, stylish and stress-free. Exactly how we wanted it!

I'll have pics soon to post to show you how it looked. But in the meantime I wanted to take a moment to thank all the wonderful vendors who participated.

Thanks to:

Emee of EJP Events for keeping us organized and being able to visualize the final layout of the room!

Lisa of Studio del Fiore for putting together amazing floral arrangements and setting up our areas so they were comfy and stylish!

Terri of Embellish Designs and Seyta from Duchess Clothiers for finding models to show case their design talent!

Madeline of Madi Hair and Make-up for making the models look even more beautiful.

Nathaniel aka DjTeenage for the funky beats.

Greg at Soltice Video for creating the website and helping set up!

Jenn of Culinary Artistry for yummy snacks and mixing cocktails!

Allison of Cupcake Mama for creating tasty desserts...just finished our last cupcake!

Christine & Wes of Espresso Arts Catering for keeping everyone awake with Stumptown!

Shelby of Emily-Jane Jewelry for adding some sparkle to the models!

Kylee of Premiere Bride for helping make gift bags and marketing!

Zanny of Secret Society Ballroom for letting us bring our vision to reality in their space!

Thank you! Thank you! I truly love each of you for all your hard work and devotion. Each of your creative talents and professionalism make it fun and easy to work with you. Check back in a couple days for pictures. Stay warm this weekend...

Parking for Art of Weddings.

2008-01-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

Parking can be a bit hard in this neighborhood. If you're heading out to the event, there is extra parking across the street from The Secret Society in the church parking lot. Don't worry about the sign, I've been assured by the ballroom that after 5pm it is ok to park there.

Hope to see you in couple days!

boo hoo for the Packers not winning yesterday:(

Tickets Won!

2008-01-16T16:57:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest, the tickets have been won by two lucky ladies.

Here are the answers to the questions:

1. Lake Bracciano, Italy

2. July 14th, 2007

3. Narcisco Rodriguez

One Pair left...

2008-01-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

Ok ladies, there is one pair of tickets left to give away. Thanks to those of you who entered so far. Seems question #2 is throwing some for a loop. There are two dates for their event on the internet. My hint would be to find one that has an actual image of them in wedding attire and use that date. One more hint..it's a summer wedding!

Win Tickets to The Art of Weddings Event!

2008-01-08T11:48:00.001-08:00

We're going to be giving away two pairs of tickets for the upcoming Art of Weddings Event.

To win tickets email me at info@artofweddingspdx.com and answer the following celebrity wedding questions:

1. What is the name of the town where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes tied the knot?

2. What is the wedding date of the secret wedding of Rebecca Romijn & Jerry O'connell?

3. Who was the designer of Carolyn Bessette's gown when she tied the knot with JFK Jr?

The first two replies with the correct answers will win a pair of tickets to the upcoming event! Good luck. Contest ends Jan. 16th.

Wedding Day Make-up.

2008-01-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008 Everyone!

Here are some essential and important basics from make-up & hair artist Madeline Roosevelt.

Are you considering doing your own wedding day make-up? Everyday make-up and photography make-up fall into two different categories. When taking pictures, you will want to make sure it will last through a long day. This means it will withstand all the smiling, tears and nerves! This also means you will want to make sure it will highlight your best features so they stand out in the photographs.

If you are planning on getting married, make sure to plan a trial session six months in advance. Trust me, the earlier you get this out of the way, the better. Try to set up the make-up trial and hair trial on the same day so you can see how they will look together. Usually, it costs around $200 per head for hair and make-up to have it professionally done. It's well worth the price to look your best on your wedding day and to not have the stress of having to do it yourself. If you know you'll be nervous you'll certainly want to avoid applying eye liner yourself!

Last of all, the must have products to carry with you are lipstick, lip-liner and a pressed powder compact along with blotting papers to minimize shine. If you have more questions feel free to contact me at madi4475@yahoo.com or at 503.577.4732.

Post by: Madeline Roosevelt.
Images by Jasmine Photography.

Duchess. Men's Suits with Style.

2007-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

At times you may feel like you man just doesn't have any style. He's wearing the same pair of jeans that he worn for the past 5 days, he turns his t-shirt inside out to get one more day out if it and we don't even want to ask about the boxers! So, the wedding day is the perfect opportunity to turn a grape into wine. A tuxedo may seem like the obvious choice but he looks more like James Bond than a groom. Who do you turn to for help? I have the perfect solution, Duchess Clothier.

Here's a quick description of what they do in their own words:

"Duchess Clothier creates custom suits and shirts based on historical styles with the belief that gentlemen and ladies of style
should have the opportunity to affordably dress in find tailored garments that fit properly. All of our creations are made-to-measure and completely customizable in your choices of fabrics and styles. We are owned and operated in Portland, Oregon and believe that the style trailblazers of today should look to the dress of the past-whether that of Victorian gentlemen, a smooth rat packer, a hot mod face, a country crooner...it's all beautiful and encouraged!"

I think the pictures speak for themselves. And just think, once he has his own hand made suit, he'll have to wear it again to take you out for a fabulous dinner and cocktails.

Come see Duchess' suits on live models at The Art of Wedding Event this January. I can't wait!

Emily-Jane Sparkles.

2007-12-29T13:48:00.000-08:00

I think I mentioned before, that finding wedding day jewelry that is unique and beautiful can sometimes be hard. Joining the Art of Weddings event is the lovely ladies of Emily-Jane Jewelry. They create one of kind pieces that compliment your wedding gown. Their service is great, they truly care about their clients which was easy for me to see at their holiday party.

The best part is that you can wear your earrings, necklace or bracelet again! Now, you gotta love that. Here is a sampling of some of their work, check out their website so you can eww and ahh in the privacy of your home. Images by Jasmine Photography.

Super cute pins.

2007-12-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

So, I'm avoiding work at the moment and starting shopping on the Etsy Website. You could spend hours here looking at all the super cute handmade crafts. I found these pins by the UK designer Paperfish and thought, how sweet would these be attached to your place cards at a reception! And they'd double as the wedding favor.

Then I saw the bigger hearts, which would make a really cute ring pillow or instead of a boring old basket have the flower girl hold a set of 3 at different lengths while walking down the aisle.

And of course the cute little pins that say bride and groom on them. How fun would it be to pin them on the inside of his suit and under wedding gown! Her prices are affordable, check out more of her work by searching for Paperfish once on the site.

27 Dresses.

2007-12-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

I saw the preview for this movie and totally laughed! If you haven't heard of it already, it's with Katherine Heigl who was so funny in Knocked Up! They are playing off the "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" theme, I think it could be really funny and tons of us can relate!
This has ladies nite written all over it. So, get dressed up, head out for cocktails, and then see the movie! (cocktails will ease the pain if it's a bomb.)

Check out the trailer...

27 Dresses. The Movie