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Cupcakes For A Cause

56806657_2261129590795829_1075094970626473984_nIntroducing THE perfect dessert treat for your celebration. Sarah Bellum’s Bakery & Workshop offers delectable sweet and savory cupcakes that look adorable and taste amazing. Even better, they do it with a purpose. Since opening in SW Portland six months ago, the not-for-profit bakery has provided return-to-work opportunities for adults with acquired brain injury. Small but mighty, the team at Sarah Bellum’s hopes to raise awareness about brain injury while delivering a scrumptious product. The ingenious name – a nod to the cerebellum in the brain – will give you some idea of the heart and humor at work here. With advance notice, the bakery can delivery a variety of mini or full sized cupcakes for your wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, celebration of life and receptions of all sizes. Check out the full range of flavors on their menu page. It’s hard to pick favorites but the cheddar chive savory is always a hit, as is the salted caramel. And the lemon-blueberry. And the chocolate-raspberry. And … okay you get the idea. Organic, bargain priced, delicious, gluten-free/vegan options and all for a fabulous cause. This is a love story that everyone can celebrate. TIP: You can also send guests home with a treat for fido – exclusive PUPcake gourmet dog treats.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Bellum’s Bakery & Workshop. 

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Perfect Wedding in the Pearl

Alexie & AaronAndina in Portland’s Pearl District was the perfect venue for yesterday’s evening wedding for Alexie and Aaron. From the intimate surroundings of the George V private dining room to the accommodating and courteous staff, everyone felt warm and welcomed. The bride’s children, Nolan and Madeline, escorted the couple to the altar and also did the readings. The ceremony included a tree planting ritual featuring an Upright Japanese Maple which is admired for its brilliant orange foliage. Following the wedding vows, guests enjoyed dinner created by Andina’s award winning chefs. The 3-course menu offered scrumptious choices and a variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes prepared with a Peruvian flair. The newlyweds will honeymoon in Eastern Oregon in their shiny Airstream and enjoy a week of camping and skiing. After some well deserved R & R, they’ll return to their home in Portland where Alexie teaches at PCC and Aaron is a project manager for a construction company. Congratulations, Mrs. & Mrs. McKee, and Happy Trails always!

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High School Sweethearts say “I Do”

Kathleen and auston weddingIt was perfect weather on Saturday as Kathleen and Auston exchanged vows in Abigail’s Garden at Abernathy Center. Sweethearts for seven years, the couple were cheered by friends, family, coworkers and their ten member bridal party. The ceremony, held in the garden gazebo, included a wine goblet ritual and heartfelt vows written by the couple. Tiffany blue was the dominant color of the day showcased in every lovely way from gowns to wedding cake (five layers of different flavors from Beaverton Bakery). The fabulous DIY centerpieces featured giant pompoms crafted from coffee filters and dyed what else? Tiffany blue. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a specialty soda bar and scrumptious appetizers including caprese skewers, crab cakes and strawberry/cheese/balsamic pastry puffs. Dinner was served under the big top followed by fun on the dance floor courtesy of the DJ from Bust A Move. The newlyweds will honeymoon in Cabo before returning to their Gresham home. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Haskins! May your marriage be graced with love and laughter.

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Relaxed Elegance at Garden Wedding

Yesterday’s wedding was the perfect blend of elements for sweethearts Danny and Shannon. Held at a private home in the Irvington area of Portland, the celebration combined a lush garden with lawn games, DIY flowers with jeweled dresses and catered cuisine with s’mores by the fire pit. A dining room table at Restoration Hardware brought the couple together (she was buying, he was selling) so it was fitting that they include a salt ritual during the ceremony. The blended salt will be used in their cooking as a reminder of the zest of their wedding day. The bride’s three sisters, two-year old niece and newborn nephew were in attendance as vows were exchanged under the backyard trellis. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and beverages on the patio. The chefs from Art de Cuisine worked their magic in the kitchen creating a lavish dinner that included cedar planked salmon, tri-tip beef and roasted market veggies. In lieu of wedding cake, the couple served triple blackberry cheesecake with a chocolate crust from Papa Haydn. Yum! After a honeymoon in Belize, the newlyweds return to their Sellwood home and life in PDX where Shannon works in marketing research and Danny is completing his masters in statistics at PSU. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Duncan! May your life be forever flavored with joy and laughter.

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Hot Fun at a Farm Wedding

Anna and SamYesterday’s outdoor wedding for Sam and Anna took place at Lolich Farm and was one of the hottest on record: 102 degrees! The only thing higher than the temperature was the spirit of fun among the guests. Everyone was smiling despite the heat. The groom’s Mom gifted the couple with the planning services of Allison Sims who, along with her trusted Reverie team, turned the blueberry gardens into an even more charming and colorful party venue. The ceremony was enhanced by gorgeous floral arrangements, acoustic fiddle and guitar and a processional across a wooden bridge. Bridesmaids wore varying pastel shades with groomsmen in matching pastel ties accenting their gray tuxes. The bride glowed in her champagne and ivory lace sweetheart gown. For their unity ritual, the couple created a keepsake box which included love letters and a bottle of Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir. Following the ceremony, guests cooled off with iced drinks including a mojito punch made by Anna that morning. Appetizers (scrumptious caprese skewers with the largest basil leaves ever) and a barbeque buffet were provided by Divine Catering. Following a honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, the newlyweds return to their home in Austin, TX. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Elsass! May each day of married life enrich the love and joy that you hold in your hearts today.

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Sunny Wedding for High School Sweeties

ceremonyBest friends for almost 15 years, Kris and Nicole exchanged vows this morning in the lovely Abigail’s Garden at the Abernethy Center in SE PDX. Yellow roses, clear skies and smiles from friends and family made for a sunny start for their big day. Nicole’s parents (in town from Gearhart) walked her down the aisle and readings were given by both the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom. The couple created a keepsake box for their unity ritual complete with love letters, champagne and a beloved Yankee’s baseball. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a delicious brunch, photo booth fun and dancing under the big top. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Saalfeld. All your efforts and planning came shining through and resulted in a wonderful celebration for all. Wishing you much joy in the years ahead. cake

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Barn Wedding is a Family Affair

scott and valTransforming a barn into a wedding wonderland is no small task. But Scott and Valerie pulled it off with flying colors thanks to family members rolling up their creative sleeves. Every inch of space was utilized with no detail unattended. Twinkle light rafters, ceremony riser, hanging flowers, DJ station, photo booth corner and even a golf cart shuttle service. After the ceremony, refreshments were served in the “saloon” while the tables were set up for dining. Heaters and porch seating kept guests dry and cozy while allowing for sweeping views of the Premore family farm in Eagle Creek. Jars of homemade preserves were provided as the “thank you” to attendees who also enjoyed music and dancing into the night. After a honeymoon in the tropics, the newlyweds return to their PDX home to continue growing their business in aquaphonics. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Wright – may the love that swelled our hearts yesterday be with you always. Fun: I was listed in the program as the “Premore Family Officiant” – I married the bride’s twin sister, Kim, last summer; and her brother, Owen, in 2010. No siblings left … maybe a cousin or two?

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Music at the Heart of PDX Wedding

Jen and TomPiano, organ and vocals from Liszt, Blake and Saint-Saens provided heavenly music for yesterday’s wedding at The Historic Old Church in downtown Portland. Giant tissue blossoms (made by the bride) decorated the aisle and the altar. After exchanging vows, Jennifer and Tom sang If I Had Words to each other and then invited the audience join in. At the reception, guests were treated to a delicious farm fresh menu prepared by the groom. The choices ranged from chicken tea sandwiches and mini-baked potatoes w/crème fraiche to maple syrup bacon crackers w/candied walnuts. Also served were yummy gluten-free cheese puffs baked by the bride’s mom. The couple met in the PSU Music Department and have been together for 12 years. They reside in Beaverton where Jennifer teaches music and Tom is exploring a catering business. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Colett. May the sweet music of your wedding day echo in your hearts forever.

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Always and Forever Tea Wedding Favors

tea forteTalk about a match made in heaven. Twin infuser pouches by Tea Forte in a customizable gift box for your guests. Always is a green tea blend with citrus tones and Forever combines white tea with ginger and pear. Both packaged side-by-side in an elegant ribbon box. You customize the label online. Even better? The wedding favors are ON SALE! Click here for details. Here’s to sipping happily ever after.

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Home Sweet Home Wedding

Danny and SaraAt the heart of every wedding is the love between the bride and groom. When Danny and Sara exchanged vows on Sunday, that love was reflected in the eyes of everyone who had gathered at the home of the bride’s father. Love … and gratitude that Sara’s dad was making a successful recovery following his heart surgery (necessitating a change in wedding date and location) and was able to be present for the celebration. The intimate setting truly demonstrated the words from their first reading, “Marriage … is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.” Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a luncheon buffet including apple pie cookies-on-a-stick that Sara’s grandmother made for the first time ever just for the occasion. After a honeymoon in the San Juan Islands, the newlyweds return to their home in Oregon City. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. White! May your life together continue to be as sweet and special as your love.