According to Portland area seamstress, Krysti Emerson, 2014 brides will be showing a lot of bling. In addition, lace will be making a resurgence in popularity. Krysti specializes in wedding gown alterations and design and has seen the trends come and go over the years. One thing that never goes out of style is making each bride feel special. Custom orders, adding a corset back, putting in a sweetheart neckline … whatever it takes to create the perfect look. Kristi’s motto would seem to be “Anything is doable.” And I love how she takes the mystery out of alterations by including a detailed price list on her website, Behind The Seams. NOTE: Kristi is also committed to causes. Find her newest bling sashes (shown here) at Adorned in Grace, the nonprofit bridal shop promoting prevention and awareness of human trafficking.
Category: Helpful Hints
Urban Wedding with Country Comfort
Looking for a venue that combines urban convenience with rural charm? Scholls Valley Lodge offers the perfect blend of city mouse and country mouse. You’ll feel like you’re on the Ponderosa – just minutes away from Beaverton. I’m a huge fan of venues that encourage brides to DIY and Scholls Valley offers plenty of options to do it your way. Book the entire venue for a weekend, rent it for a day or a night, set up an outdoor reception for 300 or hold an intimate ceremony indoors. You can use the spacious kitchen to cook brunch, plan a potluck buffet, bring in your own caterer OR do a combination of all three. You have the run of the place. Dishes, linens and tables are yours to use. Rent more if needed. The lodge sleeps up to 22 in six beautifully appointed guest rooms including a handicap accessible lower level suite but you can also bring sleeping bags or air mattresses to accommodate your party. Situated on 55 private acres in wine country, you’ll have sweeping views of the valley and lovely landscaped grounds for photo ops and strolling. Did I mention the pool? The roll-up glass doors? The man-cave with pool table? There’s even a piano. Scholls Valley provides the perfect place to save dollars, get family and friends involved and create the wedding of your dreams. Contact me to plan your ceremony.
Donate Your Wedding Dress
Brides for a Cause raised $17,000 at their PDX sale last month. I saw so many stunning gowns in the arms of smiling brides going out the door. It’s a terrific way to find the dress of your dreams without a nightmare price tag – and support a great cause at the same time. Wonderful deals on veils and other accessories as well. If you want to be a part of the next batch of smiles, why not donate your dress? Wedding gown fashions from 2005 to current are now being accepted by this nationwide agency that helps fund Wish Upon a Wedding. Click here to download the donation form. You’ll also find details on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Here’s to sharing the love!
Haste to the Wedding
Celtic Harp music has been around since the 10th century and although it has had its rise and fall in mainstream popularity, it remains a top choice for weddings. The versatile harp can produce sounds as soft as angel’s wings for processionals, joyful tunes for recessionals and lively jigs for the reception. The music works for small intimate ceremonies as well as mega gatherings. Popular with brides and harp lovers everywhere since its debut in 2000, Haste to the Wedding by Ann Roos presents a a wonderful array of choices for your special day. The gifted harpist released the CD in 2005 and it comes beautifully packaged with a 48-page hardcover book that includes recipes, Celtic toasts, blessings and more. Makes a perfect wedding gift for yourself or a loved one. Click here to read more about the album and listen to sample tracks.
Boudoir Special for Brides
Brides are often at a loss as to what to give their grooms for a wedding gift. Here’s a great idea from photographer, Amy Wilbanks. A custom portrait of you at your boudoir best. Seductive, coy, vintage … whatever rocks your world. Amy will capture you in your most alluring pose and then custom frame the masterpiece to create the perfect gift. Can’t wait for your wedding day? No worries. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Note: Gift certificates make a great gift for your bridal party. Click here to visit Amy’s studio on Facebook and learn more about this special offer.
Vintage Love
Whether you are choosing your wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses or a wow outfit for the honeymoon, vintage is always in style. Fun, eco friendly and kind to the budget, vintage dresses offer plenty of eye and purse appeal. And sizing is usually generous which doesn’t hurt either. Shop your local resale and consignment stores for vintage finds or look online for some great deals. Etsy has a vintage category showcasing items from jewelry to gowns. Another favorite is Light in the box which offers vintage inspired dresses at bargain prices.
If you want to kick it up a notch, check out Rent the runway. Select your size, fabric color and the date of your event and shop from hundreds of celebrity designer fashions. I love that you can view the gowns from all angles AND they ship a backup size just in case. You have to provide your email address to get on the site but it’s worth it just to see the possibilities. A recent offering, for example, a Roaring 20’s blush silk gown by Narciso Rodriguez which retails for $2300 but rents for $300. Note: Sizes tend to be limited to smaller gals. LOTS of great jewelry and accessory options. Getting ready for the big day? How you say “I DO” does matter. Contact Jane Green for your perfect ceremony.
Recycle Wedding Deals
Find some great buys for your wedding day at Ruffled blog’s Recycle Your Wedding page. 
Deals like this Wtoo Vesper gown for $250 obo are posted by brides and stylists from across the country. You contact them directly and pay via PayPal. Browse thru the photo gallery for everything from dresses to decor items. 15 categories and hundreds of items. Love that Ruffled has a user friendly, no charge listing process making it easier to sell your stuff after the big day. They provide the vehicle and you get the money. Talk about a win-win!
Big day coming up? Contact Jane Green, Licensed Officiant, for customized and creative ceremony ideas.
Bridal Gown Deals
Searching for a bridal gown? Mindful of your budget? Check out the super deal on NEW gowns at the Discovery Shop in Vancouver, WA. Over 100 gowns were donated to the little resale store that supports the big mission of the American Cancer Society. Sizes range from 6 to 18 and include styles from Jessica McClintock, Monique Luo and more. There are also some “worn once” gowns at terrific savings. Original retail prices starting at $800 into the thousands – yours for $100 to $150. The shop needs to clear floor space so get there soon. Find your dream gown and support a super cause. Now that’s a happy ending! The ACS Discovery Shop is located at 2011 Main St., Vancouver, WA. Open until 4:30 M-F and 4:00 on Sat. Closed Sun. 360-695-8215. You may want to call ahead to inquire about gowns as they have more off site. Click here for information on the American Cancer Society. Make It Personal
As much as I love orchestrating ceremonies, there is equal joy in showing people how to create their own. Creating ceremonies to celebrate special moments is a beautiful way to add meaning to your life. It’s a powerful force in helping to bring closure, provide comfort, celebrate with joy or honor the memory of loved ones. Ceremonies can be simple and intimate, incorporating private memories and/or traditional rituals. Sacred Ceremony offers suggestions and guidelines for doing it your way. Another wonderful offering from Steven Farmer, this book has been out for a few years but remains a favorite. You can order from Amazon or directly from Earth Magic website. While there, take a look at Steven’s other popular books and downloads. He’s especially noted for his animal spirit works. Enjoy.
Mobile Medicine for Your Heart
One of my most beloved mentors, Louise Hay, now has her life changing tools available on Mobile Apps. 30 years ago I bought her first publication, Heal Your Body. That little gem of a book has since been translated in 29 languages in 35 countries. It’s THAT powerful. Louise healed herself of vaginal cancer and became a pioneer in the field of mind/body medicine. Today, a vibrant teacher in her 80’s, Louise continues to inspire and share the message that we have the power to change our health and our hearts. Check out her wide variety of books, DVDs, eBooks and Mobile Apps. You’ll find focused help on overcoming fears, creating romance, improving your job, relieving stress … even a series for children. Simple, affordable and now mobile!
A FESTIVE HEART 