I’ve been a fan of gourmet cupcakes since they first hit the scene a few years ago. They’re a great crowd pleaser and such a fun alternative to standard cake. No one puts more heart and soul into baking cupcakes than Barb and Rick Nischalke of Cookies, Cupcakes & More. Specializing in weddings and events in the PDX metro area, the couple offers cupcakes and cookies in a wide variety of flavors and frostings to enhance any occasion. Unlike most other commercial bakers, Barb and Rick provide lots of creative flexibility and welcome custom orders. You can even request a private tasting session while you discuss design ideas. I’m a fan of their Chocolate Peanut Butter with the runner up being their After Dinner Mint with Andes mint pieces in the cake. Yum! Whether you are planning a wedding for 100, an office party for 50, or a baby shower for 25 – give them a call. They love what they do and it shows. You couldn’t be in nicer hands. Visit the website now .
Category: Helpful Hints
Venetian Venue
Celebrate your event with Venetian night flair! Step through the doors of this beautifully restored theater in downtown Hillsboro and you’ll be transported to the days of regal elegance … with a modern twist. A jazzy bistro and bar on the main floor is a great place to meet your bridesmaids for lunch or happy hour. Afterwards, take a tour of the facility and plan your event. 
The upstairs Piazza room seats 100 and opens up to a balcony with views of Main Street. You can even rent the theater which seats 400 (including wheelchair access). Very friendly owners, good banquet rates and delicious food – you and your guests will be very happy. Tour the Venetian Theater online now.
Marry This!
There’s a new resource in town that promises to be a hit with brides. Marry This! offers themed wedding publications with a twist. Not only do you get photos and vendor info, Marry This! actually answers the question that always comes up: “How much does it cost?” You get detailed budgets with real prices for weddings ranging from 75 to 350 guests. Nice idea.
In addition, each guidebook includes tips, trends and a timeline to keep you on track. It’s like having a personal planner at your fingertips. Plans are to publish a new book each month. The current collection includes The Perfect Vineyard Wedding and The Trendy Urban Loft Wedding. You can pick one or mix and match ideas from several. Books are available for easy purchase and download online.
I love that this business is a collaborative effort between three friends – each residing in a different city (my hometown Chicago, Boise and local PDX). Congratulations, ladies. Best wishes for many happy years with Marry This!
Wedding Music
Looking for just the right music for walking down the aisle? You can’t go wrong with Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. And this recording by Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is one of the best. Whether you are using a DJ or playing your own CD’s – keep this one in mind. Track 1 is perfect for the processional. This recording also includes Handel’s Water Music and just about any of that suite works well for your recessional. I especially like Tracks 9 through 11. Listen to samples and enjoy!
Thumbtack
Beautiful Wedding Music
Inspired choices for your ceremony. This is a wonderful collection of classical favorites – all beautifully arranged and performed. Handel, Vivaldi, Pachelbel and more. Perfect for helping you choose just the right music for your processional and what to play as guests arrive. Lovely for home listening, too.
Baking Up A Bridal Shower
What could be sweeter than a cookie baking bridal shower? I was lucky enough to help plan one for last Saturday. After favorite recipes were chosen from cookbooks and guest contributions, the hostess created colorful recipe sheets for each guest as a souvenir of the fun afternoon. Plates, tissue and cell wrap were provided so each chef could create their own fresh-baked cookie package to take home. To keep things organized and flowing smoothly, directions were posted Continue reading “Baking Up A Bridal Shower”
1 + 1 = 11
A happy partnership has more power than two people. It really equates to the power of many and has rippling effects that reach out into the community. That union can be the light that others follow – a shining example that inspires and brings hope. The world needs happy couples.
Wedding Craft
If you’re crafting your own invitations for the wedding or shower – here’s a great deal for Paper Zone. Today’s Groupon offers $20 of supplies for only $10. Good at any of their locations. I love the wide selection of colors and textures for paper options and they have all the card stock, ribbons and trims you need to enhance your design. While you’re there, Continue reading “Wedding Craft”
Pick This Dress!
One flight up and down the hall – beautiful gowns await you. You’d never guess from the unassuming exterior on NW 17th that such splendor exists – so close yet a world apart from the Glisan traffic. Divine Designs has created an intimate and lovely experience for the bride to be and her lucky shopping companions. Terra cotta walls and arched doorways, comfortable seating and spacious rooms and we haven’t even gotten to the dresses yet! Bridal gown experts personally guide you through the selection process bringing out breathtaking choices one by one from their magical backroom. It’s such a better way to view gowns – much less overwhelming than trying to wade through a sea of satin on your own.
You will find the very latest in bridal designs with gowns starting at $2,000. The shop also carries a selection of bridesmaids and mother of the bride gowns. I can’t imagine a more lovely way to spend a few hours. Be sure to include this one on your “must call” list when you start looking for THE one.
Happy shopping, ladies!
A FESTIVE HEART 