celebrations, Events, Food, Green Weddings, Helping Others, local business, PDX wedding, Portland, Reviews, Vendor, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Favors, Wedding Vendors

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. 

bridal fashion, Bridal Gowns, Brides, Green Weddings, Helping Others, Wedding Vendors, weddings

Bridal Show Warms Hearts

Jane Green and modelsHeartfelt thanks to all the lovely brides who modeled at the wedding showcase last Saturday at The Historic Old Church. Wonderful feedback from the folks in the audience who were blown away by the gorgeous gowns and bargain prices. And the surprise renewal of vows that closed the fashion show made the day all the more special. It was an honor to emcee this event and help raise awareness and support for the prevention of human trafficking in Portland. Missed the show? You can still get the formal or bridal dress of your dreams for a dreamy price. Click here for store hours and location: Adorned in Grace.

bridal fashion, Bridal Gowns, Brides, Events, Flowers, Green Weddings, Helpful Hints, Helping Others, Music, Services, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception, Wedding Vendors, weddings

Connecting Brides to a Mission

Grace Note$ Partner BadgeA Festive Heart is proud to partner with Adorned in Grace and their new Grace Note$ program. Every bride that makes a wedding purchase at the shop receives a Grace Note$ card with exclusive discounts from select wedding vendors. There are 16 categories offering a wide range of services from beauty products to venues. Best of all, Grace Note$ supports the efforts to promote prevention and raise awareness of human trafficking in Portland and beyond. Did you know that human sex trafficking is the largest growing organized crime on the planet? And it’s happening in our neighborhoods. Adorned in Grace provides a simple yet powerful way to help the cause. The store is staffed and managed by volunteers. The lease is provided for by Fred Meyer. All the gowns are donated. (And we’re talking exquisite designs, sizes 2 to 22, starting at $100). All donations are accepted with gratitude and what can’t be sold goes to their Design Studio where at-risk teens are taught valuable repurposing skills. Gowns worn with love … donated with love … supporting a mission of love. Make it your first place to shop and make a difference! Click here for store information.

bridal fashion, Bridal Gowns, Brides, Helpful Hints, Helping Others, Services, Wedding Vendors, weddings

Bling is IN for Brides

adorned in graceAccording 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.

Bridal Gowns, Brides, Event Venue, Events, Green Weddings, Helping Others, Recycled Weddiings, Special Message, weddings

Call for Brides

save the dateStill have your wedding gown? How’d you like to walk down the aisle one more time in a beautiful setting … and then donate your gown to a great cause? I’m looking for brides size 2 to 22 and ages 18 to 80 to participate in a unique bridal fashion show at The Historic Old Church next February. I’ll be emceeing the show on behalf of Adorned in Grace, the nonprofit bridal shop dedicated to eliminating human trafficking. Interested? Contact me via email or call 503-263-5229 for details. Help keep the love flowing … I promise you a fun experience and warm thanks from a great group of caring hearts.

Bridal Gowns, Brides, Events, Helpful Hints, Helping Others, Recycled Weddiings, weddings

Donate Your Wedding Dress

donate_buttonBrides 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 WeddingClick here to download the donation form. You’ll also find details on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Here’s to sharing the love!