It’s always interesting to see what the NYT has to say about fashion. Sunday’s review on Bridal Fashion Week was especially fun. Click on the link at the end of this post to view a slide show featuring looks from Oleg Cassini, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera and more. Spring 2015 doesn’t bring break out innovation but the overall looks are lovely and continue to showcase lace, flowing fabrics and soft draping. Take a peek. (photo courtesy of NYT)
Category: weddings
Music at the Heart of PDX Wedding
Piano, 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.
Always and Forever Tea Wedding Favors
Talk 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.
Wedding in the Woods
Surrounded by warm hearts and rich woods, Rachael and Zack exchanged vows this morning at the World Forestry Center in Southwest PDX. The intimate ceremony included acoustic guitar, a reading selection from Winnie the Pooh and a glass breaking ritual with a twist. Glass ornaments were enclosed in silk bags and stomped on by both the bride and groom as well as their young children, Rohan and Roxanna. Friends and family applauded throughout the service – so much love and enthusiasm. With a bow to the past, the bride wore a vintage gown and jewelry and sapphire blue satin pumps. Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments catered by Elephants and were free to explore the wonderful exhibits at the center. Dinner was held in the evening at Andina’s in NW Portland. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Radick, and may the joy of today’s celebration fill your hearts always.
Note to Brides: Consider venues like this if you have little ones in your wedding party or attending with guests. It’s a great way to keep them entertained.
Bridal Show Warms Hearts
Heartfelt 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.
Japanese Songstress Weds Sweetheart
The temperature was frosty but the fog lifted and the sun shone for today’s intimate wedding along the Willamette. Chie (chee-a), lead singer with Japanese pop band, CICCAROLL, wore a crown of red roses to match her dress (brides wear red at traditional Japanese weddings). Bridegroom, Casey, arranged for family and friends to gather at the Oaks Park dog park for the ceremony which was followed by toasts to the newlyweds at The Lucky Lab Brew Pub. Raised in Japan, Casey, who is in the insurance business, speaks the language fluently. The couple is looking forward to making their permanent home in Japan. Their English Bulldog, Matilda Mae, will be making the journey, too. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Shelton. May happiness be with you and love surround you here and in the land of the rising sun. Yoi ryokō o!
Couples Choice Award for 2014 from WeddingWire!
Exciting news! A Festive Heart has won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for 2014! The award recognizes the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide. Thanks to all my brides and everyone who had a part in making this happen.
Connecting Brides to a Mission
A 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.
Bling is IN for Brides
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.
Call for Brides
Still 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.
A FESTIVE HEART 