Sunny skies and lush landscape added to a perfect wedding yesterday for Hana and KC. The Camas couple exchanged vows and hosted their reception in Aurora, OR at the Aurora Colony Vineyards. Guests kept cool with straw hand fans as temperatures climbed into the 80’s. Stephanie and the staff of Petalos made sure that everything went smoothly from start to finish. Congratulations, Hana and KC. May your married life be filled with laughter and loving moments as sweet as your hearts!
Category: weddings
Pearls for the Lustrous Bride
The Pin of the Week is Pearl. Even though June (the customary month for this gem) is almost gone, adding a pearl or two to your wedding is perfectly right for every season. Pearls represent true feminine wisdom … a marriage of Water and Moon energy. The oldest known gem on record, the pearl has been revered for ages as a symbol of purity and is still prized for its luminous beauty and value. Find more wedding inspirations from A Festive Heart Pinterest boards.
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.
Top Tips for Florist Picks
April showers bring May flowers and florists all over the country are getting ready to stock up their coolers as wedding season gets underway. If you’re shopping for a florist, here are three top tips to help make the process easier: 1) Bring a budget. Nothing frustrates a florist more than a bride who wants a $1500 centerpiece but can only spend $300. 2) Bring photos of what you have in mind. Florists have albums of their work but you’ll save time if you come prepared with color and combinations that illustrate your style. 3) Bring an open mind. Be prepared to flex a little or a lot with flower choices. That Lily of the Valley bouquet you want may be cost prohibitive or unavailable. Let the florist make suggestions and trust their expertise when it comes to knowing what works. Click here to see preferred Portland area florists.
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!
On Bended Knee
Popping the question tomorrow? You’re not alone. An estimated 4 Million people are expected to get engaged on Valentine’s Day. That’s a lot of bended knees! I’ve heard some great proposal stories from my couples over the years … everything from a windy, crowded ask at the Eiffel Tower to dinner for two with the ring served for dessert. I expect the bride to relish in the details but it’s surprising how many grooms can give exact descriptions of time, place and pre-proposal planning. And even though there are a lot of inventive ways to do it, what seems to ring the most bells is the old fashioned, down-on-one-knee, “Will you marry me?” approach. Good to know. DID YOU GET A YES? Next comes the “I DO” and how you say it does matter. Contact me to create your perfect ceremony.
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.
Show Stopper Takes the Cake
My choice for the winning cake at the PDX Bridal Show was this stunning white peacock design by Crave Bake Shop in Lake Oswego. Not only did this cake look amazing in color and detail it was completely GLUTEN FREE. If you are not already a fan of Crave, now there’s more reason than ever to celebrate their GF wonders … wedding cakes. Who knew? Priced right and with lots of scrumptious options, this is one bake shop you’ll definitely want to check out before making your cake choice. And if you’re not in the market for a wedding cake, head there anyway to enjoy their cookies, scones, cinnamon rolls, cream puffs and award winning cupcakes. ALL blissfully gluten free. Thanks, Crave!
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.
Brides For A Cause
I’ll be volunteering at Brides For A Cause this Saturday from 10 to 2pm at the Laurelhurst Club in SE PDX. The event is a wonderful way to snag a gorgeous gown at up to 75% off and benefit a great cause. 50% of proceeds goes to Wish Upon A Wedding, a national non-profit organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for individuals facing terminal illness and other serious life-altering situations. Admission is FREE. Click here for directions and details. Hope to see you there!
A FESTIVE HEART 