I’ve heard some great proposal stories over the years ranging from sentimental to outlandish. If you’re planning a wedding between now and March 2014, here’s your chance to share your story and win big. “The Proposal” contest is being sponsored by The Mark Spencer Hotel and the winning couple receives a Grand Prize package valued at over $4,000! This fabulous wedding reception package includes the Mark Spencer’s brand new Nortonia Ballroom space, catering by As Good As It Gets, decorating by Barclay Event Rentals and flowers from Botanica Floral Design. The winning proposal will be selected by a panel of judges and based on originality, creativity and the “wow” factor. Click here to read entry details. Winner will be announced April 12th … it might be you!
Category: weddings
Holiday Wedding Vows by Jane Green
Marie and Taylor said “I Do” in the grand foyer of The Fairgate Inn on Thursday evening, surrounded by loved ones and holiday decor. After the heartfelt ceremony, guests adjourned to the ballroom to enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner. The white, black and red wedding colors were perfectly complimented by the inn’s lavish evergreen boughs, red amaryllis arrangements and thousands of twinkle lights. “Isn’t this a magical setting?” was a frequent comment by friends and family who attended the twilight wedding. Speaking of magic, the newlyweds flew to Disney World for their honeymoon and will live in Tigard upon returning next week. Congratulations and many years of joy together! How you say “I Do” does matter. Contact me to plan a wedding ceremony that reflects your personal style.
PDX Designer Creates Bridal Fashion
For a high taste of unique beauty, it’s hard to beat Sarah Seven. Her bridal and ready wear fashions make a statement that say original loud and clear. Visiting her flagship store in NE PDX is like stepping into a time capsule when fabric mattered and detail reigned supreme. Known for her vintage inspired designs, Sarah Seven offers one-of-a-kind gowns as well as select favorites in her permanent collection. And her short dress creations offer lots of options for bridesmaids (I’m drawn to Mrs. Black from the Fall 2012 collection). Viewing is by appointment only or you can see her international collection online at Sarah Seven.
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.
Harvest Moon Wedding at the Fairgate
Last Sunday at the Fairgate Inn, Carolyn and Craig exchanged vows as the Harvest Moon was ready to rise. Once a year, the moon rises at the same time that the sun sets creating continual illumination. A wonderful image for starting a new life together. The beautiful garden setting in Camas, WA was the perfect location to make the magic happen. Guests were treated to a soft summer evening under the canopy. Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed scrumptious food, a candy bar featuring family favorites and a decadent cake (hand delivered by the groom). Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Coleman and many years of moon glow and magic ahead!
The Girl Said Yes
You may be one of the thousands who has already viewed this incredible “Best Marriage Proposal Ever” on YouTube but here’s what you may NOT know:
It’s a Portland couple. It was filmed in a local neighborhood off 99. The groom-to-be is starring as Captain Von Trapp in the Broadway Rose Theater production of The Sound of Music opening later this month in Tigard. (Fun note: PDX favorite, Margie Boule, stars as Mother Abbess.) Thanks to my daughter, Holly, for sharing the interesting tidbits. And thanks to my July bride, Dolores, for sending the video my way. Click here to view the tape. It’s such a feel good five minutes!
HONEY Moon in June
I’ve heard lots of theories about the origination of the word “honeymoon” but the one I like best is this one. June is the traditional month of weddings (still THE most popular month to take those vows) and the full moon in the month of June is known as the “honey” moon. Goes back to ancient times when it was determined to be the best time to gather honey. Other months offer different titles for their full moons (grass moon, snow moon, harvest moon, etc.). But this is the time of the honey moon. Which finally explains the lyrics of the popular song “By The Light of the Silvery Moon” written in 1909 and the movie of the same title made in 1953 (my birth year). I used to sing it as a kid. “Honey moon, keep a-shinin’ in June. Your silvery beams will bring love’s dreams, We’ll be cuddlin’ soon, By the silvery moon.” Sweet! Click to hear Doris Day and the honey moon duet.
What’s Your Fairytale?
Disney (as in amusement parks and movie studios) collaborated with Alfred Angelo and introduced their first Fairy Tale Wedding line in Chicago in 2010. Using classic animated stories for inspiration, the gowns evoked the essence of princesses everywhere. What a great way to blend beloved childhood stories with your own happy ending. Are you a Jasmine or a Cinderella? Maybe a Belle? I’ve always been partial to Sleeping Beauty. View the new 2012 collection to find your favorite and here’s to happily ever after.
Downtown Swank for Sweethearts
The Crown Ballroom in downtown PDX provided glitz and glamour at last night’s wedding for Danielle and Justin. Dean Martin’s classic “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head?” serenaded the newlyweds back down the aisle as guests cheered. Opulent decor and smiling hearts – a perfect combo. After a Hawaiian honeymoon, the sweethearts return to their mutual careers in finance. Congratulations, Danielle Justine and Justin Daniel … you are truly a class act! Click here to see slide show.
A FESTIVE HEART 