Happy Friday! This beautiful weather has us dreaming of spring days filled with sun and gorgeous blooming tulips and daffodils! Today, we are bringing you something bright and blooming on our 3rd day of our 30 days of vendors, Hailey with Zest Floral and Event Design!  Incredibly creative and talented! Enjoy getting to know Hailey and more about her floral style!

Champagne: When and why did you decide you wanted to be a florist?

Zest Floral: I’ve always loved the event world, especially floral and decor. Growing up, my mom used to do flowers, and I’d often help her, which was where I got my first exposure. After graduating from University of Southern California (USC), I worked in PR and would do freelance floral and event design on weekends. I started getting more and more requests, and finally realized I couldn’t juggle the two. I decided to follow my passion and start Zest! That was in January 2010.

Photo by Ashley Forrette Photography

Photo by Ashley Forrette Photography

Champagne: What is the favorite part of your job?

Zest Floral: Watching the look on a bride’s face when she sees her flowers for the first time has got to be my favorite part of my job. There’s nothing more gratifying.

Photo by Beccera Photography

Photo by Beccera Photography

Champagne: In your opinion, what should brides know when looking for a florist?

Zest Floral: I think it’s important to find someone you click with, and someone whose taste and style you completely trust.

I always recommend that brides bring lots of pictures—it is the best way to help convey their vision.

Photo by Ben Pigao

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: What’s your favorite flower?

Zest Floral: I have lots of what I call “floral crushes”, which are always changing. Right now, I’m loving garden roses for their peony-like romantic softness and high petal count, and their intoxicatingly sweet fragrance. I’m also a sucker for cherry blossoms, gardenias, peonies, dinner plate dahlias, white phalaenopsis orchids….I could go on and on.

Photo by Holland Studios

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Zest Floral: My style tends to be clean, modern and chic, with a bit of sass and flair. Second to flowers of course, I love fashion, interior design and architecture, which I think play pretty strong roles in my designs.

At Zest, we specialize in couture flowers and décor. Everything we do is custom, artfully styled and well-tailored for each client.

Photo by Jen and Jody Photography

Photo by Jen and Jody Photography

Champagne: Do you believe having a wedding coordinator is a luxury or essential?

Zest Floral: Essential

Photo by Jen and Jody Photography

Champagne: What do you do, when you’re not doing what you do?

Zest Floral: Probably spending time with my wonderful husband, Evan, and our highly-energetic Portuguese water dog, Zoey.

Photo by Mosca Photo

Champagne: Thank you, Hailey [Zest Floral and Event Design], for telling us more about your company!

If you book Zest Floral, tell them that you heard about them on Champagne’s 30 days of vendors and you’ll receive a complimentary toss bouquet!

Head on over and follow them on Twitter, “like” them on facebook,  check out their website and browse their blog!

Happy Weekend!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!! Stay tuned for more giveaways and discounts as well!

Gabriel and Boone. Two brothers who have a passion for photography, that work together to make weddings fun and photos gorgeous! They truly rock! We are very excited that Boone has joined us to tell you all about Gabriel Boone Photography. Enjoy!

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Gabriel Boone: We grew up in a close knit family - our Grandpa Don, who was always close by, showed us how to use his 35mm all manual SLR from a young age.  Shooting photos was just something we’ve done since we were kids. 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Gabriel Boone: We love to have fun with our clients, pulling out those candid looks and feelings while guiding the rest.  We orchestrate the technical side to make sure you’re in your best light, feel great and look amazing. 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: Who/What would be your dream person/event to photograph?

Gabriel Boone: Right now I’m way into the J. Crew and Anthropology look books.  I would love to produce and photograph one of their shoots. 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Gabriel Boone: Working with amazing people up and down the West coast. 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?

Gabriel Boone: Flexibility, staying light hearted and focused, plus having hundreds of weddings worth of experience. 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: What do you do, when you’re not doing, what you do?

Gabriel Boone: I enjoy taking in Portland with friends, reading Steinbeck, riding my bike and gardening. 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Gabriel Boone: A quote from Thoreau -  “So we saunter toward the Holy Land, till one day the sun shall shine more brightly than ever he has done, shall perchance shine into our minds and hearts, and light up our whole lives with a great awakening light, as warm and serene and golden as on a bank-side in autumn.” 

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Photo by Gabriel Boone

Champagne: Thank you, Boone [Gabriel Boone Photography], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to head on over and follow @gabrielboone and @theboone, “like” them on facebook, visit their website and browse their blog!

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!! Stay tuned for more giveaways and discounts as well!

See you tomorrow!

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Today. February 1st. The first day of our 3rd Annual 30 days of Vendors blog feature! We’re so excited to share what we have in store for you this year! We have added some fantastic giveaway items, as well as special discounts! Read on to find out more!

Over the next 30 days, we will share with you 30 vendors that we know and love! Oregon is home to so many talented and wonderful vendors! Given that networking is a large part of our job, picking just 30 vendors to share with you is not easy! We will be featuring many more vendors over the next year, but wanted to start out 2012 by continuing our mission to promote professional wedding and event businesses! We are always happy to share vendor suggestions, so please feel free to email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have any questions through out your planning process! Make sure to go back and browse 2011 and 2010‘s 30 days of vendors as well!

Before we get started with Day 1, we’d like to share a contest with you! This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!! Stay tuned for more giveaways and discounts as well!

Let the 30 days begin!!

Maggie’s Buns has joined us for the first day of the blog feature. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Maggie and her team on many occasions and are constantly impressed by her passion and delicious food!! Get to know Maggie’s Buns!

Champagne: How long has Maggie’s Buns been in business?

Maggie’s Buns: 15 years

Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: What is Maggie’s Bun’s specialty?

Maggie’s Buns: We are know for great food at a reasonable cost with lots of color!

Champagne: What venues are you the preferred caterer?

Elk Cove Vineyards
Old Church in Portland
Walter’s Cultural Arts Center
Wine Country Farm
Bella Via

Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: What’s your favorite venue to work at?

Maggie’s Buns: Elk Cove Vineyards- the view is breathtaking! If you haven’t been there, go check it out! It’s perfect for an afternoon of wine tasting, a wedding or event!

Champagne: What do you think someone should look for when hiring a caterer for their wedding or event?

Maggie’s Buns: A caterer that will give them full service treatment throughout the planning and reception.  The caterer should fill the needs and the wishes of the Bride and Groom. They should be somewhat flexible in RSVP’s as these are a lost art and they should be able to offer full service from rentals to OLCC .  Most of all the food should be plentiful and made with creativity and some passion.

Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: Quality or quantity?

Maggie’s Buns: Quantity for sure because you never want to run out, quality equally as important because bad food should never be allowed at a wedding.

Photo by TFK Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Maggie’s Buns: A person that describes their likes and dislikes at the start, then is willing to listen as the experienced professional guides them toward decisions.  I think a client who is clear in communication and not afraid to voice an opinion is a great client.

Champagne: Do you believe having a wedding coordinator is a luxury or essential?

Maggie’s Buns: I think it is essential for at least the day of event. I think it is a luxury for those on a low budget, but if a bride and groom does not have guidance they could easily spend more than if they had a coordinator.

Photo by TFK Photography

Champagne: What do you do, when you’re not doing, what you do? 

Maggie’s Buns: Exercise.  Search for new ideas. Travel. I love to travel!

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Maggie’s Buns: I am passionate about what I do, I love the wedding portion of my catering business.  I love to help the Bride and Groom as much as possible so when the day comes they are still excited.  I care about my clients and want them to have a wedding reception full of wonderful memories and of course lots of comments about the great food, service and presentation.

Champagne: Thank you, Maggie [Maggie’s Buns], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out their website, “like” them on facebook facebook and make sure to stop by their cafe [2007 21st Avenue Forest Grove, Oregon 97116]

Let the wedding planning begin! Chasity’s reaction to winning the Abernethy Center Dream Wedding Giveaway! Click here to read more about the Giveaway and read Grant’s reaction! Enjoy!

1/21/2012
It’s five days later. Five whole days and it still hasn’t hit me, WE won a dream wedding. If it wasn’t for the flurry of emails and congratulations I think life would have gone back to normal, instead the laundry is piling up as Grant and me find ourselves giddy about color plates and guest lists.

I’ve come to the conclusion (granted, it’s the first thing we’ve had to tackle in all our wedding planning), the ‘guest list’ is the hardest part of the process. We’re truly blessed with wonderful friends and a loving family. People we’ve shared very difficult times with, as well as very happy, special moments - how do you limit the guest list to just a 150?

Okay, confession. I’m addicted to pinterest - which I’m not exactly sure is a good thing. There are too many color ideas and table settings and flowers and cakes and hairstyles and bridesmaid dresses and, and, and… OHMY, I’M GETTING MARRIED! (Babe, what do you think about Grey suits?)

We are meeting with our wedding planner, Rachelle, on Sunday. Is it common to be nervous? Waves of overwhelming joy have me weepy. My eyes fill with tears when I tell people “April 27th” and my lip quivers with I imagine my best friends holding her little girl, or my dad walking me down the aisle. (Yep, tearing just typing.) I hope I don’t cry when during our meeting.

Love,
Chasity

More to come from Chasity and Grant’s 15 weeks of planning!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Charming, stylish, beautiful… a few words to describe Stella & Dot! I’ve been a fan of Stella & Dot for some time now and was so excited to find out that one of my best friends from college became a stylist! I’m very excited for Alicia to share more about this gorgeous line of jewelry! Enjoy!

Champagne: What is Stella & Dot? 

Alicia with Stella & Dot: Stella and Dot is a home party based jewelry company.  Jessica Harrin created the company in 2004 as Luxe Jewels. She previously created The Wedding Channel.com before selling it to the knot.com, but after having her first child decided she wanted something that she could work around raising her son.  In 2007 Blythe Harris signed on as the creative director.  Her resume is extensive, as she has previously worked for such design powerhouses as Cartier, De Beers and Banana Republic.  The name Stella and Dot is an ode to their grandmothers who paved their fashionable ways.  The designs are both classic and contemporary.

Champagne: Where have I seen it?

Alicia: Other then seeing it on ladies around town you may have seen it featured in magazines such as Vogue, In Style, Lucy, Marie Claire, Redbook and People.  Leighton Mester has also worn it on the Gossip Girl.  It has also been seen on the red carpet by Ali Fedotsky or on air by Maria Menuonos

Champagne: Where can I buy it?

Alicia: You can purchase it online from your personal stylists website.  The best way however is to purchase the jewelry is from a trunk show where you can see and try on various pieces.  You can never really see the quality of a piece of jewelry until you have it on.

Champagne: What are the prices?

Alicia: Half of the line is under $50.  With Design Studio pieces being the most exclusive and expensive.  There are also wonderful discounts for hostesses so any piece can be within reach. Hostesses can even earn free jewelry!  They make great gifts for bridesmaids, mothers, sisters, and friends or as a treat for you.

Champagne: How does a trunk show work?

Alicia: If someone would like to host a Stella and Dot trunk show an independent stylist consultant will set up a meeting to go over the event.  They are run as more of an open house where people can come and browse over the beautiful baubles and glistening jewels.  The only thing the hostess has to provide are blank tabletops, some drinks and snacks for your guests.  The stylist will provide all of the jewelry and displays.

Champagne: When will I receive my jewelry?

Alicia: Jewelry that is not backordered will be shipped and delivered between 3 and 5 business days in fashionable boxes that have cute messages in them.

Champagne: How often does Stella and Dot release new styles and collections?

Alicia: Stella and Dot has two major collection releases, one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter.  There is also a small collection that releases around the holidays.  Every month Stella and Dot also release a small collection for the Design Studio.  These pieces are all limited edition and showcase a vintage Chanel reproduction.

Champagne: Does Stella and Dot have any other products besides jewelry?

Alicia: Yes, recently Stella and Dot recently started releasing leather purses.  Like all of the Stella and Dot products they are made of high quality material and made in the same factories as Coach and other high-end purses.  Along with the jewelry and purses, Stella and Dot also has a small collection of totes and accessories for electronics.

Champagne: Thank you, Alicia, for taking the time to tell us more about Stella and Dot! For more information about Stella and Dot, visit their website, follow them on twitter, become a fan on facebook and .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Alicia to set up a trunk show!

Happy Shopping!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team