A few months ago, we were approached by The Abernethy Center to be a part of their Dream Wedding Giveaway to help celebrate the opening of the opening of their new chapel! This Dream Wedding Giveaway is valued at over $40,000! We were overwhelmed by all the incredible entries, as each one had a compelling story. We had hoped that so many of them could have won and send them all our best wishes! The winner was picked last Monday and we can’t wait to start getting the wedding plans under way!  We couldn’t be more excited to be helping winners, Chasity and Grant, pull together the details for their upcoming wedding!

Through out the coming weeks, Chasity and Grant have agreed to share with us their experience though this journey. The journey of winning a wedding and having to plan it in just a few short months! Stop by to read Chasity and Grant’s story, watch their finalist video, and read on to find out how the couple is dealing with the shock of winning this dream wedding! Enjoy!

15/14 Weeks Until Wedding… The Gift of A Wedding.

E-mails. E-mails. E-mails. Expect them. They aren’t excessive e-mails, they are sent out of necessity. A free wedding is a blessing, but even gifts need to be unwrapped. E-mails, vendors, address books, vision boards, and meetings are the paper and twine that stand between Chas and I and the beautiful present of “I do.”

I make it sound like a burden. A free wedding is not a burden. A burden would be having to wrap the gift ourselves…

Luckily, the package is wrapped, and now we are just unwrapping it. So, in order to drive this metaphor into the ground, I will explain the last week in terms of opening a gift.

Untie the twine:
I got 3 e-mails within 5 minutes the day after we heard we won the wedding. All three had things we had to do in the next couple days. Things that couldn’t wait. Things that make a wedding in 3 months possible. 1. Get a wedding Dress. (not my problem. dodged this one.) 2. “Pintrest” things you like. (I’m on this! I got this one!) 3. Make a guest list of 75 guest each that will equal 150 total guest. (excuse me…wait…what?)

Read the Card:
Pintrest.com is a gift…and a curse. Rachelle sent us an e-mail asking us to make a “pin board” of things we like for the wedding. Using Pintrest.com one can wonder the internet and mark looks, thoughts, ideas, and pictures that will be an immense help to all those involved in the wedding. Your wedding board is your filter. It is the public announcement of “this will be my wedding and look at how good my taste is.” It also allows your friends to see the direction you’re headed in, so they can talk you off the ledge of going with a Batman and Robin theme (which sounds awesome, but capes bring unforeseen complications). The website and the “boards” are a great way to communicate with everyone involved in your wedding without having to say a word. The coolness of the website is also it’s downfall in the realm of wedding planning.
*confession*
I have not “pinned” one thing for the wedding. I’ve spent a TON of time “pinning” things…the wedding just isn’t tied to any of them. Don’t get me wrong, I started with the best of intentions. I even signed up with the user name “GrantWedding”. 
The problem is that once you sign up for the website you get to see a bunch of OTHER people’s cool boards; boards about all kinds of things.
The Bad: I dropped the ball… The Good: It was a really cool ball, and luckily I found a picture of it on the internet and “pinned” it.

Rip the Tape Off:
I like a whole lot of people. I would even go so far as to say that I LOVE a whole lot of people. But 75 is 75, and not everyone can go to my wedding. This is a problem. I have had 28 years to take an interest in people and have people take an interest in me, but in all that time I haven’t figured out an equation that will fairly select those that deserve to be in the same room as me when I say my vows to my wife.
In the last few days, however, I have come to 3 conclusions that have helped me create a list:
1. The people that really care about me will still be there after the wedding, regardless of whether I invite them or not.
2. Comfort is important. Everyone has those people that are unconnected from everyone else they know. These people may not get invited. I’ve gone to a wedding alone, not knowing anyone. It was fun, but I could also see it being uncomfortable and nerve-wracking. Is there anything worse than coming out the other end of a buffet line and looking for a table to sit at in a room full of people you don’t know?
3. I have the rest of my life to make it up to people that I don’t invite. They will have to move, pull weeds, or wash their cars at some point, and when those things happen I will be there. Call it my wedded penance.

Week 1 done, on to week 2 of 15,
Chasity & Grant

The amazing Vendors involved: [For more information about the services these vendors will be providing visit: The Abernethy Center Giveaway]
The Abernethy Center
Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination
Event Team Entertainment
Holland Studios
Focal Point Digital Media
Joe Kassab Jewelers
AniA Collection
The Candy Buffet
Rose’s Equipment
Echo Music NW
Limelight Photo Booth
Portland City Grill
The Stephanie Inn
Forte Floral Artistry
Magnifique Boutique
Alesia Zorn Calligraphy and More
Wrightberry Wedding Cakes
Element of Style Salon and More
Powder Inc
The Wedding Cottage
Men’s Wearhouse
Hotel DeLuxe
Best Car in Town
Carroll Myers, Pastor
Paper Bloom Studio
Avery’s Chair Covers
Oxford Suites
Wynter Ice Sculptures
Carousel Dry Cleaners
Minuteman Press
Le Cookie Monkey

We are so excited to go along on this journey with you, Chasity and Grant!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

It’s hard to believe we are nearly through our second week of 2012! We took a moment to look back on 2011, all the amazing couples and incredible vendors we had the opportunity to meet and work with- we’ve had a truly blessed year! We, also, looked back at all the places our work has been featured over the last year and wanted to share those links with you! We’re so grateful for each and everyone of you! Here’s to 2012- the best is yet to come!

Style Unveiled - Halloween at Lolich Farms

Style Unveiled - Halloween

Style Unveiled - Halloween at Lolich Farms

Style Unveiled - Vintage Rentals

Honeysuckle Photography - Melissa & Baird’s Wedding at World Forestry Center

Style Me Pretty - Mandi & Darren’s Wedding at Pure Space

Lauren Brooks Photography - Libbi & Aaron’s Wedding at Edgefield McMenamins

Jenny Hill Photography - Dallas & Dusty’s Wedding at Langdon Farms

Style Me Pretty - Wrap it up Pretty

Ruffled Blog - Annie & Evan’s Wedding at Oxbow Park

Best Wedding Sites - Yellow & White Buttons

Jessica Hill Photography - Annie & Evan’s Wedding at Oxbow Park

Evrim Icoz Photography - Jillian & Desi’s Wedding at On Deck Sports Bar

Kimberly Kay Photography - Addie & JJ’s Wedding at Private Residence in Sisters, Oregon

Honeysuckle Photography - Steffi & Devin’s Wedding at Riverview Restaurant

Lauren Brooks Photography - Keri & Ricky’s Wedding at Oregon Golf Club

Paul Rich Studio - Allison & Erik at Abernethy Center

Bow Ties & Bliss - Yellow & White Buttons Inspiration at Paragon Restaurant

Postcard and Pretties - Inspiration

Style Unveiled - Katie and Michael’s Wedding at Private Residence in Molalla, Oregon

Engaged and Inspired - Inspiration

Style Unveiled - Yellow & White Buttons—This photo shoot was featured three or more times! at Paragon Restaurant

Elizabeth Anne Designs - Yellow & Teal inspiration at Youngberg Hill Vineyard

Central Oregon Weddings

Junebug Weddings - Jen & Nick’s Wedding at Surfsand Resort

http://www.emilygphotography.com/blog/2011/05/13/pretty-all-around/” title=“Emily G Photography”>Emily G Photography - Inspiration shoot

Oregon Home Magazine

AniA Collection Vendor Spotlight

Alt Blu Vendor Spotlight

Atelier Pictures Bella Via Inspiration

Focal Point Digital Media - Megan & David’s Wedding

Misha Ashton Photography - Jayne & Armando’s Wedding at Vista Hills Winery

This is Luminous Vendor Spotlight

One Candle Power - Inspiration

Paul Rich Studio - MAC Event

Bow Ties & Bliss - Inspiration at Bella Via

Style Unveiled - Geometric Inspiration

You can also see our work in Portland Bride and Groom’s Winter/Spring 2012 issue!

While looking up all the features we found this one from 2010! We were featured on Style Unveiled talking about Why to Hire a Coordinator. 

Style Unveiled - Informational

We are looking forward to the amazing year ahead! We look forward to working with you to make sure that your wedding planning process and wedding day is stress- free!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Domaine Margelle is one of the most beautiful venues around, the view is absolutely breathtaking! I was so excited to start working with Andrea and Devin because it gave me an excuse to go back out there! Andrea and Devin’s vision for the wedding was to gather close family and friends to share this special time at a beautiful location and great food and wine. The details they put into the event from photo table numbers, to life size jenga for guests to play, truly made this wedding fun and personalized. The sun setting over the vineyard and the wonderful décor made this wedding an elegant affair! Here are just a few of the amazing photos that Kevin Meyers Photography captured through out the wedding day! Enjoy!

A huge thank you to all the talented vendors involved!
Venue: Domaine Margelle
Caterer: Hunt and Gather Catering
Bakery: Lamb’s Thriftway
Photographer: Kevin Meyers
Entertainment: Pro Djs Oregon
Hair/Make up: Karissa Peterson
Florist: Forte Floral Artistry
Rentals: Barclay Rentals
Dress: Bridal Exclusives

We wish Andrea and Devin a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness!!

Cheers,

Danielle & the Champagne Team

Just a few months ago, Nate asked Danielle to be his forever and she said yes! We are so over the moon for them and can not wait to share in their joy as they celebrate their wedding day this February at Pronghorn Golf Club & Resort in Bend, Oregon! Our fingers, toes, hair, eyes are all crossed for snow on their wedding day as Danielle has always dreamed of getting married outside in the snow! Aaa… what a dream come true! Snow outside with hot chocolate and warmth waiting inside- surely Danielle’s perfect winter inspired wedding! Danielle has worked for Champagne since the very beginning! She’s sweet, kind, thoughtful and full of love, she’s creative and dedicated. We are certain that Danielle does not have a mean bone in her body! She’s the type of person anyone would be lucky to have planning their special day. Each planned with much love, detail and dedication! We are looking forward to being with her on her wedding to do the same for her that she does for so many couples each year!  We’re excited to share with you a few of their engagement photographs by the incredibly talented Byron Roe Photography and a little bit about their love story! Enjoy!

How they met:

While Nate was being interviewed for a job at the local coffee shop, Danielle walked in with her mom for a treat.  Danielle and Nate briefly locked eyes beginning their amazing journey right then and there.  Nate got the job perhaps only after beaming with excitement and impressing the manager with his sudden passion for coffee.  Danielle’s semi regular visit turned into multiple daily stops while Nate and Danielle’s mom began to chat about life, but mostly just laugh.  Then one day they made a plan to have Danielle and Nate officially meet. Finally one day Nate wrote his number down on the sleeve of her favorite coffee flavored caramel drink and things took an odd turn.  You see Nate was a budding barista and frugally didn’t have text messaging turned on.  Danielle, knowing that this was it,  this was the time when they would finally exchange frantic texting bliss, was sadly responded to with a message saying something along the lines of this number is invalid or no longer in service.  And doing what every other twenty something in this situation would do, assumed that Nate wanted nothing to do with her out side of pouring obscene amounts of caramel into her drink, so she delivered an astoundingly cold cold shoulder to Nate the following day.  Nate was obviously thrown off by the no call and even more so by the reaction that Danielle had to his gesture.  After sensing that something was not right Nate, hopped up on espresso decided to question Danielle on her not calling him.  Both were relived and elated to hear that no harm was intended and so began the dating…

How long they’ve been together:
4 years

The day he proposed:
9.15.2011

How he popped the question:

It all began with a little trip to the local jewelry store, Danielle had convinced Nate to do a little innocent shopping…for shiny things. Nate agreed, figured it wouldn’t hurt to see what style she was into, also to figure out her ring size if and when the moment came about. So they spent the typical 15 minutes trying to find a parking spot in downtown Portland, and strolled in to meet angelic voiced Lori who was smitten to see them.  Starting with the 8 carat honkers and moving down to the more reasonable 4 carat budget rings, Nate was thinking “Wow this is a lifelong commitment not only spiritually but financially.” These things were expensive, they looked weird on Danielle’s finger, so luckily Lori got the hint and decided to research a different style, as if knowing exactly what Nate had in mind, she found it. Right then and there Nate knew there was no other ring on this planet that would look any better than the one perfectly fitted on Danielle’s finger. Nate shrugged and mumbled in soft agreement, and they left. Meanwhile Nate can’t sleep with the sound of Lori’s angelic voice in his head and the sight of the ring on Danielle’s finger, and the next day at work decided to pay Lori a little visit. Checkbook in hand he drove down on his lunch and sure enough the parking spot right in front of the door was open, it was meant to be. Elated and sleep deprived he is greeted again by Lori who cannot wait to see his checkbook, signature here, check box there, a little box to go, Nate goes back to work. Just so happened Danielle was going to be in a meeting that day on lunch and when Nate drives home to stash the ring, surprise, Danielle is still home, so he heads back to work and stuffs it in the safe. That night before he leaves someone had decided to shut and lock the safe, so after waiting what seemed like forever the boss hands Nate the code to the safe, this is no ordinary code, thinking back to his freshman days of high school he finally cracked the code and stored the ring in the only place Danielle would not look, the binoculars case. Safe at home the ring kept Nate up, after the third night of getting little sleep, he just couldn’t bare it, he planned a trip to the coast. Luck would have it, the day off he had planned the picnic to the coast with the sunset and meaningful hike wasn’t going to happen. So plan B followed, they grabbed some sushi and pie and decided to go to Mt. Tabor to watch the sunset. White knuckled nervousness took over and the plan to hand Danielle the binoculars to look at the clouds rolling in was politely declined as supposedly binoculars make Danielle dizzy. Nate feeling defeated by his first and second attempt figured he would just get down on one knee and go for it. Apparently by getting down on one knee and holding up a small box signified Danielle to sit down next to him on the bench. A jogger running by noticed simultaneously what was happening and if not promoted by her delightful expression Danielle did as well and said “YES.” The rolling clouds turned out to be the first rain we had seen in 20 days and through the downpour and smell of freshly rained upon earth they embraced all the way to the car.

At what moment did you know he was the one?

The moment I knew he was the one was long before we were together when I saw him at his work and he had just bought “Pat the Bunny” book for his newborn niece, It was such a sweet moment seeing how excited he was to give it to her, I knew he was special.

At what moment did you know she was the one?

When did I know that…I think that was when I figured out that we made an awesome team and were stronger and better people with one another. We shared some pretty deep stuff emotionally when we first met and I think that the total exposure of one another’s past allowed us to grow together and make each of us who we are now. Inseparable.

What are you most excited about on the wedding day?

Nate: seeing her entire childhood fairy tale wedding unfold…maybe the flatiron steak, or the polenta…or her absolutely gorgeous eyes locking with mine as she walks up the aisle to begin the next chapter of our lives together.

Danielle: I am excited about everything! First look, walking down the aisle, being surrounded by family and friends, being married to Nate, and of course the hot chocolate bar!

Thank you so much, Danielle and Nate for sharing your love story with us and giving us just a glimpse inside your relationship as you take the next step together! We can’t wait to see you tie the knot at Pronghorn Golf Club & Resort in Bend, Oregon! Thank you, Byron Roe Photography for sharing the gorgeous photos!!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Rachelle and I are wrapping up our Thankful segment today!  We hope you’re all surrounded by those you love and have a wonderful day!

“Nothing purchased can come close to the renewed sense of gratitude for having family and friends.”  Courtland Milloy

Soak up these treasured moments!

Rachelle:

Rachelle and Donny with Hendricks and their dog, Sugar

Left: Happy Hendricks! Right: Rachelle and Donny at Timberline Lodge [Photo by Paul Rich Studio]

1. My beautiful baby boy
2. My loving husband
3. My amazing family
4.  My Girlfriends
5. Health within my family
6. Having a happy home
7. Joy in my life
8. Bountiful food
9. My cuddly pets
10. The fresh air we breath in Oregon!

Mandi:

Left: Darren, Mandi and Bailey at Timberline Right: Mandi’s Family at their wedding [Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography]

Mandi’s new extended family [Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography]

1. My husband- my best friend and inspiration
2. Our dog, Bailey- So full of energy and love
3. Coffee… and creamer
4. Chocolate
5. My family and my new extended family- Not sure how I got so lucky
6. God- The reason for my blessings
7. My Friends- Old and New
8. Champagne, my amazing business partner and our team of planners- Incredible what hard work and dedication can accomplish!
9. Scarves
10. Photos- The perfect way to re-live the most special of moments over and over!

We are so thankful for each and everyone of you!! We hope that you enjoyed getting to know a little bit about all of us here at Champagne!
We wish you the happiest of Thanksgiving and best wishes as you do your Black Friday shopping tomorrow! Don’t run anyone over with your cart! : )

Cheers,

The Champagne Team