Day 14, Meet Francoise of Francoise Weeks; European Floral Design!

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

Francoise Weeks: I grew up in Belgium where flowers are part of every day life; there were almost as many flower shops as there were bakeries where I lived! Every week Mom brought flowers home from the farmers market and from the time I was a little girl I remember having so much fun helping her arranging those treasures. For her birthday or anniversary or for no occasion at all, I liked to surprise her with a fabulous arrangement that I picked out at Hendricks Florist, a few blocks away from our home. It was a family owned business and when I was in my early twenties I trained with them for a few months. From then on my dream was to work in the flower industry; but it took a while before it became a reality. In 1996 I started my business specializing in weddings and events. My husband remodeled part of the basement; 4 years later the business outgrew the space and we had a fabulous studio built in the backyard - a true haven! What can I say but that flowers have always been magical ; they are like eye candy from Mother Nature and they feed my soul…

Photo by Joni Shimabukuro

Photo by Joni Shimabukuro

Champagne: What is the favorite part of your job?

Francoise Weeks: I love the creative process, from coming up with new ideas, to planning what to buy for an event, to figuring out the mechanics (with the help of my husband) of structural pieces. The flowers are such an intrinsic part of any celebration and they beautify and enliven any space! Being in this business has given me so many opportunities to meet wonderful clients and fabulous vendors in the wedding/event industry.

Photo by Nicole Wickens

Champagne: What should brides know when looking for a florist?

Francoise Weeks: Referrals from other vendors and friends, as well as some research on the web should be very helpful to narrow down the choices of florists to meet with. Often, the brides have only a vague idea of what they exactly want when it comes to flowers; finding someone who is comfortable exploring a variety of options and ideas, sets the tone to reach results the bride is happy with. It is helpful to bring images and color swatches (color strips from the paint store work great!) to convey ideas.

Photo by David Barss

Photo by David Barss

Champagne: What is your favorite flower?

Francoise Weeks: Impossible to narrow it down to one; some of my favorites are poppies, toad lilies, frittalarias, lilacs and lily-of-the-valley.

Photo by Jamie Bosworth Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Francoise Weeks: Very textural and natural looking . Mother Nature offers the best inspiration!
A few years ago a childhood memory triggered a whole new design direction: woodland arrangements.  It started with decorating logs with lots of texture (unusual foliage, lichen, berries, seedpods, small fruits very few, if any flowers…) and evolved into translating this concept for centerpieces and bridal bouquets.
Last year I had a lot of fun making flower purses and whimsical bouquets, incorporating elements such as feathers, colored wires and pearls.
Exploring new ideas keeps my work fun and interesting! And I am happy to work in any style that clients strive for.

Photo by Jamie Bosworth Photography

Photo by Jamie Bosworth Photography

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

Gardening, weaving, reading, spending time at the beach or in the mountains

Photo by Soul Mates Photography

Photo by Soul Mates Photography

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like brides to know?

Francoise Weeks: I have a teaching degree and all I can say is that teaching flower arrangements to adults is a lot more fun than teaching math and science to high school kids!
For more information about the seasonal flower arranging classes and wedding workshops, please visit my website.

Champagne: Thank you, Francoise [Francoise Weeks; European Floral Design], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to visit her website, become a fan on facebook and follow her on twitter!

Day 13 of 30: phresh catering
Day 12 of 30: Carroll Myers
Day 11 of 30: Ryan Ricketts Photography
Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

A few months ago, we did a photo shoot with Honeysuckle Photography! This photo shoot was to capture a few of the many things that a bride, her bridesmaids or family may end up doing if there was no planner. From carrying chairs to making the floral arrangements and more! This idea came to mind, when as a bride, I had a nightmare of having to carry all of the chairs downstairs in my wedding dress on my wedding day! Of course that didn’t happen, but I had a wedding planner! Yes- even a professional wedding planner needs a wedding planner on the day of her wedding!! We were working on ideas for our ad in Portland Bride & Groom magazine and that’s when our new motto came to mind. It’s fun, it’s a little daring and a little sassy, but meant with a little seriousness, as we will do it all! From the coordinating of vendors, the set up, to the “dirty work”. So what’s our new motto? “Let us do the dirty work!”
Here’s our ad, which is in the current issue of Portland Bride & Groom magazine! Make sure to pick up your copy!

Photo by Honeysuckle Photography

We’ll be back with Day 14 of our 30 days of vendors later today!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

Day 13, get ready to get hungry! Meet Rob with phresh catering!

Champagne: How long have you been in business? How did it begin?

phresh catering: phresh just had its birthday and is now 5 years old. it all began shortly before thanksgiving of 2005 while i was still the sous chef at a local restaurant. i finally got off the couch and made a few phone calls to see who wanted me to cook thanksgiving dinner for them. with a 50 hour a week ‘day job’, little to no sleep for a week and a 5 course, scratch cooked thanksgiving dinner delivered all around portland, phresh was born!

Champagne: What’s your specialty?

phresh catering: phresh showcases oregon’s bounty with seasonally driven food menus and an exclusive northwest microbrew beer, wine and spirits menu. everything phresh offers reflects our surroundings and values.

Photo by Bryan Hoybook Photography

Champagne: What’s your favorite food?

phresh catering: our seasonal preparations, truly excite me! whether its summer, winter or somewhere in between …being winter right now, i very much enjoy yukon gold potato gnocchi and chanterelle mushrooms. add a little butter, sage and rosemary to bring it all together, its aromatic, earthy, comforting, and all the ingredients are from oregon! i also just made some ‘sexy grilled cheese’ with extra sharp white cheddar, ricotta and braised pork belly on brioche! that being said, i have a weakness for a quality hamburger – it’s something so simple, but when done well, all the components come together and create something magical. it’s a true moment of zen for me.

Champagne: What do you think is key to a successful event?

phresh catering: delicious food! always keeping our clients’ best interest in mind. we strive to see everything from their perspective. we ask a lot of questions and understand that perfection is in the details. planning, planning, planning….write a list, check your list, check your list again…and always smile! its so rewarding to see our clients’ happy faces, knowing we have exceeded their expectations.

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

phresh catering: our ideal clients are those with like minded ideas of the importance of sustainability and delicious food! phresh represents portland with our commitment to sustainable culinary and business practices and the lasting relationships we build with all of our clients. we find most clients seek us out because they appreciate what we do and how we do it.

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

Phresh catering: make sure you are comfortable in every way possible. never be afraid to be yourself and ask whatever you want. there is no such thing as a silly question. do your homework and find a caterer that can work with your vision…. get phresh!

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

phresh catering: i’m always phresh! but when i have time off, i am constantly checking out all the fun new places around town, or taking advantage of all the natural beauty around us. i love the coast - being near the ocean energizes me. all that and a bit of yoga and then its back to work!

Champagne: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

phresh catering: phresh is a full service caterer providing comprehensive, personalized event planning. our menus and services compliment all budgets and themes. with an eye for detail, our gracious, professional staff will attend to all of your event needs.
at phresh we cook passionately with respect to technique and creativity with a constant focus on organic, local and sustainable ingredients.
from our local food sources, to our inspired preparations and artistic presentations, phresh will feed your senses, provide you with an amazing culinary experience and a memorable event.

Champagne: Thank you, Rob [phresh catering] for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out their website and become a fan on facebook!

Day 12 of 30: Carroll Myers
Day 11 of 30: Ryan Ricketts Photography
Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

I’ve never been on tv before, I never really thought I would be. Everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame they say, is this mine? If this is my 15 minutes, then I better tell everyone I know! Well, this last Monday, I recorded a short segment on Weddings Portland Style about Darren and I’s wedding. I’m scared to see what it looks like and will be seeing it for the first time- along with you, if you tune in! It will air this Saturday, January 15th at 9am on Koin 6.
Here’s a list of the vendors that made our wedding day perfect! Thank you all for being so wonderful to work with!
Wedding Consultant: Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination [Danielle]
Flowers: Blum Design in Flowers
Reception Site: Pure Space
Ceremony: Pure Space
Brides Rings: Shane Company
Grooms Ring: Fred Meyer Jewelers
Jewelry: Fred Meyer Jewelers and The Wedding Cottage
Hair piece: Nicole Couture- AniA Bridal
Gown designer and boutique: Jim Hjelm at AniA Bridal
Formal Wear: Men’s Wearhouse
Hotel: The Heathman Hotel
Rehearsal Dinner: Old Town Pizza
Cake: Dreamcakes
Honeymoon: Oahu, Hawaii
Alterations: AniA Bridal
Caterer: Crave Catering
Photographer: Yasmin Khajavi and Laura Marchbanks
DJ: Event Team Entertainment
Hair & Make-up: Nicole Wagner Make up & Face Body Beauty
Videography: Focal Point Digital Media
Officiant: Carroll Myers
Veil and Accessories: The Wedding Cottage
Rental: West Coast Event Productions
Invitations: Paper Bloom
Favors: Studio Olivine
Bridal Portraits: Anne Adams Photography
Boudoir Portraits: Yasmin Khajavi Photography

On to day 12 of 30! Meet Pastor Carroll Myers!

Champagne:  How did you decide you wanted to become a pastor?

Carroll Myers:  Certainly a combination of influences when I was young contributed to my decision early on, to pursue serving individuals and families through the church.  It’s important to note that I was privileged to be a young person in a church where the pastor was a respected, positive persona.  I observed as they and associate pastors were available to provide care and encouragement to many families.  I so often thought I could see myself enjoying a fulfilling life in much the same manner.  Even as a teenager, I loved finding ways to be of service to others and making a difference for them.  Being third-born of six boys. .  . I learned quite early the value of being dependable in word and performance. 

Photo by Soul Mates Photo

Champagne:  Do you perform weddings that are non-denominational?

Carroll Myers:  The short answer is, yes….probably my preference actually.  One of the joys I’ve known over the years in working with wedding couples particularly, is that there is honestly much we have in common.  Couples come from every possible background and want to join their hearts and lives together as they form a family.  I take great delight in assisting them to put together the ceremony that will represent them, and that their families will thoroughly enjoy. 

Champagne:  How do you guide your couples through the ceremony planning?

Carroll Myers: Early on, I provide every couple with a packet of ‘sample ceremony wordings.’  This simply is a compilation of many options that have been used by previous couples.  Each couple spends time together going over this material.  We’ll then begin meeting to discuss their thoughts and wishes.  Never is a couple confined to utilizing the materials from the provided packet.  It’s of utmost importance for the ceremony to reflect that particular couple.  I make lots of notes and I “listen” to both bride and groom as we discuss what’s important to them.  I encourage couples to ‘personalize’ their ceremony so it ‘feels’ like them.

Champagne:  Why do you love performing weddings?

Carroll Myers: A wedding celebration is clearly one of the pinnacle days of any couple’s life.  It is as well for their families and loved ones.  It’s a wonderful joy to participate with couples and families as they gather to celebrate and “make a big deal of family.”  I’ve been asked many times if I get nervous just prior to a ceremony.  Honestly, I don’t.  But I do tend to become fairly focused on that particular couple.  I thoroughly enjoy being available to help every couple as their many hours of preparation come to fruition.  So much emotion and anxiety are flowing. . . I strive to be a “calming” influence as much as possible.  I enjoy maintaining contact with couples beyond the celebration.  It’s very rewarding to bump into couples I’ve married eight, fourteen, twenty years ago.

Champagne: How do you get to know your clients before the wedding?

Carroll Myers: When we connect initially, I provide each couple with a questionnaire that has evolved over a number of years.  It serves a couple purposes.  I ask the couple to complete their set of questions separately then sit down together and go through them.  Hopefully this will provide a basis for some positive dialogue.  Secondly, they will return them to me….and it’s a simple tool that helps me know them a bit as we begin to meet.  Typically, I will meet with a couple several times in the process of planning.  I’ve never ‘required’ counseling with couples.  But I do find that couples are very open to discussing aspects that can benefit them as they are about to join their lives together.  And once again. . . I try to do a lot of listening to them.

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

Carroll Myers: Wedding “season” typically becomes very busy for me, with the busiest months being July, August and September.  Many of those weeks I’ll participate with three to five couples per weekend.  In recent years there’s been a definite increase in the number of ‘mid-week’ wedding celebrations.

In addition to working with couples, I do some work at a senior living complex here in Vancouver.  This, I’ve come to love immensely.  I get to spend time with some the most enjoyable and interesting senior citizens….we become very close friends.  It is so rewarding to be available for them and find ways to be of help.  It honestly doesn’t feel like ‘going to work’ at all. 

Our home has a pretty good sized yard and I love investing time and energy into the ongoing challenge that comes with that.  One of these days a ‘condo’ may be attractive… but for now. . . I love the ‘never-ending-story’ of home ownership.

Did I mention the grand-kids?  I humbly submit that they are simply highly intelligent and possibly gifted.  When they show up….at “Gampa’s” whatever was going on suddenly has it’s priority adjusted. 

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

Carroll Myers: Over the last sixteen years it’s been my pleasure to work with well over seventeen hundred couples as they celebrated their marriage.

With warmth, dignity and sincerity the celebrations have taken on every level of expression.  From the very simplest gathering of the Bride, Groom, witnesses and myself to groups of several hundred. . . we celebrated their deeply personal commitment.

I look forward to meeting every new couple and the privilege of participating with them at such a wonderful time in their lives.

Champagne: Thank you, Carroll [Carroll R. Myers, Pastor] for telling us more about what you do! Make sure to check out his website!

Day 11 of 30: Ryan Ricketts Photography
Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

Day 11, get to know Ryan with Ryan Ricketts Photography!

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: I’ve been photographing ever since I dug through my parent’s attic and found my Dad’s 35mm Minolta camera back when I was in High School. I’ve always had a strong creative drive, and I think finding the camera and exploring the possibilities it holds really unlocked a whole new world for me. After a series of financially rewarding but personally unfulfilling jobs out of college, I realized I needed to make the switch to becoming a full-time professional photographer. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: My style is a fusion of photojournalistic and classical techniques. I really strive to allow the newlywed’s style and personality to shine through in each and every photograph. Some couples are more outgoing and adventurous on their wedding day and so the images will lend themselves to those types of creative and oftentimes off-the-cuff shots; while other couples may prefer a bit more of a traditional approach to the photographs. Ryan Ricketts Photography is well suited to all kinds of situations and personalities. 

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

Ryan Ricketts Photography: I would love to photograph my brother’s wedding. He is my big brother not to mention a phenomenal musician and the most creative person I know and he would put together the wackiest wedding so it would be a total blast to photograph his wedding. I suppose I would have to actually be in the wedding, so that’s really what makes it a dream. Also, he needs to find a good partner to settle down with. Ladies, any takers out there?!

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

Ryan Ricketts Photography: The couples. I love meeting new people and being able to be a part of someone’s most memorable day is something that I cherish and never get tired of. I love photographing (did I mention that?) and being imaginative on their wedding day and working with them to create images that they will never forget. The idea that I get to photograph for my living still feels like a dream that I’m waiting to wake up from (note: don’t wake me!).

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

Ryan Ricketts Photography: I think it all boils down to communication. There is so much communication between the couples and the photographers (not to mention other vendors such as the phenomenal Champagne Wedding crew!) that needs to happen in order for everyone to feel at ease on their wedding day so that there are no surprises. Changes will always occur and nothing will ever go perfectly, but having expectations and a set of goals for the wedding day are crucial to executing successfully. For example, I urge all of my couples to flesh out a list of all of the “must-have” shots of their day weeks or even months prior to the wedding so that at the very least, those shots are captured. That type of preparation and foresight is paramount to a successful wedding. But then also being open to the little moments that unfold by themselves on the wedding day is key.

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

Ryan Ricketts Photography: When I’m not out on an event, I’m normally working on personal photography projects (I love to photograph portraits, music concerts, sporting events) to keep the creative juices flowing. I’m also a music freak, so I’ll frequent local record stores (love me some vinyl!) and I try and go to as many live shows as possible. So if you happen to see me out at any of the great venues in the Portland area, say “hi”!

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: What really sets me apart from other photographers is my youthful exuberance for photography and for photographing weddings. I want this to be a memorable day of course, but I also want it to be just an all-around fun time for you and yours. I love collaboration and that’s how I think of wedding photography. It’s a collaboration of minds and personalities and I love to see where that connection takes the day and the images. It’s time for you to relax and enjoy yourself on your wedding day. Let’s hike up that hill to the vista of Mt. Hood, to that old barn behind the wedding site, or that street corner with the intersection of railroad tracks that really makes you smile and means something to you. I can’t wait to see where the day will take us!

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

Ryan Ricketts Photography: Though Ryan Ricketts Photography is based in the Northwest, we are keen on shooting destination weddings and would love to travel with you with camera in hand to take some really memorable and fantastic images.  Cheers!

Champagne: Thank you, Ryan [Ryan Ricketts Photography], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out his website and become a fan on facebook!

Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )