I love Central Oregon!! Sure- when we are driving there, I say, “are we there yet?”, but in a way of pure excitement to get to the bliss that Central Oregon has to offer! Over the summer we were going to do a segment of 30 days of vendors- just from Central Oregon, but it was such a crazy time for everyone, with wedding season in full force, it didn’t quite get pulled together. I know- fail! I’m sorry, but we’re mixing a few Bend vendors into our current 30 days segment and we promise to bring you more fabulous Central Oregon vendors through out the year! I’m convinced that they house some of the most beautiful venues and amazing vendors in the Northwest- so you must check it out if you’re looking for a Northwest Destination wedding!

On to Day 6: O’Brien Events, a family owned rental company in Central Oregon…. Get to know Josh!

Champagne: What’s your favorite part of doing events in Central Oregon?

O’Brien Events:  I have lived in central Oregon all of my life and love being able to work in such a beautiful area.  Central Oregon offers so many great event venues.

Champagne: What’s your business priority?

O’Brien Events: O’BRIEN EVENTS,INC. is a family owned business dedicated to serving our clients with quality products, design, decor and service.

Photo by Kubota Photo Design

Champagne: Do you have a variety of linen options or just the basics?

O’Brien Events: We offer a full range of linen options from basic to specialty linen.

Champagne: Do you rent large items [ie. furniture, tents]?

O’Brien Events: We are a full service rental/design company offering everything from tents to glassware. 

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

O’Brien Events: O’BRIEN EVENTS, INC. works very closely with our clients to be able to take their vision and work our magic.

Champagne: What do you do if you don’t have an item or you’re all out of stock?

O’Brien Events: We have a very large inventory but, in the case that we do not have an item, we can source most requests.

Champagne: Being a family run business, what is the most difficult part? best part?

O’Brien Events: The O’Briens have been in the event industry for 10 years.  Each member of the family is able to contribute their particular skill to make a great rental/design/decor company.

Champagne: What do you do for fun when they aren’t working on creating beautiful events?

O’Brien Events: If I am not working on an event, you will most likely find me on a river fly fishing and casting a line in pursuit of that next great fish.

Champagne: Thank you, Josh [O’Brien Events], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out their website and stop by and say hi if you’re in Bend!

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! : )

We love networking! Our husbands ask us, “What did you do today?” And we respond, “Went to coffee with…. and coffee with… went and visited this venue.. and had happy hour with…” We love it! Of course, that’s not what we do EVERY day, but it’s just one of the many things about our job,we love! We love meeting people who are in the same position as us, a small company wanting to help make couples have a carefree and enjoyable planning experience! We want to be there for our clients- no matter the package they choose, so if something happens with their caterer at the last minute, they know we’ll help find a new one- one they’ll love! We want to be there so that at the end of their wedding day they can look back and realize they didn’t have to lift a finger, that their mom was relaxed and enjoying herself and so were the bridesmaids! That’s our main business goal- to make sure that our clients are happy and enjoy planning their wedding! Networking helps us achieve that goal! So when someone asks us if we can recommend a vendor, we can do just that and if we don’t have a recommendation for what they are looking for- we’ll find it! Just another reason why we love doing the 30 days of vendors segment! Just a glimpse at some of the great people we know!
On to Day 5… Get ready to meet Lauren of Lauren Brooks Photography...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Lauren Brooks: My love for photography began in high school, when I took my first photography class. It was so exciting to shoot a roll of film, develop it on your own, and see the results appear before you in the darkroom. After that class, I became a photographer for the high school newspaper and year book. When picking colleges, I choose a school that had a journalism program because I knew that I wanted to tell stories about real life and real people through photography. After college, while looking for jobs in photojournalism, I worked for a wedding photographer for a summer. This is where I discovered my love for wedding photography and that experience is what shaped my photography career today.

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Lauren Brooks: I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography, meaning that I tell a story of your wedding day through photographs, capturing real moments and expressions. 

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

Lauren Brooks: I’m a bit of a francophile and it’s always been on my wish list to photograph an early summer wedding in Paris or anywhere in France. That would be amazing!

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

Lauren Brooks: The best part of my job is the connection that it allows me to have with so many wonderful people. I am thankful to the people who have trusted us to capture some of the most important and intimate moments in their life. When a client is happy with the work we have done for them or when they have said that we have captured who they are in our photographs, that’s my favorite part of the job. I also love capturing unexpected moments. That’s another favorite : )

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

Lauren Brooks: To me, creating a successful event is being informed, organized, and having a positive attitude. Always.

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

Lauren Brooks: When I’m not behind a camera or a computer, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two cats, family, and friends. I love to run, bike, hike, garden, read, work on our house, snowboard, try new restaurants, travel, you name it. I rarely sit still : )

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?

Lauren Brooks: This is a tough question because I think that it is somewhat subjective. I can tell you what’s most important to me as a photographer and business owner. Above all, my clients are number one. It is very important to me that they receive exceptional photography and personalized attention. I only accept a certain number of weddings and portrait commissions each year in order to provide the best service I possibly can to each client. Their happiness, satisfaction, and support is what has allowed my business to grow and thrive. Any success that I have experienced I owe, in large part, to them.

Champagne: Thank you, Lauren [Lauren Brooks Photography] for sharing more about your company! Make sure to check out Lauren Brooks Photography’s website, become a fan on facebook and follow them on twitter!

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! : )

Think beautiful blooms! Day 4, getting to know Liz at Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design!

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

Fleur:ology: I officially started Fleur:ology in February of 2010, and I’m really excited to be celebrating my one year anniversary here soon!  I have to admit that I kind of ‘fell into’ this part of the wedding industry, but am so totally in love with it, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me!  Creating floral pieces for weddings is not only fun, but it’s so amazing to help a bride pull all of her ideas and inspirations together and make it a reality for the happy couple!

Photo by Cami Photography

Champagne: What is the favorite part of your job?

Fleur:ology: Since Fleur:ology is a boutique studio, I get to focus all my attention on the weddings I’m working on, and don’t have to worry about having a store front to maintain, or everyday arrangements to create.  This makes my job EXTRA fabulous and fun because I get to pour all of my creativity into weddings and all the gorgeous details!

Photo by Cami Photography

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

Fleur:ology: First of all, know your budget, and allow your florist to help you understand how far it will take you.  Many brides are surprised at the cost of wedding flowers, and that’s mostly because they’ve probably never had to buy flowers for a wedding before, and don’t know what to expect.  Next, bring lots of inspiration photos, color/fabric swatches, photos of the dresses, a sample of your stationary and other design elements to your design consult!  Your florist can’t read your mind, and brides often have a hard time describing exactly what they’re envisioning for their flowers.  All of those things will help your florist better understand the theme that you’re trying to pull together for your wedding day, and can help you make the best choices in flowers, vases, ribbon color, and other accessories… A good florist will ask about things like these, because they want to make sure that your wedding flowers will perfectly compliment the different design elements of your special day.

Photo by Elena Wilken Photography

Photo by Falcusan Photography

Champagne: What’s your favorite flower?

Fleur:ology: Well, at the moment, my favorite flower to work with has been the Hydrangea. It’s just so lush and fluffy, and this huge flower is made up of all those perfect little florets - so delicate, yet bold at the same time.  However, my ALL time favorite flower has to be the Peony.  It is just the perfect flower… girly, romantic, and it comes in the most beautiful colors!

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Fleur:ology: Modern, chic, and romantic.  I tend to go back and forth between really trendy and natural, earthy designs, but it all depends on the bride I’m working with and what the theme of the event is!  I’m definitely known for being a bit minimalistic [LOTS of blooms, few varieties] and monochromatic in my designs [making a dramatic impact by using shades of one color throughout the designs, more “clean” as opposed to “busy”].  I also really like using feminine elements such as beaded appliques, silk, lace or velvet trims to dress up a vase or bouquet handle.

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

Fleur:ology: I love to drink non-fat, white chocolate mocha’s from my favorite local coffee shop, play “tickle monster” and watch cartoons with my two toddlers, and go on dates to burger joints with my hot husband!

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

Fleurology: I think it’s SO important to try and enjoy the planning process of your wedding.  I know it’s much easier said than done, but try to take some time to go on dates with your fiancé, put lots of personal touches into the wedding, and just have fun with it all!  I mean, you’re throwing the biggest party of your lives, and it’s all to celebrate the TWO of you!!  It can still get stressful at times, but with a great team of vendors working for you, and a fabulous wedding coordinator {wink, wink}, the process will go much smoother, and all you’ll have to worry about is looking fabulous as you walk down the aisle!

Champagne: Thank you , Liz [Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out Fleur:ology’s website and become a fan on facebook!

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

Happy Monday! Here we are with Day 3 of 30 days of vendors! Today were getting up close with Pure Space... which is none other than a beautiful blank slate to make your vision come to life! Enjoy!

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Pure Space: Someone who is trusting enough to let us design and put together their dream event with décor, lighting and other fun an unusual elements.

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round?

Pure Space: Yes, in fact we have had calls up until today from people looking for space for their January and February wedding receptions.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate?

Pure Space:
-Entire Venue = Up to 1000
-Upstairs Loft = 200 seated
-Main Floor = 800 seated

Champagne: What do you think is unique about your event space?

Pure Space: Despite the fact that it’s a modern open space, with 40’ tall ceilings, 28’ tall floor-to-ceiling windows, it can be easily transformed into an intimate and warm environment.  Also, the lighting looks phenomenal at night!

Champagne: Do you have an in house caterer? If not, are they able to bring in any professional caterer?

Pure Space: We have a well rounded list of preferred caterers that you are able to choose from, each varying in price and style. 

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Champagne: What would you say plays the largest part in the success of an event?

Pure Space: Good communication!

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Champagne: When you aren’t having events, what do you do for fun?

Pure Space: I love traveling and getting out of Oregon as often as I can but because we are busy year round, my vacation is usually in January or February.

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

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

Pure Space: All of us here at Pure Space and West Coast Events truly love our jobs and live and breathe events!  We are constantly dreaming up new ideas and so if you haven’t worked with us, give us call and check out our website!

Champagne: Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing more with us about Pure Space! 
Make sure to become a fan on facebook and follow them on twitter!!

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

Here we are in the second day of the New Year… do you feel different yet?  What did you pick for your New Years resolution? I was thinking earlier today that the problem with a New Year’s resolution is that I never dedicate December 31st to the completion of my New Year’s resolution, and I start thinking of a resolution for the soon to be New Year! So here’s to next year, when on the 31st, I’ll be going over how I accomplished mine or I guess here’s to hoping holding myself accountable will help? What’s your resolution? I wish you the best of luck as you start the brand new year!

So the second day of the New Year, also means it’s Day 2 of 30 day of vendors! Today we’re learning more about Amanda K of Celebrate Life Photography! Enjoy getting to know Amanda!!

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Celebrate Life Photography: I did not choose photography, photography sort of “chose me”. : )  My passion and appreciation for the art of photography was birthed in me when I experienced a huge loss in my life.  The prints I had became the only tangible memory I had.  They are priceless.  During the healing process, I submerged myself into learning through on-line classes and books. I spent HOURS and HOURS just shooting.  It was my outlet.  It still is.  : )  Never in a million years would I have ever thought of becoming an entrepreneur and shooting for pay.  The little baby steps I took, eventually “evolved” into my business.  God has truly blessed me with this “job”. I am truly passionate about people and about life, and the art of photography gives me the great honor of capturing that.  : )

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Celebrate Life Photography: My style is fine art and lifestyle portraiture. I adore low warm light, open fields, and negative space.  My style is romantic, soft and ethereal.  I like to add a bit of “edge” to my high school senior and bridal portraiture.

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

Celebrate Life Photography: Oh this is a great question! Hands down, a wedding in the vineyards of Tuscany.  Taylor Swift would be my dream bride to photograph. : )

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

Celebrate Life Photography: The relationships I establish with my clients, and documenting their lives.  EVERYONE deserves to feel special, and that’s what I get to do every day.

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

Celebrate Life Photography: Establishing a relationship between yourself and your client is vital.  Listening to what your client wants and making sure that happens.  When I shoot an event, my goal is to make sure my clients are comfortable in front of my camera.  I try to be as invisible as possible throughout the day and to give gentle direction when needed.  It’s about the EXPERIENCE!!!

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

Celebrate Life Photography: I am a mother to 3 amazing teenagers. ( yes, teenagers) They keep me VERY busy!!  I also love to travel and shop.  I also have a coffee addiction.

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?

Celebrate Life Photography: What set’s me apart from other photographers is me. No one else see’s how I see.  There are so many AMAZING photographic artists out there, and not everyone will be attracted to my vision. My goal is to educate my clients that, while the imagery is important, it’s about the relationship, and the overall experience.  When we look at a photograph, it’s supposed to take you to that moment, that experience.  I try to make it a FABULOUS experience from first meeting to the quality products delivered.  Most importantly, I want to exceed my clients expectations.

Champagne: Thank you, Amanda [Celebrate Life Photography] for telling us more about your company and how you got started!! Make sure to get to know Amanda better by checking out her website and becoming a fan on Facebook!

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