Woo hoo… we made it 30 days! It was such a blast sharing these vendors with you!!

Thank you to everyone who followed along, the vendors that made it possible and all of the vendors we know and love!! We can’t wait to share with you the things we have in the works over the next few months! Check back tomorrow to enter in our “Week of Love” contest!

If you missed any of the “30 days of vendors” posts, make sure to check them out!

Day 30 of 30: Urban Studio
Day 29 of 30: Brandon Perron Photography
Day 28 of 30: Passionflower Floral Design
Day 27 of 30: Bakery Bar
Day 26 of 30: Solstice Video
Day 25 of 30: AJ’s Hair design & Makeup
Day 24 of 30: Honeysuckle Photography
Day 23 of 30: West Coast Event Productions
Day 22 of 30: Gorge-ous Weddings
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We’d love to meet you! We offer free no obligation consultations so you’re able to see if you’re in need of a wedding coordinator and if we’re the right match! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) us now to set up an appointment!

What do you get when you combine true passion and flowers? You get Teresa of Passionflower Floral Design! Teresa truly stands by her company name Passionflower Floral Design.  Teresa loves what she does and it shows in her work and commitment to her clients … Get to know Teresa…

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

Teresa: I started Passionflower in 1999 while I was working as a gardener at McMenamin’s Edgefield.  I had been helping with the flowers at the hotel and really enjoyed it. A retail space became available and I decided to open my own business as a florist.

Photograph by James Moes

Photograph by James Moes

Champagne: What is the favorite part of your job?

Teresa: What I really love about my job is working with so many varied clients and meeting their families.  Getting to hear people’s stories and what their lives entail is very interesting to me.  I also love being able to buy most of my flowers from local growers around the Portland area.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

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

Teresa: Each bride is so different from the next.  Some know exactly what they want from a florist and some have no idea.  A good florist should be able to assist each client according to their needs.  I typically ask brides to think of their colors, themes and favorite flowers.  Knowing a budget also helps the florist with what can actually be accomplished in order to stay within that budget.  Using flowers that are local and in season should be considered and will save clients money.

Photograph by Chuck Collier

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: What’s your favorite flower?

Teresa: My favorite flower is the peony!  It’s size and fragrance never cease to amaze me!  It can provide quite a bit of impact and is perfect for a May or June wedding.

Photograph by Chuck Collier

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Teresa: As each client is unique, I try to match my style with their vision.  I tend to arrange flowers in a garden style especially in the summer months when there are so many different types and colors available.

Photograph by Chuck Collier

Champagne: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Teresa: People always comment to me, “Oh, what a great job you have!” and I always reply, ” I know, I love it and feel very lucky!”  I hope my creative path continues and that I am able to meet many new and exciting people along the way!

Champagne: Thank you, Teresa, for sharing more about Passionflower Floral Design! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out her website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 27 of 30: Bakery Bar
Day 26 of 30: Solstice Video
Day 25 of 30: AJ’s Hair design & Makeup
Day 24 of 30: Honeysuckle Photography
Day 23 of 30: West Coast Event Productions
Day 22 of 30: Gorge-ous Weddings
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day of 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Next week we’ll be featuring the “week of love” and will be giving away a photo session by Paul Rich Studio to the best love story! Stay tuned for more details to be announced Sunday!

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We’d love to meet you! We offer free no obligation consultations so you’re able to see if you’re in need of a wedding coordinator and if we’re the right match! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) us now to set up an appointment!

A few weeks ago, I woke up at 6:30am on a Saturday morning to begin a full day of meetings. I have to say, I’m not a morning person, but the beautiful drive to the Columbia Gorge quickly woke me up. Molly welcomed me to the Gorge-ous Weddings venue and began showing me around… The view is breathtaking, one you wish you could wake up to every morning, one that would maybe even make me a morning person. Molly and her family are lucky enough to wake up to this breathtaking view everyday… yes, I’m a little jealous, but after Molly’s recent wedding, they are sharing their experience and view with you! I’ll let Molly tell you more about Gorge-ous Weddings...

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: What inspired you to open a wedding/event venue?

Molly: I would have to say my own wedding. My husband is from out of town and his family just could not believe the beauty we have in the Gorge. It inspired me to share this venue with others.

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: What size events can you accommodate?

Molly: We can accommodate weddings up to 500 guests as well as large family reunions and other events.

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from the rest?

Molly: We have overnight accommodations in our beautifully remodeled Ranch House that is included in all wedding packages.

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: We heard you recently got married! What would you have done differently?

Molly: Honestly I would have hired a coordinator. Reason being come the day of my wedding, I was slightly overwhelmed with everything that need to be done. I could have used an extra set of hands and eyes to get me though my day.

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: What are you so happy you did?

Molly: I never thought in my wildest dreams I would marry a man in a Kilt, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way!

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: What is something you think people should know when picking their wedding/event venue?

Molly: Look around at all the places you can get your photo taken. Your wedding day will come and go but you will always have your memories in photos.

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Molly: Our Ranch House also includes a beautiful bridal room and sleeps up to 10.

Photograph by Holland Studios

Champagne: Thank you, Molly, for sharing with us about Gorge-ous Weddings! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out more about Gorge-ous Weddings on their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Only 2 days left to take advantage of our current promotion!! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiancé and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.

Just a few weeks ago, Rachelle and I went to visit Kat with Powers Oregon to visit two of their gorgeous venues out in Dayton, Oregon. We had so much fun getting to know Kat better and seeing what Red Ridge Farms and Vista Hills Vineyard have to offer. I must say, they are absolutely beautiful! Both have breathtaking views, in and outdoor venues and have a modern country feel… though you may fall in love with just one or the other…

Vista Hills Winery

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Kat: Vista Hills offers exceptional wine and spectacular views of the valley that cannot be rivaled. Being there feels like a much needed escape with the serene surroundings and upscale design of the property.  Our ideal client is someone who enjoys and appreciates the time, effort and skill it takes to produce a quality wine but also knows how to relax, kick back and host an unforgettable party! 

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round? 

Kat: Yes.  We also host corporate meetings, anniversary and birthday parties and wine tasting events.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate? 

Kat: Vista Hills can accommodate up to 200 in the warmer months and up to about 80 in the cooler months. 

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from other venues?

Kat: The first thing you say when you drive up to Vista Hills is, “Wow”.  It’s nestled in the hillside but when you walk into the Tasting Room and out onto the patio with your glass of wine in hand, there is no other place you’d rather be.  The view is unforgettable, the building is detailed and beautiful and the staff loves it there just as much as you will…That I am sure of! 

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

Kat: There are so many things!  On the grand scale of things I would say a great coordinator or “go-to” person the day of your wedding though.  I could say your DJ is the most important thing but if no one if working with them to ensure announcements are done at the right time then you have to deal with re-announcing or re-directing your guests.  I could say the set up and flow of traffic is the most important thing but then again, if there is no one there monitoring it looking for flaws or changes then you’re left with the possibility of an uncomfortable guest.  Someone who you can trust whole-heartedly to carry out your vision and make split second decisions for you is the most important thing you can have at your event hands down! 

Champagne: Do you have an in house caterer?

Kat: We currently have partner caterers. Chef Du Jour Catering and Elephants Catering.  Each gives an exclusive $10/off per guest up to $750 off the catering bill!  While we definitely recommend that all of our clients contact our partners first, we allow any licensed caterer on site.

Champagne: When you’re not helping with events, what do you do for fun?

Kat:My husband and I love the movies and go to the theater whenever we can. Also, I work part-time at a great little coffee shop close to our loft in downtown Newberg. 

Champagne: Anything else you’d like for our readers to know?

Kat: Powers Oregon was founded by Ben & Laurel Powers of Powers Photography Studios and each site that we manage was selected from a photographer’s eye.  You can be sure that any property owned or managed by Powers Oregon Company will give you a large variety of photo opportunities for your most special moments to be remembered by. Because we are one of their sister companies, they give our venue clients an exclusive discount for working together! 

For more videos and images of Vista Hills, click here!

Just a few miles down the road, you’ll find Red Ridge Farms. Though many of the answer to the questions above are the same for Red Ridge, you’ll see the differences below:

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Kat: Our ideal client is someone who loves to entertain and enjoys the history and offerings that wine country is known for.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate? 

Kat: Red Ridge can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from other venues? 

Kat: Red Ridge offers so many beautiful set up options, mingling areas and photo opportunities.  There is a large lavender garden, olive orchard, beautiful woods and rows of vines to enjoy. Red Ridge farm is sure to make a memorable mark upon any guest’s visit.

For more videos and images of Red Ridge Farms, click here!

Champagne: Thank you, Kat for taking the time to tell us about these beautiful venues! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Red Ridge and Vista Hills at Powers Oregon!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranchy
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Only 8 days left to take advantage of our current promotion!! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.

It’s hard to believe that day 12 is here! I feel like just yesterday we started this blog adventure with you! I hope you’re all enjoying learning more about local vendors… these 30 days are just the beginning of all we will be sharing with you this year!

When looking for your photographer, remember that your wedding day is going to fly by and whether you look at your wedding pictures every day and hang them all over the house or you just bring them out every anniversary… your wedding day is the day that marks the first day of the rest of your lives together. Find a photographer that fits your style, fits your personality and fits your budget… If you aren’t able to afford the photographer you want and the prints and albums, keep in mind you can always wait to order those items later. After all, have an album you love a year later is better than an album you have within a few months of your wedding with images you don’t like. Joel Bock photography is about quality and it shows in his work, not just quality images, but quality customer service and quality personality matches. Quality you’ll appreciate for years to come…

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?
Joel: Growing up I would watch my dad take pictures.  He would take his time, watching the light, the lines, colors.  I was intrigued by the way he made it a form of art.  Ever since I have worked to see and capture the beauty and essence of people and places. 

Over the course of a summer another photographer and I realized our gifts could be turned to a profession, and that’s exactly what we did.  Since then my wife, Cherice, has joined me in our business, which has been great to work and travel together.

Champagne: How would you describe your style?
Joel: I would say my style is creative and modern, and my technique is photo journalistic with a touch of fine art.  I love the experience of the whole day, not just the ceremony, formals, and reception.  As a result my approach is to create a story board of the day from beginning to end.  My hope is that when people look back on their photographs they will be able to relive the entirety of the day.  They will be able see the art in both the details they have worked so hard to bring together and in who they are as people, presented in an artistic way. 

 
Champagne: What would be your dream wedding to photograph?
Joel: Definitely a wedding in Switzerland where the couple skis in to the ceremony.  I love skiing.  And to photograph a couple who also loves this and incorporates it into their wedding would be amazing!  Since the Alps are some of the most amazing mountains I’ve seen, it would be more than ideal for the setting.

Champagne: What is one thing that is important to you when shooting a wedding?
Joel: The relationship I build with the couple, their families, and friends.  Many people I have photographed have become very good friends.  Without relationship it’s very hard to truly portray who a person is.  That’s why I prefer to meet people in person, converse over the phone, and chat through Skype.  It helps us both to get to know the other person, creates friendship, and makes for a relaxed environment when it comes to taking pictures.

Champagne: What is one thing you like about photographing weddings? 
Joel:  I love being creative with group shots, trying new spots and arrangements.  With larger wedding parties it can be a lot of fun given the right setting.  The photographs of the arches and the group running down the stairs with umbrellas were both a blast!  In both photographs I had given a general suggestion and the group took it from there.  In fact, the umbrella photo was simply the groom’s idea to run down the stairs after a shot by the columns!  The images really become memorable when the couple and wedding party decide to have fun with the creative process.

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?
Joel: I’ve always enjoyed a variety of things.  If I can help it, I’ll definitely be outdoors.  Hiking, skiing, surfing, and fly-fishing just to name a few.  There is something about nature that’s been ingrained in me from a young age.  As a social person I tend to then do those things with my family and friends.  And when I’m not outdoors, taking photos, or sitting at a coffee shop with good book, I’m most likely hanging out with my 2 year old son and his amazing imagination. 

Champagne: Do you have a specific niche with wedding photography?
Joel: I do destination weddings.  I love to travel, and I’m deeply honored to be invited out for weddings at different locations.  I’d say the highlight this last year was shooting a wedding in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  It’s a blast to get to photograph different traditions, cultures, and have lots of new experiences.

The photo of the Korean bride in her traditional dress is one of those new experiences, as is, the bride and groom receiving champagne glasses.  With the latter, upon arrival couples at the reception site in the Northern Ireland countryside are greeted with a “Champagne welcome”.  I’m sure this tradition extends beyond Northern Ireland, but it was my first time to experience it.

  Although I have the opportunity to travel to many different places, I also enjoy getting to work near home in Oregon with my lovely wife, Cherice.  The image of the bridge backlit by the sun was taken blocks away from my home!  It just goes to show that you can get amazing photos no matter where you are.  And whether I’m off to a different destination or keeping it local near Portland, I consider it a gift to practice my art and build friendships through wedding photography.

Champagne: Thank you, Joel, for sharing more about Joel Bock photography! We are looking forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Joel’s website and blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranchy
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Make sure you don’t miss our current promotion! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.