Aaaa… I can’t express how excited I am to start this 30 day adventure with you! When I began this project I sat down and starting thinking of 30 vendors and within 5 minutes I had well over 30!  Rachelle and I continue to network with vendors we love and meet new vendors on a regular basis to make sure we know the best quality of vendors at many price points to be able to refer to you!  As mentioned in our previous post, in honor of 2010 and our mission to promote professional wedding and event businesses, we will be doing 30 features on 30 vendors/venues for the next 30 days. [The vendors listed over the 30 days are listed in no particular order and are no where near all the vendors we refer] It was so hard to just pick 30 vendors so we will be featuring many more vendors over the year, as well as giveaways and fun tidbits to keep planning fun! We hope you’ll visit us regularly and thank you for visiting us today!

Without further ado… I announce Day 1: Bryan Hoybook Photography. I feel as though having a personality match with your photographer is so important! Whether it’s a portrait session or your wedding, you will want to feel at ease and comfortable around your photographer or no matter how good they are, you probably won’t like the pictures. Bryan Hoybook and I had coffee just a few days ago and as we talked I realized that he is one of the most laid back, yet energetic guys I’ve ever met. He’s creative and fair. He’s someone you’ll want to know… Enjoy as you learn a little more about Bryan...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Bryan: I’m in the bleachers at my High School Basketball game and watching the photographer on the sidelines, not paying much attention to the game.  I kept thinking, ‘that seems like a pretty cool job’, so I urged my guidance counselor to put me in a photography class.  Within a few months I was shooting sporting events for the Yearbook and Newspaper and it just became part of who I was.  A degree in Photography followed, as did a degree in Graphic Design.  After a successful career in Design I decided it was time for a new challenge and I began working for myself as a full-time wedding photographer about three years ago.

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Bryan: My style is clean, humorous, emotional, and narrative.  I prefer to let the experience flow naturally and not interject “a shot that I just have to have” or take people out of their comfort zone.  As a story is unfolding I quietly travel through the timeline of the event capturing segments that are ultimately fleeting.

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

Bryan: My dream event would be to photograph a couple that has a real “Do It Yourself” style where they incorporate a mixture of elements into their day.  If you could envision a wedding with Anthropologie style decor and dress to match; that would be an ideal setting for me.  I’m hoping that I’m able to appeal to individuals that express a love for design and uniqueness.

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

Bryan: Meeting new people is one of my favorite things about being a photographer.  Recording beautiful surroundings or events, textures and colors, capturing a memory or an unseen detail is also important to me.

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

Bryan: I have been fortunate enough to bond with the people in my photographs and I believe that is important to my success.  Creating connections and being able to laugh during stressful situations helps.  Staying open to evolving situations and maintaining a “can-do” attitude (which is rare in this industry) is helpful to my success.

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

Bryan: I spend a lot of time skiing in the winter and play tennis 2–3 times a week when the sky is clear.  I am hoping to take up surfing this summer. I am also still active in the Design community; freelancing from time-to-time creating logos or posters.  I’m an art junkie, so if it even remotely relates to some form of creativity it will catch my attention.

Thank you, Bryan, for sharing more about you and your passion! We look forward to working with you again soon! See more of Bryan’s work on his website and follow his blog!

30 Days of vendors you won’t want to miss! See what this is all about and a few vendors we’ve previously featured.

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.

We are so excited for 2010 and all that is to come! We absolutely love what we do and feel so honored to be working with so many incredible couples and amazing vendors!

While we are taking it easy for a few weeks and spending time with our families for the holidays, we are starting out January by visiting some beautiful venues in wine country and then will be making our way over to Bend, Oregon to be a part of the Bravo! Central Oregon Wedding Showcase on Saturday, January 9th from 10am-5pm at Sunriver Resort. We hope to see you there!

Everyone loves gifts, so we wanted to give you a little something…
Receive 5% off any package you book between December 22nd, 2009 and January 30th, 2010*.
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!

We are looking forward to meeting you! Wishing you a very happy holiday season and a new year filled with love, laughter and happiness!

Photo by PDX Photo Lounge
Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle

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

Watch for upcoming contests on our blog in early 2010! We are teaming up with some fabulous vendors to giveaway some services and items you won’t want to miss!

Today while I was waiting to receive more pictures from the First Annual Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show, I was browsing sites and stumbled upon one of my favorite blogs by Francoise Weeks. Francoise is one of the sweetest people I have ever met! Not to mention extremely talented! I am sure you remember my post about her a few months ago. If you didn’t see it, make sure to check it out here.
Not only is Francoise an amazing floral designer for Wedding and Events, but in her spare time [Not sure how she has any!!] she teaches floral design classes. This season she is teaching a wreath making class. Make sure to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) her soon before the classes are full.

Looking for something different to do for your holiday party this year? Get your friends together for a wreath making class! Visit Francoise’s website to learn more about her fun floral classes!

Making a wreath isn’t for you, but you love her design? Place an order for your holiday wreath now!  Only 23 days til Christmas!

Don’t forget to becoming a fan of Francoise Weeks on Facebook and follow her on Twitter!

Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle

Have you check out Portland Style Unveiled giveaway’s today? Enter here!
Details regarding the First Annual Spring Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show coming soon!! You won’t want to miss the giveaways and the chance to meet Portland’s hottest vendors!

This August I had a great time working with Heather of Espana Photography for the first time. Her style of photography was perfect for the setting and the couple. While she is working she is quiet, unobtrusive, and always there when something is happening. I was really impressed by her professionalism, as well as the images once I saw them! I recently met up for coffee with her and found that she is truly one of the kindest people—I can’t wait to work with her again! Please read below to see some of the great images from Veronica and Jose’s wedding, as well as to get to know one of Oregon’s premier wedding photographers!

Rachelle: What made you decide to photograph weddings—what do you love about your profession?

Heather: When I first really got into photography, I honestly did not know how I would feel about shooting weddings.  I had heard so many people say how stressful they could be, so I went in as a second photographer with an open mind.  I told myself I would just see how things unfolded and decide where I wanted to go from there.

Looking back, I should have known I would fall head over heels for wedding photography.  New people, new locations. . . it’s always different and exciting.  You could say I’m addicted.

Rachelle: Are you a native Oregonian? What are some of your favorite things about Portland?

Heather:I am native Oregonian! Born and raised in the little town of Newberg, just south of Portland.  I think what I love most about Portland is its culture of nurturing individuality.  To me at least, it seems to be one of the most inviting places to just be yourself.  Everywhere you go in the city, people are expressing themselves freely through clothing, street performances, relationships, gardens, murals.  I go there so often, and always see something different.  As a photographer, that’s really exciting to me.

One time, my husband and I were just walking up Belmont and we saw a basket hanging down from a second story apartment.  It had a sign on it that said “Ring the bell for fresh peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”  We laughed, rang the bell, and a cheery face popped out of the window.

“Would you like white or whole wheat? Jelly, jam or honey?  OK. Would you like it toasted?”

It was the best toasted peanut butter and honey sandwich we’ve had to date. 

Rachelle: What do you think sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

Heather: JOY. 
I think both my joy in the work that I am doing, and the joy I see in people comes through in my work.

There are dozens of perfectly affordable high-quality cameras on the market, and there are thousands of excellent photographers.  The main thing that can set me apart is my personality.  I’m always saying photography is such a personal thing, I am grateful there are so many for people to choose from!  Each one of them will capture things differently.  That’s why it’s so important to find a photographer who’s way of seeing things really resonates with you.

I am in love with humanity.  The way you stroke her hair off her face, the way he holds his thumbs, the way she crinkles her nose when she laughs, his fascination with vintage hats, her love of dancing. . . I try to go into every situation with fresh eyes.  I never want to just go through a list of standard shots.  I don’t want to repeat something in the past just because it worked then.  Every couple, every relationship, every venue is completely different and I like to let all of those things inspire me in the moment and see what I can create that’s new and exciting.

Rachelle: How do you spend your free time?

Heather: My husband is chuckling at this question.  Honestly, I most often do the same thing in my free time that I do when I am working: I take photographs!  Besides that though, I’m a self-confessed thrift-shop and decorating fanatic, and I actually love living in a small space because it forces me to get really creative about how to use it.  A good “day off” to me could involve secondhand shopping, and reorganizing the kitchen and baking something.  Every now and then though, I’ll get into a good book and just curl up on the couch with my husband and some tea… or cocoa if I’m feeling saucy.

Rachelle: What would be your dream vacation?

Heather: Europe with my man.  We are fantasizing/planning a 5 year anniversary trip, hopefully involving Italy, my camera, and a lot of authentic Italian food ; ).  In a DREAM vacation though, there would also be a personal masseuse to travel along with us. 

Rachelle: Anything else you want brides to know?
Heather: Yes!  If you are planning a wedding, by all means plan one that has the two of you written all over it.  You can ignore the wedding dress trends, you can choose not to stress about having an even number of attendants on each side.  Be madly in love, hire a great coordinator, a photographer you’re ecstatic about, wear your personalities loud and proud,  and all will be well.

Rachelle: Heather, thank you so much for your outgoing and honest answers! It was so great getting to know you better! We, at Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination, look forward to working with you again soon!!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

PS Have you checked out the giveaways on Portland Style Unveiled lately? Make sure you stop by their blog and don’t forget to tell your friends! Another thing not to forget… The Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show at The Heathman Hotel—Downtown Portland this Saturday, November 21st at 12-4pm. AniA Collection fashion show starts at 12:30pm and David’s Bridal at 2:30pm. There will be multiple giveaways every half hour.. here’s the list of goodies up for grabs:

Grand prize: AniA Collection  Couture Bridal Boutique Giveaway:  Couture custom wedding gown $1,800 value Must be present to win—Drawing at 3:30 pm

Silpada Jewelry Giveaway: Breathlessly feminine and delicate, this Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia Necklace is a piece admirers will adore. 16” long with a 2” Extender and a Lobster Clasp.
Party with your friends and earn free Silpada Jewelry - what more could a girl ask for? Bring the Sterling boutique to your home today!

Heathman Hotel and Restaurant Giveaway: $100 gift certificate at The Heathman Restaurant

Joseph K Wedding Rings Giveaway: Three Tungsten Carbide groom’s wedding bands

So Many Moments Photography Giveaway: Free engagement photo session

Spa Above Giveaway: Facial and massage for the Bride and Mother of the Bride

Fiori Bella Giveaway: Floral arrangement $100 value

Flowers by Tommy Luke Giveaway:  Phalenopsis Orchid Plant in a beautiful bronze ceramic container $85.00 value

Le Cookie Monkey Giveaway: 50 Cupcakes for a wedding shower or event

1st Comes Love Custom Invitations Giveaway: $75 gift certificate towards wedding invitations

Under U 4 Men Giveaway: Gift certificate for designer underwear for your fiance

Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination Giveaway: Basket filled with ingredients to make two champagne drink recipes, 2 champagne flutes and a shaker

Nico Bella Giveaway: Gift Certificate for one Bridal up-do valued at $250, includes a trial run, onsite the day of and up to 20 mile radius of Bridal show

Mia with Panache Giveaway: Gift Certificate for one Bridal up-do valued at $250, includes a trial run, onsite the day of and up to 20 mile radius of Bridal show

AJ Hair Design & Make up Giveaway: One free makeup session good for any event, $65 value

William James Photography Giveaway: Engagement Session and Engagement Session Inspired 20x24 Signature Board

Event Team Entertainment Giveaway: $300.00 Gift Certificate off any DJ package booked with Event Team Entertainment.

Last week Rachelle and I packed out bags and headed to Sisters, Oregon to visit some of the most beautiful wedding and event venues in Oregon. The Northwest is home to many beautiful destination wedding locations… perhaps a staycation is the perfect way to personalize your wedding and get your family and friends together for an unforgettable weekend! Although each of the venues we visited were different, they all shared the warm, cozy and peaceful feel. Looking for the perfect Winter wedding location? Spring? Summer? Fall? These locations are breath taking year round.

Cynthia greeted us at The Lodge at Suttle Lake instantly making us feel at home. The lodge is warm and inviting. As you walk out the back door you are greeted by the breathtaking view of Suttle Lake… We can’t wait to go back and check out their onsite spa and restaurant! Look for The Lodge at Suttle Lake’s blog feature later this month! For now, here are some of the beautiful pictures from our visit to The Lodge at Suttle Lake.

Next stop Five Pine Lodge, where we spent an amazingly relaxing night. The whole time we couldn’t stop talking about bringing our boys back to visit! Elena showed us around the beautiful venue… We can’t wait to feature them later this month to tell you more about the venue… from the onsite spa, movie theater, brewery and restaurant, you’ll be sure to fall in love with this destination! Until then… here are just a few pictures of our visit to Five Pine Lodge

Originally we had planned to visit many venues in the area, but as we are preparing for to wedding shows in the next two weeks, we cut our trip a little short. We were packing up and I couldn’t help, but check Twitter for an update before we left. I saw a message from @Blackbutteranch saying “What no love for Black Butte Ranch :( Come on over and check us out.” I messaged them back letting them know we had a little more time before we headed back. Next thing we knew, we were taking the grand tour with Katie. We have never felt so welcomed! Your guests would never get bored at Black Butte Ranch with bike paths, golf courses, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and most definitely not of the scenery! We can’t wait to feature them later this month, as well! Until then, here’s a few more pictures!

Each of the venues are the perfect northwest destination for a wedding or event during any season. They, also, make for the perfect romantic getaway. As we were looking through a guest book in the room at Five Pine Lodge we found this adorable proposal story.

We look forward to featuring The Lodge at Suttle Lake, Five Pine Lodge and Black Butte Ranch later this month! More venues you want to see here? Let us know!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Looking for a wedding show? Check out The Bravo Wedding Affair this Sunday, November 15th at The Embassy Suites Downtown and The Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show on Saturday, November 21st at The Heathman.