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!

If you’re debating whether or not to have your hair and make up professionally done for your wedding day [or any event where you’ll be having professional pictures taken], do it. When it comes to knowing how much make up you should wear, what will be washed out in the photograph, no one knows better than the professionals. Some people worry that getting their make up done will make them look unnatural, but if you find a make up artist you can trust and give them an idea of what you’re looking for… you’ll be so glad you did!

The first step to having wedding pictures you’ll want to look at all the time and post all over the house, an amazing photographer… second step, professional hair and make up! While a photographer can use photoshop, why not be photoshop beautiful in real life? I’ll let AJ Lane of AJ’s Hair Design & Makeup tell you more, but first let me tell you a little about AJ… AJ loves her job, she’s sweet, caring and loves connecting with her brides, making them feel gorgeous! Last year I was told about one of my couples going to her house for a trial run and the groom fell asleep on the couch… anyone who makes you feel that at home deserves kudos! Meet AJ Lane…

The beautiful and talented AJ Lane
Photograph by Fritz Photography

AJ Lane and her artists
Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: When/how did you decide you wanted to be a hair/make up artist?

AJ: When I was 5 years old, I cut a neighbor girl’s blonde curly locks off. I was scolded big-time by the girl’s mother and my own, but I really enjoyed myself. That was one of my earliest memories. And I owe a lot to my two younger sisters who were constantly willing subjects for my creativity.

Hair and makeup has been a part of who I am since I can remember. It’s second nature for me and I’m lucky that for the past decade it has been my profession.

Photograph by Artistique Photographie

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?
 
AJ: Ultimately my favorite part is making women feel beautiful. I enjoy the creative process in transforming someone from ordinary to sparkling. It’s very satisfying and rewarding.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: Many girls may say, “I do my hair and make up every day, why do I need it done professionally?” What would be your reply?

AJ: It’s easy to become complacent and think that if something has worked for you all these years, then there is no reason for change. But why not bump it up a notch? It’s fun to get professionally glamoured up for important events or a simple night out on the town. Plus, you can learn simple techniques to apply to your daily routine that can transform your whole look. Of course you may have to explain to your colleagues, friends and family, why you look 5-10 years younger, but I’d say that’s a good problem to have.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: What if they said, “I want to get my make up done, but I don’t want to look like a clown”. What would you say?
AJ: We have all seen the unwanted “clown” face look and it makes me cringe. I try to connect with each one of my clients. I approach them with a listening ear and an earnesty to fulfill their desired look. For any event I offer a trial run. We get together, look over pictures, discuss ideas, then style hair and apply makeup. This is a good way for my clients to gain confidence and peace of mind. I offer these to anyone, anytime. Sometimes women don’t know what they like, or they have an idea but are unsure it will look good on them. I consider myself a good judge of character and find it easy to give an appropriate look to each person, according to their personality and desires. Other woman know exactly what they want so that’s what I give them. It’s rare that I am asked to make someone look like a clown, but if I am, I can do it well!

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

AJ: My style is simple, it’s YOU. People are original. I don’t set out to execute MY style on someone else. I do not give them a mask or use them to advertise my work. I want to enhance my client’s own unique beauty.

Photograph by Reversed Lens Photography

Champagne:  If a bride uses bare minerals, do you have a product that is similar?

AJ: I use Jane Iredale. It is a very high-quality, highly micronized mineral cosmetic.  Jane Iredale has all the wonderful benefits of other mineral makeup brands, but it offers much more. The color range and versatility is impressive. They have taken all the negatives out and added many more benefits, making it very accommodating to work with. It’s not only makeup, it’s skin care. It is recommended by physicians and professionals world-wide. All products have been sensitivity tested and are non-comedogenic. Whether your look is natural or dramatic the staying power is amazing and your photos will look incredible. I think most people like me for my makeup, but I understand, I like my job mostly because of Jane Iredale.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Photograph by AJs Studio

Champagne: Share with us a few fun facts about you!
AJ:
I’m driven to do the best I can at my work; I love to make other people happy.

I feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful artists working for me, who make my business easier and more exciting.

I’m a girly girl who sometimes acts like the tomboy I was in grade school.

Growing up, my family lived in a log cabin. It was only 900 square feet, but my parents managed to fit all six of us comfortably.  One evening, my brother, Fritz, and I had a brilliant idea for fun. My parents kept the little black and white TV in their bedroom closet only to come out on special occasions. Our big plan was to sneak out the TV to watch the number one hit show, Knight Rider.
        We considered the seemingly impossible challenges:
        Challenge #1: Dad. He was reading in the bedroom where the TV was held captive.
        Challenge #2: Very small house, very thin walls.
        Challenge #3: Transportation of the heavy TV.
        We finally came up with the perfect plan. Fritz would run to the front of the house beneath our parents’ bedroom window. I would enter the bedroom and ad lib a creative lure to get dad out. I would then run back to the empty bedroom and somehow, transport the TV out the window to Fritz. He would haul it back to his bedroom, which our dad had built in the carport.
        With 30 minutes to countdown, we quickly hashed out the details and the adventure began.
        Fritz took his place outside, under the window. I nonchalantly entered my father’s room.
        “Dad, would you like some toast?”
        “Why sure,” my dad replied quite chipperly. He took the bait.
        I hopped off to the kitchen and plopped two pieces of bread into the toaster. My nerves were so wired that it seemed to take forever. “Come on toast! Come on toast!”  I whispered. The toast finally popped up and I placed it on a plate. I ran to my dad in the bedroom. I tried to gain a calm composure before I said, “Ok dad, your toast is ready for you to come dress it.”
        A puzzled look came over his face. Uh oh… what’s he thinking? But then he shrugged his shoulders and said. “OK”. He set his book down and headed out of the bedroom, just as I hoped.
        I scurried to the window and swung it open. Fritz popped up and said, “Is he out?” I whispered, “Yes.” Then I ran to the closet and dug out the TV. With my strong, ten year old, tomboyish arms I carried it to the window where it slid perfectly into my brother’s arms. He took off like a thief and I pulled the window closed with plenty of time left.
        I ran out of the bedroom, through the front room, and almost fell trying to stop at the kitchen, where my dad was dressing the toast that his thoughtful daughter had begun for him. I calmly walked through the kitchen and out the back door into my brother’s room. SAFE!
        I’ve never enjoyed a show more than that night.
        Now, as an adult, I keep my television in the front room and watch it anytime I like.
        Overall, my life is one enjoyable, colorful party!

Champagne: Haha! That story cracks me up!! Thank you, AJ, for telling us more about AJ’s Hair Design & Make up! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out AJ’s website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
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

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!

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!

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.

Looking for great wedding shows to find some of the best vendors in Portland, Oregon in one place? Well here are two that are sure to entertain…

Bravo Wedding Affair
The 7th Annual Wedding Affair - Sunday, November 15th, 2009 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel, Portland Downtown 319 SW Pine Portland, Oregon
Experience extraordinary wedding vignettes each featuring its own unique style and personality overflowing with exciting trends and fresh ideas from over 60 wedding services. This is a show like no other.
From the centerpieces to the wedding cake, invitations to the photography, music to the catering, every detail has been carefully thought out and meticulously taken care of - all to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding.
The Bravo! Wedding Affair is designed to be an intimate setting where brides and grooms can experience wedding services first-hand and meet personally with caterers, photographers, stationers, dress designers and other wedding experts to get their advice.
Not your typical bridal show- It’s an affair not to be missed.
Tickets are $25 for bride and guest. $10 for additional guests.

Come see us in Colonel Lindbergh Foyer!

Perfect Wedding Guide Show
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Place: Heathman Hotel
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Price: $5.00
Location: 1001 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97705
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Don’t miss this exciting event.

Speak with local vendors about your wedding and enter for a chance to win any of these fabulous Giveaways.

-A wedding gown from Ania Collection valued $1800.00
-Jewelry for Wedding Party Dee Dee Anderson Silpada Jewelry
-One facial for pre wedding day compliments Spa Above
-One hour massage for Bride and Groom compliments of Spa Above couples massage
-Two hair Styles by top hair designers in Portland / Vancouver area
-Tea for two Bride and mom compliments of The Heathman

We’ll be there to greet you!

We look forward to seeing you all at these fabulous events!

Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle