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.

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

In meeting Adi‘s there was a sense to passion that I look for in every photographer I refer. When looking for a photographer you want to make sure you find someone that fits not only your photographic style, but personality. Find a photographer who loves what they do. It’ll be sure to shine through their work. As I browsed Adi’s website I found myself getting wrapped up in the emotion. A wedding day consists of happiness, love, tenderness and passion… visit his website and see the emotion unfold. You’ll see his photo journalistic style, as he captures candid and emotional moments.

Champagne: When/how did you get into photography?

Adi:  I fell in love with photojournalism long before I knew how to shoot. It is, to me, an artistic yet powerful language. When I was in college studying advertising, I took a photojournalism class as an elective, but then I switched my major and haven’t looked back since.

Champagne: What are three things you love about being a photographer?

Adi: Privilege to witness and document life’s important events. Interact with different people. Being at different places.

Champagne: What sets your business apart?

Adi: I document the day as it naturally happens; a pure journalistic approach with necessary fine art touch.

Champagne: What’s your motto?

Adi: True stories. Real moments. Lasting memories.

Champagne: Through your work you truly express a love for capturing the day as it unfolds, anything else you’d want your potential clients to know?

Adi: I serve my clients with my photography and friendship. Check out my blog for the most recent work and get to know me more.

Thank you Adi for taking time to share with your work with us! We look forward to working with you again!

Cheers!

I met Francoise of Francoise Weeks about 5 years ago when I began my venture into the wedding world. I instantly fell in love with not only her floral design, but her sweet personality. When sending a client to Francoise I can always rest assured they are in good hands. Recently I had the pleasure of learning more about what inspires Francoise. Get cozy and read along with me…

Champagne: How did you decide you wanted to be a florist?

Francoise: I grew up in Belgium where flowers are part of every day life; there were almost as many flowershops 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 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 Evrim Icoz

Champagne: One of the most amazing pieces of working in the wedding and event industry are the vendors we meet and the true passion they share for their job! What do you love about being a florist?

Francoise: 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! I completely agree, being in this business has given me so many opportunities to meet wonderful clients and fabulous vendors in the wedding/event industry.
Photo by: Brian Schumaker

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Francoise: The ideal client: someone who offers a good idea of the style and colors that she likes and then gives me creative licence to do the work.
Photo by: Jamie Bosworth

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

Francoise: Gardening, weaving, reading, visiting with friends, time at the beach and in the mountains…even though most of the time the business seems all-consuming - I am sure you can relate to that Mandi!
Photo by: Joni Shimabukuro

Champagne: I can most definitely relate! One thing about loving what we do, it’s hard to take time out for the other things we love. Is there anything else you’d like to tell your potential clients?

Francoise: A couple of years ago a childhood memory (see my latest blog entry) triggered a whole new design direction: woodland arrangements. Mother Nature offers the best inspiration! It started with decorating logs with lots of texture (unusual foliage, lichen, berries, seedpods, small fruits and vegies, very few, if any flowers…) and evolved into translating this concept for centerpieces and bridal bouquets. As much as I adore flowers, this is a directions that I am totally entralled with now.

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 highschool kids!
*Seasonal flower arranging classes (max 8 students) : 2.5 hr classes focussed on one particular topic: woodland arrangements, topiaries, wreaths etc… I show many examples and pass on lots of information; during the second half of the class the students make their own arrangement after picking out the materials that they want to use
*Wedding course (max 4 students): 5 day workshop ((1 day (6hrs) or 2 evenings (3hrs ea) for 5 weeks or a 1 week course )- see schedule on website; students can take a selection or all of the classes Each day is devoted to one of these topics: wedding design, personal flowers, ceremony flowers, reception flowers and outdoor weddings. Hands-on classes and lots of practical information regarding sourcing and ordering of flowers, pricing, streamlining workload, consultations, marketing, delivery of wedding flowers and set-up
Photo by Robert McNair

I sell boxes of notecards (8 blank cards with envelope/set - 4 different designs) $15 each
Set 1: seasonal arrangements
Set 2: woodland arrangements

Thank you so much Francoise for taking time to tell all with us! We look forward to working with you again soon! For more from Francoise Weeks and to view class schedules visit her website. You’ll be sure to fall into love!

Cheers!