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!

There are many styles of venues and I feel as though Urban Studio is in a category of their own. The walls move, the furniture moves, it’s able to be modified to create whatever you envision! Get to know Via, Urban Studio and a little about Pearl Catering here…

Champagne: What size of groups can Urban Studio accommodate?

Via: We can accommodate 200 people for a seated event, and up to 300 people for a stand-up/cocktail style reception.

Champagne: What do you think is unique about the space at Urban Studio?

Via: What’s unique about Urban Studio is that there is no other space like this in Portland. Located in the heart of the Pearl District, with soaring windows, a roll-up door, and boasting a modern yet industrial chic style. It’s a blank canvas that can be transformed into an elaborate, elegant wedding - or a simple, very sophisticated and urban wedding. Overlooking the main floor is our Bridal Loft used by the bridal party to get ready at, by photographers to catch some priceless birds’ eye view shots, and by the bride & groom to escape to share a moment together.

Jos Photographers

Champagne: Tell us more about Pearl Catering and how it’s related to Urban Studio—is it the exclusive caterer there?

Via: Pearl Catering is our exclusive caterer. Formally known as Be Zinful Catering, Pearl Catering has been creating mouth-watering dishes in Portland since 2001. We use only local ingredients and work with local farmers to bring the freshest taste to each bite. Executive Chef Kevin Kennedy has 20+ years in the culinary world, and brings a very creative touch to everything he does. Not matter what type of event it is, Pearl Catering aims to exceed your expectations!

Champagne: What is one of your most favorite things about Portland, or favorite things to do here?

Via: How do I narrow it down? The people. People watching. Exploring this town on foot. Portlanders and their unique style - anything goes! Food carts. Live music. First Thursday. Last Thursday. Riding bikes. Farmer’s markets. The Pearl District. Street performers. Beer festivals. Window shopping on Mississippi, meandering around NW 23rd. Happy hours. Sitting outside on a patio in the summer. And the list goes on….

Champagne: So since you’re not married—we have to ask! What would YOUR dream wedding look like?

Via: Oh this will be fun to answer. Should I pretend like I’ve never thought about this before? haha! My dream wedding would be incredibly beautiful, in the most simple way. Sayulita, Mexico. On the beach. Intimate. 40 of our closest family members and friends. Barefoot. My bridesmaids would wear whatever dresses they want to wear. Short ceremony. Long lasting party. Unlimited photos. Live music. Incredible food, tapas style. Embarrassing speeches. A week long celebration spent in the sun, on the beach with all of my favorite people. It’s about him and I - being where we love to be and who we love to be with.

Jos Photographers

Champagne: Anything else you think people should know about Urban Studio?

Via: The rental fee is waived at Urban Studio when a food/beverage minimum is met! Contact me for more information [503.860.0526, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)]. Also, while Pearl Catering is the exclusive caterer at Urban Studio, we also do off-site catering at other venues - for any type of event, whether it’s a private party for 50 or a corporate event for 500.

Jos Photographers

Champagne: Thank you, Via, for sharing more about Urban Studio! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Urban Studio’s website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
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 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!

Over the last 28 days we have mentioned how important having a personality match with your photographer is many times and Brandon Perron of Brandon Perron Photography stands strongly behind this!  Brandon loves what he does and is always looking for ways to put a new spin on things. He loves projects. He loves weddings. He puts his clients first. I love Brandon’s drive and passion! Get to know Brandon here and make sure to check out more images on his website!

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Brandon: I got into photography in a way different manner then most…I have always appreciated anything creative, but have never had the skills to be creative…trust me, you do not to see me dance or hear me sing and my drawing abilities rival that of a 1st grader, lol.  So I have never done anything creative…but I have a reef tank [with live coral and fish] and I saw other people who took super amazing close up images of the coral [macro photography]. I wanted to know how they were doing it. I found out it was a DSLR camera with a macro lens. So I went out and got what I needed and started taking pictures, but as you might figure it got a bit old, so I tried to shoot fine art and landscape photography with out stellar results.

For me it was what it was, but when you have a nice camera, your family wants you to bring it to all the family functions. So I did and I began to fall in love with shooting people. I, then decided to get hooked up with a high-end wedding photographer to gain experience, before I took on the immense responsibility of shooting weddings on my own. The rest is history…

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Brandon: I am known for my high-fashion editorial style, my composition, vivid colors, clean timeless images & honest capturing of moments.

My main goal of photography is to translate the true emotional moments that were experienced at that point in time, through the photographs. For all portraits I shoot in a high-fashion editorial style, I believe this allows me to show everyone in the most amazing way possible.  For the rest of the event, I shoot in a purely photojournalist editorial style, where I am simply capturing moments and emotions as they happen! My ultimate belief is that images should be timeless. I look at my parents wedding pictures and I see their faces in toasting glasses or inside of a heart vignette and to me it distracts from the moments in the images. I keep my images clean, timeless, and about the people and moments in the images. What I refer to as cliché-less imagery.

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

Brandon: I am not a star struck kind of guy at all, however, my wife totally is and I love to tease her about it! What I always want to photograph are couples that truly appreciate photography, want the kind of photography I produce and are excited about wanting my style of photography [this should be the case with everyone and the photographer they hire] When a couple loves my style and appreciates photography, it makes the process of photography so much fun and it really shows in the images.

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about shooting a wedding?

Brandon: I love everything about shooting weddings, but if I had to pick just one, I guess my favorite part would be the relationships I build with all of my couples, the emotions and the commitment of the day. I am also a sucker for details…Told you I could not just pick one, LOL!

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

The key to creating a successful event is to listen to my couples. Above all, this day is all about them and what they want. Every couple wants different things and appreciates certain things more then others.

Another thing that really helps is when the couple and the photographer connect. If a couple does not make that connection with me, I will encourage to find that with another photographer, regardless if they really love my work, that is how important having a connection is. Your photographer is one vendor you will interact with before, during and after the wedding, so make sure you pick a photographer you enjoy being around.

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

Brandon: I am constantly shooting, even outside of weddings.
I am always setting up shoots, in order to allow me to flex the creative muscles to see what I come up with, with out the added responsibility of it being on the wedding day.
This allows me to stay fresh in between weddings and always be evolving. Completely outside of photography, I love spending time with my wife; we are best friends, we just really enjoy each other’s company and having a good time together. Hanging out with friends.
Watching the Blazers!
Playing some PS3, when I have a bit of free time.

Champagne: How did you pick how to structure your packages?

Brandon: The main thing about my packages is that they all come with an album, which is rare in the photography packages. The reason for this is because the album is the story of the day and every couple should have that story. Although, you may choose to print a few images and hang them on the wall, chances are you won’t be able to display all of your images. This is where the album carries its importance. Together all of the images tell the story of the day, thus why I feel every couple should have an album.
The other major difference is that my packages are a bit more expensive up front, but I want a couple to pick a package and be able to walk away not feeling like they need to spend another dime with me after the wedding is over. While some people do order more, I want them to be confident that they will not need to spend more, as a surprise, when the wedding is over. I am not out to nickel and dime the client and that starts with the structure of my packages. I am always happy to work out custom packages for clients, it’s always about the clients and making sure they get exactly what they want.

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

Brandon: I want couples to avoid the heart breaking stories I have heard from other people. You should really talk with the photographer in depth, see a large body of work, not just what you see on their website. Ask to see other event galleries, ask to talk to past brides, etc.

There are so many stories where couples did not get close to the images they saw on a photographers website from their wedding day. Photography is really about, you get what you pay for. Usually [not always], if there is a consistent body of good work from the photographer and the price is at the higher end, you can be fairly certain that you will receive, not only, amazing images but also a super great experience. Going cheap or not getting to know a photographer and their work, will usually lead to poor images and a poor experience. Remember, the images you receive from your wedding day are the only lasting memories from the day. Why take the risk with trying to save some cash?

Champagne: Thank you, Brandon, for telling us more about Brandon Perron Photography! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Brandon Perron’s website and keep up with his current projects on his blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
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 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!

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!

Every wedding day is unique… like a snowflake, there’s no two exactly the same, but one thing that is true for all, is the day flies by.  Having a coordinator can definitely help so you are able to relax, enjoy and soak up all of the memories of the day, but a videographer will capture the day on film allowing you to see moments you may have missed and relive the first day of the rest of your life, anytime… Greg from Solstice Video is passionate about preserving memories into a video that your grandchildren’s children will want to watch… Get to know Greg and view some samples below…

Champagne: How would you describe your videography style?

Greg: I am mostly known for my documentary style of doing things. That is a “tell the whole story” approach, but done in with a tight and entertaining edit. I use all the elements of music, dialogue, and stunning imagery to craft each client’s unique story. It’s not my goal to make cheesy wedding videos, for sure.

See video clip: Guys Getting Ready to First Look

Champagne: How did you get into videography?

Greg: I have been working with film and video since I was 15 years old. I made my first feature film right out of college at the age of 22, and have gone on to produce a number of short and feature films. I fell in love with wedding documentaries when I began the business about 6 years ago. I started out as an actor and then later found myself getting behind the camera. I love every facet of video production and have done just about everything that can be done with a video camera.

Champagne: Often times we have people tell us, well my parents have never watched their wedding video, I doubt I would. What’s your response to this?

Greg: Video is way different today then it was when our parents’ received theirs. The technology we have available to us is extraordinary, and if you find a videographer who really knows his stuff, the result can be a stunning treasure to remember your day by. I can guarantee you will want to watch your video over and over again [as well as your kids and their grandkids someday!] to pick up all the subtle nuances and vivid imagery that is sewed in to edit the story. Not only will you want to watch it, I have had many clients call theirs the “best movie ever made”! Photos are incredible in their own right, but there truly is no substitute for video when capturing the reality [motion, audio] of your fast-paced day. If you want to truly remember how it was, video is an absolute necessity.

See video clip: World Trade Center Wedding

Champagne: Have you won any awards?

Greg: I have won many awards for my filmmaking by national publications and film festivals. I even produced one of the top cult films of all-time as was stated on “Roger Ebert & The Movies”. However, I have never had the desire to enter my wedding work for awards. Maybe someday I will take the time to do it, but it has just never been necessary when people are able to see what I do. Awards can be great, but seein’ is believin’.

See video clip: Wedding Music Video

Champagne: What sets you apart from other videographers?

Greg: Besides actually knowing how to use my camera? Just kidding. Not only do I do wedding and event work, I also have a commercial side of our business, called Blue Couch Media , in which Solstice Video is a division of. Others may proclaim proudly that they “only do weddings,” as if that is a huge advantage over the competition. However, by me continuing to do commercial and narrative work, I bring this wealth of experience and techniques into my wedding documentary work. And, clients can really tell the difference.

See video clip: Circle of Petals

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

Greg: I spend pretty much the rest of the time with my wife and 4-year old son, as well as friends. We are big on dinner parties. I like to get out to a movie or concert when I can, and then zone out to the tube or a book at night. I also love traveling, riding my bike, going to the gym, and going camping with friends whenever we can.

Champagne: What’s one tip of advice you’d offer to brides as they plan their wedding?

Greg: Schedule enough time throughout the day so you can stay as relaxed as possible, and then let yourself go with the moment!

See video clip: Bride Tells It

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

Greg: There are many people still out there that think, based on their past experiences, that capturing video is a luxury that can be done without, and there still is not enough communication about its necessity. A lot of people tell me they regret having never got a video of their wedding day, and if they had only known how great it would be to have a video, they would have done it. Some people think they are doing someone a favor by eliminating videography from their client or friend’s budget, noting that having a photographer is enough. But when they see what video can do [after seeing what Solstice Video did for a friend or family member’s recent wedding], then the client often regrets not having done it. Imagine showing your kids [and grandkids] someday the DVD of you in action, craftily told in a story format, of the most incredible day of your life. How cool is that?

Champagne: Thank you, Greg, for telling us more about Solstice Video! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Solstice Video’s website and keep up to date with their blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
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

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!