When I first walked into Bella Via I instantly fell in love! The warm gold tones along with the cool gray really allows the space to be whatever style you want it to be! To showcase the space I wanted to create a mock wedding so brides could envision how their wedding could look!  To do this we decided to go with the tones of the room and create something simple and clean, with white and silver and gold accents.  We carried this look throughout the whole venue and chose a very classic look from a simple elegant cake to white roses and lilies to the brides hair and makeup. We hope this is able to give you an idea of what Bella Via can look like, but also not overwhelm you with one color verse another or style, so you are able to envision what fits your unique style!  This tones make the beauty of the space shine through from the crystal chandeliers to the silver and gold and silver accented wallpaper.

A huge thank you to all the vendors involved:
Venue: Bella Via
Design and Coordination: Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination
Photographer and Videographer: Atelier Pictures
Hair and Make up: Face Body Beauty
Wedding dress: Rosewood Bridal
Model: Emma and Bobby
Florist: Vibrant Flowers
Rentals: The Party Place
Cake: AK Cake Design
Paper goods: Paper Bloom
Cake server & knive/champagne flutes: The Wedding Cottage

Enjoy a few photos by Atelier Pictures!!

Cheers,

Danielle & the Champagne team

About a year and a half ago we wrote a post about the differences between all the different types of coordinators you meet while planning a wedding! We are often asked why someone would need a Wedding Planner when they have a venue coordinator or a catering coordinator, etc. Having the word coordinator thrown around all the time makes it hard to keep track of what’s what! I’ve decided today, to share the post again! Read on to hear just a few of the many differences between wedding planners/coordinators and the many others!

With the title “coordinator” used so often in the wedding and event industry, it’s no surprise that the duties of these different people can get a bit confusing. We were talking about this recently with other vendors, and it is clear that people have a lot of questions about the different types of coordinators that might work with them on their wedding day. We’ll unravel these different terms for you!

Catering Coordinator: This person works for your catering company or as a manager at a venue that offers catering.
Your catering coordinator will make sure:
    o your menu selections have been made
    o plans for your bar and beverages has been arranged
    o receive and maintain your payments for the catering
Many catering companies offer rental items such as dinnerware, linens, and glassware. Your catering coordinator may assist you in selecting those items. On the day of your wedding, the catering coordinator manages the timeline for food preparation and food service. The catering coordinator will also oversee the serving staff.

Venue Coordinator: This person is employed by the venue, and knows the inner-workings of the space. Your venue coordinator will most often do a walk-through with you and point out typical layouts for your floor plan.
Your venue coordinator will know answers to questions, such as:
    o “what time can our vendors start setting up?”
    o “Where are the power outlets in the building?”
    o “How many chairs and tables do you have, and do you provide linens?”
    o “Am I allowed to use candles?”
    o “Where can vendors park for loading and unloading?”
    o “When is our final payment due?”
Some venue coordinators are on-site during your wedding day for part of all of the day. Make sure you ask them what their role with be on the day of.

Church Coordinator: If you are marrying in a church, you might have a church coordinator.
Your church coordinator will:
    o schedule your rehearsal time
    o advise you on etiquette of that specific church as well as its rules
    o run your rehearsal (for example, tell you how you should line up/walk into the church)
    o refer cantors or musicians through the parish
    o your church coordinator will be there on your wedding day to guide you down the aisle

Wedding Coordinator: A wedding coordinator/consultant/planner is one and the same.  A wedding coordinator differs from the afore mentioned coordinators because he/she is hired directly by the bride/groom/family which means their first and foremost job description is to provide to you the services that you need to make your wedding planning experience enjoyable. He/she can not only answer questions about your venue, rentals, catering, and church customs, but can also aid you with subjects such as design, budgeting, vendor selection, timelines, and etiquette. A perk is that most wedding coordinators receive discounts with vendors that get passed on to the client as a savings, rather than marking them up and costing the client more money. This comes from the experience that a professional wedding coordinator has, as well as the extensive research and networking that he/she maintains on a regular basis to continue to learn about the vendors that are available to their clients.
Most wedding coordinators offer day-of coordination in their list of services. When hiring a Day-of Coordinator they manage the details of your wedding day for you.
This includes, but not limited to:
    o preparing a timeline and ceremony processional/recessional sheet
    o organizing day of information details
    o communicating details between all vendors making sure they are on the same page
    o running the rehearsal or assist officiant and church coordinator
    o set up and clean up
    o trouble-shooting any and all situations throughout the day
Many day-of coordinators offer packages that include meetings to prepare for the wedding day and more.

If you have a coordinator at your venue, church or catering company that uses the title wedding planner/ wedding coordinator/ wedding consultant please inquire about all of the different things that they plan to do for you on your wedding day, as well as throughout your planning timeframe, so you are not left disappointed on your wedding day. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Every company is different, so some coordinators may vary from the above description.

Happy planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S.

Just a few more days to vote for Oregon Bride Magazine’s “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

Don’t miss Portland Bride & Groom‘s Very Engaging wedding show at Brigeport Village this Sunday, February 27th- from 11am-4pm.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information about our first Ask the Experts event on Sunday, March 13th!

Day 17, a venue that’s sure to take your breath away, Timberline Lodge!

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Timberline Lodge: A grounded person with a sense of fun and adventure.

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round? 

Timberline Lodge: Yes!  From winter weddings with a snowy backdrop to summer weddings with meadow flowers, and fall weddings with fall colors we enjoy four seasons of beauty at 6000’.  The best part about Timberline Lodge is that even if the weather in Oregon is not cooperating the inside of the lodge makes for stunning photos as well.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate?

Timberline Lodge: Our largest Hall can accommodate 240.  We also have intimate spaces for smaller groups.

Photo by The Photographers

Champagne: What do you think is unique about your event space?

Timberline Lodge:  Is everything to big of a statement?  I would say our location at the tree line of Mt. Hood, our views of the Cascade mountain range and the desert, our Cascadian architecture, our WPA art and history, our happy staff and our cutting edge cuisine are the key items that make Timberline Lodge unique.  I love to see people surprised at the level of service and cuisine they experience on the side of a mountain 60 miles from Portland.

Champagne: Do you have an in house caterer?

Timberline Lodge: Yes, we provide all food and beverage for our events and all of our food and beverage is created and served from the kitchen of the Cascade Dining Room.  Our Chef is Jason Stoller-Smith who is well known and respected in the Oregon wine industry as well as the Oregon culinary industry.  He cooked at the White House at the Obama Administration’s invitation.  He has also most recently been featured in Portland Monthly Magazine, 1859, Edible Portland and the NW Palate will be here this week to do a feature on him.  He is also a featured chef each year at the International Pinot Noir Festival and the Oregon Truffle Festival.  We also enjoy the distinction of having an award winning NW wine list.

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

Timberline Lodge: Good planning and communication prior to your event.  Selecting vendors that represent your style and then trusting them to do their job for you so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Photo by Eric Cable Photography

Champagne: When you aren’t having events, what do you do for fun? 

Timberline Lodge: I have light saber battles with my sons, play the ukulele and continue the never-ending quest for my new favorite champagne.

Photo by Eric Cable Photography

Photo by Eric Cable Photography

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Timberline Lodge: Even if you are not planning an event I would encourage you to come and see Timberline Lodge.  It is a one of a kind place that people of all ages and interests love to visit, hang out in and fall in love with.  Most Portlanders consider it “their lodge”.

Photo by Eric Cable Photography

Champagne: Thank you, Tammy [Timberline Lodge] for telling us more about this gorgeous venue! Make sure to check out their website, follow them on twitter and become a fan on facebook!

Day 16 of 30: hi, friend.
Day 15 of 30: Byron Roe Photography
Day 14 of 30: Francoise Weeks
Day 13 of 30: phresh catering
Day 12 of 30: Carroll Myers
Day 11 of 30: Ryan Ricketts Photography
Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

Get ready to fall in love with this breathtaking new venue! Day 9, meet Marci with Domaine Margelle! Enjoy!

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Domaine Margelle: An ideal client is a bride that can appreciate the beauty of our location and wants a rustic, outdoor vineyard setting with a sense of elegance.

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round?

Domaine Margelle: No, we are strictly an outdoor venue.  We do a limited number of weddings from May to September to offer our brides a sense of uniqueness.

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate?

Domaine Margelle: We can host up to 300 guests, but our ideal number is around 200.  We have tables and chairs for this amount.

Champagne: What do you think is unique about your event space?

Domaine Margelle: One thing that makes us unique is the fact that in addition to a One Day Wedding Package, we offer the bridal couple a Two Day Weekend Event Package.  This allows the couple to host their Rehearsal Dinner on site as well as the Wedding and even allows for a Bridal Brunch the day following the ceremony.  Included in the package are overnight accommodates at our Vacation Home.

Photo by Joel Bock Photography

Champagne: Do you have an in house caterer? If not, are they able to bring in any professional caterer?

Domaine Margelle: We do not have an ‘in-house’ caterer.  Brides are able to choose their own.  We do offer a list of recommended caterers to assist in the process.

Photo by Joel Bock Photography

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

Domaine Margelle: I’d say having a good Wedding Coordinator is key to a successful event.  For many brides, this is the first BIG event they have planned.  Having someone to walk you through the ropes is key.  Also, there are always issues that come up.  Knowing your coordinator will handle them is a relief for any bridal couple and their families.

Photo by Tullis Photo

Photo by Tullis Photo

Champagne: When you aren’t having events, what do you do for fun?

Domaine Margelle: Life in a vineyard is naturally about the cycles of the seasons.  In summer we focus on Weddings.  Fall is about Wine Tasting.  Winter is a time of preparation with pruning the vines and bottling the new wine.  And Spring…well it’s that time of rejoicing as you see the dormant plant begin again.  Life is rich and full.

Photo by Tullis Photo

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Domaine Margelle: For any bride wanting a vineyard wedding we focus on ‘Place’.  Wine is that magic elixir that seems to solidify moments and place in our minds.  Add good food and friends and you have the perfect pairing.  Domaine Margelle seeks to create wines that bridal couples and their guest will remember and enjoy long after the ceremony is over. 

Champagne: Thank you, Marci [Domaine Margelle], for telling us more about your beautiful venue! Please make sure to check out their website and become a fan on facebook!

Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )

Happy Monday! Here we are with Day 3 of 30 days of vendors! Today were getting up close with Pure Space... which is none other than a beautiful blank slate to make your vision come to life! Enjoy!

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Pure Space: Someone who is trusting enough to let us design and put together their dream event with décor, lighting and other fun an unusual elements.

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round?

Pure Space: Yes, in fact we have had calls up until today from people looking for space for their January and February wedding receptions.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate?

Pure Space:
-Entire Venue = Up to 1000
-Upstairs Loft = 200 seated
-Main Floor = 800 seated

Champagne: What do you think is unique about your event space?

Pure Space: Despite the fact that it’s a modern open space, with 40’ tall ceilings, 28’ tall floor-to-ceiling windows, it can be easily transformed into an intimate and warm environment.  Also, the lighting looks phenomenal at night!

Champagne: Do you have an in house caterer? If not, are they able to bring in any professional caterer?

Pure Space: We have a well rounded list of preferred caterers that you are able to choose from, each varying in price and style. 

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

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

Pure Space: Good communication!

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Champagne: When you aren’t having events, what do you do for fun?

Pure Space: I love traveling and getting out of Oregon as often as I can but because we are busy year round, my vacation is usually in January or February.

Photo by Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Pure Space: All of us here at Pure Space and West Coast Events truly love our jobs and live and breathe events!  We are constantly dreaming up new ideas and so if you haven’t worked with us, give us call and check out our website!

Champagne: Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing more with us about Pure Space! 
Make sure to become a fan on facebook and follow them on twitter!!

Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team