I’ve been smiling all day…I’ve been smiling for a few reasons:
[1] I love that my job allows me to work from home in my pajamas from time to time.
[2] Thinking about the 30 days of vendors and how many truly wonderful people I get to work with and meet every week.
[3] Life is good and the house is almost clean.
[4] All in all, we have the best job and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be living my dream.
Moral of the story, do something you love and you’ll never work another day of your life!  Oh yes and the [5th] reason I’m smiling today is because of Chris Becerra‘s answer to the last question we asked him. I met Chris while we were working a wedding together last summer in Depot Bay, Oregon. I had been sick for a few days and by the end of the night I barely had a voice. I would squeak out a response and my assistant and Chris would help relay the messages. He and his staff were absolutely wonderful to work with, not only because of their kindness, but their attention to detail and over all great product that they presented to my clients. Chris Beccera is constantly teaching people how to take better pictures and I think that is pretty incredible.  Get to know, Becerra Photography...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?
Chris: My Dad is a photographer.  I was that kid who group up with a darkroom in the bathroom. Pictures were always an important part of our family experience and something that we spent a lot of time doing. When my own daughter was born it inspired me to do something that I loved as a child.  My daughter and my business are now 4 years old. 

Champagne: How would you describe your style?
Chris: That’s a tough one. I try to avoid boxing myself in to a certain style and love to explore knew techniques.  I’m passionate about capturing moments in a photojournalistic way. But if the lighting is going to look great by moving 3 feet to the left I’m totally ok with letting a bride know that.  If forced to put a label on it I’d say photojournalistic, with a little artistic help.

Champagne: What would be your dream person/event to photograph?
Chris: Really shooting any bride and groom’s wedding who is passionate about photography and deeply in love with each other would be my dream event. 

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?
Chris: I have to choose just one?!  I love meeting new people. I love being challenged to create something original and refreshing. I love the idea that my work will be seen in 3 days, 3 months and 30 years from now.  When I shoot a wedding the thought of being the only permanent record of the event motivates me to give the couple something spectacular.  I also love eating wedding cake.

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?
Chris: I think knowing what you want is really important.  If you have planned everything well ahead of time you can really enjoy the wedding day.  That’s where weddings that have coordinators really make a difference.

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?
Chris: I’m always a photographer.  Sometimes I shoot weddings, sometimes I take pictures of my kids. 

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?
Chris: What really makes Becerra Photography different from other photographers, is that we are not just a photography company anymore.  We are now a videography and photography company that produces a seamless integration between the two.  Brides get the best of both worlds and a complete documentation of their wedding day.

Champagne: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Chris: Hire Champagne NW. They’re great to work with from start to finish!

Champagne: Haha! Thank you, Chris, for your sweet comment, you made our day [Referrals from vendors that understand the necessity of a wedding coordinator are invaluable!] and for telling us more about what Becerra Photography has to offer! Make sure to check out Becerra Photography’s website, blog and find them on twitter!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranchy
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

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!

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.

A few weeks ago we got an email from Travis Shields from Travis Shields Films explaining to us what Super 8 film is and why it is so cool. We had to share it with you… Get ready to fall in love! [Click on the links below to take you to samples of these amazing videos]

Vintage Super 8 Film

Weddings can be a challenge to capture in a fresh and meaningful way and traditional wedding videography often fails to deliver. Nowadays there is a bit of a renaissance happening as people begin to discover the vintage style of Super 8 film. Yes, film—like they used in olden days. Even with the wide availability of High Definition video today, brides are enjoying the softer more nostalgic look and feel of film. Film looks very different than the crisp digital video we are used to seeing. Images are grainy and colors look muted and rich. Somehow everything manages to look more romantic and ethereal.

So how does Super 8 accomplish this?

Super 8 has been around a long time and was used heavily in the 1960’s and 1970’s as the main format for capturing home movies. Chances are many of your parents have Super 8 cameras or projectors collecting dust somewhere. Don’t worry, although Super 8 is a vintage format, you won’t need to gather around an old projector to watch. Your film will be professionally edited to DVD and easily posted online at sites like YouTube for easy viewing and sharing.

I’ve been shooting film for the past eight years and the first time I picked up a Super 8 camera I was intrigued by the possibilities of these retro cameras. Once I shot my first wedding I was hooked. I love that Super 8 looks a little rough, jumpy and scratchy - much like our memory of events. There is something so authentic using vintage cameras to create modern wedding films that video just can’t replicate.

One of my recent brides Manda talks about the wedding film we created for her, “I absolutely love the Super 8 for several reasons - the first reason was so unexpected - the sound of the camera when you were actually filming. ‘Regular’ video cameras don’t make a sound, and since Super 8 does, it adds something to the moment. The camera was ‘present’ and I liked that. It really made Tom and I feel like film stars. Even the guests at the reception thought it was cool. Now for the look- fantastic! When my parents first saw the trailer, they couldn’t turn the sound on (they were at work). Their co-workers gathered around, thinking they were watching a classic black and white movie!  Everyone was stunned and amazed that it was a wedding shot in 2009. In fact, with and without music it is two different movies, both great. Timeless is probably the best word to describe it.”

We strive to craft stylized films that combine our generation’s style and sensibility with yesterday’s vintage film and retro feel. By filming the key moments and small details of your event, the spirit, atmosphere, emotion, and meaning of your day is captured. Because Super 8 is nostalgic, aesthetically beautiful and archival, our modern wedding films are instantly classic.

If you haven’t checked out Travis Shields work yet, you must! You’ll soon be reminded why you must have a videographer at your wedding! The wedding day goes by in a flash…re-living it through an unforgettable video will be worth every penny and then some!

Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle

P.S. Do you wish you would have had a videographer for your wedding? Did you have a videographer and are so glad you did? Tell your stories here!

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