Looking for a shop where you can find everything but dress? The Wedding Cottage is a boutique wedding invitation and accessory store that truly stands by their tag line “Everything but the dress.” During the off season last year I had the pleasure of helping out at The Wedding Cottage. This locally own business offers quality customer service and a true passion for the wedding industry. Petrel is someone you meet and instantly feel like you’ve known forever, she’ll help you find the invitations you’ve been dreaming of and is continuously adding locally made items to her inventory, she’s truly passionate about her store. Get to know Petrel and The Wedding Cottage here and make sure to stop by the shop and introduce yourself!

Champagne: How did you get into the wedding industry?

Petrel: Four years ago I packed my bags from college and headed to Portland to begin my first “real job” at the Embassy Suites Downtown Hotel.  After six months as the administrative assistant, I was in the right place at the right time and was promoted to social catering manager, where I booked and coordinated all the weddings that took place at the hotel.  I helped brides and grooms select their menus, timeline of the reception, and setup of their ballroom.  I was able to meet a lot of wonderful families and industry professionals while working at the hotel.  In September of last year I officially became the new owner of The Wedding Cottage, and I am so excited to continue working in the wedding industry!

Photograph by Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: What is your favorite part about your job?

Petrel: My favorite part of the job is when I get to know the bride and groom, and often the mother of the bride.  I really enjoy talking about their wedding day, her dress and all the plans they are working on.  Even though everyone is coming to The Wedding Cottage as they plan a wedding, each couple and their styles are always so different.  It is exciting to be a part of such a wonderful time in their lives.

Photograph by Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: What can a bride find at The Wedding Cottage? 

Petrel: “Everything but the dress!”  We specialize in helping brides and grooms with save the dates and invitations, but that is just the beginning!  We carry guest books, unity candles, ring bear pillows, garters, toasting flutes, knife servers, wedding planners, gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, moms, dads, flower girls …and so much more!  Also, I’m constantly on the look out for unique, special, personal and hard to find wedding items. 

Champagne: Can I purchase invitations online?

Petrel: Yes!  Couples can browse our invitations and order in the comfort of their home!  We also love to meet people at the store to help find the perfect invitation and assist with all the tough wording questions.  We know the etiquette, so they don’t have to! 

Champagne: How many styles of invitations do you offer?

Petrel: Too many to count!  We have over 80 invitation books with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.  We have invitation books that use engraving, thermography, letterpress and flat printing.  Our books include many color choices, tons of fonts, images, pockets, ribbons, and themes to fit any wedding style. 

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

Petrel: I plan my own wedding!  My fiancé, Jacob, and I just got engaged and we are having fun putting together our wedding plans.  Besides that I love playing tennis, being crafty, going to movies, and hanging out with my friends and family. 

Champagne: Word has it, you are engaged, what has been your favorite part of the planning process so far?

Petrel: Yes, I officially have a ring on my finger and it is very exciting!  My favorite part has been finally being able to talk about all the plans with Jacob.  Let’s be honest, this wedding has been planned in my head for the last two years, so it has been so fun to finally get to bounce ideas off Jacob instead of just my mom!!

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

Petrel: The Wedding Cottage is featured on page 25 in the Spring/Summer 2010 Oregon Bride Magazine.  I hope you’ll check it out!

Champagne: Thank you, Petrel, for telling us more about The Wedding Cottage! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out The Wedding Cottage online and their new blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
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

Only 3 days left to take advantage of 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 fiancé and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.