The amazing vendors:
Coordination: Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Westwind
Officiant: Leslie Blackwell-Marx
Welcome Dinner Caterer: Simpatica
Wedding & Day after Brunch Caterer: Maggie’s Buns
Dessert: Maggie’s Buns
Photographer: Kate Kelly Photography
Videographer: Brian Babarik
Invitations: Paper Bloom Studio
Hair & Make up: Face Body Beauty
Welcome Bonfire & Ceremony Music: Musica Melodia
Reception Entertainment: Event Team Entertainment
Florist: Form & Flora
Rentals: Barclay’s Event Rental

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Photo by Kate Kelly Photography

Wishing you love, laughter and a truly happily ever after!

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

In addition to this, we’ve been working on a custom line of invitations with Paper Bloom Studio, which is called Champagne Paper! These invitations will be available to purchase directly from our website in the next few weeks! For now, we’ve put together a little sneak peak below of some of the invitations we have available. You can add backer cards, customize the colors, add address wraps, and more! The designs are made to fit different wedding themes or can be used for party invitations without the extra insert cards! 

We’ve also been working on a Champagne line of Guestbooks- custom by Hinged Strung Stitched! More information and photos coming soon!

Enjoy your sneak peak of our Champagne Paper invitation line!

Our shopping cart will be up in the next couple of weeks, but for now, if you’re interested in more information, email us at !

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

2012:
Day 30 of 30: Ambient Sky, Couture Wedding Films™
Day 29 of 30: Lolich’s Family Farm
Day 28 of 30: Dream Cakes
Day 27 of 30: Catering At Its Best
Day 26 of 30: Focal Point Digital Media
Day 25 of 30: Oregon Historical Society
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns

2011:
Day 30 of 30: August Veils
Day 29 of 30: Cardgirl Invitations
Day 28 of 30: Officiant Lisa Kristen-Scott
Day 27 of 30: Petalos Floral Design
Day 26 of 30: The Party Place
Day 25 of 30: Limelight photo booth
Day 24 of 30: AniA Collection
Day 23 of 30: Nicole Wagner Make up
Day 22 of 30: Alesia Zorn Calligraphy and more
Day 21 of 30: Bass is Loaded! Mobile DJ
Day 20 of 30: Effesenden Music
Day 19 of 30: Anne Adams Photography
Day 18 of 30: Paparazzi Tonight Photo Booth
Day 17 of 30: Timberline Lodge
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

2010:
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

What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contests:

Mini Make up Lesson:
Face Body Beauty is giving away a free mini-makeup lesson [30 minute lesson to teach you tips and tricks for a polished daytime look]!! To enter, leave your comments on Face Body Beauty’s blog feature about why you think you deserve to win the makeup lesson!

One night stay at Hotel deLuxe:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:

1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]

2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How would you describe your videography style?

Ambient Sky: Contemporary, intimate, engaging, heartfelt and timeless..  We create films that truly reflect our clients personalities and the uniqueness of their day. 

Wedding Trailer:

Video by Ambient Sky

Champagne: How did you get into videography?

Ambient Sky: We have always had a passion for cinema, music, art and design.  To be honest it felt like a natural evolution.  We both come from very creative backgrounds and fell in love with all the intricacies of filmmaking.  We love the process of finding the perfect balance of creating breathtaking imagery along with capturing the key emotional moments thru out the day and combining that with the right music to help support and intensify the experience our clients have each time they watch their wedding film. 

Crafting these experiences is what drew us in but the immense gratification we get from our couples reactions to what we’ve created for them is what keeps us energized and inspired.  There is just no media as powerful to a bride and groom and their family as one of our wedding film.

As far as education, Amanda studied Fashion Design and Photography and Scott studied Film making, Multimedia, Graphic design and has an extensive background in audio engineering.  Education though, is a constant for us.  We’re never satisfied with the status quo, we’re continually experimenting and learning new ways to shoot, to edit and tell our couples stories so that our best film is always the one we just finished.

Wedding Trailer:

Video by Ambient Sky

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?

Ambient Sky: They haven’t seen our work.  Our wedding films are so much more than the old style of “videography”.  Our advanced style of shooting and our engaging edits make our vision of a wedding film unlike anything most couples have ever seen before.  The comment we probably hear more than any other from our couples and their families is the wedding film we created for them has been in their DVD player for days as they’ve watched it over and over.  This isn’t a marketing line, we have numerous emails from brides and their parents telling us this.

Same Day Edit:

Video by Ambient Sky

Champagne: What sets you apart from other videographers?

Ambient Sky: Our story telling ability and our insatiable desire to grow creatively as well as constantly push to improve ourselves in the highly technical aspects of film making, which is something that’s often overlooked by many less experienced companies.

Wedding Trailer:

Video by Ambient Sky

Champagne: What advice would you offer to couples who are planning their wedding?

Ambient Sky: Aside from who you choose to marry, your wedding film and photography are quite possibly the most important decisions you make for your day.  They are the only tangible things that remain after your wedding day.  So keeping that bigger long term picture in mind is really helpful when budgeting and choosing your wedding filmmaker and photographer.  Don’t compromise on your decision, you want to love the work of the studio you choose so you will treasure your wedding film and photos for years to come.  When budgeting for an experienced wedding filmmaker expect to pay at least as much and possibly more than you will for your photographer. 

Love Story shot in Hawaii

Video by Ambient Sky

Champagne: What is key to creating a successful event?

Ambient Sky: Hiring professionals who love what they do and invest themselves in making your day amazing, combined with the experience and talent to pull it off event after event.

Hawaii Wedding Highlight

Video by Ambient Sky

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

Ambient Sky: We love spending time with our kids and family.  Scott enjoys playing Hockey and Amanda loves dancing. 

Same Day Edit:

Video by Ambient Sky

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

Ambient Sky: As a husband and wife team we have great respect for marriage and family.  Having been married for 11 years now with our wedding a very distant memory, we have a very intimate connection to the value of what we provide to our clients. 

Champagne: Thank you, Scott [Ambient Sky] for telling us more about your company! Make sure to follow them on twitter, “like” them on facebook, check out their website and browse their blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 29 of 30: Lolich’s Family Farm
Day 28 of 30: Dream Cakes
Day 27 of 30: Catering At Its Best
Day 26 of 30: Focal Point Digital Media
Day 25 of 30: Oregon Historical Society
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:

This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:

1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]

2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Champagne: What inspired you to open a wedding/event venue?

Lolich’s Family Farm: My parents bought our little blueberry farm in 1976.  My earliest and most vivid memories of childhood are gatherings at our farm: birthday parties, harvest festivals, anniversary celebrations, fundraisers… you name it.  About ten years ago family and friends started asking to use our farm for weddings, so we created a “ceremony garden” and built a dressing room, and enjoyed hosting a few weddings here and there.  In the meantime I went to college, then moved to San Francisco, where I enjoyed several years of working in the hospitality field.  When I returned home to Portland a few years ago, my family told me that they had many people asking to have weddings at the farm, and thought maybe I would like to get involved.  Before I knew it, we were booked for that summer.  It’s been a fantastic ride ever since.  We love having people share these great moments in their lives with us.

Photo by Candy Newby Photography

Champagne: What size events can you accommodate?

Lolich’s Family Farm: Our ceremony garden can seat up to 150 people.  For reception-only events we allow parties of up to 200 people, but our ideal is to keep it around 150- this is about the number where events are still really personal. 

Photo by Candy Newby Photography

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round?

Lolich’s Family Farm: Since our accommodations are predominately outdoors, we only book events mid-June through mid-September.  We have accommodations arranged in case of rain, but the venue is set-up to be enjoyed with the open sky. 

Photo by Candy Newby Photography

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from the rest?

Lolich’s Family Farm: Our farm is rustic enough to do country-themed events and elegant enough to hold a formal celebration.  I kind of think of our farm as one of those outfits you see in fashion magazines where you can wear it to the office, dress it up with some flashy jewelry for the evening, and switch the skirt to jeans for the perfect weekend wear.

Photo by Candy Newby Photography

Champagne: What do you think is key to creating a successful event?

Lolich’s Family Farm: I think that it is important for the couple to understand that all their guests really want is to be comfortable and to have fun.  Just make sure that throughout the time they are there they always have something to eat, drink, and to entertain them and they will be happy. 

Photo by Candy Newby Photography

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

Lolich’s Family Farm: The summertime is our big season for events and for produce.  The rest of the year we just relax!  No, actually the rest of the year is devoted to farming and family.  This year we are introducing a “food cart” at the farm where we will serve unique farm-to-table lunches in the summer, so that’s my big project for the moment.

Photo by Candy Newby Photography
Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Lolich’s Family Farm: For some brides everything seems to work out- they always imagined an intimate wedding on a warm beach in a wispy satin dress.  For others, they want that beach wedding, but they dream of wearing a ballgown, and the guest list of 250 isn’t matching their tight budget.  This is why we allow our clients to use the vendors of their choice.  It gives them a great range of flexibility in budget, style, and formality. 

Photo Brian Enright Photography

Photo Brian Enright Photography

Champagne: Thank you, Dina [Lolich’s Family Farm], for sharing more about your venue! Head on over and “like” them on Facebook, follow them on twitter and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 28 of 30: Dream Cakes
Day 27 of 30: Catering At Its Best
Day 26 of 30: Focal Point Digital Media
Day 25 of 30: Oregon Historical Society
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:

This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:

1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]

2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How did Dream Cakes begin?

Dream Cakes: After college I started a retail bakery in Hood River and made wedding cakes for a few friends.  I loved the process of getting to know the couple and designing a unique cake just for them.  I moved back to Portland and opened Dream Cakes.

Photo by Altura Photography

Champagne: What sets you apart from other bakeries?

Dream Cakes: I am a wedding cake only business.  I was a pastry chef before opening Dream Cakes.  I only use the highest quality ingredients, no Crisco, no imitation flavorings, and no mixes.  I use imported chocolates, locally made butter, and local organic, whole berries in season.

Photo by Evrim Icoz Photography

Champagne: What’s your personal specialty?

Dream Cakes: Sugar paste flowers.

Photo by Gabriel Boone Photography

Champagne: What’s your favorite dessert?

Dream Cakes: Blackberry pie

Champagne: What inspires you?

Dream Cakes: Everything from fabrics, gardens, furniture, graphics, all of these things and many others give me creative inspiration.

Champagne: What cake flavors do you offer?

Dream Cakes: My 3 most popular are: Dark Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and whole raspberry filling, Carrot cake with homemade toffee crunch filling, and White Buttermilk cake with homemade lemon curd and fresh whole blueberries.  I also do red velvet, coconut, banana, poppy seed, pumpkin, and countless others.  The combinations are endless.

Champagne: What has been your most unique request for cake design?

Dream Cakes: I made a wedding cake that looked like Louis Vuitton luggage with sugar paste passports on the top, for a couple who are world travelers.

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

Dream Cakes: The bride should pick vendors that she is comfortable with, and then relax and trust them to do their job.

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

Dream Cakes: I love to garden, cook for my husband, walk my dogs, read and travel.

Champagne: Thank you, Judy [Dream Cakes], for telling us more about your company! Head on over and “like” them on facebook and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 27 of 30: Catering At Its Best
Day 26 of 30: Focal Point Digital Media
Day 25 of 30: Oregon Historical Society
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:

This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:

1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]

2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How long has Catering At its Best been in business?

Catering At Its Best: 17 years

Champagne: What is Catering At its Best’s specialty?

Catering At Its Best: Our specialties are fabulous food and exceptional service. All of our menu items are made from scratch in our commercial kitchen, using only fresh ingredients and our own unique recipes. Our excellent service is the icing on the cake to a perfect event!

Champagne: What venues are you the preferred caterer?

Catering At Its Best:
Ainsworth House
Antonia Ballroom
Body Vox
Castaway
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Elk Cove Vineyards
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Gallery 903
Jenkins Estate
Laurelhurst club
Left Bank Annex
Lolich Blueberry Farm
Marshall House
Mount Hood Bed & Breakfast
Mountain Park Recreation Center
Museum of the Oregon Territory
Norse Hail
North Star Ballroom
Overlook House
Pearson Air Museum
Pure Space
Scholls Valley Lodge
Scottish Rite Center
The Old Church
West End Theater
World Forestry Center

Champagne: What’s your favorite venue to work at?

Catering At Its Best: Every venue is unique in its own way. We them all!

Photo by Jingzi Photography

Photo by Jingzi Photography

Champagne: What do you think someone should look for when hiring a caterer for their wedding or event?

Catering At Its Best:  Food quality and taste is the most important ingredient to a memorable wedding reception, Guests will remember the food long after the decor and China pattern is forgotten.
Make sure you’re getting good value for your expenditure, and include everything you want without adding unnecessary items.
A comfortable relationship with your event piaraner is key to a successful event. It is important that you work with an experienced professional from Start to finish, who will be there from the beginning to the end of your event.

Photo by Jingzi Photography

Champagne: Quality or quantity?

Catering At Its Best: Quality! If you’re on a budget, it is better to have quality basics rather than extravagant extras that you don’t realty need.

Photo by Jingzi Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Catering At Its Best: An ideal client is one who knows what they Want, has a vision for their event, yet ls flexible enough to make changes if needed. We enjoy with creative people who will work with us to turn their vision into reality.

Photo by Jingzi Photography

Champagne: Do you believe having a wedding coordinator is a luxury or essential?

Catering At Its Best: A wedding coordinator is a special,  and one we would recommend if it fits your budget. A wedding coordinator can do a iot of leg work for you, and provide you with a smooth, carefree wedding.

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

Catering At Its Best: In addition to our full-service catering, we now have Briskets, a new food cart in the Pearl District. We offer the same high quality food and service for your street food fix that we do for
your catered events, Both outdoor and indoor seating availabie. Find us at http://www.foodcartsportland.com/2011/10/18/briskets/

Our employees are a diverse bunch! When not at work, we’re involved with marathon runs, fashion design, traveling to exotic lands, teaching recycling classes, volunteering for non-profit organizations, and a variety of other pursuits.

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

All of our events are handled with care and professionalism. We lend the same high quality of food and services to each event, large or small. We are a green company, dedicated to composting, recycling, and other sustainable practices.

Champagne: Thank you, Bob, for telling us more about Catering At Its Best! Make sure to head on over and “like” them on facebook and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 26 of 30: Focal Point Digital Media
Day 25 of 30: Oregon Historical Society
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,

The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:

This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:

1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]

2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How would you describe your videography style?

Focal Point Digital Media: We try really hard to strike a balance between including the beautiful, cinematic shots of our brides and the details of their weddings while still telling the actual, emotional story well.  There’s a huge trend right now with so many wedding films that are overly focused on the decor and details, trick shots, and overall “eye candy” which, granted, is undoubtably gorgeous but is often lacking in emotional connection and story.  And at the opposite extreme, there are lots of wedding films that lean so heavily towards documentary style “real life” footage that a lot of the beauty and drama of the day are lost.  So the trick as a filmmaker is finding the middle ground, and I think our style incorporates elements of both strongly.  We’re certainly best known for our cinematic short form edits, but with every single package we offer we also include a full-length cut of the ceremony and reception as well, which is somewhat unique to our studio.

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Getting Ready at The Nines/ Ceremony & Reception at The Abernethy Center

Champagne: How did you get into videography?

Focal Point Digital Media: One of my degrees was a Bachelor’s in Communication Arts at George Fox University so video has always been an interest on some level, but after college I had the opportunity to compete as a professional track athlete for 7 years so my “real job” was on hold during that time. I officially started Focal Point in the summer of 2004, after retiring from athletics.  Initially our goal was to film 10-12 weddings the first year and hopefully transition into full time over the course of 3-4 years as the business grew, but instead we filmed about 40 weddings our first year and it just immediately became my full time career!  Eight years, one retail studio, and 250+ weddings later I haven’t looked back and still absolutely love being a part of our clients’ wedding days!

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Zenith Vineyards

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?

Focal Point Digital Media: If your video was like theirs you wouldn’t watch it either, haha!  I can’t emphasize enough that your parents’ wedding tape is most definitely NOT today’s modern wedding film!  Long gone are the days of the numbingly dull, unedited, 4-hour VHS tapes with terrible sound and even worse images.  Our wedding films are just like the word implies: truly filmic, closer to what you’d see coming from a Hollywood movie studio than from a home camcorder!  We shoot 100% digital HD footage using a variety of top DSLRs and professional camcorders, capture audio with super sensitive wireless mics, work all kinds of magical mojo in the editing suite afterwards, and then deliver on Blu-Ray and DVD.  Literally dozens of our past brides have written to tell us how they’ve watched their wedding films over and over again, so I can assure you that just because your parents didn’t watch theirs doesn’t mean you won’t watch yours… more likely you’ll wear out your disc from overuse!!  (Don’t worry, we keep backups!  ; ))

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Youngberg Hill Vineyard & Inn

Champagne: What sets you apart from other videographers?

Focal Point Digital Media: You know, at a certain price point in the market there are a lot of studios that are doing a great job and coming out with quality work.  I think what sets us apart more than anything else are two things.  First, it’s that we’re just genuinely interested in you and your story, and I’d like to think we’re nice guys. ; )  It sounds simplistic, but to be honest you’ll spend more time with your videographer (and photographer) than literally anyone else on your wedding day so having a great connection at the personal level is huge if you’re going to enjoy the experience.  So we try very hard in that department to deliver great, responsive customer service and to make the whole process as fun and stress-free as possible.  The second thing that sets us apart is that we specialize very exclusively in weddings, which is a pretty big deal when you consider how unpredictable and emotionally-charged live event filmmaking can be!  We don’t solicit any other type of video work, so we’re not out running around on weekdays filming car dealership commercials or anything like that.  From day one we’ve chosen to just stick to one thing and do it well rather than being the proverbial “Jack of all trades, master of none” and I think that this very narrow specialization has paid off in the long run.  We’ve been named “Best Overall Wedding Vendor” and have been voted “Best Videographer” for the past three years in a row by the readers of Oregon Bride magazine, so something must be working right, haha!

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Getting ready at The Heathman Hotel/ Ceremony & Reception at Pure Space

Champagne: One tip or advice for couples as they plan their wedding:

Focal Point Digital Media: Don’t stress the little things!  The internet makes it very easy to get so wrapped up in a world of endless tiny details, and inspiration boards, and wedding blogs, and Pinterest, and… that you can quickly lose sight of the big picture.  But by the time your wedding day rolls around try to let go of worry about the details and remember that what really matters most is the love between you and your fiancé, and the relationships with your family and friends who are there to support you at your wedding.  Those are the things you remember afterwards, not the little things.  And there is no richer way to remember–and “feel”–your biggest day than with a wedding film.

Video by Focal Point Digital Media- Maysara Winery

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

Focal Point Digital Media: Just have fun and be in love!  On video it’s almost impossible to “fake” what you’re feeling.  If you’re upset, you can’t just flash a quick smile like you can in photography and get away with it; video just has too much context.  But the reverse effect is true too, so if you’re genuinely enjoying your wedding and are super in love your fiancé it absolutely comes through loud and clear in your wedding film… and my job gets much easier!

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Getting ready at The Nines/ Ceremony & Reception at Gray Gables Estate

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

Focal Point Digital Media: I’m the dad to three little boys (second grade, first grade, and 3 years old) which is the best part of my day, every day!  I have a beautiful wife named Kristin who I’m crazy about, and when I’m not shooting video I love photography (imagine that!), running, hiking and backpacking, Oregon football, Olympic-level track & field, and all things Mac-related.  I’m the biggest Apple fanboy ever.

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Timberline Lodge

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

Focal Point Digital Media: I really can’t emphasize enough just how important it is to have a well-done wedding film.  It’s one of the best investments of your wedding budget that you’ll make, and its value only increases over time.  Ironically, my wife and I didn’t get a professional video and we so regret it now in hindsight.  Even if it’s not Focal Point Digital Media be sure to hire someone; you’ll only thank yourself in the years to come!  As our tagline says, Why Live Your Wedding Only Once?
The first person to book directly because they saw this blog post will get a free upgrade to Blu-Ray production and delivery ($495 value), and everyone else that mentions this is welcome to the same Blu-Ray upgrade for half price!

Video by Focal Point Digital Media - Portland Art Museum

Champagne: Thank you, Ryan [Focal Point Digital Media], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to “like” them on facebook, visit their website and browse their blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 25 of 30: Oregon Historical Society
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: What do you love about working at the Oregon Historical Society?

Oregon Historical Society: I’ve always loved catering at other, historic venues…The Oregon Historical Society is just that! Its unique indoor and private outdoor event spaces become available in the evenings for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and engagement events. We offer floor to ceiling windows overlooking the SW Park Blocks and Oregon specific artifacts adorn the event areas. Catering for any size group is always a pleasure for us in such a fantastic event space in the heart of Downtown Portland.

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Champagne: What size events can you accommodate?

Oregon Historical Society:
Seated:
      150 indoor (Miller Pavilion)
      180 outdoor (Plaza)
        Spaces are adjacent to one another and may be used for dual purposes
      70 outdoor (Broadway Terrace)
Reception:
      300 indoor (Miller Pavilion)
      250 outdoor (Plaza)
      150 outdoor (Broadway Terrace)
Ceremony
      225 indoor (Miller Pavilion)
      250 outdoor (Plaza)
      130 outdoor (Broadway Terrace)

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round?

Oregon Historical Society: Absolutely! The Miller Pavilion offers floor to ceiling windows overlooking the SW Park blocks, historic statues and rose beds

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from the rest?

Oregon Historical Society:
Versatile event space affords couples to have the ceremony, reception and dinner, all at one venue!
Uniquely wonderful indoor/outdoor event space in the heart of Downtown Portland. Rotating exhibits and museum artifacts adorn the event space. Guests may explore varying galleries, telling of Oregon’s rich history. 
Outdoor event space sits above street level, overlooking the SW Park blocks and is watched over by a 1989 Lewis & Clark mural.

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Champagne: What is something you think couples should know when picking their wedding/event venue?

Oregon Historical Society: It has to feel right…then consider the caterer and an event planner. Also, look at the venue flooring…carpeted floors versus cement. Cement floors tend to drain the energy of guests more quickly than carpeted ones. The Oregon Historical Society has carpeted event space in the Miller Pavilion.

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

Oregon Historical Society: Understanding the Wedding Couple’s vision. What is important to them? Knowing their hopes and fears will allow us to create and execute their most memorable day!

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

Oregon Historical Society: I love to cook and dine around town, trying all cuisines, new and old. Keeping up with local events and staying current with wedding trends is key to my personal and work success.

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

Oregon Historical Society: The Heathman Restaurant & Bar has been the exclusive caterer for the Oregon Historical Society since 2010. We are a French/Northwest themed restaurant, lead by Culinary Director and French Master Chef Philippe Boulot. We are a James Beard award winning restaurant and have earned the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, three years running. Dedicated Culinary and Banquet staff provide your guests with excellent and attentive service.

Photo by Jingzi Photography

Champagne: Thank you, Sean, for telling us more about Oregon Historical Society! Make sure to follow them on twitter, “like” them on facebook and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 24 of 30: Sammy’s Flowers
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: When and why did you decide you wanted to be a florist?

Sammy’s Flowers: I have always been passionate about colors and textures and design.  I went to school for photo and graphic design.  During my summer breaks I worked on Morning Glory Farm back home on Marth’as Vineyard.  I worked mostly out in the flower fields planting and weeding, and each morning picking and designing 100 plus fresh cut loose bouquets straight from the fields.  My love for colors and design quickly transcended into flowers to the point that I decided to give a more formal flower class a try.  I moved across country on a whim to Portland and enrolled in the Floral Design Institute.  This sealed the deal.  I fell in love with the city and the life as a florist.  Shortly after I connected with Sammy’s Flowers and the rest is history.

Champagne: What is the favorite part of your job?

Sammy’s Flowers: I love getting to work with my hands, and get messy.  I love getting to manipulate nature into beautiful arrangements that make people smile and getting to be part of so many significant moments in peoples lives.  I love that there is alwasy new fresh flowers to rediscover and re fall in love with as the seasons change.

Champagne: What should brides know when looking for a florist?

Sammy’s Flowers: I think its so important to let the time of year you choose to get married in and mother nature do their work for you.  Take the time to learn whats in season when you get married and utilize these blossoms rather then try to recreate something beautiful out of season.  Also I think the relationship one makes with a florist is so important.  I love when I can conncet with a bride to a point that they trust our combined vision and let me do what I do best. 

Champagne: What’s your favorite flower?

Sammy’s Flowers: I dont know where to begin.  I have favorite ones for each season.  However I think my favorite season flower wise is spring, and my top three flowers for spring would have to be ranunculus, peonies, and parrot tulips

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Sammy’s Flowers: clean, organic, earthy, romantic

Champagne: Do you believe having a wedding coordinator is a luxury or essential?

Sammy’s Flowers: I think it depends on the size and scale of ones wedding.  Planning a wedding can be a full time job, learning about venues, caterers, photographers, flowers, cakes etc…it’s definitely an enjoyable luxury to have someone like a wedding coordinator help you and guide you.

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

Sammy’s Flowers: Exploring and enjoying Portland with my 5 year old son.  We love to scooter around the Pearl, play at parks, and take full enjoyment of the sunshine when we have it!

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

Sammy’s Flowers: We offer free wedding consultations at Sammy’s Flowers and love to help make weddings of all sizes and budgets beautiful.  Mention this blog and get a free toss bouquet or 20% of your bridal bouquet.

Champagne: Thank you, Sage for telling us more about Sammy’s Flowers! Head on over and “like” them on facebook, stop by their shops [2280 Northwest Glisan Street Portland, Oregon 97210 & 1128 Northwest Lovejoy Street Portland, Oregon 97209] and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 23 of 30: Blue Window World Travel
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How did you decide to become a Travel Agent?

Blue Window World Travel: I’ve always loved everything about travel, it’s my passion.  I love reading the industry periodicals and the Sunday travel section of the newspaper.  I love looking at maps!  So when I was approached by a local travel agency to join their organization, I jumped at the chance.

Champagne: What are the benefits to booking with a Travel Agent?

Blue Window World Travel: A good Travel Agent will spend time getting to know you and your travel style so that they can suggest locations that will suite you best.  Travel Agents have access to special honeymoon amenities, great pricing, and, most importantly, you just can’t book yourself as a VIP like a Travel Agent can!

Champagne: What’s your dream destination?

Blue Window World Travel: My dream destination is Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island (in the South Pacific off the coast of Australia)

Champagne: What is the key to planning a stress-free honeymoon?

Blue Window World Travel: Delegate the task of researching options on your own, which can quickly zap your energy, to a Travel Agent.  And be very honest with them about what your desires are for the trip as far how active you want to be, etc.  This will help you narrow your search and get you the best deals.

Champagne: What tips do you have for those planning their vacation or honeymoon?

Blue Window World Travel:
- Start planning the honeymoon 6-9 months in advance to get the best prices and air itinerary

- Buy travel insurance in case your honeymoon plans have to change

- Opt for an all-inclusive resort so that there are no extra charges

- Sign up for my honeymoon registry for excursions, massages or special dinners that can be paid for by your guests.

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

Blue Window World Travel: I hang out with my kids, Cecilia and Henry and I’m currently training for the road bike event Reach the Beach in Portland.

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

Blue Window World Travel: I am the only Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant in Oregon for the Karisma Hotel line in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico (south of Cancun).

I have a price match promise – I will match any online retailer’s (Expedia, Costco, etc.) prices for travel packages and will also beat it by $10 per adult, $5 per child!  So bring me your itinerary and let’s get you the lowest price with the best service.

I am a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist, so you are in excellent hands! If you mention this post, you’ll receive $50 off your travel package!

Champagne: Thank you, Julie [Blue Window World Travel], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to head on over and follow them on twitter, “like” them on Facebook, and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 22 of 30: Atelier Pictures
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How did you get into photography & videography?

Atelier Pictures: I (Jonathan) specifically think of my journeys to Nepal and Thailand as experiences that solidified my interest in photography, filmmaking, and documenting.  In particular, I made a documentary about an organization in Nepal that rescues girls who were trafficked into India.  As I began to share that project back in the US, I grew to appreciate how the power of images and stories can transform our worldviews. 

I (Josh) loved looking through my grandparent’s National Geographic magazines as a young (albeit nerdy) child.  The photographs inspired me, but it was really the passion and vibrancy of the images themselves that grabbed my imagination.  I started taking photos seriously in college (with a film camera!) and began to hone my craftsmanship while spending 5 months backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail.  The images that I captured during that journey are some of my personal favorites.

Photo by Atelier Pictures

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Atelier Pictures:We are creative documentarians.  We observe the story of a wedding day unfolding while seeking to capture moments that describe the passion of our clients.  Documenting speaks to what we are striving to capture, and the creativity speaks to how.  As artists, both of us strive to find the beautiful and the unique in each moment.

Our style is wrapped up in our name.  An “atelier” is an artist studio, which points back to our passion for art as well as appreciation of physical objects.  Prints and albums are ways that our work becomes physical, something that brides and grooms can touch and feel.  The physicality of our work is important because it integrates into daily life and becomes a piece of our lives.  When our clients see an image from their wedding day, we want them to enter back into the emotion of that moment.

At the same time, “atelier” also speaks to customization.  There is a significant level of intentionality in our creative process; we create for the unique individuals who are our clients. 

Photo by Atelier Pictures

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

Atelier Pictures: I (Jonathan) would love to follow the comedian Mitch Hedberg around on tour, but since he is dead that would be really awkward.

I (Josh) would love to photograph for National Geographic.  They could probably send me anywhere to shoot anything and I would love it.

Photo by Atelier Pictures

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?

Atelier Pictures: I (Josh) have a wedding video that falls flat for me and my wife.  When we watch it, none of the emotion from the day is evident.  As I’ve compared experiences with other people, I have discovered that this is a common experience.  Wedding videos are often like this and this is the type of video that never gets watched and creates negative responses.

We are fully aware of this dynamic and actively seek to change it. We capture the story in a way that engages our clients, their families, and friends.  My wife and I would value (and watch) our wedding video much more if it told the story of our day in a compelling way.  We strive to create videos for our clients that do exactly that.

Think about these things when you are making your decision:

1) The value of your wedding photographs and videos are directly related to how well someone captured them.  If these images speak to you, remind you of something significant in your life, then you will be compelled to enjoy them and share them.

2) The video is not necessarily something that you will watch daily, weekly, or monthly.  After the honeymoon phase of showing it to everyone you know, maybe you will end up watching it every anniversary or at the least every decade, right?  We think that being able to reengage with your wedding day through your video – the way you walked, talked, and loved each other – is irreplaceable.

3) Who has a VCR!!!?  As technology changes it becomes difficult to enjoy old movies, whether it is a home video or that episode of “Different Strokes” that you recorded.  We are committed to helping clients for the long haul and will be happy to convert videos to the most relevant and convenient medium.

Photo by Atelier Pictures

The Adventure - Megan and Johnny from Atelier Pictures on Vimeo.

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Atelier Pictures: We are honored to be included in one of the most intimate moments in a couple’s life.  The best images come out of a trusting relationship between us and the bride and groom.  And those images are the ones that will resonate with meaning.

Photo by Atelier Pictures

Champagne: One tip or advice for couples as they plan their wedding:

Atelier Pictures: Laugh as often as possible.  If you are not laughing, then maybe something is off and you need to reorient yourselves.  (Note: If those tears trickle down your legs from laughing too hard, then you must be marrying the right person.)

Be present.  It is one of the easiest things to say, but supremely hard to do.  There is so much going on during a wedding, it is difficult to slow down.  Be in the moment, pause, and enjoy it!

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

Atelier Pictures: You!  You are the key.  Get everything in place before your wedding day so that you can let go and party.

Photo by Atelier Pictures

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

Atelier Pictures: I (Jonathan) love hanging out with my family, making art, traveling, rock climbing, sweating to P90X, and experiencing something new.

I (Josh) love the outdoors (climbing mountains, skiing, or just walking around outside), reading (check out my books on LibraryThing), and watching movies (my favorite one from last year was Tree of Life).  Also, I am a new father!  My daughter is 3 months old, so I am spending a lot of my time just being with her.  She is the best and most expensive toy I have : )

Photo by Atelier Pictures

Andrew and Andrea - Social Edition from Atelier Pictures on Vimeo.

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

Atelier Pictures: We want to meet you!  We would love to treat you to one of our favorite Portland restaurants for dinner or lunch and a consultation!  A few of our favorites are Simpatica Dining Hall, Pok Pok, Toro Bravo, Boke Bowl, Podnah’s, and more.  See our special offer page to schedule your meal, or contact us directly at email@atelierpictures.com.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Photo by Atelier Pictures

Champagne: Thank you, Josh and Jonathan [Atelier Pictures], for telling us more about your company! Head on over and follow them on twitter, “like” them on Facebook, visit their website and browse their blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 21 of 30: The Oregon Golf Club
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: What do you love about working at a wedding venue?

Oregon Golf Club: I love getting to know each couple and how special and unique they and their wedding are!  It’s really fun to start at the engagement and then see it through until the wedding day.  I love seeing how happy brides are on their wedding day; it’s my favorite part of weddings.

Photo by Jessica Hill Photography

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Champagne: What size events can you accommodate?

Oregon Golf Club: Our Rose Garden and Rose Pavilion can accommodate up to 400 guests.  For smaller groups, the pavilion can also accommodate a full ceremony and a full reception set up for those winter weddings, or a rain back up plan! 

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round?

Oregon Golf Club: Absolutely! We do have space for indoor ceremonies as well.

Photo by Erica Hartman Photography

Photo by Erica Hartman Photography

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from the rest? 

Oregon Golf Club: We have these amazing 25 foot chiffon draped ceilings in the rose pavilion, an absolutely incredible view of mt. hood and the valley, and a stunning, award winning rose garden for summer ceremonies.  You really can’t find a nicer mountain top, peaceful retreat for your wedding day. 

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Champagne: What is something you think couples should know when picking their wedding/event venue? 

Oregon Golf Club: I would recommend finding a place that can be an “all inclusive” wedding venue.  We can help book almost all of your vendors for you, so that you don’t have to stress or even think about it!  Remember, you are new to wedding planning, so leave it up to the professionals who do this for a living! 

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

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

Oregon Golf Club: Be organized, and work with professional vendors and a planner, like Champagne Weddings and Events!  (not hiring “your friends” to DJ, photograph, etc.).

Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography

Photo by Powers Studios

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

Oregon Golf Club: Spending time with my beautiful family, Husband Patrick, and 1 year old son, Conor.

Photo by Powers Studios

Photo by Powers Studios

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

Oregon Golf Club: We are offering a $250 site fee for the remaining open Sundays In July and August, that’s a $2000 discount!

Photo by Powers Studios

Champagne: Thank you, Nicole, for telling us more about The Oregon Golf Club! Make sure to head over and follow them on twitter, “like” them on facebook, and visit their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 20 of 30: Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How did Random Order begin?

Random Order: Random Order was started in 2004 by Tracy Olson – a neighborhood café featuring exceptional homemade home-style baked goods.

Photo by © Leah Verwey Photography 2012

Champagne: What sets you apart from other bakeries?

Random Order: Random Order is exceptional.  We do something no other bakery in Portland does.  We make and bake a great number of fabulous sweet and savory pies, and offer them daily.  We have a team of skilled bakers, that hand roll all our pastry, and form each pie by hand.  We’ve earned local and national accolades from publications like Food & Wine magazine for our pies because they are the best of the best.

Photo by © Leah Verwey Photography 2012

Champagne: What’s your personal specialty?

Random Order: I am a professional flavor fixer.

Photo by © Leah Verwey Photography 2012

Champagne: What’s your favorite dessert?

Random Order: I had a slice of our Brandied Peach Pie the other day – and then I had a second.  Hands down, that’s my favorite dessert.

Photo by © Leah Verwey Photography 2012

Champagne: What inspires you? 

Random Order: Great question!  I’m inspired by great thinkers & fabulous flavors.

Photo by Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: What pie flavors do you offer?

Random Order: We offer a great number – from Old Fashioned Apple & Oregon Cherry, to Flirty Berry & Chocolate Cream.  Some of our pies are standards that we have year round, like our Brandied Peach others are seasonal pies like our Shaker Lemon.  Here is our Sweet Pie menu link – Random Order Sweet Pies!

And Savory…we also make delicious savory pies, including a Herbed Cream Cheese w/ Sundried Tomato Hand pie that is famously addictive.

Photo by Paul Rich Studio

Champagne: What has been your most unique request for pie design? 

Random Order: Recently, a woman asked us to make a The 3 in 1 – Chocolate & Coconut & Banana Cream Pie w/ a Chocolate Painted Crust.  She couldn’t decide on just one so she had us create The 3 in 1!

Photo by Paul Rich Studio

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

Random Order: A great guest list that includes people that like to laugh & food that makes folks feel happy and comfortable.

Photo by Paul Rich Studio

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

Random Order: I love to sail, so when I’m not working, I try to get onto a sailboat.

Photo by Paul Rich Studio

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

Random Order: Pie to the People!

Champagne: Thank you, Tracy [Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to stop by for a slice of pie and cup of coffee at 1800 Northeast Alberta, Portland, Oregon 97211, follow them on twitter, “like” them on facebook, visit their website, and browse their blog!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 19 of 30: Erin Grace Photography
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Erin Grace: Well, I have always loved photography. It has been my one of my very favorite things for about as long as I can remember. I got my first camera when I was seven years old and I can still remember looking through that little viewfinder, trying really hard to get the perfect photos of plants in my yard. My love for photography really grew in high school when I discovered black & white film and learned how to work in the darkroom. It was then when I really began to expand on my skills as a photographer. In college, I photographed my first wedding and I almost instantly decided that was what I was going to do professionally. Three years after that first wedding, I graduated from the University of Oregon and I started my own business as a wedding and portrait photographer…and, 10 years later, here I am! 

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Erin Grace: I like to think that my style is very natural and relaxed – and that I have a real talent for bringing who my subjects are into the photographs I create. Part of this comes from my extensive experience behind the camera and part of it comes from my ability to help make my subjects feel comfortable through my personal interactions with them. I really focus on who my subjects are and I work hard to bring the depth of them and their relationships into the photographs I create. My favorite photographs are ones that feel real, the ones where you can imagine being “right there,” and the ones where you can look right into a person’s eyes and see what they are feeling. In order to create photographs like this, I work tirelessly to create an environment where my subjects feel relaxed, happy, and comfortable in their own skin. 

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

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

Erin Grace: I love working with people who love my photographs. I am very passionate about my work, so, if a couple hires me and they are just as in love with my photographs as I am, we will hit it off from the very beginning. I don’t care if I’m photographing a fancy wedding or a simple one, all I ask for are couples who are very much in love and excited about starting this next stage of their lives together. If everyone who hired me fit that description, I’d be in heaven. 

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Erin Grace: I get a back-stage pass to every wedding I get to photograph. I am welcomed into the world of these couples for a day and I get to meet their families, I get to meet their friends, and I get to witness – and I’m in charge of documenting – every minute of that day. Not only is it a joy to be there for these celebrations, but it’s also a real honor to be the one who is entrusted with recording it all.

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

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

Erin Grace: For starters, design the wedding around what is important to you. Pick and choose the things that mean the most to you, as a couple, and focus on those. Be organized, but don’t panic about any last-minute details the day of the wedding – leave that up to the professionals you have hired to help you. The mood of the bride on the day of the wedding sets the stage for everyone else. Enjoy yourself, be happy, and everyone else will follow suit.

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

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

Erin Grace: When I’m not photographing weddings or doing all of the behind-the-scenes before & after work, the bulk of my time is spent having fun with my husband, Grahm, and our two kids, Pierce and Amelie. My husband and I are both native Portlanders, so we have a big network of family and friends that keep us busy. On the rare summer days I have off on the weekends, you’ll find me at my local Farmers’ Market, going on hikes with the kids, running errands (the life of a mom!), or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon doing yard work at home.

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

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

Erin Grace: I’m super organized, I’m a positive person, I love my work, and I do my best to make every wedding I attend a better one than it would have been if I hadn’t been there. If you hire me for yours, I can say with conviction that you won’t regret it. Thanks for reading! 

Photo by Erin Grace Photography

Champagne: Thank you, Erin [Erin Grace Photography], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to head on over and follow them on twitter, “like” them on facebook and browse their website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 18 of 30: Form & Flora
Day 17 of 30: Skamania Lodge
Day 16 of 30: Face Body Beauty
Day 15 of 30: Simpatica Catering
Day 14 of 30: Event Team Entertainment
Day 13 of 30: Bella Via
Day 12 of 30: Kate Kelly Photography
Day 11 of 30: La Joconde
Day 10 of 30: Anna Mara Flowers
Day 9 of 30: Hit Machine
Day 8 of 30: Jim & Ravyn Photographers
Day 7 of 30: Hotel deLuxe
Day 6 of 30: Kristin Ariniello Makeup and Hair Artist
Day 5 of 30: Officiant Beverly Mason
Day 4 of 30: Collage Music
Day 3 of 30: Zest Floral
Day 2 of 30: Gabriel Boone Photography
Day 1 of 30: Maggie’s Buns
2011
2010
What’s 30 days of Vendors?

Cheers,
The Champagne Team

Don’t forget about our blog contest:
This particular contest is for anyone [Brides, Grooms, Vendors, Single, Married…etc] over the age of 18 years! We’ve partnered with Hotel deLuxe to giveaway a one night stay in a King Room at their stunning hotel!! We’ll be sharing more about their gorgeous venue later on in the month!

Here’s how to enter:
1. For each comment you leave on the 30 days of vendor blog posts, you get 1 entry. The more comments you leave, the more entries you get! [Limit 15 entries per person; one comment per post]
2. Spread the word about the 30 days of vendors by posting it on Facebook and tagging Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Hotel deLuxe [Limit 1 entry per person via facebook]

At the end of the 30 days, we will be putting each entry into a “hat” and drawing the winner!!