http://www.ChampagneNW.com/blog/index/ en eric.appel@gmail.com Copyright 2012 2012-04-13T18:50:35+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/oregon_coast_camp_westwind/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/oregon_coast_camp_westwind/#When:18:50:35Z Tristan and Derek got married last summer at one of the most unique wedding venues that we’ve ever had the pleasure of working at! Mandi and Tami ran Camp Westwind for three days- it was quite the adventure! Camp Westwind truly captures the natural beauty that Oregon and the Oregon Coast has to offer! From the guests arriving on boat, to the three days filled with laughter, love and activities, there was fun for all! Guests went for hikes up the hill side to see breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast, took canoeing trips, walked along the beach looking for tide pools, enjoyed evenings at bonfires roasting marshmallows, played games galore and slept in rustic cabins. It was the perfect weekend for Tristan and Derek to start their married life together, surrounded by their family and friends! Tristan and Derek got married last summer at one of the most unique and naturally beautiful wedding venues that we’ve ever had the pleasure of working at! Mandi and Tami ran Camp Westwind for three days- it was quite the adventure! Camp Westwind truly captures the natural beauty that Oregon and the Oregon Coast has to offer! From the guests arriving on boat, to the three days filled with laughter, love and activities, there was fun for all! Guests went for day hikes up the hill side to see breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast, took canoeing trips, walked along the beach looking for tide pools, enjoyed evenings at bonfires roasting marshmallows, played games galore and slept in rustic cabins. It was the perfect weekend for Tristan and Derek to start their married life together, surrounded by their family and friends! Enjoy just a few of the amazing photos Kate Kelly Photography took through out the wedding day! 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   2012-04-13T18:50:35+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/wedding_event_invitations/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/wedding_event_invitations/#When:16:51:06Z Over the last few months, we’ve been working on a few new and exciting projects for Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination! As you’ve noticed, we recently added Champagne Vintage Rentals to our services. They are the perfect addition to weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, tea parties, etc and you can rent these items with or without our Wedding and Event planning services! 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!... Over the last few months, we’ve been working on a few new and exciting projects for Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination! As you’ve noticed, we recently added Champagne Vintage Rentals to our services. They are the perfect addition to weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, tea parties, etc and you can rent these items with or without our Wedding and Event planning services! 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 2012-03-19T16:51:06+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_planning_vendor_search/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_planning_vendor_search/#When:18:37:09Z Thank you to all of you who have followed along our 30 days of vendors this year! We are so grateful to know so many fantastic vendors and to be able to share just a few with you through our 30 days segment!! We look forward to doing it again next year! For now, get caught up on the last three years by following the links below! We’ve also decided to give you through the weekend to enter to win the one night stay at Hotel deLuxe and the mini make up lesson from Face Body Beauty! Enter by Sunday, March 4th at Midnight. [See details at the bottom of the post] We will be announcing the winner on Monday afternoon! Happy Planning! Thank you to all of you who have followed along our 30 days of vendors this year! We are so grateful to know so many fantastic vendors and to be able to share just a few with you through our 30 days segment!! We look forward to doing it again next year! For now, get caught up on the last three years by following the links below! We’ve also decided to give you through the weekend to enter to win the one night stay at Hotel deLuxe and the mini make up lesson from Face Body Beauty! Enter by Sunday, March 4th at Midnight. [See details at the bottom of the post] We will be announcing the winner on Monday afternoon! Happy Planning! 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!! 2012-03-02T18:37:09+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_videographer/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_videographer/#When:02:51:11Z The last day of the 30 days of vendors, get to know the incredibly talented, Ambient Sky! Enjoy! The last day of the 30 days of vendors, get to know the incredibly talented, Ambient Sky, Couture Wedding Films™! Enjoy! 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!! 2012-03-02T02:51:11+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_country_farm_wedding_venue/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_country_farm_wedding_venue/#When:18:21:49Z Happy Leap Day!! Tomorrow is the last day of our 30 days of vendors segment! Get your entries in to win the overnight stay at Hotel deLuxe and a mini make up lesson from Face Body Beauty! Country. Romantic. Naturally beautiful! All words to describe Lolich’s Family Farm! We are so excited to be the in-house coordinators at this gorgeous venue! Read on to get to know more! Happy Leap Day!! Tomorrow is the last day of our 30 days of vendors segment! Get your entries in to win the overnight stay at Hotel deLuxe and a mini make up lesson from Face Body Beauty! Country. Romantic. Naturally beautiful! All words to describe Lolich’s Family Farm! We are so excited to be the in-house coordinators at this gorgeous venue! Read on to get to know more about Lolich’s Family Farm! 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!!     2012-02-29T18:21:49+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_cake/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_cake/#When:16:48:53Z Judy Reese with Dream Cakes won a place in my heart about 8 years ago when I began wedding planning.  After trying hundreds of different cakes, we are still singing her great praises! These are truly cakes that you’ll dream about! You try it once and find yourself wishing, dreaming that you knew someone that was getting married tomorrow just so you could have some more! They won the Oregon Bride Magazine’s Best of 2008, 2010 and 2011! [ Just a few more days to vote for your favorite vendors for 2012’s Best Of!- You have to fill in at least 6 categories for your vote to count!] Without further ado, get to know Dream Cakes! Judy Reese with Dream Cakes won a place in my heart about 8 years ago when I began wedding planning.  After trying hundreds of different cakes, we are still singing her great praises! These are truly cakes that you’ll dream about! You try it once and find yourself wishing, dreaming that you knew someone that was getting married tomorrow just so you could have some more! They won the Oregon Bride Magazine’s Best of 2008, 2010 and 2011! [ Just a few more days to vote for your favorite vendors for 2012’s Best Of!- You have to fill in at least 6 categories for your vote to count!] Without further ado, get to know Dream Cakes! 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!! 2012-02-28T16:48:53+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_catering_company/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_catering_company/#When:00:00:12Z Get to know Catering At Its Best!     Get to know Catering At Its Best! 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!! 2012-02-28T00:00:12+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/day_26_of_30_focal_point_digital_media/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/day_26_of_30_focal_point_digital_media/#When:17:05:49Z We can never stress enough how important it is to hire a great photographer and videographer to capture your wedding day! After the wedding day wraps up and you’re officially married to the person of your dreams, the music is turned off, the guests leave, the food is gone, the flowers wilt, the rentals are picked up… you want to be able to relive all of the magic of the day, how gorgeous everything looked, what guests were there, how much fun you had and what better way to do so, than with beautiful photos and a video you’ll want to watch at the very least every anniversary!!  Get to know Ryan with Focal Point Digital Media! We can never stress enough how important it is to hire a great photographer and videographer to capture your wedding day! After the wedding day wraps up and you’re officially married to the person of your dreams, the music is turned off, the guests leave, the food is gone, the flowers wilt, the rentals are picked up… you want to be able to relive all of the magic of the day, how gorgeous everything looked, what guests were there, how much fun you had and what better way to do so, than with beautiful photos and a video you’ll want to watch at the very least every anniversary!!  Get to know Ryan with Focal Point Digital Media! 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!!   2012-02-26T17:05:49+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/downtown_portland_oregon_wedding_venue/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/downtown_portland_oregon_wedding_venue/#When:18:32:40Z Finding a venue you love. Somewhere that reflects your style as a couple and sets the tone for the feel of your wedding. One of the most important parts to the start of planning a wedding! Get to know more about Oregon Historical Society! Their in-house caterer is The Heathman Restaurant & Bar! Yum!! Finding a venue you love. Somewhere that reflects your style as a couple and sets the tone for the feel of your wedding. One of the most important parts to the start of planning a wedding! Get to know more about Oregon Historical Society! Their in-house caterer is The Heathman Restaurant & Bar! Yum!! 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!!   2012-02-25T18:32:40+00:00 http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_florist1/ http://www.ChampagneNW.com/site/portland_oregon_wedding_florist1/#When:16:45:42Z What a gorgeous morning it is! While you’re enjoying your morning cup of coffee with the sun shining through the windows, get to know Sage with Sammy’s Flowers! What a gorgeous morning it is! While you’re enjoying your morning cup of coffee with the sun shining through the windows, get to know Sage with Sammy’s Flowers! 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!! 2012-02-24T16:45:42+00:00