Join BeckenRidge Vineyard February 19th for an Open House Event. This event is a rare opportunity for the public to explore BeckenRidge Vineyard and have free wine tasting!

Joining BeckenRidge at their Open House:
NW Mobile DJ
Music Express
With This Ring Wedding
Distinctive Designs
Stalnaker Photo Studio
An Event to Remember
Red Pearl Designs
Myriad Cake Designs
Special Occasions Party Rentals
All Star Tents & Party Rentals
Capricorn Catering
Image Floral
Haute Cakes & Confections
The Bridal Gallery
Oregon Wedding Showcase

BeckenRidge Vineyard has availability in 2012 and are starting to book 2013.

BeckenRidge Vineyard was specifically designed for wedding, receptions, and special occasions. The panoramic view of the Willamette Valley and the Cascades provides the perfect backdrop fro your special day all year-round.  With 12 acres of vineyard wrapping itself around you and your guests, you can’t escape the romance. Whether you are on the patios, inside, in the vineyard or on the lawn your photos will create beautiful memories.

Since there is no public access to the property, you are assured your event will be private. Enjoy a leisurely pace, as you have the entire day to enjoy BeckenRidge.  The personal attention of the BeckenRidge staff will help you create a memorable event for you and your special guests. 

BeckenRidge Vineyard

Built in 1907, the recently restored historic Bell Tower Chapel offers a dramatic, intimate setting for your wedding, reception or special event. Featuring cathedral ceilings, gothic-style arched windows, original wood pews and floors, warm chandelier lighting and a working church bell.

The beautiful attached banquet room with tables, chairs, and manicured half–acre grounds are ideal for indoor or outdoor receptions any time of year. The chapel includes candleabra’s, sound system, organ, pulpit, unity candle table with holders, as well as gift and cake tables. You may use your choice of vendors and catering, or choose from their vendor list. Located just 20 minutes from 1-205, east of Clackamas.

SPRING SPECIAL:
10% OFF -  February thru May, 2012  Event Dates!

Plus:
10% OFF Parties of 40 or less people
10% OFF events booked less than 2 months ahead!
(Maximum 2 Discounts, not applied on prior bookings)

Bell Tower Chapel

Working with brides on a daily basis I have recognized their confusion about picking the perfect wedding gown. With so many choices and differences between gown manufacturers, brides have difficulty understanding what all the hoopla (differences) is about. I choose to offer my knowledge and advice through this book in hopes of imparting my wisdom to brides worldwide on the subject of how to acquire the perfect wedding gown.

I worked with Rick Segel of Rick Segal & Associates to produce this book.  Working with Rick, a national retail speaker and consultant, allowed me to narrow down my focus and write about what I feel is most important to bring out a brides beauty and allow her much success on her wedding day.

101 Secrets Every Bride Needs to Know About Buying Wedding Attire is available in-store at Bella Victoria Bridal Boutique and online at http://www.createspace.com/3758392

Raquel Schuh, Owner
Bella Victoria Bridal Boutique

Come see the newly refurbished Oaks Pioneer Church this Saturday at their Open House. Explore the freshly painted historic building with gorgeous stained windows and beautiful interior all located in a park-like setting overlooking the Willamette River. All this beauty provides wonderful photo opportunities on your special day.

Oaks Pioneer Church Open House
Saturday, Jan 28^th from 12 to 2
Oaks Pioneer Church - 8210 SE 13th Ave, Portland Oregon

Spring/Summer Dates Happily Available! Contact Lorraine at 503.234.3570 to schedule a tour

Its a big wedding planning weekend in Portland with two fantastic bridal events –  Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Gown Sale and the Bravo! Wedding Affair.

Brides Against Breast Cancer: FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND BRING SUPPORT, EDUCATION AND HOPE TO SOMEONE AFFECTED BY CANCER”

January 21st and 22nd at the DoubleTree Hotel Portland - 1000 NE Multnomah St, Portland.

“Brides Against Breast CancerTM” gown sales continue to be important fund-raising events for Brides Against Breast Cancer. Our more than 32 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while contributing to services that provide support, education and hope to people affected by breast cancer.

The 2012 Bravo! Wedding Affair, this Sunday, January 22nd at the Embassy Suites Portland Downtown, will offer big giveaways for its brides this year.

“The January Wedding Affair is a dynamic boutique event for the newly engaged bride. It showcases upcoming trends for weddings in an intimate setting. This is not their mother’s bridal show. Modern women are busy and this event allows for them to experience the products and interview for services they’ll need rather than having to sift through paperwork to discern which companies they want to interview,” said Mary Lou Burton CEO of Bravo.

This year, attendees will not only be able to save time by planning their entire wedding in one afternoon, but local vendors are investing more into big giveaways for the busy bride such as spa packages, bachellorette parties and honeymoon getaways.

Click here to purchase tickets! Please note that online ticket sales end Saturday at Noon. Tickets are always available at the show.

Bravo! January 2012 Wedding Affair Program

Anna’s Bridal Boutique Designer Wedding Gown Sample Sale – Extended!

Anna’s Bridal Boutique is excited to announce they have extended the Sample Sale at their Fremont location. 4819 NE Fremont St. Portland, Oregon 97213

Due to the inclement weather yesterday, Anna’s made the decision to extend the sale through Friday.

Hours: Thursday 2:00 to 7:00 and Friday 1:00 to 5:00

Anna’s still had many amazing gowns at deeply discounted prices.

Please call to schedule an appointment. 503-636-1474

Designers include: Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard, Reverie, Marisa, Casablanca, Pronovias, & more!

*  Designer gowns will be 40-70% off regular prices.

*  First come, first serve!

*  Discontinued as well as some of last year’s styles!

To Buffet or Plate…That is the Question
Guest Blog By Tavola Catering

For all of you embarking on the New Year with a wedding or big event in store for 2012, this topic is for you. One of the most common questions I get from my bride and grooms to-be is buffet or plated? Well, it’s really a matter of personal choice but I always recommend that you weigh out the pros and cons of each.

BUFFET: Pros
• guests eating at a buffet will have more choice in what they eat, since you can provide more dishes

• guests can determine their own portion sizes

• gives people the chance to get up and mingle with other tables

• more casual (depending on what you’re going for)

PLATED: Pros
• more formal (depending on what you’re going for)

• prettier presentation

• easier for children and elderly people who may need help with the buffet

• easy to calculate amount of food you’ll need, and less waste

BUFFET: Cons
• line-ups (having more than one buffet table can cut down on this)

• waiting for your table to be called

• no such thing as a “special order”

• requires more space

PLATED: Cons
• picky eaters or those with diet restrictions can’t be as picky

• collecting meal choices on RSVPs can be a pain!

You may have noticed that I made no comment on cost. While buffets may seem like the cheaper option, often they work out to be about the same (or more) as seated dinners because you end up providing more food. When people are seated, you require more wait staff. Price variations really just depend on your caterer- it’s worth having a chat with them and working it all out before you commit.

Still can’t decide? There are options to provide a combination of both…
• do a buffet but have someone serve the wedding party and parents – otherwise they’ll be too busy socializing to grab food

• mix it up by starting out with guests seated to a salad, and then provide a small buffet for the main

• seated dinner, dessert buffet

• family style dinner – no one waits, everyone choose what and how much they have

• avoid the issue altogether and do a cocktail and dessert reception

Tavola Catering has led the greater Portland catering and event industry with fresh ideas, innovative design and contemporary style to ensure each guest’s experience is distinctive and memorable. Contact Jason at 503-998-9736 or info@tavolapdx.com.

Windrose Conference & Meeting Center prices will be going up on March 1, 2012.  Get in on a great opportunity right now to save some money!  Whether it be a wedding, event, corporate meeting/retreat, you can save some significant money by booking now, prior to March 1, and have the event anytime in the future.  Book as many meetings as you want, have that perfect, more intimate wedding you always wanted, and you will receive a sizeable discount, as long as you book the reservation prior to March 1, 2012.  Go to www.windrosecenter.com or call Lynn at 503-701-7273 for more information or to book your event.

Windrose Conference Center Building

Windrose Conference Center Patio

About Windrose Conference & Meeting Center

Located just 25 miles from Portland or Salem in the heart of Oregon wine country, Windrose has gorgeous facilities and would be a perfect setting for your business meeting or smaller and more intimate wedding. It has a European flair with a touch of wine country flavor.

Outside boasts a large brick courtyard surrounded by flowers that can seat 70 people and is perfect for weddings, receptions, wine and hors d’oeuvre functions. The smaller courtyard has a water fountain and can be used as the bar area or for socializing. The back lawn area overlooks the canyon and creek and the ceremony site has an arbor on Italian stamped concrete. Inside has the feel of an old English library, with 2 fireplaces, kitchenette, reception area, and meeting space for up to 50 people. Windrose has an exclusive use policy, which means they cater to only one group at a time and you have use of the entire facility and grounds.

Windrose is available for weddings any day of the week and bookings are confirmed with a deposit and signed agreement. Ample free parking is provided. Tours are encouraged so you can see all that Windrose has to offer.

Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards Event Center ” The Epitome of Beauty & Romance”

Enjoy Live music, food & wine paring Thursday, January 12th, 2012 6-9 pm in th tasting room. Enjoy Oregon Akaushi Beef raised by Deep Canyon Ranch of Redmond, Oregon and a featured wine pairing from Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards and  Winery of Terrabonne, Oregon.

A Vinter’s selection of Columbia Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon will be showcased.

Admission $20 per person includes food and wine sample along with wonderful music provided by singer/songwriter Geoff Elvee.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY, SPACE IS LIMITED!

Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards will have wine available to purchase by the glass or bottle while you enjoy the concert.

Contact Cindy Grossmann at 541.350.5384 or email at events@faithhopeandcharityevents.com

Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards

Maureen Haley, wedding officiant in Portland, Oregon, recently married Anthony and Marissa, the 500^th happily married couple since she was ordained as a non-denominational minister in 2006.   She loves everything weddings and knows how unique and special each couple is.   Love is the common ground, however there are no two weddings alike and it’s a great time for the loving couple to express their individuality.  Every ceremony is written by Maureen and is customized to suit the couple.

Rev. Maureen Haley & 500th couple Marissa and Anthony

Maureen Haley is active in the Portland wedding community and loves to network and support other wedding professionals in pursuing their dreams and expressing their creativity.  She truly enjoys being part of the team of professionals that fuses together on your wedding day to make your ceremony vision come to life.

She serves as the Co-Chairman of the Membership committee of the Wedding Network USA in the Portland chapter and is a founding member of WNUSA.  She belongs to the Portland Wedding Lounge a group of Portland’s top wedding professionals in all categories.  She networks with the best wedding officiants in Portland and SW Washington www.123oregonWeddingOfficiants.com and has many wonderful reviews from happily married couples on Wedding Wire. www.weddingwire.com/maureenhaley

She will be delighted to meet with you and discuss your wedding ceremony ideas.

Rev. Maureen Haley, Wedding Officiant in Portland, loves marrying happy couples!  Trust your wedding ceremony to an expert.

Rev. Maureen Haley, Wedding Officiant

RevMaureenPdx@gmail.com
503-888-9876
www.portlandministers.com