The House of Cards Music is thrilled to offer a special 10% discount on any music bookings which include both a wedding ceremony and a reception, booked before September 30, 2012.

Live music transports people to another place, and transforms your event with its beauty and energy. Our mission is to bring Portland’s eclectic music scene to the table for weddings and special events, in lieu of the typical “cover band” experience. Elegant chamber music with a folk twist? We’ve got it. Booty-shakin’ new wave? We’ve got it. Vintage Euro jazz from the streets of 1930s Paris? We’ve got it. Foot-stompin’ down-home bluegrass? We’ve got it.

Our House of Cards exclusive roster includes The Ariel Consort Chamber Ensemble, The Stolen Sweets, The Pete Krebs Swing Trio, Pete Krebs and His Portland Playboys, 3 Leg Torso, Vagabond Opera, Boy & Bean, Klezmocracy, Water Tower, The Notables, and many more. What’s your style? If we don’t have it, we can find it.

Contact Jen Bernard at 503.231.1423 or jen@thehouseofcardsmusic.com for your complimentary consultation and price quote. And mention the 10% offer for Bravo customers!  We’d love to help you find that dreamy, totally unique soundtrack for your day.

FUN TIPS FOR A SPRING WEDDING
By: Becky Timmons, No Ordinary Affair

1. Mix & match the colors of your tablecloths for a spring-like, garden feel
2. Get creative with your centerpiece vessels; use old teapots, baskets, bottles, flower pots, etc.
3. Give flower and/or fruit seeds as guest favors
4. Use single flowers as a garnish on the entrées, or as an embellishment on the place settings
5. Have baby wipes on hand to help wipe dirt and mud off the bottom of your gown after your pre-ceremony photos.  Honest, they work!  (As long as you buy a good brand…)
6. Wear fun rain boots for your pre-ceremony photos!  Plan to have the color of both your rain boots and your shoes coordinate with your groom’s tie.
7. Try featuring a lemonade stand for your cocktail hour or reception
8. Consider seasonal allergies for you and your guests.  Incorporate moss, wheatgrass, river rocks, herbs, succulents or branches into your centerpieces and bouquets in place of some of your flowers.
9. Embrace the humidity & wind.  If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, let it flow rather than trying to straighten or put it in an up-do; if it is straight, slick your hair so the wind doesn’t destroy it.
10. Last but not least, don’t forget a shawl, wrap or cardigan for you and your bridesmaids for those cool evenings.

No Ordinary Affair … because no bride wants an ordinary wedding.
We believe that your wedding should be a true reflection you & your fiancé, so we allow your unique style & personality to become our template. After all, no two couples are alike; therefore, no two weddings should be alike.

So sit down with us over a cup of coffee and let’s get to know each other. We would love to hear the details of your vision and see how best we could help you to enjoy each and every minute of your wedding day.

Our initial consultations are always free and we would love to meet you!

becky@noordinaryaffair.com | 503-868-9455

We’re looking forward to another great wedding season this summer. Weekends are booking fast, but it’s not too late to secure Catering At Its Best as your caterer.

Our all inclusive wedding packages are a great value. In addition to wonderful food, our packages include dinnerware, flatware, table linens and wait staff. We also offer bar service packages with Northwest Wines and Local Microbrews. Let us take care of care of any rental needs,including tables, chairs, tents and dance floors.

Need help finding the perfect venue for your reception? Our event planners can help you. We are a preferred caterer at several of Portland’s best wedding venues.

Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our event planners. We will handle of all the details so you can enjoy your wedding day!

Plan your wedding with a notable collection of the area’s best bridal resources at the ultimate high-end bridal event of the year - LUXE BRIDAL EVENT – designed for today’s most contemporary and style-obsessed couples!

Hosted by Luxe Event Productions at the Historic Tiffany Center and decorated by Barclay Event Rentals the night will start with the Luxe Ultra Lounge experience for VIP ticket holders 5-6pm, and general admission to open at 6pm.

The LUXE BRIDAL EVENT is a luxury and boutique bridal showcase with a style-savvy and contemporary lounge-like atmosphere. The design of this lounge-like bridal event is fun for all, there is a cash bar, live DJ with dimmed lighting and a chill and modern luxury feel. The setting is relaxed, swanky, boutique and ultra lush with details and style.

You don’t want to miss this fabulous event!

DATE | March 8th, 2012
LOCATION | Historic Tiffany Center
VIP ENTRY | $35 includes the ultra luxe VIP SWAG BAG -LOADED- with discounts and freebies from exhibitors, local wedding pros and area businesses!
GENERAL ADMISSION | $12
REGISTER to Attend

Join Charlotte’s Weddings & More for their Open House this Wednesday, March 7th, from 5pm to 8pm. You’re in for a fabulous evening! RSVP here.

Charlotte’s will be showcasing a variety of preferred vendors, from catering and cosmetics, to music and photography. And the best part? There will be a drawing every 15 minutes for giveaways from select vendors (Must be present to win). Plus, you could win $1000 towards any wedding gown in the store (new purchases only).

In addition, the first 50 brides to attend the Open House evening will receive a gift bag compliments of Charlotte’s. Be sure to stop by on March 7th – you won’t want to miss all the fun and excitement of Charlotte’s Open House bridal extravaganza!

Preferred Vendors at Charlotte’s Open House:
All Wright Music - Paparazzi Tonight - Cupcake Jones - Soiree Event Planning - Soiree Boutique - David Barss Photography - Hybrid Moon - Best Car in Town - The Wedding Lounge - Crave Catering - Le Cookie Monkey - Event Cosmetics - Bravo! Wedding - West Coast Event Productions - The Wedding Cottage - August Veils - Hotel Vintage Plaza - And many More!

Join Charlotte’s Weddings & More for their Open House on Wednesday, March 7th, from 5pm to 8pm. You’re in for a fabulous evening!

Charlotte’s will be showcasing a variety of preferred vendors, from catering and cosmetics, to music and photography. And the best part? There will be a drawing every 15 minutes for giveaways from select vendors (Must be present to win). Plus, you could win $1000 towards any wedding gown in the store (new purchases only).

In addition, the first 50 brides to attend the Open House evening will receive a gift bag compliments of Charlotte’s. Be sure to stop by on March 7th – you won’t want to miss all the fun and excitement of Charlotte’s Open House bridal extravaganza!

Preferred Vendors at Charlotte’s Open House:
All Wright Music - Paparazzi Tonight - Cupcake Jones - Soiree Event Planning - Soiree Boutique - David Barss Photography - Hybrid Moon - Best Car in Town - The Wedding Lounge - Crave Catering - Le Cookie Monkey - Event Cosmetics - Bravo! Wedding - West Coast Event Productions - The Wedding Cottage - August Veils - Hotel Vintage Plaza - And many More!

Atop Oregon’s red volcanic, Dundee Hills sits a pristine 13 acre estate overlooking the Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountains. Surrounded by miles of vineyards, Wine Country Farm Bed & Breakfast is your premier wedding destination with beautiful grounds, a lighted dance pavilion, 9 well appointed rooms and a staff of individuals who help make your wedding dreams come true.

Schedule a time to take a tour of Wine Country Farm Bed & Breakfast wedding sites, discuss package options and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Feel free to plan a romantic getaway with the one you love and spend a night  in Wine Country.

Now through the end of April, guests receive 30% off their stay when using the code WCwinter12 when reserving online or simply call Wine Country Farm Bed & Breakfast offices to check availability.

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.