January 31, 2012
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
January 30, 2012
Start your wedding morning at one of the many upscale hotels in downtown Portland. Host your evening ceremony at the World Trade Center Portland followed by some fun and romantic photos on the waterfront and by the Salmon Street Fountain.
Head up to the Bridge Level of the World Trade Center, which is an amazing location graced with abundant glass architecture and dramatic views of the Willamette River. The lighting in the Sky Bridge Terrace is simply magical! The World Trade Center has recently installed new ceiling heaters allowing them to host gorgeous winter wonderland weddings as well!
Book your wedding at the World Trade Center Portland before February 29th, 2012 and receive 20% off of wedding rental!

January 27, 2012
It’s a busy wedding weekend in the Pacific Northwest with the Oregon Wedding Showcase in Salem, Marry ME! in Vancouver & Oaks Pioneer Church Open House in SE Portland. Lots of options for couples to continue planning their special day!
Oaks Pioneer Church Bridal Open House: 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 28th from 12 to 2. Oaks Pioneer Church - 8210 SE 13th Ave, Portland Oregon
Oregon Wedding Showcase: From the traditional to the unique, The Oregon Wedding Showcase has something for every bride. Talk with experts, see the latest wedding trends, and discover new ideas as well as take advantage of money-saving show specials. Over 25 years of experience putting on the best bridal shows in the Willamette Valley! The Salem show is this Saturday & Sunday, at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE in Salem Oregon. Hours are Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4:30pm. Over 100 vendors from cakes to formal wear to gowns to catering and venues. Two professional fashion shows each day featuring the latest gowns and formal wear.
Marry ME!. SUNDAY, January 29th at the Hilton Vancouver Washington’s Convention Center, beginning at 10:00am, the event opens with live music and an interactive marketplace where couples can “play with linens”, meet area wedding pros, see dozens of full size wedding cakes and learn the 1,2,3’s of how to plan for their big day! Exhibitors will showcase the newest products, services, ideas and trends available to the market. There will be plenty of sampling and new ideas to see, from the well-recognized traditions to the hottest trends in the industry.
January 25, 2012
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 28th 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
January 24, 2012
Discover the Social Media Content You Already Have.
Join fellow wedding specialists for a fun night at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe on Wednesday night, January 25th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy delicious appetizers and festive drinks provided by Gourmet Productions, experience creative room designs by Peter Corvallis Productions and chill to the beautiful music by Chad Lantz and Ryan Waniata. Participate in an open discussion with marketing professional Jaime Gottlieb and discover the social media content you already have. Jaime is a copywriter with 10 years experience, specializing in brand marketing for traditional & digital mediums, in the hospitality, design, food & beverage, entertainment, and luxury industries. She is the Principal and Founder of Mighty Specs.
Please call Debbie Martin at 503.387.5252 or click here to RSVP.
Event sponsored by…



January 23, 2012
The Northwest’s ONLY Wedding Cake and Tabletop Design Showcase
Vancouver, Washington (January 29th, 2012) – The Greater Vancouver Bridal Show, (the annual winter wedding event) announces its new name of Marry ME!. SUNDAY, January 29th at the Hilton Vancouver Washington’s Convention Center, beginning at 10:00am, the event opens with live music and an interactive marketplace where couples can “play with linens”, meet area wedding pros, see dozens of full size wedding cakes and learn the 1,2,3’s of how to plan for their big day!
Starting 11:00am and 1:00pm, the event will host Marry ME! Seminars. These interactive presentations will feature some of the Northwest’s top wedding professionals sharing several ideas that will walk the soon to be bride and groom through how to have a stress free wedding day from start to finish.
Exhibitors will showcase the newest products, services, ideas and trends available to the market. There will be plenty of sampling and new ideas to see, from the well-recognized traditions to the hottest trends in the industry.
“We have a lot of fun at our events and Marry ME! is loaded with interactive experiences that are sure to inspire and evoke an energetic atmosphere.” shares Misty Damico, Founder of Luxe Event Productions
Meet the following Bravo! Members at Marry ME!
Bash! Events NW
Cloud Nine Bridal Events & Accessories
Sophisticated Floral Design
The Wedding Lounge
White Rose Bakery

Marry ME! The Northwest’s ONLY Wedding Cake and Tabletop Design Showcase
January 20, 2012
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
January 18, 2012
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!
January 11, 2012
Designer Wedding Gown Sample Sale – January January 16th ~ 18th, 2012
Anna’s Bridal has opened a new location for 3 days ONLY!
Sample Sale Location:
Anna’s Bridal Boutique
4819 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 636-1474
www.annasbridal.com
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!
Hours for this special event:
January 16th, 2012 – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
January 17th, 2012 – 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
January 18th, 2012 – 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
This event is by appointment only! 503-636-1474
January 9, 2012
Are you recently engaged? Come out to the country and visit wedding vendors from the Mt. Hood area. A First of its kind, “A Country Bridal Affair” will be held on January 14, 2012 at the classic Boring-Damascus Grange Hall in “The Most Exciting Place To Live”, Boring, Oregon off Hwy. 212 on Grange Street. Doors open at noon and stay open until 5:00pm. It’s FREE to enter!
Who: Show Organizers: Studio 623 Photography (Becky Nerpel), Pearl and Roses Wedding Planning (Donna Cole), Chariteas (Charity Chalmers)
What: A country bridal show featuring local vendors in the country
Where: The Boring/Damascus Grange – off of Grange Street in Boring, Oregon off of HWY 212
When: Saturday January 14th, from 12:00-5:00; Admission is free!
Brides can win raffle prizes (Proceeds go to Wish Upon a Wedding foundation) such as $200 off wedding cake, $150 off wedding photography, custom thank you cards, vintage hair pieces and a clutch and more!
More info about the show: http://www.acountrybridalaffair.com/about-the-show/ & Show vendors: http://www.acountrybridalaffair.com/our-vendors/

Country Bridal Affair

Country Bridal Affair
Credits to the inspiration shoot are:
Photography: Becky Nerpel, Studio 623 Photography
Coordination/Styling and 1st venue: Donna Cole, Pearl and Roses Wedding Planning
Venue: Knoll Crest Gardens
Hair/Makeup: ZoieK Designs