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Weekend Bridal Events – Oregon Wedding Showcase, Marry ME! & Oaks Pioneer Church Open House

Bravo Publications — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:30:09 +0000

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 28^th 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.

Marry ME! The Northwest’s ONLY Wedding Cake and Tabletop Design Showcase – This Sunday 1.29!

Bravo Publications — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:30:12 +0000

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

Weekend Bridal Events ~ Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Gown Sale & the Bravo! Wedding Affair

Bravo Publications — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:22 +0000

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

A Country Bridal Affair ~ Inspiring Brides this Saturday

Bravo Publications — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:00:57 +0000

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 14^th, 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

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

November Wedding Affair Recap + Best in Show Winners!

Bravo Publications — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:30:15 +0000

We’re beyond amazed at the level of talent in the local Wedding & Event industry! This past Sunday was the most successful Wedding Affair Bravo! has seen. Brides, Grooms & Guests were captivated by the gorgeous rooms decorated to impress, tasted delicious food, drinks & desserts and much more.

Winners: One fun element of the Wedding Affair is voting by Guests for those who inspired them at the show. Typically there are 3 categories & 3 winners… however there were a few ties and many honorable mentions! Congratulations to all.

Best Room Theme & Décor:
Colonel Lindbergh Ballroom – Theme: Town & Country and Fireside Room – Theme: Urban Chic – a Winter Wedding

Best Caterer: Premiere Catering and Delilah’s Catering

People’s Choice/Lasting Impression: Le Cookie Monkey

People’s Choice Honorable Mentions: August Veils, Barclay Event Rentals, Charlotte’s Weddings & More, Delilah’s Catering, Embassy Suites Hotel, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Grand Papery, John Ross Music, Magnifique Boutique, Muse Wedding & Event Planning, Paparazzi Tonight, Premiere Catering, Seventy Seven Salon, Soiree – Special Event Planning, Star Productions, Stott Shots Photography, and Studio I Do.

The Bravo! Wedding Affair is easier to describe in photos as its truly awe-inspiring. For a complete list of all the amazing wedding & event professionals involved in the Wedding Affair, Click Here. To see more pictures from the show, click here.

Colonel Lindbergh Ballroom – Theme: Town & Country

Colonel Lindbergh Reception – Theme: Rustic Vineyard with a Touch of Tuscany

Fireside Room – Theme: Urban Chic – a Winter Wedding

Gevurtz Room – Theme: Decadence

Lobby & Destination Weddings – Central Oregon, Coast, Mt. Hood & Gorge, & Willamette Valley

Mezzanine – Theme: Tour of Elegance

Queen Marie Ballroom – Theme: Je t’Adore

Queen Marie Reception – Theme: So Now Vintage

* Thank you Andie Petkus Photography for capturing all the wonderful details!

Get Inspired at The Bravo! Wedding Affair this Sunday

Bravo Publications — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:00:28 +0000

We are so excited for the Bravo! Wedding Affair this Sunday! Every detail has been carefully thought out & meticulously taken care of – all to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding. Immerse yourself in a wealth of knowledge, get inspired with the latest bridal couture & savor delicious treats while fresh ideas will help you imagine your day.

Themes:
Decadence
Je t’Adore
Rustic Vineyard with a Touch of Tuscany
So Now Vintage
Town & Country
Tour of Elegance
Urban Chic – A Winter Wedding

Destination Weddings:
Central Oregon
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge
Oregon Coast
Willamette Valley

Entertainment: Collage Trio & John Ross Music

Giveaways: Enter to win fantastic giveaways from, Columbia Cliff Villas, Martin’s Gorge Tours, Mt. Hood SkiBOWL, Star Productions DJ, The Party Scoop & more!

You don’t want to miss this show! Sunday, Nov. 6th, 2011 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Portland. Click Here to Purchase Tickets.

Bridal Show Tip: Avoid filling out multiple entry forms by hand – bring address labels with all your contact info. Be sure to include your email address & wedding date. This will save you time & your hand!

Urban Green Sustainable Wedding - February 2011 Wedding Affair. Images by AJ's - Art of Joy & Embassy Suites

Russian Tea Room - February 2011 Wedding Affair - Images by AJ's - Art of Joy

Here Comes the Groom! Join the Portland Wedding Lounge for their Open House 10.26

Bravo Publications — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:00:48 +0000

Join The Portland Wedding Lounge Wednesday, October 26th from 6:30 – 8 pm, for a very unique open house. This time around attention will be focused on all of those lucky grooms. My Bartender will be serving their delicious, signature Northwest Manhattans and catering will be provided by the exceptional Heathman Restaurant and Bar, a French inspired cuisine utilizing local and seasonal ingredients.

Grooms by Aj's - The Art of Joy

Wendy, of Flowers by Wendy will be showing a variety of boutineers, while Magnifique Boutique will be presenting the latest tuxedo styles. The Lounge looks forward to having the Wedding Cottage back to display grooms and groomsmen gifts. They will also welcome Jeff Trinci, a special guest from the Groomslist who will be on hand to chat with all of the grooms. Ed Ryan, of Portland Cigar Company will also be in attendance showing his unique engraved cigars. Last, but certainly not lease, The Lounge players will wrap up the evening with a raffle, giving away several fun door prizes. So grooms grab your brides, or vise versa, and come enjoy a lovely evening at the Wedding Lounge. REGISTER HERE

Committed! Portland’s Alternative Bridal Event

Bravo Publications — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:00:03 +0000

We’ve said this many times here at Bravo! but every bride is different and different is good. Committed! Portland’s Alternative Bridal Event is a fun and casual showcase of talented vendors for couples looking for something less along the lines of a traditional wedding. Curated by Luxe Event Productions, this bridal show is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday October 21st at The Ambridge Event Center and will feature innovative Style Scenes, cool, unique ideas and plenty of amazing vendors.

Hey, even biker dudes and mamas need love too!

Style Scenes will includes themes like Moonshine Southern Wedding, Day of the Dead Wedding, Eco Friendly Wedding, Punk Rock Wedding, 80s Vintage Wedding plus more. Additionally, there will be two fashion shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. which are sure to be nothing close to ordinary. This show is sponsored by Le Coookie Monkey, Black Label Films, Ambridge Events Center, Mosco Photo, Oregon Bride Magazine, yours truly (Bravo! Publications) and many more.

We’re excited to be part of this event and encourage brides-t0-be to attend if they’re looking for something original, fun and alternative. Oh, and every couple that attends gets a sweet gift bag chock-full of goodies! Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door (cash only).

Follow their Twitter account for more updates, tips and hints.

Check out their Facebook Page.

Guest Blog: Lora of Sophisticated Floral Design on how to save money on your wedding flowers

Bravo Publications — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:00:17 +0000

Lora suggests mixing and matching your florals to help you stay on budget.

I often get asked-”Why are wedding flowers so expensive?” The simple fact is that wedding flowers have to be in absolute tip top shape and premium quality which means they can get expensive.

When the flowers arrive from the wholesaler, they have to be properly cleaned, prepped and conditioned. An average wedding order can take anywhere from a several hours to a few days to prepare. Not including the time it takes to deliver, set up and collect any rental items after the wedding.

While you are enjoying your time with the family or getting pampered for your big day, your florist is working long hours to make sure your flowers look superb for your wedding.

Fresh flowers cannot be designed too far in advance, which means your florist may be working through the night to create your beautiful arrangements.

This being said, there are creative ways to save money without compromising your style and overall quality. Think outside the box with these helpful tips on getting the most out of your wedding flower budget.

1. {Set a Flower Budget.} When talking with a florist it’s really important to tell them what your price point is. They will suggest options that go along with your theme and colors and are more cost effective for you.

2. {Find a florist that will work with your budget.} I personally recommend looking for a florist that is flexible, works out of their home or studio and specializes primarily in weddings and events. This is what I do and I know there are others like me out there. We are able to offer lower prices because we do not have the expensive overhead of a traditional floral shop. You will always get much more personal attention with such a florist.

3. {Seasonal Availability.} Choose blooms that are in season, or are always available.
Using out of season flowers will drive the prices up significantly as well as compromise the flower quality.

4. {Don’t settle} for just roses, because that is the only flower you know. There are a multitude of flowers that come in many shapes, sizes and price points. Don’t be afraid to ask your florist questions to find out what flowers will work best within your budget.

5. {Be flexible with flower varieties.} If you have a very tight budget, have an open mind and be flexible on the type of flowers you want. Do tell your florist what your likes and dislikes are, while allowing them to be creative and do what they do best.
This gives your florist the flexibility to choose flower varieties that will look best and be the most cost efficient option for you.

6. {Avoid major Holidays.} {Valentine’s and Mother’s Day being the top two}
Supply and demand is what drives the flower prices up and the quality down during the holiday season.

7. {Limit exotic and premium flowers~ie. Orchids, Calla Lilies, Gardenias, Stephanotis, Oriental Lily, Peony, Tropical’s, etc} If your heart is set on using premium or exotic flowers, use them in moderation and limit them to bridal party flowers only.
Spend the bulk of your floral budget on the Bridal Party flowers, as they will be the most seen and most photographed arrangements at your wedding.

8. {Choose a “right” venue.} A venue that is already beautiful with lush manicured lawns or breathtaking views will not requires as much decor. It could be a park, garden or a golf course that will have these characteristics.

9. {Don’t overlook non-floral accents.} If you are getting married in the winter it may be a great money saving option to use pine cones, ornaments or Christmas greenery in your flower arrangements. In the fall there is an abundance of fall leaves, pumpkins, branches and pods. Summer season brings a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables. Don’t be afraid to be a little different and you will end up with the most gorgeous wedding décor without compromising your overall style.

10. {Dare to Mix and Match} If you have your heart set on tall elaborate centerpieces but are having trouble fitting them in your budget, its best to mix it up with short centerpieces. A good way to keep everything coordinated together is to stick with the same types of flowers or colors for both styles.

Depending on your overall style, you can also scope out your local Goodwill, flea market or garage sale to collect the unique containers and vases for your centerpieces.

Don’t worry if they are not identical, it can often add more charm to have a variety of styles all in the same color scheme.

11. {Recycle your arrangements.} Using the same arrangements more than once will undoubtedly save you money. This means depending on design and location logistics you can re-use your ceremony arrangements at your reception.

12. {Choose your Focal Points.} Larger/Taller displays will always command attention. You don’t need to have many elaborate arrangements on every corner. However, when positioned strategically at your venue, they will give you the best results by highlighting the most important areas. Smaller arrangements scattered throughout the venue seem to get overlooked by the most.
Ask your florist to use more economical blooms for your larger arrangements. For example; Carnations and baby’s breath are very affordable way to go. A lot of people, myself included, used to really dislike them. However, when used in abundance and styled properly, they can be quite striking and pack a punch while not breaking your budget.

13. {DIY] There are some aspects of your wedding décor where DIY projects are perfectly acceptable. If you are a crafty person, you can create beautiful paper cones that will be filled with rose petals for each guest to toss at the bride and groom. You could also attempt to create a beautiful flag banner or another piece of décor in your wedding colors to enhance your overall wedding theme, if you so choose.

DIY projects can be a great way to personalize your wedding day-but don’t get carried away where you are trying to do it all and have no time to enjoy your big day. This is where the professional vendors come in-we are here to help you be stress fee on the most important day of your life.

I hope those tips were helpful to you while planning your wedding.

~Lora

Check out Sophisticated Floral Design’s website/blog, Facebook, Twitter, and even her Etsy shop pages for more great tips on florals!

Oregon Coast- Beaches, Breweries and Endless Views

Bravo Publications — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:00:21 +0000

The Pacific Northwest has some of the most awe-inspiring sites on the west coast, from vast forests to rolling mountains and of course, the coast. Lewis and Clarke famously made their way to the Oregon coast, building Fort Clatstop where Astoria is now and it’s easy to see why they were transfixed by it. The Oregon coast spans more than 360 miles, looks like something from a postcard and is an extremely popular destination for weddings. Due to its broad range of terrains, the Oregon coast is divided into three sub sections- the North, Central and South, each uniquely different options for brides and grooms.

Cities near the coast are typically small and quaint yet still offer excellent resources for weddings. Tourism is a large part of the coastal economy and that includes weddings and ceremonies. For couples that choose the Oregon coast, here are some companies perfect for your big day by the ocean.

Located in Cannon Beach, Surfsand Resort Hotel has multiple options for the day of your wedding and more. Whether you’d like a barefoot wedding on the sand or an indoor ceremony in their Haystack Garden Retreat Center, Surfsand Resort Hotel has multiple luxury amenities to suit your needs and wants. Set against the world-famous Haystack Rock and Tillamook Lighthouse, the resort is blessed with a never-ending supply of sunsets. The resort’s roof top veranda is an excellent way to view said sunsets. Their staff can help you with everything else you need to get planned, from music, transportation, florists and photographers. The chefs and catering staff of Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge can help you design the perfect menu, too.

Choosing Surfsand Resort comes with a view...or several

Debbie Nelson is a Cannon Beach local and owns Cannon Beach Florist. She offers complimentary floral consultation, giving the bride and groom the option of seeing her work before making any sort of commitment and her shop is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Cannon Beach.

One of the endless beautiful arrangements by Cannon Beach Florist

Pelican Brewpub is more than just a great place to grab a cold beer- in fact, it’s the perfect place to plan your wedding. It has three different lodging choices, an ocean front brewery and various floor plan arrangements to accommodate various sized parties. They have multiple catering options and of course, their own freshly brewed beer.

The Pelican Brew Pub overlooks sand, surf and sunsets