We coordinated a bevy of weddings at private residences this past season, and they were each fabulous in their own way.  Natalia worked with Melisa & Justin on their summer wedding at home, which was definitely a stunner.  So many thoughtful details and unexpected elements.  My favorite are the chair ties–so beautiful and uniquely done!

Photos by Fritz Photo, Catering by Two Chicks & A Rooster, Floral by Sophisticated Floral, Rentals by The Party Place and Barclays, Hair/Makeup by The Prettiest You, Dessert by Hope’s Bake Shop,

There were so many details to love from Maria & Brian’s golf club wedding.  Click here if you missed the photos…otherwise enjoy their feature film courtesy of Moving Picture Weddings!

Maria & Brian were SO much fun to plan with. They always brought a dose of humor to our meetings and were very straight forward and low maintenance.  They didn’t have particular feelings towards the design and decor, so I really was able to have fun and get creative.  Thankfully…they loved it!

Maria & Brian were married in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony at Holy Trinity Church.  The hour long ceremony was followed by cocktails and a reception in the clubhouse at Oregon Golf Club.

We plan quite a few events at this Oregon Golf Club, but more often than not they take place outside or in a large tent.  It was fun having the opportunity to coordinate a wedding inside the clubhouse, as it has a warm, unique and cozy feel with huge windows that show off the great view.

Guests took full advantage of the Iphone charging station with pave floral!

Photos by Bryan Rupp Photography, Cinematography by Moving Picture Weddings, Floral by Zest, Rentals by Ohana Party Rentals, DJ by Chad Dowling Productions, Dessert by Blissfully Sweet,  Transportation by Lucky Limousine, Paper Products by Crave Design

Gretchen & Chad’s wedding was super special to me, as Chad is a very good industry friend of mine.  We worked together on the very first wedding I coordinated back in 1999 and have been tight ever since.  Chad was the DJ at my own wedding in 2009, and has been the DJ at every party we’ve thrown since.  He has the talent of keeping a dance floor packed ALL NIGHT.

I’ve watched Chad’s darling little girl, Emma, grow up and we’ve spent many Saturdays together wedding season after wedding season. So, I was beyond honored when Chad and his beautiful bride, Gretchen, asked me to help coordinate their wedding at The Governor Hotel’s Renaissance & Billiard Rooms.  Gretchen & Chad compliment each other so well and they are both into Star Wars, goth and their pug Helga…all of which made an appearance at the nuptials.

Here is where the “goth” and first peek at “Star Wars” came into play. We had the Manhattan Monk officiate the wedding and Gretchen was set with having the lights dim way down right as he walked in and the ceremony started.  She meticulously picked out music (which was perfect) and it started out with what sounded like a somber monk chant.  Once the officiant walked down the aisle, the music brightened up and the processional began.  It was very dramatic!

Rather than a having unity candle or sand ceremony, the officiant mixed up a cocktail with liquors representing qualities of a good marriage such as trust, love, etc.  The bride and groom toasted with this cocktail and it added a nice humorous, yet meaningful, twist.  I loved it!

Why wouldn’t he pull out a light saber for the cake cutting??

Photos by Powers Studios, Cinematography by Moving Picture Weddings, Flowers by Zest, Cake by Dream Cakes, Catering by Jake’s Catering, Chair Covers by Avery’s, Makeup by Powder, Inc.,  DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth by Craig/Chad Dowling Productions

If you enjoyed seeing Stephie & Andy’s photos on our last blog post, I think you will love their wedding video courtesy of Jaw Creations! The gorgeous  Aurora Colony Estate was a beautiful backdrop to this fun vineyard wedding.

andy+stephie ♥ portland wedding from JAWCreations on Vimeo.

Stephie & Andrew’s wedding was especially important to us, as Stephie is a past Bridal Bliss assistant!  We were so excited to be a part of her Aurora Colony Vineyards wedding and it all came together flawlessly.  The venue was stunning, the sun was shining and everyone had a good time.  I like the vineyard couple pics almost as much as I love the photos with Stephie and her twin sister.  Take a peek!

Photos by Kira+Matt, Catering by Its Party Time Catering, DJ by Alpine Productions, Rentals by Ohana Party Rentals 

I love working at Waverley Country Club.  The setting could not be more gorgeous, and it just has such a formal, old school feel. Mix in some preppy stripes and you have a fun, festive event.  Erica & Matt’s wedding had it all…personal touches, fab decor, and a party that left everyone hurting the next morning.  Enjoy!

Photos by Take 5 Photography,  Beauty by Anastasia’s, Rentals by Ohana Party Rentals, Cupcakes by His Bakery,  Flowers by Zest, Officiant from Portland Ministers, Band: Design, Transportation by JMI Limo

I’m just going to say it…this couple is ridiculously cute.  It was so hard going through all of Anne & Adam’s photos and choosing my favorites because their smiles are so big and genuine in all of them!  It was very obvious that this couple had a great time at their Cooper Mountain Vineyards wedding.  Anne & Adam worked with Emily and incorporated some really unique details.  From her gorgeous gown, to the awesome photo displays, to the super cute signage…. this wedding was a gem!

Photos by Alyson Levy, Beauty by Portland Hair & Makeup, Rentals by Ohana Party Rentals, Lighting by Barclay Events, Catering by Hunt & Gather, Floral by Kathy Griffin, Guitar by Stephen Ashbrook, Sound by  Water Tower Band, DJ by Chad Dowling Productions

The 2014 Best of Bride awards party, thrown by Oregon Bride Magazine each year, is coming up later this week.  We are SO excited to be named finalists in three categories and cannot wait to hear which talented wedding professionals will be taking home the title of “best of” for 2014!  Even more exciting is being a part of the planning team and seeing our “Vintage Carnival” theme come to life.  Here is fun recap of last year’s fab party and awards, courtesy of Moving Picture Weddings.  Our fingers and toes will be crossed on 6/26–good luck to all the nominees!!

If you know me, you know I love Prosecco.  Lets not kid ourselves….I don’t discriminate against champagne or sparkling wine, but when I have the choice I prefer the fruitiness of a chilled glass of Prosecco.  So, when I heard that La Marca came out with new mini bottles, I just had to share!  These could be such a fun addition as a wedding favor, served with a striped straw as a welcome pre-ceremony drink,or even adorning a table at a bridal shower.  The baby blue label is chic and elegant and you can purchase a mini as low as $5 each!

According to La Marca, Prosecco has quickly become one of the most successful sparkling wine types made today. Prosecco is made from the white grape, Glera. This expressive grape is prized for its delicate flavors and aromatics. Prosecco is made through the Charmat method, which creates a delicate effervescence and a food-friendly palate.