We typically track RSVP’s for our clients and make all updates to a google spreadsheet.  That way, the couple has access to the list anytime they want to check in and see who is or is not attending the big event.  We also like to label the back of each RSVP or RSVP envelope so if a name is not readable, or the card is not filled in correctly (this happens regularly), we can figure out who the RSVP actually came from based on the number that coincides with the spreadsheet.

Today, Brittany was tracking RSVP’s for one of our July weddings and we came across this funny note that one of the guests left.  It gave us a good laugh and I just had to share!!

Last month, my husband and I took a trip down to Palm Springs to visit with friends, indulge in a spa day and take in some tennis at the Indian Wells Tournament.  We stayed at the fabulous Parker Hotel and had the best time exploring the grounds and relaxing. 

The hotel has some absolutely gorgeous event facilities and gardens, and each and every area is impeccably manicured. 

photo courtesy of Ailenn Tran

I was so in love with the first page of their info packet  from our room, that I just have to share it with you.  How sassy is this?!?

Manifesto

We believe in the American country club experience: mixed doubles, a long steam, and a stiff cocktail.

We believe in inner beauty.  But, do what you can on the outside.

We believe in old-world etiquette and new age simplicity (LOVE this!!).

We believe you can swim right after you eat.

We believe we should trust those seeking enlightenment and doubt those who claim to have found it.

We believe the earth is three -quarters water, and your body is three-quarters water, and…this is purely coincidence.

We believe in good sport as well as fitness: Pétanque and Pastis, Pimms Cup and Croquet, Snooker and single malt whiskey.

We believe you are only once once…but you can be immature forever.

One last post on Nicole & Jay’s wedding…I just have to share their fab highlight video created by the talented team at Shields Films.  Enjoy!

Thanks so much to everyone that entered into the Stella & Dot Earring Giveaway!  A winner was chosen….watch Patricia Carlile’s video below to see if it was you!!!

To say that I adored Nicole & Jay would be a HUGE understatement.  I absolutely loved working with this couple and getting to know them both along the way.  It is not common for the groom to be a part of almost every aspect of planning, but Jay was.  He let Nicole make many of the decisions, but definitely played devil’s advocate and always injected a great dose of humor.  It really made the planning process fun!

The wedding and reception were held at the beautiful Treasury Ballroom, downtown Portland last November.  Zest decked out the aisle with a whimsical petal design, and the ceremony itself did not leave a dry eye in the house.  Nicole & Jay wrote their own vows and they were so incredibly thought out with the perfect mix of sweetness and humor.  They were quite possible the best vows we’ve heard (Brittany & I had tears streaming  down our faces!!) 

A really fun piece of the ceremony was that Jay surprised Nicole with a wedding band.  She had her eye on this specific band for months, but was trying to be practical and decided to stick with wearing her engagement ring on its own.  Her face when Jay pulled out the sparkly band was absolutely priceless!

The reception was a good old fashion party and had a stunning palatte with shades of red, black and ivory.  Guests enjoyed a great dinner and a groom’s cake made with Oregon Duck colors in the shape of skis, as a homage to Jay’s love of the sport.  The booze flowing, and guests danced the night away into the wee hours!

There is nothing better than watching your clients let loose on the dance floor and truly enjoying their wedding day.  Half way through the reception Nicole & Jay snuck out with Laurel, their talented photographer, and took some amazing night time shots.   This photo is one of my favorites—breathtaking!

Photos by Powers Studios, Video by Shields Films, Officiating by Robert Griffin, Floral by Zest, Cakes by Lambs Garden Home, Catering by Vibrant Table, Hair & Makeup by Powder, Inc., Sound, Music & Lighting by Chad Dowling Productions

Nicole & Jay were married in November…which meant a rainy day was bound to happen.  The  couple had geared themselves up for this, and even bought a  big red umbrella to use in photos.  How gorgeous are these images?

photos by Powers Studios

Stay tuned for more photos from this gorgeous wedding in my next post!

Nothing is more beautiful than Portland on a summer day.  However, walking down a grassy aisle, wooden deck or gravel path to your wedding ceremony can be an issue when you are wearing a fabulous pair of heels!   

photo by Powers Studios

Not to worry…SoleMates comes to the rescue!  This genius clear piece attaches to the heel of your shoe and increases the surface area of the heel base.   It is a flexible material and does not damage your shoe one bit.  The piece easily comes on and off so it could easily be removed for later use.  Anna’s Bridal carries several pairs at their two locations–definitely think about purchasing a set for yourself and your bridesmaids if you are planning an outdoor wedding!

 It’s so refreshing to look outside and see the pastel pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom as well as the vibrant yellow daffodils and purple grape hyacinths popping up after a long grey and rainy winter.  So its no surprise that Pantone, “the authority on color,” has been inspired too with its dynamic selection of color for spring and summer!  I simply adore the range of vivid brights to soft muted tones that are brilliantly paired and are the perfect starting point when choosing the over all colors for your wedding all the way down to the perfect accessories for the wedding party.

Which leads me to our Stella & Dot GIVEAWAY! 

When you take these fabulous colors and combine them with the 2012 bridal trend of statement earrings both big and small…Stella & Dot delivers, and this is where you are in luck! Patricia Carlile, a local Independent Stella & Dot Stylist, is offering all Bridal Bliss blog readers the chance to win the statement earring of their choice!

Check out a small selection of Stella & Dot jewels below that follow the color trend, and then scroll down to find out how to enter.

 There are multiple ways to enter!

1. Leave a comment on this blog post telling us which statement earring you would like to win.  Once you have left your first comment, you may leave as many additional comments on this post as you like.  Be sure to go to Patricia’s Stella & Dot website to see the full collection of earrings!  Remember, you will win your choice of any statement earring so be sure to look at them all!
2. Extra entry if you “LIKE” Patricia’s Facebook Fan Page, Stella & Dot Style by Patricia Carlile  (be sure to leave an additional comment on blog post that you did this)
3. Extra entry if you share your favorite Stella & Dot piece from Patricia’s website on FACEBOOK (again be sure to leave an additional comment that you did this)
4. Extra entry when you pin your favorite Stella & Dot jewels on Pinterest 

The giveaway will remain open for 10 days only.

Everyone is eligible to enter and you can enter multiple ways, as stated above.  If you decide to take advantage of any of the extra entry options please be sure to leave an additional comment for each extra entry so we can keep track!  So for example, if you share your favorite Stella & Dot statement earring on Facebook be sure to leave an additional comment that you have done so on this blog post.  The more times you comment, the more times you will be entered to win.

Big thanks for photos to Style Me Pretty, Southern Afternoon, The Knot (forums), and of course Stella & Dot!

Last week some of my college girlfriends and I had a crazy idea for a girls trip and went to Reykjavik, Iceland for an extended weekend.  We had the BEST time and while we were there, checked out some darling shops and boutiques.  One of our favorites had a great display of tea cups and really made me want to style a wedding or event after the look.  How fun to have a bridal tea or luncheon with this gorgeous china?

Other than shopping, we had a great time exploring the town, hiking a glacier, enjoying the geothermal hot springs and of course…exploring the nightlife.

Keep Iceland on your radar for a fun and unique vacation adventure!