This morning the wedding blog of all wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty, featured an inspiration shoot we were thrilled to be a part of.  The shoot had a “modern day fairytale” theme, and it came out as dreamy as ever.  Click here for more photos and the Style Me Pretty Feature!

Props to all the amazing wedding professionals that put this together!  Stay tuned for the video feature of the shoot.

Venue: Imago Ballroom, Floral by Bella Bloom, Rentals by West Coast Event Productions, Photos by Emily G Photography, Printing by Paper Bloom, Hair/Makeup by Face Body Beauty, Menswear by Duchess Clothier, gown by Charlotte’s Bridal, Jewelery by Mandalena, Dessert Buffet by One Divine Party, Video by Black Label Films, Officiation by A Beautiful Ceremony NW

This last weekend, Christina helped bring Jane & Michael’s amazing wedding to life.  This event was so over-the-top, overflowing with elegant details and it matched the bride’s personality perfectly.  Jane is a total crack-up, she has a super fun personality and a great sense of humor.  Se had a vision and certainly infused her appreciation for the finer things in life into her wedding day.

Everything from the amazing dress (which can be seen in the wedding dress montage from the Sex and the City movie!), to the fab decor, to the delicate two tiered wedding cakes for each guest left each guests in awe.  After all of the guests had left, Jane & Michael stuck around Blue Hour and shared some champagne with Christina toasting a truly spectacular wedding.  What a night!Click here for a slideshow of wedding images by the talented folks at Holland Studios.

A note from Jane:

I just wanted to say thank you for making our day and evening so special!! The entire day from start to finish was absolutely beautiful! Your attention to detail was phenomenal!

I have received thank you after thank you from guests who said it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever attended. There is no possible way this would have happened without the fabulous collaboration of talent between you and Mike.

Thank you so very much!! Everything exceeded my expectations!  I still have a smile on my face. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life.

Warmly,

Jane

Flowers/decor by An Affair To Remember, Photos by Holland Studios, Hair/Makeup by Rumi Simone, Transportation by Lucky Limousine & Best Car In Town, DJ by All Wright Music, Cakes by Dream Cakes , Ceremony Venue: Temple Beth Israel, Reception Venue: Blue Hour, Hotel: The Nines

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!!!

 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!

The talented folks over at Shields Films have put together an amazing promotional video for us!  This great trailer showcases some of our favorite couples and events from the past wedding season.  Take a look and watch some of our coordinators hard at work and for a sneak peek into some real weddings. Let us know what you think!

I am so happy to share with you that my mother’s bridal shop, Anna’s Bridal Boutique, has opened a second location!  As of this past week, you can check out some of their exclusive collections in Lake Oswego or in the NE Beaumont District.  Anna’s carries some amazing designer gowns from the likes of Modern Trousseau, Alyne by Rivini and Matthew Christopher which can only be found in the Northwest at one of these two shops.

I might be biased, but Anna’s is the absolute best in town and has the most stunning gowns I have ever laid eyes on.  They strive to give the best customer service and to provide each bride the best shopping experience possible.  Give Anna’s a call to setup an appointment at 503.636.1474.  Also check out their website and like them on Facebook!!

Shields Films created an absolutely gorgeous recap of Nancy & Nate’s glamorous wedding day.  They just look so in love it gives you goosebumps.   Enjoy!

For more past wedding recaps, check out our YouTube Channel!

One of the very first things you will shop for is your stationary suite. From Save the Dates to Invitations, it is important to understand what you are ordering and what you need to order. To get a better grasp on the various terms here are some common items you will come across in your planning process, courtesy of the fabulous Elizabeth Corr over at New & Blue.

Accommodation Card – Gives guests information about lodging near the wedding site.  If you have arranged for a group rate, let your guests know the name it’s under.

Direction Card – Provides directions to the ceremony and reception locations.

Reception Card – If your ceremony and reception are at two different locations, you will need a reception card. This will tells guests what time and where the reception will take place.

RSVP/Reply/Response Card – Sent with your invitation, this card is filled out by your guests and mailed back to you.  Traditionally the reply card is accompanied by an addressed and stamped envelope, although today many couples are opting for a reply postcard.

Transportation Card – Lets guests know that you’re providing transportation from Point A to Point B on the wedding day.  If you need to know how many guests will be taking advantage of the provided transportation, just add a line to your RSVP card.

Within-the-Ribbon Card- Indicates to guests that they are to be seated in the “ribbon-ed off” section during the ceremony.   These are more of a southern tradition…I rarely order them for weddings here in Portland.

Informal – Flat or folded card that is typically used as a thank you note.  It comes with an unprinted envelope.

Escort Card – Directs guests to their assigned tables and is positioned in alphabetical order near the entrance to the reception.

Place Card – Directs guests to a specific seat at their assigned table.

Calligraphy – Artistic hand-inked lettering that adds an elegant touch to envelopes, escort cards, place cards, table numbers and more.

Menu Card – Gives a course-by-course listing of the food to be served and possible wine pairings.

Wedding Program – Outlines the ceremony proceedings.  May include songs, readings, special acknowledgements, and list the wedding party.