A new year means its time for me to get sentimental! The holidays are always such a great time to take a step back, regroup, count my blessings and set goals for the coming year. 2014 was definitely a year to remember and there are so things to be thankful for. Between moving into a BEAUTIFUL NEW SPACE with ANNA’S BRIDAL smack dab in the middle of high season, executing our busiest year ever (99 events!) and keeping up our vendor relationships, there was certainly no lack of craziness!

The day before Thanksgiving we celebrated my dear friend and fellow Bridal Bliss TEAM MEMBER, KATY HALEY, being cancer free. She fought breast cancer with such grace and composure it was truly inspiring. Katy insisted on working through her treatments and never once complained. Rather, she balanced surgery, radiation and chemo with work and being an amazing mama to two sweet kiddos. Katy is a truly remarkable person (and planner!) and I am so lucky to have her as a part of my life. Thanksgiving certainly brought with it special meaning this year.

his was my first full year running BRIDAL BLISS as a working mom. I am beyond blessed to have amazing family support and my moms spending time with my son, Gavin, throughout the week when I am in the office. While juggling my work life and home life has been a learning experience, it has made me much more efficient. Early mornings and late nights are a pretty good trade off for spending time with my sweet little boy. Gav is a few months shy of TWO YEARS, running around, getting into everything, saying quite a few words, keeping us laughing and bringing so much joy to our lives. I hope that 2015 will continue to bring our families health, happiness and good fortune.

Bridal Bliss is thriving! We have added new talent to our growing team and have been able to assist more clients than ever. A highlight was being awarded with the honor of a top 150 ranking of national wedding professionals as well as being named Portland’s best wedding planner, best all around wedding vendor and best day-of coordinator by OREGON BRIDE MAGAZINE yet again! We have had several events published on BLOGS, MAGAZINES in addition to professional advice printed in NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS. The Portland wedding community has also been growing and it has been a pleasure to meet and work with new vendors, while also strengthening our relationships with the tried and true veterans.

Our clients this year have been nothing short of amazing. So many fun personalities, creative minds, and wonderful families. I’m having a blast blogging all of the events and reliving the memorable events. It is truly an honor to play a large role in such a special day in our client’s lives. We get to connect and know our clients very well throughout planning and many have become lifelong friends throughout the years.

*photo by LAUREN B PHOTOGRAPHY. CLICK HERE for more images from one of my favorite events of the year!*

A few weeks ago I treated our team to a celebratory weekend away at Black Butte Ranch. These girls are not just talented, creative and resourceful, they are FUN! I love that our team works so well together, but also plays so well together! Regular happy hours, play dates, lunches, wine tasting trips and coffee pow wows are the norm outside of the office. It is a very special thing to work with a group of women that all genuinely like and care about each other. More exciting news? Two of our coordinators have weddings on the horizon!!! Both NATALIA &ELIZABETH are planning their own nuptials …Natalia this April and Elizabeth in March 2016. Can’t wait to see what unique elements they incorporate into their own events.

2014 has blown by and I am really looking forward to a new year, wonderful new clients and making many exciting new memories throughout the coming months. Wishing you are yours love, laughter and the happiest of new years. Words cannot express how much we all appreciate your continued support!!

2014 Musings