BridalHood

Monday Moment

2012-02-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy, busy but I thought I'd drop by and show you the best little gem I picked up over the weekend at the ultimate vintage flea market. My husband is going to be really busy over the next few weeks photographing all of my decor and rental pieces but until I can wrap it all up in one pretty package for you to see on the new site here is a sneak peek at my latest find.

A charming vintage settee that would be fabulous as a part of a lounge area at any wedding or event. I think my pink parlor chairs would look good bookending this piece!

Isn't it great?!?!

Real Wedding: Kimberly and Kevin's Pear Orchard Vintage Farmer's Market Wedding

2012-02-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited to be posting this wedding today. This is one of my favorite Hood River wedding venues - Bella Vista Orchard. It's a working pear (among other things) orchard and they have the coolest rustic luxury camping accomodations. You can say your I do's surrounded by hundreds of pear trees and dress up this lovely orchard for a fabulously rustic chic wedding like the one I'm featuring today.

I've been wanting to showcase this venue for a while now and I can't think of a more perfect wedding that highlights its beauty. I'm so glad that the lovely bride Kimberly and talented photographer Courtney Jade shared their experience with us.

This "first look" father/daughter moment is priceless!

Here is what Kimberly had to say about her special day:

My wedding day was the most beautiful day of my life. Oncewe were engaged we talked about getting married in an Orchard...this was harderto find than I ever imagined. Bella Vista was among the few we found thatactually allowed weddings on their premises! Thank goodness it was perfect inevery way. The pears (those doughnut peaches too!) and incredible view ofMt.Hood is what sold me. Our guests loved the casual atmosphere and stunningbeauty that Bella Vista had to offer. The flowers, my dress, and decor were allabsolutely perfect.

The mini daisies with billy balls are kind of awesome!

The natural backdrop for this ceremony setting is beautiful

What was your favorite moment of the day?

The sweetest moment of the day was taking communionwith my new husband, it represented us and what our marriage is centeredaround. I love looking at our pictures and reliving the most amazing day of mylife.

What a cute idea - pedestal for the kiss...I could have used this on my wedding day!

Now for the details - the combination of rustic and vintage touches set against the natural setting of the orchard - they nailed my perfect wedding tone and decor!

We had nine months to plan our wedding and to get thevintage farmers market feel I was longing for, it took a lot of patience anddedication searching craigslist, thrift stores, garage sales, and lots and lotsof antique. Mainly Monticello's market place on Stark in Portland." Kevinloves antiques as much as I do so it was a fun date together searching for thefurniture and the antique details we used in the wedding.

These flowers are amazing - I couldn't stop thumbing through all the colorful flower photos...

Great setup

Another beautiful moment captured

Lovely details mixed into this dessert display!

and it must have been good!

This bride and father duo are too cute!

What advice would you give to future brides?
My one word of advice for any bride-to-be: GET A WEDDING PLANNER! andhave lots and lots of dancing:)

I like her advice on the planner! Thanks again to Kimberly and Courtney for sharing this special day with all of us.

Photographer: Courtney Jade
Location: Bella Vista Orchard in Hood River
Catering: Silver Spoon Catering in Portland, OR
Flowers: Jill Hayes of Boring, OR
Dress: Casablanca via Bridal Exclusives in Clackamas, OR
Bridal Accessories: Sarah Seven
Bridal Shoes: Seychelles
Bridesmaids: Anthropologie

Wanted: Wedding Obsessed Intern

2012-01-29T20:48:00.000-05:00

Do you love pretty things, DIY projects, crafting, lovely little details and parties and events? Do you have an eye for design and spend hours scouring blogs and Pinterest for inspirational material? Are you obsessed with weddings and helping brides bring their unique vision to life? Do you want to learn more about blogging, social media, event planning and running a wedding business?

Hitched in the Hood and Bridalhood is looking for an intern/assistant for the upcoming 2012 wedding/event season. With lots of weddings to plan for you'll be helping with various projects including:

Assisting with logistics for upcoming photoshoots, weddings and events
Sourcing various items, vendors and decor for upcoming events
Researching, writing, and preparing posts for the blog and assisting with layouts and copy
Uploading photos from events in galleries on site and Facebook (on the new site - coming soon!)
Crafting, DIYing, thrifting and having fun!

The ideal Hitched in the Hood intern:

Basic working knowledge of Photoshop (the more knowledge the better!)
Basic knowledge of Wordpress and writing for a digital platform
Has a strong eye for design
Loves to craft and make things!
Available to work weekends from May - October to assist with weddings and events (mainly Saturdays, some Fridays)
This internship requires a positive attitude and creative spirit
Must have your own computer
Resides in the Columbia River Gorge (close to Hood River)

If you are interested please email me at {hitchedinthehood@gmail.com} and tell me why you are the perfect intern for Hitched in the Hood. Please forward along a resume and look through Bridalhood blog and tell me which "real wedding" is your favorite and why.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

A Winner and A Few Favorites...

2012-01-20T15:14:00.002-05:00

Congrats to the winner of the adorable Shabby Apple Atlantic Fog dress!

Megan13 - you are the winner! I'll be in touch with you shortly with more details.

A few of my favorites out there this week (while we thaw out here in the Pac NW!)

Obsessed with this countryside wedding

Really sweet pastel garden wedding

So many cute details and inspirational ideas from this Anthro wedding

Simply lovely garden wedding

Great bouquet

Happy weekend everyone - we'll be spending ours defrosting!

Real Wedding: Central Oregon Yellow and Grey Vineyard Wedding

2012-01-19T10:15:00.002-05:00

Weddings with a yellow color theme are such shiny, happy weddings and even though this wedding saw some cloudy skies it sure seemed to be full of light. It's also b/c these photos by the talented Erich McVey really bring the day to life...love him! I really appreciate this bride's account of the day and how honest she is about not feeling pressured by all the trendy wedding themes and not being distracted by all the wedding blogs out there spewing "wedding inspiration". I'm one of them but have always felt that couples that can keep it real and stay unique to their style regardless of the latest wedding trend are the most genuine.

Words from the bride:

It was important to Bryan to get married in the town where he was born and raised. We found Zenith Vineyard, a gorgeous venue for weddings, near his family’s home in Salem and signed our contract before we even got to see it! Fortunately, it turned out to be even better than we imagined and the space worked perfectly for us. Our requirements for the site were that there would be an area for guests to get fresh air, that we could have an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception at the same place, and that it would be large enough to comfortably host all of our guests. We loved the large, covered veranda at Zenith, and the easy transition from the lawn where the ceremony was held to the beautiful ballroom.

We decided to get married nine months after we were engaged, so I didn’t have a whole lot of time to dream up my wedding. I wasn’t the kind of girl who had been scouring blogs and magazines, planning her wedding for years - in fact, I had never even thought of it until we were engaged. Another challenge was school. Half way through our engagement, I was accepted into nursing school and we ended up having our wedding on one of my weekends off. As the bride, I felt SO fortunate to have the help of an amazing coordinator, Sue Hamilton from SHEdesigns, my parents, friends, Bryan’s family, and Bryan himself - who was very involved in the whole process.

Our colors for the wedding were yellow and gray. In high school, Bryan drove an old yellow convertible bug that we wanted to incorporate into the day. Gray was chosen as a soothing compliment to the yellow. After we decided on our colors, we started noticing that the combination was everywhere! I tried to avoid any sort of theme - even though we were at a vineyard, we didn't decorate with corks, grapes, or purples. The colors and decorations truly were about us and the things we like.

I love, love these bridesmaids dresses!

These chunky necklaces and colorful bouquets are the perfect accessory for this adorable dress

One decorative surprise that I didn’t know about were the “mumkins”. The day before the wedding, Bryan’s mom, sister, and a few family friends drilled hundreds of holes into fresh pumpkins and then inserted bright colored mums. They ended up looking like giant flower spheres, which added a playful, funky touch! I loved them!

We couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of friends and family to be our bridal party. Jenny’s sister, Jane, was the maid of honor, and Bryan’s sister, McKenzie was a bridesmaid. The other bridesmaids were Jenny’s four best friends since high school, and Bryan’s groomsmen were his best friends- some dating back to middle school! Our officiant was a close family friend of the Schofields, Dr. Jeff Philips. He did a wonderful job creating such a special ceremony for us!

Mumkins - genius!

Could this be cuter?

Ok, I love those necklaces - I know you are bound to ask so I'll find out where they are from

Beaming bride...

Perfect escape car!

Photo booth - the #1 favorite experience for guests at a wedding reception. So fun!

I remember our wedding day as the most beautiful experience of my life- with everything going exactly as planned. However, as I reminisce with friends and family about the day, they keep reminding me that it wasn’t as perfect as I remember. For one thing, it was raining all the way until our ceremony, but the rain stopped just long enough for our ceremony and pictures. I also forgot the crinoline lining for my dress and my sister-in-law had to run home and get it before the ceremony! Even with these reminders, I still believe that our wedding day was pretty much perfect.

We were surrounded by so much love, support,and positive energy- it was amazing!

Thank you Jenny for sharing your day with us and a huge thanks to Erich McVey for your gorgeous work!

Photographer – Erich McVey Photography
Dress - Designed and sewn by Jolene Cetak, friend of the bride
Flowers – Image Floral and Event
Venue – Zenith Vineyard
Planner – Tami Lundy (family friend) and Sue Hamilton from SHE Designs
Music – NW Mobile DJ Service- Kevin Venables
Groom Attire - Brooks Brothers
Groomsmen- Shyrocks
Bridesmaid’s dresses – Edme & Esyllte
Stationery – handmade by bride, groom, and families!
Cake – Lovin’ Oven in Stayton, OR
Jewels – on the bride: family heirlooms gold &pearl bracelet, family heirloom platinum pearl ring, necklace by Mars and Valentine.

We interrupt this regulared scheduled blog post...

2012-01-18T11:59:00.000-05:00

So it's supposed to be internet blackout day for bloggers and other internet advocates that are taking a stand to stop SOPA. Truthfully, I don't know enough about it to take an active role and give any kind of educated point-of-view on it.

However, I am taking a break from posting today b/c if you've been following the weather news at all you know that the Pacific NW has been experiencing a historic winter blast. Holy snowpocalypse! It's here - 32' inches of fresh powder up on the mountain in the last 24 hours!!!

Snowy scenes from the Hood River Valley and Mt Hood

{via Blaine Franger/Beautiful Hood River}

SO...that means I'll be calling in with the powder flu today and hitting a fresh blanket of new snow on the board. It's about time - it's been a dry and sunny winter so far and while I'm not complaining about the sun I'm stoked to finally hit the hill.

Back tomorrow with a shiny, happy real wedding by the talented Erich McVey!

Giveaway: Shabby Apple Dress

2012-01-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

How adorable is this dress for winter with tights or knee-high socks and boots? Maybe throw a chunky scarf on with it? This dress can just as easily be worn in the fall or spring with some fun accessories.

WIN THIS DRESS!

And you can win it?!?!? I wish I was eligible to win this versatile and super comfy looking number.

Shabby Apple is an online boutique with a variety of women's dresses and accessories. They have great vintage inspired dress styles and I really could have used one of these sailor style dresses for my nautical themed bridal shower!

This skirt is my fav!

Or how about these adorable teal heels for a bride or her maids - the description is perfect - they would be great for an Alice in Wonderland/Mad Hatter party!

SO...how can you win that adorable grey t-shirt dress? To enter just head on over to the Shabby Apple Facebook page and give them a "like". Once you've done that leave me a comment below letting me know you've "liked" and tell me what your favorite Shabby Apple dress is.

And don't worry - if you don't win the dress I'm offering a 10% discount to all Bridalhood readers. Just enter bridalhood10off at checkout to receive your discount.

We'll pick a winner on Friday, January 20th so hurry up and head over to Shabby Apple and check out some of their fabulous stuff.

Good luck!

Instagram Week in Review

2012-01-13T14:26:00.000-05:00

This was how my week started...

It's been a beautiful sunny winter week here but we are also doing the snow dance around here. I'm hoping by the end of the weekend or early next week I'm shredding some fresh pow!

I've been picking up some great items lately to add to my collection. I've been really bad about posting my treasures in the rental section of the blog but I'm working on a new site with all the rental inventory. Check out these vintage pink parlor chairs I scored this week - aren't they adorable! Perfect for a bridal photoshoot or paired with some other mismatched vintage chairs for a bridal shower.

And my week wouldn't be complete without a photo of the pup. I'm going to be in trouble as a Mom someday b/c I can't resist a cute face. He's already got me right where he wants me!

This week I've started to do some 2012 and beyond visioning. Much more to come on this topic since the more I write about it and commit to it the better chance of making it happen!

Have a great weekend and see you next week!

Real Wedding: Sweetest Mt. Hood B&B Wedding (with a rainbow!)

2012-01-11T10:40:00.003-05:00

Don't they always say that rain on a wedding day is good luck? I wonder what it means if you get a rainbow?!?! This Mt. Hood B&B wedding captured by the talented Heather Espana is so super sweet! I'm loving this bride's style - the multiple gorgeous dresses, vintage hair piece - and my favorite...that tattoo!

She is too cute!

What's better than one great dress? Two!

Really love this belt!

Plaid bowties and suspenders!

Always like bridesmaids in neutral tones

The raindrops and sun shining through - what a perfect moment

That tattoo is fierce!

Is this not the cutest picture ever?

If you can't see the mountain - the next best thing must be a rainbow!

What a moment!

I can't think of a better wedding to share for my first wedding of 2012. I have a feeling there are going to be many more to come packed with inspiration for all of you brides.

A big thanks to Heather Espana for letting us share this adorable wedding - I look forward to working with you in 2012 too! Check out much more from this wedding on Espana Photography's blog.

And you must, must check out their wedding video over at Moetic Wedding Films blog. Biggest mistake I made at my wedding - not hiring a professional wedding videographer!

Vendors

Venue: Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast
Photographer: Heather Espana
Second Photographer: Rachel of Fawn & Feather
Caterer: Portland Catering Company [thanks to Katie!]
Cupcakes by: Robots Love Cupcakes
Florist: Bride’s mother, with help from the bridal party
Ceremony Dress by: Mia Solano
Rings by: Gilt
Videography by: Moetic Wedding Films [thanks so much Ryan!]
DJ: Matthew Kurowski of Stumptown DJs

Inspired by Watercolors

2012-01-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

Over the holiday break I met with one of my 2012 brides - their wedding is going to be so much fun, I love the aesthetic which is inspired by the colors of Patagonia. It holds a special meaning to them since they lived in South America for 6 months and got engaged on a cliff against a backdrop of mountain, sea and sky and the gorgeous hues of blues and greens that almost look like a watercolor. My wheels are spinning thinking about the possibilities of incorporating all of those colors through various watercolor details. I've been seeing some inspirational ideas out there lately that might guide us in our decor - I'm ready to start crafting!

Watercolored seating cards

Loving this DIY watercolor bridesmaid invite - could be applied in so many ways

This project is a must - DIY watercolor votives!

These water color invites and the entire wedding for that matter are bursting with color!

A splash of watercolor for table numbers

Hand dyed napkins and watercolored flowers

Watercolored lanterns - done!

Hand dyed muslin fabric strips

I really love the idea of a watercolor paint-by-number guest book too! So many projects...it's a good thing their wedding is in August.

Check back tomorrow for a fabulous real Hood River/Gorge wedding!

Top 10 Weddings of 2011

2011-12-30T00:42:00.001-05:00

These aren't necessarily in order but here are my top 10 weddings of 2011...they are unique, inventive, creative, innovative, personal, intimate and will influence weddings in 2012 and beyond.

Starting with #10 - Intimate English Countryside Wedding - This is the perfect wedding; the tiny pink chapel, the gorgeous vintage dress, the amazing style of the wedding party, pretty much just every last detail.

{photo via Tyler Branch}

#9 - This wedding would be much higher on my list b/c it's AMAZING over-the-top fantastic but since "your average bride" probably couldn't afford the weekend long extravaganza it comes it at #9 - but makes the tops list nonetheless! And check out the welcome party dinner and the wedding after party - unreal!

{photo via Aaron Delesie}

#8 A colorful strawberry farm wedding that gets mad props for being totally unique!

{via Gideon Photography}

#7 - I told you the other day that this winter wedding would make my list - it has made me rethink the snowy winter wedding.

{photo via Benj Haisch}

#6 - The beautiful backdrop of this wedding is just the start - the florals, kissing booth, wood accents, yarn details, flower boxes, really just everything, make it one of my very favorites.

{photo via Orange Girl Photographs}

#5 - Every single one of Jonas Peterson's weddings are breathtaking but this Bahamas destination wedding takes the cake.

{via Jonas Peterson}

#4 - Simple, lovely Boho chic wedding

{photo via the talented Clayton Austin}

#3 - Hood River/Columbia Gorge Area Weddings (I could do a top 10 of just these weddings!)

I love the sweet simplicity and DIY deeds of this Mt. Hood B&B Wedding

{via Blue Window Creative}

Bright Sunshiny Mountainview Wedding

{via Gabriel Boone}

Could there be a more beautiful setting for this rustic chic wedding?

{via Julie Randall Photography}

Orchard wedding with the sweetest details

{via Steep Street}

Ok...maybe I will do a top 10 after the new year!

#2 - Perfect rustic shabby chic wedding with gorgeous vintage accents (thank you Style Me Pretty!)

{photo via Caroline Tran}

#1 - I love Mexico and I love a well orchestrated beautiful and fun party with great details - this festive Sayulita wedding comes in at #1. I wouldn't expect anything less from the gals at Sitting in a Tree.

{photos via Sarah Yates}

It's been a fabulous year...a recap in photos coming next week.
Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully I'll see more of you next year and meet some new 2012 brides getting "Hitched in the Hood". But now, I'm off to catch the fresh new powder up on the mountain - Merry New Year!

Hitched in the Hood Holiday Break

2011-12-29T17:35:00.000-05:00

Hiya folks.. I've been taking a sabbatical from blogging this holiday (goal for 2012 - more blogging!). How have you been spending your holiday?!? Our time off has been busy with cleaning out, getting organized, visioning and setting up for the new year. I've been working on my new website which I've been neglecting for a LONG time but in the meantime I've updated the current blog with new (but old!) information.

We did have a chance to sell some of our handpoured soy candles at a crafter's fair over the break and I was able to throw up a table last minute repurposing a lot of the items from last year's Cranberry and Cream yarn inspired photoshoot like the yarn poms and yarn covered bottles and used some of our antique wooden crates - I think it turned about pretty good for a late addition to the show.

{blurry image taken with my iPhone}

Tomorrow I'm headed into Portland to meet with Cat, one of my August brides and hit up a few thrift and antique shops. Remember Cat - she's the inspired by Patagonia bride - we'll be looking for lots of fun things that match this lovely color palette and tie back to the inspiration board. Speaking of inspiration board...here it is - what do you think?

Look out tomorrow for my top 10 weddings of 2011 list - it's been hard to narrow it down to just 10!

Winter Wonderland Wedding

2011-12-20T12:36:00.001-05:00

I've been dying for this wedding to be featured and yesterday it was on Green Wedding Shoes. Have you ever seen a winter wedding quite like this? The snow falling, the bride's dress and that braid, the gorgeous green bouquets, the rustic lodge?!?! I had been emailing back and forth with a 2012 bride that was looking for a Gorge venue for her wedding. Sadly she didn't pick this area but she did see this wedding featured on my Friday Favs two weeks ago and landed on Bear Creek Lodge for their wedding venue. Who wouldn't after seeing this wedding? I'm just hoping she emails me back and wants me to be her planner!

That braid and fab bouquet - love!

Who doesn't want a winter wedding here?

How perfect is that with the snow coming down?

Those blanketed bridesmaids are too cute

Succulents, river rocks, burlap and wood - right up my alley!

Beautiful dessert table - love all the winter white

Any brides out there thinking of a winter wedding? For the record, I would love to plan a Hood River/Mt. Hood winter wedding if anyone is interested!

I think you'll be seeing this one again in my top wedding of 2011 post later this month. Quite an amazing wedding and gorgeous photography by the talented Benj Haisch. Check out even more eye candy over on Benj's blog.

Friday Favs

2011-12-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

Hey there - I was quite a slack this week but was traveling to San Fran and busy getting ready for the holidays. Much more to come next week though...for now...I'll leave you with my fav of the week. The photo for the front of this year's Christmas card - our new little bundle!

Happy Holidays!

Friday Favs!

2011-12-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

Holy smokes! This week's favorites are killing me. Lots of seasonal winter goodness that actually has me in the mood for the cozy wintertime.

Starting with this snowy winter mountain wedding that has some out-of-control, amazing details. Will someone please call me about planning their winter wedding, stat!

Winter wedding that easily makes my top weddings of 2011 list!

via {the talented Benj Haisch}

100 Layer Cake knocked it out of the park this week with these two weddings...

A DIY rustic barn wedding masterpiece

Quirky invitation suite and whimsical wedding that will have you smiling

Super cute Scandinavian themed DIY gift wrapping

Perfect example of how to have a wedding on a budget and it still be completely amazing

Homemade DIY lakeside wedding filled with charm

Ok, so maybe this was my real wedding from earlier in the week but it's definitely a fav

I love you Clayton Austin and I love this wedding!

How cute is this?!? It's from a really sweet newlywed holiday photo session

Unreal

via {Fiona Andersen}

Happy weekend to everyone - we are participating in a Holiday Bazaar this weekend and selling our handpoured soy candles and cutting down our tree - looking forward to getting in the holiday spirit.

Featured Weddings

2011-12-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

Recently I've seen a lot of Hood River/Mt Hood/Columbia Gorge weddings featured around the blog circles and it's great to see. Our little area - officially on the map for destination weddings - I love it. I was living in FL when I planned my Gorge wedding and it was the perfect place to have a destination wedding. Maybe not what you typically think when you hear "destination wedding" - it's not an exotic tropical place but it does have sprawling views of gorgeous landscapes, mountains and the mighty Columbia River Gorge. If you are considering a destination wedding you should give this place a look!

A beautifully romantic Mt. Hood wedding at Timberline Lodge

{featured on 100 Layer Cake}

An intimate "lodge" themed wedding at Silcox Hut at Timberline (one of my favorite venues for a smaller wedding)

{featured on New and Blue}

Aren't those vintage thermos cool?! Love that idea.

A vibrant Mt. Hood Organic Farm wedding
{featured on Style Me Pretty}

Have you considered the Gorge area for your destination wedding?

Real Wedding: Katie and Jeremy's Bright Mountainview Wedding

2011-11-29T11:55:00.005-05:00

If you get married in the Hood River Valley on a day with the mountain in plain view against a clear blue sky and without a cloud you are lucky bride - must be a sign of good things to come! Not only do I share a mutual friend with this couple but they used the same wedding photographer we had for our wedding - Gabriel Boone - two very talented brothers!

I can't get over the amazing day they had for this Mt. Hood Organic Farm wedding and all the wonderful little details - this wedding with all the pops of color and sunshine just makes me happy!

Billy balls and succulents - quite a bouquet!

The custom Chuck Taylors are my favorite - I had a pair made for my hubs for our wedding?

Killer ring shot!

Gorg bridal photo and such great light!

The newly renovated Apple House at Mt. Hood Organic Farms makes the perfect reception area

Look at Mt. Hood in all her glory

Toasting signature drinks to a blissful marriage

These succulent centerpieces on wood rounds with the different Oregon trail signs are my favorite detail - what a perfect touch for a wedding in the Hood!

Mismatched yellow bridesmaids dresses and bright bouquets bring so much sunshine to this wedding

I mean, that almost looks fake - remember those pull down backdrops from Olan Mills? But, this one is real and just that spectacular

The pie table - a stable for any rustic chic wedding

Looks like one hell of a dance party - and the bride's Chucks are essential for busting a move

A big thanks to Gabe and Boone for sharing this wedding with us - I bet it was a fun one to photograph!

Vendors

Venue: Mt. Hood Organic Farms

Photographer: Gabriel Boone Photography (they rock!)

Florals: Zest Floral

Catering: Orchard House

Pies: Pauline's Country Pies

Monday Minute

2011-11-28T12:01:00.000-05:00

I only had a minute to jump over here and post today but I do have some fab real weddings coming up this week. For now I'll leave you with this cutest picture from Thanksgiving - we had an amazing and relaxing weekend on the Puget Sound with friends and puppies...we cooked and ate lots of delicious meals, drank brandy alexanders and mimosas and had lots of puppy play. It was the perfect holiday weekend! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and some relaxing downtime. Now it's time to hit the gym and detox until Christmas.

We are so thankful for our little Rasta pup...I can't get enough of that little face - I don't want him to get big! These two became best buds...

Thankful Thoughts and a few Holiday Extras

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

There is so much to be thankful for this year - this blog in fact has been something I've been very thankful for particularly this year. Not only has it been an outlet for me and a good escape from the "every day real world stuff" but it has been a connection to new and lifelong friends. Fellow bloggers and wedding clients alike. In fact, Keith and I are spending the Thanksgiving holiday with some wedding clients of mine that I met through this blog. We are heading up to the beautiful (and very wet right now) Olympic Peninsula in WA. I'm looking forward to a very relaxing weekend at a lake house next to a fireplace with a glass of wine - maybe it's not so bad that it's raining - I won't feel so guilty doing nothing at all!

I'll leave you with some of my favorite holidayesque tablescapes for Thanksgiving or a fall wedding...from traditional to contemporary and unique.

Have a great holiday - see you next week!

{via Grey Likes Weddings}

{via Green Wedding Shoes}

{via Style Me Pretty}

via {here}

via {Design Sponge}

Monday Musings

2011-11-21T17:55:00.000-05:00

Since I didn't get around to my Friday Favs last week I thought I'd share them today...my folder is bursting at the seams!

This bride's BHLDN dress is super fab

Orange and grey bouquet - lovely

DIY bow and arrow seating chart

Dress envy

For all you Apple fans this rustic pixel inspired wedding is one-of-a-kind

This wedding is in the DIY hall of fame!

Check out the DIY hand dyed napkins and more DIY's from this wedding @ 100 Layer Cake

All the little details are divine

Thinking of breaking tradition and making Thanksgiving brunch - what do you think?
{Pumpkin pancakes with apple maple compote}

Real Wedding: Mt Hood Mountaintop Wedding

2011-11-16T16:49:00.005-05:00

The snow is dumping here in Hood River today - we are gearing up for snowboarding season - woohoo! That's why today I felt it would be fitting to share this wedding at Mt. Hood's Skibowl. Ski lift rides to the top, a perfect view of Mt. Hood and a ceremony site right next to the historic warming hut - sounds like the perfect venue for a mountain top wedding, right? And check out the cabin this couple rented to get ready in - hmmm, we might need to check this place out this winter!

What could be better than one wedding dress - that's right - two!!

HA - perfect!

Look at that mountain backdrop - gorg!

Been hearing great things about DJ Gray Matter - looking forward to working with him!

Loving her dress

All images {via FS Photography}

If you are looking for a great mountaintop wedding check out the Skibowl - it's a good alternative to the smaller venue Silcox Hut at Timberline Lodge. A big thanks to Ryan from FS Photography for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. I recently had the pleasure of working with Ryan and Joelle at this wedding - can't wait to share it with you!

Vendors

Venue: Mt. Hood Skibowl
Photography: FS Photography
Video: Shield Films
Coordinator: Creations by Ly
Music: DJ Gray Matter

Introducing the newest family addition!

2011-11-08T01:07:00.000-05:00

Maybe now you'll understand why I've been a bit preoccupied and haven't blogged in a couple of weeks. We got a puppy! We have been on the search for "our" dog for quite some time now. We definitely wanted a rescue and he's 100% that but we wanted to wait until we found "the one" before we brought our future companion home. It's been hard to leave behind some of those little doggy eyes starring back at you at the shelters but I'm glad we waited.

Well...we found him alright or maybe he found us. So far we are riding the puppy karma train b/c he's a gem - so sweet, so charming, cuddly and playful. A new puppy can definitely rock your world - Keith and I love him already!

Introducing - Rasta pup

Isn't he the cutest! He still has one little brother we hated to leave behind if you are interested.

I'm sure this won't be the last I share some glimpses of our new little bundle but I'll be back to blogging regularly very soon. I have lots of wedding - past and future - I can't wait to reveal.

Back to playing fetch and getting wet puppy nuzzles!

One Frame Friday

2011-10-28T19:45:00.000-04:00

Clayton Austin + Aspen mountaintop wedding = Perfection!

Happy Friday!

I'm back and a few favs

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello there dear friends and followers - it's been so long...too long! Boy have I been busy - lots of twists, turns, challenges over the last few months and probably even more change to come but perhaps for the better and that will allow more time to dedicate to this blog and other great projects.

I've just finished up the wedding season and looking forward to working with my current 2012 brides as well as taking new clients for 2012...I'm almost booked up in August and September but have some availability May - July. Looking forward to hearing from you future brides!

We just got back from home in the Midwest for my sister's wedding. It was a beautiful fall day with gorgeous autumn colors bursting everywhere. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures with more to come. Oh...and the handsome photographer just so happened to be my husband!

Better late than never - Friday Favs (from forever ago)

2011-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Ok...I'm sure you fellow bloggers can appreciate this but I just logged on to write a new post and saw this one sitting in the queue from weeks ago. Well...better late than never - I figured I'd let it fly.

I've been so bad about my Friday Favs lately - but it's not b/c of a lack of good material! I have been filing it all away and making sure I "pin" it on Pinterest but figured I would share some of my favs from the month of September (and early October).

If you are looking for whimsical, unique and fun...this wedding was a favorite of mine last week. Not only is the mountain setting spectacular but you can draw lots of inspiraton from their amazing details. Thanks you SMP for always delivering great stuff!

Any wedding with yarn and wood - you know I love!

These bright flowers and the cascading amaranth on the wooden pillars - a new fav!

Check out much more from this wedding here

DIY wristlet corsages - good call!

Caramel Apple Bites - pretty sure I need to make these

This is another new fav photoshoot that I will be drawing lots of inspiration from for an upcoming wedding!

The faux wood paper suite for this shoot is top of my list! For a lot more eye candy check it out here

Super sweet garden wedding

This dad played Van Morrison's "Sweet Thing" down the aisle - sweet!

Love this idea and this wedding

Ha...hopefully I'll get back to doing regular Friday Favs. I guess it doesn't matter when I post them though...looking back through they are still good ones!

Don't be a hater - it's not your wedding!

2011-10-06T08:00:00.005-04:00

I recently read a blog post that struck me and I felt compelled to write about it. Lately I've only been writing about the sunny side of weddings and overusing words like "beautiful", "gorgeous", "fantastic" but not all weddings are unicorns and rainbows. Weddings are meant to be deeply personal and reflect the couple that is being celebrated but some people are just haters and can't help but judge. The really unnerving thing is that the people at your wedding are supposed to be your loved ones and your closest friends and family members. Whether it's the brides dress that isn't quite your style, the table you were seated at that wasn't your favorite or the YMCA dance that makes you nauseous- keep your stinkin mouth shut - it's not your wedding!

Rock a blue wedding dress!

Want all your bridesmaids to carry tambourines? Sounds like an awesome idea to me.

Donuts instead of wedding cake - go for it

Being a wedding planner you end up overhearing conversations while buzzing around a wedding and so often people are judging or criticizing the way someone has decided to carry out their special day. I guess I would be lying if I said that a thought never crossed my mind that a particular thing I saw at a wedding was tacky but I quickly remind myself that it's not my wedding and therefore I should keep my judgements to myself. You should feel honored that someone thought enough of you to include you in their day and is spending probably $50+ for you to eat and drink for free all night.

What I've come to celebrate and enjoy most about weddings is the unique touches that couples infuse into their day and the thoughtfulness that goes into their planning. I actually overheard someone on my own wedding day talking trash about our music - it's a good thing I was too happy to let someone bring me down.

So...think twice before you feel the need to judge someone b/c they've decided to wear a red wedding dress or start a conga line around the dessert table and just remember how much love and thought has been poured into their wedding day.

To all couples planning a wedding - embrace your unique style and don't worry for a minute what anyone will have to say about it!

Tell me what you have to say about this topic - I would love to hear!

Inspired by: Colors of Patagonia

2011-09-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

I have a 2012 bride that reached out to me that will be getting married right here in Hood River next summer. One of my favorite things is helping newly engaged brides-to-be articulate their vision for their big day and then carrying it out in an inspiration board to work from. Most people have some idea in their head what they want but can't really figure out how to put it all together. This bride told me that she and her fiance spent some time hiking in Patagonia and were blown away by the turquoise and green color palette of the landscape and the water but didn't know if that would work well for a wedding color scheme.

Well...that sent me on a journey for the perfect combination of color inspired by the vibrant hues of the Patagonia landscape. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of the ever changing colors right here in the Gorge - from spring through winter you can find all of these beautiful colors right in our backyard reflecting off the mountain peaks and rivers and lakes.

Here are some beautiful photos from Patagonia:

I'm thinking something like this:

This is going to be fun...inspiration board coming next! This bride has so many great ideas all inspired by past experiences and travel - it's going to make for a truly unique and personal wedding.

Sweet as Pie!

2011-09-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday - sorry I've been a little absent on the blog the last week or so but lots of stuff going on including the planning for two special brides wedding this weekend. I'll be styling a Fall fabulous rustic chic affair - stay tuned for any sneak peek tweets.

I'll leave you with a shot from their wedding invitations...aren't they just sweet at pie!

Introducing: Meaghan and Dianne

2011-09-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

These are my two beauties getting married this weekend and I can not wait to help make their wedding day dreams come true. Megs and D have been so amazing to work with...it's easy when we have the same style! And Keith and I are just blessed to have two new friends in our life.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the gorgeous engagement pictures they shot by Ryan from FS Photography on Sauvie Island.

Love the sunflower fields

Love the lighting...and their dog Joey always right by their side

There is that little Meaghan sass and D's chill attitude coming out in this shot

I love these two and can't wait to see them in their wedding gowns - beauties! Remember their inspiration board!?! - this is going to be one gorgeous Fall affair and with the sunny weather in the forecast I think we'll have a giant mountain as our backdrop. Lucky for all of the awesome wedding vendor team and FS Photography who has the pleasure of capturing it all.

Stay tuned for more "after" shots of their big day - they are sure to be amazing! Thanks Ryan and Meg and D for letting me share your engagement sneak peek.

Rustic Chic Madness!

2011-09-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

I would have saved this for my Friday Favs but this is maybe an all time favorite - definitely will make best weddings of 2011. Holy rustic gorgeous madness - I can't get enough of this wedding. An elegant barn wedding with the most insane details ever. Thanks SMP for the most amazing eye candy!

No captions required - speechless! All these perfect images are brought to you by Caroline Tran and event styling by Kelly Oshiro Design. Kudos to a rockstar wedding vendor team - this one will make the Hall of Fame of weddings.

Check out the full album over at Style Me Pretty and get inspired!

Next up: Rustic Chic Fall DIY Wedding

2011-09-13T11:42:00.000-04:00

I'm still exhausted from last weekend's wedding - even more so than my own wedding, how is that possible! But after the success of the last one, I'm now even more excited for the wedding next up on my list...Meaghan and D - these two brides aren't only an amazing couple but they've become great friends. They are coming out to Hood River for another wedding this weekend and we'll spend time finishing up the final details of their big day. Little does Keith know our house will be filled with bittersweet and burlap and we'll be roping him into multiple craft projects. (secretly though he loves it!)

You know how I love putting together inspiration boards for my brides but Megs was SO organized already that when I first met with them they came armed with a giant binder filled with magazine cutouts, blog images, ton of ideas and a mood board. They were women after my own heart with all the rustic chic fall details. Think burlap, baker's twine, wood, fall colors, mason jars, DIY and pie...ummm, how could I not love this wedding? And...they are getting married at the same venue we were married at - Gorge Crest Farms and Vineyard - it will be my first time back since our wedding day. I'm so happy to be a part of their day and can't wait to help bring their vision to life.

Check out their original inspiration board:

Much more to come on M&D's wedding - maybe we'll even give you a sneak peek at some of the DIY projects coming out of next weekend!

Weekend Wedding

2011-09-12T13:10:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of planning and styling a wedding for a beautiful couple at the Vineyardview B&B. Remember their Vintage French Countryside inspiration board? Well, it all went amazing and was absolutely gorgeous and really hot - probably the hottest day of the summer. Can you say sweaty wedding planner?!?

I am kicking myself b/c I really didn't even have five minutes to snap pictures but I was able to get a shot or two of my bride and groom chairs. This was a last minute thing after seeing this inspirational photo on Style Me Pretty last week. It was quite easy - I just used some left over ribbon and lace and the free downloadable bride and groom signs from The Wedding Chicks.

Inspirational Photo via {Style Me Pretty}

Actual chairs via {my grainy iPhone}

And unfortunately I didn't get photos of the absolutely amazing florals but I was fortunate enough to get to bring some home and snapped a photo the morning after on my patio. If you are looking for a super talented flower person for your wedding contact me - I have the best lady for the job!

Aren't the champagne peonies and peach roses gorg?!?

It's a wonder they lasted so long in the heat!

I can't wait to share more of this wedding as soon as I get some photos from their photographer Eric Palmer. Lots more to come!

Vintage French Countryside with Soft Accents

2011-09-07T14:01:00.000-04:00

I've been a little quiet on the blog but busy planning some spectacular September weddings. Coming up this weekend I'm working with a truly lovely couple that is going for a vintage French countryside theme and getting married at a local B&B surrounded by vineyards. I'm really loving all the soft pastels, golds and champagnes and can't wait to help pull it all together. It's supposed to be 100 degrees out here in the Gorge this weekend - hope these beautiful florals make it. Here are some Pinterest inspirations I've been collecting for months.

And the winner is...

2011-09-06T14:02:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Kristin - you are the lucky winner of 75 free wedding invitations by Minted! I'll be in touch with you shortly with the deeds.

Unique Wedding Invites and a Giveaway!

2011-08-31T11:41:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love paper products and lovely invites...I know I have a slight obsession with them. Wedding invitation suites can be REALLY expensive but there are some fabulous, unique and inexpensive options out there for you. Minted offers a wide variety of wedding invites, save the dates, shower invitations and all of them are done by independent designers who submit creative and unique designs to their site. My favorite part about their service is how quick and easy it is - just go online, pick out your favorite, customize it, get a proof back from a designer and they will print and send them to you - done!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

Are you shocked I like the tree save-the-dates?

How about these invitations to follow it up with?

I'm a sucker for the mason jars and fire flies

These are gorg!

Having a rustic chic barn wedding? These are perfect for you.

With so many unique wedding invitation options it would be hard to choose. And everyone always forgets about wedding programs until the last second but no worries - Minted offers them as well.

Another beautiful thing - you can go eco-friendly and have everything printed on 100% recycled paper!

Bridalhood and Minted are giving away 75 flat wedding invitations (a $198 value!) to one lucky winner. Just head on over to Minted and leave a comment below with your favorite design and an email address to contact you should you win. And if you happen to tweet about it you'll receive an extra entry.

Good luck! We'll pick a winner next Tuesday, September 6th.

Inspiration Board: Vibrant Fiesta

2011-08-30T12:44:00.000-04:00

Wow, I've been quite the slacker on the blog. Actually...I've been a busy bee working on some upcoming September weddings and the hubs and I took some much needed time off for a little vacation to Montana and Idaho (more to come on that).

While I was taking a break and Rach was off making wedding dreams come true, I did a guest post for her on Lace and Likes. She and I have worked together to conceptualize and create two previous inspirational photo shoots - our yarn inspired warm and cozy shoot and the Inspired Creations contest Champagne and Plumes shoot. I figured it was time for us to work on another one together so I came up with an inspiration board to get our creative juices flowing. If we were to do our wedding over again it would be with a fiesta theme and would probably be somewhere on a laid back beach in Mexico. I've been dying to execute something like this, so here it is...some inspiration for the next shoot. And now that Rach is in So Cal it's the perfect locale for this next one!

What do you think?

Vintage and Boho Inspired Shoot...on a Horse Farm

2011-08-11T07:00:00.002-04:00

This is my first post via a Two Bright Lights submission by photographer Nikita Gross. I can't think of a more perfect and stylish shoot to kick off with. The idea for this gorgeous 70's style shoot came from a table design at alternative wedding event, Love and Bash. The eclectic table decor almost reminds me of this DIY wedding I featured a couple of weeks ago.

They opted for a natural setting, a private family horse farm, which was the perfect venue to get that hippy, earthy vibe. Photographer Nikita Gross used digital, polaroid and a Holga camera to capture the dreamy vintage look.

All the little vintage details including her dress (which BTW, I love) were found at local thrift stores, some things were even handmade like the super cool Dreamcatcher.

I love the owls!

These fab looking desserts are making me hungry

This lighting is amazing and really adds to the feel of this shoot.

Completely gorg - thanks Nikita for sharing this beautiful shoot via Two Bright Lights with us and kudos to the talented team of folks that put it all together.

Vendors

Venue: Private Horse Farm in Kentucky

Photography: Nikita Gross

Table Design: Your Wedding by Jen (also the creator of the alternative wedding event - Love & Bash)

Desserts and Paper: Sweet Cakes Events

Florals and Handmade Details: Inspired Floral Design

Dress: Vintage dress from a local thrift store

Hair: Shane Weber Salon

Models: Casey Linton and Nick Soloman (kick ass tattoo artist)

Recipe for a Good Marriage

2011-08-09T11:26:00.003-04:00

Ok, I know I typically blog about wedding inspiration but sometimes I feel that the "bride-to-be" can quickly lose sight of what the wedding is really about and get so caught up in the details that they forget how they got there to begin with (although I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the details!). I am not going to pretend that I have the right formula for a good marriage but now when I go to a bridal shower or wedding where they ask you to give your marriage advice I feel like after over a year and a lot of change and growth I have a better grasp on it than I did a year ago.

Um, I look like a giddy school girl. How sweet is my hubs?

It was about a year ago today that we were packing our bags and moving across the country from Florida to Oregon. It's been quite an adventure but not one that hasn't come without its fill of challenges along the way. We live in an amazingly beautiful and sacred place and I feel we are on the adventure of a lifetime. Sometimes though I feel like we are on an island so far from our loved ones and friends and family. But I also feel being so far from folks and having to stumble through our first transitional year together has helped us form the strength of our own family.

I asked my Mom tonight what she thought was the recipe for a good marriage. She should know since she's been married to my Dad for 41 years. I feel so blessed to have parents that have been married that long and who have set an example for me in my own relationship. I'm sure it hasn't been easy but here is what she said - "more than anything else it's about COMMITMENT, enjoy life together and have faith in each other " but my favorite thing she said was "and have a dog"! HA!!!!

I would say my recipe for a good marriage (at least after year one) is:

1) You have to like your partner as much as you love your partner. I really like mine! And of course love him too!
2) Communicate - I know this has made all the difference for us this past year - without it you will flounder
3) Believe in and have faith in your partner - this was one of my Mom's pearls and she is right.
4) Have a date night at least once a week - essential!
5) Have fun and don't take yourself too seriously - we've had to remind each other that we first were attracted to each other b/c we both knew how to really have fun together. Don't stop having fun and learn how to keep it light!

And for good measure I'll throw in one like my Mom - "and make sure to cuddle" (my favorite thing)

Thank you Keith for teaching me something new about myself every day.

What is your recipe for a good marriage? Blogger friends, please comment and contribute...I really value your feedback and so do our bride-to-be readers.

English Countryside Wedding Perfection

2011-08-08T07:00:00.005-04:00

Quaint little English village, small pink chapel, rainbows, vintage wedding gown, baby's breath bouquet, black lace bridesmaids dresses, major style points all around - this wedding is perfection!

I can not get over her dress - it is amazing! I also can't stop looking through the stunning images from their wedding captured by the talented Tyler Branch - I'm speechless. I've now watched their wedding video by Paperback Wedding a half dozen times - check it out here. What a talented team - this just goes to show you, be sure to hire an amazing photographer and videographer who can really capture the essence and emotion of your day - you won't regret it!

Found via {Well-Groomed}

All images via {Tyler Branch}

Friday Favs!

2011-08-05T12:42:00.000-04:00

Happy weekend friends! There are many exciting things I'm working on over here that seem to be taking forever to come together but I'm hoping soonish I'll be able to reveal them to you.

For now - enjoy this inspiration from this week - always amazed at how much is out there.

Tailgate engagement session - I would camp out in the back of this truck

Wedding scene of the week and an amazing wedding @ 100 Layer Cake

And I loved the place cards for their rehearsal dinner

Fabulous Mexican inspired wedding - the custom maracas = awesome

Love this wedding - the florals, the fruit baskets, the details, the photography

Lovely cake

Rustic wedding at a gorgeous farm venue

Cigar boxes and succulents

Baby's breath covered arch - love it!

Tree inspired wedding invite

Vibrant wedding with lots of style

Have a wonderful wedding!

Barnhouse Vintage Market Recap

2011-08-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, so remember how excited I was to hit the Barn House Vintage Market last Saturday? Well...it most certainly didn't disappoint. It was one of the better organized markets I have been to and the vendors really did an amazing job with their beautifully decorated stations. My only thoughts for the next time 1) only go if I have HOURS to spend 2) bring a truck! 3) make a list of what I'm scouting before I get there. I didn't come home empty handed but with a little more time and money to spend and access to a big truck I could have filled a house! If you are looking to decorate a rustic chic wedding or maybe going for that vintage look this would be the perfect market for you.

This was the line to get in at 8:30AM (didn't open until 9!)

This was my favorite booth - Sparrow - beautiful things!

I really really wanted this old farmhouse table

And what's a party without cupcakes - Chocolate Beet = YUM!

I loved this idea - giant scrabble pieces. I didn't buy any b/c I figured I will make them!

Another thing I really wanted was this vintage wrought iron canopy day bed!

This vendor had a very cool set up with old wooden ladders

There I am in the patchwork hippie skirt hunting for treasures

Oh look, I found one. This giant grey frame was all kinds of awesome!

I'm going to make this table

A couple of my purchases - I had to buy the old wooden bottle bin b/c it said Hood River and just another vintage chalkboard to add to the collection

So...who's going treasure hunting with me? I have a few other markets on the calendar this summer.

Splash of Color and One Amazing Dress

2011-08-02T12:07:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon this wedding the other day and I'm really not sure how it escaped me until now. I'm equally as excited I found amazing photographer, Lizelle Lotter, who captured this rad wedding.

The bride's dress looks SO comfortable I just want to cuddle up in it. And the color pops are awesome with the bright fabrics hanging from the ceiling, the confetti toss and my favorite the mini ginger beers (YUM! We'll be making our own very soon!)

Can you believe this dress? Her mom actually made it!

Favorite

Her veil is quite amazing too!

All images {via Lizelle Lotter}

Wow, I love it all. To see all the gorgeous shots from this day check out the full blog post here

Weekend Preview and a few Favorites

2011-07-29T12:50:00.001-04:00

This weekend is packed with all kinds of fun things - I'm not sure what I'm most excited about. We've been spending a ton of time on the water whether kayaking, rafting, swimming and we have been missing our surfing days in FL so we are buying stand up paddleboards tonight - WOOHOO! Can't wait to get out on the water.

Tomorrow we are headed to one amazing vintage country market - the Barn House - and I'm hoping to find many treasures to add to my collection. I also get to see all three of my September brides this weekend and wrap up some planning details - hopefully I'll have lots of new finds to share with them.

Just a few favorites from the week!

Strapless striped bridesmaids

This wedding is out of control cool!

Lovely long coral bridesmaids dresses

Holy shit - Clayton Austin is so talented - I obsess over all of his weddings

Amazing bridal style
{and another sick Clayton Austin wedding via Green Wedding Shoes}

WOW - amazing bridal entrance. Jonas Peterson is another favorite of mine - huge talent!

Travel details are my favorite and this burlap map with escort cards is genius

Feather Love - I love you - and this dress!

Happy weekend - see you next week!

Inspiration Board: Vintage French Countryside

2011-07-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

I'm getting ready to head to a vintage country flea market this weekend and can't wait to look for things for one of my upcoming wedding clients. The inspiration for their wedding is vintage French countryside/garden and I have a feeling I'll be able to find lots of treasures to inspire me. I've put together this inspiration board to keep me focused! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures at the market and report back with any fab finds.

Breakfast for Dinner and for Weddings

2011-07-25T23:54:00.000-04:00

I love breakfast for dinner and I love the thought of a breakfast or brunch wedding. Now that I think about it, if we were to do it over again we might have to have a brunch wedding. We did have a "hair of the dog" brunch the day after the wedding but it could also be fun for a wedding day. Keith and I are brunch hounds - we love to go anyway and try out their brunch menu and we do consider ourselves bloody mary connoisseurs! So much brunch inspiration out there to coordinate an amazing wedding brunch.

Wedding omelet bar - yes!

Adorable pancake breakfast

Brunch wedding complete with donut holes and hot chocolate

Pancake and topping bar - yum!

Great idea for brunch wedding name cards

Cute!

Donut hole favors

Coffee bean and mug favors - love this display

And let's be honest - a brunch is not a brunch without the bloody mary and mimosa bar!

Make your own bloody mary - a must have

Champagne bar with all the extras

What do you think about a breakfast wedding?

Friday Favs!

2011-07-22T12:37:00.001-04:00

I don't have a whole lot of favorites for you this week - honestly my real wedding feature yesterday is a total favorite for me. Working on some exciting stuff I hope to share with you all soon. Have a great Friday!

This could be a really fun cake for a woodlands wedding

This dress is top of my list

This heart inspired wedding is precious

Wowsa - another fab dress

A lovely bunch of bridesmaids with beautiful bouquets

The idea of a poolside wedding reception is fantastic

Adorable idea

Happy weekend!

Real Wedding: Caitlin and Josh's Dreamy DIY Enchanted Forest Wedding

2011-07-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Talk about a DIY wedding - this couple and their family planned, coordinated and managed every aspect of this day. If you look at the vendor list at the very bottom they either made, collected or had donated every last item and detail (other than amazing photography by Twin Hearts Photography) including handling all the food themselves! They had the wedding on their families land in the middle of woods in Alabama but it looked more like a magical enchanted forest!

What went into the planning of your day?

Josh, my family, and I put an unimaginable amount of effort into the planning and construction of our wedding day. We went into the planning process with the knowledge that every detail we chose for our wedding was going to be handmade or 'found'. The wedding was in a tiny area outside of a tiny town so the available vendors were lacking. We had a lot of things lent to us for our wedding day and it still surprises me how many people were willing to help out and ask for nothing in return. Weddings are a magical thing and I think people love to be a part of them. We had a long engagement and during the almost 2 years of it, we planned about 3 different weddings. I didn't realize going into it that I could make the wedding ANYTHING I wanted it to be. We almost booked 3 different venues before realizing that all we wanted was to be in the middle of the woods surrounded by our closest friends and family. After choosing to be married on my Great Aunt and Uncles land everything else started falling into place.

I love all the eclectic vintage finds and details especially the owls!

All the different tables were taken right from various family members homes

I'm so totally impressed with the thoughtfulness and creativity that went into their planning. Here's what Caitlin had to say about some of the homespun details:

I designed and made the save the dates, and then the invitations. My mom and I scoured countless thrift stores collecting old vases, doilies, and other decorations. Josh and I picked out our menu and discussed how to make that work with only our family members cooking. I had bought a wedding dress in the first few months of the engagement and realized about 3 months later that it was not what I was wanting at all. We searched and searched and then one night I stumbled across the garment bag holding my Mom's dress, it was a perfect fit!

The wedding was a giant group effort made up of so many different people. The hay bales were given to us by a family friend, the tables and dressers were taken from homes for the night, the chairs were borrowed from a nearby Community College, the flowers were donated by a local business and every little piece of the wedding was put together by so many amazing people right up to when we walked down the aisle.

Caitlin in her mom's beautiful gown

A perfect tree lined spot for a ceremony

Dreamy

What was the most memorable moment?

The whole day. I can't even break it down from there! I can remember every single detail like I just lived it last night. Walking down the aisle with my Mom and Dad by my side and seeing Josh for the first time. Saying our vows that we both made up on the spot. Cutting off the bracelets that we had worn since the first week of our relationship to replace them with our wedding rings while our close friends sang and played 'You're The One' by The Black Keys. The entire wedding reception from beginning to end with everyone walking around holding the mustaches we had spent hours making. And dancing! Dancing! Dancing! It was a magical night.

Advice to future brides-

Prioritize what is most important to you and make sure you only surround yourself with the people you love. Take time, just the two of you, on your wedding day to just soak everything in and make sure you don't skimp or settle on your photographers so you can soak it in over and over again!

A big thanks to Caitlin for sharing all the insight that went into the details of the day and to Twin Hearts Photography for capturing all of them so beautifully and bringing them to all of us!

Vendors

Venue- Family's land in Alabama

Bridesmaid dresses - H&M

Groom's attire- H&M

Brides gown- The brides mother's gown :)

Brides veil and fascinator- Made by bride

Flowers - Donated by a local business that was switching their gardens over to winter flowers

Bouquet- Friend of the family

Boutonnieres- Made by bride

Catering- Family

Chairs- Borrowed from a local Community College

Tables - Taken from different family members houses

Cakes- Handmade by bride

Cake Topper- A shop on Etsy which is apparently now closed!

Photographer & Videographer- Twin Hearts Photography. The photography was the most important thing for us and we were so lucky to find Twin Hearts. I highly recommend them.

The Perfect Piece

2011-07-20T11:53:00.001-04:00

My friend just sent me a link to a table she thought would look perfect in our new place - it sure would! It would match the vibe and design we have going on perfectly. Thanks Em - I might have to hold off until our treasure hunt next weekend (so excited!) but if I can't find something else to top it I might have to pounce on it. What do you think? Check it out here

Real Wedding: Katie and Drew's Lakefront Winery Wedding

2011-07-19T15:17:00.000-04:00

We went camping and kayaking this past weekend up near Lake Chelan, WA. It's a beautiful location in the North Cascade mountains. I kept thinking how amazing a spot it would be to have a wedding and stumbled upon photographer Jacquelynn Brynn's blog and Katie and Drew's vineyard wedding. After experiencing the beauty of this area I can see why folks would want to get married here and this winery perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Chelan seems like a perfect spot to me!

Vendors
Venue: Benson Vineyards
Photographer: Jacquelynn Brynn
Catering: Amy's Manor
Cake: Family Friend
Flowers: the bride
Dress: Casablanca

Great getaway vehicle!

Ah, great sign and again - always love some bonfire and smores action

Some fireworks to end the evening!

Thanks Jacquelynn for sharing these images - can't wait to check out more Lake Chelan area weddings! To see more of Katie and Drew's wedding check out Jacquelynn's blog.

Recycled Antique Jewelry Display

2011-07-15T08:03:00.000-04:00

I went thrifting this past weekend in Portland and was blown away by the amazing antique stores in the Sellwood neighorhood - I'll definitely be going back!

I saw this antique floor sifter and knew exactly how I would use it - thanks to Rachael for this rad idea!

I'm a wooden bangles and big earrings kind of gal so I'm so happy to have found a home for all of them.

My new flour sifter earring holder on my bright green freshly painted bedroom wall!

Can't wait to go antiquing and thrifting in two more weekends for more treasures! Happy hunting!

Real Wedding: Meghan and Prescott's Rustic Chic Wedding

2011-07-14T03:09:00.003-04:00

Talk about planning your wedding from a long distance! Meghan and Prescott have been living on a sailboat since their engagement and cruising from Seattle to NY. If you are contemplating a long distance wedding just think about them planning this gorgeous wedding as well as doing all those handmade DIY projects from a sailboat?!?

They were married at a beautiful private residence on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. So many spaces in this area that are just perfect for a wedding - I mean, with a backdrop like this you can't go wrong.

What Meghan had to say about planning the big day:

Our situation was a bit unique because we were sailing internationally for almost the entire time we were engaged (we live on our sailboat and we were on a 9-month cruise along the Pacific coast of Mexico). People kept telling me it wouldn't be possible to plan a wedding from abroad, but the internet is an amazing tool! Researching the vendors was easy online, and we had the constant help and support of our parents back home too. And being away from it all really made it easy not to obsess about details I couldn't control. Plus, we never heard a peep about other peoples' opinions during the process, which was nice! We chose exactly what we wanted, and didn't think twice about much.

I love her thoughtful disposition in this photo and what a beautiful JCrew dress

These lovely little details make me happy!

What was the most memorable part of your day?

There were so many memorable moments I can hardly pinpoint one!

- eating grapes and drinking mimosas in a jacuzzi tub at 10am while the girls put curlers in my hair that morning

having a few precious moments of quiet when my hairdresser (and wonderful friend of the family) shooed everyone out so I could be alone and collect my thoughts before the ceremony

-feeling the powerful Columbia Gorge wind pass warmly around us as we spoke our vows to one another This was my favorite part of our day too!

-walking up the lane with my new husband right after the ceremony and having a private champagne toast with the wedding party and our parents before joining the reception.

-being told immediately upon walking into the party that a 'large unidentified bipedal primate' had been spotted lurking in the woods--our Northwest friends had planted a "Bigfoot sighting" for my out-of-town relatives. So hilarious!!

-Dancing with Prescott to Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic," and imagining ourselves back in the cockpit of our little sailboat rocking along on a night watch at sea.

Beautiful shot - I always love ceremonies under a giant tree

So sweet

Booted bridesmaids with floral dresses - fabulous!

These pictures are so amazing!

More rustic chic details - and all planned from a boat. I love the French table numbers!

Love these fruit pies - they look beautiful and so good!

Do you think he was contemplating a pie in the face here?

Any wedding with a campfire and smores is a winner in my book!

All images via Julie Randall

What advice do you have for future brides?

Weddings would be super easy to put together if you didn't have a budgetary constraint. I think the most brilliant decision we made was to host the wedding outside (free) in the most beautiful and meaningful place to us. Because the setting was so gorgeous, I felt like decorating too much would only detract from the natural beauty that surrounded us. So we saved a TON money on the venue and on the decorations. Which meant that we were able to spend that money on taking all the guests on a whitewater rafting trip the day before the wedding! AWESOME!

Brides tend to spend a lot of time focusing on the "pretty," but what people remember is the "fun." Forget color schemes and favors and throw your energy and funds into planning an unforgettable party that reflects the two of you.

Although I didn't totally take Meghan's advice for my own wedding day I definitely agree with her 100%. Thanks Meghan for allowing me to share your beautiful wedding with everyone and a special thanks to the talented Julie Randall for the gorgeous images you captured of their day.

Vendors

Venue: Private Residence

Food: The Lyle Hotel (a GREAT and economical choice for Gorge brides!)

Photography: Julie Randall Photography
Decoration: DIY, bride and family

Tent Rental: Tents & Rents

Dinnerware: Party Rental Center

Shuttle Service: Columbia Gorge Limousine

DJ: Friend

Friday Favs!

2011-07-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

This week seemed to be all about the dress for me - some major gorgeousness out there in the bridal fashion world. Check out this week's Friday Favs!

This is my kind of bridal party - the Mexican dresses and giant hair flowers and the brides long sleeve dress is gorgeous!

wow - if this is just the sneak peek I can't wait to see more!

This vendor, Millcrest Vintage Bridal spotted on Once Wed has some amazing vintage dresses

LOVE THIS DRESS - it makes me want to twirl

Another great dress and adorable "glamping" photoshoot

Dress envy!

Real Wedding: Dormae and Brian's Rustic Woodland Wedding

2011-07-06T12:16:00.001-04:00

This venue is one of my favorites! It's so beautiful, it's like an enchanted forest - something out of a fairy tale. It almost seems like a little fairy should come fluttering out of the trees as you walk along the mossy wooded path next to the pond. It was definitely the perfect venue for Dormae and Brian's "Something Green" wedding and these images by Scott McNamara really bring it to life.

Here is what Dormae had to say about the venue selection:

In choosing a wedding location, we only had a few simple criteria. We would start our newest adventure by getting married where we felt most at home: outdoors - surrounded by trees, plants, wildlife, rivers, and mountains; and in the company of our dearest family and friends. The location also had to be conveniently located near the Portland airport because we were expecting many guests from the east coast and various other locations around the country. In our minds, the beautiful Columbia Gorge was the obvious choice! We heard about Bridal Veil Lakes via various blogs and websites. The pictures were so amazing that it looked unreal. It was the first of several venues that we toured at the end of December 2010. Despite the dreary, cold weather at the time, we were sold upon first glance. None of the other places we saw after BVL could compare. It just felt right.

I knew I would love this wedding the second I saw these rings. They had their rings made from the same place we had Keith's made - Touch Wood Rings! Their rings were made with bamboo, black walnut and dark green jasper that the groom found during a camping trip in the Chetco River.

Dormae's thoughts on wedding planning:
At first, we didn't plan to have a particular theme besides playing up a 'rustic woodland' style, but as the planning progressed, we did lots of research and had many conversations on keeping all/most aspects earth-friendly. We were expecting about 100 guests, but we wanted to keep the day as low-impact as possible because that is how we are in our day-to-day lives. We started jokingly referring to our wedding as 'D+B's Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Green Wedding'. Something Old referred to elements that were either vintage, antique, or already owned by us. Something New referred to elements that were recycled, handmade using sustainable practices and materials, or obtained from eco-friendly sources. Something Borrowed is self-explanatory. Something Green is the result of all of the above!

All the planning occurred in a 6 month time span and virtually everything was done long distance via email and phone. Planning a wedding in northern Oregon when you live in central California is a huge challenge. Fortunately, we had lots of help from our awesome vendors leading up to the day; and from family and friends during the week of the wedding!

Any venue where you can canoe is awesome in my book!

Thumbprint Guestbook Tree by Etsy store Fancy Prints

What was the most memorable part of the day? The whole day was amazing! We've heard many people say that their wedding day was a blur; and that it went by so fast, but we were very fortunate to be fully aware and present in the moment - at every moment of our day. We worked very hard in the planning stages; and we had the help of so many amazing people. Because of this, we were truly able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the company our all of our guests! The best part (besides getting married and our wonderful ceremony, of course) was seeing all of our loved ones together: laughing, joking, reuniting with old friends, making new friends, and experiencing all of the big and little elements that we included to make our time together memorable. Also, everyone seemed to love the canoes!

We wrote the entire ceremony with the assistance of the officiant and a HUGE number of family and friends (over 40 people/kids) participated in various roles. Some cultural elements were included such as a Celtic handfasting ritual, a Filipino veil & cord ceremony, and the exchange of Unity Coins.

This wedding was packed full of thoughtful handmade and DIY elements starting with the Save the Date magnets and eco-friendly invitation suite with hand-drawn map designed by the bride. They even included a pocket field guide to plants and wildlife of the Columbia River Gorge with their invitations.

The bride made almost all of the decor including the recycled paper poms, handmade crepe paper flowers, origami pinwheels, tree seating chart, hand painted scrap wood directional signs and program fans. She even managed to find time to make the paper boutonnieres, corsages and bouquets!

Every piece of decor or element of this wedding that wasn't DIY was still either handmade or purchased through an Etsy shop. The favors were handmade soap by EO Products and handmade soap decks by Etsy shop crochetgal.

Tree seating chart designed by the bride

I love the yellow and white pinwheels

The woodsy themed even tied into the cake table with a forest inspired cake and a wooden cake base by Etsy shop Roxy Heart Vintage. The whimsical clay cake topper sculpture made to look like the bride and groom with their two dogs was handmade by Lily's Design.

Even the confetti was eco-friendly and biodegradable by Ecofetti and how cute is that dress?!?

A huge thanks to Scott McNamara for sharing this thoughtful and gorgeous wedding and to Dormae who planned quite an amazing event. I couldn't agree more with her words of advice!

Any advice for future brides? If possible, avoid getting caught up in the 'wedding-hype' or choosing things based on what's new or cool or unique or traditional, rather than deciding whether or not YOU actually like it. Think about a party that YOU would love to attend and plan your day based on that. Look into alternative, affordable, and eco-friendly sources for everything. Laugh - a lot - with your fiance/husband! Balance your 'wedding' life with your 'real' life. Get lots of sleep (I didn't follow this advice much LOL). Spend time together away from wedding-planning! That being said... plan, plan, plan and then hand it all over to those you have trusted to run your event. Ask for help if you need it. Hire a Day-of Coordinator so you can be a guest at your own wedding and enjoy all the fun stuff (he/she may also help to save you money!). Also, definitely hire a fabulous videographer; besides a Day-of Coordinator, this is the one thing most couples regret NOT having at their wedding. In fact, don't be afraid to interview several vendors before deciding on any. On your day, relax, be flexible and try not to dwell on anything - big or small - that did not go as planned. Just enjoy the people around you and each other! And of course, make sure to EAT at your own wedding. :)

Venue - Bridal Veil Lakes

Photographer - Scott McNamara Photography

Videographer - Moetic Wedding Films

Day-of Coordinator - EJP Events

Caterer - Phresh Organic Catering
Wedding Cake - Beaverton Bakery

Mini Pies - Pie Spot

Band - De Nada Band

Hair & Makeup - FaceBody Beauty

Transportation - EcoShuttle

Dress - pre-loved and reconstructed Jim Hjelm vintage-inspired lace dress found at oncewed.com

Bride's Necklace - Tree of Life pendant made from recycled sterling silver wire and mine-free Czech glass beads, handmade by etsy Shop Ethora

Fourth of July - Gorge Style!

2011-07-05T16:46:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a weekend! It's finally summer in the Gorge and it was our very first 4th of July weekend here. We spent the weekend biking, hiking to remote swimming holes, kayak sailing (so much fun!) and viewing the fireworks from a sick house with a killer view down the Gorge. That view from the Washington side of the Gorge is our favorite of this entire area and when we first thought of getting married here it was the view we searched high and low for.

It's difficult to find a wedding venue with that "down the river" view especially if you want the mountain in sight too but if you search long enough you will find it. If you are having a small wedding a vacation rental might be the way to go - and the one we viewed the fireworks from was AMAZING! This place even has a private waterfall/grotto area. If you are interested contact me for more info and I'll point you in the right direction.

I liked the 4th of July on Monday - great way to start the week. Check back tomorrow for a gorgeous real wedding feature you won't want to miss!