So This is Bliss :: A Northwest Wedding Blog by Luxe Event Productions

Portlandia: Cool Wedding

2012-01-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Working in the Portland Metro area has it's perks and meeting cool couples to work with is just one of them, we seriously have met couples like this (well not exactly but really close) and all it does is inspire us to be even more original in the events we produce and the weddings we coordinate. Enjoy and laugh out loud, it's good for the soul, because this short film is hilarious! I wish Spyke and Iris were a Luxe Bride and Groom!

RIP Etta James

2012-01-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

...Her voice and memory will never be forgotten...RIP sweet Etta James.

(CNN) -- Etta James, whose assertive, earthy voice lit up such hits as "The Wallflower," "Something's Got a Hold on Me" and the wedding favorite "At Last," has died, according to her longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon. She was 73.

Read the rest of CNN's coverage here: http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/20/showbiz/etta-james-obit/?hpt=hp_t1

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2012-01-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Winter weddings are so magical. If you are pondering having one -DO IT. Just do it...

Be inspired by the season.

{Image from The Perfect Palette -Just another blog we love!}

Grayling is having an SAMPLE SALE! SAVE THE DATE!

2012-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

A Kiss is Worth A 1000 Words

2012-01-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

Photo on We Heart It.

You're Invited to be Inspired! MARRY ME! January 29th, Only $5 to Attend!

2012-01-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

Luxe Find // Vintage Wedding Gowns

2012-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

The thought of wearing your mother's dress on you wedding day could be really special or really awful depending on when she got married (just say no to the 80's). But the old style lace and glamor is so appealing. Don't go raiding your mom's closet, there are plenty of places to find these vintage looks!

Esty has a wonderful selection of vintage dresses, they are reasonably priced! Whether you use it as a reception dress or decide on one for your big day you will not regret checking out these collections!

Find this lace dress from:: emilysonemanband

Find this sassy number from:: DaughtersofSimone

Find this beaded beauty from:: TheEnchantedBride

30 Ways to Cut and Save on your Wedding Budget

2011-12-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

Every single client comes to me saying the same thing

"We're on a budget" to which I reply

"Well, I certainly hope so" {with a wink of course}

...so with that said I found this nifty little list of ideas on the Knot that really all make perfect sense to incorporate into your event to save $$. Many and I repeat many people think hiring a wedding coordinator will actually cost you more money when planning your wedding but in all actuality we can SAVE you money.

THE RECEPTION

Photo from:: Table 6 Productions

1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces. Just by cutting the guest from 175 to 120 can really make a difference.

2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!

3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot -- it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.

This is a great idea, even if you are wanting a religious ceremony you can still find a priest to marry you outside all while still incorporating the sacredness of a church wedding.

4. Skip the Saturday wedding.

5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

6. Shop the off-season for extra decor -- get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine's Day.

FANTASTIC IDEA! Make sure you are smart about your engagement planning as well. If you are getting married it is "FOREVER" so there is NO RUSH in marrying the very year your man proposes. If it's FOREVER, then it's FOREVER...There is NO HURRY! No wedding or ceremony will change that. Do yourself a favor, extend your engagement 1.5 -2 years out and shop for decor over the course of the engagement utilizing the holidays to snag those annual glitzy and glam items while they are on sale like Christmas and Valentines, Halloween, Spring Gardens decor etc.

THE FLOWERS

7. Use more greenery than flowers.

8. Swap out costly flowers -- did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?

9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.

10. Buy flowers that are in season.

11. Include non-florals, like lanterns and other decorative notions.

Non floral weddings are fun! And a very cost effective and unique way to decorate your event! Check out this post Flowerless Wedding

THE FOOD AND DRINK
Photo from:: The Fairmount Bride

12. Serve entree duets.

13. Skip the main course -- apps and drinks are fine too.

14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It's fun and often cheaper.

16. Skip the champagne toast.

Yes! Skip it! MANY people don't even drink it hence it being a waste cost buying enough bottles for everyone to have a glass PLUS the waste in cost to rent glasses for everyone to have one. SKIP IT!

THE CAKE

Photo from:: Our Wedding Day Blog

17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

Or just order an assortment of donuts and cookies, they are just as effective and more fun too. Just get a small cake so you can actually do the ceremonial cutting of the cake -those are some of the very best pictures!

18. Keep the add-ons simple.

19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.

20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.

21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.

STATIONARY AND FLOWERS

22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.

23. Give out one favor per couple.

24. Make your cake the favors.

25. Have favors double as escort cards.

Cut out the favors all together, who needs them anyway? More and more these days brides are skipping this expense...besides there are many ways to say "thank you for coming" that cost next to nothing.

26. Email your save-the-dates.

27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.

PHOTOS, VIDEO AND MUSIC

Photo from:: Max Baun Music

28. Have a photographer you love but can't afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.

But, NO MATTER WHAT >>>DO NOT SKIP THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! This is one cost you WANT to afford no matter what. Pros will make the most inexpensive wedding look like a million bucks. DON'T SKIP IT!

29. Opt for a smaller band.

30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.

-- Meredith Bodgas via the Knot

Let us know what you think! Leave a comment!

Winter Wedding / / Wintry Guest Favors

2011-12-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

1.} Mini Snow Globe
The adorable snowman couple in this mini snow globe are sure to bring smiles to your guests' faces, Beau-coup, $3 each, beau-coup.com. —Kathryn Papanek

2.} Snow Flake Ornament
Hang these aluminum snowflake ornaments from white birch branches for a glittering centerpiece that doubles as a favor, Bella Regalo, $10 for three, bellaregalo.com.

3.} Give a Tree
Tree seedling favors are perfect for the eco-friendly bride and groom. Scarlet tissue paper ($2.50 for pack of 10 sheets), scarlet gift-wrap sheet ($3 per sheet), chocolate satin ribbon ($6.25 per spool) and white cardstock ($2.50 for 10 four-bar cards), Broadway Paper, broadwaypaper.com. Evergreen tree seedlings, Nursery Men, $80 for 100, nurserymen.com.

4.} Pine Cone Treat Box
Striped twine, pinecone and red grass adorn these delightful mini pinecone cubes—tuck in a delicious treat to tempt your guests' taste buds, Chewing the Cud, price upon request, chewingthecudweddings.com.

5.} Mini Bottle of Iced Cider
Mini bottles of ice cider make apt winter send-offs—the drink is made from the juice of pressed frozen apples, Neige, $7 per bottle, appleicewine.com.

6.} Homemade Meringue Puffs
Spice up a simple cello bag (20¢ each) with festive "cocoa cups" gift wrap ($3 per sheet), a personalized tag (cocoa cardstock $2.50 for 10 four-bar cards) and delicious homemade vanilla meringues, Broadway Paper, broadwaypaper.com. Meringue recipe, MyRecipes, myrecipes.com.

7.} Top it off!
Your guests will think of you when they use this snowflake bottle stopper, Kate Aspen, $3.50 each, myweddingfavors.com.

8.} Cuddle up with Hot Cider
Remind your guests to get cozy this winter with warm cotton muslin bags filled with cider mix, "Cuddle with Cider" sachets, Chewing the Cud, $5.50 per sachet (favor tag not included), chewingthecudweddings.com.

{All images were found on Brides {.com}, Frosty Wedding Favors}

It Must Have Been The Mistletoe

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

{Image from DeviantART}

Luxe Style / / Holiday Chic :: Snow White, Cranberry and Frosty Winter Blues

2011-12-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

{Inspired by the Season} Luxe Style Inspiration Board:: Holiday Chic

This Luxe Style gets me all excited because I love pink holiday decor and if done right I can love a pink wedding. As we indulge in the most glam and chic time of the year we are seeing many new twists on old classics and the color pink has quickly become not such a taboo color to deck the halls in anymore. With new ideas and traditions on the horizons of every new season this Luxe Style pays tribute to the chicest of brides who are wanting to plan a festive wedding in the city with pink as it's signature color.

The image we pull inspiration from first this month is this festive and fun Christmas tree with glass ornaments and decorated shades of blushing cranberries. Found on one of my favorite blogs called This is Glamorous the image above is so modern and fun to use as inspiration.

Colors:: Crisp snow white, cranberry and frosty winter blues.
Energy:: City chic, modern and pink martini sipping fun.
Attire Suggestion:: Maids in mix matched cocktail dresses, some in pink, some in red. Men in a new modern cut suit with satin ties that shimmer and the bride in a mermaid style gown that glitters with every step.

Signature Cocktail Suggestion:: French Martini
Shake with ice, pour into a cocktail or martini glass, and serve.

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/4 oz Chambord® raspberry liqueur
1/4 oz fresh pineapple juice
1 twist lemon peel

Guest Favor Suggestion:: Frosty pink and clear glass ornaments.

Local Reception Venue Suggestion:: Lucier Portland| Bay 13 | The NINES | Block 90 | Holocene | Urban Studio

Image credits::
Top:: Festive paper decor idea from Martha Stewart Weddings; outdoor pathway lit with candles image was found on Brides; frosty pink glass ornaments found on Country Living; sparkling pink ornaments hanging from the rafters image was found on Brides.
Middle & Bottom:: Every image found on Brides with the exception of the inspiration image, it was from This is Glamorous.

Wishbones Guest Favors

2011-12-18T05:33:00.000-08:00

Here is an adorable idea for your guest favors. These brightly colored wishbones could bring a smile to anyone's face.

You can find them on Etsy here. Check out other cute items from Something's Hiding In Here.

Put Some Pizzazz in Your Bar

2011-12-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

The "bar" has become a very important part of any modern wedding. From signature drinks to local wines, a trendy bar is just what the guest is looking for! So dress it up a little. Here are a few new ideas and somethings that have been at Luxe Weddings in the past.

This sign has just the right amount of sparkle! Make it yourself: buy cardboard letters at a craft store and wrap in yarn and cover in glitter.

Custom wedding coasters are really fun. It serves as a keepsake for your guests and personalizes each drink served at the bar. Plus it's a great way to incorporate your colors and theme.

Champagne is super popular at weddings, of course. Make it more fun by creating a little station where guests can mix and match flavors. Matching signage just brings out your event theme even more...

Need more ideas? Email us! These are exactly the types of things we do for our clients every day. Want a magazine ready wedding? Want to create something authentic and original?

All photos found on We Heart it.

Luxe Find / / Luna Lights

2011-12-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

Found a great site (http://www.lunabazaar.com) which has some of the cutest and neatest string lights for decorating! Lighting is one of the very most cost effective ways take your wedding decor from good to GREAT! This sight has many options that incorporate sequins, bells, felt lace, pearls and beads. The result is light reflecting all over your event to give a romantic, sparkly look. Plus a lot are battery powered LED, so you can put them anywhere!

Get this look here.

Luxe Find / / Wine Bottle Menus

2011-12-12T03:09:00.000-08:00

A perfect addition to your Christmas list!

These rustic menus can be custom ordered from Etsy.. Whether you are getting married at a vineyard, want to create a custom wine or just want a sultry and romantic feeling, these will fit right in!

They are reasonably priced and easy to stick on!

Find them at TwineDecor

Luxe Style:: Skyline Romance Wedding Inspiration Shoot :: Film by Black Label Event Films

2011-12-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Oh what a honor to get to share this! What a great surprise to wake up to this AM, our Luxe Style Wedding Inspiration Shoot: Skyline Romance videography is complete! Ahhh! JUST LOVE IT! What a great group of talented women we had the pleasure of working with on this. It turned out so awesome!

The idea was to have a design that was clean, romantic, and modern with a tinge of a Northwest feeling. Which is why we shot on location at Portland City Grill. 30 stories high we designed this wedding inspiration with silvery pintuck linens, lots of crystal and glass, crisp white floral and gorgeous gown from Charlotte's Weddings and More.

...It just turned out beautifully. The all black cake is one of my very favorite parts about this design. Take a look! You'll love.

Skyline Romance | Wedding Inspirational Film from Black Label Films on Vimeo.

Art Direction and Styling by Luxe Event Productions

Cinematography & Film Editing by Black Label Films

Venue // Portland City Grill

Photography // Mosca Photo

Invites // Crave Design

Dress and all accessories // Charlotte's Weddings & More

Floral // Blum, Design in Flowers

Black Cake // Simply Sweets

Rentals, linens, chargers, table decor // The Party Place

Make Up Jessica Belknap

Groom's Jacket // Men's Warehouse

Real Luxe Bride and Groom / / Kristin + Brian! Engaged!

2011-12-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of meeting Kristin and Brian about six months ago when they hired us to be their wedding coordination team and since then we have really been looking forward to their big day this January. Kristin is a gem of a bride, the kind you wish you got to work with forever! Uber sweet and so gracious. They both are incredible and completely in love.

Kristins and Brian's wedding will kick off the season for us as our first of 2012. They plan to marry at the Hotel Vintage Plaza and have a very special and intimate event designed and planned...just wait until we get to show you how beautiful it will be! For now, here are a couple of their engagement photos shot by Marc of Powers Photography Studios up at Washington Park in downtown Portland.

We'll be working with Vibrant Table (for the flowers), Barclay Event Rentals (for their pretty linens and beaded chargers) and Focal Point Digital Media (for their video). Kristin is also planning on wearing her mother's wedding gown which Charlotte's Weddings and More has been helping with the re-creation!

So excited for them both and honored that they are trusting us with the coordination of such a special day.

Photos take by Marc of Powers Photography Studio

Tangerine Tango! Pantone 2012 Color of the Year

2011-12-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

Introducing: TANGERINE TANGO Pantone 2012 color of the year. A warmer more sunny version of the 2011 color of the year (Honeysuckle), I think. If you are not aware, Pantone is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, and selects a new stunning color to parade across all designing industries (weddings and special events being one of them).

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

We are diggin' this color as there are many options to couple it with when creating a palette for a wedding or event.

Below Pantone shares what other hot trends we'll be seeing matched with this dancing sunset color. Personally I am fond of the Sodalite Blue (From Pantone: a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette.) I'm wearing like crazy this holiday.

Anyhow, back to Tangerine, so we've grabbed a couple photos to give you a little idea of what trends we may be seeing more of this coming event season.

Fun table color! Yes! We LOVE color (no white cloths on tables please, live a little and go big!) and texture filled shades of dancin' reddish orange bouquets coupled with deep hues of purple, reds, apricot, pinks and, well you get the idea.

So? You like? Love? Dislike? Let us know what you think, we're curious!

Photos: Left found on the Knot; Right: photo taken by Scott McNamara at the Greater Vancouver Bridal Show

A Kiss is Worth A 1000 Words

2011-12-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Image found on We Heart It