Congratulations to Cassie and Brad on #brassie17! This wedding is extra special to me, as it involves many people who I'm lucky to know personally. It's always fun to get to do a wedding with friends. Cassie and Brad were married in the Ballroom at McMenamins Edgefield on a lovely spring April day in the Troutdale/Columbia River Gorge area, Oregon.
"What kind of gift do I get for my groomsmen?" or "Where should I go to look for unique gifts?" These are common questions you might hear when working as a wedding planner. It can be difficult to find a gift that is not only unique, but useful, for the special friends and family that you have chosen to stand up with you on your big day. If you would like to find something other than the normal monogrammed flask or lighter then you have to check out the Ace Hotel Shop and the Orox Leather Company.
If you want gifts that are very Portland and delightfully different, then look no further than the Ace Hotel Shop. There is a great selection of Portland themed items, ranging from wool pillows to stylish hats. A duffle bag would not only be a useful present, but could also be used to keep personal items organized on the wedding day. You could get each groomsman a different colored hat and wear them for pictures. The possibilities here are endless!
Less than 1/2 mile from the Ace Hotel is the Orox Leather Company. Orox Leather Company has an amazing selection of beautiful leather goods. A great token of gratitude for the groomsmen could be a leather belt. Then, not only do they have something useful to add to their everyday wardrobe, but they could also wear them to the wedding. Another option could be to get everyone a dopp kit. Again, not only a useful gift, but a unique one as well.
Every day we're increasingly becoming more aware of the importance of buying locally and supporting small business. It's good for the economy, good for the environment, and it's more transparent as to the wage levels and working conditions of the laborers and makers.
We admire Martha Stewart greatly, and we feel no differently about her latest endeavor, American Made on eBay. Her team has carefully collected quality products from small businesses all across the United States and showcases them in this special feature.
As you're selecting gifts to give to parents, wedding party members, and also items for your wedding registry, Martha Stewart's American Made is a worthy contender for your attention.
So many of you are heading off to see family and friends for the holidays, and how awesome would it be to be armed with sweet custom gifts (like your engagement pic on an iPhone case for Mom and Dad!). So I had to let you know about an exclusive flash sale that is only tonight through our affiliate tinyprints.com. Click on the link above, and when ordering make sure to use the code 35GIFTS at checkout to get the whopping 35% off discount PLUS express shipping for only $9.95.
Some people trash the dress. Others put it on eBay. If you are thinking of keeping your wedding gown to pass down to the younger generation, or if you want to get it in perfect shape for consignment, you will want to have your gown professionally cleaned and possibly preserved in an acid-free, archival container.
If you are just doing cleaning, your local dry cleaner may offer this service. Be sure to ask if it is done locally or sent out to a special service, and what is included. Gowns that will be stored for a long time should not be stored in plastic or vinyl which can come in contact with dress fabric and cause yellowing or discoloration. If a gown will be hung up, it's best to store it in unbleached muslin fabric.
If your gown will be stored for a long time, hanging it can cause the weight of the gown to pull on the seams and stretch the fabric, causing damage. It's best in this case to store it in an acid-free, archival-quality box.
At EJP Events / The Bridal Loft, we do offer this service not just to our own clients, but to anyone in Portland desiring cleaning and preservation of their gown. Simply call us at (503) 284-6756 or email [email protected] to make an appointment and we'll take care of you. Pricing starts at $165 for cleaning and box only. I've attached links to the order form for those who are interested in the details.
One more thing: no matter how you plan to have your dress cleaned, make sure to store it at room temperature and avoid places like attics, garages, and basements where temperature and moisture/humidity levels can fluctuate without your knowing. The top level of a closet in your house is a great spot.
Finding the right transportation for your wedding is important. From bicycles, to pedicabs, to limousines, there are a wide variety of options! We found a great blog post from our friends at The Art of Weddings, that gives some great tips on how to make your wedding transportation personal and affordable. Read their full post on wedding transportation here!
"When it comes to organizing a wedding, many brides like to veer away from
the lure of traditional and into something altogether more unique..."
(Note from Emee: Pssst! Today's blog post was written and photographed by my awesome new collaborator and assistant, Katherine O'Brien. You'll be seeing lots more from Ms. K in the coming weeks, thanks Katherine!!)
What could be better than a cost effective, customized, and creative gift? These coffee cozies are perfect for a bridesmaid gift, thank you, or even as a favor at a bridal shower. You can also feel good about doing your part for the earth by not using the disposable cardboard version any longer. Plus who doesn't love a little sparkle in their day? Read on for the full tutorial.