Portland Wedding Coordinator

{Sunday Roundup} 5 Sites to Help You With Your Wedding Color Scheme

Image: The Perfect Palette Blog.

You're engaged, you've got the venue and the date, and are so excited to get going on planning! Yet, you're stuck on what the wedding will actually look like. Envisioning the final event means you need to pick invitations, table linens, flowers, lighting, and all the assorted goodies that go with your big party. And of course you've got to start with a color or two (or a few!) that hopefully go together.

"But I like everything!" you say. Or maybe, "Our site has this weird carpet and I'm not sure what goes with it." Or possibly, "I don't want my wedding to look too matchy-matchy." How do you decide on a color scheme that, while not as lasting as a bedroom paint job, is still super-important and something you'll remember for years to come? Here are five tools and websites I like to use when I help clients formulate their color ideas.

1. The Perfect Palette This blog updates several times a week with wedding color palette ideas and an explanation of each. You can search the whole site by color family to find exactly what you want.

2. ColourLOVERS A bit broader in scope, ColourLOVERS covers not just weddings, but other design solutions such as graphic, print, and web; interior design; and fine art. Users are encouraged to get social by creating accounts, uploading patterns, and sharing with the community. (A side note: ColourLOVERS also has the great widget Themeleon, for creating Twitter screen backgrounds. It's where I got mine - look here.)

3. Kuler - Adobe Inc.'s Kuler tool makes it possible for you to take a photo of your site (or any photo, for that matter) and extrapolate a color scheme from it. Click on "Create" > "From an Image" and upload your photo and wow! You can also select different moods for the same picture. A great tool if you are feeling a bit stumped. You do need to create an account if you want to save your palettes.

4. Design Seeds Similar to The Perfect Palette, but not exclusively about weddings. This blogger takes hundreds of artful photos and applies her own aesthetic to draw out each custom color palette. A wonderful inspiration site.

5. You knew I would mention Pinterest. If you're following my boards already, you know how addicted I am and how you can be sure to see a 2am pin from me on your dashboard now and then. If you haven't had the pleasure of using this site, it is a sort of visual Twitter where you can "pin" just about any image on the Web to a virtual bulletin board, keeping all of your ideas in one place. You can create as many boards as you like and name them anything, from "Color Inspiration" to "Cute Pictures of Pugs". All boards are public, so you can search the site for your desired color scheme or idea and re-pin other folks' images to your boards. All of the above tools can be used in some way along with Pinterest.

Similar to Gmail and Spotify in the past, getting a Pinterest account might involve a bit of a wait for an invite. For you wonderful readers of The Portland Wedding Coordinator Blog, I'm offering up my next 4 Pinterest invites. Just share this post, then comment and let me know where you shared it (Facebook, Twitter, G+, Tumblr or whereever!) and I'll send you a Pinterest invite. Please make sure to include your email (which won't be publicly shown) in the comment field where asked.

Are there any other great color tools you're using to design your wedding? Please share with me in the comments as well.

Are you killing off your wedding vision before it even happens?

Image: Bufferchuck on Flickr.

"We really want an open bar, but we probably can't afford it."

"I love the idea of live music, but it probably won't work in our venue."

"We really pictured guests walking with us from ceremony to reception, but it seems like logistically it would be too hard."

The above statements are just a few I've heard this week from my couples just starting their planning. Notice anything? They are self-editing before they've even begun planning. They are killing off their wedding vision even before it has had a chance to stretch out and take its first breath.

It's sad to me when I see couples assuming that they can't have what they want, that it will be too hard, that they should just settle for the venue or setup that will be easy, so they can stop worrying. Later they'll look back and wish they had just held out for those few things they really wanted that would make the day special and worthwhile to them. In addition, those special touches (which might seem a lot of work at the time) will be their first statement as a married couple.

So, don't self-edit. Don't give up. If you have an amazing idea, get it down on paper. Pin it on Pinterest. Talk to a wedding professional who may have seen something just like it before and can help you get there. Do something -- just don't let it die before you give it a chance to be part of your wedding day.

Indie venues for your Portland (Portlandian) wedding {Friday Five}

The dream of a 90's wedding is alive in Portland! Oh yes, I'm inspired by Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen's sketch comedy show, Portlandia. Where would a Portlandian be likely to marry? These five sites came to mind:

The Woods

You go there to see your favorite bands, now you can get married in this Sellwood-area music venue that was once a funeral parlor. Can't get much more offbeat than that.

Holocene

Photo source: Cabel Sasser's blog, photo by Robert McNary

When your Double Down date decides to up the ante, don't worry -- you can get hitched in the club where you first met. Awwwww.

Secret Society Ballroom

I can't believe I'm even telling you about this site!

Bossanova Ballroom

If you need lots of space for lots of different amusements during your event, take a look at Bossanova Ballroom, which boasts an 11,000sqft. (750 person capacity) two level facility equipped with full kitchen, multiple bars, large performance stage, dressing rooms, billiard and game room.

Wonder Ballroom

One more music venue, The Wonder Ballroom is in NE Portland and holds 350 at capacity. A music venue bonus: most have ceiling rigging points and focusable lighting to amplify your decor.

Portland wedding venues that might be off your radar

This just in on the desk, a couple of Portland area wedding venues you may not have thought of:

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

It's a great place to snowboard, but have you ever wondered what's up there in the summertime? From this picture on the Mt Hood Skibowl website, it looks like it would be a wonderfully scenic place for a wedding. Close by is lodging at Collins Lake Resort, so your out-of-towners could have a full weekend of outdoor activities at the mountain.

Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center

I've driven by so many times but have never been inside, I confess. After receiving a mailer from them, I'm going to rectify my oversight soon! There are few non-hotel venues in Portland that can handle over 300 guests, and NWNCC is one of them. They also allow outside caterers. Bonus: It's walking distance to several religious institutions such as Congregation Beth Israel, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, so members of those congregations may find it helpful that an affordable reception facility is close by.

Curtis and Sarah, A Portland Wedding at Mt. Tabor Park and the Ace Hotel

We recently received these lovely pictures from David Barss, one of our favorite photographers who always without fail sends us a disk and a link after the wedding (hint, hint ;-)

Curtis and Sarah married at the Mt. Tabor Summit, a Portland Parks site. Often folks are wary of public parks sites and wonder if they are safe, if strangers will interrupt the wedding, if the facility will be clean. All I can tell you is about my experience as a coordinator, and that is, with good pre-planning, a public parks site can be a wonderful and affordable venue; and that members of the public in the overwhelming number of cases are respectful of a wedding.  I personally have not encountered any problems at the weddngs I have had in public parks sites such as Mt. Tabor, Council Crest Park, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and many others.

So consider that public parks site: it may save you money which you can use at the reception!

Thanks again to David Barss Photographer for the photographs.

 

 

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Rooftop weddings and wedding venues in Portland

Want an outdoor venue but don't want to stray too far from the Portland city center? Consider a rooftop venue as your very own urban serenity. Rooftop venues serve as your private panorama to a breathtaking view of Rose City. Portland's rooftop venues offer your guests a first hand glimpse of the visual treasures of Portland. Rooftop venues provide a modern, romantic atmosphere for your wedding and Portland's rooftop venues are among the best! Three Portland rooftop locations include Hotel deLuxe, Embassy Suites Portland Downtown and DeSoto Rooftop Terrace.

Hotel deLuxe is known for its old Hollywood style elegance. While they have an indoor meeting facility, they also have a rooftop space available for your outdoor wedding. This venue is perfect for any glamorous bride!

Photo credit: Kate Kelly Photography

Embassy Suites Portland Downtown is located in the heart of Rose City. This historic venue is surrounded by Portland's city lights and an excellent choice for a night time wedding. 

Photo courtesy Embassy Suites Portland on Facebook

DeSoto Rooftop Terrace is an intimate venue nestled in Portland's ambiance of the Pearl District. This modern venue has rustic elements which creates a fashionable urban style.

Photo credit Evrim Icoz Photography

Rooftop venues are a fun and trendy place to tie the knot. However, they are much more rare than other outdoor venues, therefore be sure to book your ideal venue in advance. Additional logistics to consider; most rooftop venues need tenting and additional decor in order to create your wedding vision. In some cases, they do not have an indoor component or have very limited indoor amenities. 

We like rooftop venues because they can be a "blank slate" for design, meaning that they can transform to fit your ideal wedding style. Additionally, if the rooftop belongs to a hotel, then you have the added convenience of hotel amenities. Specifically in Portland, you can enjoy city attractions, outdoor views and be within close proximity to lodging. Hotel rooftop venues are a great option if your guest list consists of a large amount of out of town guests. 

Booking the perfect rooftop venue is the first step in planning your unique wedding. A rooftop wedding is a chic alternative to the ordinary outdoor wedding. Imagine yourself surrounded by the beautiful Portland skyline as you dance beneath the stars and toast among the clouds. Cheers!

- Lauren Gilbertson, edited by Emee Pumarega

Love Mexico - Part 2: 5 important factors to consider when planning a destination wedding

We hope you enjoyed yesterday's post about our experiences at the LoveMexico destination wedding summit in Playa Del Carmen. Here are five important points we took away from the event:

1. A beach wedding doesn't have to be a casual, barefoot affair if you don't want it to be. The availability of vendors in Mexico beach destinations is such that you can create the wedding vision, theme and color story of your wishes, including ones with high style and custom designs.

Photo courtesy Westin Cancun

2. Mexico isn't just about beach weddings. The strong Spanish and European influence during colonial times means that old-world palaces and piazzas are just as available as palm trees and sand for a wedding backdrop -- and without the 15-hour flight or Euro exchange rate.

Photo: Elizabeth Medina Photography

3. Check to see how many weddings may be held at the resort of your choice. We talked to some in-house resort wedding planners who handle anywhere from 5 to 20 weddings per day. (Click here to read a great article about the difference between in-house catering managers and the wedding coordinator that you hire to work for you only.) If you have chosen a larger resort, consider bringing your own personal wedding coordinator along with you so that you can get personal service on this most important of days. Or, consider working with a personal wedding coordinator who is familiar with the area during site selection, who can direct you to smaller, more exclusive properties and venues that might be off the beaten path.

Photo: Rosewood Mayakoba

4. Find out if the site or beach you have selected is a private location. If you picture exchanging vows in a secluded setting, you don't want any surprises. Visit the location beforehand, or make sure you're working with a representative who has been there.

Photo: Las Mañanitas

5. A destination wedding can be just as affordable as a wedding you might plan in your home location.  Most couples we work with in Portland have a $300-600 per guest overall budget for a midsize wedding with ceremony/reception sites, catering and bar, music, flowers and decor, invitations, photographer/videographer, and coordinator. For the same budget, we've seen all-inclusive affairs in Mexico at excellent resorts such as Westin and Rosewood. If you're having a hard time finding a location you love at home, and most people are flying in anyway, consider a Mexico destination wedding for something totally different.

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{Indoor Wedding Venues in Portland} Pure Space

We've visited the brand new event space owned by West Coast Event Productions, Pure Space, twice in the last couple of months and are very impressed.

Here are a few things that set it apart:

- Ability to accommodate 1000 guests (not that many other indoor venues in Portland can do this -- Montgomery Park and Tiffany Center come to mind)

- Air conditioning!

- Clean, modern design with tons of natural light and a "blank slate" palette that will thrill the customization-happy couple

Contact West Coast Event Productions for rental details and rates.

The following are a few photos we took of the grand opening party in April 2010:

 

 

 

{Portland Wedding Venues} The Yacht Isabella

The Portland Wedding Coordinator loves to hang out with--of course!--other Portland wedding coordinators. Recently, we were lucky enough to be invited over to the home of Molli Barss, owner of Soiree Special Event Planning, for their annual wedding planner meet-and-greet.

One of the great things about events like these is that we get to hear about cool new wedding venues first. Gabrielle Dowding of Black Swan Events was at the gathering and shared with us news of the yacht Isabella, newly available for weddings and events in Portland.

Gabrielle tells us about the Isabella: "Built to order in 1999, the magnificent 118 ft international yacht is privately owned.

She boasts 5000 sq ft of living areas, not including crew's quarters.

She has 5 full staterooms, 3 decks, a massive hot tub, 2 bars, and a full and comprehensive understanding of the creating the extraordinary. The accompanying private Learjet is available upon request.

She is here for a limited engagement, currently through the summer.

Yacht Isabella images courtesy of Charterworld.

Her owners, are now open to allowing other 'well respected professional coordinators...to enjoy the experience of Isabella." (Meaning, this wonderful venue is only available to those working with a professional wedding planner.)

If you are on a last minute search for an exclusive, one-of-a-kind wedding venue for your 2010 wedding, this may just be it! Contact Gabrielle for more information.

{Portland Bridal Shows} Upcoming wedding showcases in Portland

The bridal show season kicked off in earnest for 2010 with last month's Art of Weddings, Seattle Wedding Show, Central Oregon Wedding Showcase, and Portland Bridal Show.

Bridal show season is not over yet, though. Today we're at the Bravo! Wedding Affair at the Embassy Suites Portland Downtown which continues until 4 o'clock today. Come on down and see the loveliness!  Here's a shot from The Bridal Loft-sponsored vintage-Hollywood vignette in the Queen Marie Ballroom, entitled "Gentlemen Prefer Brides".

More informative and useful bridal shows to visit in the Portland Area:

Weddings at the Beach - also Today!February 20, 2010 - Seaside Convention Center

NW Wedding Scoop - Saturday, Feb 20th @ Salem Conference Center;
Saturday, Feb 27th @ Portland City Center Courtyard Marriott.
EJP Events will be moderating the "Attire and Beauty" panel.

Bridgeport Village Bridal Show - Bridgeport Village Shopping Center - Sunday, February 28, 2010

NW Vintage Bridal Show: Beautiful and Sustainable - Queen Anne Victorian Mansion - February 27 & 28, 2010 

Greater Vancouver WA Bridal Show - The Hilton Vancouver Hotel - Saturday, March 13, 2010

Perfect Wedding Guide Show - The Heathman Hotel Portland - Saturday, March 20, 2010

Tomorrow, we'll be posting a roundup of tips for attending these bridal shows, so stay tuned!