All things that Sparkle!

Throughout this month I'll be posting about what will be happening at the Art of Weddings Event. One thing that you'll be able to enjoy is handmade gowns by Embellish along with jewelry by Emily-Jane on live models.

Searching for the right jewelry for your gown can be daunting, I know when I was looking (6 years ago...wow.. time flies) I was not finding anything that fit the style of my dress or my taste. I ended up having it all hand-made by a local jeweler in Minnesota.

If you're going thru the same dilemma, I suggest thinking outside of the box and visiting Emily-Jane. Besides getting a unique piece of jewelry, you'll be able to wear it again! The lovely ladies there will take care of you from start to finish and create a one-of a kind piece.

If you haven't been to their cute store before head on over to their annual holiday party...it's always fun! The info is below..hope to see ya there!


Emily-Jane Holiday Party

Don't miss a night of one-of-a-kind jewels like you've never seen before. Emily-Jane will be unveiling jewels of 18k gold, precious gems and the rarest of vintage Swarovski crystals. From sexy to sweet you'll find the most lovely pieces for yourself and of course wonderful items for holiday gifts. Enjoy a complementary holiday ornament with any purchase, plus cocktails, hors d'oeurves and photos of you and your friends celebrating the season.

What: Emily-Jane Holiday Party
When: Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6-9 pm
Where: 1428 NE Broadway St.
Call: 503.460.0516
Visit: www.emily-jane.com

Art of Weddings 2008 Event!!

I'm so excited to announce The Art of Weddings 2008 event! This year it will be held at one of Portland's newest venue site, The Secret Society Ballroom. One of the reason's I'm so thrilled to do this event is because all of the great vendors on this blog will be participating. We'll be bringing our knowledge of weddings to create a one of a kind event.

Be sure to check out the website for more info : Art of Weddings 2008

Choosing the right espresso caterer for your wedding

So you’ve decided to have a personal espresso experience catered at your wedding. You were looking for more than just the standard brewed coffee because being from the Northwest; you are serious about your espresso! Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your espresso caterer.

1. What coffee does your prospective espresso caterer serve?
You should choose a caterer who uses the best beans available to you. These days, there is a huge difference between coffee roasters. Look for a caterer whose roaster offers Direct Trade and Cup of Excellence beans. These beans are the best available today and signify a direct-trade relationship between the roaster and coffee grower. Here in Portland, Stumptown Coffee Roasters has garnered worldwide attention for their COE beans and direct trade practices that are instrumental to the third wave of coffee.

2. Does your prospective coffee caterer use advanced techniques during espresso preparation?
It takes a lot skill to produce a great espresso drink. It all starts with great coffee that has been ground by a quality grinder kept finely adjusted for optimum extraction time. It is then the barista’s job to distribute this coffee perfectly evenly in the basket and tamp the espresso puck level and of even density throughout. The barista should then use a quality temperature controlled machine to produce the dark brown and honey like espresso. Every step of this process takes skill and careful attention. A good barista may discard shots that they feel are substandard. Common problems to look for:

Pre-grinding coffee: Coffee should be ground for the drink being assembled. To save time, some pre-grind the coffee before the event leading to oxidation, loss of flavor, and stale espresso.

Using sealed-bag coffee that is not freshly roasted: Many caterers use coffee that is sealed in a bag and not terribly fresh. By third wave standards, anything older than a week is too old. Ask your prospective caterer what their coffee’s time window is for peak flavor.

Using a home espresso machine: There is a substantial difference between an upper-end home espresso machine and a professional commercial machine. Many caters get by using a home machine because it is light and easy to operate with its built-in water reservoir; but these machines produce marginal espresso and bog down when under the load of an event. Ask your prospective caterer what kind of machine they use. Look up the manufacturer on the internet and see if they sell to the home market or pros.

Remember, not all espresso caterers are the same, not even close. For a big event with espresso-laced memories that will last a lifetime, it pays to do a little research!

-Espresso Arts Catering

To veil or not to veil...

The veil. Where did this tradition come from? Here's a little info I found about it online:

"The veil can be traced back to Roman times when it was a complete head to toe cover.

In a custom dating back to arranged marriages, the groom's family very rarely let him see the bride prior to the ceremony.

The groom if displeased with the brides looks may have refused to marry her.

Only after completion of the wedding ceremony was the groom permitted to lift the veil and see his bride for the first time."



Certainly interesting but hopefully not the reason why you are choosing to wear yours! Last year many of my brides opted not to wear one, if you decide to do that be sure to dress up your hair with something else to make it stand out. Fresh flowers are always a great option or how about an antique pin from your grandmother?

I'm biased, I think the veil is great for photos! I recommend at least wearing it for your portrait session and then taking it off to greet your guests. If you don't take it off for the reception you'll be getting your head tugged back a lot from everyone hugging you! Whether it's a blusher, antique lace, or cathedral; it adds a bit of fun and drama to your images!



All images copyright Jasmine Photography.