Q & A

This will be a new post that will feature questions asked by you and answered by local vendors.

Whether you want to know what style of gown will look best on your figure or what time of day is best for family photos...just ask away and we'll answer!  

Send your wedding questions to: info@artofweddingspdx.com

The Timeline.

I hope you've been enjoying the wonderful Portland weather. This is one of the reasons why I love it out here, you get a glimpse of spring in the middle of February!  That certainly doesn't happen back in the midwest. 

Ok, on to business. Today's topic is all about getting down and dirty with planning your wedding day. I remember when I started to plan mine (over 5 years ago already) and opened up a Martha Stewart Wedding mag to find a checklist more than 2 pages long! Holy cow I thought, do I have to do all of this stuff?!

Not necessarily. There a few key tips you should try to stick to. Why you ask? Because many vendors book up quickly, especially for prime dates such as the months of July & August.

Here's a few to consider sticking with the suggested timeline:

9-12 months out.

• choose a few possible dates for the event.
  
• book your ceremony & reception site.
• find your caterer for the reception if one is not included with the space.
• start looking at wedding photographers. 
• start looking at videographers.
• start trying on wedding gowns.
• need help narrowing down your options: get a coordinator!

6-9 months out.

• select a florist.
• decide on your overall look of the event; colors, formal/informal etc.
• decide on music for reception-book Dj or find a band.
• book music for ceremony if needed: such as string quartet.
• start looking for bridesmaids dresses.
• order your wedding gown if getting it from a store...they typically take 6 months to arrive.

4-6 months out.

• book your honeymoon.
• order invitations.
• shop for wedding bands.
• register for gifts...fun!

Ok...that list just kept growing and growing. See what I mean? There is so much to do that it can be overwhelming. I'm exhausted just from writing it! To get more tips and advice on what you should be doing when, check out Barnes and Noble for some of these planners:

 

Peggy Post. Wedding Planner.

Buy local. The Bravo Wedding Planner.

Martha Stewart's Keepsake Planner.

Let's Talk Shoes.

Ahh shoes. Really, how can you not love buying a new pair of shoes? When you find a pair that fits and looks great, it's like winning the lottery! Good stuff. With that said, let's look at wedding day shoes. So many options to choose from. No matter what, choose something fun, unique or with lots of sparkle. They are such an easy way to personalize your look. Enjoy!


This shoe is simple yet classy and has a good heel height. Kenneth Cole Reaction $85.
I saw this shoe and thought it would be fun with a retro inspired dress. Bonus points for being comfortable. Aerosoles $82.

Add a touch of blue with these fun and funky heels by BCBGirls $80.

This shoe will stand out with a cute tea length dress or by popping out from under a full length gown. By Stuart Weitzman $295.

This pair is a soft cream color with lace embroidered all over it. It's unique and classic 

at the same time. By Badley Mischka $390.

For something comfortable and glamourous, try this champagne leather shoe by Matisse for $115. 
To add some color without going bright, try this pewter satin pump with beautiful bow detail on the toe for only $80.
The bow is great accent to this shoe as well. I love how it's tied off to the side. By Caparros for $70...what a steal!
Lace is showing up more and more in gowns and now on shoes. If you're dress is simple without a lot of detail, try adding this shoe by Vera Wang for $250 for a touch of elegance.

Before buying your shoes, I would make sure you have found your dream gown. Your gown will help determine the style of shoe you should look for.  Also know where your wedding will be held. If it's outside on grass, you won't want to be wearing high pointed heals. Unless you want to air-rate the sod all day!  If you are on the beach, a flat, slide or none at all. If you are inside all day, let your shoe imagination go wild!  

A really great place to find shoes online is Zappos.com. They give you up to 365 days to return your un-worn shoes and free shipping both ways.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day is off to a great start. Share some love with family, friends or with a total stranger. Today doesn't have to be just about giving something to your girlfriend or fiance. Instead; smile at a passer by, compliment someone on their outfit or say thank you to your fav' barista. Here are some fun gift ideas that say I love you any time of the year. 

Yum! Smores heart shaped goodies...

Personalize a pendant for her with your engagement date on it or where you first met. 

Give a journal so you can record special dates, vacations you took together or your dreams for the future.
Everyone needs a key chain, this clever idea gives each of you a reminder that cupid has struck.

All the ideas above were found at  Red Envelope. Check them out for unique gift ideas that can be personalized for any occasion. Spread the love! 

Be Prepared.

It has many names; the wedding day survival kit, the emergency bag,  beauty supplies, the Oh Sh*t something bad just happened-fix it now! supplies.  Whatever you want to call it, you should bring the basics with you while you are getting beautified. It's hard to say how many mis-haps I've encountered during the getting ready stage, but I always remember the moment when the bride says "oh, no I forgot to bring deordorant!", then one of the bridesmaids swoops in to the rescue, "I brought some!".  I always think to myself, now that's a good friend. 

I recommend getting a tote bag to put everything in. If you can keep it sorted & organized, even better. The best, having your maid of honor be in charge of putting together and bringing your emergency kit to your big day.

 Ok. Here's your basics:

1. toothbrush
2. kleenex
3. tampons
4. lint brush
5. deodorant
6. sewing kit with good scissors!
7. mints or gum
8. same hairspray as your stylist used.
9. bobby pins
10. straws-keeps lipstick looking good while drinking.
11. pain reliever for headaches
12. emery boards for broken nails
13. lotion with a light scent if not wearing perfume, otherwise unscented
14. floss
15. same make-up your stylist used. use for touch-ups.

Ok, I would say that hits the basics. Now here are a few other products that might be worth adding to the pile.

The new blister block by Band-Aid in case your new shoes start bothering you. I do recommend wearing your shoes around the house as much as possible before the wedding day to break them in.

This is genius, a portable stain remover. Carry it in your clutch for that moment when Uncle Bob bumps into you and red wine spills on your dress.




If you don't want to deal with bringing your goey tube of toothpaste, I think this is a great subsitute.


These are just some ideas, I'm sure there are tons of other things you could think of to bring. Don't want to deal with finding all that stuff, then go online to Target and order this pre-made box of goodies- search for wedding day survival kit. Just click and order. Beauty survival will arrive in 5-7 days.

Great Expectations.

expectation. noun. 

1. a. the act of expecting.

    b. eager anticipation.

2. the state of being expected.

All girls have an expectation of how their wedding day will be whether the day it's fully planned out or you simply have a few keys ideas. Either way, these expectations can either drive you to pull your hair out or enjoy every moment. With that said, I think it's really important to get your overall plan down on paper. Then start assigning people who will be a good fit for each task at hand.  This way on the actual day, you don't have everyone coming to you asking where does this go? or what do I do with this? Trust me, that can get old fast. 

Trusting your vendors is another way to bring ease to your day. You'll know when you meet with them whether or not they are organized, professional and know their craft. Once you book them give them the information they need to make your day beautiful; then relax. They have it under control. 

I've seen some brides who expected everything to be exactly as they had it planned out in their head and became upset when things weren't going as they planned. Problem is they didn't fully express these ideas to her friends & family. Therefore, their hands were tied the day of with how much they could really help out.  Being stressed carries over to everyone around you...not fun.

Then I've seen brides who laughed, smiled and took the day a moment at a time. Enjoying the quirks that arose and the love from family and friends helping out. 

When it comes down to it, your guests will never know that the wrap that comes with your gown didn't make it...that the place cards are set on a different table...that your roses are a lighter shade of pink...etc. What they will remember is how you glow with love, how the two of you look at each other and how much you both were smiling!

All images copyright Jasmine Photography.

Images from Art of Weddings 2008.

Here's a few pics from the event on Jan 24th. I really liked how laid back the feel was all evening. It wasn't overcrowded and there was plenty of comfy seating to chill out in. Perfect for winter. The ballroom has amazing floor to ceiling red velvet curtains, so we played off of their colors and added more red and brown. Enjoy!





Above: Me (alexis of Jasmine Photography) with Lisa of Studio Del Fiore Flowers.


Above: The lovely models wearing Embellish designs and Emily Jane Jewelry. Hair and Make-up by Madeline Roosevelt.


Above: Winner of the gift bag at the end of the evening. Included goodies such as a silk shawl by Embellish, $50 Gift Card to Victoria's Secret from this blog, Stumptown coffee from Espresso Arts Catering, Massage courtesy of Soltice Video and more...
Above: Lovely bouquets by Lisa of Studio Del Fiore.




Above: Wes & Christine of Espresso Arts Catering. 
Above: Yum! Cupcake Mama treats.

Above: Duchess Clothier funky suit!
Above: Culinary Artistry samples.

All images by Jasmine Photography.