Sweet Sweets.

The meal has been eaten and now  your guests are anticipating the dessert. If they're like me this is something they'll look forward to. Will it be the classic wedding cake or a dessert bar? This should be a fun option for you and your fiance to decide on. More and more couples whom I meet with don't like cake, so why serve it? Choose something you both like; whether it's your favorite donuts, oatmeal cookies or apple pie with ice cream. Take it a step further and introduce guests to local fair from Oregon. Blackberries and cream or chocolate hazelnut bars celebrate local produce. Below are some samples of what some brides decided to do. Soak in the inspiration, I'll be back with more soon!


Detail of dessert table with local berries.
Square layered cake with flower accents.
Mini cupcakes are becoming more and more popular.

More cookies on the dessert table. Cookies, maroons and more! Yum.
Tall cake with lots of roses in between the layers.
Bright cupcakes.
Simple and elegant details. 

Cupcake tower of love!

Chocolate covered strawberries, always good.
Tons of mini desserts for guests.

Martini glasses make a great way to serve a mouse or refreshing fruit sorbet.

All images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008. Ask before you take-thanks!

Make an exit.

One tradition that seems to be disappearing is the bride and groom making an exit. Whether it's from the ceremony to the party or the final fairwell from the reception, there is something romantic and exciting about it. It may be getting cut from the your time line since it does take a bit of work to pull it off seamlessly. This is where a coordinator would come in, they are great at organizing everyone to get to the right location and letting you know when to make that exit!

Rice used to be the popular good bye to toss at the couple, but is now not allowed at many locations. It is messy, and harmful to animals. Some other fun ideas are long sparklers for an evening event, bubbles are always fun for the guests, or try fall leaves, lavender buds or rose petals. The key is to find something that is safe on the environment and will not make a large mess.

With sparklers.

The bubble good-bye.


Now you need something with wheels to whisk you away. The limo used to be the old stand-by but how about breaking out of the mold to try a classic car like a 1947 Rolls Royce from Best Car in Town.  

You can't get more romantic than a horse drawn carriage. I had a couple where the groom surprised the bride with one after the ceremony, bonus points!

I've worked with Fairy Godmother Carriage Services before and they were very nice. They also have a ten person carriage to take the whole wedding party for a ride, how cool would that be!
They are located in the Salem area so you'll have to contact them to see if they work in the Portland metro area.

Then you have the newest option, but not a new idea, of the PediCab. They can carry two to three people and are all pedal power...these are so Portland! I can just see it, a line of four or more pedicabs taking the wedding party to their reception. Go to PDXpedicab to learn more.

Overall it's really a nice way to transition into the reception or let everyone know that the party is now over. It's also a great way to have your guests participate in your day. Ok, time for me to make my exit! Until the next post...

Lincoln Restaurant, Mmm Good.

I love food but am willing to admit that I'm not the best cook. I have a few go to recipes when needed but other than that I wonder the grocery store trying to figure out something for dinner. At times it is down right frustrating...I just want to eat! When Jenn Louis of Culinary Artistry told me her and her husband David, where going to open a restaurant, I got really excited!

You see I've worked with Jenn at a number of weddings. Jenn and her staff know how to cater an event. They are organized, quick and make simply wonderful food. Their new restaurant Lincoln, is no different. Its warm and inviting atmosphere combined with the great food and service are going to make it a Portland staple. I headed over to N. Williams St, a newly developed and hopping area, to photograph the interior of the restaurant. It's lovely during the day and glows with warmth at night. All the dishes coming out of the open air kitchen looked and smelled amazing. That night my husband and I ate the hanger steak with onion rings and left dreaming about the next time we will eat the dish.

Take time out from planning your wedding and go on a date. Head on over to Lincoln, Jenn and David will take good care of you.











All images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008. Please don't steal images, it will make me sad.

And the survey says...

Have you seen the new Celebrity Family Feud? I surprised at how entertained I was when I watched a couple shows. It's funny, you learn odd pieces of information and the winning team donates to a favorite charity.

Well, it's time for a survey on the Simply Chic Blog. There won't be any celebrity's, but instead smart, beautiful soon to be brides. (that's you!) A few years ago I started the Art of Weddings with the talented Marlynn of Urban Bliss Designs. We had a vision. A vision to create a unique wedding event, one that wasn't boring, one that showed off the unique vendors in town and also provided the information brides wanted to know.

We're heading in the third year of the event and it keeps evolving. This is your chance to let us know what you'd like to see and do at a wedding event, after all it is all about you!

Take a moment to fill out the survey below-we'd really appreciate it!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Portland's Newest Event Site!

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend. Mine was 1/5 vacation and 4/5 work! I had a blast at each wedding though, really great couples, so it didn't feel like work!

Today I'm happy, thrilled and excited to announce a new event site, Sauvie Dolce. The site is located on Sauvie Island and has a view of all three mountains. There is an amazing grove of tall trees with enough open space for any size ceremony or reception. There is also a creek running along the back edge and an amazing wheat field. Images speak louder than words, so check out the pics below to get a taste of what the land looks like.

Contact Ericka for more info about booking your upcoming event there. We're also happy to add her to our wonderful Simply Chic Group. She'll fit right in with her bubbly and friendly personality.








Images copyright Jasmine Photography 2008.

Jewelry SALE!

I just found out that Emily-Jane Jewelry is having a fantastic sale this weekend. Everything online is 50% off. If you've been looking for that defining piece to add to your wedding gown, this could be where you fall in love with something sparkly!

The sale ends at 12am on 7.5...yikes! Head on over to their site: Emily Jane to find out all the details. FUN!

Hair Styles.

I was looking for recipes online yesterday and came across a lovely vintage style hair do for a wedding. It inspired me to do some more searching for ideas for you; our loyal, stylish and beautiful readers! If you're a groom you look good too! 

I found a great website called Model Bride which shows before and after images of the model. Love this idea so you can see the total transformation. They also have make-up ideas on the site. There seems to be a trend in adding a bit of bling to your style, whether with a modern headband, silk flower or sparkly brooch, they all look great. Here's your inspiration for the holiday weekend, have a great 4th of July! 

As they say on the site, this is a great look for a beach wedding. 


Elegant and modern, this look shows off a great neckline on your gown and a necklace that makes a statement. 

This is the image I found that started this post. Don't you just love the waves on the side of her head! Really adds a touch of glam to this look.