This blog has moved to...

SimplyChicPortland.com. This is the new location of this blog. All the posts here has been moved over so you won't miss a beat! See you there. 

Announcing the New Simply Chic Blog!

The new Simply Chic Blog is now live! We've been working hard on updating it to give it a new, fresh look. Go to www.simplychicportland.com .

To celebrate we're giving away some fun stuff on the new blog! Now go check it out, we'll see ya there. Be sure to bookmark the new page! 

New site almost ready!!

We're getting so close to launching the new Simply Chic Blog!  I'm hoping to have it all

ready to go by the end of this week. All the info that's been posted here has already been transferred, so you won't loose any of the advice & ideas from previous posts.

Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about all of you...stay tuned!

Working on new layout.

The blog may look odd or change it's look today. No worries, just looking for a new design and layout for it.

Check back soon!

Clean up to help others.

You plan your event and see everything come to life in front of you. What about what happens behind the scenes? Do you know if the staff is recycling the plastic, glass or food? Being kind to the earth is more than chic right now, it's an obligation we have to protect it for future generations.
You certainly don't want to be running around in your gown after the event sorting recyclables. We recently found this company called Special E that does it for you.

The Special E is a group that rescues leftovers from events. As they state on their website, they'll rescue leftover food and deliver it to food banks, soup kitchens and emergency shelters to feed people who are homeless and hungry. They even rescue leftover remnants of beverage containers such as bottle caps and wine corks and then re-purpose them into jewelry and decorative products.

This is really a great idea to minimize the impact your party will have on the environment. I especially love how proceeds from recycling go toward purchasing food for abused and abandoned pets. They need tons of love from us too! In a time when everyone could use an extra bit of help, this program sounds like a great one.

Check them out at Special E to see if they are in your area. Good news, they serve Portland!

Don't hire Uncle Harry.

You have set the date, bought your dress and booked the caterer. You're still looking for a photographer when a family member offers to capture your day as their gift to you or for a very small price. Great you think! Uncle Harry's snap shots look good, his flower pics are beautiful and artsy and he owns a bigger camera then you. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot can back fire. There are numerous reasons for hiring a professional photographer besides their camera. They often act as coordinator during the day and help keep you on track. They have back-up camera bodies, back-up batteries, back-up lighting, etc. You'd be surprised how often gear malfunctions but you never know it with experienced photographers.

A pro knows where to stand to get the best shot during the ceremony, the cake cutting and first dance. They can quickly arrange your family for group shots and are ready to capture the unexpected moments.

Uncle Harry quickly delivers a disk of images that he took. Are they the best they could be? Mostly likely no. Many don't realize how much happens after the image is captured. Backing up your files, editing down to the best of the best, color correction, sharpening and more all happen after the wedding to create the final image.

So you have a disk of images from Uncle Harry, but how does everyone see them? What about an album? Professionals offer online galleries, slideshows, custom made albums and more. These are the things that you share with your family and friends and become an heirloom to pass on to your children.

You certainly don't want to be the one who tells the aweful story of how none of your wedding photos turned out. I have guests come up to me when I'm working a wedding and tell me their stories that are just like this. Can you imagine? All the hard work and long planning you've put into your event and no memories to show for it?! Yikes!

Figure out your budget and start researching photographers in your area. Be sure to look at their online portfolios. Once you've narrowed it down to the top three you like, make appointments to meet with each. Look at album samples, ask questions and go over package options. Take into consideration how comfortable you are while meeting with them. If they seem tense and nervous they will most likely be this way on your wedding day. Take the time to do the research to find the perfect fit for both of you. The photography and video are truly the most important aspect of the day.

Pics from Art of Weddings 2009

Thanks to all of you who attended and participated in The Art of Weddings this year. Every year it evolves and grows which is exciting. It's crazy to think it started with an idea I had in a coffee shop four years ago. I was pleased to hear that everyone had a good time. The atmosphere was set by the live jazz playing as you entered the door and wine to drink as you wondered around chatting with wedding professionals. No one felt rushed but instead had the time to mingle, sample appetizers, browse thru wedding albums and take pics in the photo booth. As with every year I learn new things to make the next one better. Here are a few pics from the evening before guest arrived. Thanks again!






Valls Photographic above.


Go Red donation/auction.
Folks setting up before doors open. Peterson Entertainment played live music.
Hand painted glass.


Detail of Swanky Tables candy display.

Garnish wedding gowns.
Willamette Valley wines.
more Garnish gowns.
Feather bouquet made by Lisa of Studio del Fiore.
Studio del Fiore.
Jasmine Photography and Best Car in town.

all photos copyright Jasmine Photography.