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April 3rd, 2009
Have you seen the show “Bridezillas”? It’s the most eye-popping train-wreckery, centered on perfectionist women who are making themselves (and their families) crazy with wedding plans. Sure, we love the meltdowns, but the best part is how it always works out in the end with a heartwarming ceremony. Tears in the guests’ eyes. A perfect cake. Flowers just so. The bride looking radiant (and for once, not berating her bridesmaids). Ahhh… Truthfully? We know how difficult it is to plan a wedding. We don’t blame those Bridezillas (well, some of them) for going postal on their wedding parties. (Well, that really is inexcusable.) So in order to spare you their fate, we bring you the Portland Picks Wedding Guide! We’ve selected a handful of exceptional local wedding purveyors, so your own platinum-wedding dreams can come true. (And you won’t have to pull teeth to pull it off.) |
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Portland Picks Wedding Guide: |
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Weddings involve many lists of things to do. So relax with a glass of champagne as you take care of the first important item—invitations. With save-the-dates, letterpress, eco-friendly, traditional, modern, whimsical, pocket styles, even custom designs, New and Blue’s stationery is bliss. New and Blue pampers you as you browse their amazing selection, and their experienced team of wedding professionals will guide you through the ordering process. Plus they have favors, bridesmaids’ gifts, bridal-shower games, cake toppers, guest books, and more—so check those off your to-do list, too! New and Blue |
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| 2 |
The dress. The dress. It’s everything. It has to be unique, gorgeous—and Garnish can provide. They have a selection of timeless, simple dresses in sizes 0–20, and most can be simply “garnished” (embellished)—whether it’s working in something sentimental (like lace from a grandmother’s dress) or adding a pop of color. Plus they do all their own alterations. Find lovely bridesmaids dresses (we love the black silk dupioni dresses—add a colored garnish!), plus custom accessories like shawls, sashes, even jewelry for brides and bridesmaids. We just fell in love… again! Garnish |
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When’s the last time you were wowed by wedding favors? Or the dessert table had chocolates that knocked you out? (And we don’t mean by tasteless plastic seashells.) Demand the best—Portland Truffle. Their fresh, handcrafted, local, gourmet chocolates are the accessory of choice for chocolate favors and dessert buffets. With more than 10 truffle flavors and favors starting at just $1 each, you can afford to customize everything from your name and date to a message label or gift note. Call for your free tasting and consultation! Portland Truffle |
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| 4 | Delegate with Style Create personalized packages ranging from Hourly Consultation to Full Service and everything in between. Mention Portland Picks and receive $100 off any coordination package through May 31! Blush Bridal Consultation Group |
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The invitations say so much about your wedding, and with more than 100 invitation albums for viewing, The Wedding Cottage has the largest selection in the Portland area, from traditional to contemporary—even budget-friendly. (Don’t sacrifice service for quality!) You’ll also find save-the-dates, programs, thank-you cards, guest books and pen sets, memory books, unity candles… plus everything from aisle runners to flower-girl baskets, wedding music, toasting flutes… even favors. And of course their accessory array is spectacular. From veils and tiaras to garters and jewelry, you’ll be the belle of your ball. The Wedding Cottage |
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| 6 | The Most Beautiful Day of Your Life Brides bake their own cakes or get married in backyards, but you should never do your own makeup! Especially when Jennifer Rand of Face Body Beauty creates a glowing, fresh face. She’s a MAC Pro Makeup Artist and won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award for Professional Makeup Artistry from Wedding Wire Network. If you want to look glamorous, Jennifer’s your gal. Clean and simple? Jennifer! She also does special-occasion hair design, and truly listens to her clients, so you’ll feel pampered, not pressured. Best of all? You’ll look timeless in your photos. Face Body Beauty |
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| 7 |
We’ve seen the same dress at three weddings. Not so at Xtabay. Each of their gorgeous vintage wedding dresses from the ’30s to the ’60s is pristine and timelessly beautiful. Add in pretty accessories, fabulous options for bridesmaids and guests, and gifts like Voluspa candles, urban ritualle soaps and vintage stationery sets, and it’s wedding heaven. Visit their luxurious bridal salon, where they hand-pick the perfect dress just for you. (Ask about after-hours private shopping parties!) Best part? Nobody else will have your dress! Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique |
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When it comes to Portland, Green is so chic. We’re not suggesting you trade the white dress for a chartreuse number, but rather that you consider design and environment when choosing your wedding locale. The Courtyard by Marriott, Portland City Center, is a gorgeous example of nature meeting style. It’s designed to be LEED Gold Certified, and reflect Portland’s natural beauty as well as its natural elegance. With more than 6,200 square feet of space—including a 2,048-square-foot ballroom—you’ll have the wedding of your dreams… while still being Green. The Courtyard by Marriott, Portland City Center |
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| 9 |
… and photography captures that story forever. The wedding party’s excitement, the groom’s anticipation, the love on the faces of the bride and groom as they look into each other’s eyes… oh, it’s so romantic! Trust Julie Randall Photography with your oh-so-important wedding photos. Her eye for what’s special and unique about you is reflected in her images. She starts with an engagement session (free with every wedding package!), where she gets to know you prior to the wedding. So when the big day comes, all you have to do is enjoy! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Bouquet of Hope Flowers, flowers everywhere! Taking place during Mother’s Day weekend, the Bouquet of Hope will be a spectacular annual production, with a grand floral showcase dubbed the “Fete de la Fleur.” Also enjoy a seated dinner and dance performance by the Oregon Ballet Theatre, joined by renowned violinist Aaron Meyer. Silent auction and ticket sales all benefit Portland women’s center, Rose Haven. What: Bouquet of Hope |
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| 2 | Experience a Quantum Shift in your Health Join Dr. Kevin Misenheimer of Therapy Wellness Care for free, fun, and informative workshops on healthy detoxification, weight loss, increasing energy, hormone problems, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and more. Ask Dr. Kevin your questions and learn how to resolve you health conditions naturally. All event guests receive a free Nutrition Response Exam, oxygen therapy with massage, tea, and healthy snacks. What: Healthy Detox and Weight Loss Workshops; Sweet Sixty Workshop for Baby Boomers |
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| 3 | Explore the North Willamette Wine Trail Journey to 14 neighboring wineries (just minutes from Portland) and experience a full weekend of wine, culinary delights, education and fun. Enjoy complimentary tastings of reserve labels, new releases, barrel tastings and more, plus delicious cuisine pairings (including dessert!). Wine pioneers, innovative artisans and green leaders are opening their doors to you—amazing! Just remember—enjoy responsibly. What: North Willamette Wine Trail |
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| 4 | Easter Brunch at Gracie’s Is there a lovelier dining spot than Gracie’s? Treat your family to a classic Easter Brunch in the most elegant dining room in Portland. With seafood delicacies, an omelet station, prime rib carving, roasted pork loin, savory salads and a dessert display to die for, everyone will find their favorite! Book your reservation today. What: Easter Brunch at Gracie’s |
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| 5 | Looking for Bridesmaids’ Baubles? We have the perfect gift for the wedding party—or treat yourself! Today and tomorrow only, local jewelers Amy Buettner & Tucker Glasow are having their inaugural Trunk Show at Moxie. Their one of a kind jewelry incorporates silver, gold and spectacular stones. Say “thank you” with totally unique jewelry! Also: save 10% at Moxie during the event! What: Jewelry Trunk Show |
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| 6 | Soothe Your Senses With all that’s going on, don’t you deserve to relax? Check out Bonneville Hot Springs Spa’s April Signature Treatments. Combine the Lemon Chiffon Bath & Wrap and Elation Aromatherapy Massage—three hours of pampering for $145. Or indulge in the Lemon Coconut Scrub and Hydralessence Facial (with complimentary eyebrow wax)—almost two hours of pure pleasure for $165. What: April Signature Treatments at Bonneville Hot Springs Spa |
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| 7 | Free Workouts! Get three booty-kicking workouts for the price of two with Portland Team Fitness’ Sizzle by Summer Bootcamp. With one free workout per week, you cannot beat this deal. Look your best (and feel confident/sexy/empowered) by summer with three killer workouts each week for the price of two! Visit the website for times, pricing and more details. What: 3 workouts for the price of 2 |
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| 8 | It’s Time for The Egg Press Spring Sample Sale! |
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| 9 | Get Your Bod Wedding-Ready Bride? Mother-of-the-bride? Ex-girlfriend of the groom? You still want to look your best at a wedding. NW Pilates can whip you into wedding-dress shape with their machine-only approach to Pilates. Tone your arms, whittle your waist, improve your posture and have fun getting fit and trim. Mention Portland Picks for 10% off a package of 10! What: 10% off special at NW Pilates |
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| 10 | This Weekend Only: Winter Blowout at Signal! Not ready to get off the slopes? As an end-of-the-season “thank you,” Signal, Women’s Sports, is offering up the Last Winter Blowout! Find 60% off all ski-wear, snowboard-wear, skis, boots and bindings (and no, we’re not kidding), plus 50% off all remaining snowboard hardware. Signal’s specialty is fitting women for ski boots, so don’t miss this opportunity. What: Last Winter Blowout |
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11 | “Red Threads for Model Citizens” Watch your favorite "model citizens" strut the runway in red dresses from local boutiques. The Red Threads Fashion Show will help raise money for Red Dress beneficiaries Outside In, SHARE and Esther's Pantry. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a New Deal Vodka bar. Today only: Score tickets for $50! Go to the Red Threads event listing at www.reddresspdx.com; promo code: Fashion. What: “Red Threads for Model Citizens” |
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| 12 | Send Your Man Shopping! Give Steel for Men a fond farewell and treat your man to great deals on men's clothing and accessories, while they last. All items will be 20%–60% off original price as a “thank you” to their loyal customers. It’s not too late to support this local merchant—please spread the word to the guys you know! What: Steel for Men Liquidation Sale |
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Be sure to forward this issue to your nuptial-minded friends, and refer to it online all year at www.PortlandPicks.com. It’s a permanent resource! |
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