If you watch much of the news, all we hear is how bad the economy is doing, how many jobs are lost and what the latest anticipated shortfall is going to be.
But in the wedding industry - people are still getting married. Sure, they might be cutting back their budgets. Perhaps you will have to roll back some of your bigger "packages" to include more "economy friendly" packages - but if you are working then it keeps the market moving.
Please don't sit back and give up. Please keep out there networking. Please don't give away your services.
Take charge of your business, cut back on expenses and keep marketing. The business is still out there! Never lose sight of why you are in the industry - it is because you have a passion for the part you play in someones wedding. Keep smiling - keep going - and we will all make it through 2009.
Wishing you all much success!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Salty's on the Columbia
Yesterday, Linda Barclay of Barclay Event Rentals and I met at Salty's on the Columbia for lunch with Dorothy Lane, their Director of Catering, to discuss the use of Salty's as an event space in addition to their well-known restaurant.
We toured the property, talked about numbers of guests per room and all of those details that it takes to make an event happen. We will be doing a photo shoot there in the next month or so with Holland Studios, and when completed, we will send those photos out for everyone to enjoy and think about the possibility of hosting an event at Salty's.
If you haven't been there in awhile, don;t forget their fabulous Sunday Brunch!
We toured the property, talked about numbers of guests per room and all of those details that it takes to make an event happen. We will be doing a photo shoot there in the next month or so with Holland Studios, and when completed, we will send those photos out for everyone to enjoy and think about the possibility of hosting an event at Salty's.
If you haven't been there in awhile, don;t forget their fabulous Sunday Brunch!
Bravo Wedding Affair - 2-22-09
Please mark your calendars now, and be sure to check out the upcoming Bravo Wedding Affair at the Embassy Suites -- Portland Downtown Hotel on February 22, 2009. This fabulous event starts at 11:00am and runs until 4:00pm. If you are planning a wedding for yourself or for a family member, this is the place to be. For ticket information go to www.bravowedding.com.
7 ballrooms and event spaces will each be decorated in a different style and color scheme, with the top wedding vendors in Portland participating in this event. The event spaces are coordinated by wedding coordinators who have worked with their floral and decor people to set a theme for the room.
There will be gifts galore, fashions on display, makeup applications for the Brides, food and beverages, music, photography, cakes, invitations, rental companies, event facilities, videography, floral and a whole lot more.
Don't miss our Art of the Table display on the mezzanine. Linda Barclay from Barclay Event Rentals, Kevan Inouye from Kevan Inouye Private Florist and Uncommon Invites have teamed up to create 7 tablescapes "inspired globally and designed locally" for you to be inspired for your own upcoming events. Our themes include: New York, New York; English Countryside and more. They will be a feast for the eyes.
We look forward to seeing you there. Stop by the Uncommon Invites booth, book an appointment for a free design consultation ($75.00 value), and order your Invitations from us and receive a 10% discount on everything you order. You must book your appointment at the show, meet with us by the 1st of June and order in 2009 to receive this discount.
See you soon!
7 ballrooms and event spaces will each be decorated in a different style and color scheme, with the top wedding vendors in Portland participating in this event. The event spaces are coordinated by wedding coordinators who have worked with their floral and decor people to set a theme for the room.
There will be gifts galore, fashions on display, makeup applications for the Brides, food and beverages, music, photography, cakes, invitations, rental companies, event facilities, videography, floral and a whole lot more.
Don't miss our Art of the Table display on the mezzanine. Linda Barclay from Barclay Event Rentals, Kevan Inouye from Kevan Inouye Private Florist and Uncommon Invites have teamed up to create 7 tablescapes "inspired globally and designed locally" for you to be inspired for your own upcoming events. Our themes include: New York, New York; English Countryside and more. They will be a feast for the eyes.
We look forward to seeing you there. Stop by the Uncommon Invites booth, book an appointment for a free design consultation ($75.00 value), and order your Invitations from us and receive a 10% discount on everything you order. You must book your appointment at the show, meet with us by the 1st of June and order in 2009 to receive this discount.
See you soon!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Oregon ABC February Meeting
Our February meeting was Tuesday the 10th at the beautiful Heathman Hotel. 82 ABC Members and guests attended and were treated to all that The Heathman has to offer. A warm fire, beautiful furnishings and a very attentive staff who were offering a signature cocktail,"Persephone's Dream" containing vanilla vodka, pomegranate puree, cranberry juice and sparkling wine, what a great start to the event!
Guests were given a networking card to fill out for a drawing to win an overnight stay at The Heathman. The card contained 10 categories of wedding professionals, and they had to find someone who fit into each category, have them sign it and tell them something about themselves. There was a lot of laughter as people were trying to get their cards completed, and I know that everyone talked to almost everyone else in the room. (Wasn't that the goal for a networking meeting?)
The Tall Tall Jazz Trio entertained in their upbeat and fun style while the guests grazed through the perfectly displayed food items and enjoyed the passed hors d'oeuvres.
Tours were offered of the Hotel by Kehaulani Petersen and Deborah High of the Catering Sales Team. Unfortunately Sean Osaki was not able to join us as he had surgery that day. We missed him for sure, but his team did him proud!
Stephanie Date of Sassitudes coordinated the meeting for ABC, as well as dreamed up the networking concept - great job! Cindy Rosen of Encore Events, Amy Nuttman and Mandi Downs of Blush Bridal and Susan Duyck of Ultraviolet Events helped check in the guests, explain the networking concept and get people heading in the right direction. Thanks gals, we can't do these meetings without all of you!
Guests were given a networking card to fill out for a drawing to win an overnight stay at The Heathman. The card contained 10 categories of wedding professionals, and they had to find someone who fit into each category, have them sign it and tell them something about themselves. There was a lot of laughter as people were trying to get their cards completed, and I know that everyone talked to almost everyone else in the room. (Wasn't that the goal for a networking meeting?)
The Tall Tall Jazz Trio entertained in their upbeat and fun style while the guests grazed through the perfectly displayed food items and enjoyed the passed hors d'oeuvres.
Tours were offered of the Hotel by Kehaulani Petersen and Deborah High of the Catering Sales Team. Unfortunately Sean Osaki was not able to join us as he had surgery that day. We missed him for sure, but his team did him proud!
Stephanie Date of Sassitudes coordinated the meeting for ABC, as well as dreamed up the networking concept - great job! Cindy Rosen of Encore Events, Amy Nuttman and Mandi Downs of Blush Bridal and Susan Duyck of Ultraviolet Events helped check in the guests, explain the networking concept and get people heading in the right direction. Thanks gals, we can't do these meetings without all of you!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Abiqua Country Estate
I met with a new client this weekend, who told me that she is getting married this summer at the Abiqua Country Estate. http://www.abiquacountryestate.com/. Since I had not heard of the location, which happens to be in
Silverton, Oregon I couldn't wait to get onto my computer and check it out.
Silverton, Oregon I couldn't wait to get onto my computer and check it out.If you have not seen it either - please have a look. The grounds are beautiful, there is a bridge that crosses over to an island with a gazebo. That is where they hold the weddings, then they come back to the beautiful park like settings to enjoy the reception.
This is the type of location that truly shows the beauty of Oregon!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Arizona Grand Resort
I just came back from Phoenix, where I had the pleasure of spending 2 days at the Arizona Grand Resort. http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/. This is the site for the 2010 Association of Bridal Consultants International Conference.
The resort has just undergone a $52 million renovation and it shows! Every room is a suite with luxurious bedding, beautiful furnishings and great in room amenities. The main ballroom can hold up to 2,600 guests or be broken down into 8 smaller rooms. There are swimming pools galore, a huge water park, golf course and restaurants with terrific food and views of the area.
The Paseo where the outdoor weddings are held is stunning. A long terrace with graceful palm trees which are lighted, many bubbling fountains and warm fireplaces for the evening nippy air greet you with open arms.
Jennifer Taylor from Occasions, LLC in Seattle and I attended the monthly Arizona ABC meeting, under the direction of State Coordinator Kim Horn. It was fun to sit in on her Novice meeting, to meet the people newer to the industry and remind us why we love what we do! Our industry is full of passionate, creative and enthusiastic people. When the open meeting started we met local consultants, florists, photographers, rental company consultants, invitation makers and so many more interesting people.
The food stations offered to us included some things I have not seen as an option here in Portland. While we are all seeing slider bars, theirs was not a basic mini-hamburger on a bun with all the fixings, but hand carved roast beef and roast pork - with a huge array of fixings!
There was a tartare bar featuring Ahi tuna, wild caught salmon and Alaskan halibut. The chefs then mixed this for you with a sauce or 2 of your choice, and options including chopped scallions, mangoes, hearts of palm and about 20 other things. This was served with fresh and hot won tons right out of the fryer. YUM!
Another station included test tubes with delightful soup options in them. There was a lobster bisque that would make you beg for more. But my personal favorite was the combo of gold gazpacho in the bottom with a warm white bean and rosemary in the top. By sipping this delightful combo through a straw you were treated to both flavors and temperatures in one swallow. Amazing and fun !
There were of course some beautiful cocktails being passed by very knowledgeable service staff. The entire scene had been set to impress with lounge furniture, tables, chairs and gorgeous linens designed by Deborah Beggs from Tri-Rentals. http://www.trirentals.com/.
We then heard from some of the staff at the Resort. Kerry Feltenberg, who is Director of Catering and Conference Services welcomed everyone to the Resort and explained their history and their services to all of us. Then Chefs Graham and Rugel talked about the foods, their desires to use locally produced ingredients and the quality of their Sous Chefs and service staff. The Food and Beverage Director Bill Hetu gave a welcoming talk as well. He went on to explain a program that they have for all Brides at the Resort.
They offer the Wedding Shadow. This is one of 3 very special gals who work the weddings, and they have a wedding cart where they can house purses, keys etc. They have a very complete kit of emergency items should someone be in need. Immediately after the Ceremony they are available to the Bridal Party with beverages and the appetizers that they guests are being served, so that they can be refreshed while finishing photos. What a fabulous service for the staff to offer and what a huge help to the consultant. They keep track of the Bride & Groom all evening, will deliver gifts to the designated suites, and generally spoil the clients!
A property tour was conducted by Kerry, including a huge tent across the main drive that can house up to 100 Vendor booths. As if all of this wasn't over the top for our meeting, we were whisked upstairs to see how the Pasty Chef does his cake tasting for the Bride & Groom. They make most of the Wedding Cakes for the clients - baking on Friday and decorating them on Saturday morning. Beautiful, tasty and fresh! Three display tables had been set up, showing options for the Brides - again from Tri-Rentals, and the Pastry Team offered an array of bite size - house made delectable treats and champagne.
Thanks again to Kerry, to Katie Giese, Bill Hetu and Chefs Graham and Rugel for this wonderful introduction to this very special property. I will be looking forward to attending the 2010 ABC International Conference in Phoenix.
Thanks too, to Kim Horn, AZ State Coordinator who arranged for us to be able to attend this event, and too all of the attendees for being so welcoming to Jennifer and me.
See you all again soon!
Cherie
The resort has just undergone a $52 million renovation and it shows! Every room is a suite with luxurious bedding, beautiful furnishings and great in room amenities. The main ballroom can hold up to 2,600 guests or be broken down into 8 smaller rooms. There are swimming pools galore, a huge water park, golf course and restaurants with terrific food and views of the area.
The Paseo where the outdoor weddings are held is stunning. A long terrace with graceful palm trees which are lighted, many bubbling fountains and warm fireplaces for the evening nippy air greet you with open arms.
Jennifer Taylor from Occasions, LLC in Seattle and I attended the monthly Arizona ABC meeting, under the direction of State Coordinator Kim Horn. It was fun to sit in on her Novice meeting, to meet the people newer to the industry and remind us why we love what we do! Our industry is full of passionate, creative and enthusiastic people. When the open meeting started we met local consultants, florists, photographers, rental company consultants, invitation makers and so many more interesting people.
The food stations offered to us included some things I have not seen as an option here in Portland. While we are all seeing slider bars, theirs was not a basic mini-hamburger on a bun with all the fixings, but hand carved roast beef and roast pork - with a huge array of fixings!
There was a tartare bar featuring Ahi tuna, wild caught salmon and Alaskan halibut. The chefs then mixed this for you with a sauce or 2 of your choice, and options including chopped scallions, mangoes, hearts of palm and about 20 other things. This was served with fresh and hot won tons right out of the fryer. YUM!
Another station included test tubes with delightful soup options in them. There was a lobster bisque that would make you beg for more. But my personal favorite was the combo of gold gazpacho in the bottom with a warm white bean and rosemary in the top. By sipping this delightful combo through a straw you were treated to both flavors and temperatures in one swallow. Amazing and fun !
There were of course some beautiful cocktails being passed by very knowledgeable service staff. The entire scene had been set to impress with lounge furniture, tables, chairs and gorgeous linens designed by Deborah Beggs from Tri-Rentals. http://www.trirentals.com/.
We then heard from some of the staff at the Resort. Kerry Feltenberg, who is Director of Catering and Conference Services welcomed everyone to the Resort and explained their history and their services to all of us. Then Chefs Graham and Rugel talked about the foods, their desires to use locally produced ingredients and the quality of their Sous Chefs and service staff. The Food and Beverage Director Bill Hetu gave a welcoming talk as well. He went on to explain a program that they have for all Brides at the Resort.
They offer the Wedding Shadow. This is one of 3 very special gals who work the weddings, and they have a wedding cart where they can house purses, keys etc. They have a very complete kit of emergency items should someone be in need. Immediately after the Ceremony they are available to the Bridal Party with beverages and the appetizers that they guests are being served, so that they can be refreshed while finishing photos. What a fabulous service for the staff to offer and what a huge help to the consultant. They keep track of the Bride & Groom all evening, will deliver gifts to the designated suites, and generally spoil the clients!
A property tour was conducted by Kerry, including a huge tent across the main drive that can house up to 100 Vendor booths. As if all of this wasn't over the top for our meeting, we were whisked upstairs to see how the Pasty Chef does his cake tasting for the Bride & Groom. They make most of the Wedding Cakes for the clients - baking on Friday and decorating them on Saturday morning. Beautiful, tasty and fresh! Three display tables had been set up, showing options for the Brides - again from Tri-Rentals, and the Pastry Team offered an array of bite size - house made delectable treats and champagne.
Thanks again to Kerry, to Katie Giese, Bill Hetu and Chefs Graham and Rugel for this wonderful introduction to this very special property. I will be looking forward to attending the 2010 ABC International Conference in Phoenix.
Thanks too, to Kim Horn, AZ State Coordinator who arranged for us to be able to attend this event, and too all of the attendees for being so welcoming to Jennifer and me.
See you all again soon!
Cherie
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