Aisle Style » vendor shout-out

color story: orange with yellow and dark red

Theresa Valls — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:51:46 +0000

This is a perfect palette for a late summer or early fall wedding. This couple, Ann & Brad, married on a warm October afternoon at the Viewpoint Inn in the gorge. While Portland’s weather in June and July can be unpredictable, late summer and fall are often the most consistently beautiful days of the entire year. If I wanted to marry outdoors, I would definitely plan an early fall celebration.

Since both Ann and Brad are graphic designers, they were probably better than most of us at using color creatively. The flowers they chose were especially fantastic. Check out the big pic of Brad’s boutonniere. It is a combination of chocolate cosmos, rosemary and, (I think) that is an oak leaf backing it all up. The colors compliment his tie and the whole thing looks manly and distinctive. Ann’s bouquet is an eye-popper, too. From the pics, it seems like her bouquet is composed of samon-color roses, dark red and yellow dahlias, more of the wonderful chocolate cosmos, and I think I spy some sunset colored callas in there too.

The geniuses at Blum created these flowers. You wouldn’t go wrong requesting something similar for your late summer wedding.

color story: purple & green

Theresa Valls — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:01:10 +0000

You would never know from looking at these photos that is was acually 105 degrees on Brian and Stephanie’s wedding day at the Waverly Golf Club. Everyone looks so fresh and unwilted. It’s a darn good thing there are not any pics of John and I, since we were both looking seriously wilted. The color scheme here, which is so soft and pretty, but not too girly, is based on the wonderful purpley-blue of summer hydrandeas. Besides being completely sturdy in the heat, these particular blossoms plays nicely with other colors, including acid green, pink, soft blue and true lavender. (Here’s a whoo-hoo to Geranium Lake Flowers for the pretty flowers)

Steph’s maids wore simple knee length black dresses (wouldn’t a girlfriend appreciate that!) and the guys were outfitted in basic dark suits. It was classy, stylish, personal and sharp without being too tux-ey or too matchy.

Color story: acid green

Theresa Valls — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:25:42 +0000

Today I take a break from my budget wedding posts and have a little fun with pure color. Here’s a great example where a single color, acid green, unified elements of Malia and Daniel’s summer wedding. Geranium Lake Flowers did a wonderful job of translating Malia’s taste into a gorgeous floral arrangements and bouquets. All of the non-floral elements were hand made by Malia herself. (She’s a freelance graphic designer.) At the venue, Molly’s Loft on SE Belmont, they created a great mood with drapes and swags of irridescent green. Check out the smaller cake pic to see the cool display idea: along with it’s own canopy, the cake was elevated on glass over a layer of green apples.

Pro make-up, should you?

Theresa Valls — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:41:33 +0000

One of our upcoming brides called to ask my opinion on whether she should hire a make-up stylist for her wedding day or instead do her own. I thought I would take a minute to answer her here, since perhaps others of you are wondering the same thing. The answer is “yes” and here’s why:

Even if you’re a no-makeup kind of girl, or even a not-too-much-makeup kind of girl, you’ll probabaly feel better about your photos if you have your make up done by a pro. Flash or bright sunlight can sort of wash a girl out. A good makeup person knows EXACTLY how to make you look defined and distintive but not over-the-top.

The most important thing is to book a trial with someone you are considering. My advice is to do this WELL before the last few weeks. I think two to three months prior is perfect. That way, if you don’t jive, you’ll have enough time to consider other options, then reasonably get on that person’s calendar.

Before your trial appointment, scan magazines and tear out photos for looks that appeal to you. If you can, bring of photo of your dress. A good makeup person can help you design a whole look around the theme or idea that you’ve got in your head.

In the previous post, I wrote about Anna Webber’s make up. There are two other stylists I can strongly recommend. I love, love, love Darby Bacchus Budd. Besides being an immensely talented stylist, he’s a hoot to hang with. Besides making you gorgeous, Darby will probably make you laugh a lot. The image above is Darby hanging with one of our brides at the beach last summer.

Another team we’ve worked with a bunch is Event Cosmetics. Katherine Sealy, the company founder, is a walking testimony to their brilliant style. Besides being stylish, stunning and perfectly put-together, she’s relaxed, easy and knows everything about making you look good. She and her company would be a good choice if you need a couple of stylists to do you and your girls simultaneously.

Vendor shout out–great makeup by Anna Webber

Theresa Valls — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:23:12 +0000

I saw Anna Webber’s makeup at a recent wedding event where we both exhibited. She did the makeup on the models for a bridal fashion show. I was immediately struck by how fresh and pretty her work looked, while still having drama and impact. That’s a hard balance to strike. Striving for pretty, sometimes a girl can look too safe. But striving for drama, sometimes a girl can look scarey. That’s why I want to point you to Anna. If you’re looking for makeup services, take a look at her portfolio, maybe she’ll be just right for you.

Anna Webber h:503.292.3446 c: 619.788.3192

mmmmmm, cupcakes!

Theresa Valls — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:43:59 +0000

We met Allison Kelleher on Sunday at event attended by some wedding industry folks. I tell you, there are two words I’m mesmerized by. One is “shoes” and the other is “cupcakes”. She introduced herself as “Cupcake Mama” and with that, she had my full attention.

I’ve had her yummies at a wedding and feel fully qualified to rave. If I was having a wedding or a party, I can see the advantage of having cupcakes instead of the big cake. Everyone can have the flavor (or color) they want, it’s a decent serving size (if you hold only one at a time, no-one can tell that you’ve already eaten 4 others….) and easier to serve and clean up.

Check out her website, or give her a ring at 503.287.7792

Vendor shout out: Effesenden Music

Theresa Valls — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:58:27 +0000

If I was planning my own wedding again, Wendy is the first phone call I would make. We’ve run into Effesenden about a half dozen times over the last year and it’s always a good thing. Without fail, Wendy and her peeps add so much to the atmosphere and to the celebration. Plus, they’re young, stylish, they know what’s cool and also what’s traditional. They are pretty much like chocolate–virtually everyone is going to love it.

Their website has a ton of information. I was pretty impressed with how much personalization goes into planning music for your particular event. Check it out. It’s a choice you’d be certainly be happy with.

So proud of my friend, Terri Spaeth-Merrick

Theresa Valls — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:38:36 +0000

6 or 7 years ago, my friend Terri and I used to commiserate about our horrible jobs. While we both toiled in the bicycle industry, we dreamed of lives and jobs where we could truly invest ourselves and put our creativity to good use. She and I both took the “i quit” leap about the same time, and since then, she has proven to herself and everyone that she made the PERFECT move. Now Terri has two growing businesses, Embellish, for handsewn wedding gowns, and the web-enabled Olivia Luca, where you can customize a perfect dress just as you envision it.

Terri’s dresses looked so amazing on the inagural day of Portland’s Fashion Week. She was nice enough to get John and I passes so that he could shoot her portion of the runway action. And that’s her, in the orange sweater in frame 8. If you’re a bride looking for something unique and individual to wear, check out both of Terri’s websites.

Vendor shout out: Joseph Vasquez/Joseph’s cakes

Theresa Valls — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:38:17 +0000

In my dreams, I wake up in the morning, go to the door in my fuzzy slippers and spy a little pink bakery box secretly left on my doorstep. And inside is a magical Joseph’s cake–magical because no matter how many slices you eat, there is always a full cake left to slice into. Oh, and double frosting.

This cake from Joseph’s had some definite magic to it:

Vendor shout-out: Blum (with two little dots over the “u”)

Theresa Valls — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:27:21 +0000

We first saw Jordan Gladow’s work at the November Bravo Bridal Affair. She and her team (I assume there was a team, since it was a freakin’ incredible installation) had transformed one of the big ol bland ballrooms into a forest wonderland. I can’t remember all the details, but I remember moss, sticks, twigs, bark, orchids(?). She whipped all those rustic ingredients into an unforgettably elegant setting.

We were excited to photograph Blum’s flowers at Dave and Jenny’s wedding a few weeks ago. The flowers were so beautiful that I thought we give props where props are due. Hat’s off to you, Jordan.