Once again, thanks to facebook, I am finding more and more amazing people in the wedding and event industry and I love sharing those finds with other professionals and brides and grooms alike.
The latest find is Designing Divas out of Wasilla, Alaska! Now, I’m a HUGE Sarah Palin fan, so I’m thinking anything out of Wasilla has to be terrific, and I’m pleased to say these two ladies are. We are teaming up to offer my calligraphy services to their prospective and current clients and I had the chance to speak with Connie over the phone a couple of weeks ago and she’s one of THE sweetest people ever. Putting together an event on any scale is difficult, but in Alaska? Really–pulling it all together for a couple who likely are having to import nearly all their guests, friends, and relatives, from the lower 50, along with finding fabulous vendors to make the day, it can’t be easy. They do it effortlessly and with such energy and love. I am SO looking forward to this partnership for a long time to come. The only cruise I have ever had the desire to go on would be one to Alaska, and with the beauty and natural scenery up there, together with Designing Divas, any event is going to be memorable and perfect. A destination wedding, perhaps? Be different and go somewhere other than Mexico–give these ladies a ring and see what they can do for you. Their website is www.ddplanners.com and phone is 970-841-6305.
This last week I had the opportunity to address the invitations for the wedding of the event planner at Grey Gables Estate in Milwaukie and upon delivering them, was invited to take a tour of the estate. AMAZING. And beautiful. And elegant. Spacious. Did I say amazing? The main house itself is beautifully appointed with antiques and a very genteel, quiet feeling throughout. We headed outside and took a walk to the back to see the koi pond and lighted gazebo then on through the beautifully maintained gardens to the event/reception center. This structure was built in 2001 after the current owners took possession of the estate, and although the outside is obviously new and beautiful, the inside reflects the same antique-style elegance that the house does. It seats over 240 people, already has tables and chairs, full kitchen, bar, very large entry way, and a beautiful window view of a waterfall out the back way. There is an outdoor amphitheater setting for outdoor weddings, plenty of parking, and you have the seasoned and wonderful assistance of Genevieve Madden, the event coordinator for the estate, to help you with every aspect of your wedding. She’s a doll and we had a lovely time touring the grounds. Definitely a must-see on your road to finding the right venue for your wedding or special event!
How have weddings changed with the times and economy? In the past, if I addressed wedding invitations, I almost ALWAYS worked on the reception items, such as escort cards, placecards, table numbers, etc. These days, the calligraphy addressing is a lovely splurge for many of them, and with receptions being toned down from huge sit down dinners to informal buffets or cocktail hours, many brides and grooms are foregoing the usual reception items. I think it’s a nice touch to have a less formal reception, giving everyone the chance to mix and mingle and make it more personal, rather than austere and formal sit down dinners.
Now, back to work!
