Luxe Find :: OMG! And You think Your Wedding Was Expensive!

Amit Bhatia, left, and Vanisha Mittal celebrate at the exchange of rings ceremony during their wedding festivities at Versailles, outside Paris, Sunday, June 20, 2004.  Most expensive wedding: Vanisha Mittal, daughter of the world's fifth richest person, married investment banker, Amid Bhatia, in Versailles.

The six-day extravaganza, which included a reenactment of the couple's courtship and a performance by Kylie Minogue, reportedly cost $55 million dollars.








 Photo and story from Yahoo!

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Luxe Find :: Biggest Wedding Cake!

Ha! This Luxe Cake is HUGE! Just think of the cost...freakin' amazing that a baker actually was asked to make something this big. WOW.


Found on Yahoo::  Biggest wedding cake! If you're going to have a mega-sized wedding, you might want to consider a cake that is 17 feet high. 

The Mohegan Sun casino's monstrous creation weighs 15,032 lbs and can feed 59,000 people. Now that's a lot of vanilla frosting. You can check out pictures of the gozilla-sized cake over here.










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Luxe Idea :: Flowerless Wedding

Who says you have to HAVE flowers at your wedding? Why not take the uber whimsical approach and make pinwheels? Colorful and playful DIY pinwheels make great budget friendly decor for any social celebration. They add just the right color and whimsy to any event, even your wedding! Break the mold! Who said flowers are a MUST?

Be You, Be Original. The following instructions on how to make your own pinwheels was found on Better Homes and Gardens website.

Just grab your gals and some pretty papers that match your theme/colors, some scissors and a few pitchers of sangria and you've got yourself a fun crafty afternoon. Totally easy and oh so cute too!

What You Need::
  • Paper, fabric, or foam material
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Straightedge or ruler
  • Straight pins with plastic heads or aluminum screw posts (like those used in scrapbooks and photo albums)

Instructions::
  1. Cut a square of material to desired size.
  2. With pencil, draw two light lines between the opposite corners of the square, using a ruler or straightedge.
  3. Make four cuts along lines, starting at each corner and stopping three-fourths of the way to the center of the square, as shown in the pinwheel diagram.
  4. Poke a hole through every other corner and through the center of the pinwheel. Be careful not to poke too close to the edge, or the hole may rip when the pinwheel is assembled.
  5. Fold the pricked corners into the center. If using a pin, push the pin through the pricked points, then through the center hole. If using a screw post, push the screw post through the underside of the square and then through the pricked points. Secure with screw.





Many of the images above were found on Austin Wedding Blog via multiple other sources:: Alyssa Alig
, Oh So Beautiful Papers, Christopher Culler, Hello my name is Heather,



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Luxe Find :: Backyard Wedding :: Shot by Sarah Yates Photography

The reason for this post is to show you just how gorgeous it looks to have natural wood exposed tables WITHOUT linen. Linens can be soooo expensive and certainly a must have if your tables are rented and do not look like these natural deep wooden ones below. But what I want you to see is just how breathtaking they look without linen and how minimalistic they entire decor is...sometimes {Less is More}. Even notice the pomegranates and willow branches...cost effective and eye-catching.Be creative in your wedding planning, ask yourself where can we cut cost? Is it in the linen? Maybe...
To see the entire event skip over to Los Angeles Wedding Photographer, Sarah Yates blog...the entire event is a sweet one.



Happy planning!



All images were shot by the super talented Sarah Yates.


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Inspired by Love :: A Kiss is Worth a 1000 Words


I'm such a sucker for a short wedding dress and a groom in uniform. Love is so inspiring, huh?!


Photo found on We Heart it via My Heart



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GUEST BLOGGER POST :: Confessions of a REAL {Luxe Bride} :: What You Should Know Before Choosing Your Wedding Vendors

 Hi all! Excited to share with you another lil' guest post from one of our own {Luxe Brides} Ashley Sturm. I asked Ashley a while back if she would mind documenting her experiences as a soon-to-be-bride and share her planning process with us. Here's this week's installment of "Confessions of a REAL {Luxe Bride}",  it's all about picking your vendors! We both welcome you to sit a spell and join us in her event planning process...





From Ashley Sturm::


Today's personal wedding entry is focused on searching for your ideal vendor, comparing one vendor's pricing and products to another's, and making your final selection. The pressure to find your best vendor can be very intimidating; I know I spent countless hours researching a location that was cute but within our little budget. It took way more time than I imagined, but in the end I was happy to know I had truly found the best location at a very reasonable price.

Isn't it so cute?!



Before I get lay out this process I have to say something very important. Choosing a vendor is so much more than who offers the best price and who has the flashiest website. You're choosing someone who will not only supply a product that sets a tone for your wedding, you're choosing someone who you can rely on to be professional, timely, relaxed friendly, and courteous to you and your family. As a photographer I insist that a bride and groom schedule a free wedding consultation to meet me in person and be able to discuss my pricing, products, and style. This is very important that they get to know me as a person and I get to know them, which allows me to know what products and services to direct them to. When you leave the consultation you should see they have shown all the traits you find essential.

The last thing you need is to deal with a stressed unorganized vendor with bad people skills the day of your wedding. I can't say enough how important it is to sit down and talk face to face with vendors before making your final selection. It's easy these days with technology and social media to conduct all your communications through email, but anyone can sound friendly through in type. : ) You have to take the time to meet them in person and see if you like them not just because they have a good price and offer a nice product, but because you feel comfortable with them as a person.

Based on my experience, there are four stages to finding your wedding vendors.

1. First you begin your search for vendors, but how? Start by asking friends and family for recommendations, and see if there are any wedding professional in your circle of friends. You'll be amazed at how willing people are to offer their advice. There's almost nothing better than a good or bad referral to direct you to the right vendor, or away from the wrong one. Search online from Google Maps, search google with keywords such as wedding florist, Salem OR, look to wedding websites like weddingwire.com and Portland Style Unveiled, and visit bridal shows. Gather a list of a few vendors in each category of need by bookmarking their websites, saving clippings from magazines, etc. I personally created folders for each vendor; florist, invitation, ect, for easy reference.


2. Your Second step is to begin contacting businesses to check their availability and learn about their pricing, packages, and products. In my opinion this is the hardest part as it involves a lot of back and forth through email or phone, and a bazillion pricing sheets and contracts to decipher. As you start getting responses you'll be able to weed out those that simply aren't available and those that either aren't in your price range or don't offer products you are interested in. Or you may even get a bad vibe or not seen the level of customer service you expect through your initial communication. I've always had a high expectation for customer service and wouldn't settle for anyone that fell below that. After you've done your research and narrowed down your options to a few in each category, you're ready for step three.

3. The Third part is fun because you get to meet the wedding vendors and interview them. Yes, you should talk with your vendors face to face, and come prepared with good questions. Do a little research beforehand to be educated in good questions to ask. Bring a pad and paper. Here you really get to know the personality and professionalism of your vendors. Better to find out their personality at a coffee shop 6 months before than the day of your wedding when there's no turning back!

4. In most cases after meeting your potential vendors you will have a solid list of favorites to choose from. All that's left to do is make your final selection and make things official by contacting them and making your deposits and signing contracts. One last tip is to read through all the contracts and make sure you understand what you're signing!


Here is a list of my top recommendations for wedding vendors as a bride and a wedding professional myself:

Wedding Planner
Luxe Event Productions : ) Owner Misty is the sweetest gal you'll meet full of incredible ideas and practical advise.

Locations (close to Salem, Oregon)
Historic Deepwood Estates Very reasonable priced and simply stunning
Settlemier House Also very affordable and full of character
Green Villa Barn Unsurpassed setting

Photographer
Ashley Sturm Photography It may be silly to recommend myself but I really believe in the product and experience I provide.

Invitations
Red Pearl Designs I can't recommend enough that you order your invitations through owner of RPD, Megan. With exceptional products and outstanding customer service you're to love RPD!

Florist
Bella Fleur Floral Design

Now that I've shared my recommendations, I want to know what YOURS are! 

Have you chosen any vendors you're particularly excited about? 
Do you have experiences you'd like to share, websites we simply HAVE TO go to, vendors we can't live without?


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Luxe Idea :: Be Inspired by Art

Who would have thought 20 years ago it would be "cool" to pose in a $1000 dress in front of a trashed, graffiti wall?

Be inspired by these images...allow these images to break some of those "what's traditional" barriers. Now days brides and grooms are thinking more outside the box and really being original when it comes to the way they plan their weddings.

Many people are asking for more of an editorial shoot for their wedding day photos. You are seeing magazines often shooting stellar images by juxtaposing two elements that normally would not seem to got together.

Left Image:: Shelton Muller Top Right:: Cipriano Palmer Photography; Bottom Right:: Jonas Peterson

For instance, in this post you see a photograph with the subject in a formal wear standing infront of a grunge graffiti wall and just look at how edgy they turn out.

Top Image:: Scott McNamara Photography; Bottom Left:: I love Graffiti Wedding; Bottom Right:: Bristol Wedding Photographer


The stark white gown makes an incredible contrast against the graffiti and it makes for an exciting "grunge" style photo. Other fun ideas we've seen are wedding photos with that have the bride and groom in a junkyard or a farmers market, roof top, pool side or even an amusement park. The trick to getting cool images like these is::
1.) Hire a kick ass photographer who is down to earth and not jaded by their profession.

2.) The Bride and Groom have to be willing to engage in a little creativity.

Then VIOLA! Magazine worthy, editorial grunge style photos.



Very first image by:: Sarah K Chen


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Luxe Find :: Etsy Marry Me? Coffee Stencil

Hello my lovelies! Happy Day! Look what I found, coffee stencils! Super easy to stencil and look how adorable it is! Wouldn't this be cute if we could stencil the coffees served at the end of a wedding reception dinner with the words "Thank you for coming" or "Bride Name & Groom Name + Wedding Date" ? Great idea huh?

Wouldn't you just die if your boyfriend presented you with your weekend coffee and the stencil said "Marry Me?"

So to snag this super cute idea you've gotta buy the stencil for $10 from Etsy via CoffeeStencil. {Shhh, or make it your self.}
Here's the 1,2,3's and A, B, C's on How To::

You need:

Cappuccino or latte coffee (with foam), a cup, cinnamon, cocoa or chocolate powder, tea strainer or sieve and coffee stencil. If you do not have a coffee machine, which can produce cappuccino or latte coffee, you can use cappuccino or latte powder.

Directions:

1. Make cappuccino or latte coffee. Be sure that the distance between the foam and top of the cup is small.

2. Place the stencil on the top of coffee cup. As these coffee stencils are flexible, you can convex or concave them according the foam level in the cap.

Note: If the stencil during the process was affected by the foam - remove the stencil, wash it and place it in again.

3. Place in a sieve cocoa, cinnamon or chocolate powder and sift few times on the stencil.

4. Carefully remove the stencil.

5. Coffee is ready. Enjoy it!


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Be Inspired By Love :: Best of 2009 Engagement Sessions Shot by Luxe NW 7 Photographer, Scott McNamara

Tis the season for engagement sessions...tis the season for love. Spring is certainly in the air and the sweet smell of honeysuckle, daffodil and tulips are floating around all wildly in love with the promise of summer sun. This time of the year not only marks the beginning of a beautiful season but it also is when we see a lot of engagement photo sessions commencing before summer weddings.

Going forward, the next month or so, we will be seeing a lot of e-sessions, as we "in the biz" call them, and this video today was shared with us by Luxe NW 7 photographer, Scott McNamara. It is a collaboration of all his "best" sessions he shot in 2009. From beaches to door ways this grouping of 'e-sessions' is just what the doctor ordered for us to enjoy on this beautiful sunny NW day.

If you have yet to book you engagement session or are thinking it is not worth the time or that you believe it will be just another expense STOP RIGHT THERE! NO MORE OF THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS! Your engagement session is a MUST! And more often than not you see many professional photographers throwing the e-session in for FREE! Also it is a great way for you and your wedding photographer to get to know each other before the wedding. Not to mention the session is casual, relaxed and I promise by time you finish your session you will be even more in love with each other than when you started...

If you are getting married this late spring, summer or later in the year and you have yet to book your photographer OR take the time to have an engagement session you need to get on that!

Remember you are not the only one marrying this year and a photographer can't possibly shoot 2 weddings in a day so make sure you get to booking; you wouldn't want to miss out on booking with your favorite photographer just because you put the task on the back burner.

Your e-session and wedding photos will mark this time in your life for ever. Don't take a chance on a "friend" shooting for you...take it from me, from experience, you don't want to "save money" on a no name photographer, spend the money and indulge yourself, after all your wedding day only happens once.

Be inspired by love. Watch this video and call Scott...503.863.0303 book your session(s) today! The cherry blossoms in the air will make for some great urban/city shots...


Best of 2009: Engagement Sessions from Scott McNamara on Vimeo.










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Bet On Love :: Win a Complete Wedding Package at the Jupiter Hotel!

Good morning all!


This post is for all you TenTen20Ten brides who are still contemplating where you will throw your grand nuptials. Look no farther because I have found the perfect place! It's none other than Portland's very own Jupiter Hotel!
Don't be an Every Bride... be One of a Kind! Bet on love this October 10, 2010 and star in the wedding of the year on the decade's most desired day, right in the heart of Portland!

Win this package for a wedding on October 10 - the "TenTen20Ten" - and you'll indulge in newlywed love at the chic Jupiter Hotel.

Plus, get one-of-a-kind access to the best vendors in the city... such as 50% off wedding photography, 50% off any tux purchase (or rental!), 50% off a cake and all sweets for the week's events, 50% off pedicabs and a WHOLE lot more.


See below for the specific discounts that come with this package, including every piece of your wedding puzzle: photography, custom invitation design and printing, signature cocktail creation by the best mixologists, catering and cuisine, extensive decor, seating, backdrops, linens, staging, DJ services, security guards, access to the DreamSUITE for pre-funk partying, professional wedding coordinators... it's all there, at your service.

The TenTen20Ten Bet On Love package at the Jupiter Hotel includes

* A wedding and reception in the chic and modern DreamTENT, DreamBOX and ThinkTANK event spaces, with its lush bamboo garden, crystal chandeliers and room for up to 400 guests, including set-up, tear-down, heating, a coat check room, furniture, cocktail tables and linens, plus a case of champagne and complimentary flutes!

* 5 hotel rooms are included, plus you get $69 room rates for all other wedding guests.

* All-day, all-night use of the DreamSUITE... a sleek and mod penthouse-alternative, the DreamSUITE features a wet bar in the roomy living room, to happily host the wedding party (or families), a firepit outside its front door. A glamorous home base for the affianced couple, there's a separate king bedroom (in case those last-minute vows need to be written!)

* A Jupiter-style gift basket for the frisky bride and groom

PLUS, the package also includes access to these discounts, available only to the winner - and use just the ones you like! Like 'em all? Save (literally) thousands of dollars! Pick and choose from:

* Mr. Formal: 50% off your tuxedo or suit rentals.

* Sorella Events, Wedding Coordinating and Event Planning: 40% off Full Wedding Coordination and 50% off Day of Wedding Coordination.

* Mabel and Zora : 25% off dresses for the bridal party.

* Doug Fir Lounge: Your choice of complimentary use of Fireplace Room for private party on 10.09.10 from 9pm-midnight or 25% off food catering for wedding, including the "Piece of Mind" package... 3 security guards, licensing and permits for the day of!

* Cupcake Jones: 50% off entire order for all local wedding events they choose (may include bridal shower, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner, "morning after" brunch, etc). Must be ordered and paid for in one transaction, and they offer a free consultation to help with planning and decision making.

* Distillery Row: Portland, Oregon is at the leading edge of the micro-distillery movement with several craft distillers creating world-class spirits in what has become known as Portland's Distillery Row. Distillery Row distillers will consult and design signature cocktail recipes for the Bride and Groom featuring local spirits. You will learn how to make your very own wedding cocktail, to be enjoyed for many anniversaries to come! Bride and Groom receive signature drink recipe series from distillers, that can be made and poured by caterer on day of, with option to come back to Distillery Row at their discretion to learn how to make drinks at home.

* Lisa Warninger Photography: 50% off select packages.

* Anne Olena Graphic Design: 50% off any graphic design needs, including invitations, thank you notes, event signage, and more.

* Documart: 50% all printing services.

* West Coast Event Production: 20% off Design Services, including renderings, spatial planning, concept development, floral and centerpiece design as well as equipment (such as lounge furniture seating, specialty linens, chiavari chairs and other décor items such as large props, vases, custom backdrops, ceiling treatments, tenting and staging). 35% off Event Equipment (such as chiffon, velour or satin drape, accent pillows, club tables, all white or black-and-white dance floors, tabletop décor, barstools and crowd control items such as chrome stanchions, rope and wrought iron fencing).

* Mixwell Northwest DJ Service: 40% off.

* PDX Pedicab: 8 cabs for one-hour service $480 discounted 50%, so you pay only $240!

* WACK Salon & Massage: 50% off any salon or spa services


For even more information about the Jupiter Hotel's Bet On Love package, please visit , their official website for this special, one-of-a-kind auction.


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Introducing...The Luxe NW 7 :: So This is Bliss Featured Photographers

When I fully launched Luxe Event Productions in early 2009 I was blessed to meet what I call today our Luxe NW 7 -they are 7 of Portland's kindest vendors/wedding photographers I have ever met and now am proud to work with on a regular basis.When a service based company like ours looks to fill their "preferred vendors list" we look for young and inspiring people who love what they do and who are open to collaborating on many levels; whether it's with other vendors or with their clients all of these selected Portland wedding photographers are genuinely kind, realistic and honest.
Each have been so helpful and encouraging of our growth and have each in their own way have helped Luxe become what it is becoming, one of Portland and SW Washington's best special event production companies!

I personally sought out professionals who were open and welcoming to all who contacted them, vendors and client alike, but also who are kindly priced and who offer a unique and original perspective and approach in their craft.

With this said I am proud to introduce you to our Luxe NW 7, our preferred wedding photographer list.

This is not a paid advertisement spot. They were each hand picked by my hubby {Greg} and I and we couldn't be more happy about our selection. You will without doubt be seeing these 7 fantastic photographers workign with me on location at a weddings and other special events...not to mention we have some secrets in the works for you as well with some really cool and new initiatives we are all very proud of...more on that later...

You can learn more about them by clicking the Luxe NW 7 tab at the top of the blog...but I have also listed them below...

From top to bottom, left to right (and in no particular order in the collage)

Scott McNamara of Scott McNamara Photography


Alice and Josh of Mosca Photo


Ashley Sturm {Soon to be Mrs. Ryan Porter!} of Ashley Sturm Photography


Alyssa Jul of Alyssa Jul Photography


Gina Emerson of Gina Emerson Photography


Katie Anderson of Katie Anderson Photography


Kim and Phil of Kim+Phil Photo







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Luxe Style :: Peonies, the Perfect Wedding Flower

Ahh, the Peony, by far one of my very very very favorite wedding flowers. I say with conviction that is quite possibly is THE perfect wedding flower. Only blooming in late April early June the dramatically romantic bloom is a coveted choice of brides around the country. With their rich hues and lavish petals many brides keep this blossom at the top of their list. However, not all brides can carry the coveted peony down the isle as they are quite expensive and only are available in late spring...Because the peony has such a fluffy character and because they are a hearty bloom that doesn't wilt in the sun they make perfect spring decor for any event. Like we see below.
If you are considering peonies and want to buy in bulk, speak to your local floral designer first to see about their rates and services but also know that you can buy peonies at a wholesale cost on
Whole Blossoms too.

Happy planning!





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Luxe Idea :: Floral Pomander Ball

I love the idea of using mainly floral for your wedding event decor. If done the right way it can be the most impactful event decor item you can make yourself. Much like the images below. Eye popping color and shape make this event design fun, whimsical and fresh.

Love my local floral designers, like no other vendor, however most will be the first to say that floral balls and boxes can get expensive and it takes a lot of flowers to fill in the spaces. So my suggestion is to buy bulk floral and DIY.
Or do it with your planner. I don't know one wedding coordinator or event planner who doesn't know where to buy bulk floral or how to make a pomander floral ball. So make sure you are hooking up with a coordinator for your wedding, they will without a doubt not only make your wedding planning easier but they know how to be "crafty" and where to buy all the items you need to complete your wedding crafts. See what I mean by checking out this video below and contact me if you need any help, I love this type of stuff!


How To Make A Ball Of Flowers With An Oasis: This decorative idea is an easy DIY!



Flower Arranging:
How To Make A Ball Of Flowers With An Oasis

Step 1: You will need

* A damp round ball of florist foam measuring 20cm in diameter
* 50 carnations
* scissors
* a ruler.

Step 2: Types of flower

Today we are using carnations but you can use any full bloomed flower.

Step 3: Cut Stems

Cut the stems with your scissors at 3cm. Always cut stems on an angle, to enable maximum water absorption.

Step 4: Arrange Flowers

Starting from the top, push the stem of your first flower into the oasis, ensuring it sinks all the way into the foam base. Continue in a straight line until the ball is ringed with flowers. Then make a line halfway around and fill in the quarters. Ensure the flowers are evenly placed with no gaps.

Step 5: Display



Most of the posting came from Your Fairy Princess Bridal Guide
Photo from
Camilia's Picasa Web Album

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