NW Wed Pro: Wedding Professionals Network at The Foundry and The Aerie

Hello NW Wed Pro!

April Showers will bring not only May flowers but LOTS of Summer Weddings! The season is really gearing up for NW Wed Pros. Those months of networking and making connections are really paying off.

Here is a recap of some activities.

April 10^th NW Wed Pro Networking Event at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe was a HUGE success.

Attendance: 56 wedding professionals

Venue: The Foundry at Oswego Pointe.

Members were so pleased to have an event at this beautiful venue. The day started out with heavy down pouring rain but as the meeting time approached, the clouds parted and the sun came out for a beautiful evening overlooking the Willamette River. We were welcomed by the General Manager of The Foundry, Debbie Martin and three of her venue coordinators. Everyone was made to feel welcome and were able to tour the entire venue and balconies. The venue also provides a flat screen monitor for video and slideshow displays along with audio equipment for our guest speaker.

Catering: Premier Catering Company

The catering earned a huge round of applause from the group this night. Premier Catering went above and beyond in their premier night to the NW Wed Pro group. As a preferred caterer of The Foundry, they offered to provide food for the meeting. Many of you come straight from work to make it to these meetings and having something to eat is always appreciated. Well, Premier Catering took it to a whole new level. We had a beautifully laid out full buffet of appetizers, fruit, cheese, grilled vegetables, salads, sides and entrees. Not only that, but it was fully staffed with a carving station, table service and also bar service (serving excellent wine and beverages). If you haven’t already, please click here to visit their Facebook page. LIKE the page then leave a comment to thank them for the great evening at The Foundry with NW Wed Pro.

Setup and Décor: Barclay Event Rentals

Everything looked stunning due to the beautiful work of Jen at Barclay Event Rentals. Without even realizing it, she matched the color theme of NW Wed Pro logo. Members dined at beautifully set tables with linens, elegant dinnerware and décor.

Dessert: Seriouscake.com

As a featured vendor, Seri displayed a variety of beautifully decorated wedding cakes and spoke to the group about her talents, experience and business. She also provided a delicious selection of desserts for the group which was actually served to us at our tables by the wonderful staff of Premier Catering.

Featured Vendor: Scott & Nina Wedding Photography

Scott & Nina introduced their new service offered called “Boutique Photography” with a beautiful display of Before and After portraits. They spoke to the group about their dreams, relationship and hopes which drive their company direction.

Guest Speaker: Luke Adams Consulting

Luke Adams is a dynamic speaker. He gave a fantastic presentation on “How to Network a Room”. He broke it down into easy to remember steps and a wonderful insight into the effectiveness of good networking.

Presenter: Beverly Mason; Radiant Touch Weddings

I’d like to thank everyone for the great feedback and compliments received at the meeting. It really is my honor to work with all of you in this industry and to offer you this networking opportunity each month. I honestly feel that we are the BEST NETWORK ASSOCIATION in the Northwest! Thank you for your continued support of not only me but also of each other.

On to other business.

April 18^th was the Wedding Vendor Open House at Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom.

Coordinated by: Katie Gutierrez and Chelsea Boehler

Catering & Bar: Portland Catering Company

Photobooth: Dancin Tunes

DJ: NW Mobile DJ Service

Floral: JBlooms LLC

A great night of fun and mingling with industry professionals. This venue is truly a gem. The recent updates and remodel to the ballroom, ceremony space, reception room, bridal suite and lobby are impeccable. This is a VERY large venue with many options available for setup and layout. Flexible space, elegant touches and great staff. Thank you for inviting us. NW Wed Pro had such a large presence at the event that just about every non-member in attendance heard the name NW Wed Pro that night and has inquired about membership! You guys are awesome!!!

Coming Up

May 4^th, our member Sophisticated Beads is holding her annual Spring Show from 10am – 5pm at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas. For details, check her site at www.sophisticatedbeads.com

May 8^th is the next NW Wed Pro Networking Event

Venue: The Aerie at Eagle Landing
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Catering: The Aerie’s own fabulous Chef & staff
Dessert: Cookies, Cupcakes & More
Photo booth: Dancin’ Tunes
Guest Speaker: Total Market Exposure

RSVP NOW because as you saw last month, space fills up fast! (19 have already sent in their RSVP)

September 21, 2013 is the new date set for the Dream Wedding at East Fork Country Estate. This is a wedding being given to a family that lost their home to fire while at the hospital having a baby. Many NW Wed Pro’s have stepped up to offer their services. This is going to be a fabulous wedding and also a great opportunity for many of us to work together at the same wedding. All arrangements and planning are being handled by Chelsea Boehler of Dream Team Events. You can email her at Chelsea@dreamteampdx.com

Other upcoming dates and locations for NW Wed Pro Networking Events

June 12^th at Oregon Golf Club

July 10^th at Gray Gables Estate

August 13^th currently open if you would like to host

September 11^th at Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom

October 9^th currently open if you would like to host

November 13^th currently open if you would like to host

December 11^th Tumwater Room NW Wed Pro Holiday Party!

It is exciting to have met so many wedding professionals at recent events that are interested now in joining NW Wed Pro. We all look forward to meeting you and building our businesses together.

Have a fantastic day!

Sincerely,

Beverly Mason