Thursday, August 22, 2013

August Networking at East Fork Country Estate Wedding Venue


Hello NW Wed Pro!

 
I know you barely have time to breath this month but I’m happy that you are taking a moment to read this.
Last week we had a beautiful evening of networking at East Fork Country Estate in Damascus. It was amazing to arrive and see the entire venue set up as if a wedding were taking place; but it was all for US! Diana and Grady Abernethy, who own East Fork, and Chris and Cindy Nylen of Nylen Design and Events, did a complete set up with tables, linens, table décor, floral, accents, tented reception, ceremony seating, and more. Eric Youel of Chef du Jour catering provided a huge buffet of food including pasta, beef, roasted potatoes, salad, bread, and much more. Nylen Designs showcased a Dessert Buffet with treats for everyone. Bridal Veil Winery displayed their wine box gift sets, custom printed labels and served delicious wine. Bright Eyes Dove Release brought their beautiful birds for viewing and one even laid an egg right there!

Our guest speaker was Gary Furr, The Growth Coach. He gave great advice and insight into what it takes to succeed as a small business. He is a great speaker and very motivational.

There were TWO door prize winners this evening. Eric Youel won the Bridal Veil Winery winebox gift set and Dave Ott was the winner of a custom label East Fork Country Estate bottle of wine.

 Thank you to all of you who attended. It was a nice turnout of 30 wedding professionals. (not sure what happened to the 9 no-shows that had RSVP’d.) L

 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Next meeting coming up:
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 6:30 – 8:30 (registration opens at 6:00pm)

610 McLoughlin Blvd. 3rd Floor (above Elks Lodge) Oregon City, OR 97045

Featured Caterer: Portland Catering Company

Members $10  Non-Members $20

 NW Wed Pro is proud to be a part of the Dream Wedding being presented to a most deserving couple. The wedding will take place on September 21st at East Fork Country Estate. Planning & Coordination (and so much more) by Dream Team Events. Chelsea has been working so hard for months to make this Dream Wedding a reality. She has pulled together vendors in every single service category to donate services and time. This is going to be amazing! 

Congratulations to our member “Wicked Delights” Bakery. They have just opened their NEW retail location TODAY!!  10117 SE Sunnyside Rd in Clackamas

Please contact me if you are interested in being a featured vendor at upcoming meetings. Do you have a favorite guest speaker that you would like to see? What topics would you like covered?

In October we will be hosted by 4th Street Brewing Company in Gresham!  Wednesday, October 11, 2013.
Ok, now get back to work! LOL

But don’t forget to RSVP for September. If you do RSVP and need to cancel, PLEASE notify me. We need accurate headcounts for the caterers each month.











 






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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

NW Wedding Professionals Networking Events


Hello NW Wed Pro!!

 

July has blessed us with beautiful weather and fantastic sunsets.  It is fun seeing the photos and updates from each of you after busy weekends of weddings.  We are so blessed to live in the beautiful Northwest.

Last Wednesday NW Wed Pro’s had the privilege of holding the monthly Networking Event at the beautiful Gray Gables Estate. It was a beautiful evening for strolling the grounds and checking out the ceremony gardens, numerous water features and flower gardens and the incredible ballroom and grand entry hall.  Our hostess, Barbara Abalan, made everyone feel especially welcome. Since 1998, Gray Gables has helped over 1100 brides have beautiful, stress-free weddings and receptions. Connect with them on Facebook and share them on your page. Brides will love the elegance, versatility and charm of Gray Gables Estate. (See photos of the Event on Facebook)
 

As members arrived at the meeting they were greet with the sweet sounds of “Whispering Roses”. Yes, the gardens were full of blooming roses swaying gently in the breeze, but these Whispering Roses were the four lovely Bisceglia Sisters. For the past nine years, Whispering Roses has delighted audiences at festivals and concerts throughout the northwest with their unique blend of Celtic, sacred and folk music. Mellow and sweet one moment, and breaking into lively dance tunes the next, Whispering Roses creates a rich tapestry of Celtic sounds. The four Bisceglia sisters - Sarah (piano), Janna (harp), Krista (recorders) and Kathrina (violin) - form the core of the band, and are often joined by their brother Noah on guitar creating delightful family interactions on stage.
 

This evening we also dined on an amazing spread by Chef du Jour Catering.  Mediterranean Salad, Chicken skewers, Bacon wrapped Scallops, Spanikopita, Bruschetta Bar (assortment of Italian toppings with toasted baguette),  Stuffed mushrooms and fresh vegetables. It was delicious. Eric acquired Chef du Jour Catering in Portland in August of 2006. His talent and gift for the culinary arts is very apparent in the success of Chef du Jour. His work is exceptional. Chef du Jour truly is creative, custom catering at its finest. “No theme too exotic; No cuisine too esoteric!” 
 

Our guest speaker for the event was Jamie Teasdale of Propel Businessworks. Back by popular demand, (Jamie has presented twice previously to us) she gave us invaluable insight into the importance and benefits of Blogging, along with tips on how to make it effective and easiest ways of implementing it, no matter what your writing capabilities. Jamie is the Founder & CEO of Propel Businessworks. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon to entrepreneur parents, Jamie’s professional experiences have instilled exceptional customer service into everything she does. A music and art enthusiast and animal lover, she has been a marketing junkie since before she can remember. In ’09 her passion for developing and energizing the visions of small business owners was ignited and she hasn’t looked back since. Many NW Wed Pros are now clients of Propel Businessworks because of their friendly service, fantastic results and knowledge of the ever changing trends and dynamics of marketing.

Recently, a NW Wed Pro member, Amber Hempen Photography, came up with an idea for an Inspiration Shoot. Through the Wed Pro Network she was able to collaborate and team up with other members to bring her vision to life. The theme “Great Gatsby” was complete with an actual “Gatsby” car that was provided by East Fork Country Estate.  Arrangements & décor by Nylen Design & Events. Model Bride & Groom by Lindsey Rose Photography, Flowers by Amanda’s Wedding Shoppe, Location Venue was Clackamas River Farms. The photos are simply amazing and will be shared with all of the participating vendors to use in their portfolios and marketing.  More importantly though, the relationships and teamwork that resulted from this project are priceless!  Having the opportunity to work with each other, share ideas and really get to know the other’s strengths and abilities, is something that doesn’t happen often enough in this industry. Thank you Amber and Cindy for talking to the group about your experience and how NW Wed Pro played a part in making this possible.
 

UPCOMING MEETING: 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

9957 SE 222nd Dr.
Damascus, OR 97089

Featured Caterer:  Chef du Jour Catering


Please join us for an evening of networking, wine, food & learning at this beautiful country estate with a breathtaking view.  This will also be the venue for the Dream Wedding offered to the couple who lost their home to fire. NW Wed Pro members have really stepped up to make this dream a reality. We hope that all vendors involved in the Dream Wedding September 21st will attend this meeting. Thank you Chelsea of Dream Team Events for coordinating and planning!

Diana & Grady Abernathy celebrate this October the 1 year anniversary of their ownership of East Fork Country Estate.  They hit the ground running by hosting NW Wed Pro networking meeting last January. They have accomplished so much in their first year. Thank you Diana and Grady for hosting us once again at your beautiful Event Venue. 
 

Get your RSVP in now and mark it on your calendar. 

Thank you for your continued support and work to always improve the skills, reputations and customer service in the Wedding Industry.

See you all soon!






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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Local Living Expo

Local Living Expo Featuring NuSkin, Radiant Touch Weddings, Shears To You OC, CABi, Motives, Luminary Esthetics, Curves Fitness, Pioneer Pizza, Hautemealz.com, Forest Edge Winery, Nylen Design, Amber Hempen Photography, Dancin Tunes Photo Booth & DJ Service, Blessings Nutrition and Organic Farming, Scentsy, Take Shape for Life, Soy Candles, 4 Star Horse Ranch and much more!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

NW Wed Pro to meet at The Aerie at Eagle Landing


 

Hello NW Wed Pro! 

Thank you for the great response to attend the NW Wed Pro Networking Event at The Aerie at Eagle Landing Wednesday, May 8, 2013. 

Below is a list of vendors that sent their RSVP in on time. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Registration opens at 6:00 pm (this gives you more time to check in then take a walk around the venue gardens and check out the amenities)

Buffet opens at 6:30 pm
Presentation at 7:00 pm
Networking 8:00 pm
Event ends 8:30 pm 

Registration: $10 Members  $20 Non-members  ($5 fee if you RSVP but are a no-show without advance notice at last meeting) 

Address: 10220 SE Causey Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086 

May 8, 2013 NWWP Network Meeting Roster

The Aerie at Eagle Landing – Angela Nedelisky + staff (host & catering)

Cookies, Cupcakes & more – Rick & Barb Nischalke (featured dessert vendor)

Dancin Tunes Photo Booth – Trevor West (featured vendor)

Total Market Exposure – Kurt (guest speaker)

Radiant Touch Weddings – Bev Mason & Destiny Fluharty (presenter & registration)


A Perfect Ceremony – Robert Griffen
AA Rentals – Kammy Payne
Adventure Weddings NW LLC – Noryne Robinson
Ainsworth House & Gardens – Nancy Shaw
Amanda’s Wedding Shoppe – Amanda Whitmore
Amber Hempen Photography – Amber Hempen
Ambient Sky Couture Imagery – Amanda Shama
Asparro Video – Jim & Jan Asparro
Bravo Wedding & Events – Alexa Hasman
Bridge City Parking – Corey Boehler
Bust A Move DJ Service – Frank Bratcher
Busy Bee Catering – Todd & Jan Ostrom
Chef du Jour – Eric Youel
Classic Vintage Rental – Tract Amos & Assistant
Dina Chmut Photography
Diva Matters Ministry – Dee Richardson
Dream Team Events – Chelsea Boehler
East Fork Country Estate – Grady & Diana Abernathy
Empress Estate – Zoe Saleem
Flowers by Diana – Diana Berky
Flowers For You – Kay Dietl
Heather Fitch Photography – Heather Fitch & business partner
High Fidelity Entertainment – Craig Brown
Knollcrest Gardens – Yvonne Knoll
Melissa Coe Ceremonies
Notes of Celebration – Linda Smith
NW Artist Management – Nancy Tice
Nylen Design – Chris & Cindy Nylen
Oxford Suites – Jackie Hogle
Paradise Photography Studio – Tania Allen
Photography by Ajay – Angela Oxenrider
Purple Iris Weddings & Events – Sue Corning
Rev. Maureen Haley
Rose City Mobile Music – Steve Strain
Scott & Nina Wedding Photography – Scott & Nina Roberts
Sophisticated Beads – Lea McWhorter
Tumwater Room – Natasha Burks
Upfront Band – Steve Burpee & Chris Bidleman

See you there! (if you did rsvp but do not see your name on the list, please notify me asap) 

Beverly Mason
 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

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

Attendance: 56 wedding professionals


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.


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.


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 18th 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


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 4th, 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 8th 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 12th at Oregon Golf Club

July 10th at Gray Gables Estate

August 13th currently open if you would like to host

September 11th at Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom

October 9th currently open if you would like to host

November 13th currently open if you would like to host

December 11th 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,

NW Wed Pro
NWWP Network
Facebook
www.TheRadiantTouch.com












Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Wedding Pro Networking at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe


Hello NW Wed Pro! 

Spring has SPRUNG! Such a beautiful weekend. We hope that you had a wonderful Easter. It has been fun following all of the Facebook posts about your weddings and networking events.

There is only ONE WEEK left until we meet again for NW Wed Pro Networking. RSVP now, cut-off to attend is Sunday, April 7th. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013





 

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (sign-in starts at 6:00 pm)

320 Oswego Pointe Dr., Lake Oswego, OR

 Featured Caterer:            Premiere Catering
Featured Dessert:           Seriouscake.com
Featured Vendor:            Scott & Nina Wedding Photography 

Guest Speaker:                 Luke Adams Consulting – “How To Network A Room” 

Join us for an evening of great food, small business education, networking and an opportunity to view this amazing venue along the Willamette River.
RSVP by email to attend.
$10 Members    $20 non-members (cash or check please) 

In other NEWS:

NW Wed Pro member East Fork Country Estate is reaching out to other Wed Pros to help them provide a complete wedding for a family that lost their home to fire last week while they were at the hospital having a baby.  The home can be seen from East Fork Country Estate. The couple is engaged but has not been able to afford a wedding and now they and their three children have lost EVERYTHING.
Burns & Olson Realtors are collecting donations, food, furniture and clothing for the family.
 
East Fork Country Estate has offered a complete wedding to the couple at their beautiful venue. Within a couple hours of posting the announcement on the NW Wed Pro Facebook page, vendor offers poured in. Until the wedding date is determined, Diana Abernathy is compiling a list of vendors that are willing to provide services for the wedding. So far we have received offers from photographers, DJ’s, officiants, planners, cake, catering, even a gown and veil.  We will also be accepting cash donations to help compensate for the food and materials. If you would like to contribute in some way, please contact Diana Abernathy at Diana@eastforkcountryestate.com . NW Wed Pro Association will be making a cash donation.

On March 23rd, NW Wed Pro member, The Tumwater Room, held a Wedding Open House. It was a beautiful day overlooking the Willamette Falls. The event also featured many Wed Pro members with vendor displays. Alimenti Catering, Dancin’ Tunes Photobooth, Radiant Touch Weddings, Sun Connections Travel, Bust A Move DJ Service, Photography by Ajay, Cookies, Cupcakes & More, JBlooms, Seriouscake.com, Asparro Video and Nylen Design & Events. Additional vendor displays by Elegant Chair Décor, Peak Light Photography, Affordable Engraving, To Your Door Spa & Salon and The Bomber Catering rounded out the event. Natasha and Darrell did an amazing job of hosting the Open House. 

April 18th, NW Wed Pro member, Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom will be hosting a Vendor Open House with Portland Catering Company. RSVP on the EVENT page. Food, beverages and fun for wedding and event industry professionals. 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Thurday) 

Upcoming Networking Meetings:

May 8, 2013

Featured Dessert:           Cookies, Cupcakes & More
Featured Vendor:            Dancin’ Tunes Photobooth 

June 12, 2013

Featured Catering:          Oregon Golf Club 

July 10, 2013

Featured Caterer:            Chef du Jour Catering

 

Last month we were at capacity for our networking event. Be sure to RSVP now to reserve your seat at next week’s meeting.
Below are the names that are on the list so far. If you don’t see your name but you plan to attend, you MUST rsvp now.

Bust A Move DJ Service

Camera Art

Cookies, Cupcakes & More

Dancin’ Tunes

Floral Sunshine

Lavina B

Luke Adams Consulting

Nylen Design & Events

Oxford Suites

Photography by Ajay

Premiere Catering

Radiant Touch Weddings

Scott & Nina Wedding Photography

Seriouscake.com

The Foundry at Oswego Pointe

To Your Door Spa & Salon

Tumwater Room

Have a great week! See you all soon.