Friday, July 25, 2014

NW Wedding Professionals Event

Hello NW Wed Pro!

It’s been a whirl-wind month, hasn’t it?? The weather has been fantastic for wedding weekends. I’m sure you are busy, busy, busy.
Even at the busiest of times, it’s important to continue making quality connections in the industry. This time of year there are always brides scrambling to find vendors that are available. Perhaps you have a date still open. NW Wed Pro’s refer to each other every day. The best way to be the first on someone’s referral list is by attending the NW Wed Pro Networking Events once a month so that your company is always fresh on their mind.
Be sure to invite vendors that you’ve met recently at weddings too!

Next Event:

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (check-in begins at 6:00 pm)
Knoll Crest Gardens Yvonne Knoll has created a garden paradise and a beautiful wedding venue. They are also the makers of Award Winning wines!
15505 SE TenEyck Rd.
Sandy, Oregon 97055

Catering presented by: Divine Catering Hannah Orloff and her staff will amaze you with their culinary skills.

Please join us for an evening of networking and fun. Great food and wine, a beautiful venue and the chance to connect with a lot of great wedding professionals. Invite a colleague to come along with you.

R.S.V.P. and put it on your calendar!

July Event Recap:
Sah-hah-lee Golf Course and & Event Pavilion hosted NW Wed Pro on July 9th in Clackamas Oregon. Along with a fantastic BBQ dinner, they had wine and cold beer to offer on that very warm evening. The Pavilion overlooks the golf course for the perfect setting for receptions, weddings and events.
Cookies, Cupcakes & More brought dessert for all to enjoy. There wasn’t a single crumb left over. Sooo good!
The entertainment from 6:00 – 7:00 pm was provided by Ubetcha Entertainment. Each guest received a $100 chip voucher to play at the tables. Roulette and Black Jack tables were a big hit! Ubetcha Entertainment provides everything you need for a casino experience.
Thank you Trevor West of Dancin Tunes for the educational presentation. Your introduction to the latest software and hardware products to keep our businesses organized was very helpful.

We had a lot of great prizes to give away that night. Here’s what people won and who donated the prize.

Gift Certificate from Sah-hah-lee Golf Course
Red Robin Gift Card from Cordial Events
Gift Basket from Ubetcha Entertainment
$20 cash from NWWP Network

Thank you everyone who came out in July. We look forward to seeing YOU and many others at the next meeting August 13th. RSVP now and get it on your schedule.




Beverly Mason
NW Wed Pro
NWWP Network
Facebook
www.TheRadiantTouch.com

Monday, March 31, 2014

Networking in the Northwest! Wedding & Event Professionals

Hello NW Wed Pro!

Spring has sprung…. Seems to have sprung a LEAK too. Rain Rain Rain go away! Thankfully March 22nd and 23rd were absolutely beautiful days for weddings.
How is your season shaping up? Are you starting to book 2015? Now is a great time to connect with other wedding professionals and build your network.
Join us next week for a fun night of networking, learning, great food and good times.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014
McLean House
6:30 – 8:30 PM (check-in opens at 6PM)
5350 River St., West Linn, OR
Featured Caterer: Two Chicks & A Rooster

RSVP NOW to attend. $10 Members $20 Non-members (cash or check)

Last month was a great networking event at The Tumwater Room in Oregon City. The venue hosted us with beautiful décor, linens, flowers, china and crystal PLUS catered a full dinner by Alimenti Catering. The view of the Willamette Falls and the setting sun was perfection. Thank you so much to Darrell and Natasha for a wonderful Networking Event. The educational topic was “12 Steps to Maximizing Your Online Presence”. Referral Dollars were also handed out to people who referred other members during the month and a $20 Door Prize was won.
Thank you JaLove Designs for featuring your yummy cupcakes and desserts. Thank you Stacey of Flowers & Stuff for the lovely floral arrangement on the buffet table.
Even with 5 “day-of” cancellations due to illness, we had a great turnout with 29 wedding professionals.

Thank you everyone for making NW Wed Pro what it is. This Network just keeps growing and growing. The collaborations and partnerships that have formed from attending the monthly meetings are just amazing. YOU are what makes this group a success.

Here is a list of upcoming meetings and events. Mark your calendars.

April 9, 2014 McLean House Catered by: Two Chicks & A Rooster Topic: Speed Networking
May 14, 2014 Cedarville Lodge Catered by: Always Perfect Catering Guest Speaker: Jamie Teasdale of Propel BusinessWorks
June 11, 2014 Bell Tower Chapel Catered by: Busy Bee Catering
July 9, 2014 Sah-Hah-Lee Golf Catered by: Sah-Hah-Lee / Dessert by: Cookies, Cupcakes & More Presenter: Trevor West
August 13, 2014 KnollCrest Gardens Catering by: Divine Catering
September 10, 2014 Weddings On The Hill Catering by: _________ / Dessert by: Cookies, Cupcakes & More
October 8, 2014 East Fork Country Est. Catered by: Chef du Jour
November 12, 2014 Highcliffe Ballroom Catered by: Highcliffe Pub & Eatery
December 10, 2014 The Tumwater Room Catered by: Alimenti Catering & NW Wed Pro catering companies Holiday Party

If you are participating in any upcoming events (shows, open house, etc.) email the info to me. It will be posted to the NW Wed Pro Fairs & Events page.

Do you know of a good guest speaker that would be interested in speaking at an upcoming meeting? Please give me your suggestions. Is there a topic that you would like to be covered?
Are you interested in having one of our meetings be another workshop where we bring our laptops and help each other go through the steps of online pages such as Pinterest, Facebook, Google+ and linking? We could break into groups and have a table for each topic and be facilitated by a teacher. It would need to be a venue that has Wifi.

NW Wed Pro Members are also listed in the vendor directories at www.NWwedPro.com Take a look at your listing and verify that it is correct. If you have a logo that you would like added, please send it to me. The site has received over 200 visitors in just the last 7 days!

Don’t forget to RSVP NOW for next week!

Have a great day,

Beverly Mason
NW Wed Pro
NWWP Network
Facebook
www.TheRadiantTouch.com

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Couple's dream comes true 6 months after house fire. Dream Wedding Donated

Couple's dream comes true months after house fire: (Click to watch Fox 12 News Segment Video)

"They experienced the unthinkable just days after the birth of their daughter. This weekend, a local couple's dream will come true. In late March, flames destroyed the Damascus-area home of Marc Petrucelli and his fiance Karen Yeager. It happened on the same day they were supposed to bring their new baby daughter home from the hospital." (fox 12 news)

A Neighboring Wedding Venue, East Fork Country Estate, could actually see the fire. After watching the Fox 12 News report and learning that the couple was engaged, the owners decided to offer the venue to them, free of charge for a wedding. Realizing weddings can still be expensive, even with the venue being free, the owners reached out to NW Wed Pro Networking Association for help.

Founder, Beverly Mason, set it in motion and word went out fast by email and Facebook. Within  a few hours there were enough offers from vendors willing to donate services to make it happen. Coordination and Planning was headed up by Dream Team Events owner, Chelsea Boehler. She quickly  contacted the couple and presented the offered wedding. They were overwhelmed to say the least!
Every single aspect of the wedding was donated by wedding professionals and local companies. Throughout the 6 month planning process, it was referred to as "The Dream Wedding", and that is exactly what it was.

It all came together, beginning with a Friday evening rehearsal. News channel FOX 12 was on scene to cover it for a follow up story. Interviews and video footage took place while they rehearsed. The rain held off until just after completion.

The weekend forecast was not looking promising. The morning brought rain with occasional breaks; enough to get all of the pre-ceremony photography finished. As the ceremony start time grew near it began to rain again. Not to worry, all of the guests were seated under a tent and the wedding party would be able to stand inside the gazebo.
Then as if on cue, five minutes before the ceremony time, the rain stopped and the sun broke through the clouds. Karen (the bride) arrived to the aisle in a horse drawn carriage with her father. It was a beautiful ceremony and a magical moment for Karen & Marc as they exchanged vows. Their 2 young boys joined them in the gazebo for a Family Unity Sand ceremony just before they were pronounced Husband & Wife. Marc & Karen made their way back up the aisle to the awaiting carriage; hanging from the back of the carriage was a printed sign, "Just Married". They rode off together for more fantastic photos and video, at this point there were blue skies above.

Returning to the gazebo to sign the marriage certificate, Marc & Karen then made their way up to the balcony to be introduced by the DJ to their friends and family waiting below. The celebration continued on into the night with great food, dancing, photo booth and fun.

Congratulations to the Petrucelli Family and we wish you lots of love and happiness for many years to come.

We would like to thank the following Wedding Professional Vendors and Companies:

East Fork Country Estate - Grady & Diana Abernathy - Entire venue for rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding day.  Donation of horse and carriage entrance by Special T Carriages.  Donation of beer and wine for bar.  Donation of service staff and bartender.  On-site venue management.

Dream Team Events - Chelsea Boehler - 6 months full planning and coordination.  Two coordinators for rehearsal and wedding day.  Babysitting services for couple's baby.  Gift of sand ceremony keepsake personalized vase.  Use of guest book, unity and dessert table accessories.  RSVP management.

Chef du Jour Catering - Eric Youel -
Full menu planning, prep and catering services for appetizer station and full dinner buffet.  Service staff.
High Fidelity Entertainment - Craig Brown - DJ services for ceremony and reception, photo booth for reception.

Beyond The Eye - high definition full TV scale video production; arranged by Golden Era Photo.

Golden Era Photo - Donation of video crew for wedding day.  Full on-site production in collaboration with Beyond the Eye DV, high definition full TV scale video production.  90-minute edited keepsake video for the couple.

Peak Light Studio - Christopher Barth - Full on site photography coverage of wedding day.

HF Photography - Heather Fitch - Second shooting photography with Peak Light Studio for wedding day.

Barclay Event Rentals - Specialty linen, napkins and chargers.

Sophisticated Floral Design - Lora Losinger - Bridal bouquets, toss bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, tossing petals, table centerpieces, guest book and bar arrangements.

Adorned in Grace - Bridal dress, underclothing, purse, garment bag.

Radiant Touch Weddings - Beverly Mason - Officiant services for rehearsal and wedding day.

Cookies, Cupcakes and More - Barb & Rick Nischalke - Cupcake tower with regular and mini-sized cupcakes, cutting size wedding cake.  Design collaboration with Nylen Events & Design.

Nylen Design and Events - Chris & Cindy Nylen - Candy buffet and design.  Design collaboration with Cookies, Cupcakes & More.

Bridge City Parking - Herb Eash - Parking assistance and direction.  RSVP management on site.

Portland Catering Company - Wine for the bar.

4th Street Brewing Co - Raylene Ramos - Bartender; donated by East Fork Country Estate.

Hair and Makeup by Kerisa - Make up services for bride and matron of honor.  Hair services for the bridal party.  MUA Kerisa Martin. Blossom & Beauty.

Special T Carriage Company - T. Ritchey - Horse and carriage entrance; donated by East Fork Country Estate.

Crave Designs - Lisa - Custom made invitations and response cards.

Cloud 9 Events and Accessories - Custom handmade bridal accessories:  bridal hair comb, maid of honor and flower girl hair pieces, baby headband, keepsake ring box, toss garter and keepsake garter, 2 flower girl baskets.

Sysco Portland - Donation of food items for Chef du Jour.

NW Wed Pro - Networking Association - $300 donation.   Money was used to purchase:  marriage license, ring re-sizing/fitting, dresses dry cleaning, photo mat for gift photo frame, decor items (dessert buffet/floral), wine for bar.

Each of you did a fantastic job and your contribution was greatly appreciated by the couple and also the owners of East Fork Country Estate.
Chelsea Boehler of Dream Team Events was invaluable to the success of this event. She worked on this for the past 6 months, gathering vendors, donations, picking up dresses, meeting with the couple and also with vendors, handling all of the guest rsvp's personally, purchasing the Unity Sand Vase and having it personalized with Marc & Karen's names and wedding date, purchasing additional items needed, setting up, tearing down, and following through. Chelsea is truly an amazing Planner & Coordinator.

Northwest Wedding Professionals are some of the most giving people! They always come together to help others and each other when needed. This wedding wasn't a contest or a promotion with advertising and promotional advantages for the vendors, it was just done out of the goodness of the heart. Thank you ALL, and Bless each and every one of you.

It will be some time before we see the final photos and video, but there have been a few "sneak peaks" posted already on Facebook pages. Take a look at HF Photography Facebook, Peak Light Studio Facebook and NW Wed Pro Facebook for the latest.


















Friday, September 13, 2013

Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom networking Event


Hello NW Wed Pro! 

We had a fun networking event at the Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom in Oregon City on Wednesday night. Thank you to everyone for coming out and seeing this beautiful wedding and event venue.

The air conditioning was greatly appreciated on that hot evening. Check out their price package Specials! Entire venue rented for as little as $900.00.

A special thank you to Portland Catering Company for the delicious buffet, desserts and wine!!

We appreciated the hard work of Katie & Chelsea in making it look so beautiful. Both work as coordinators at Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom in addition to running their individual businesses, Dream Team Events (Chelsea Boehler) and Portland Event & Designs (Katie Gutierrez).

The meeting portion of the evening was dedicated to getting input and feedback from attendees about association format, holiday party, bridal shows and more. 

Cindy & Chris Nylen told us about their upcoming event. It’s FREE! Non-perishable Food donations will benefit a local charity. Open to the public and families. Please RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/639332622757961/ 

Jazz Night... On the Hill
Friday Sept. 27, 2013  6:30 - 10:00 pm
Live performances by Tom Grant and Shelly Rudolph
hosted by Weddings on the Hill in West Linn
presented by Nylen Design & Events

The NW Wed Pro Holiday Party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Hosted by The Tumwater Room in Oregon City.
The event will be FREE to members and only $20 to non-members but ALL will contribute to the event with either a service, product or Door Prize item.

Please Welcome our newest member to NW Wed Pro! After attending his first meeting this week, Jacques Neher of VIRAL BOOTH has become an official 2013 NW Wed Pro Member. Jacques is full of knowledge and insight and ready to contribute to this network group.

Please mark your calendar for our next networking event.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013 6:30 – 8:30 pm (check-in opens at 6:00 pm)


77 NE 4th Street
Gresham, Oregon 97030

Featured Vendor: Viral Booth
Contact me if you wish to be a featured vendor at upcoming meetings and events.
Happy Friday the 13th today. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely, 
 
 
 
 

Beverly Mason
NW Wed Pro
NWWP Network
Facebook
www.TheRadiantTouch.com

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

NW Wed Pro Networking Event in Oregon City


Hello NW Wed Pro!

I’m not sure where it went, but August came and went before I knew it! September is here and the wedding business is still going strong. It is also the time when most couples get serious about finding their vendors for Summer 2014 Weddings.

August was a fabulous month for so many NW Wedding professionals. We have seen great partnerships formed between Venues and Photographers, Planners and Rental Companies, Caterers and Dessert makers, Photographers and Videographers, and much more. THAT is what being a NW Wed Pro member is all about.  Working together, helping each other and building our businesses. Great Job Everyone!
You won’t want to miss next week’s NW Wed Pro networking Event. R.S.V.P. Now!

 Wednesday, September 11, 2013

6:30 – 8:30 PM (registration opens at 6:00 pm)

610 McLoughlin Blvd.
Oregon City, OR. 97045 (enter parking lot from Main Street. 3rd floor of the Elks Lodge Building)
We will have a great evening of networking and an opportunity for viewing all of the different ballrooms, stages and bridal suite that PCGB offers to couples.

Featured Caterer will be Portland Catering Company. Portland’s Premier Professional Catering Service.

We look forward to seeing you there.
Members $10  non-members $20 (First time visitors to a NW Wed Pro meeting $10)

 Announcements:

September 21, 2013    Dream Wedding
This is the complete Dream Wedding being donated to a deserving family. Hosted by East Fork Country Estate, Planning and Coordination by Dream Team Events. Many NW Wed Pro’s have stepped up and donated their services for this wedding. It is going to be amazing!

September 27, 2013   Jazz Night…. On the hill
                                                Presented by Nylen Design & Events at “Weddings on the Hill” in West Linn. Join at https://www.facebook.com/events/639332622757961/

October 9, 2013         NW Wed Pro
                                                4th Street Brewing Company will host the NW Wed Pro Networking Event. Join us for a fun night in Gresham to check out this great venue for rehearsal dinners and parties. 77 NE 4th Street. Gresham, Oregon 97030
 

Thank you for making NW Wed Pro the preferred networking association for wedding professionals. We look forward to seeing you, getting to know you and hearing about your business.

Sincerely, 






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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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