We Moved!!!

So super stinking excited to announce that we have MOVED!

We now have an office in downtown Beaverton with a small event center connected to it. Our office is located inside fUSe Studios PDX. fUSe Studios PDX is a small event space that is available to book for Meetings, Trainings, Classes, Parties & Events.  The lobby is also available for creative individuals or small business owners for 1-1 meetings or just to have a quiet place outside your house to work.

The event studio side can hold up to 40 people at tables and chairs or 60 as a standing reception.

We are super excited to be a part of this and hope it helps bring lots of benefit to other small businesses in the Beaverton area. 

So you can now find us at 3841 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005

If you are interested in seeing the space for your business meeting, to utilize the lobby to meet clients or just to come check out our new digs let us know. We would be happy to show you around. 

 

Thanks for reading

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

3841 SW Hall Blvd

503-830-7779

 

Simple Guidance For You In Your Wedding Budget

Now that you have announced your engagement here are some of our favorite tips to creating & sticking to your wedding budget!

1. Use a spreadsheet - If you are working with a wedding planner they can help you with this to stay on track. If you aren't working with someone, schedule a consultation with us to learn more about creating a live working spreadsheet.

2. Guest List! - BEFORE you start looking at venues and other wedding professionals make sure you have set your budget and created your guest list. Finding and falling in love with a venue that is out or your budget is never fun. Additionally, your guest list can always be shrank down to help with your budget.

3. Dual Use Items - There are a lot of items you can use to decorate your ceremony with that can be brought over to your reception. Like candles & flowers, the flowers hanging below were moved over to centerpieces.

Photo by Alan Weiner Photography

4. Dessert - We see a LOT of leftover cake & other desserts. It is ok to get desserts for only 70-75% of your total attendees. Not everyone stays long enough to partake and not everyone wants to eat dessert (or cake so try something different). When working with your bakery come up with something interactive or true to your personalities.

Photo by Christa Taylor Photography

5. Do not let other people tell you what you "have" to have at your wedding.  Pick 2 things that are the most important to you and splurge on those.  Then pick 2 things that are NOT important to you.  Stick to your list.

6. Favors - Trust me when I say something edible or consumable is best. Your guests LOVE something they can eat or use. Some of the best favors we have seen were Jam, Cookies, Chocolates, Candles. Try to stay away from things that are engraved as many times your guests will not want just 1 or 2 items that are engraved. Additionally they are not always wanting things that have someone else name and anniversary on it that does not match their current items. Below is a picture of chapstick from a past clients wedding.

Photo by Paul Rich Studio

Thank you so much for reading. We hope this helps in giving you some simple tips to creating a budget for your wedding. Wedding Planning is not something you do every day so our best tip is to work with a professional wedding planner who knows, not just the industry, but also your local professionals. They can help make your day run flawlessly. 

To see additional pictures of our work check out our portfolios on our main website.

Happy Wedding Planning

Lisa Marie & Team

Events by Lisa Marie

Portland Oregon Wedding Planning

Info@eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

 

A Very Special Surprise Engagement

Back in April my Aunt contacted me to ask if it was ok to give my phone number to my cousin's boyfriend.  Of course the very first thing I asked and replied with was "Yes, is he planning to propose?" I was elated to hear that he indeed was planning something, however the planning was a bit tricky.

You see, Holli lives here in Oregon, Vincent lives in India. So not only did we have to deal with a time change but we had to come up with ideas and schemes so that Holli would not become suspicious when she was unable to get in touch with him for an entire day.

Vincent and Holli met while attending Hillsong in Australia, They became friends and he finally got the courage to ask her out. Close to a year later on what would be their 1 year anniversary of dating he wanted to give her the biggest surprise ever!

This surprise was not only being in the same country as her on their anniversary but proposing on their anniversary.  So Vincent and I got to work with early morning and late night conversations, plans, ideas, decor and most importantly making sure it was everything she would dream it to be.

To get Holli to the proposal spot I used my family to have a "family picnic" in the park. Luckily my birthday wasn't to far before the engagement but I was in Washington DC for it, so I used an excuse that I wanted to have a family BBQ at the Park to celebrate.  Our cousin Kristen drove Holli to the park and we came up with a great excuse for her to "kick Holli out". She sent Holli on her way down a road where Vincent was waiting for her with purple roses. The closer she got to him the more excited she got. She thought he was in a remote area of India, which was "why" she wasn't able to talk to him for a few days. So she didn't really believe it was him at first. Once she realized it was him she screamed and went running.  Probably one of the sweetest moments was we had her parents hidden so that they could see that moment.  However, Holli is such a sweet person that she didn't even suspect anything other than he was there to celebrate their anniversary.

Vincent walked her back down a trail at the park to a table we had set up with her favorite foods, Mexican. :)  Special thanks to Divine Catering for working with us to set it all up.

One of my favorite parts was watching her drop the book he made her as an anniversary gift and dive at him.  

 

Thank you so much to Leahana from Leahana Byrd Photography for capturing this special moment. Read about it on her blog here.

After the proposal was finished and I was able to come out of hiding we had more surprises in store for Holli.  A real family dinner which included her parents, some cousins & Vincents brother who flew out with him for the proposal. 

While we love everything about what we do, getting to be a part of so many couples special days is amazing and when it is someone we love as much as we do its even better!

Thank you Vincent for allowing me to assist in making your dream come true & allowing me to be a part of your special day!  Thank you Holli for allowing me to take you out for an unsuspecting manicure to get your nails done! 

Lots of Love! Looking forward to January!

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

Saving Money

When we work with our clients one of the largest stressers to planning their event is money.  How much will it cost, Why does that cost so much, How can we save money, Where can we get discounts?  All of these questions are ones we get all the time.  While it is important for us to help our clients save money it is also important to remember that each and every person you are working with is also trying to make a living.  So there is a fine line with asking them to drastically slash their pricing and getting a discount/deal.

Here are a few things to think about.  If you are planning a wedding be honest with the people you are hiring.  Not ever vendor adds extra money just because it is a wedding.  YES, they may charge more than they would for a party but that is because a Wedding usually takes more time and energy.  More time = More costs. Planning a party for 100 take way less time and energy than planning a wedding for 100.  But here are a few things you can do to help save for those costs.

1. Meal Plan - Yes it is true, if you plan out your meals less food will go to waste, you will know what is for lunch/dinner therefore will not have the "I don't know what to make lets just eat out" feeling and you can find ways to incorporate leftovers into your meal prep.  This in the long run can save you lots of money.

2. Eat out less/Eat out Smarter - Try to eat our only 1-2 times a month or less.  And when you do watch what you are eating.  Not only can you save money doing this but you can also save calories.  Instead of ordering a drink, order water.  Instead of paying to add cheese have it without.  Less calories and some places it costs as much as $1.75 to add cheese.  Now you may say that $1.75 isn't much but that can add up over a year to being as much as $26

3. Shop Thrifty - Shopping at Thrift Store and Goodwill can really save you a lot of money if you are willing to shop.  Many times just like you and me, People will donate items that have never been worn or used because they buy them and either get home and don't like it or it doesn't fit or they forget about it.  Then they donate it.  By being patient and shopping around sometimes you can find items brand new.

4. Swap Nights - If you and your girlfriends are all shopping gals have a swap night.  Everyone brings 5-7 items that they no longer wear and you swap with your friends.  :)  Remember that shirt your friend has that you love? Maybe its no longer their favorite and now you have a new to you item in your closet.

5. Coupons - Yes they can be time consuming but hey who doesn't love saving money on your food or day to day items.  Many stores now allow you to register your card on their app and download coupons directly so that you do not even have to "clip" them out of the paper.

6. Saving Jar - Make a saving jar, add a card or tag to the front of it that has your goal and what the money will be used for.  Then any time you have coins put them in there.  It may not add up fast but over time it will be a great addition to your savings.  Other ways to do this.  Each time you turn down something you don't need, lets say an extra coffee or drink at Happy Hour after work, put the amount saved into your jar.  So if your coffee costs you $4.50 and you turn down buying one add $4.50 to your jar.  You will be amazed at how fast cutting simple things out will add up.  Now I don't mean to say give it up completely but find other outlets.  If you are tired or stressed and want a second cup try grabbing a bottle of water or going for a brisk walk instead.

7. SAVE - Yes it is just that simple.  Try a saving experiment.  Start the month of February by going to the bank and getting out $28.  Now put that in a safe place at home and don't touch it.  Then do the same in March, get $31 out and put it with your $28 from February.  Continue this for the rest of the year.  $1 per day for each day of the month.  Do this at the beginning of the month with your FIRST paycheck for that month.  Once you have 3-4 months take it BACK to the bank and put it in a separate savings account that you won't touch.  Continue adding to it each month at the first of the month.  By the end of the year you will be amazed at how much is there. You may not earn much in interest but you will have $1 for every day of the year.  Keep doing this for another year and before long you will have a very nice little savings account that can be used for wedding items, a trip, the honeymoon, something for your house or even an anniversary trip.  Want to take it one step farther? try adding an extra $5 each month to what you are already adding.  So Feb - $28, March $36, April (add $10) $40, May (Add $15) $46 and so on.  By doing this you will find that by the end of the year you can save as much as $600.

Thanks for reading our blog.  We know this was along one but hope you found some useful tips in it.  Feel free to share your money saving tips with us as well.

Lisa Marie

Owner/Senior Wedding-Event Specialist

Events by Lisa Marie

info@EventsByLisaMarie.com

www.EventsByLisaMarie.com

Ready for more Sunshine?

It is that time of year again.  Time for Daylight Savings Time. 

So that means that on Sunday at 2AM it is time to "Spring Forward" Which means that YES you lose an hour of sleep.  So here are some tips to remember.

1. Your computer and Smart Phone will automatically Adjust
2. You should adjust your clocks in your house BEFORE going to bed on Saturday night.
3. Don't forget about the clocks in your car. 
4. If you have events to attend on Sunday double check the time. :)

And remember that just because you are losing an hour of sleep you are gaining a little more light in the day. 

 

Lisa Marie, Meranda, Summer & Cortney

Events by Lisa Marie

503-830-7779

Hip, Fun, Sassy and Stylish Wedding and Event Planning

Charlotte's Weddings and More Annual Open House

Engaged? Guess What!  Wednesday is Charlotte's Weddings and More Annual Open House. 


Here are the details you want to know
When?                                         Wednesday March 6th, 2013
What Time?                                 Doors open at 5 pm and close at 8 pm
Where?                                        Charlotte's 8925 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR.

Who will I meet?                         US, Events by Lisa Marie along with other fabulous Wedding Professionals ranging from music to catering, photo to makeup and more.

The first 50 brides will also receive a gift bag full of goodies and discounts.

And ever 15 minutes there will be drawing for great prizes offered by all the the amazing wedding professionals.  Events by Lisa Marie is raffling off 25% off any of our packages.  (must be present to win)

How do I get on the list?       Go to Charlotte's webpage and register.  

Did I forget to mention that Charlotte's is giving away a Gift Certificate for $1,000 towards a NEW DRESS?  Who wouldn't love that?

*Guests who win giveaways from our preferred vendors must be present in order
to claim their prize. The guest who wins the $1,000 Gift Certificate does
not need to be present in order to receive her gift. See sales associate for
further details.

So Make sure you head over to their website to get registered and if you happen to stop by out table, tell us you read about the event on our blog we will be giving away some special gifts. :) 

The Wedding Experience

Ever wonder what you are really paying for when you hire someone for your wedding?  Wondering if hiring a Wedding Planner is really a good deal? Is it worth your money? What do they REALLY do during your wedding and how can they make things easier and more enjoyable for you and your guests?

Well come and see for yourself.  Here is your chance to come and get a "behind the scene's glimpse" of what we do during your day.  The Wedding Experience is a mock wedding.  You can see how all the different wedding professional work together with one another to make your wedding vision a reality.  As a wedding planner you get a chance to see how we coordinate everything the day of your wedding and keep things running smoothly.

This is NOT a bridal show.  It is a Mock Wedding.  Real, local professionals coming together to show you exactly what each of us does throughout the evening of your wedding.

Want a chance to win a night at The Benson Hotel?  Purchase your tickets soon and you will be entered in the drawing for the overnight stay.  The Wedding Experience Event is taking place on October 27, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  You will get a chance to see 5 different scenes of a wedding, eat great food, get a chance to dance the night away and possibly win the overnight stay.

Want a chance to win a fee ticket from us (ps a ticket is for 2 people)? Comment on this posting and we will draw one a ticket on Monday 10/22.  Send your friends over to comment as well and you may get an extra drawing for a free set. :)  (just make sure when they comment that you tell them to let us know you sent them)

Did you know you can also follow The Wedding Experience on Facebook? Head over and Like the page for additional information and tickets.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Lisa Marie, Meranda, Jessica and Madison

Events by Lisa Marie

503-830-7779

Hip, Fun, Sassy and Stylish Wedding and Event Planning

Saving for the Future

OK, lets face it, weddings can be expensive! However, there are lots of ways you can save for the wedding and lots of things you can do to help with the cost.

First step is to remember that it is your wedding and you should pick a theme, style or look that really represents the two of you.  There are a million images of amazing weddings out there and lots of things to fall in love with.  Many of which can make you over spend.  Make sure you take a step back and think if it is really something you WANT or just something you think is pretty.

Below are a few things you can do to save some extra money for your wedding, honeymoon or first house.  (or whatever you want to use it for)

1. When you use cash, drop all your change into a jar. If you spend $7.65 at lunch, leave a $2 tip and pay with a $20 bill you have $10.35 left.  Put the $10 back in your wallet and drop the $.35 in the jar.  Do this for a full month and see how much money you spend.

2. Eat out one less time a week.  Either lunch or dinner.  If it is lunch make a little extra dinner the night before so that you have some leftovers.  This can save you on average $7 a week.  If you typically eat out 3 or 4 times a week for lunch you can save yourself about $20 a month.

3. Drink more water.  It is free.  If you go for an afternoon coffee or pop or even just order a drink like Ice Tea or Lemonade with your meals you can save anywhere from $2-6 per drink.  Imagine if you went for 10 lunches a month and didn't order a drink and instead just ordered water you could save on the low end $20 a month.

4. Evaluate how you spend money at the grocery store. Use coupons! Even if it is just for one or two items.  The money you can save is amazing.  There are a lot of programs you can use to help like coupons.com.  Additionally, check into the stores you shop at the most for their rewards cards.  Safeway has a mobile App and Fred Meyer has a rewards card where you can add manufacture coupons to your card and do not have to clip them.  This saves you extra time in trying to remember to take them with you.

5. Use CASH! I know this may sound funny but set up a budget for all your non essential monthly expenses.  put together 4 envelopes and if your budget is $400 for the month put five (5) $20 bills in each envelope.  At the end of the week whatever is left put in the money jar! Don't roll it to the next month and Don't steal for the next month.  If you run out on Thursday make due.  Eat at home, don't buy that Starbucks, Dutch Brothers or other coffee drink.  Remember the above post about water? :) 

6. Walk!!  It is amazing how much time we spend driving around.  Walk to lunch if there is a place close by, walk to the store or instead of driving somewhere like a movie theater go for a walk with your sweetheart. It will save you some time, money and gives you a workout. :)

7. Errands - Stop on the way home from work to pick up groceries and plan out your day so that you can run all your errands at the same time.  Instead of doing 1 day try to schedule a full day on the weekend and get them all done at once.

Most importantly really look at what you are buying.  Do you NEED that item?  Can you pay for it out of your monthly budget or will it take 2 or 3?  Money doesn't grow on trees so it is good to sleep on bigger purchases.  If a day or two later you still want it and can afford it without hurting your budget then go for it.  :)

Need additional help creating a budget for your wedding?  Schedule a consultation with us and we can go over some tips and tricks.  There are lots of ways out there to save your budget during your wedding planning process as well as ways to save money and get a few more of the items you would like.  So lets chat. :)  

Life is about enjoying but not about going into debt.  So enjoy the beauty in life.

Lisa Marie

Eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Find us on Facebook and Twitter 

Portland Oregon Event and Wedding Planner. 

Emergency Wedding Kits

Every couple wants a perfect day.  Well there are times when a few things may need to be fixed, altered or worked on.  Because of this even couple who do not hire a coordinator should be prepared.  This means having an emergency wedding kit on hand.  The good news is you can put this together months in advance and have it on hand and ready to go, or you can buy them at The Wedding Cottage

When putting your kit together we recommend getting an inexpensive tub or tote with a locking top and handle to carry it.

The Basic Kit
2 - bottles of water                        2 - protein/granola bars             1 - package of almonds
1 - bottle pain reliever                   1 - basic first aide kit
1- bottle unscented lotion              1- toothbrush/ toothpaste          1 - bottle mouthwash
1 - package bobby pins                  1 - package of hair ties             1 - bottle hair spray 
1 - package safety pins                  1- travel sized sewing kit
1- package of kleenex                    1 - tide stick                              1- lint roller

This has most of the items you will need to get you thru your day.  Below is what we have and some pictures of how we pack out kits.

First we have very extensive kits because as we set up and manage your day there are a lot of little things that may happen and need to be taken care of.  So over the last 5 years our kits have continued to grow.

First is what we call our Bathroom Kit and below is a picture of it and what all is included.

First it comes in an easy to carry box with a handle.  Inside you will find.

3- tampons
2- pads
6- wisps (disposable toothbrushes)
1- package of cough drops
1- package Chloraseptic throat lozenges
1- bottle Aleve
1- bottle of Tylenol (we keep both since some people can't have one or the other)
1- bottle unscented lotion
1- Dove Powder Deodorant
1- package oil blotters
1- package kleenex
1- package puff pads
1 - package of each black & tan hair ties  
1 - dental floss                                                                       1 - bottle hand sanitizer
1 - package bobby pins                                                          1- tub of toothpaste
1 - tub of clear gloss                                                               1 - bottle of Visine
1 - bottle of baby powder                                                       1 - package of Tums
1 - 3 different sized mirrors                                                   1 - eyeshadow applicators
1 - bottle of hair spray                                                            1 - Manicure set
1 - travel shampoo & Conditioner                                          1 - razor & shave cream

Keep in mind this is still only a selection of what all in in there.   We also add things that you will need just for your wedding like finger nail polish in the color you are wearing.

Next we have our Sewing Kits.

This kit is the most used and has lots of items in it.  The picture is missing a few items but here is a list of what we bring.
1 - full travel sewing kits with 20 different colors of thread, sissors, needles, pins, and more
1 - hot glue gun and glue sticks
1 - bottle of gold safety pins (2 different sizes)
1 - bottle of silver safety pins (2 different sizes)
1 - package Deodorant Removing Sponges
1 - package of fabric glues
1 - package of Body Tape (to stick your dress to you)
1- package of fashion tape (for your dress)
1 - Lint Roller
1 - bottle of boutonniere pins
1 - package of Kleenex
1 - Tide Stick
1- package Shout Wipes

Then there is our extras tub.  This tub has all sorts of extras that are often needed for set up, getting ready and during the reception.

1 - package of straws for the bride
1 - package Wet Ones
1 - package Lysol Wipes
1 - package of clear 3M hooks to hang things with
1 - pair of sissors
1 - tin of altoids
1 - package of first aide gloves
1 - first aide kit
10 - packets of Spark (sugar free energy drink)
3 - packets of peanuts
4 - granola bars
3 - lighters
3 - pens
1 - picture hanging set
1 - roll of fishing line
1- roll of regular and double sided tape
1 - roll of scrapbook tape
                                                           
1 - package sharpies                                                                1 - package dry erase markers
10 - table stands                                                                      1 - staple gun
1 - package of chalk                                                                3 - nice pens
1 - hammer                                                                              10 - nails
1 - multi use screwdriver                                                         10 - screws
1 - wire cutter

You may notice that there are some things we have in there twice.  There are a few things we keep lots of and therefore add them to different tubs in the kit.

 Lastly we always keep things in our kit that will help with entertaining the younger crowd during the reception. We always keep a minimum of 10 coloring kits.  These kits include a small coloring book, stickers and a small packet of crayons.  We have found that often times after dinner the younger kids need something to keep them busy.  This gives them something to sit and do so that their parents can relax and have a little bit of fun as well.  This is something that is always in our kits so it is just an added bonus to our client.

We believe that anything we can do to make your day a more pleasant one we will.  That includes making sure your guests are enjoying themselves no matter what age they are.



So you may be asking what we bring all this in?  Well here is a picture of the kit we use.  It has wheels so it is easy to roll.  We also have different compartments for different things so that each of our coordinators knows where things are and it is easy to get to them. 

Please note that we will add things that relate directly to your wedding to each kit.  So this may be adding some ribbon in your wedding color, bug spray or sun screen.  We may also bring an extra supply of candles and votives if we feel they may be needed and all of this can still fit in these kits.

So join us and become part of the Events by Lisa Marie family as a bride and groom.  Let us make sure your special day is a fantastic one.  Our wedding planners and specialists have experience making indoor or outdoor, large or small weddings a smashing success.

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

503-830-7779

Boutonniere - Left or Right?

Did you know almost everything that is part of a wedding comes from a tradition? It can be a family tradition, one that the bride and groom started or something that has been done for years.

I remember my mom telling me years ago as I got ready for Prom the history behind why flowers were wore.  Well the tradition behind the Boutonniere started many years ago.  When (and this may be a little unpleasant) indoor plumbing was not prevalent and body odors were more noticeable.

The Boutonniere, as with the Corsage, were worn to formal occasions (dinners, weddings, dances) so that as a couple was dancing close the floral scent would mask any unwanted odors.  The Boutonniere has a specific place it should be worn.  This is part of the tradition of wearing it so take note. :)

1. The Boutonniere should always be worn on the left side.

2. If a jacket is being worn it is to be worn on the Lapel - Not one the pocket, by the pocket or above. (and please not in the pocket)

3. The Boutonniere, while traditionally worn thru the buttonhole so that the flowers could sit in a mini water tube and stay fresh, is no longer worn this way. It should be pinned on straight on the Lapel.

4. Pinning it on - We prefer to pin in a vertical manner from the back of the Lapel.  Others prefer to pin it vertically between the Lapel and the Boutonniere. Some pin horizontally thru the back of the Lapel. Always pin from the the back of the Lapel so that the pins are not seen. 

5. If no jacket is being worn the Boutonniere still goes on the left side on the vest. If no vest you will want to make sure your Boutonniere is not large but instead something smaller so that it does not pull on your shirt.

 Some traditions are meant to be broken, this one however should not.

PS always ask someone else to help pin on the Boutonnieres if your florist is not available.  This is one task a coordinator can and will do for you.  It should be done right and straight. It is hard to do this if you are pinning it on yourself. :) 

Lisa Marie
Events by Lisa Marie

Professional Wedding Coordinators

Portland Oregon

503-830-7779

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

Bridal Boot Camp

The Wedding will be here SOON!!  :)

So you are a bride, bridesmaid, groom, groomsmen and you just realized that you ate a few too many goodies during the holiday's?  Well there is no reason to worry about looking your best because registration is open for Bridal Boot Camp.  Bridal Boot Camp is here to help you lose weight or tone up to look your best. 

So here is it.  Sign up to come and workout with a Certified Personal Trainer in a fabulous gym.  Classes will be a bit of everything from cardio workouts to muscle toning.   Register as a VIP client and receive the added bonus of 15, 30 and 60 minute easy to follow at home workouts and meal planning from a Registered Dietician. 

You want to be as healthy as possible for the wedding and that includes having enough energy to go all day and dance all night.  So start your training now. 

Each session is scheduled for 6 classes. 
1 hr per day from 10:30-11:30
Session one starts on March 24th
$20 per class ($120 per session) to train with a Certified Personal Trainer

We will contact you after we receive your registration to schedule a time to meet up and see what your goals are.  We will work with those goals to help you feel and look your best for the wedding. 

Ask us about how to get your entire session for free at the goal setting appointment. 

It is not about PLANNING you wedding, it is about planning FOR you wedding.  Please note we will not talk about your wedding as this is a time for you to work off any stress, focus on your health and fitness and just have some "you" time for 1 hr a week.

But don't forget to register at www.bridalbootcamp.eventsbylisamarie.com and schedule your goal setting appointment prior to the first class. ;)

Bridal Boot Camp Team

Lisa Marie, Lisa Richards and Kristen Herron

503-830-7779

eventsbylisamarie.com

facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

twitter @eventsbylmh

Part of the Events by Lisa Marie Professional Event & Wedding Planning Team

News and Upcoming Events!!

We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row we have received the Wedding Wire Brides Choice Award.  :)  We really appreciate all the love and support our clients have given us as it really means a lot to our entire team.

Haven't met us yet?  Then come on down and see us at the Art of Wedding Show this Thursday.  Hurry over to the website to get your tickets before the show.  Once there make sure you stop on in and see us at our booth to chat about your upcoming wedding and all the great ideas you have.  We always love chatting to couples and hearing what they have planned.

See you soon. 

Lisa Marie and Team

Professional Event and Wedding Planning

Portland Oregon

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

Twitter @eventsbylmh

Facebook facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

Your Engagement

With Engagement Season almost over we wanted to say congratulations to all the newly engaged couples.  This is a super exciting time for you and there are lots of details for you to start working on.  It is important for you to remember that you also need to take some time to enjoy your engagement together.

Once you have spent some time soaking in the glow of your engagement it is time to start the planning.  There are lots of things to take care of and lots of Bridal Shows to attend.  Once you have gone to all these shows you may be a bit overwhelmed.  That is normal and ok, just take a deep breathe and remember to take things one step at a time.

First, call and work with a professional coordinator or specialist.  We can help you sort thru all the tasks and help you get done what needs to be done working with your budget, ideas and theme.

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation.  2012 dates are filling up fast and 2013 inquiries are coming in.  And don't forget we can start with your engagement party.

Event by Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

The Proposal

Hey Guys, This one is for you.  The Engagement Season is here, and so are we to help you out with any questions you may have.

Recently we had a consultation with a soon to be groom who is planning a special proposal for his girlfriend.  We gave him lots of things to think about during his planning.  Below are a few of our tips. 

Things to think about
1. Is it important to her to have her parents approval?  Remember to ask mom, dad or whomever. 
2. Remember that it doesn't have to be over the top, just special and personal.
3. If the ring doesn't fit it is ok, the surprise will be enough for her.
4. Do you know what type of ring she wants?  Here are a few tips, Does she wear a lot of yellow gold or Silver?  Chances are, whichever she wears, is what she will want her engagement/wedding ring to be.
5. Is there a location that is special to the two of you?  A first date?  Favorite Memory?  These are great places to propose.
6. Have a friend or professional photographer hide to capture the joy and emotions.  Just make sure she doesn't see them.
7. Think about something sweet to tell her.  Maybe tell her how you knew she was the one, or how just how much you love her.  Write it down for her to have forever but know if you can't get out anything other than "Marry Me?"  It is ok.

Things not to do.
1. Putting the ring in her food or drink.  No one wants to swallow the ring, have it in their mouth or try to put on a sticky ring.
2. Do not over do it.  Keep it to your personalities.  It does not need to be a big huge over the top proposal.
3. Do not do it at a restaurant or in front of a huge amount of people if your girlfriend is shy and it would embarrass her.
4. Do not make it seem casual or like an obligation.  This is something that should be special for her.

Enjoy this moment.  It will only happen once and you will want this to be a special memory.

What to do after she says yes?
1. Enjoy the moment, Say I love you (if you haven't already)
2. Keep it a secret for at least a few hours.  Something only the two of you know.  (if you can that is)
3. When you are ready to talk wedding plans, give us a call for a complimentary consultation about what to do first in your wedding planning.

Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Lisa Marie and Team :)

Hip, Fun, Sassy and Stylish Event and Wedding Planning

Real Wedding July 30th 2011

Each wedding we are honored to be a part of is fun and exciting and gives us all new butterflies as we watch a new couple pledge their love to one another.  This particular wedding was a great couple, young, happy and so in love.  We are so excited to be sharing it with you.

We absolutely LOVED this wedding.  It was so down to earth, family filled and fun.  The wedding took place on a private residence in the countryside just outside of Beaverton.  It was a 50 acre property with a beautiful house and patio for the reception. 

The Bride was walked down the aisle by her daddy which was lined with hanging Mason Jars filled with Wildflowers.  They were married under a white arch with a beautiful background of established trees and distant old red barn.

The couple wanted a country chic wedding and while the Bride did not have a lot of "wants" for her wedding she did have a few.  She knew she wanted wildflowers in mason jars with burlap squares on the table.

The wedding cake was made by the Grooms Aunt and decorated with some of the extra wildflowers from the centerpieces.  The cake fit the wedding and couple perfectly and was a special touch to the wedding.

At the reception guests were treated to a Tuscan Picnic style food with an anti-pasta platter, veggie trays, meat and cheese platters, gorgeous fruit bowl and a delicious pasta salad   Additionally, they had only a champagne toast with an Italian Soda station for their guests. 

During the father daughter dance the guests were treated to a very special surprise as the bride and her dad danced to a recording of her dad singing.  Such a special moment for them and for their guests (hard to hold back the tears).

The wedding party was a mix of family and super close friends.  The flower girl was the daughter of the Maid of Honor and was just as adorable as can be.  The ring bearer was related to the groom an just as cute.

From start to finish this was a real celebration of a lifetime of love to come surrounded by family and friends.  This really was a honor to be a part of and a wedding to remember.

Events by Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie

503-830-7779

Event and Wedding Planning

Portland Oregon

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

www.facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

Twitter eventsbylmh

Event, Party & Wedding Favors

Now that your event planning is fully underway there are some of the smaller tasks to take care of.  Favors; some people want something big and fancy, some want something personalized and others have no clue.  Below are some of our suggestions as to favors that are a big hit and a few that are flops.

Some of our favorites.
1. Double your favors as a centerpiece.
       a. Having a cool weather wedding?  Try custom chocolates as your centerpieces.  You can use rock salt blocks to elevate and create a beautiful display.  You can do a variety of chocolates and have cute "menu" cards made up to describe each one.  Check out A Yen for Chocolates for the chocolates and Puddle Jumpin Cards for the menus

      b. Maybe you would like to have some Signature Cookies?  You can have your custom monogram added to them.  Utilize them on your tables around the centerpieces or on the plates.  This way each person gets to take one home.   Check out Le Cookie Monkey for the cookies and Stacie with Micro Brew Media for the custom monogram

    c. Want to do something more personal?  How about having a custom drink made?  Visit your favorite winery or brewery and create and bottle your own beverage.  Have custom labels made and set them at each place setting with a few extra on an additional table.  Just remember you do not need one for EVERY guest.  Some will not drink and others will be too young, for those guests create something nonalcoholic or order some Jones Soda with custom labels. (Use your custom monogram from Stacie above to tie it all in)

    d. Are you the crafty type?  How about canning your own jam?  Can up a few different types, add a label with your date, the type, maybe a pictures and a small thank you note.  Guests will love this and they can take it home with them to enjoy later.  Not someone who can's?  Check out Pink Slip Jam.

    e. Maybe you like to cozy up with a warm drink?  Why not offer flavored hot chocolate or coffee?  Get lots of great and different sized containers.  Both multiple servings and single servings.  Fill them, label them and display them in glass jars on the tables.  Create signs telling your guest to enjoy a warm drink on a cool day on the two of you.  (don't forget to contact Sunny with Puddle Jumpin Cards to have some signs made up)

2. How about a candy buffet?  Set up a display of 4-6 different candies.  You can find them in your wedding colors or utilize your favorite kinds.  Get some clear containers or different types of boxes/bags for your guests to fill.  Having a hard time deciding how to set this up?  Contact The Candy Buffet for a consultation.

3.  Want something your guests can use often?  How about a set of 2 stemless wine glasses or maybe shot glasses.  Just remember whenever you do something like this you should always do them in sets of 2, so that your guests will have a set and not just 1.  This is a more expensive option but a nice option for your guests to have and use. (again you can use your custom monogram for these)

Remember these are just a few.  There are plenty more and you can always call us for a consultation to discuss additional options.  Below are a few that we recommend staying away from.

1. Photo slide show CD - It is great to show you slide show at your receptions but many of your guests are not going to want a copy.  They may watch it once but then it will just sit somewhere or be tossed in the garbage.

2. Mixed CD's - Your music taste most likely is not the same as your guests.  They may not ever listen to the CD.  You will spend time and money creating them and it is a nice sentiment, but if your guests do not listen to them, it is not a good use of time and money.

3. Trinkets - Think to yourself, would I EVER use this?  A lot of couples find things they like and think they are cute but are they useful?   If your guests won't use it, they either won't take one (and you will have lots left over) or they will take is and end it will up in a garage sale or drawer.  Keep them to things that you can actually see being utilized.

Biggest thing to remember is, you favor should be something that your guest see and think of you but that is functional.  Make sure it is something that will be utilized.  Our favorites are consumable items.  Not every guest wants to "take something home" from your wedding.  Additionally, you do not need to order 1 item for every confirmed guest.  Some won't take one, some will only take one (husband and wife couples may want only 1 item) and some will leave before they even see them.

Good luck and don't forget to contact us for additional help.

Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Lisa Marie, Summer, Taylor and Alycia

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