Gather

Lighting Up The Sky

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:32:21 +0000

What do you think of when you close your eyes and imagine the ultimate send-off at a wedding, or the finale to a milestone birthday celebration? We think of fireworks exploding in the sky, the ooh and ahs of guests – is there anything more romantic or memorable?

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Heather Gobet of Western Display Fireworks, the Northwest’s largest fireworks display company, and we learned how this first-class company has been turning dreams into reality for over sixty years. Heather also shared some amazing photos of their work. While you sit back and enjoy, we’ll be off planning our second weddings…with fireworks.

Photo Courtesy of Loren Nelson

Q: What is the typical price range for a short fireworks display and how long do the displays usually last?

We custom design a wide range of displays to accommodate our client’s budgets and event goals. For some, the fireworks will be used as the featured entertainment; other clients want to highlight a point in their event or create a dramatic send-off for the bride and groom. The displays that are intended as full-scale shows range in price from $5,000-$10,000 and up. We recommend a total fireworks display length of between 5-10 minutes. These displays are often shot to a musical program of our clients’ selection. The “pyrotechnic highlight” programs are intended to be brief and spectacular. These programs are intended to last approximately 3 minutes, with the average cost being around $3,000.

Photo Courtesy of Loren Nelson

Q: Are there any restrictions on locations of fireworks displays? Do you perform site visits before you sign a contract to make sure that conditions are optimal to display fireworks?

We work closely with both state and local officials to obtain the necessary permits. A site map is required to ensure that there is adequate distance of separation between the fireworks discharge area and the audience or any combustible material or structures. We conduct a thorough site inspection to generate this map. In addition to addressing safety concerns we review the site to find the launch site that will provide the best spectator viewing. We also work closely with the event venue representative to address any concerns and minimize any impact to their facility.

Q: How do you go about customizing a display of fireworks? Are you able to use a client’s favorite colors, incorporate writing or specific symbols in the display?

Our Company features over 2,700 different pyrotechnic effects from around the world. This allows us an almost limitless number of choices in meeting our clients’ wishes. We are able to develop event themes and colors, as well as design displays to be shot to music.

Q: How far in advance should a client book your services?

Ideally 2-3 months due to the time required to conduct site visits, design the display and obtain the necessary permits. However, we have done several displays with only a couple weeks notice. As a very minimum standard the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office requires that the completed fireworks display permit application be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the display date.

Photo Courtesy of Loren Nelson

Q: Aside from the large shows you put on, can you give us an idea of the types of events or types of clients you have had in the past?

We have done private events for a wide range of clients. From a barge based display in Puget Sound to celebrate a clients’ 100th year in business, to birthdays where the fireworks were a surprise for the guest of honor, to weddings of all sizes and types.

Photo Courtesy of Loren Nelson

Q: How far would you travel to put on a fireworks display?

Our Company primarily operates within Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada. We have done displays as far east as Minneapolis and as far south as San Francisco Bay.

Summer Wedding on the Golf Course

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:28:33 +0000

This September we had the honor of coordinating a beautiful wedding for Kent and Kennedy at the Riverside Golf and Country Club in Portland. It was the first time in its history that the Riverside granted a special request to have the wedding ceremony on the actual course. The setting on the green surrounded by trees in the light of dusk couldn’t have been more lovely. We’d like to thank Octavia Hunter for capturing the beauty of the day, and for sharing some of the images with us.

Octavia Hunter Photography

Kent and Kennedy had a large bridal party consisting of 11 bridesmaids and nine groomsmen. Prior to the ceremony, the bridal party was chauffeured to several locations for photographs, including Rocky Butte and the Oregon Food Bank Learning Garden in Northeast Portland.

Octavia Hunter Photography

Music played an important part in Kent and Kennedy’s wedding. The officiant, Julianne Johnson, was not only Kennedy’s kindergarten teacher, but is also regarded as one of the Northwest’s premier vocalists. Julianne sang one of the prayers during the ceremony, and also performed the song for the couple’s first dance. Guests were also treated to beautiful melodies from a harpist as they walked to the ceremony, and to piano music while seated. The reception music was a seven-piece band put together by Tony Starlight, who emceed and sang for a majority of the evening.

Octavia Hunter Photography

The Riverside Golf and Country Club staff prepared an amazing dinner for guests, and were able to accommodate Kennedy’s food restrictions due to allergies. Because they wanted to maintain tradition, the couple brought in a small cake from an outside bakery for a fun cutting-of-the-cake moment, but served delicious gluten-free desserts prepared by The Riverside.

Octavia Hunter Photography

Approximately 180 friends and family members helped Kent and Kennedy celebrate their union, and every moment was filled with love. We feel so fortune to have had the opportunity to work with such a fantastic family. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Urban Inspiration Shoot

admin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:36:47 +0000

We recently had the great honor of working with a team of some of our favorite wedding professionals to produce an urban inspiration shoot at the invitation of the West End Theater. Josh and Melissa Mitchell of Continuum Photography have an impressive eye for capturing details and the happiest of moments, and we were so delighted to collaborate with them on this project. Thanks to their impressive work, our shoot was featured in September on Style Me Pretty, one of the most noted blogs in the wedding industry.

Located in downtown Portland, the historic West End Theater was recently renovated, and is now designed to accommodate weddings and special events. Our shoot took place in the theater’s outdoor space, an alley akin to a European alley. The alley inspired the modern, Italian style we used throughout the shoot.

Stephanie Major of Petalos played a significant role in the overall design of the shoot, and also put together an amazing floral display. On one of the alley walls, Stephanie artistically hung test tubes which made roses appear to float freely. The stunning bridal bouquet represents the painstaking attention to detail Stephanie puts into all of her arrangements.

Lindsay Zogas of Paper Bloom Invitation Design Studio designed unique invitations and place cards that were engraved into plexiglass. Nicole Cipriano of Cipriano Designs silkscreened the napkins and curtain, making them very personalized.

The bride and groom looked absolutely gorgeous. Dimitrina wore a modern and sophisticated wedding dress by The English Dept., and Eric wore a handsome, tailored suit by Duchess Clothier. Destiny Taylor did a beautiful job with hair and makeup. The beautiful linens and tableware were graciously provided by Barclay Event Rentals.

Eric and Dimitrina were married several years ago. They met and were married in Bulgaria, and chose to settle in Portland and start a family. We were so happy to have models with such beautiful chemistry!

Summer Wedding on the Coast of Oregon

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:55:08 +0000

This past July, on a gorgeous sunny day, we had the pleasure of coordinating a beautiful 240-person wedding on the Oregon coast. The ceremony and reception were both held outdoors on the scenic, expansive lawn of the Neskowin Valley School where the bride worked as an art teacher during the school year.

Many of Yasmina and Jamie’s friends and family lovingly contributed to the wedding by designing everything from floral decor, to flag banners that were strung over the reception area, to poms that hung over the dance floor inside the school’s gymnasium. The food was catered by friends of the couple from Cafe Mundo in Newport, Oregon, who grilled a delicious dinner on-site. Several friends surprised the couple during the reception with a musical number dedicated to them, and the bride’s uncle prepared a beautiful photo slide show of the couple. Another friend of the couple from out of town deejayed a lively dance party following the reception. The bride, who is an artist, created the favors for their guests–packets of flower seeds–and painted a wedding tree guest book which guests “signed” using their fingerprints.

We included a few images below that were graciously provided to us by the talented Sarah Toor of Toor Photo based in Portland, Oregon.

Below are a few additional photos taken by the groom’s brother, Chris Huntington of Hungtington Images based in San Diego, California.

We had a fantastic time coordinating Yasmina and Jamie’s wedding and wish them a life full of fun and new adventures ahead!

Congratulations to the newlyweds!!

2011 Fremont Fest

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:45:04 +0000

Last month, as members of the Beaumont Business Association (BBA), we took part in putting on the 25th annual Fremont Fest. During the months leading up to the event, we had the pleasure of serving on the Planning Committee, helping coordinate logistics for the festival.

The festival was kicked off by a 5K run/walk, followed by a pet and kid parade led by a stream of vintage cars. Kids and pets were able to compete for awards including Best Decorated Bike, Best “Float” (decorated wagon) and Best Pet Costume.

The festival was a great success, with more than 120 vendors that lined Fremont from NE 42nd to NE 50th. Vendors featured a wide variety of foods, crafts, art, jewelry, and non-profit services from all over Portland. The local businesses on the street opened their doors to the community, and the street was packed with an abundance of engaging activities for all ages, including several kid zones, two stages with live music and dance groups, a pub crawl, and a salsa challenge.

We’ve included a few photos that were graciously provided to us by Jennifer Holman, a fellow member of the festival’s Planning Committee. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed being a part of this great community festival!

Summer Bat Mitzvah Celebration

admin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:56:11 +0000

Seeing an event you’ve worked on come to fruition can be an almost magical experience, Gabrielle’s Bat Mitzvah was no exception. Gabrielle’s mother, Linda, contacted us when she began planning her daughter’s bat mitzvah. She was looking for assistance throughout the planning process and with coordinating the day of the event. It was such a pleasure to work with Linda and see how much love and energy she put into making her daughter’s celebration truly unique and special. Heaven McArthur of Green Chair Studio did an excellent job capturing the day, and kindly shared some of the images with us.

THE CEREMONY: While it is traditional to hold bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies inside the synagogue, Gabrielle requested that her rabbi consider holding the ceremony at Willowbrook Arts Camp, a summer program that she has been attending every year since she was a small child. The rabbi granted Gabrielle’s wish, making the outdoor ceremony especially personal to Gabrielle because of her deep connection to the camp.

Using Gabrielle’s pink cherry blossom invitations as inspiration, we transformed one of the camp’s education tents into a ceremony gathering place by using both bright and soft pink accents on chairs, lanterns, pom-poms and linens. Approximately 120 guests attended the ceremony, many of whom traveled from as far as the East coast. Gabrielle looked beautiful adorned in the shawl gifted to her by her family.

THE PARTY: Gabrielle’s parents chose to host a luncheon in the private event space at Aquariva at the Avalon Hotel after Gabrielle fell in love with the space for its modern design, its abundant views of the Willamette River, and the nature that surrounds the river banks. We decorated each table with a cherry blossom centerpiece and pink linen accents. The luncheon included a slide show, a guitar soloist, a gelato cart from Staccato Gelato, and a cake decorated with cherry blossoms from Helen Bernhard Bakery.

We truly enjoyed being a part of this wonderful celebration. Congratulations Gabrielle!

Summer Oregon Farm Wedding

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:28:45 +0000

In July we had the pleasure of working with Emily and Pat as day-of coordinators for their Oregon farm wedding with a Portland twist. It was a thrill working with Emily and Pat and all of their incredible vendors which included Vibrant Table who catered a beautiful family-style meal that was grilled on-site, Jill Mason of Starflower who designed spectacular wildflower arrangements, and Erin Thomas of Erin Thomas Photography who shared with us a few of the most memorable images from the gorgeous, sunny day.

The bride and groom arrived separately, each in a colorful VW bus. The guests were shuttled to and from the wedding in a yellow school bus.

The ceremony was held under a large majestic oak tree, and hay bales covered with blankets and afghans were used for guest seating. The reception featured several unique Portland attractions: pedi-cab and hay rides for guests following the ceremony, and the pink Voodoo Doughnut truck that pulled up to the reception site and treated guests to their famous doughnuts.

Emily and Pat personalized almost every element of their wedding, from the invitations and signs, to the floral napkins and burlap table runner. They even used their own collection of vintage plates and mason jars at the dinner table. They also made sure their guests had plenty of fun activities to do during the reception, including frisbees, bubbles and picnic blankets for the kids, frisbee golf stations for the adults, and sparklers for guests of all ages at the end of the night.

We had an amazing time coordinating this day for Emily and Pat and we wish them well in their new life ahead, cheers!

Greenhouse Inspiration Shoot

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:30:09 +0000

Several months ago Melissa Tomeoni of Soul Mates Photography approached us about the possibility of collaborating on a wedding inspiration shoot. We set off looking for the perfect combination of wedding professionals to put together a vintage-inspired photo shoot in a farm-like setting. We were amazed at the talent and resources that came forward to make this project a success. Melissa submitted photos of the shoot to Ruffled, a blog that provides vintage inspiration to brides, and they published the shoot on May 27 (you can view that blog post here).

Soul Mates Photography

Lindsay Zogas of Paper Bloom not only designed the beautiful menus and place cards, but also hand-rolled all of the linen flowers that topped the favor boxes. Amy Childs of One Divine Party designed the charming dessert table that was loaded with delicious desserts and sweet details. Rosemary Stafford of Rosemary Stafford Floral Design created the table centerpiece, dessert table accent floral arrangements, the bridal bouquet, and the groom’s boutonniere. AniA Collection supplied the stunning lace-detailed dresses, hair accessories and jewelry for Brooke, our bride model, and Collier dressed Ugo, our groom model, in his dapper formalwear. AJ Lane of AJ’s Hair Design & Makeup artfully designed the model’s hair and makeup, and Peter Corvallis Productions graciously supplied the rental items. The remainder of the items are a blend of new and personally owned vintage pieces—the vintage china is a pattern collected by Katie.

Soul Mates Photography

This photo shoot took place on property owned by the Aspinwalls, a family that has been farming in Oregon’s Willamette Valley for over a century. We were scheduled to photograph in their peach orchards, which were our primary inspiration for an elegant, vintage shoot with country accents, but as happens so often in Oregon, rain arrived unexpectedly as the shoot was about to begin. All of professionals on site for the shoot launched into action and relocated the entire setup undercover in the farm’s greenhouses. The beauty of being surrounded by flowers brought joy and new energy to everyone, and in the end, we felt we were always meant to be there.

Soul Mates Photography

Spring Wedding in Downtown Portland

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:04:53 +0000

In late May, we had the honor of serving as the day-of coordinators for Scott and Gina’s wedding at the historic Governor Hotel in Portland, Oregon.

THEIR STORY: Scott and Gina have known each other for many years, and knew each other as friends long before they started dating. During their friendship, they began meeting on what became a regular basis for happy hour at the Rose and Thistle in Northeast Portland, and at some point realized they were dating–the rest is history! Recently, work took Scott and Gina away from Portland, and they are now living near Seattle, but they decided to return to Portland for their wedding.

Darcia Davis Photography

PLANNING THE WEDDING: We instantly fell in love with Scott and Gina, and their wedding plans highlighted what a creative and thoughtful couple they are. Scott and Gina chose the Governor Hotel’s Lodge Room as their ceremony site and the Library for their reception. They decided to couple their reception site with their love of books and give the wedding a library theme. Some of the details they used to incorporate their theme included: save the date bookmarks, seating information tucked into library card pockets, vintage book centerpieces, and tables named after their favorite authors.

Darcia Davis Photography

THE BIG DAY: Scott and Gina chose to have a morning wedding with a luncheon following, so the big day started early. The weather cooperated which gave the couple an opportunity before the ceremony for some outdoor photographs. Approximately 50 guests attended the ceremony, making it a very special, intimate affair. The reception began with signature cocktails and was followed by a beautiful plated lunch and dancing. Scott and Gina chose to serve a variety of smaller cakes from New Cascadia Bakery, which specializes in gluten-free desserts.

Darcia Davis Photography

SPECIAL TOUCHES: Scott and Gina lovingly wove their family into each element of their wedding. Scott asked his father to officiate the wedding, which he kept as a nice surprise on the day of the wedding for friends and family with the exception of his mother and Gina. Gina was able to incorporate heirlooms from her mother and grandmother (who were unable to attend) into the wedding by using their old jewelry to create her and her bridesmaids’ stunning bouquets. Scott’s mother created the table signs among other things, and Gina’s father created a framed photo for guests to sign as the guest book. Gina’s brother was the usher and Scott’s godchildren were the flower girls and ring bearer. Scott and Gina also kicked off the dancing by having a special dance with their siblings.

Darcia Davis Photography

Congratulations Scott and Gina! It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your celebration. We’ve included a few images of the wedding, photographed by Darcia Davis Photography.

Darcia Davis Photography

Interview: Lindsay Zogas, Paper Bloom Invitation Design Studio

admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 22:42:56 +0000

LINDSAY ZOGAS: TALENTED DESIGNER WITH AN EYE FOR DETAIL, CONTAGIOUS SMILE, AND ABILITY TO FIND INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE SHE GOES.

We recently had the pleasure of working with Lindsay Zogas of Paper Bloom Invitation Design Studio, and we were thoroughly impressed by her professionalism, creativity, dedication to her work and clients, and overall love for life. We found working with Lindsay incredibly easy — she presented us with several design options that complimented the event’s theme and color scheme and, based on our feedback, she designed the exact menu and invitation cards we had in mind. She also offered additional customized details to polish the look. Lindsay would be a great asset to any bride, mother, or business owner looking for unique and memorable invitations, business cards, or any graphic design needs.

We invite you to learn more about Lindsay and her business from her own words, and enjoy some photos that she shared with us:

Q: How did you get started designing invitations?

I was just starting my career as a production designer at a design firm in Portland when I started planning my wedding and decided to design my own invitations. I received a lot of great compliments from family and friends, and a couple of months later, a friend of a friend contacted me asking if I could design hers. I remember saying, “Sure, why not?!” thinking it would be fun to tackle a different kind of design project. I had no idea just how much I’d enjoy working with a bride and groom on such a personal and special piece of their wedding. Thanks to the encouragement from my amazing husband and the wonderful referrals from family and friends, my invitation business began!

Paper Bloom, Photo by Erica Ann

Q: How far in advance should couples start the custom invitation process?

Four months or more is ideal. The process goes so smoothly when there’s plenty of time to research, pick over colors and paper samples (either in person or through the mail if the bride & groom are outside the Portland area), and discuss ideas. I also enjoy spending time getting to know the couple, which just gives me an even better idea of who they are and what type of design will really work for them. We also avoid rush charges on items that have to be ordered, so it’s also a money saver!

Paper Bloom, Photo by Kim+Phil

Q: What do you love most about your business?

I love being part of a huge milestone in a couple’s life. It’s just so special, and I get to know them personally. For many people, I’ve become someone they can trust and talk to, and I can offer advice based on my experience or just listen if they need to talk about things that come up during their wedding planning. I enjoy making new friends and keeping in touch over time. I have several clients that have come back to me for baby announcements, shower invitations for friends, and even logo and collateral design for their personal businesses.

Paper Bloom, Photo by Diana Marie

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: I subscribe to hundreds of blogs–every time I open Google Reader, I have 500+ posts to read! Most of them are wedding-related, but I also enjoy reading interior design, fashion, and cooking blogs, and I find inspiration in all of these places. The wedding and design blogs are a great place to see the latest trends and find great resources for materials. Food & product packaging is also a great place to find color palettes, patterns, and typography inspiration (this is my excuse for roaming the aisles of Target on a weekly basis… Not sure I can blame my purchases each time on research?!)

Paper Bloom, Photo by Diana Marie

Q: Do you design other things besides wedding invitations?

A: Yes! I love designing baby shower invites, announcements and event stationery, as well as other graphic design needs. I’ve been lucky to work with several wedding vendors on their logos, business cards, marketing materials, advertisements for Oregon Bride Magazine and Portland Bride & Groom, etc. I love the variety!

Paper Bloom, Photo by Honeysuckle

Q: What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

A: I always wanted to work with children and hoped to become a teacher. I was obsessed with office and art supplies (back to school shopping was SO exciting!!), and I collected pens and notepads. In high school, I started babysitting for a family with two little boys whose mom worked from home as a graphic designer. I remember the moment I first saw her shelves full of paper samples and wondered what kind of awesome job involved so much paper?! I soon followed in her footsteps and began helping out in her office, and eventually decided to go to school for graphic design. My dream changed from working WITH kids, to having my own and working from home.

Thanks you Lindsay for taking the time to respond to our questions and for sharing some images of your stunning work!