tart.

I'm excited to share my latest project with you! My good friend Amy started a catering company called tart, and asked me to design her logo.  I was so excited about this for many reasons.  Amy is an AMAZING cook– she catered my baby shower last October and the food, and presentation, was so impressive.  She makes dinner for us and our friends often and each time designs a really special menu for the occasion.  Her tagline is classic catering with a twist, since she adds interesting and exciting ingredients to classic dishes.  I'm telling you, if you ever need a party catered, she is the girl to call!  I put together her website, so check it out at www.tartportland.com. You can also find her on Facebook!

The Art of Weddings

Big news, people–  Paper Bloom Studio was selected to be part of The Art of Weddings bridal show on January 6, 2011!  I am so excited, not just to be part of a show, but THIS show.  I planned to attend the event the past 2 years to meet vendors (and because I love weddings and anything to do with them) but was sick for the first show and just had my baby this last year.  I saw plenty of pictures and was so sad to miss out!  It's a smaller event with only 3-4 vendors of each kind.  Nothing like the huge bridal shows at the Convention Center.  I went to one of those after I got engaged, and it was extremely overwhelming.  There were photographers and designers and florists every way I turned, all with gorgeous displays and super nice people and how the heck was I supposed to choose?!  I'm glad I went but I was the wrong kind of bride for that big of a show.  Anyway...  Several months ago I found out The Art of Weddings was in January, so I marked my calendar with lots of exclamation points, determined to make it no matter what!  As I was perusing the website, I noticed the application to become a vendor.  Hmmm....  What if I attended the show... As a vendor??  I figured it couldn't hurt to apply, so I did.  For the next several weeks I researched and collected ideas for my booth, hoping I wasn't totally jinxing myself by dreaming and sketching what a Paper Bloom display would look like.  Then it happened.  I got the email from Alexis at Jasmine Photography who started the whole shabang– the subject was "You are accepted into The 2011 Art of Weddings!"  Well, hot dog! (ok, too much Mickey Mouse Clubhouse up in here).  It's really happening, and I'm stoked.  So if you're in the Portland area and planning your wedding (or just like weddings, like me......) come to the Gerding Theatre at the Armory on January 6th starting at 6:00pm!

Real Wedding: Brianne & Steve

A few months ago I posted a picture of the invitation I designed for Brianne and Steve (my brother-in-law).  The wedding was on August 14th and the photos just came back from the talented Jolie!  The photos are great and capture the beautiful wedding so perfectly.  Here are some of my favorite shots, including a few of the details I designed, and one of Yours Truly with the sweetest (and pantless) ring bearer around!

Congratulations Bri & Steve!  It was an honor being part of a wedding for such a beautiful couple.  I'm so happy you found love :)

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Photography: Jolie Photography
Venue: Camp Colton
Flowers: Duet Designs
Invitations & Reception items: Paper Bloom Studio
Catering: ¿Por Que No? (the food was so good that my husband and I went to the local restaurant the day after the wedding for lunch!!)

Also I have to mention The Toasted Coconut, who made the yellow flower headband I'm wearing and the ring bearer's matching bow tie!

Piccione (Alfred Angelo) wedding gown for sale!

A past client of mine is selling a BRAND NEW wedding gown and it's an amazing deal.  She bought it for $1700 but is only asking $450!  Hello, we have GOT to find someone to buy this dress.  It needs a good home!  Here are photos and a description:

It is a size 2 Piccione (brand available through Alfred Angelo), and is style #425. The dress is white (diamond white according to the store), with a modified A-line fit and a sweetheart neckline.  It does have straps that are heavily beaded which can be worn either as a halter or as sleeveless.  Actually since it's never been altered, I imagine that a seamstress could even remove them for a strapless look.  There is also beading and gorgeous silver embroidery.  It also has a chapel length train where the embroidery continues.  It has never been worn, still in the original bag, all of the tags are still on it, and never altered. Contact Emspecht@aol.com for more info!

Guest Book poster

I love new ways to incorporate traditional elements of a wedding– such as my last post on the card catalog for escort cards, and now this idea from Martha Stewart Weddings of a Guest Book poster.  My husband and I had guests sign the matte board around a photo at our wedding, and it hangs proudly in our home.  It's still fun to look back at all the signatures and remember all the wonderful people who were there.

Download this free PDF here!

Photo via marthastewartweddings.com