It’s HERE….It’s HERE…It’s HERE!!!!!!

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Open up and say ahhh!!    If you are looking for a fun activity on a date, with a group of people, with out-of towners…then Savor Seattle Food Tours is the ticket for you!    We live in a city bursting with hungry “foodie’s” searching for the next culinary adventure .   Seattle has such an amazing, noteworthy selection of restaurants, top chefs, produce, beers, wines, ..I could go on and on.   Savor is the perfect way to taste and discover some of the food gems of this city.

A couple week’s ago myself and two other industry pals (Sheena Kalso, The Invisible Hostess and Tanya Davis, Elements in Bloom) played tourist at our own Pike Place Market.    We joined a small group to discover the “musts” of the market scene.    This is the perfect food tour for anyone from out of town.   I am thinking to summer weddings with out of town guests needing to be entertained..it’s a hit!

The instructor, Brett, was a hit.  He was hilarious, very knowledgeable, and kept the tour going to keep the crowd engaged.   We followed the “Pink Umbrella” all through the market place.  Among our stops were Market Spice, the Fish Mongers, Beechers Cheese, Chukar Cherries, Etta’s Seafood Grill, and so on, and so on…     I left full.  I left happy and full.   My mouth thanked me…especially for the freshly made, warm doughnuts from the Market, the Beecher’s Mac ‘n Cheese, and the crab cake from Etta’s.

The tour lasted 2 hours, but never felt long and boring.  The info was great and I loved learning more about a place I have been in and out of for years.
This tour is the perfect gift for out of towners, for a date activity, for friends, and so much more.  They have so many options to choose from in addition to Pikes…a Capitol Hill experience, The Gourmet Tour, and more.  It is worth checking out.

Make sure to make your mouth happy!

Special thanks to Caroline for all her help.  No doubt I intend to give this tour a big thumb’s up

What a fun couple to plan and celebrate with!  Even though Meghan and Joe live on the East Coast, these Seattle natives really did such a wonderful job to capture the beauty and romance of a Northwest Summer evening.    Theirs is the perfect example of beauty and elegance on a budget.  They were such a great couple to work with from the very first meeting.     Meghan was such a delight, and Joe’s humor came right out when he showed me a surprise box of maracas and tambourines for guests to go crazy with during the Jewish dancing!  I loved it!    Here are some highlights and some of my favorites from their night:

Ok, can we talk style here?   First of all, loved the colors of antique and blush hues.  Secondly,  Meghan’s dress was so dreamy..and so perfectly fitted for her light-hearted, bubbly personality.  It had a blush sash that matched all the bridesmaid’s dress colors.    Each bridesmaid had a different style dress and well matched hue of the blush color.  So soft, so romantic, so gorgeous!

The ceremony and reception was held at Court in the Square.  Such an amazing venue selection for a “faux” outdoor location.  It really feels like you are outside, since the vaulted ceiling and 2 walls are glass!   The natural light streams in and all the greenery adds to the overall atrium feeling of the space.

Following the Jewish Ceremony, the couple was re-announced to excitement…and then…the dancing!   It was so much fun!  This is when the tambourines were shaking, for sure.  Ben Gown from Sasson Band -I don’t know how you sing that loud and strong. Incredible!

The floral was a gorgeous display of simple elegance.  Wildflowers and dahlias complimented the romantic, antique atmosphere.

I always love working with my favorite vendors, so I was excited to have JKoe Photography capturing all the details and moments of the day.

Thanks again to all the talented people I got to work.  It was great to come together and see Meghan and Joe’s day turn out so outstanding.

Make-Up: Jenny Bowker Make-Up

Hair:  Meghann Oliberos

DJ : Braden Landon

Photo: JKoe Photography

Live Music: Sasson Band

Floral, Desserts : Bouquets-Changing Seasons, Family and Friends

Venue: Court in the Square

I recently had the great opportunity to check out 2 amazing companies who’s whole concern is making sure YOU HAVE A GOOD TIME!   If you are looking for a fun activity to do for your next bachelor/bachelorette party, birthday party, “night out” party or the like…check out Road Dogs Brewery Tours or West Coast Entertainment.   No doubt you will be doing something out of the ordinary and loving it!

First, Road Dog Brewery Tours….    what a fun time!

Owner Dustin Boast took a van full of 6 ladies (including industry pals Alyssa Rose,Alyssa Rose Photography; BreeAnn Gale, Pink Blossom Events; Heather Driscoll, Heathoriginal; Jenn Blake, Bow Tie & Bustle; Kimberly Neff, Lilies & LemonDrops ) and one brave guy on a tour of Seattle Breweries.   I had no idea there were so many breweries in Seattle! Washington has among the highest count of breweries in the US!  Crazy.   He started us at Naked City Brewery, then to Three Skulls Ale at Pillagers Pub.  From there we toured over to the troll for a quick “Seattle Must” picture. We ended at Hale’s Ales Brewery.  At each stop we got a tour of the brewery, along with 3 (in some cases 4) samples of the delicious suds they had to offer.    Dustin was very good about informing us about all the particulars of making beer and then what to look for when tasting it.   Note-Make sure you LIKE beer when you go!   Some of our group didn’t even like beer.  What a cryin’ shame!!!

Dustin arranges all kinds of tours suitable to your beer needs.  With so many breweries to choose from in Seattle you are sure to find a perfect selection for your group.   Guys…can you say perfect groomsmen gift?  or groomsmen bonding outing?  or bachelor party?!       I loved it, and I know you will love it too!

Speaking of things I loved….let’s talk about another fun excursion to go on…brought to you by West Coast Entertainment.    WCE is well known as a destination for all your casino night rentals, and event coordination/production of all types of events…but did you know they also rent SEGWAYS?!   Yes, that’s right….you can do a Segway Tour for your next party.    Myself, along with 4 other industry colleagues, had the opportunity to test out the Segway Tour along the West Seattle neighborhoods.   SO MUCH FUN!

Our tour guide, Jason, made sure to give us a good lesson and practice in the back alley.   They teach you everything.   It starts out with the S-A-F-E-T-Y  D-A-N-C-E… -always wear your helmets!

.and it takes you a while to get the swing of it since it all relies on balance.  Practice makes perfect.

The tours can be either in West Seattle along Alki Beach or a city escape through downtown Seattle.    They have up to 12 segways to rent, and have the abilities to get more for larger parties.      The Alki Tour was fun, as we listened to Jason give us snapshots of information  wherever we toured.    You can see how gorgeous the background is…not a bad sight to look at as your are wheeling yourself along the waterfront..

(Pictured from left: Jillian Dale Cook; Wave Link Music, Laura Marchbanks; Laura Marchbanks Photography, BreeAnn Gale; Pink Blossom Events, Sheena Kalso; The Invisible Hostess, and myself.)

Special thanks to owner Dan Blagovich for trusting us with his segways, and for showing us a creative new way to have a bride and groom exit a reception!  C’mon…or enter the ceremony?    Takers?    This is absolutely something to do for team building parties, bachelor/ette parties, and any type of celebration event.   It’s an extraordinarily exciting way to hang with your pals in the open air and try something crazy. 

WOW! It surprises me every time..no matter how often I plan something-it goes by way too fast!   All the months of preparing something fly by in a matter of hours…but oh man, what a couple stellar hours they were!    On March 31, 2011 we celebrated the amazing talents of over 30 vendors at Urban Light Studios.  The One had such a great turn out of fabulous people- from engaged couples, event planners, and social party-goers to fellow industry professionals and people who like to be in-the-know on the latest and greatest.

If you missed it, I do hope you will try to come out next year…which is only going to get bigger and better.  Allow me to give you some incentive by showcasing some pics from this year’s show.    Before I do, let me just pay tribute where tribute is due.
First, huge thanks to the team over at Urban Light Studios for the use of their amazing venue.  If you have not been in it yet, please feel encouraged to go check it out!   You will find none like it in all of Seattle!

Next, what would the showcase be without all the talent?    Overwhelming thanks to our professionals who displayed their services, talents, discounts, and hospitality to everyone who walked through the door.  It is such a pleasure to have worked with all of you-I could myself blessed to have started and continued relationships with you that will last a long time.

Also, enormous thanks again goes out to Emily with Solace Arts.   Not only is she an amazing photographer, but she has also been gifted with art of graphic design, which we used for much of our show’s materials.  Thanks Emily!
The show could not have come off as well as it did without the help of Caitlin Haney, who accepted my call for help    She was an integral part of the behind the scenes stuff…the glamorous job of a coordinator-the grunt work, the administrative work, the busy-work…    I hope after getting a taste, you still love the mix, Cait!     Glad to have you on board…you were a star.
Finally, to my partner in crime, Chesney Schmidt from All the Flutter-big time hugs and thank-you’s.   Months and months of planning, scheming, processing, phone-calling, play-date meetings,emailing…and it all comes together     I can’t imagine doing the show without her.   She’s a creative, hard-working, social go getter!   Thanks Ches.

Ok, so now…let’s get to the showcase.   Since pictures say a thousand words, I am going to let them do the talking…and since I can never shut up..I will chime in my 2 cents as well

Right this way….

The hob-nobbing & mingling….

The Cigar Bar, brought to you by Lil Brown Smoke Shack…

Getting “All Dolled Up” by I Love Blush.com

The Food…Simply delicious!    All thanks to our friends from Shooby Doo Catering, Decadence Custom Cakes, Cameron Catering, and Trophy Cupcakes

The tasty spread by Shooby Doo Catering…

Cameron Catering featured a dessert bar…and the rave was the cake pops!

Decadence Custom Cakes…buttercream goodness, the flavors were divine!

Trophy Cupcakes & Party…2nd year pleasing the crowds with the dreamy cupcake splendor

Some of our professionals in the Main Gallery

The professionals dazzling us in the Lower Lounge….

Special thanks to JKoe Photography for taking all the shots of the evening.  Always the pro’s, they continue to love what they do and deliver perfect pics.  Must be why I love to work with them!!
To see all the pictures from the 2011 showcase please visit this link:  THE ONE SHOWCASE, 2011 Photos.
Also, don’t forget to follow this link to see the hilarious PHOTOBOOTH shots taken by Urban Light Studio’s professional photographers.     From the looks of the photos, you all had a great time!
Looking forward to next year…..

I am a toppings girl….seriously, if I didn’t own Anticipate I would be opening my own condiments store called “Toppinz!”    I love enhancements, the add-on’s, the stuff that takes “nice” to over the top WOW!!!   That is why we have selected these amazing professionals to be at our event!    They are the amazing embellishments and wow factor!

This year, we are pleased to 
introduce Miller’s Rent-all, a rental company out of Edmonds.   They will be supplying all the glassware you are sipping your brew and bubbly from for the evening.   They work directly with Shooby Doo Catering, and are also a preferred vendor for Urban Light Studios.   We are excited to have them participating.  Take a good look at their amazing glasses every time you put it to your mouth!

Also at the event this year we are so excited to showcase Hollywood Lighting Company.   You will recognize their amazing work the minute you walk through the door.   They can do some pretty cool stuff with lights to turn a party into a blow out event!   Hollywood lighting has everything under the sun, and they are excited to work with you to create the exact atmosphere you are hoping to execute.   There amazing displays will be on the Main floor and in our Lower Lounge.  Check them out…you will want to stop by and ask about their services!

We are excited to bring back Stellar Event Rentals this year.   Always accommodating, Stellar is supplying our tables and tenting (always have a rain plan!)!   Seriously, the amount that I rent bistro tables is crazy!   They have tons of them.   Bistros are the best add on to any party, since it promotes clustered mingling and keeps the party energy festive and interactive.   Jim is going to be located on the Main gallery floor, so make a point to check out his materials and listing of rentals!

Grand Event Rentals will also be there this year providing all of our linen needs.    They have an enormous selection of linens..and well, everyother rental to make your event complete.   Eddie will take care of you and all your needs, and is happy to suggest rental solutions to any problem.   Stop by his table in the Lower Lounge and ask about what Grand Event can do for you.  They are located on the Eastside if you want to stop by, but of course, they delivery everywhere.

And then there’s the bling…some serious bling.   I had the pleasure to tour Prop Gallery West with Audrey a while back.  I love prop houses..they always have the most random things that could fit any theme, party, event..you name it-they have it!   Prop Gallery is totally outfitting our Lower Lounge with these amazing trees, that are perfect embellishments for any wedding-perfect for that cool northwest add on.   They are great lit up to add ambiance, or bare to add depth to a floor plan.   The bling I mentioned…crystal chandeliers that hang from ceiling to floor!  Va-voom.  I love these!   Prop Gallery West has everything you could need to enhance your party-from big things to little things like vases-see our entry way and be amazed!

Thanks again to all our professionals who really make the party come alive.   Make sure to stop by all of their tables and say hi.

If you have not RSVP’d yet…MAKE SURE TO!   We are a week away, and we want to see your lovely faces there!!

Oh, yes…the beats..it’s all about the beats. Music is huge! Music sets the mood, it presents the ambiance, it creates the energy of the crowd. Knowing this importance, why would we leave the music to just anyone? We wouldn’t! I am so very excited to announce that we will have 2 DJ’s popping out tunes at The One. Fuzzy Lounge Sounds and Adam’s DJ Service are each unique in their sounds, and so they will be showcasing what they can do on different levels at the event.

Fuzzy Lounge Sounds will be spinning and mixing on the Main Gallery Floor. Nathaniel and Jason are passionate about what they do! They are the complete package- from set up, performance, and break down. They love mixing the perfect soundtrack for your gathering-yes, they have real turntables!! You can watch and listen to some samples of the compilations they serve up at The One..you will love it. If you want a preview, check out their website to hear some samplings. Make sure to chat with one of them at the show and see what they can do at your event!

Adam’s DJ Service will be setting the mood for us in the uber swanky Lower Lounge. I know Adam from Wedding Network USA and other industry events. He is always so pleasant and upbeat! Adam’s goal is to provide high quality musical entertainment-and you will be able to hear it. Listen as he sets the vibe and uses the music to complete the look and feel of the room.
Adam has a team of people who are all professionally hand selected. His motto is “Leave the music to us, We’ll leave the dancing to you!” When you have Adam’s DJ Service at your event, you will understand why! He will get your crowd moving, indeed! Come hear, enjoy, and find out more. Visit his table in the Lower Lounge at The One.

What a privilege to announce that we will be having Lorbaniah Cameography at The One again this year! You will not find anyone more passionate about video than Corban Cooper. He owns and manages Lorbaniah with his wife. Corban is excellent at shooting memories, and skillfully weaves the story together on a video that you can enjoy for years and years to come. Wouldn’t it be awesome to watch the first time you walked down the aisle, or joy of a celebration, or the look on your face at a surprise party…I could go on and on…. Photos can only capture moments, but video can play back the sound and energy of a room. It is such a great investment.

Corban is going to be at Lorbaniah’s table waiting to talk to you and show some samples of what he does. Go check it out…you’ll be glad you did!

RSVP to The One today!!

Seattle Sundries is uniquely, handcrafted soaps (and more!) located right in Ballard. I absolutely love my soap-even though I have very little of it now! These soaps are as adorably presented as they are aromatically pleasing. The round soapy goodness is packaged in a cute, reusable tin with adorable ribbon. You can personalize a custom label, which makes for the perfect hostess gift, party favor, or gift in a welcome basket. Go check her website out to see the full breadth of what Seattle Sundries offers, and for sure make way to her table at the showcase…she is going to have plenty of soap on hand to smell and even some to sample!

Another great way to personalize your event with a nice touch is with the bottle that gets passed around the table. What do I speak of? The bubbly, beer, or wine selections you serve, of course! This is the perfect way to celebrate in style-with customized labels. These labels can be specially ordered and put on your beverages as a commemorative token or a thank you for guests. Look for our special custom labels on the bubbly you sip on at The One.

WineStyles Wine and Gift shop is the perfect place to order your custom beverages. They are located just north of here and have a wide array of wines to choose from. Their shop includes gifts too, perfect to treat any special person. Stop by their table and chat with Andrew about how WineStyles can help you at your next event.

If you aren’t a wine person and beer is more up your alley, why not do custom labels on a Seattle staple beer from Pike Brewing Company?

This brewery is located right by the Pike Place market and boasts amazing beer. What a great way to celebrate Seattle and amazing suds..a customized Pike Ale bottle! This gift would be perfect to welcome anyone to Seattle. Taste their beer at our beer garden, then walk in doors and meet Tara at the Pike Brewing table.

Don’t Delay…RSVP for The One today to see these amazing professionals in action! You won’t want to miss it!
You can find our event page on Facebook too…

Ok, I do consider myself a salt person..but with a line-up like this at The One…I am sure you will see me hovering around all of these tables more than once!

After much raves from last year’s show, we have the honor of welcoming back Trophy Cupcakes! Their tiny cakes are un-matched! Serious goodness. You know this of course, from hearing about all the awards they have won in the Seattle area. Jennifer Shea continues to be a smart business woman who is passionate about what she does. It shows in every way-from the taste of the cake and frosting, to the flavors and design of each cake, to the way she tailors her cupcakes to events of all kind! They are so particular to match to your event, and go beyond your expectations…you will see why Trophy is the perfect alternative to a wedding cake. So fun and colorful! Come on by and check them out…taste some of the flavors they will be offering at The One!

If cake is your thing..and you have dreamed about the moment of cut and serve, and face smash then I suggest you stop by Decadence Custom Cakes. I had the opportunity to work with Dan at a wedding last summer. I fell in love with his butter cream frosting..no joke! He has such delicious creations of all flavors and styles…and did you know that he also does gluten free cakes? He is so wonderful to listen and execute to your design and nutritional needs. The final product is a gorgeous custom creation for your guests and especially you! Stop by and chat with Dan from Decadence about how he can create something for you…the longer you chat, the more cake you can sample–bonus!

I am so excited to have Cameron Catering at The One this year! Cameron has such amazing foods, and let me tell you…even more amazing desserts! I have sampled more than I should have… Their website reminds you by saying the first bite is with your eyes, and the first guest is you! So true- the presentation of their foods is positively photo worthy and they absolutely aim to please the customer..you are #1 to them in preparation of the food. They do all sorts of events from weddings, to corporate events, to celebrations of any kind. Stop by Cameron Catering’s table located in the Lower Lounge and see the desserts that you could have at your next event..then go for it..taste away!!