Wedding Season winding down

2011 has been an amazing year for weddings. I have had the honor of performing ceremonies in a variety of beautiful locations and the pleasure of working with so many wonderful couples.

My "wedding weather karma" came through once again for an entire season. None of my outdoor weddings got rained on and every weding was beautiful. I feel that I am the luckiest person alive to have such a fulfilling and enjoyable career.

Some of my favorites though are the elopement packages that I've offered to a few couples. This is a package that includes location (my 11 acres of wooded paradise in the country with the ceremony on the custom built dock of a trout pond), Officiate, custom ceremony and vows, 1 hour photography on CD (2nd photographer for during ceremony) champagne toast and beautiful decor. It turns an elopement into a dream wedding for the couple and up to 10 of their closest friends & family.

Other locations I had the privelage to perform at this summer have been;

Bell Tower Chapel Heathman Lodge Hoyt Arboretum The Aerie at Eagle's Landing

Skamania Lodge Postlewait's Country Gardens Laurelhurst Club Edgefield Youngberg Hills Vineyard Weatherfords Grand Lodge Peninsula Park Abernethy Center & Gardens Rockaway Beach Deepwood Estates Canby Ferry Vista Hills Winery Kennedy School Pioneer Community Center Cedar Springs Country Estate and many many many wonderful weddings in homes and backyards.

Every wedding is special and unique no matter the size or the location. I have one more ceremony this fall that I am looking forward to most of all. That will be my 15 year Vow Renewal ceremony to my wonderful husband.

On October 12, 2011, Gene and I will be renewing our vows on the beach of Maui with 12 of our closest friends. Rather than exchanging rings, we will exchange leis as we say our vows to each other.

The ceremony will be performed by my dear friend Tonya Koski of Top Hat Style Weddings in Tri-Cities, Washington. The photography will be provided by my friend Juston of CardwellPhotography.com. Hair and makeup will be done by my friend Janee', owner of Shears2You in Oregon City. Best Man and Maid of Honor will be our two best lifelong friends, Dr. Michael Coffman and Ms. Lynn Yut. My bridesmaid will be my lovely daughter, Amanda Hilton.  My honorary attendants will be Janee', Stefanie, Patti, Robbie, Laura Lee and Lynette. They will all be wearing Carribean Blue.

I will be walking down the aisle to Bruno Mars, "Just the way you are" and finishing up with Colbie Callet singing "I Do".

The rest of the week I plan to relax, play and have fun. Snorkeling is my all-time favorite activity in Hawaii. I will not stress or obsess over ceremony details once we get there (hopefully) and just keep it fun and casual.

Thank you for following my Blog and I hope that you have had a wonderful year also!!

Beverly Mason

The Radiant Touch

NW Wed Pro

NWWP Network

I found my dream destination wedding gown last January at the Brides Against Breast Cancer gown sale in Portland, Oregon. It is in ivory and that's all I'm telling! You'll just have to wait for photos.

Wine Country and Vineyard Weddings

Wine Country Weddings! From the Columbia River Gorge to the Willamette Valley and of course the Yamhill County vineyards, you will find some of the State's most beautiful wedding settings.

July 23rd I had the honor of performing a wedding for Christy & Peter at Youngberg Hill Vineyard in McMinnville, Oregon. Situated high up on a hilltop, the stone ceremony site overlooks the entire valley and hills. The view was amazing.

The reception dinner was served under a big tent which provided nice shade. The band played lively music that everyone enjoyed. It was a perfect day!

I am looking forward to seeing the final video captured by Focal Point Digital Media. Ryan is a true professional and creates the most beautiful wedding videos.

There are a lot of vineyards to choose from when planning your wedding. You can view many of them at http://www.nwwedpro.com listed under venues.

Visit http://www.OregonWeddingMinister.com when choosing your officiant. Cheers!

Weddings of the World Showcase

On Sunday May 15th, I had the pleasure of being a vendor at a fantastic new Wedding Showcase called Portland Weddings of the World.

The show was hosted by the Portland Sheraton Airport Hotel. Each ballroom was a different theme. There was Eastern Russia, Latina, Asian and Indian. The decor was over the top incredible.

Semper Fashion hosted the fashion show. Gorgeous models walked the runway wearing wedding gowns from around the world. The colors, styles and cultures were spectacular.
Hair and makeup was provided by Paul Mitchell the School and other local artists and stylists.

Featured Sponsors included Mega Music, Barclay Events and West Coat Drape.

I was lucky enough to be placed right next to Donna Cole of Pearl and Roses wedding planning. She is a fun and talented lady. I enjoyed spending the day with her. Paul Garcia Photography and Cakes by Design were friends of mine in the Asian Ballroom and I had a wonderful time with Annie of Floral Sunshine who provided the floral decor for the Indian ballroom.

This was the first year of this event but the turn out was amazing. Hundreds of brides and families packed the show from 1pm until closing at 5pm. This will be a "don't miss" event for years to come.

Radiant Touch Weddings Officiant Beverly Mason is proud to be a returning vendor at this fantastic show.

Weddings In Winter

When most people think of weddings they picture outdoors, sunshine, summer flowers and perfect weather. Well in Oregon, that perfect weather is about a 50-50 gamble and limited to about 2 months. It can be difficult to find the venue and professionals available for those dates also.

So many people don't realize how wonderful and practical a winter wedding can be. Bringing people together indoors creates a more intimate setting and overall feel of celebration.

On the practical side, you can save lots of money. Winter rates on venues are lower, wedding professionals are more available so you can get exactly who you want and prices are much more likely to be negotiable.

Bring your family and friends together to celebrate with you this winter. Whether it's in a wedding venue or a home, your special day will be full of joy and celebration.

Oregon Outdoor Weddings!

In Oregon, you rarely know what to expect from the weather. It makes planning spring weddings interesting, to say the least. There is nothing more beautiful than an outdoor wedding with hundreds of tulips and daffodils blooming all around. The crisp, clear air brings a feeling of "new beginnings" to your wedding day.

But we all know what brings those beautiful flowers... the Oregon showers. Downpours at times actually. But don't let THAT stop you! With some positive thinking the weather can easily cooperate for you and with a little pre-planning, you will be able to handle any weather. In Oregon, the chance for rain goes all the way through the summer also, so be prepared.

Tips:

Reserve a tent from a rental company. They will help you figure the size needed to accommodate your guests, tables, food, DJ and even a dance floor. A tent is wonderful no matter what the weather. It protects from rain, wind and even blistering heat.

Have umbrellas on hand for guests and bridal party.

Don't wear spiked heels, try a wedge or square heel. You don't want to be sinking in soft ground.

Tons of Fun can be had once everyone just "lets go" and cuts loose. No more worries about hair, make-up, and looking perfect. Just have fun. It can make for some memorable photos too.

So go ahead and plan that outdoor wedding. It will be special, memorable and fun no matter what the weather does.

Resources:

Rentals Equipment (tent, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, etc) ~ Key Events

Officiant ~ Beverly Mason, The Radiant Touch Weddings

Spring Flowers ~ Punch Floral

Ceremony Musicians ~ Duo con Brio

Reception DJ ~ The Aussie DJ

Photography ~ Wedding Services NW

Extraordinary Wedding Gowns ~ Magnifique Boutique

Hair & Makeup ~ Pretty In Portland

Custom Bridal Jewelry ~ Sophisticated Beads

Catering ~ Portland Catering Company

Videography ~ Asparro Video

Cake & Desserts ~ White Rose Bakery

Honeymoon Travel ~ Sun Connections LLC

Brides Against Breast Cancer

Last January of 2008 I had the honor of volunteering at the Brides Against Breast Cancer / Making Memories Gown sale in Portland. I had never been to one of these sales and could never volunteer because of my work schedule before. This year since I am self employed and work my own schedule, I had the opportunity to work the set up days and also one weekend day of the sale.
I must say, it's hard work. You know how heavy ONE wedding gown is...well, try carrying 4-6 at a time! Nearly 6,000 gowns get off loaded. We sort, inspect, hang and tag the best 2,000 or so for the sale. Three days of this and the SALE is ON! Brides come from all over the State for the opportunity to buy a gorgeous designer gown for less than half the price of retail.
Every style of gown imaginable is there. Huge dressing rooms for trying on, full length mirrors, volunteers to help zip, hang up, find sizes, pick slips and veils out, everyone is friendly and patient too. Most people imagine it to be one of those vicious, fighting over dresses, cat fight sales, but it really isn't.
If you are a bride or know a soon to be bride, be sure to visit the sale when it comes to your State. If you are a wedding professional or just a person who cares, please volunteer to work the sale.
The two women who run the show are amazing. They work 16 hour days, eat, catch a few hours sleep and are right back at it. Unlike the volunteers, they don't stop when the sale is over. they have to pack up and move on to the next sale.
Visit the website for a calendar of shows across the nation.
http://pepmembers. org/forums/index. php?showtopic=437http://makingmemories. org/HEADS UP PORTLAND! The annual sale is in portland again at the Double Tree Hotel by Lloyd Center.Portland, ORJanuary 23, Friday, 10 am - 8 pm January 24, Saturday 10 am - 6 pmJanuary 25, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

Performing Weddings and Elopements in Oregon

The Sacred Union. Marriage is such a beautiful experience. Savor it, enjoy every day of it, grow with it. Every wedding couple is unique. Together we can create your personalized wedding ceremony that celebrates your special day, your way.
Performing weddings is very rewarding to me. It gives me the opportunity to meet a variety of people, assist them in creating their ceremony and then meeting their
family, friends and guests. I personally benefit from the words, inspirations and positive energy that comes from weddings.
I am a non-denominational officiant. I will make the couple the focus of the ceremony. I am not there to preach or evangelize. It is your special day and I will work with you to make your wedding a day to be remembered.
As an ordained Clergy I will solemnize your marriage, complete your marriage certificate and submit your license to the County Clerk. I can also assist in coordinating the events of the day. I also coordinate the entire rehearsal for you. I am very organized, punctual, friendly and persuasive. These are all qualities that are needed to pull off the big day. Choose from a variety of ceremony styles and vows.

I will perform a simple "elopement" ceremony to a traditional chapel ceremony. The choice of ceremony is yours entirely. Religious, Contemorary, Spiritual, or Non-religious ceremonies that are meaningful and beautiful to make your wedding memorable.
I have experience in photographing weddings, issuing marriage licenses and organizing rehearsals and ceremonies. Visit my website for details, ideas and photos. http://wwwtheradianttouch.com or email me at bmason@ccwebster.net