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<channel><title><![CDATA[Black Swan Events - Real Weddings Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Real Weddings Blog]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 23:26:21 -0700</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[How a Boutique Wedding May Be the Answer to Your Covid- 19 Wedding Blues]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/how-a-mini-wedding-may-be-the-answer-to-your-covid-19-wedding-blues]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/how-a-mini-wedding-may-be-the-answer-to-your-covid-19-wedding-blues#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/how-a-mini-wedding-may-be-the-answer-to-your-covid-19-wedding-blues</guid><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;Covid maybe forcing engaged couples to postpone their weddings, but for those forging ahead, reimagining their nuptials is delivering surprising benefits.   (function(jQuery) {function init() { window.wSlideshow && window.wSlideshow.render({elementID:"612921398398286766",nav:"thumbnails",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocation:"bottom",transition:"fade",autoplay:"0",speed:"5",aspectRatio:"auto",showControls:"true",randomStart:"false",images:[{"url":"1\/1\/4\/0\/11408163\/1cccb769-16ad-4a48-b7 [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">&nbsp;Covid maybe forcing engaged couples to postpone their weddings, but for those forging ahead, reimagining their nuptials is delivering surprising benefits.</div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='612921398398286766-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Refusing to let Covid shatter their dream wedding, Anupriya and Sachin&nbsp; from San Francisco CA reimagined it. Without sacrificing the core elements, they adjusted the celebrations to safely take place in the family's&nbsp; garden in Beaverton OR.&nbsp; What transpired was pure magic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">The look, which had been a year in the making, was scaled to fit their back yard. The feel and flow&nbsp; of the day were uncompromised.&nbsp;</span>&#8203;</div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:right"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/1147anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/published/0005anupriyasachin20200620.jpg?1594157296" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:right"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/0006anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Covid is&nbsp; inviting couples&nbsp; to reimagine their vision and discover the joys of a Boutique Wedding. Defined as any wedding under 100 guests, these mini weddings allow couples to connect more personally with their guests.</div>  <div class="paragraph">~ They allow for special extras that would be cost prohibitive on a larger scale<br />~ And they allow for personal touches from family and friends that are impractical for larger groups.&nbsp; DIY elements are manageable&nbsp;and add to the fun of planning your wedding, without adding stress.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/0846anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"> 20 DIY silverware holders was a  manageable & fun project 2 weeks before the wedding</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/editor/0050anupriyasachin20200620.jpg?1594159472" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"> Personalized hand lettered coasters for each guest served as place cards . </div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:right"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/0035anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Dad's special chocolate covered strawberries- a  wedding day  surprise.</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">The best boutique weddings are not driven by a desire to limit costs but by a wish to share a deeply personal experience with the intimate circle who has most enriched the couples lives.</span></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/published/0386anupriyasachin20200620.jpg?1594161754" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/0617anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/0420anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">Anupriya Dhar, who was married on June 20th, 2020 expressed her feelings about the change of wedding style, "It was nothing like the wedding we originally planned. It turned out to be everything I ever wanted and so much more.&nbsp; I loved my wedding day!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/0567anupriyasachin20200620_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">photos by Aaron Courter</div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203; Remember, your love is not defined by how or when you get married...and even in the age of covid, you can still have your perfect day, it may just look a little different.&nbsp;<br /><br />Coordinator : Gabrielle : <a href="http://www.blackswanevents.net/contact.html">Black Swan Events&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />Design and Decor :<a href="https://www.propshop.com/" target="_blank"> Royces Prop Shop</a><br />Floral Design <a href="https://www.propshop.com/" target="_blank">: Prop Shop<br /></a>Rentals :<a href="https://thepartyplace.com/" target="_blank"> The Party Place</a><br />Pandit : <a href="https://portlandpandit.com/" target="_blank">Portland Pandit</a><br />DJ : <a href="https://dreamsperfected.com/" target="_blank">Bollywood Dreams</a><br />Photographer : <a href="http://www.aaroncourter.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Courter Photography</a>&nbsp;<br />&#8203;Videography<a href="https://steadystatestudios.com/" target="_blank"> : Steady State Video</a><br />Caterer : <a href="http://swagat.com/wp/" target="_blank">Swagats Indian Cuisine</a><br />Cupcakes<a href="http://www.saintcupcake.com/" target="_blank">: St Cupcake</a><br />Henna<a href="https://www.rovinghorse.com/" target="_blank">: Roving Horse Henna</a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Secrets for the Wedding of a Lifetime without Crazy Debt- Planning During a Pandemic]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/3-secrets-for-the-wedding-of-a-lifetime-without-crazy-debt-planning-during-a-pandemic]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/3-secrets-for-the-wedding-of-a-lifetime-without-crazy-debt-planning-during-a-pandemic#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/3-secrets-for-the-wedding-of-a-lifetime-without-crazy-debt-planning-during-a-pandemic</guid><description><![CDATA[&#8203;After coordinating over 700 weddings nationally and internationally, award winning wedding designer Gabrielle Dowding saw a pattern. No matter the couple, culture or budget, the the happiest couples&nbsp; and the best weddings consistently have 3 key elements.&nbsp;The 3 Keys&nbsp;:#1&nbsp;Celebrate Your Story&nbsp;- Every couple has a story. When you infuse that into your wedding, you ignite your guests' imagination. Your story guides the look, feel and flow of your wedding day. It also  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">&#8203;After coordinating over 700 weddings nationally and internationally, award winning wedding designer Gabrielle Dowding saw a pattern. No matter the couple, culture or budget, the the happiest couples&nbsp; and the best weddings consistently have <strong>3 key elements.</strong>&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><strong style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">The 3 Keys</strong><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">&nbsp;:</span><br /><br /><font size="4" style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">#<strong>1</strong></font><strong><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">&nbsp;</span><font style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">Celebrate Your Story</font></strong><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>- Every couple has a story. When you infuse that into your wedding, you ignite your guests' imagination. Your story guides the look, feel and flow of your wedding day. It also becomes the foundation upon which a realistic budget can be laid for your big day.</span></div>  <span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/editor/tierney1058.jpeg?250" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:0; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display:block;">&#8203;</div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:15px;"></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font size="4">&nbsp;#2&nbsp;</font>&nbsp; &nbsp;Embrace your Budget&nbsp;</strong><br />&#8203;The most important and costly choices are made in the first few months of planning.&nbsp; By defining your vision and identifying your priorities you can establish which professionals are needed to bring your wedding to life. Making well informed decisions here is the key to maximizing your wedding budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:24px;"></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:10px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/published/180314-gabrielle-branding-012.jpg?1593995704" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:286px;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:12px;*margin-top:24px'><a><img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/editor/mink-chiffon-shade-structure-2.jpg?1593996872" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:0; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display:block;">&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />&#8203;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Pro's Tip :&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; Best way to manage cost:&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Guest Count<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;*Alcohol Options<br />&#8203;<br />&#8203;<br />&#8203;<strong><font size="4">&#8203;</font></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><font size="4">&#8203;#3</font> Honor Your Guests</strong>- On your wedding day, you are the guests of honor,&nbsp; but you are also the hosting the most important party you will ever throw. What is the experience you want to share and how can it be done safely in the age of covid?&nbsp; For many postponing is the best choice but for others, moving ahead, modifying their guest count and opting for a grand reception in 2021 is the ideal way to write the next chapter in their love story.&nbsp;</div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/editor/tierney0424.jpeg?1593996645" alt="Picture" style="width:255;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">" I found a butterfly!"</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/tierney0895_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">A First Responders Wedding </div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/published/tierney0515.jpeg?1593997304" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Antique china set the perfect tables at their family farm</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/tierney0778_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Homemade pies and wedding cake- YUM!!</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:33.333333333333%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/tierney0666_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Lavender  Vodka Lemonade was their signature drink !</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;<strong style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">Need more help ?&nbsp;</strong><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">&nbsp;We invite you to bring your vision, skills, talents, and passion to the table. Together we will create an event that celebrates your story.&nbsp; &nbsp;Amazing starts here!</span></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-small wsite-button-normal" href="http://www.blackswanevents.net/contact.html" > <span class="wsite-button-inner">Connect with Black Swan</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-small wsite-button-normal" href="http://www.blackswanevents.net/services.html" > <span class="wsite-button-inner">Learn about Our Services</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chocolate and The Ocean ~ The Wedding of a Lifetime on a Grad Student's Budget]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/chocolate-and-the-ocean-the-wedding-of-a-lifetime-on-a-grad-students-budget]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/chocolate-and-the-ocean-the-wedding-of-a-lifetime-on-a-grad-students-budget#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:51:56 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Chocolate wedding]]></category><category><![CDATA[wedding in Portland OR]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/chocolate-and-the-ocean-the-wedding-of-a-lifetime-on-a-grad-students-budget</guid><description><![CDATA[       &nbsp;Nothing will create a memorable wedding more than infusing it with the couple's personality. Emmett &nbsp;was raised on the Oregon Coast and met Suzanne as an undergrad student. Three years later, on a &nbsp;chilly winters walk by Haystack Rock , he proposed. Crystalizing their wedding vision began with &nbsp;identifying&nbsp;&nbsp;the&nbsp;cornerstones of their story.         One of the first things to emerge was their passion for chocolate!These two loved chocolate. Really really  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/1623632_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:900px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;Nothing will create a memorable wedding more than infusing it with the couple's personality. Emmett &nbsp;was raised on the Oregon Coast and met Suzanne as an undergrad student. Three years later, on a &nbsp;chilly winters walk by Haystack Rock , he proposed. Crystalizing their wedding vision began with &nbsp;identifying&nbsp;&nbsp;the&nbsp;cornerstones of their story.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/2677656_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/2677656_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:900px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">One of the first things to emerge was their passion for chocolate!<br />These two loved chocolate. Really really good chocolate.<br />In fact when Emmett proposed, he tucked the ring into a tiny gold Godiva box, next to a truffle.&nbsp; Weaving that detail into the reception was a must.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/1944412_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:433px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">The chocolate menu was the hit of the reception. They release an intoxicating aroma and and deliver a stunning visual effect. Just before the first course, waiters in white gloves removed the menus and placed them in custom boxes, then replaced the box at each guest's place setting.    </div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/7253719_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:433px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Empty Godiva truffle boxes allowed guests to take home some of the white chocolate seashells as a gift from the wedding couple. The centerpieces and the menus served dual purposes. They were decorative elements for the table and then were either eaten or went home with guests as highly sought after favors. And what went in the martini glasses you ask? The couple's signature drink: Godiva White Chocolate Martinis!</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:left"> <a href='http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/609329_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.blackswanevents.net/uploads/1/1/4/0/11408163/609329_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:900px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Another cornerstone was Suzanne and Emmet's  connection to the sea. Enlarge this image to see the detail of the  edible white chocolate seashells atop  and around the "Treasure Box "  centerpieces.   These exquisite  centerpieces were created by Christina Yen of Yen for Chocolate from Valrhona Chocolate. At 10pm guests were invited to break open the boxes and enjoy a late night treat. The sugar rush had them dancing into the wee hours of the morning !</div> </div></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-small wsite-button-normal" href="http://www.blackswanevents.net/tips-and-resources.html" > <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click for budgeting tips</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-small wsite-button-normal" href="http://www.ayenforchocolate.com/" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Meet Yen for Chocolates</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoid the #1 Mistake Brides make at Wedding Shows]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/avoid-the-1-mistake-brides-make-at-wedding-shows]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/avoid-the-1-mistake-brides-make-at-wedding-shows#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2014 16:37:48 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackswanevents.net/real-weddings-blog/avoid-the-1-mistake-brides-make-at-wedding-shows</guid><description><![CDATA[ (function(jQuery) {function init() { window.wSlideshow && window.wSlideshow.render({elementID:"894443613728781043",nav:"none",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocation:"bottom",transition:"fade",autoplay:"1",speed:"5",aspectRatio:"auto",showControls:"true",randomStart:"false",images:[{"url":"1\/1\/4\/0\/11408163\/7743986.jpg","width":"400","height":"265"},{"url":"1\/1\/4\/0\/11408163\/8107233.jpg","width":"400","height":"600"},{"url":"1\/1\/4\/0\/11408163\/8678297.jpg","width":"400","height":"265"}, [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='894443613728781043-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">Attending a bridal show this weekend?&nbsp;<br />Avoid making the brides #1 mistake:<br /><strong><em>"Do not rush to sign anything at a show.</em>"</strong><br /><br />Shows are a resource where you &nbsp;gather knowledge and begin to crystalize your vision. Avoid the temptation to make a decision on impulse or under pressure.<br />I advise couples to bring two things to any wedding show,<br />~ their phone to take photos and&nbsp;<br />~ their calendar to schedule appointments with prospective vendors.&nbsp;<br /><br />Reputable professionals will honor their show special for the next week or two after a show to allow for private consultations. For most couples, their upcoming wedding will represent their largest financial investment -&nbsp; other than buying a house - for the next five years. The professionals who will help you bring your wedding vision to life on budget, want you to make an informed choice that is right for YOU.<br /><br />I hope to see you at the Bravo Wedding Affaire on Sunday, Feb 23rd, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Portland from 11am-4pm. We will be unveiling a stunning new ceremony design!<br /><br />Congratulations on love well found!<br /><br />Gabrielle of Black Swan</div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-small wsite-button-normal" href="http://www.bravowedding.com/wedding-affair/" > <span class="wsite-button-inner">Bravo Show Info</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>