GHGH Bargains

With the current tough economic times, it can feel pretty painful to spend money on your wedding. You want to hire your favorite vendors, but the prices feel out of reach. So what if we told you that at last year’s Get Hitched, Give Hope, one bride scored her wedding photography at 60% off retail price, paying just $1,120 for a wedding photography package that normally costs $2,800? And another bride got DJ services at 40% off…instead of paying $1,2000 for her DJ, she paid $720. And another one saved 40% on her invitations? And all of these deals were from some of Seattle’s best wedding vendors.

Yep, brides and grooms got some truly outstanding bargains. Auctions are like that sometimes. At Get Hitched, Give Hope, you can walk away with things you need for your wedding anyway, and you get to feel great about every dollar you spend knowing it’s going to such a good cause. So spend some time reading about all the vendors whose goods will be available at the event, mark your calendars for October 29th, and buy your tickets here to get in on the great deals! (To find out more about our charity, the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, click here.)

Charities we love ~ The Danskin SheROX Triathlon

This week I met with a gal I connected with through twitter (yay for bringing the community together!!) – Kat Speyer, I was immediately impressed (she is a wedding bee blogger!) and then I went to her photography website and was WOWED! She is a talented girl!! We met and chatted over cupcakes (yumm… thank you Trophy!) she is so incredibly generous and is willing to donate her time to help make Get Hitched Give Hope a success (THANK YOU!!) so for this year she is going to help us with marketing & PR (her background). We are SO thankful to have her with us and REALLY appreciate her support.

She is very generous in all areas of her life – she recently participated in the Danskin Triathlon which she is going to share with us below, adding to the list of Charities We Love!

Thank you Kat!

Hi there, I’m Kat! (Yet another friendly Seattle wedding and portrait photog.) The GHGH crew is graciously letting me guest post to share some thoughts on the fight against breast cancer. (Thanks, guys!)

I was first introduced to Brides Against Breast Cancer when I was planning my wedding and blogging for Wedding Bee in 2008. So many brides in the Bee community talked about donating their dresses or purchasing them at one of the foundation’s gown sales. I’ve always been impressed with their organization, so I was delighted to discover Get Hitched, Give Hope in Seattle working with Brides Against Breast Cancer to put together a fabulous benefit event and fundraiser.

Let’s be honest… Cancer is scary. At some level, we’re ALL at risk. So it behooves us to take care of our bodies, support research, and assist those in treatment. As an athlete, I’ve had the pleasure to be involved in numerous events to support a variety of causes. Many of the most poignant are those to further cancer research, particularly when survivor teams and their families are involved. There are a lot of organized races, both competitive and non-competitive, entry level and advanced, to benefit the cause.

For example, though she doesn’t consider herself an athlete, my mother is one of the most ambitious cyclists I know. (She can outpace me on a bike— we’re talkin’ 20mph here– and she just started riding two years ago.) Last year, she fundraised for the Team in Training Chuckanut Century in memory of a family member who succumbed to leukemia. This summer, she rode the Seattle Livestrong Challenge to benefit cancer research. That’s a killer ride, so I give her many kudos!

But I have to say that I’m most proud of her for her latest accomplishment. Just last weekend, she completed the Danskin SheROX triathlon. We trained together and it was our FIRST multi-sport event. We’d never done anything like it before—neither of us are swimmers and my mom had never ran before our training!

kat-and-mom-danskin-training
Here’s my mom and I after a “mini” triathlon training. As you can see, I felt like poop.

For those of you unfamiliar with the event, the Danskin tri is a women-only “sprint” distance triathlon immensely popular for its accessibility to women of all fitness levels and known for its strong fundraising for cancer research. Since 2004, Danskin has worked exclusively with The Breast Cancer Research Society as their Official Charity, raising over $850,000 to help BCRS end breast cancer. The race also gives special recognition to athletes who are breast cancer survivors and encourages all participants to donate individually.

I would encourage all of you wonderful people determined to further support the fight against breast cancer through events like GHGH, to look into the Danskin. You might be saying, “Who? Me? I could never do that!” But really, you’d be surprised. Anyone can. And not only is it satisfying as a fitness challenge, it also is immensely meaningful to be involved in an event that contributes so greatly to the cause.

There’s also great group support. This is my mom’s mentor group, who let me tag along on some training events:

moms-mentor-group-portrait

You also have the option to wear a smokin’ unitard. (Really, I love it… but LOOK at the thing. )

kat-smokin-unitard

In case you’re wondering, my mom and I both finished strong! While I was expecting to have a bad time, I experienced quite the opposite… it was FUN and I met some really cool people along the way. It was also unbelievable how fast the race passed: My mom finished in under 2 hours (after losing her timing chip) and I finished in about an hour and a half. You’ll be surprised at what you can do! So, please, give it a shot. It’s amazing what you can accomplish and what a difference it can make for others.

{post written by kat posted by barbie}

Brandy Thibault ~ Abaloria Jewelry

In December of last year a few of us girls were talking about our New Year’s resolutions – like many people do, mine was (is) a silly one – to wear earrings every day of the year. (so far still going strong minus a few forgetful days.) When I checked the mail later that week and found THE most beautifully packaged box in the mail – I thought for sure, “this couldn’t be for me…. could it?” and then I found the note and Brandy from Abaloria became more than just a gorgeous jewelry designer – she became my FAVORITE jewelry designer!! The earrings she sent are GORGEOUS – perfect for any event (although, I like to save them for special days when I can tell people they were made for me!)

So I would love to introduce you to a beautiful girl, a great friend and a FABULOUS jewelry designer – Brandy

read on to find out more about her & Abaloria:

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Brandy Thibault and I am the owner/designer of Abaloria Jewelry, I started my company 6 years ago and specialize in custom bridal. I can adorn everyone from the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls and yes, the mothers! The process usually takes 2 week (at the most) and is very fun. I meet with you at my cozy studio and take a look at the dresses and wedding colors and give you helpful suggestions on what I can do for you. The jewelry is hand made by me and designed to fit your individual style. Please feel free to browse my work on my website: www.abaloria.com

What do you love most about your work?
I love everything about my work! I love meeting and getting to know each person, designing and creating pieces that are individual and one of a kind. The whole process from the first meeting to the last really!

What drew you to Get Hitched, Give Hope?
I was really intrigued by the whole concept of a swanky party where brides can learn more about quality products in a fun environment while drinking and eating amazing food, winning prizes and spending quality time with their friends. The largest part of my interest was the proceeds going towards Breast Cancer. My mother in-law is battling Breast Cancer for the second time. She won the battle 12 years ago and recently found out it was back. She underwent a full Mastectomy and is in remission so far. (Keep your fingers crossed!!) To be able to be a part of raising money to help the families make memories that will last a lifetime is a wonderful thing. I feel honored that I was invited to be a part of this.

What makes your business different than everyone elses?
I think the custom part of my business is what makes me stand out from other jewelry makers. I meet with each client and take in the effect their budget, likes and dislikes and come up with the perfect jewelry for them. I wont let them leave unless they are 100% happy. I dont mind re-working a piece, or just plain starting over, thankfully I have not had to do that yet! One of my favorite things to do is take an old family heirloom and recreate a new set out of it for the bride. Many times there are enough stones, crystals or pearls to create a piece for another family member too. Makes for a fun memory of the family member who handed it down to them and something they can pass on to their children.

How are you participating in this year’s event?
I am donating a custom Jewelry Set as well as earrings for the swag bag. Did you hear that?? Gorgeous earrings in the SWAG bag!!

Here are some gorgeous images of her work in action:

peridot_gold_drop pearl+crystal

photos above by www.sharlanechase.com

Azzura_04_09_004 Azzura_04_09_028 073

photos above by www.asuraphotography.com

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photos above (left) by www.moirephotography.com (right) by www.hansonphotography.com

{post by barbie}

Vendor Profile: Edit 1 Media

Edit 1 Media
www.edit1media.com

“Drumroll and red carpet please!!!!”

I am so excited to introduce to you one of my absolutely fav people in the Seattle wedding industry. I met Laura Randall and her husband Chris a few years ago, and my gosh I just adore them. They film the story of a couple’s wedding day, so that the “happy blur can be savored and shared with others. It becomes part of the family’s history.” They’re professional videographers, and “experienced” is their middle name (over 10 years!). They strive for excellence in their field (being named “one of the most influential videographers” in their industry is no easy feat, mind you!), but the most important part for me is that they are so much fun to be around!

This interview is a little long, but SO worth it, get out your tissues. Even though I’ve talked with them about all this stuff before and know their personal story and what makes them so AWESOME and REAL at what they do, I’m still getting goosebumps and that “I’m-gonna-cry smooshy-face” right now as I’m typing this. Here goes!

What prompted you to open this lovely business of yours?
Now THAT is a long story! The short version is that one of our children had cancer at the age of one and then it relapsed at 2-1/2 years old with a very poor prognosis. We bought the best video camera we could because we knew while photos were great, we wanted to hear and see him laugh if we lost him. Miraculously our son is now 14 years old and what started off as collecting footage for a possible funeral video turned into a wedding and corporate videography company! The passion for capturing life at its most amazing moments has always stayed with us and we feel it’s an honor to capture history in the making for each family we work with.

Incredible, Laura, just incredible! What is your favorite product or service that you offer and why?
The Same Day Edit! This is where we take footage from the day and edit it on-site, then show it at the reception! It wraps up the day’s emotions into an intense, emotional video that is 100% completely unique to each couple. Most guests don’t get to see all the fun, crazy, emotional moments that happen BEFORE the ceremony so it’s a great way to share those moments and also see the day from a completely different perspective!

SUPER fun Same Day Edit in Seattle! from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.

What do you like to say makes you unique from others in your industry? Why do clients choose your services/products?
We pour our heart and soul in to every wedding movie we create…whether it’s romantic and emotional or fun and upbeat, we really try to reflect the personalities of the day and create the absolute best possible production we can create. I think that passion comes through in our quality of work.

Why are you excited to be a part of GHGH?
When our son had cancer the second time, he was a “Make-A-Wish Kid” and our family was blessed enough to visit Disney World. It was SUCH a needed break for our family in the midst of a nightmare. And as silly as it may seem to some people, I had some peace knowing that if he died at least we were able to have that incredible time together as a family. When you are in the middle of treatment things can be so intense and bleak so to have that ‘normal’ time together doing what ‘regular’ families do was priceless to us…just to see him light up and hug a humongous Winnie-The Pooh brought so much joy to my heart. I often wondered if there was something like Make-A-Wish for adults and when I heard about the Making Memories Foundation through Get Hitched, Give Hope last year, I knew we had to be a part of it!

I think my little heart just broke in two. I’m so thankful to be a part of an organization that helps families just like how yours was helped! And even more importantly, I’m so happy that you guys are partnering up with us to offer an incredible opportunity. Tell us how are you participating!
We filmed last year’s event and are creating a promotional video for Get Hitched, Give Hope and will do that again this year as well. We are also donating an Engagement Music Video which is worth approximately $2,000. Stop by our table to see the 2008 couple who won the bid on that item…it’s an awesome video for an amazing cause!

So…. Laura & Chris…. since you grew up in Hawaii and still have family there, and since you’re there to shoot weddings sometimes ANYWAYS… do you think it’d be okay if we moved next year’s event to Hawaii or what? I’m sure folks won’t mind the change in location, eh?

Oh man… the tears are rolling for me as I post this…. {Post by Laurel McConnell}

Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom Magazine Sponsors the GHGH Soiree

When we were first talking about forming Get Hitched, Give Hope a couple of years ago, we knew we needed to have one of our city’s fabulous bridal magazines on board to help us spread the word and create a buzz. At the time, Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom magazine was the newest mag to hit the scene, and with their large format and modern, clean layouts, we knew we just had to have them on our team of sponsors!

Have you picked up the latest issue of Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom? I just love the cover of this issue, the cake is just screaming “Eat me!” (can’t you hear it? Turn down your music then! ‘Cause it’s screaming!)

09_SeattleMetBG_SummerFall1

If you did, you may have seen our latest ad!

smbg ad

Thanks to Jeff La Plante for the gorgeous image of one of our roaming models at the Arctic Club Hotel at last year’s Get Hitched, Give Hope!

{Post by Laurel McConnell}

Vendor Profile: Dolce Design ~ Brittany O’Brien

dolce

image credit: Michele M. Waite

Dolce Design : Brittany O’Brien
www.dolcedesign.net

Not only does she write a sassy stylish blog, but Brittany is a thorough invite designer with a vision for the swank when it comes to both weddings and corporate events. As a graphic designer (six years worth of experience!), she opened her custom correspondence boutique in Bellingham four years ago and caters to clients everywhere. First hand, I’ve seen her gorgeous font choices, her sensuous ribbon embellishments, and savored her luxe paperie.

What prompted you to start this couture correspondence design boutique?
As a formally educated graphic designer my heart sank each time I flipped through a book of prefab invitations. I decided to handle the design and production of my own invitations and the undertaking was well worth it. My guests raved and the custom couture invitations were and exact match for my husband, myself and our event. I strive to achieve that perfection with every client.

Why do clients choose your services/products?
Everything I do is custom; in four years I haven’t made the same invitation twice. And I have teeny tiny old lady fingers… all the better to tie pretty ribbon with! (I’m totally joking…. Brittany joked about her “tiny fingers” in response to something else but I thought it would be totally fun to put right here!)

What is your favorite product or service that you offer and why?
The design process! I love getting to know my clients and creating something totally for them.

Why do you love doing what you do?
I love doing what I do because it’s the biggest party most people will ever throw and your guest’s first glimpse of that special party is the invitation.

Let’s talk about GHGH real quick, how are you involved with this year’s event?
Last year was a blast and a huge success. I am honored to be invited back and this year will be bigger and better. I’ll be doing the layout and design of the program, vendor signage, and am donating a lovely auction item.

So, now that you have a totally girlie, lace-and-bows-and-flowers impression of Brittany, I’m going to shatter that picture and tell you about her secret obsession.

She can’t stop watching videos on You Tube about Krumping!!! I exploded with laughter when I found this out last night at 1 am, sitting alone at my computer in a quiet house where you could hear a pin drop. You crack me up, girl! We’re so glad to have you on board again! Thanks for all your mad design skills!!!!!

link to Krumping: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=krumping&search_type=

{Post by Laurel McConnell}

Mad Housewife Wine

“When seeking a beverage sponsor for our Get Hitched Give Hope event, I just about went bonkers when Mad Housewife Wine generously offered to sponsor our wine for the night! The wine seemed quite fitting for the event, dontcha think? All you brides, soon to be wives, will be able to appreciate a sip (or three) of the delicious (OH YES, I did a taste test) libation! Just one of the many treats to look forward to at the event. Afterall, what’s domestic bliss without a little wine?

A HUGE thank you to Mad Housewife Wine!

{Post by Shannon Lassen}

Save the Date!

Susan Alexander of Bravo Bride – (we heart her!) was so wonderful and generously took on the big job of sending out our fancy pants emails. The first one went out today – hooray! So get out your pens (or open your online calendar) and SAVE THE DATE! October 29th, 2009 – send it to all of your friends, your family, your clients and let everyone know – if they are planning a wedding in 2010, THIS is the party to attend!

Here is a copy of the email -

Thank you so much to Susan for your hard work and immediate response – we are huge fans here at GHGH!!

Don’t forget to buy your tickets – they are on sale now! HERE is a link to buy them!

Laurel McConnell Photography bio picture

fabulously photojournalistic, plus a dash of fashion

We are a boutique photography company. We don’t have millions and trillions of clients. We answer the phone at all odd hours, email entirely too much, and we-heart-text-messages. We strive to keep relationships personal, ideas fresh, and products timeless. Things are seen with a teeny bit of a fashion flare: we’ve got a passion for creating rockin’ portraits, all the while capturing moments as they happen.

Wedding photography commissions begin around 3700. Packages nicely done around 5700. The whole shebang is available starting at 14200.

Portrait commissions are nicely done around 500, super cool at 2500.

about Laurel

“It must have been the chemicals,” my mom says. She likes to attribute my passion for photography to way back in the 70’s, when pregnant women were allowed to dabble in the darkroom. Thanks mom, for exposing me to such toxic fumes.

I grew up in Southern California with a mom, a dad, a really annoying little sister (who now I realize just wanted to be like her big sis), and a whole bunch of dogs, cats, goats, ducks, and chickens. Oh, and some rabbits, too. And a parakeet or two. And some goldfish. I was going to be a veterinarian.

We later moved to Washington, where I attended the University of Washington, aspiring to be a great psychologist (of people. not animals). Well, when I realized that I had taken all the psych courses that I needed, and all that was left was Rocks for Jocks, Astronomy 101, and art, I took a photography class to see what it would be like. You almost have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how the aperture and shutter speed work together, paired with the developing time and ratios of chemical dilutions. I gave it my all and I toughed it out. That’s when I decided that I wanted to be an artist, and go to art school, and make art all day long. So I transferred to the Art Institute of Seattle, where I graduated with honors with a degree in Commercial Photography in 2001.

The rest is history. I love what I do. I love to travel, I love to be around happy people who love to let me capture their emotions and lives, and I love to see the world through a lens. I love the way the clouds part and the light comes through after a storm. I love the way the light looks just moments after sunset. I love the funny faces people make when they think no one is looking. I love the sound my Hasselblad makes, it’s a gratifying kerplunk that signifies that an image has been successfully impressed on film. And I love dirty martinis, super extra dirty, with extra olives.

Join me on Facebook!

Tickets Are On Sale for Get Hitched, Give Hope!

Lots of things have been happening over at our charity lately! We’ve got a fabulous group of movers-n-shakers getting great swag, awesome auction items, planning two gorgeous events, and spreading the word.

ticket

Mark your calendars for October 29th and head on over to the GHGH website, because tickets are now on sale for this year’s swanky Seattle bridal charity event, Get Hitched, Give Hope!

As we’re wrapping up our raffle and auction procurement, I can tell you that we have some AWESOME items up for grabs…. a wedding dress (or FIVE! that’s right, you get to pick), some gorgeous jewelry (and diamonds are among the rumors!!), iconic photography packages, stunning videography products, beautiful custom invites up for bid, gorgeous florals for your wedding, fun event extras (you’re gonna “FLIP”… sorry… dorky pun intended!), and planning sessions to manage it all with some of Seattle’s top planners. We’ll post a list as soon as we’ve got some great images to illustrate them on the “goods” page of the site, as well as a preview of the program so you can pre-shop once it’s designed and off to press in October.

Read details about the event, charity, and wishes we’ve granted here: www.gethitchedgivehope.com

You can buy tickets HERE.

But most exciting, you can read our new blog HERE!!! Read sponsor & vendor introductions, see auction item previews, read about some of last year’s great deals, and some planning tips n’ tricks n’ trends are on their way, so stop by now, stop by often, and drop us a comment so we know you’ve been there.

And if you believe in the event ad mission of the organization (did I mention that it’s 100% donations and volunteers?? And it’s a 501c3 non-profit organization??) stick this tile on your website and link back to www.gethitchedgivehope.com. Or better yet, tell your friends and clients and wedding-message-board-friends!

GetHitchedGiveHope

{Post stolen with permission from www.laurelmcconnell.com/blog}

Vendor Profile: Erin Skipley

Erin Skipley is an incredibly talented makeup artist and hairstylist. She did all the makeup for the models at last year’s Get Hitched, Give Hope, and she’s on board to do the same for this year’s event! I can also say from personal experience that on your wedding day, she’s an incredibly calming presence. She did my wedding day hair and makeup (as well as my sister’s and my mom’s) and I adored the look she gave me. Here’s a little bit about who she is and what she does!

Tell us about yourself! My name is Erin Skipley, my business is called Bellatrix Studio. I am a professional hair/makeup artist for print, television, music, fashion, and I also work with brides. My website is www.bellatrixstudio.com, and my blog is erinskipley.wordpress.com. I work primarily in Seattle and Los Angeles, and available for travel to any destination.

What do you love about your work? I have the best job ever!! I feel so thankful every day that I am able to do what I love. The most rewarding thing about it is being able to show someone their best self, and to help create a wedding day look that is timeless and beautiful, admired by everyone!

What drew you to Get Hitched, Give Hope? The beautiful girls that organize it! They are truly inspiring. And to do a small part in helping make someones day a little brighter.

What makes your business different? World class vision!

How are you participating in the event? I am providing hair and makeup for the models at the event, as well as a full studio consultation, including bridal hairstyle, airbrush makeup, and application of individual eyelashes.

Anything else you’d like to share? Featured in Allure Magazine as a ‘Makeover Master’.

1) Tell us about yourself! (What’s your name, business name, what do you do, link to your blog or website) My name is Erin Skipley, my business is called Bellatrix Studio. I am a professional hair/makeup artist for print, television, music, fashion, and I also work with brides. My website is www.bellatrixstudio.com, and my blog is erinskipley.wordpress.com. I work primarily in Seattle and Los Angeles, and available for travel to any destination.

2) What do you love about your work? I have the best job ever!! I feel so thankful every day that I am able to do what I love. The most rewarding thing about it is being able to show someone their best self, and to help create a wedding day look that is timeless and beautiful, admired by everyone!

3) What drew you to Get Hitched, Give Hope? The beautiful girls that organize it! They are truly inspiring. And to do a small part in helping make someones day a little brighter.

4) What makes your business different? World class vision!

5) How are you participating in the event? (What is your donation, etc.) I am providing hair and makeup for the models at the event, as well as a full studio consultation, including bridal hairstyle, airbrush makeup, and application of individual eyelashes.

6) Anything else you’d like to share? Featured in Allure Magazine as a ‘Makeover Master’.

Julianne Smith ~ Garter Girl!

There have been many fun traditions in weddings over the years one that has stuck around for the long haul is the garter – of course what you do with it is up to you. As Julianne says, “you can flaunt it, toss it or keep it as your little secret”!

Julianne Smith creates gorgeous custom personalized embroidered garters for ladies on their big day – she has been featured on Junebug Weddings, Daily Candy, The Today Show & so many others & when I heard she created two VERY special garters for OUR special day I was so excited!

Here is an image of the hand made garters that will be auctioned off on October 29th, 2009

If you are planning your wedding and need that special garter (how wonderful would it be to pass your garter onto your daughter for her wedding day!) give Julianne a call! Here is her information:

Julianne Smith ~ www.juliannesmith.com
Garter Girl Blog: http://juliannesmith.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gartergirl
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julianne-Smith-Wedding-Garters/52379142626

Don’t forget to get your tickets early for Get Hitched Give Hope – all the cool kids are doing it! October 29th, 2009 ~ Seattle, WA {Get Tickets HERE}

Get Hitched, Give Hope

Be a giver… you know you wanna!