You must go.

 Elizabeth Dye and the ladies of the English Department never disappoint and this year will be no exception.

p.s.- Be sure to get your tickets ASAP.  They go incredibly fast!!

p.p.s.- We are particularly proud of our own Gabi Olgatree, who not only our amazing coordinators but is one of the ladies of the English Department.

~Carmen and Kara

Practice with Purpose; unite against sex trafficking

Please join us at the Tiffany Center on Saturday, January 21st, from 2:00-5:00 pm.

The Portland yoga community is joining together with the Yoga Freedom Project, a global initiative to educate and raise money for The Somaly Mam Foundation, an organziation dedicated to ending human trafficking.

Part of the proceeds will also help the Janus Youth, a local organization that runs the only shelter for minors who are survivors of sex trafficking in Portland.

“So in addition to knowing that the money from your ticket is going to support some major good in your community and in the world, know that your ticket also buys you your place among hundreds of other yogis and yoginis in an inspiring all-levels practice taught by some of your favorite Portland teachers.

 Along with yoga, there will also be poetry, music and film clips to connect you to the purpose of your practice, as well as survivors and local organizations speaking about their experience and offering a call to action.

Our community needs us–it’s time to reach out as we stretch.”

Tickets are only $35 and if you cannot attend, you can always make a donation.  If you are interested in being a sponsor, the opportunity is still available.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  We hope to see you on January 21st.  Look for us, we will be the ones with the mats.

~ carmen & kara

Purchase or donate here:

TICKETS

DONATIONS

]]> http://www.ellaportland.com/2012/01/practice-with-purpose-yoga-inspired-movement-to-affect-personal-local-and-global-change/feed/ 0 http://www.ellaportland.com/2012/01/why-not-be-a-little-different-portlands-alternative-bridal-event/ http://www.ellaportland.com/2012/01/why-not-be-a-little-different-portlands-alternative-bridal-event/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:23:08 +0000 kmarkovich http://www.ellaportland.com/?p=1371 Earlier this year, we were asked  to create a style scene  for a more alternative bridal show, Committed.   We liked the idea of  a bit more edgy and unique event.  Not to mention,  it was described as being “more like a crazy fun wedding reception then a boring ole’ trade show.”  How could we resist?

With the help and vision of  Bonnie and Rachel of Punch Floral and Design, we pulled inspiration from Mexican culture and the artist, Frida Kahlo, to create a Day of the Dead themed table.  All the paper goods you see were created by  the talented and sweet Lindsay Zogas of Paper Bloom, the rentals were provided by Kathy Potwin of the Party Place and the stunning baked goods were creations from Anja Spence of Miss Zumstein.  Incredible!

The photos below are courtesy of both Emily G Photography and Mosca Photography. Thank you both for sharing! The dark images are courtesy of my little camera.  I tried to capture the candlelight, but as you can see, I am no expert.

Thank you to everyone  involved and a huge thanks to Misty Damico, of Luxe Event Productions,  for such a fun evening!

~kara

This design is in collaboration with the lovely AND inspiring Heather Hollern of Quince Flowers.

Carmen and Heather wanted to capture the essence of a perfect gathering of food, drink and community.  An opportunity to bring people together who have one commonality, this wedding and this bride and groom.  We believe one of the most magical moments of a wedding is when a couple realizes they are surrounded by all the people who love and support them.

Take a second to look, you just may be inspired.

If it wasn’t handmade in this photo, then it was created and made possible by these incredible, LOCAL vendors.

So much thanks to all of them!

Alesia Zorn Calligraphy & More

West Coast Productions

Hippo Hardware Lighting Rental

Xocolatl de David

Pix Patisserie

~kara

Another shout out goes to our friend, Rebecca Westby, who stylized the shoot and much of the other photos throughout the magazine. You must take a look at how perfectly she exhibits all the amazing Portland designers.

Time and time again we realize how lucky we are to work with such creative people.  It is a pretty special bunch in this little,  big city of ours.

~kara

Recently I was asked by a client to come up with an interesting gift basket for her out of town guests and my adventure led me to the lovely Gwen of GivePortlandGifts and, well, I was blown away.  All in one place, in a beautiful basket, were all of the local products that I had been jotting down in my little notepad over the past year. 

One meeting later and we had constructed the perfect basket, knew the stories of the artisans and sampled the wares.  Thanks Gwen for all that you do!

Carmen

Photographer-Lauren Brooks Photography

Florist-Page Winograd of Vibrant Table

Photobooth- The Original Photobooth

*As seen in Portland Bride and Groom, Summer/Fall 2011

Be sure to pick up the Brides April 2011 issue now so you can take a look!

ps-Thanks to our sweet bride, Kate Campbell, for the photo!

~carmen & kara

Sandy and Glen run an amazing little ship.  Inspired by cycling trips in Europe where they would ride for the day and then stay at a small inn at night.  They wished to take their land and make it a haven for cyclists and other guests wishing to enjoy the countryside.  When we visited, we  took our bikes. Some pack their running shoes and others bring a good book.  My first visit was with my husband.  The second visit was for a girls’ weekend.  We took walks. We rode our bikes. We sat outside and enjoyed fantastic conversations. We  road our bikes again. We did yoga in the studio space and delighted in amazing food and drink.  All, I must add, is included in the price.  Glen is even his own trained barista and Sandy won’t share secrets of her amazing food.  Though I cannot blame her,  I am anxiously awaiting a cookbook!

Okay, so you got lucky and I shared.  This is a perfect getaway.  Ideal for couples and /or a place to gather all your closest friends to celebrate your upcoming wedding.  Though I have resisted for months now, I couldn’t help but let that cat out of the bag.  The real truth is, I have already booked my reservations for the year.  Now you may have your turn!

~kara

On December 31, I sported a mustache.

Along with 170 other guests.

All captured on film.

It is really quite simple.

Rent The Original Photobooth, watch your guests go crazy over having their photos taken and both you and your guests will receive a copy  of the pictures.

Oh, and did I mention it is a huge hit amongst your guests?

Christy and her staff at The Original Photobooth are fantastic to work with.

We have had the pleasure, on numerous occasions, to work with them and I always enjoy watching the line of guests form in front of the booth.

In these photos, we are celebrating Jenny and Michael’s wedding.

Because it was New Year’s Eve, they added a more festive element, mustaches.

Congratulations to Jenny and Michael and  lot of thanks to Christy for the photos!!

~kara

]]> http://www.ellaportland.com/2011/03/something-to-remember-me-by-the-original-photobooth/feed/ 0