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Wedding Transportation – Unique Travel Options

Wedding Transportation - Unique Travel Options

When it comes to organizing a wedding many brides like to veer away from the lure of traditional and into something altogether more unique. For them it has to be something that reflects the personalities and quirks of both themselves and their partner, even if it goes against the grain of nuptial norms. The most memorable weddings (or at least those remembered for the right reasons!) are always the ones that are the most personal, fun and truly tailored to the couple in question. These weddings shrug their shoulders at ideals and don’t pander to the expectations of guests. If this sounds like your kind of wedding and you’re in the midst of the wedding planning mission, then you’re probably still deciding how you’ll be getting to the church on time. Here are a few options that you might not have considered…

A Vintage Bicycle

A decidedly very Portland option, a vintage bicycle would certainly makes for a cute entrance. Picture your free-spirited self peddling down a sunny countryside lane with your bicycle mounted bridesmaids in tow, all ringing their bells for you as you arrive. How fun would that be? Whilst you wouldn’t want to be travelling for a long distance in full hair & make-up whilst wearing anything bulky (especially up hill), it’s certainly do-able if you only saddle up for the last few moments of your journey. Finding a vintage bicycle shouldn’t be hard either. Reasonably priced ones can be sought online and there are plenty of places where you can hire them too. Of course make sure you pick one out with a wicker basket on the front – you’ll need somewhere pretty to place your bouquet!

Rent this cute white bike from Portland Bike Tours.

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A Motorbike

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One for the rock ‘n’ roll bride. Whilst riding a Harley Davidson would make for a very cool arrival, wearing a dress on one of them is more than a little impractical (not to mention dangerous). Luckily, there are sidecars! Motorbikes and riders can easily be hired, with some companies specifically catering to the wedding market. Whilst you can wear an open-faced helmet (and avoid ruining your make-up) you’ll just have to rock the helmet hair – but who cares? It’s a nice day for a white wedding…

Find a rental in your area at the Eagle Rider website.

On Horseback

horse

Forget the carriage! If you’ve got a passion for all things equestrian then why not take a trot to the church? Whilst not recommended for first time riders, a horse would certainly make for an elegant princess-style arrival for anyone with experience (what’s more you’d save on the carriage!).

Take lessons together before you hop on at Iron House Riding Academy.

A Hummer Limo

hummerlimo

hummer limo

If you can’t be a diva of Rihanna-proportions on your wedding day, then when can you be? Popular with celebrities, rappers and your general show-off rich folk, the hummer limo is synonymous with fabulousity. The majority of them come fully equipped with decadent interiors, disco lighting, music systems and free champagne – meaning you and your girls can have a stylish pre-party and get psyched up for the excitement ahead. When it comes to hiring limos however, make sure you go to a reputable company that actually specializes in weddings (as opposed to the “We provide transport to parties, but yeah we’ll do your wedding if you pay us double” types). Any transport company operating in the wedding industry will generally have a reputation to uphold, and will therefore be a lot less likely to not show up on the actual day; equally their luxury vehicles will be fully covered should anything happen while you are a passenger. Services such as transport however will usually be covered by your wedding insurance policy, so check the small print make sure you’re fully protected against such an eventuality. Also, try not to party too hard before you get to venue – slurring one’s vows is generally frowned upon!

Check out Five Star Limo to find the perfect ride for your wedding day.

Famous Vehicles

carrental

Are you something of a film buff or TV nerd? Then how about indulging your geeky sensibilities by making your arrival in a famous vehicle? Many companies offer famous cars, trucks, motorbikes and replica vehicles for wedding hire. Could you see yourself pulling up to your venue in the General Lee? What about James Bond’s Aston Martin? Or maybe you’re more of an A-Team kinda gal? The possibilities are all pretty fun.

Although Frank Sinatra once sang “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage”, the saying certainly doesn’t have to dictate what you arrive in. You get one chance to arrive at your wedding, so make sure you do it in style – whatever your style may be!

Check out TransAmFlorida for famous cars.

LifeCycle Adventures: Localized Wedding Honeymoon Idea

LifeCycle Adventures: Localized Wedding Honeymoon Idea

Are you and your groom the outdoorsy types? Do you love long bike rides on the weekends? LifeCycle Adventures could be a honeymoon suited to your tastes! With over 10% of Portland commuters traveling by bicycle, there is bound to be some Portland brides out there into the idea of planning a cycling honeymoon. You can read more about LifeCycle Adventures in other publications like National Geographic Adventure, Esquire, Wanderlust, Men’s Journal, Delta Sky Magazine, Bike Magic, and The Sunday Times.You can keep it local in Oregon, or they also offer vacations in California, Hawaii, and Maine. A cycling honeymoon doesn’t have to be roughing it either. LifeCycle offers tons of options from small inns to staying the night in five-star hotels and resorts.

LifeCycle Adventures offers a variety of options, like a choice between a self guided tour, a private group or scheduled groups where anyone can sign up.

Other Great Options From LifeCycle Adventures

  • Towns for overnight stops tailored to your tastes and how much you want to ride each day (for private and self guided tours)
  • Your luggage is transported between lodgings for you
  • There is van support with a mechanic in case you need it
  • Breakfast is always included, and lunch and dinner vary for different options
  • Other activities are available, like ziplining, wine tasting, spa treatments, balloon flights, golf, rafting, and more
  • They rent bikes, or you can bring your own

Views Found On LifeCycle Adventures Trips

California

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Napa-Sonoma-Bike-Tours-6

 

 

Oregon

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Oregon-Columbia-River-Gorge-Bike-Tour-5

 

Hawaii

Big Island Saddleback Road

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You can find a lot of information on the LifeCycle Adventure website, so check it out. Would you consider riding your way through your honeymoon? We want to know!

Foodie Friday: Phresh Organic Catering

Foodie Friday: Phresh Organic Catering

Are you ready to get your mouth watering? Keep reading. Today we are covering the Bravo! Live 2012 winner for best caterer, Phresh Organic Catering. If you are holding a localized wedding, there is no way you can go wrong with Phresh Organic Catering. They offer the best Oregon has to offer, with local wines, produce and more. I was pleasantly surprised by their extensive list of sustainability practices. I have included just a sampling as it appears on their website.

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Phresh Organic Catering Sustainability Practices

  • we purchase:
    • farm direct organic, local, seasonal and non genetically modified produce
    • line caught fish from the pacific ocean
    • responsibly raised, hormone free meats
    • local, organic dairy, eggs and dry goods
  • phresh composts all kitchen and event food waste through portland’s composting program
  • we utilize biodegradable cleaning agents

‘green’ bar service

  • our wine list showcases local, salmon safe, organic and bio-dynamic wines oregon wines
  • we feature local breweries that have made a commitment to green practices and produce organic beers
  • oregon is on the map and is producing locally made distilled spirits; we feature aviation gin, pendelton whiskey, crater lake vodka and oregon distilled deco silver rum
  • we offer naturally sweetened organic columbia gorge brand juices, blue sky sodas and izze sparkling juices

Now if that doesn’t have you considering Phresh Organic Catering, take a look at some sample menu items…

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This is their potato galette with apple compote & chive, by Juliana Patrick Photography. Other menu items as they appear on their website.

Other Sample Menu Items From Phresh Organic Catering

Winter Wedding Menu

  • free range draper valley chicken with roasted butternut squash sauce with quince & sage
  • potato, leek & bacon profiteroles

Spring Wedding Menu

  • flower petal & baby spinach salad with apple & honey – lavender vinaigrette
  • carlton farms pork loin with fennel & cider reduction

Summer Wedding Menu

  • Oregon fresh caught snapper with sautéed fennel, celery, lemon & thyme
  • eggplant confit with white beans & oven dried tomatoes

Fall Wedding Menu

  • smoked salmon potato galette with crème fraiche
  • sautéed red cabbage with apples & nutmeg

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This photo was found on 100LayerCake.com of Phresh’s food in action. Love this picture idea. Photo by Erin Grace Photography.

Phresh Organic Catering offers a great selection of vegetarian and vegan catering options as well. See something you like? Tell us what it was!

Wedding Hair: Chachi Hair In Portland

Wedding Hair: Chachi Hair In Portland

As I have already doted again and again, last week’s Art of Weddings bridal show was a fabulous arena to see the best Portland wedding vendors in action. There was anything and everything  from wedding cupcakes and cakes, to wedding photographers, to even makeup artists and hair stylists. Chachi Hair was at the bridal show in full force showing off what they can do to give brides great wedding hair. They proved that have what it takes to keep your wedding hair do from exploding into frizz under all that drizzle here in Portland. I always recommend that every bride have a  wedding hair consultation in the weeks leading up to the wedding to be sure there are no surprises on the big wedding day.

Photos From Art of Weddings Bridal Show

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As always I surfed the Chachi Hair website and found this statement,

At Chachi Hair we take pride in our passionate team who thrives on fashion, trends, and education.

As a Redken and Pureology salon we provide our clients with product knowlege and styling tip so you feel confident in replicating the salon service at home.

We are innovative trend setters with a goal to make you feel beautiful from the outside in.

Were you there when these pictures were taken? What was your favorite part of the Art of Wedding Bridal show? Did you love seeing Chachi Hair at work? Do you have hair stylist tips for brides? Leave comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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2013 Event will be located at: Portland Center Stage at the Armory

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