MissNowMrs.com and Forever Friends

Forever Friends and MissNowMrs.com are giving away a gift certificate in the amount of $29.95. The gift certificate will be randomly selected  to the couple who tells us about their unique proposal story. The winner will be listed with their proposal story under MissNowMrs.com blog post. The winner of the gift certificate will receive their gift from MissNowMrs.com. Good luck. We can't wait to see your amazing proposal stories. 

Lori Raines - Owner of Lori Raines Calligraphy

"You do not marry someone you can live with,
you marry the person you cannot live without." Anonymous


Welcome... kick off your shoes and stay a while.

Welcome to Lori Raines Calligraphy Studio.

Humble beginnings in 2001 have evolved into a business that has served brides and wedding planners all over the country and around the world. Addressing invitations to Bette Midler and Huey Lewis was pretty great, but even better was addressing envelopes to the loved ones of my clients--the family and friends gathered for a day of joy. Several Bar and Bat Mitzvahs along the way, commissioned work, and now I'm working with the younger sisters of my original clients.

Addressing any invitation is a time-consuming job. Addressing wedding invitations calls for following etiquette guidelines, setting aside time and space for the job, and making sure that what you mail out presents a beautiful event for your guests. Your invitation envelope is the first chance your guests have to see what they will be attending. Using labels makes your invitation look like junk mail. Bad handwriting is, well, bad.

Calligraphy, the art of beautiful hand-lettering, is elegant. It is one of the few times in their life your guests will ever see their names lettered in such a beautiful manner. Chances are, you are busy with work, school, or life, and haven’t the time to address by hand each invitation. That is the convenience of this service.


I help you assemble your guest list by providing an easy to follow, yet comprehensive, set of Etiquette Guidelines. We work together with your invitation designer or vendor to have envelopes delivered directly to me, or I can provide useful information for shipping at the lowest costs available. Prior to starting, we discuss ink colors, lettering styles, particular notes to your guest list, and then I set out to provide a beautiful, polished envelope for you. If you are really crunched for time, you do have the option of having them assembled and stuffed here. Hand-cancelling the envelopes is also an option. There are numerous rules and regulations for your envelopes, such as additional postage costs when using wax-like seals, or international mail. If I do not have the answers you need, I find them for you.

Your vows can be lettered and framed, commemorating this special day in your life. Custom gift cards are available for your bridal party or as guest favors. Receptions are not complete without escort or place cards and table numbers. Want something unique to hold the thank-you gifts for your bridal party? How about personalized gift bags? Out of town guests will love finding a personalized gift bag full of local goodies, but seeing their names in hand-lettering really adds a special touch. From custom wine labels for wine bottles, fortune cookie tags, customized Christmas ornaments for winter weddings—the possibilities are endless and I’m happy to talk with you about them.

About me...

I live and work in the beautiful Pacific Northwest--Oregon, with my husband who is my biggest fan and best friend. Without his complete support, this would not be possible. I am the mother to two beautiful girls, my darling Katherine 20, proudly serving our country in the US Navy, and Alison 5, my little sparkling glass of bubbly that makes me giggle throughout the day. Chances are if we speak on the phone you will hear her in the background. She tries to be quiet and respectful, but you may hear her.

I look forward to hearing from you--thank you so much for taking the time to peruse my site and I look forward to hearing from you!
Call us at 503-209-3352 or "">email us

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Visual Memory Photography

Ran Shapira, of Visual Memory Photography, has an artist's eye - to capture the essence of your wedding in a sincere and beautiful way that will let you remember this day in its best and most personal sense. We offer genuinely eloquent, touching, photojournalistic work. For pictures that are really your own, call on us: 612-804-4239 or Email Alexis

Specialties
Visual Memory Photography offers an eloquent eye for your wedding, event, portrait, and memorial photography, along with superb quality albums, prints, canvases, and books. For truly memorable photos and memorial books, that you and your family can treasure for years to come, call on us - Visual Memory Photography.

History
Established in 2008

Ran Shapira, photographer and owner of Visual Memory Photography, has had a passion for poignant photography from childhood, and offers this passion and professionalism to capturing your life's events in the most memorable way.

Meet the Business Owner: Ran Shapira
Ran Shapira, of Visual Memory Photography, has an advanced degree in art, has curated and done fund-raising with world renowned museums, and recently received a Rimon Arts Fund grant (Minneapolis, MN) for an upcoming show - September 2010, at the Sabes JCC.

Alexis G. Shapira
Visual Memory Photography
612-804-4239

Our Studio is Located at:
Minneapolis Photo Center
2400 North Second Street,
Second Floor, Suite 200
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411

Visual Memory Photography on BridalTweet

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All Occasions by JB

Julie Barnes - Owner

I have been planning weddings and events for approximately 12 years. I started by doing wedding and party decorations for friends and family. Soon other people were asking for help to plan their functions. I enjoy organizing events and am very creative. Making people happy through my creativity is what I enjoy most. Seeing a project evolve from my handwritten notes, to a beautifully decorated venue or ceremony site is such a thrill! I am constantly learning new things with every event that we do. The success of any event, is in the details; and we are all about the details! No two clients or events are alike, bringing out the individuality into a wedding or event is what we strive for. I have been thouroughly trained in Wedding and Event Planning from the U.S. Career Institute and am very confident of my skills and my experience. Bella and I have been friends for over 30 years and have great respect and trust for each others abilities and work extremely well as a team. With support from God, my family and friends, I will continue to enjoy what I do and give every event 100% .

Your Event Done Right











Vendor Referral

Are you in need of vendors to provide services or products. We have maintained relationships with many wedding professions who are extremely qualified to assist in the various elements of your wedding.

This Package includes:

Initial Consultation

. Schedule of all vendor arrivals at ceremony and reception

. Review of all vendor contracts

. Set up and attend initial vendor consultation

We will take your budget amount for each service/product needed and find the vendors who are able to comply with your budget and specifications.

Full Coordination

Planning your wedding from beginning to end would be our honor. Our attention to detail and knowledge of the industry will ensure you a successful wedding that you and your guests will remember fondly.

This Package includes:

· Initial consultation
· Monthly checklist of elements being worked on
· Work with you to create your budget
· Mange the budget and give budget advice throughout the process
· Submit announcement of engagement and marriage to the print media
  of your choice
· Vendor referrals and recommendations
· Contract reviews and negotiations
· Manage, finalize and confirm vendor arrangements throughout the
  process
· Monthly 1 hour planning meetings throughout the process
· Unlimited phone and e-mail support
· Creation of your vision, selection of colors, develop a theme, choose
  décor and table linens
· Create wedding cake design
· Establish floral design, including centerpieces
· Décor Estimate
· Recommend options for Save the Dates, Invitations, Ceremony
  Program Rehearsal Dinner Invitations, Place Cards and
  Menu Cards
· Provide etiquette advice when necessary
· Customized, detailed itineraries for the wedding party and vendors
· Secure rental items
· Hotel Block, for guests
· Final on site consultation one month before the wedding
· Coordination of all payments
· Detailed wedding day schedule and décor set up sheets
· Floor plan set up
· Table set up
· Set up and removal of décor items for ceremony and reception
· Oversee collection of all gifts and special items, and load them into
  appointed vehicle
· Wedding party coordination
· Coordinate rehearsal and make sure all parties are aware of their
  positions, roles and responsibilities
· Check and ensure arrival of all vendors
· Conduct, oversee, or assist with the set up of the ceremony and
  reception sites, confirm that they are per contracted standards
· Distribute ring pillow, flower basket, corsages, boutonnieres, and
  bouquets
· Greet guests and direct them to the appropriate location
· Line up wedding processional and cue bridal party
· Transport items from the ceremony to the reception site
· Review names with the Master of Ceremonies or DeeJay, line up and
  cue the introductions of the bridal party
· Coordinate with vendors the timing of the toasts, dinner, dances, cake
  cutting and tosses
· Distribute payment and tip envelopes to vendors
· Assist with tear down of the reception site
· Pack all gifts as requested and turn over to designated person
· Return all rental items

Day of Coordination

(Please contact us at least 1 month prior to wedding)

So you’ve done all the planning and, now you deserve to enjoy your day! We will handle your full wedding day beginning with the rehearsal.

This Package includes:

· Initial Consultation
· Customized and detailed itineraries for the wedding party and vendors
· Review all vendor contracts
· On site consultation – Ceremony Site
· On site consultation – Reception Site
· Compile final list of payments due
· Oversee all vendor commitments to make sure they are fulfilled to
  contractual agreements
· Confirm with all vendors 2 weeks prior to wedding
· Block necessary hotel rooms
· Point person for all vendor inquiries and deliveries
· Distribute all bouquets, boutonnieres, pillows, baskets
· Line up wedding party
· Cue wedding party
· Monitor all décor set up
· Coordinate rehearsal and make sure all parties are aware of their
  positions, roles and responsibilities
· Assist guests with seating if needed
· Confirm that all vendors are on site as scheduled
· Coordinate with vendors to ensure that the timing of toasts, dinner,
  dances, cake cutting and tosses stay on schedule or make any
  necessary adjustments
· Confirm set up is done according to your specifications
· Transport necessary items from ceremony site to reception site
· Pack all gifts
· Greet guests
· Return all rental items
· Direct guest to seats, restrooms

Reception Planning

If you need assistance with the reception only – This is the package for you.

This Package includes:

· Initial Consultation
· Phone and E-mail Support
· Full itinerary of all reception activities
· Timing assistance
· Confirmation of all vendors
· Coordination of all vendors to ensure that the timing of toasts,
  dinner, dances, cake cutting and tosses stay on schedule or make
  any necessary adjustments
· On site coordination
· Organize and cue bridal party entrance
· Coordinate with deejay
· Coordinate with Master of Ceremonies
· Direct guests to restrooms, gift tables, and their seats
· Distribute payments and tips to vendors
· Assist with disassembly of reception site
· Assist with removal of gifts and reception items

Candy Buffet

The Candy Buffet will add another element to the festivities!

A Candy Buffet generally replaces favors and can cost less than favors. But can also be used even if you are using favors.

· Up to 8 glass containers in various shapes, and heights. Additional
  containers available for a fee.
· Candy scoops or tongs as needed
· Custom labels or candy signs which display the names of candies
· Coordinating linens
· Set up and Removal of candy buffet (optional)
· Poem explaining the candy buffet

The containers are rented from All Occasions by JB

You will need to provide

· Favors bags, boxes, or favor container of your choice
· Personalized labels for favor bags of boxes or container of your
  choice
· Any colored ribbons to decorate containers
· All candy

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Victoria-Joanne's

Being a creative person myself, I fell in love with Victoria-Joanne's custom created handmade work. Victoria-Joanne started her business in 2001. She always loved art and creating things by hand. Her first endeavor was creating her own wedding accessories and cake topper for her own wedding in 1993.
Victoria-Joanne continued her creativity, and after getting encouragement from her friends and family, decided to sell her handmade creations. In 2001, she started her own business. Her favorite love is being able to contribute to the uniqueness and specialness to each brides wedding day. She always receives great testimonials and thank you's, which she says brightens her day. You can find Victoria's hand crafted creations on many different websites.

Victoria-Joanne's handmade garters are made with a large variety of colors, lace, charms, crystals, and any materials that you can incorporate in any way the bride likes. She also does monograms and personalized lettering, which are custom designed on a computer. She professionally embroiders them on to each garter.


Victoria-Joanne's other creations include custom pillows, baskets, dress tags, scented and bouquet sachets. If you think that her creations stop there, she will be starting a baby brand which includes custom embroidered bibs. She can embroider patterns and lettering which she sews onto pillows, and custom designs can even be created for each client to match their stationery or wedding invitations. Like her garters, all creations are 100% custom made to order.


You can find further information on Victoria-Joanne by visiting these links:

Blog

Testimonials

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Giveaways

Victoria’s work has been featured in magazines such as:

"US Weekly"

"I Do for Brides"

Her wedding garters have graced the legs of celebrities. Kendra Wilkinson (from the hit show "the Girls Next Door") and the beautiful models, Lindsay Clubine and Katie Cleary (from the game show "Deal or No Deal") have her creations. Victoria also has a very silly and wild side. You can see her "over the top" creations that she did special for theNew England Lincoln Mercury dealer webisode commercials at FollowMeToBliss (Run away brides Webisode). It is a wonderful thing to have such an accomplished garter designer and bridal accessory creator at your fingertips. You will be able to browse 1000’s of previous custom order samples to get ideas on how YOUR perfect custom garter can be.