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Event Design Ideas: Playing With Opposites

Filed Under: Setting the Stage, Soiree Spotlights

Sophisticated and rustic? Shimmer and timber? How do you marry opposing design elements into an elegant event backdrop? Watch Vibrant Table’s Kurt Beadell describe his inspiration for this stunning holiday party at the Portland Art Museum.

More Eye Candy

Here are a few stunning shots from the talented Ambient Sky Studios, who also created the video above. Based in Portland, Oregon, we cannot say enough wonderful things about Ambient Sky!

Lighting played a crucial role. Hanging globes and stage backdrop conjure snow, while candles represent a warm hearth.

Lighting played a crucial role. Hanging globes and stage backdrop conjure snow, while candles represent a warm hearth.

These amazing linens from La Tavola create a rich, textural backdrop.

These amazing linens from La Tavola create a rich, textural backdrop.

Details of pine cones, winter greens, and raw-cut branches create a woodland feel.

Details of pine cones, winter greens, and raw-cut branches create a woodland feel.

Hanging snow globes with 'snow' and twinkling fairy lights add height.

Hanging snow globes with ‘snow’ and twinkling fairy lights add height.

Vibrant Table's menu incorporated earthy flavors to complement the rustic theme.

Vibrant Table’s menu incorporated earthy flavors to complement the rustic theme.

Salmon Tartar with creme fraiche and caviar on a cucumber round.

Salmon Tartar with creme fraiche and caviar on a cucumber round.

A majestic dessert display offers home-style treats.

A majestic dessert display offers home-style treats.

Self-Serve-Smore-Bar

Reminiscent of nights around the campfire, a self-serve Smores Bar is a popular hit.

What a Winter Wonderland!

What a Winter Wonderland!

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You Might Also Like To

Portland Wedding & Event Venue: Bodyvox

Filed Under: Biz Buzz, Setting the Stage, Spectacular Spaces

Urban, edgy, and earthy, BodyVox dance studio is an event space that can be molded and decorated into any theme or style your imagination can create. In the heart of industrial Northwest Portland you can find this inspiring venue with four unique spaces available for events.  With built in overhead pipes and beams for drapery and lighting in the main studio and white walls throughout, these open and naturally lit spaces are the ideal canvas for a decorator to play.
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Lobby

A modern, finished warehouse space with, light oak bar space, grand piano and a painted mural backdrop – perfect for small standing receptions. (Note: Photo taken before the mural was painted)

Capacity – 50-60 Standing Reception

Education Studio

A creative open space, great for meetings, ceremonies or standing receptions, complete with a fully mirrored wall and openable garage door to the street, great for a warm summer evening event.

Capacity – 80 Theater Seating

Main Dance Studio

A reception hall, dance floor or performance room – there are endless possibilities for décor using draping and lighting in this large dance studio. The risers can be left in or removed, depending on your preference. This space is best for a banquet style dinner.

Capacity – 170 Banquet Seating

Warehouse space

An unfinished, earthy warehouse, complete with exposed pipes and brick walls gives a unique feel for a non-profit or as an alternative wedding venue.

Capacity – 255 Banquet Seating

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Did you know?

ISES Portland is holding their annual Pimp My Warehouse event at BodyVox on April 28th, 2011. The event decor will be used for The Children’s Book Bank fundraiser the following day.

Real Weddings: Betsy and Alex

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Brilliant Blooms, Setting the Stage, Spectacular Spaces

Betsy + Alex 4/24/10

Betsy and Alex were married on April 24th in the Fields Sunken Ballroom at the Portland Art Museum, a venue that was perfect for them in its elegance and simplicity.  Their dream team included Vibrant Table (catering and flowers), Molli Barrs of Soiree Special Event Planning, DJ Eric Wright of All Wright Music, and gorgeous photography by Jamie Bosworth of Bosworth Studio (thanks for the photos, Jamie!).

The details were a reflection of Betsy and Alex’s personalities: synchronized sports watches for the Bride and Groom (Betsy tucked hers in the pocket of her dress- practical and awesome, in our opinion), brownies from Fat Witch Bakery in NYC as a very tasty favor, and beautiful linens and chair covers designed to complement the room perfectly.  The flowers were a mix of French, parrot and local tulips, highlighted by a few orchids here and there. The aisle was illuminated with different sized cylinder vases filled with submerged tulips, which created a glowing path to the ceremony space.  Drape from West Coast Drape and lighting by the Portland Art Museum transformed the ballroom into a glowing backdrop for both ceremony and reception.

The couple and their guests sampled lamb chop lollipops, samosas, cranikopita, and potato cakes with smoked salmon as their hors d’oeuvres while sipping on Marionberry Martinis. Dinner included New York strip and cider-glazed salmon with roasted rosemary potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The newlyweds then danced the perfect Spring evening away with their friends as a beautiful beginning to their new life together.

Congratulations, Betsy and Alex!

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Want to see more? Read the photographer’s take on the wedding and view more photos on Jamie Bosworth’s blog.

Venue Feature: Portland Center Stage @ The Armory

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Soiree Spotlights, Spectacular Spaces

A Portland landmark since 1891, The Armory is currently home to Portland Center Stage. Artfully blending historical significance and modern aesthetics, PCS is a dramatic gem of an event facility. Features include rustic brick, graceful stair case, and cascading lights that give your celebration a celestial quality. With a Platinum LEED Certification, you can be sure your celebration has a light environmental impact and VIBRANT TABLE, a PCS preferred Caterer, will help you plan your event with ease.

PCS boasts seven rentable event spaces, including two theaters, a rehearsal hall and four lobbies. Availability is  contingent upon show hours, but PCS staff are well-practiced schedulers — and the ability to host your event at such a unique facility is well worth some creative flexibility. With top of the line in-house AV capabilities,  PCS is ideal for conferences, award ceremonies, and auctions. The naturally dramatic backdrop also makes it perfect for weddings, holiday parties and corporate celebrations.

Stats at a Glance

CAPACITY: 375 seated on two main lobbies
LOCATION: 128 NW 11 Avenue
PHONE: 503.445.3824
WEBSITE: www.pcs.org

Credit

As always, thank you to our photographer partners for generously allowing us to share their awesome skill and talent. You are the best!

Powers Studios: bridal party & reception setting from Mezzanine
Evrim Icoz Photography: “Historiscope” & header image
Andrea Lorimor Photography: select Vibrant Table hors d’oeuvres
Uncommon Muse Photography: GIANT rose composite by Vibrant Flowers

Visit our venue gallery for more images of Portland Center Stage.