Several times a year at Abernethy Center we hold an event called our Chef's Preview. This event is an opportunity for our brides and grooms who have weddings scheduled for that year to come experience a party in our ballroom. They are able to sample a large selection of our menu options, as well as taste our wine, champagne, speciality soda selections, and even our chocolate fountain. Guests also have the opportunity to chat with several of our prefered vendors, regarding their wedding needs.

With how chilly it has been outside, I find myself daydreaming of summer. Warm weather, trees and flowers in full bloom, flips flops and t-shirts,  and of course summer weddings. Lindsey and Andrew were married in Abigail's Garden on August 27, 2011 and their wedding is the perfect dose of sunshine. The beautiful images were all shot by A Niko Productions.

I am in love with the website Etsy, and you should be, too. If you haven't yet discovered this shopping paradise, now is the time! Etsy is a website where people around the world sell their often hand-made creations. Through the thousands of items you can find beautiful cothing, jewelry, home decor, and unique odds and ends you have never seen before, like this:pear cozy. Etsy also has an amazing selection of goodies for your wedding. Below are some of my favorites, this week anyway :). Christmas is right around the corner, so it's a perfect time to add-on to your wish list, or pick out a gift for someone else.

 A guestbook is a great way to have a memory of your wedding guests years down the line after all of the festivities are over and the gifts and cards have been opened. The following are some fun and unique alternatives to the standard guestbook.

Having a typewriter on your guestbook table in place of a traditional guestbook is a truly special and unique way for your loved ones to leave you a note. It is a vintage touch that many will be surprised to see. To hunt down a typewriter try your local antique or thrift stores, or browse ebay.

Photo by: Powers Photography Studios

The rehearsal dinner is one of many fun events leading up to the wedding. Traditionally the groom's family is given the task of finding a restaurant for the bridal party and family to share a meal together before the big day. The following is a list of some of our favorite restaurants for rehearsal dinners. I have included spots nearby Abernethy Center in Oregon City, as well as in downtown Portland.

 Photo by Powers Photography Studios