Occasionally when someone writes a post about an event that has yet to happen, they actually get the opportunity to attend to see how right (or wrong) the assumptions were. Yesterday I attended The Art of Weddings at Luxe Autohaus—an event which I had previously described as “catering to high society” and a chance to “see how the upper crust entertain their friends.” While I contend that my description was pretty accurate, I will grant a few concessions.
True to their word, the hosts of The Art of Weddings were all about finding local vendors. Everything was local. Via Parigi Fine Jewelers from Tualatin made a showing of jewelery that was downright affordable, with many beautiful options ranging from $15 to $90. Missionary Chocolates were peddling their handmade vegan truffles, which were ridiculously good and most certainly worth whatever they want to charge for them. And Pink & White Nail Salon on the South Waterfront showed me Soi Candles, which are the coolest candles in the entire world. For $26, they burn for 120 hours and you can use the warm wax as a lotion for your hands. It sounds crazy, but it makes for a non-greasy, yummy-smelling moisturizer. (I have a feeling a few of those will make it into my closet to be used as emergency birthday gifts this year.)
On their way out, a bride-to-be named Stephanie Cervenka and her maid of honor, Jamie Bishop, raved to me about the event. “It was amazing!” gushed Bishop. Cervenka was kind enough to show off the loot she had acquired from the event, which included a gorgeous Garnish necklace she had won in the raffle and a cream-colored silk negligee purchased from oh Baby. “She’ll never get a divorce with that thing!” laughed Bishop. The two were accompanied by the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom, and all appeared to be in excellent spirits.
I’m happy for them. I really am. The point was to go and have a great time. But I stand by my original assertion that most of the products at the 30 booths that occupied the floor of Luxe’s showroom were not affordable. A part of me did feel a little guilty fingering a $220 pistachio-colored silk dress from Garnish after I had just finished reading an article about increased joblessness. And the strapless bubble dress with sash on display from Amai Unmei? Pretty, but a little out of my price range at $299. Even with the 10% off coupon in the swag bag I received, it would be hard to find bridesmaids who could all afford that dress. So at 9 pm, as my sugar high wore off and the hand-stitched couture dress lost its luster next to the heavy price tag, it did feel more like a flight of fancy than a worthy attempt at frugality.
In related news, Jasmine Photography wrote a post on their Simply Chic Weddings blog on Dec. 31 in response to previous post. Apparently they did not like it very much, which is the price I pay for blunt honesty. I’m willing to pay that price, but I would not be willing to pay $6500 for wedding photos.
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