Please say Hello to Destiny Sund and Paul Verano of The Confectional!  At The Confectional, they make individual-serving artisan cheesecakes in more than 12 flavors.  They started after a friend offered to pay Paul for one of his amazing cheesecakes, and have been serving Seattle since opening their first store in 2006!  This was their second time participating in Get Hitched, Give Hope -- they donated 400 Über Mini Raspberry White Chocolate cheesecakes for our big event in October.  We ate them all!! What do you love about your work? We love putting a smile on people’s faces with not only our fabulous dessert but also our joyful atmosphere.  

  What inspires you? Chocolate… um… lots of chocolate.  Chocolate inspired Paul’s famous Confectional quote: “Forgive me, chocolate, for I have sinned. I have not yet had my daily confection.”  

    What makes your business stand out? The Confectional is the only dessert store in Seattle that offers individual-serving cheesecakes in a large variety of flavors, no slices! So, a customer can come in and pick out a variety pack for parties, dinners, all types of events. We also offer Cheesecake Truffles: our cheesecake baked, rolled, and then dunked in rich dark chocolate. We are serious about our cheesecake products. We serve everything with a smile, and never ever judge a second helping of dessert! How can we stay in touch? www.theconfectional.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Confectional/209549335729502

 

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Did you see the amazing floral decor at Get Hitched Give Hope?  We want to extend a big "thank you" to July Floral Designfor helping to make our event this year look absolutely fabulous!  Owner of July Floral Design, Tess Kelbaugh, worked hard crafting some showstopping pieces - let's take a moment to learn more about her company...  

  Tess, tell us a little about your company and why you are a floral designer...   I am delighted to be a floral designer in my hometown of Seattle. I find it empowering to have my own business, and to work with fresh flowers, illumination, fabrics and interesting containers! I was drawn to the scale of working with flowers- whether it’s the intimate beauty of a single blossom, or the breathtaking effect flowers bring to an event. After working in several shops in Portland, Oregon, I realized that this world was right for me.   What do you love most about your work?   The creative possibilities are endless. I love working personally with my clients, listening to their inspirations, and creating work that encapsulates that. The expressions of surprise and satisfaction on my client’s faces are deeply rewarding. We have such a fabulous diversity of flowers and plants that grow in the Northwest, and I love to incorporate what is in season as much as possible.  

  Why did you get involved with Get Hitched Give Hope?   I think it’s important to give back to this community. While I haven’t lost any family members to a terminal illness, I have helped friends through their losses. I am excited to be part of such a fulfilling cause.   What designs did you create for Get Hitched Give Hope this year?   I worked with the flowers and décor team to create a dazzling evening! I was particularly excited to design in a large-scale capacity. I created original designs to bring two 14 ft. tall metal trees to life using Orchids, feathers, and votives among other whimsical items! Guests enjoyed these trees while bidding on items in the ballroom.  

  Tess, thank you for all your help with our event!  How can we stay in touch? Check out my website: www.julyfloraldesign.com      

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  We love DJ Leslie and Seattle Parties!!  They have been great and generous supporters of GHGH in the past, and this year was no exception.  At last year's auction, Leslie met Trae and Kym, an engaged couple facing a diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer.  Moved by their story, Leslie offered to donate her services to their June 2011 wedding, which they very gratefully accepted.  Also at the event, photographer Rick Takagi offered to donate his services, and here are a few photos from their big day!  

For this year, Seattle Parties not only donated a fabulous $2,500 DJ and lighting package to our auction, they also provided their services to our Preview Party in August.  Thank you so much!!

We asked Leslie what she loves about her work...

“When I meet with my clients I really like to get a feel for them musically.  If they are like me, music has dotted my “lifeline” and I want to implement memory songs into the course of the evening, thus enhancing the happiness of the bride and groom on their wedding day. I have a play list of about 10 thousand songs for them to look through, with about 30 thousand songs in my total laptop library. For cocktail hour and dinner I like to play Mood Music--Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, World  Music, Love Songs, Down tempo, mellow stuff from bands they both like. Then I can play anything their heart [or crowd] desires for dancing! I have an extensive collection from the turn of the last century to the present [ Scott Joplin to Lady Gaga!]  I like to meet the couple over coffee to fine tune the musical selections and to get a sense of "who they are" so I can better custom tailor the event musically. There we go over [or create] the time line and special musical selections [first dance, bouquet toss, cake cutting--anything else they'd like to implement] - as well as discuss their definite "No's" for the evening [ i.e.: bands/ songs they dislike] I'm also a pro at making announcements and working with the photographer and catering staff to make sure the time-line is running smoothly it. [i.e.: Well, folks--get those cameras ready because we will be cutting the cake in about 5 minutes" sort of thing] I've been doing this for so long I'm not ego-driven when it comes to weddings, I'm here for the client to play what they like and  wonderful at reading a crowd and working the room. I am gracious when it comes to taking requests from  the crowd as well. Every client is different, and that's what keeps it interesting for me! It's like I walk in with a blank canvas and leave with a picture that has been painted by the client and their guests. It really is an art!"

How can we stay in touch?

www.seattleparties.com

206.533.8284

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We're delighted to introduce another Photo Giver!!  Tracie Howe teamed up with some talented high school students to coordinate this donation to GHGH!!  Read all about it here!  Thank you, Tracie and Ingraham High School drama students!!  You can catch their play this weekend at IHS.

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We know you like beer! We know you LOVE helping others!! That's why we're bringing you Hopebrew!   Hopebrew is an autumn celebration of local home-brewers and giving!  Proceeds go to support Get Hitched Give Hope and our mission of granting wishes and supporting those affected by life-shortening illness.   Your ticket price includes: •samplings from each of our 4 featured home-breweries •finger lickin' BBQ •photobooth •tasty desserts •the musical stylings of Pickled Okra. Some awesome raffle prizes will be available as well, so bring your pocketbook! Tickets: $15 GOLDEN MUG TICKETS (includes unlimited beer and 4 raffle tickets): $40 MUST BE 21+ to purchase tickets and attend event!

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  We're thrilled to introduce you to another of our wonderful 2011 sponsors, Nancy Storment of Bella Bridesmaid, returning for her second year participating in GHGH! Nancy told us, "The Seattle Bella Bridesmaid store opened almost two years ago.  I opened the store with my friend, Meredith, shortly after my own wedding.  In searching for an alternative bridal gown for myself I found Bella Bridesmaid in San Francisco (the original store).  I immediately loved it and the gorgeous “un-bridesmaid-y” dresses.  I was surprised that there wasn’t already a Bella Bridesmaid in Seattle (there are 40 across the country) so I jumped at the chance to open a store here to help all those brides, who, like me, want beautiful dresses their bridesmaid might really wear again."

Nancy, what do you love about your work?

I love helping brides and bridesmaids find the perfect dress!  The look on their face when they find “the one” is priceless.  Plus, I LOVE weddings and talking with the brides about their plans.  So fun!   What drew you to Get Hitched, Give Hope?  It’s a great cause!   How are you participating in GHGH this year? We are donating gorgeous Nina wedding shoes to the live auction this year!

What makes your business stand out? Bella Bridesmaid stands out because we focus on bridesmaid dresses – chic, sassy, designer bridesmaid dresses.  We schedule one-on-one appointments with the bridal party in our intimate boutique and really listen to what the girls are looking for.  Plus, many of the designers we carry are exclusive to our store.   If you could pass on your advice to an engaged couple, what three tips would you give?  1.  Relax.  Wedding planning is supposed to be fun!  2.  Don’t sweat the small details, it always works out in the end.  3.  Love, love, love.   How can we stay in touch? www.bellabridesmaid.com www.facebook.com/bellabridesmaid www.twitter.com/bellabridesmaid  

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  If you attended our soiree last week, you got to see our biggest event yet!  And that included our most ambitious decor, entertainment, treats, and drinks to date!!  We would like to enthusiastically thank all of our event sponsors of the night!!  Here, along with gorgeous photos from La Vie Photography, is the impressive list of businesses who made our party fabulous!

La Vie Photography

  The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle provided our incomparable venue, delicious food, and signature cocktails again for the second year!!  Wine and beer were generously provided by Girly Girl Wines and Fish Tale Ale.

La Vie Photography

    No one's sweet tooth was left unsatisfied!  Tallant House provided a beautiful (and yummy) French macaroon tower.  The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co. brought scrumptious cupcakes, and The Confectional treated us to heavenly mini-cheesecakes!

La Vie Photography

    Decor was definitely a team effort!  Everything from draping to illuminated bars, huge birdcages to massive metal trees, plush gold chairs to crystal curtains were provided and installed by PJ Hummel & Company!!  Chairs and tables were provided by AA Party Rentals, and the luxurious linens came from Aria Style.  The metal trees from PJ Hummel were decorated with moss, feathers, crystals, and fresh flowers by July Floral Design and The Flower Suite.  July Floral Design also created the hanging GHGH logo of fresh flowers for our registration area!  The Flower Suite additionally provided the sweet floral centerpieces for cocktail tables in the live auction area.  Christopher Flowers created large arrangements for the buffets, and Lilies & Lemon Drops provided a beautiful centerpiece for our overflowing dessert table (pictured above.)

La Vie Photography

Luminous votives for all of the cocktail and Vendor tables provided by glassybaby gave the room a rosy glow.  Clara French Ceramics supplied the beautifully elegant platforms for the dessert table.  Dolce Design created our auction program and signage again this year!  Heathoriginal designed custom paper labels and decor to highlight the contributions of our sponsors and adorable props for the photobooth by 321 Foto.  Cake Envy, the Four Seasons, and New Renaissance Cakes provided lovely display cakes to tantalize and inspire.

La Vie Photography

Flipped Out Productions once again entertained guests by letting them create their own flipbook, complete with props and signs!  Watch a video collage here.  321 Foto also returned again this year to let everyone create a photo memory of the night in their fantastic photo booth!

La Vie Photography

Six gorgeous models walked the rooms and the stage, beautifully done up by Erin Skipley Makeup & Hair, displaying couture gowns supplied by La Belle Reve for the live auction!  The Porcelain Veil supplied hair accessories and veils.  Caruh Salon made the GHGH team members look fabulous for our big night.

La Vie Photography

Our favorite jazz ensemble, The Jason Parker Quartet, played for all who strolled into the fabulous lounge.  Austin Beaver Experience provided the tunes to keep the energy going in the main auction room, and Swank Audio Visual made everything look and sound fantastic, including the two huge video screens displaying our sponsors' logos, auction highlights, and a moving story about one of the thousands of people who have had a dream fulfilled by Dream Foundation, our primary beneficiary this year.  Videography of the night's events was captured by Cabfare Productions.  Representatives of our other benefitting charity, Young Survival Coalition Seattle, were also there to mingle and celebrate!

La Vie Photography

Last, but certainly not least, our auction itself was produced by Stokes Auction Group and hosted with humor, compassion, and great energy by Brooke & Jubal from Movin' 92.5!  We love them!

La Vie Photography

A huge thank-you again to all of our sponsors, from the 2011 Get Hitched Give Hope officers and team!!!  Stay tuned for even more updates, news, and stories -- we're already planning for 2012!

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  So many hard-working volunteers. So many wonderful guests. So many generous sponsors.   It was truly a community effort and it paid off... we surpassed our goal and raised $85,000!!!  This money will mean so much happiness and support for many many people living with life-limiting illness.   Thank you, thank you!   As we recover and gather in all the details, stay tuned for a full recap of the night with gorgeous photos from La Vie Photography. Whew.  We're gonna rest our tired feet for a minute, but we'll be right back!  

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  It's here!  Our 2011 auction is tonight!!  Come on down and help us reach our goal of $75,000 to support Dream Foundation and Young Survival Coalition Seattle.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

6:00pm - 10:00pm

  As you slip on those fabulous new shoes (and your favorite party dress!!) here are a few things to remember: -  If you purchased one of our amazing Swag Bags, you'll need to pick it up tonight during the event.  We won't be able to hold it for later pickup. -  Bring your small electronics (used or new) for our fundraiser with BuyMyTronics.com -- they'll send back a portion of the recycling proceeds for our charities!! -  Receipts for your purchases tonight will be emailed to you. -  The Alaskan Way Viaduct is closed this week and traffic may be a little different from usual.   We can't wait to see you there! Let's party!!!  

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  New to GHGH this year is another fabulous vendor, Thrilled For You Video Guestbook!  Jenny Lam, Chief Designer, and two co-founders started this company four years ago after leaving Microsoft. Jenny, what do you love about your work? We think that software is the new canvas of creating exciting things that can make people’s lives better, easier and more beautiful. We’re excited to be in the movement of creating beautiful digital goods. Thrilled For you Video Guestbook was a product idea that came from my own wedding in 2009. My husband and I wanted something to capture the intimate messages from guests that flew all the way around the world to be with us. We knew a traditional guestbook wasn’t going to cut it. So my 2 co-founders, coded the software that I designed and it debuted as a prototype at my wedding, Our guests recorded hundreds of video messages. Some sweet, funny, and silly. Guests loved it so we ended up launching it as a product after we got back from our honeymoon.   What drew you to GHGH? I attended Get Hitched, Give Hope as a bride in 2009. Loved the energy, the attention to detail, and the passion around the cause. It immediately resonated with our company values.   How are you participating in the event? We are donating 3 customized Video Guestbooks (software for the Mac, iPad, or iPhone). Thrilled For You video guestbook is kiosk software for Macs, and now for iPad2s and iPhones with front-facing cameras. Your wedding guests can record an unlimited number of personal video wishes. You can even incorporate the clips into your official wedding video.  Winner of the auction item can choose from a Mac App, iPad2 app or iPhone app.  We’ll also have a bistro table at the event where attendees can try out the guestbook for themselves.

 

What makes your business stand out? Too often technology feels so complicated and cold. We’re in the business of changing that by making technology feel handcrafted and special. We’d like to think of ourselves as artisan software makers.   If you could pass on your advice to an engaged couple, what three tips would you give? It’s probably the same ones you’ve heard before: focus on the stuff that is authentic to you as a couple, Quality over quantity, and SAVOR and capture all of it!!!   How can we stay in touch? www.thrilledforyou.com and www.jacksonfish.com (the parent company)

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