Blush Bridal Consultation Group

The Fabulous Francoise!

This entry was so easy to write because it’s about two things that put a big smile on my face: Flowers and Francoise Weeks.  Not only is Francoise a talented and dedicated professional florist, she is one of the kindest and most generous women I know.  I first met her back in 2007 when a close friend and colleague of mine recommended I meet with her, and I’m so glad she did!  I genuinely cannot imagine working in this industry and not knowing this amazing woman.  Francoise is by no means your average wedding vendor and is a real gem in this somewhat capricious industry.  You will not find her at many networking events or schmoozing at every wedding show in town – instead, she prefers to build more intimate relationships by meeting vendors one-on-one and really getting to know them on a personal level while simultaneously gaining their respect and trust.  She and I meet almost monthly for coffee and always have so much fun talking about both our business and personal lives!  Francoise has a true passion that is evident in every floral arrangement she makes.  Not only is she capable of creating a wide-array of personal flowers, ceremony arrangements and reception centerpieces, she also has a talent for designing unique and eye-catching woodland arrangements and seasonal wreaths, which reflect her love for natural textures and local, sustainable materials from right here in the Pacific Northwest.  As you can see by the variety of photos, Francoise’s talents are diverse and sound and each piece she creates is made with meticulous attention to detail and a desire for excellence.  Blush has coordinated countless weddings where Francoise provided the floral (many of these weddings are represented here) and I am proud to say she created the gorgeous arrangements and centerpieces at my own wedding.  I feel honored to know her and have her as both a colleague and a friend.  I hope you, too, take the opportunity to meet her and consider her for your very special day…you will be glad you did! For more details, contact information and to sign up for one of Francoise’s intimate floral classes check out her website at www.francoiseweeks.com. She also has an extensive picture portfolio available on her blog at www.francoiseweeks.com/wordpress

Photography by Nicole Wickens

Photography by Robert McNary

Photography by Amy Vining

Photography by Robert McNary

Photography by Evrim Icoz

Photography by Joni Shimabukuro

Monkey See, Monkey Eat…Le Cookie Monkey!

I had the pleasure of meeting Amber Darrington, Owner of Le Cookie Monkey, back in October. She is such a sweetheart and one of those people who exuberates positive energy and gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling the moment you meet her.  In addition to her stellar personality Amber is a Pastry Chef extraordinaire! My first thought when I met Amber was, “If her cookies are half as sweet as her personality she will succeed in Portland”…you guessed it, I was dead on! When we first met for coffee she brought me a tasty assortment of her delectable baked goods including petit fours, bite-size lemon curd tarts, chocolate mousse cups, mini cupcakes and her famous sugar and chocolate chip cookies…yum! If you asked me which was my favorite I would have to say…ALL of them! Amber has a real gift for baking (everything I tasted was divine) and I love that as a small business owner she puts lots of time and love into everything she

creates. All of her treats are baked from scratch with only the finest local ingredients, and everything is always fresh! Make sure you contact Amber the next time your occasion calls for cookies, cakes or any other custom desserts…whatever you choose, I know you will be thrilled!

Here is a blurp from Amber herself…

Monkey See, Monkey Eat, Monkey Baking Yummy Treats!…Le Cookie Monkey is a small owner operated bakery catering company featuring many yummy treats.  Our specialty is cookies, cakes and desserts all made from scratch in small batches…and always fresh! Valentine’s Day is near and your ‘dear’ may love a sweet surprise!  On the Valentine’s Menu…6″ Raspberry Torte, Almond Raspberry Tart, Triple Chocolate Dried Cherry Cookies, Heart Shaped Sugar Cutouts, Chocolate Heaven-a flourless torte and more!

Check out our website at www.lecookiemonkey.com for the full menu and pricing and call Amber at 503-544-5041 to place all orders.  All orders include free delivery.  Have MORE fun with that sweet tooth! Mention this blog and receive 15% off your order!