Wedding season is right around the corner…(no, really)

Hi, we are Hannah Brownlee and Marisa Coleman, and are excited to finally be announcing the launch of Double-Checked Weddings.  Though we have both been involved in this industry for a number of years, this marks the beginning of an official partnership! If attending the same high school, attending the same college, being housemates, working for the same nonprofit organization after graduation, and starting our families at the same time wasn't enough, we are now business partners. Thankfully, we like each other. We get along. We work well together. What makes us such a good team? We each bring a slightly different work style and a lot of experience to the table. We strongly believe in the “two heads are better than one” philosophy and we work together to sort out all of the last-minute details of each wedding we take on. And we believe our clients benefit from this symbiotic relationship in a big way.

We are based out of the Portland area and specialize in day-of wedding coordination, providing expert facilitation of a couple's rehearsal and wedding day. We are day-of wedding coordinators, not full-on wedding planners. Don't get us wrong, though: we do love each and every detail that goes into wedding planning, but since our families come first, we assign them the priority of our time. Rather, we leave the bulk of the initial arrangements to each couple (offering assistance and vendor recommendations when needed) and then come alongside during the final few months to make sure that we learn the full scope of their vision. On the day of the wedding, we are there to execute that vision, freeing our clients to focus on and enjoy the big picture. Limiting the number of weddings we do take on enables us to best focus our full attention on each bride!

Speaking of what we do for each bride, here are a few examples:
*We create a comprehensive portfolio of documents specific to each wedding - including a master contact list and wedding day itinerary.
*We confirm details with each vendor.
*We facilitate the wedding rehearsal.
*We oversee preparations, photos, ceremony, reception and send-off of the couple at the wedding site.
*We serve as point person and act as liaison for all parties to ensure smooth communication, event flow and event execution across all aspects of the wedding.
*We make available a comprehensive wedding day emergency kit for the bridal suite.

We've tackled all sorts of weddings: we helped out at each other's nuptials, we've braved early morning set-up in chilly, rainy weather…and we're looking forward to working with Mapel's own Staci Stevens as our client this summer!
So if you are planning a wedding and want to ensure that no detail is missed on your big day, give us a call. We would love to sit down and meet with you. Our initial consultation meeting is complimentary as we well understand the need and desire to get to know your wedding coordinator prior to hiring her. Just don't be surprised if your two coordinators are finishing each other's sentences.
Thanks to Staci {with whom we also go way back!} for this opportunity to introduce ourselves to her reader base. It's a unique and fulfilling thing to able to support one another's small business ventures, and Staci has proved herself with a very lucrative one! We are looking forward to visiting the Very Engaging Bridal Event  this Sunday at Bridgeport Village, and will be popping into Mapel to meet with brides (and any grooms who are being dragged along). If you are in the area, drop in to say hello. We would love to meet you!

Hannah Brownlee & Marisa Coleman
Double-Checked Weddings

Lovers Do It in February

It's been encouraging to see how many Oregon customers love that Mapel is locally owned & operated. We've received an equally positive response to our product assortment of local designers. The same was true for Leavenworth (locally owned and local designers)- but I think in such a small town like Leavenworth most business are locally owned- that includes Dan's Grocery (Dan actually works at the store on a regular basis).

So I didn't think much of the "local" origin of Mapel when I opened the Bridgeport location. It was actually our graphic designer's idea to add a small clause on our sandwich board "locally owned". Out of all the "interesting" facts on our sandwich board (FREE Gift wrapping, Daily Happy Hour specials) it was the "locally owned" clause that got the most feedback. I had customers walk into the store telling me that their co-worker, sister, friend, etc. etc. told them to come in because we were locally based.

You know how my brain gets to thinkin and turnin (and maybe a glass of wine or two helps enable the "turnin'"); Brandon and I came up with an idea. Since Mapel is a local business (and we exist within a very corporate shopping environment) we wanted to find a way to connect with other local entities.
                        -pour more wine & further turnin' ensues-

Eventually we reached our "ah.... Huh" moment and we came up with "Lovers Do It in February" and by "do it" we mean support their local community. During the entire month of February Mapel will donate one of our best selling designer scarves to local womens shelters for every purchase made. Any and Every Purchase (online, in store, on sale, etc. etc.) will equate to a scarf donation to either Raphael House or Salvation Army West Womens Shelter.

As a local business we believe it's important to support local causes and this month we are excited to collaborate with Raphael House & Salvation Army for our "Lovers Do It in February.... by "do it" we mean support their local community".

For further info about our philanthrophy co-sponsors please visit their links listed below:

Raphael House: http://raphaelhouse.com/

Salvation Army West Womens & Childrens: http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_test2.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/E9460610A3010ED2882575D00077A162

Event Recap

Thanks to everyone that came out for Katie's Trunk show this week. What a GREAT event. Her pieces were (no joke) jaw dropping. Brilliant. The hours leading up to the event we had customers asking about her work before we even had them tagged or merchandised. Kudos to Katie for her diligence, hard work and creative eye.
Below are a few pics from the event.

Renaissance Woman

My sweet, talented, strong and accomplished friend Katie Myers is a true Renaissance Woman.
By definition a Renaissance Woman is:
A woman who has broad intellectual interests and is accomplished in areas of both the arts and the sciences.

That is THE descriptive of my friend Katie. When her kids were babies she made a business out of crafting baby slings, nursing covers, pacifiers straps - you name it. Essentially she made her own baby goodies and all her mommie friends came calling for their own. A business is created - 'Voila.

As her kids grew she started making little girl dress, tutu's and newsboy caps. Voila' - A business is created.

Now her kids have grown out of the "little girl dress' and tutu" phase. So today Katie keeps her hands busy by crafting furniture. She takes older pieces and refurbishes them. New paint, new fabric covers, new etching, new whatever is needed to bring life back to an old and loved furniture piece. She slowly started creating these pieces and finding places for them in her home. It didn't take long for friends and family to request commissioned pieces. Voila- a business is created.

Katie has most recently created a variety of sweet, lovely, jaw dropping pieces for Mapel. My store is presently accented with a number of her signature pieces. You'll find her victorian shaped and geometric patterned ottomans in our dressing rooms.

She also has bow legged garden party chairs tucked into our corners or greeting you at the door. Her charming multi drawer dresser with asymmetrical glass handles and 2 matching porcelain etched handles holds our plethora of scarves and soy based candles.

Yesterday Katie popped into the store with yet another piece. Unbeknownst to me she had taken an older and larger table and shorted it to create a petite and boutique aesthetic. She painted it and then created hand drawn borders along the top.

So... if all of this isn't enough to make you feel totally inspired and want to tap into your inner Martha Stewart- Katie has accepted my offer to host Mapel's first ever trunk show. Traditionally a trunk show is when a designer brings their "trunk" of new goodies and opens it up to share with a select group of people. Since Katie's work certainly won't fit into a trunk- she is bringing car loads of her work. I'm looking forward to showcasing bedroom sets, restructured cork frames, dressers, toy chests and Much More.

Because Katie has such an inviting and encouraging spirit she has opened the trunk show invite to anyone and everyone. She wants to host an evening with new and old friends that celebrates her workmanship. Stop into Mapel on Tuesday the 25th and take a stroll through her lovingly merchandised vignettes. Mapel will have wine (of course) and chocolate.

Cheeseburger in Paradise

It was Nuts- absolutely Nuts getting the Bridgeport store open in time for the Holidays. Once the store was open we were emerged into the holiday shopping season. Which is the best way to learn the ropes- jump in feet first and start swimming!!! After all that "emerging" and "swimming" I was ready for a 'vaca!!!

Shortly after Christmas I headed down south to Mexico to join my family for New Years. It was 4 whole days of eating, drinking, laying, talking, relaxing (anything that doesn't "require" a shower and makeup). Both Brandon and I had a Great Time ringing in the New Year with fireworks and family.

Upon arrival I had to snatch up sweet Enzo and source myself a cerveza. 

It's clear from this picture How Much my nephew LoVeS me!!!

Cheeseburger in Paradise!!!

Here i'm dispersing crucial fashion tips to my niece while cruising the streets of Bara de Navidad.

New Years & All Sparkly!!!

The most stressful point was trying to coordinate family pictures with over 7 kids and 13 adults!!!

After 2.5 years Brandon received his first Silver Wings T-Shirt. He was Soooo excited.

Not uncommon to find me with a cervesa at all times.

We have 6 boys in our family (in this instance it doesn't include my dad)!!!

Sweet Enzo!!!!

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Once again, it is a winter wonderland in Leavenworth! The #1 Christmas town in America is def' living up to all the hype this year with plenty of snow, lights, and festivities! This is Mapel's 4th Christmas in Leavenworth and this year there are more visitors than ever before, which we of course LOVE. 

 I wish I had pictures of the actual Christmas festivities to show off, but I'm always in the shop during the tree lighting weekends! So all I have are these pictures from my house and Sleeping Lady Reosrt. (our favorite breakfast spot).  As you can see, Cora is quite interested in the snow and all it has to offer her.  She's already learned how to throw snowballs and enjoys eating "snow cones". 

Wish I had time to write more, but I'm busy gearing up for another crazy busy tree lighting weekend.  This is just my little "teaser" blog to say - come visit Mapel in Leavenworth this holiday season - it's magical!

Full House, Full Glasses & Full Shopping Bags!!!

Last night was a full house at our Grand Opening Par'Tay for the Bridgeport location. Full house, full glasses and full shopping bags (all very good things). The hours leading up to the event were a bit.... stressful. I had to once again tap into my favor bank to get it all done in time- but somehow we got there.

I put Everyone to work. If you arrived early or on time you had a job to do- and do it Fast. It was either folding gift boxes, tie bows around the hangers, washing the fruit, folding garments or sweeping the floors.
However the party went off without a hitch and I "think" everyone had a great time.

Below are a few pics from the evening. Thanks to everyone that stopped in and celebrated with us. We're looking forward to a fabulous holiday season and new year to come!!!

As a shopping incentive we adorned each hanger with a ribbon. If it was a red ribbon you got $5 off, if it was a green ribbon = $10 off and candy cane ribbon = $20 off. PLUS everyone got a gift with purchase!!!!

Once again I put Katie to work the moment she arrived.



I also put her two little girls to work- I have no shame!!!



Our Sweet'est, Cute'est and Most'est Adorable customer!!!

Shopping bag Full of Great Finds!!!

Thanks to miss Ashlie for workin' it Lobster Style!!!

More friends.... "lingering" by the wine!!!

Even my friends from the big city traveled into the 'burbs for the night

Full House!!!

Candid of my "hustle" moves.

More friends "lingering" by the wine.

Thanks to Everyone that came out or sent us best wishes. Staci & Brandon