SPOKEN FOR RAFFLE // the winners

See below for the winners of the Spoken For raffle... And if you didn't happen to get lucky this time around, check out the participants' websites to nab something similar of your own.

Many thanks to our fantastic participants and sponsors who donated delightful goods for raffle!

Silver earrings // from Upper Metal Class // won by Michelle Strode

Bottle of champagne // from Montesquieu // won by Brandy Lee

Designer scarf // from Threads Count // won by Kendra B.

Gift Card // from The English Dept. // won by Molly Sparkman

Pendleton ottoman // from Revive Upholstery // won by Russell Burke

Tote Bag // from Queen Bee // Joanna

Gift Card // Brix Tavern // Alec Kretchea

Gift Card Pack 1 // from Power & Light Press // won by Leslie Corless

Gift Card Pack 2 // from Power & Light Press // won by Cara Denison

Gentleman's Candle // from Boys Fort // won by Lauren Black

Gift Card // from Commonwealth // won by Cheryl Juetten

Gift Card // from Lille Boutique // won by Abishua Moua

Box & Gift Card // from Salvage Works // won by Anna Branch

Two matching hats // from Goorin Bros. // won by Irene Behrman

Case of Dry Soda // from Dry Soda // won by Cheri House

Everyone also received a 4-pack of Dry Soda. For good measure.  :)

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Made by Sohn

Spoken For simply could not be Spoken For without the work of Joy Kim. The talented hand behind Made By Sohn, Joy created our logo, in many ways has setting the tone for the style and personality of this event. She essentially penned the face of Spoken For, two words living and breathing, offering a spark of the old-fashioned while holding a simple, sincere appeal that encompasses next Saturday's festivities better than we even realized at the time. 

Joy is a master calligrapher and illustrator, based in Portland and working free-handed with pen and nib as her primary medium. Though her work is whimsical, her process is thoughtful and highly detailed. With a belief in fine craftsmanship and a love for customization, Joy translates the essence of a person or celebration onto the paper she inks, creating an honest, timeless representation that speaks for itself. 

View Joy's incredible talents on her new portfolio, and meet her on the 22nd when she displays her work in person...

Photos by James Fitzgerald III.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Jay Fitzgerald III

Jay Fitzgerald III takes the road less traveled. His photography is unique in that it follows no rules and pays no heed to trends or limits. It's organic and thoughtful, allowing the subject to lead the way... and follows thoughtfully with no questions or preconceived notions. Jay's work is fearless, and it's mighty sweet. Not much more is needed to say about this talented gem. 

Learn more about Jay on his website, and meet him in person at Spoken For... 

Photos from Jay's website.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT → Sabi & Friends

Kert owns and runs Sabi & Friends, a vintage home & garden shop in downtown St. Johns. Offering a beautiful selection of  vintage goods, curious knick-knacks and antique gems, Sabi & Friends hosts a sampling of any and all treasures under the rainbow. Carefully chosen and thoughtfully (but not too perfectly) staged, it feels as though you're walking through an old friend's home as you peruse the space.

Kitchenware, blankets, furniture, art, books, clothing, accessories... there is a treasure hidden in every nook and cranny and around every corner. That's the dangerous thing about Sabi & Friends; it's hard to resist the temptation to take everything home with you...

And we haven't even touched on the magic of Kert. A St. John's treasure in her own right, Kert is Sabi. She's got a little bit of history to share about each item, offering up a tidbit about where it was found, who owned it or where it's likely been over the years. And she asks questions. About you. She cares about who you are, where you're from, and why you happen to be standing in her shop, looking for something special (whether you know it or not). We really love that about Kert, and value the time, support and affection she's given the St. John's community and neighborhood at large.

Sabi & Friends has loaned out some of their most beautiful vintage furniture for Spoken For's living room set-up, and will be at the event to mingle, mix and meet you.

Visit the Sabi & Friends website and stop by the shop! You'll be glad you did.



 Photos by The Weaver House

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Beam & Anchor

Stepping into Beam & Anchor for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. The senses are met with warm woods and re-purposed metal, countered with intricate fabrics and and delicate plants. Beam & Anchor is a living museum, one could say, as the colors, textures and unique goods are meant to be more than just admired; they have been carefully curated to fit a practical purpose and provide a thoughtful aesthetic to one's home and daily life.

Owners Jocelyn and Robert Rahm began to create Beam & Anchor in the winter of 2011, and with the help of Currie Pearson, have cultivated a retail experience that is beyond satisfying, offering "custom-made furniture, art, ceramics, jewelry, home goods, and beautifully crafted items for travel, work, and living". Their 7,000 square foot brick building hosts their beautiful shop as well as an array of other talented artisans (Maak Soap & Revive Upholstery, to name a few!).

Beam & Anchor will be lending some of their beautiful tables to the event, and if you haven't yet stepped into their space, you should probably do so sooner than later... a dream wishlist awaits you!

Photos from the Beam & Anchor website.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Twigs & Honey + Myra Callan Bridal

We're not sure if Myra Callan sleeps. By day she is the beloved creator of Twigs & Honey, a stunning wedding accessories line that has garnered national and international recognition. By night, she has been authoring a book (Adornaments, out just last month!), designing exclusive pieces for BHLDN and conjuring decorative flair for Ann Taylor's window displays.

And in her "free time", Myra will soon be launching one of her biggest ventures yet: a bridal dress line. Myra Callan Bridal will launch this fall, featuring USA-made, excellently crafted gowns. Complimented with Twigs & Honey accessories or worn on their own, the dresses will focus on individuality and femininity with beautiful silhouettes and fabrics. Knowing what Myra has accomplished in every other creative endeavor she's taken on, we have a feeling this will be nothing short of amazing.

With the whirlwind of projects that surround her, we love what care Myra continues to takes in thoughtfully sourcing and designing each piece she offers. Meet her at Spoken For, where she'll likely be surrounded by a cloud of dreamy lace, sparkly rhinestones and embellished veils. 



Twigs & Honey accessory photos by Elizabeth Messina

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → The Green Dandelion

Sarah Blasi-Hamilton is an artist. The fact that her tools are an old pair of scissors and her medium is a bucket of flowers is frankly beside the point; what she does is nothing short of art. Approaching each arrangement as though it were a sculpture of sorts, Sarah adds to it, bit by bit, fully content that the direction of the piece is yet to be defined. It's as if she lets the flowers guide her process, as the result is something so organic and lovely, it's hard to imagine that hands (rather than mother nature) created it.

From bouquets to arrangements, from boutonnieres to botanical styling, The Green Dandelion does it all. Sarah will be decking out The Weaver House wall display and Sayuri's World table at Spoken For, as well as livening up the sign in table and Sponsor display. Oh, and if you happen to glance up and see a 10 foot tree branch with flower buds delicately dangling from it, that is likely her handiwork, as well.

Sarah's website is currently under construction, but follow her blog in the meantime and meet her Saturday!



Photos by The Weaver House.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Dry Soda

We all hear how unhealthy soda tend to can be, but this is simply not the case with Dry Soda. Made with only four natural ingredients and keeping pure cane sugar to a minimum, each bottle only contains between 45-75 calories.

Health consciousness aside, the taste is what keeps fans coming back for more. Available in seven unique flavors, Dry Soda is unlike other juices or bubblies out there. Unique flavors such as wild lime, lavender, blood orange, rhubarb, juniper berry, vanilla bean and cucumber set it apart from any and all other sodas, enjoyed solo or combined with spirits to make a festive treat...

Dry Soda will be served at Spoken For, so prepare your taste buds and check out their website to stock your pantry or serve your next party!

PARTICIPANT / RAFFLE SPOTLIGHT → The English Dept.

Elizabeth Dye of The English Dept. hardly needs introducing. Her hand-made works of art have graced countless magazines, designer runways and blushing brides over recent years, and her sweet boutique on the West End of Portland is a landmark for dress lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

Offering independent designer dresses, unique accessories and a stunning bridal collection, The English Dept. can be one's first and last stop for one-of-a-kind formal ware. Catch the yearly bridal show in January, where ethereal gowns swish effortlessly down the runway in real-time, or browse the website to enjoy the most recent collection in photo form.

The English Dept. will be breezing through the Spoken For event (literally) by way of a model clad in a 2012 collection piece! Carefully detailed, lovingly made and unmistakably gorgeous, they will also be raffling off a gift card for one silk flower hair accessory... get your ticket Saturday!



From The English Dept. website and Leah Verwey Photography.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Egg Press

Ever open a card that is so fantastic that you wish you'd sent it rather than received it? It's a rare thing to find paper goods that are hand-made, good-looking and thoughtful as all get-out. But Egg Press is just one of those places. They conjure up cards that seem so absolutely, positively you that it's hard to imagine that it wasn't custom made. Oh, but they do custom design too, didn't you know? Yup.

A pioneer in the resurgence of letterpress, Egg Press has been creating fresh, original material since 1999. They design paper that celebrates, thanks, mocks, honors and brightens the lives of anyone who comes in contact with them, and we are so jazzed that they'll be taking part in Spoken For. With a new line of custom wedding paper goods, their unmistakable style of fun patterns and bright colors will be translated for special occasions.

Visit their website to learn more about creator Tess Darrow and the amazing team of letterpress geniuses. Meet them Saturday!

Photos from the Egg Press website. 

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Ned Ludd

"A significant part of the pleasure of eating is on ones's accurate consciousness of the lives and the world from which the food comes."  -Wendell Barry

Good food, fine drink and a lively ambiance, founded in a social and environment awareness. What more does one need for a fine dining experience? Look no further than Ned Ludd, an American craft kitchen located in the King neighborhood of Portland. With a menu influenced by the seasons and sourced locally and sustainably, chef Jason French cares about the little things, which translate immediately (and astoundingly) from plate to palate.

Jason will be sampling his delicious fare at Spoken For, there to discuss his kitchen, his produce and his process. With a beautiful patio of handmade wooden tables, we're sure he'll also be boasting the party potential and incredible catering services of Ned Ludd... Learn more on the website, and browse the mouth-watering menu here!

 

Photos from the Ned Ludd website.

TGIF SALE → $5 TICKETS TODAY!

Spoken For is tomorrow, guys! Get your admission tickets today for just $5. Happy Friday.  :)

Click HERE to purchase!

Browse beautiful goods, sample delicious drinks, food & desserts and meet some very talented local folks.... hope to see you there.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Leah Verwey Photography

It's not surprising that photographer Leah Verwey has been featured throughout Portland and the blogosphere for her work. It's a bit unusual, and we mean that in the best sense of the word. Leah's photos could be described as small glimpses into a world that most people don't seem to notice. Peeks around corners, views looking down onto a scene unfolding, a quick moment between two people that could never be choreographed... That is how Leah works, and we're big fans of that.

Wedding photography is changing radically every day, and Leah is one of the up and coming talents that focuses just as much on the small moments between guests or how the night unfolds as she does the bride and groom.  Aside from weddings, Leah also focuses her unique eye on products, food and spaces. You may have seen her adventures into local business and homes on SpacePDX?

We're so excited that Leah will be at Spoken For, and hope you'll check out her amazing work on her website and blog in the meantime...

 Photos from Leah Verwey's website.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Imaginary Authors

Ever confronted with a memory, song, phrase or feeling when smelling something delicious? A scent can be so much more than just a combination of ingredients... It's a doorway into the psyche, and into a personal narrative that has a past, present and future. Portland-based Imaginary Authors also believes that a scent can be a transformative experience, invigorating one's imagination, style and approach to life.

Inspired by authors of yore, Imaginary Authors has created a selection of thoughtfully made eu de parfumes. Each colorful, beautifully-designed bottle contains a unique combination of layered narratives that can enliven the mind, lift the heart and change one's own personal story.

View their interactive website to read the juicy story behind each scent, named after a famous novel. Creator Josh Meyer will be set up at Spoken For on Saturday, demonstrating how their unique goods can make for incredible gifts, both to give and receive.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → VK Designs

Did you know that 80% of all the world's gold is used to make jewelry, and that precious metal mining uses cyanide, developing mountains of waste? And we all know the long-lasting scar that diamond mining has left on landscapes and communities... Well, Valerie Kasinskas of VK Designs creates jewelry with these concerns in mind, using only conflict-free diamonds and all recycled metals. Furthermore, 5% of every sale goes to support the No Dirty Gold campaign!

Choosing wedding jewelry with (or for!) you partner is a long-lasting tradition, and one that can be continued in a environmentally and ethically conscious manner, thanks to VK, who offers custom engagement and wedding jewelry to couples near and far. A master metal smith with a unique aesthetic, Valerie will showcase her stunning work at Spoken For... be prepared to swoon.
 

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Dearest

Molly Pringle's typical work day involves a plethora of paper... and a laser. Yup, a laser. But fear not! Her handiwork is not dangerous as much it is, well, dear. Creating beautiful custom paper details by employing the art of laser cutting, Dearest is a service that you just don't see every day. Adding an element of texture and style to cards, bunting, invites and other paper goods, Molly works with clients to personalize their party decor to the max.

A selection of Dearest's most popular items will be for sale at Spoken For. From polka dot & poppy-inspired thank you cards to ombre dyed bunting to one of a kind cake toppers, it should be easy to spot Dearest from a mile away. Meet Molly in person to discuss your vision for personalized party decorations... too much fun, right?

Visit Dearest's eye-candy tumblr here, and browse their lovely little shop here...

Photos from the Dearest tumblr.

SPONSOR / RAFFLE SPOTLIGHT → Upper Metal Class

Upper Metal Class has a simple aesthetic, not to mention mission. Handmade in the US of A and defined as a "minimalist cool with a hint of lighthearted fun", it's impossible not to love who they are and what they do.

The inspiration for their jewelry comes from an array of places and disciplines, from architecture to mathematics to the natural life around us. Offering beautifully made, sleek necklaces, earrings and rings, designer T creates gems that are subtle and simple, but that can also act as statement pieces. How is this possible? Only Upper Metal Class knows. T has just begun to offer unisex necklaces... How cool is that?

Upper Metal Class unfortunately won't be able to make it to Spoken For, but has kindly offered up a pair of earrings for the raffle! Get your ticket the day of the event, browse more of T's stunning work on the website, and go shopping here.

Photos from Upper Metal Class website.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Xtabay Vintage

Xtabay Vintage is not your typical shop. Part boutique, part salon, it combines Parisian sophistication with unmistakable Portland personality, offering a shopping experience that is decidedly lovely. Focused primarily on dresses, Xtabay has become the place to find beautifully made and immaculately preserved pieces since it's opening in 2001. Featuring beautiful window displays and graceful lines of color-coded dresses, walking in feels somewhat like you're stepping onto a rainbow made of silks, satins and laces.

In 2011 the Xtabay bridal salon opened upstairs, offering a stunning selection of special occasion dresses. Made with a level of care that not always taken in dress making these days, Xtabay's wedding dresses are one of a kind gems that can altered and customized to fit, becoming true heirlooms that one can continue to pass down for generations.  From the sweet decor to the personalized customer service to the amazing gowns themselves, it frankly is rather difficult to imagine leaving once you've set foot inside...

Xtabay will be featuring a living display model at Spoken For, clad in a gown that is, yes, "vintage", but oh-so-much more. Meet proprietress Liz Gross on Saturday, and stop by the shop in the meantime!


Photos from the Xtabay blog.

RAFFLE CONTRIBUTOR → Power Light & Press

Kyle of Power Light & Press has is kindly offering up some of her fine print goods for raffle!

Feast your eyes on two box sets of note cards, a set of coasters, and a set of 5 Burt Reynolds thank you cards... Get your raffle tickets on the 22nd!

Tender Bar + New Deal Distillery = Yum

Just in: the recipe line-up from Lydia of Tender Bar & Evan of New Deal Distillery... taste their concoctions yourself on the 22nd!

Summer Tonic & Gin No. 1
"Gin #1, Fresh Summer Herb Tonic and Citrus"
1 1/4 oz Gin No. 1
1 oz Summer Tonic Syrup
1 oz Club Soda
Over ice with a squeezed lemon wedge

Myan Mint Julep
"Mud Puddle Vodka, Hot Monkey, Demerara Sugar and Fresh Mint"
1 oz Mud Puddle
1/4 oz Hot Monkey
1/4 oz Minted Demerara Syrup
Over ice with mint garnish

Ginger Fizzle
"Ginger Liqueur, Fresh Lemon, Maple Syrup, Seltzer and Bitters"
1 1/4oz Ginger Liqueur
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Maple Syrup
3/4 oz Club Soda
Over ice with angostura bitters as garnish

Photo by The Weaver House

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT → Thrive Pacific NW

Erika Reagor is the chef and Stephanie Vickers is the manager, and together they make up Thrive Pacific NW, a movable feast of a food cart! Featuring a menu that is entirely gluten free, they use only free-range, organic animal products and sustainable seafood. And don't even get us started on their amazing local produce... These gals are gourmet on four wheels!

With a focus on high quality, affordable nourishment, Thrive also wants food to be fun. Erika and Stephanie bring an energy to their cuisine that you can taste; both met while practicing yoga years ago, and bring backgrounds in food, philosophy and nutrition. They are the dream team of delicious, healthy food on the go... it doesn't get much better than that.

Meet them both out front of Sandbox Studio today, and learn more about their catering services!

 

Photos from Thrive Pacific NW website.