Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012 1

BRIDE’S GUIDECAKESSIMPLE AND SLIGHTLY PERFECT

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2 Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012

f your holidays were brighter andsparklier than usual with the arrivalof an engagement ring,congratulations!

You’ve now entered a new world ofweddings, which, depending on you,your fiancé, your finances, and yourpersonal interests and organization

can be as extravagant or frugal as you’d like.

Traditionally, most weddings followed a setpattern of dress, location and what to say anddo. But these days, couples have much morelatitude – this gives them the ability to come upwith something unique and memorable just forthem.

If you’re looking for help in getting started, oreven just sharing your good news with theworld, then you’ll love a new wedding resourcecalled KissTheBrideNW.com.

The interactive site created by and owned byThe Spokesman-Review offers many tools forthose planning their big day, including an easyway to publish your wedding or engagementannouncements online and in the printednewspaper.

Visitors will find advice on everything fromorganizing the wedding party to finding theperfect location, the right dress and all the otherways to make one’s wedding memorable.

Fiancées or newlyweds are invited to writeblogs, discuss their upcoming nuptials, sharetheir registries, and post on other bride’s pages.We even have a suggested timeline and helpfuladvice from local wedding and event experts.

Getting set up is easy.We need basic infoabout you and your fiancé/groom, and a $24.99fee, which guarantees rapid online publicationof your announcement in your exact words.

It also makes you eligible for a couple of coolfeatures: when you register, you can indicate ifyou’re interested in a member of the Kiss TheBrideNW writing team putting together aninteresting story about you or your weddingplans. Or, if your wedding has already takenplace, we would also be happy to helpchronicle how well everything went.

New brides or brides-to-be are also eligible towin various limited-edition gifts or enter variouspromotions or giveaways.

To keep track of these, continue visitingKissTheBrideNW.com or the officialKissTheBrideNW Facebook page. Here, you cancompare notes with others at various stages intheir nuptial planning, and easily connect withmany talented local vendors. It’s a great spot tosee regional and national trends and even findways to save money.

Even simply ‘liking’ the Facebook page canbear positive fruit: until mid-February, Kiss TheBride has a book of wedding strategies up forgrabs, and the only way to win it is to like us.

Please feel free to contact theKissTheBrideNW.com team with any questionsor if you’d like to know more about site andannouncements.We can be reached atinfo@kissthebridenw.com or (509) 459-5117.I

Kissthe Bride

Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012 3

ure, towering tiers of woven fondantblooming with hand-formed sugarflowers and topped with a chocolatediorama of the city where you livemake for quite a spectacle, but they

can also take up a sizeable portion of your weddingbudget. Instead, consider opting for a simple or“rustic chic” design and make the actual cake–what’sinside–the star of your big-day dessert. By focusingon fantastic flavor instead of over-the-top flair, notonly will you save money, you’ll have a nice cake thatyou actually want to eat it, too.

Design Within ReachA simple design doesn’t mean you have to forfeit

character or style–it just means making smartchoices. If you want to make a bold statement, forexample, pass on the expensive techniques likedetailed piping or elaborate monograms and look tocolor.A brilliant orange cake with simple whitestripes would be stunning.

But for a more rustic feel, fresh flowers are aperfect fit and will be less expensive than sugar,gum-paste or marzipan versions. Over-sized blossomsor branches with tiny buds look especially chic, butwhatever you choose, ask your florist first to be sureyour flora is nontoxic and pesticide-free. Other sweetdecorative options include: fresh fruit, such asberries, champagne grapes, miniature pears, plums orapricots arranged around tiers enrobed in a softly-

rough cream cheese frosting that evokes tree bark;feathery ferns fanning up from the cake’s base; or, fora beach wedding, small (and thoroughly cleaned)pebbles or seashells arranged in a pattern onsmooth, white buttercream.

Consider a spread of three single-tier cakes in yourfavorite flavors, a smaller two-tier cake paired withluscious fruit pies, or a simple three-tier cake thatlooks grand thanks to risers that augment the height.Or you can just concentrate on decorating the tableon which your simple cake sits. Teapots filled withflowers, mason jars filled with sparklers, mismatchedvintage votive holders and slices of trees that serveas cake stands are all great options.

Impeccable TasteTo prevent a flavor fiasco, ask bakers if they use

“pre-weighed dry ingredients” (i.e. a cake mix) and ifthey make their own fillings and buttercream. Pre-made components are usually more chemical thannatural, and the taste reflects that. In addition, byasking background questions, such as how manyyears of experience the baker has, if they went toculinary school for pastry and if they will bake anddecorate the cake themselves or if a staff person willhandle it.

Of course, tastings are a helpful (and fun!) way tofind more interesting flavor profiles and the mostdelicious cake, but there may be a fee involved. Asan alternative, select a bakery that you already love –chances are the cake will taste fantastic and sinceyou’re going for a simple or rustic look anyway, itisn’t necessary that they be pros with a pastry bag.

Budget BasicsIf budget is a concern of yours, keep in mind that

buttercream is typically less expensive than fondantbecause it requires less work. Just be sure the cakestays refrigerated until it’s time to cut it, as a meltedcake isn’t a bargain at any price.

You’ll also want to note that while most bakerswill charge more for liqueurs, additional fillings,fancy techniques and off-the-menu flavors, some willactually charge extra for every change to a yellowcake batter or anything other than basic border

piping. Shop around and don’t order too much–youonly need servings for about 80 percent of yourguests, as some folks don’t eat cake and others willleave before it’s cut.The best thing you can do is tella baker what your budget is and ask what they cando to help you stay within it.

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4 Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012

www.marsellscakes.com

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What’s special about your product/services?CenterPlace Regional Event Center is the top choice of many

brides and grooms for their wedding and reception.The Great Room can accommodate up to 500 people and our

Fireside Lounge can accommodate up to 160 guests.Many couples choose our west lawn for an outdoor wedding inthe beautiful Mirabeau Point Park, with views of the waterfall.We have two banquet rooms for indoor receptions.All of our

rooms have view windows and there are over 380 free parkingspaces. Plus, our award-winning, in-house caterer can provide

food for almost any budget.CenterPlace Regional Event Center is located 1/2 mile from the

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Any advice for people planning a wedding/event whoare considering your particular product/service?

Come and take a tour of our facility and meet our friendly,knowledgeable staff!

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012 5

The virtual world is endless. Naturally,implementing virtual assistance intowedding planning is equally endless.How do curious brides and grooms-to-be decide what fun Internet wizardryto utilize on the big day and what’sbetter left alone? Here are somewedding tech dos and don’ts.

DO:Use online services to help plana wedding.

Websites like Google Wedding,TheKnot and Wedding Wire are greatplaces for wedding planning andinspiration, with ideas for themes andlists of vendors and registries, says JeffKear, founder of My WeddingWorkbook, another online planningresource.Websites can hold moreinformation than phone apps, so themajority of the planning andorganization can take place there.

DON’T:Send evites instead of invites.

Breaking tradition might be tempting,but print invitations really are the onlyway to go. “You want your guests totake your wedding as seriously as youdo,” says Anna Post, co-author of “EmilyPost’s Etiquette” (William Morrow,2011).Not everyone uses the Internet, soevites threaten to seclude older guestsand relatives that are less tech-savvy.Also, the novelty of the printedinvitation is something many guestswill appreciate.“A computer screen just doesn’t havethe same gravitas,” Post says.

DON’T:Use Twitter or Facebook totrack RSVPs.

When it comes to the RSVP, avoidsocial media. “I do not recommend a

situation when yourwedding guest list ispublic,” Post says.“Who are youshowing it to?All of thepeople whoare notinvited? It’snot eventhetraditionalaspect – itcould hurtsomeone’sfeelings.”Adds Kear:“Ifpeople areresponding to youvia Facebook, otherFacebook friends mightsee messages and wonderwhy they weren’t invited,causing lots of unnecessary stress. It’sbest to keep the RSVP process privateso you can control it.”

DON’T:Just use phone apps to helpplan a wedding.

There are hundreds of apps availablefor use, ranging in price and in-depthfeatures, but trying to fit every detailinto a phone can be jarring andcomplicated. “Real planning requires afair amount of data entry, and mobilephones are ill-fit for that,” Kear says.

DO:Webcast your wedding.

Services like Ustream make it possiblefor long-distance or disabled inviteesto sit in on a wedding from home.“I think it can be a really cool way tokeep the day focused on the peopleyou love,” Post says.

Kear agrees.“Althoughthere’s no substitute for being there inperson, the people who can’t make itwill still appreciate the gesture.”

DON’T:Let a webcam dictate theceremony.

Post recalls a story she heard about agrandmother watching a wedding viawebcam and complaining about thesound the whole time. It’s wise tothink ahead so that the technologydoesn’t threaten the peaceful mood ofthe ceremony.“If you’re using a webcam, it needs tobe planned, and it needs to be prettydiscreet,” says Post, who suggestshaving someone assist with taking thevideo and worrying about thetechnical difficulties so the weddingparty doesn’t have to.“Definitely haveyour rent-a-geek on standby.”

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Wedding Tech Do’s and Don’ts

Thanks to technology, planning a wedding has never been easier!But before you go sending evites, here’s what you need to knowabout mixing technology with tradition.

6 Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012

eddings are filled withmany emotions:happiness, excitementand anticipation, toname a few.With all of

the positive emotions a wedding maydrum up, in the mix there may be afew negative ones, including feelingsof being overwhelmed at all thedetails that need to be completed ona deadline.

One aspect of wedding planningthat tends to send people into panicis wedding reception seatingarrangements.The thought of having200 friends and family memberstogether under one roof -- and thenattempting to seat them next to an

acceptable group of people -- cancause some couples tohyperventilate.

Every family has its ups and downs,and there are certain people who getalong well and a few who clash.

Ensuring that a wedding ismemorable for all the right reasons(and not for the brawl at table 3) iswhy seating arrangements are soimportant. Many couples can use alittle advice when seating guests,while others would love anotherperson to handle the seatingarrangements for them.

Here are some guidelines forsetting up reception seatingarrangements.

• Place yourselves, as well as thebridal party, at a separate table that isin a prime location in the room. Besure to allow the spouses or dates ofbridal party members at the sametable so couples remain together.

• Some couples choose to seat bothsets of parents at one table together -- the parents' table. Grandparentsmay also be seated at this table,depending on the number of peopleeach table can accommodate.

• If children under the age of 7 areinvited, they should be seated withtheir parents. Children between ages7 and 14 can be seated at a separatekids' table.

• Be mindful of guests withdisabilities or mobility issues. Seatthem close to the door, bathrooms orfood station.

• Instead of separating the bride and

the groom's family to separate sides,intermingle the tables to promoteconversation.

• Consider arranging guests bycommon interests at each table,seating business associates orparents' friends together.

• Take into consideration peoplewho have relationship rifts and try toseat them separately. But don't stressabout this too much because it won'tbe possible to accommodateeveryone.You'll have to hope that atyour wedding a certain level ofdecorum will preside.

• It's not unheard of to let guestsseat themselves.This takes thepressure of finding a seat foreveryone off of you as a couple andenables you to think about the othertasks at hand.This can take place at abuffet wedding or a smaller affair.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012 7

Every bride and groom will need hisand her transportation from home tothe wedding ceremony and reception.Although there are several options toget couples to and fro, many choose alimousine or another fancy rental caras the preferred mode of travel.

It may seem like little work goes intorenting a limo.Though transportationmight be one of the more hands-offcomponents of wedding planning, that

does not make it any less important.After all, if something goes awry, youcan be left stranded with no manner ofgetting to the wedding.

It is important for you to get the bestservice and the right vehicle for theoccasion, which requires somecomparison shopping.The car servicealso will need some information fromyou. Here's how to start.

Initially, seek word-of-mouthrecommendations, which can be thebest way to narrow down potentiallimo companies.Ask others whichbusiness they used for their specialevents–be it weddings, proms, Sweet16 parties or other important events. Ifyou work at a company that oftenrelies on hired cars for businessmeetings or transportation to theairport, you may already be familiarwith a reliable service -- and theymight be familiar with you.

Not all limousine services are thesame. Price should not be your onlymethod of comparison. Much like ahotel room or a meal at a restaurant,there may be different levels of serviceamong companies. It's important tocompare apples to apples. Figure out apackage that will work for you,including size of car, duration of timeand any other special features, such asa stocked bar, and then compare thispackage among the different limocompanies you're considering.

The right vehicle also canmake all the difference–andmay help you narrow downyour choices amongcompanies. For instance, abusiness might not have themodel you want or thatvehicle isn't available the dayof your wedding.Also, be sure

there will be enough room and if thereis trunk space for luggage forhoneymoon essentials. Check whetherthere are certain add-ons, such as fuelsurcharges or tolls that are not factoredinto the base price. Also, somecompanies include a driver tip in thecost, while others will leave that toyour discretion. Here are some otherthings to keep in mind.

Book earlyLimos, like services from other

vendors, will book fast, especiallyduring peak wedding or other seasons.

Consider a packageMost companies have put together a

package for special events, likeweddings.They may be the best value.

Check registrationLimo companies need to have a

license to operate and properinsurance.

Confirm the detailsBe sure that the duration of the

service, how many people will betransported and all costs are spelledout in a contract for everyone'sprotection.

How to find a limousine for your wedding

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8 Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012

YOU REMEMBER YOUR VOWS.

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How long have you been in business? Red Lion Hotels Corporation was founded in 1937 under the name

Goodale & Barbieri Companies (G&B).

What kind of products or services do you offer for weddings/events?Each offers a variety of options for unique and memorable celebrations andreceptions. In addition, the staff can make other things special for the happy

couple, such as room packages.Standard wedding packages include tables, chairs and linens, place settings

and glassware, centerpieces, cake table and cutting service, a dance floor anda champagne or cider toast. Couples also receive a guest room for a night.The sky’s the limit for extra personalized touches, such as linens or other

décor that matches the wedding colors, customized menus from executivechefs, multimedia equipment for slideshows, or extra audio service for

toasting or background music.

Any advice for people planning a wedding/event who are consideringyour particular product/service?

The sooner some of the details are picked out, such as the date, brides canaccess more options.The same with their guests – as longtime residents

know, it can be a challenge to find a quality hotel some weekends of the year,such as during Bloomsday or Hoopfest.

If you want to see photos from past weddings and other gatherings at these locations, take a look at our Facebook pages.

How do we get started? The Catering staff will meet with the couple, find out the planned date, the

couple’s other dreams for the reception, and their estimated budget.The staff will provide details about our bridal packages plus many extraelements and options which can be added to customize the occasion.

Red Lion Hotel Templin’s in Post Falls has some great scenery for outdoorweddings, especially a beach area. Free shuttle service is available in Spokane.

Brides are welcome to bring in any other vendors to make their day,such as a preferred DJ or florist.The only requirement is that the couple

use our catering and bar service For couples planning destination weddingsin the Spokane area, or those with out-of-town visitors coming for the

occasion, we will share details about guest rooms.This could involve creatinga guaranteed block or giving rate quotes based on availability.

Anything else you want people to know about you and what you do? The staff at all three locations is more than happy to find or create solutions

to make every bride-to-be’s vision a reality, whether this vision has beenforming for years or you were recently proposed to and don’t know where tostart.We take pride in following the bride every step of the process, offering

high levels of service and attention, and awareness that every bride wantsthings to be extra perfect.

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012 9

If there’s one lesson couples should take from therecent recession, it’s this: Get Real. Get real about thebottom line and what matters most for creatinglifelong memories.

Here are some smart steps for starting yourfinancial future together on the right foot.

Pre-Wedding PlanningIt’s important to get a “values-based vision” of your

wedding first.This vision addresses all of the must-haves for the celebration rather than every whim.

Once you have that vision down, thenyou can begin financial planning.

Couples who have more time tendto spend more. Spend only three tosix months planning.You have tomake quicker decisions, and you don’tadd as much of those bells andwhistles.

Cutting CostsAll those shows that are on TV really

get women thinking that they need tohave this off-the-charts wedding.Budget-friendly elegance is possiblewhen a couple focuses on what’simportant to them personally.After finalizing their “values-basedvision,” they can target areas wherecosts can really rack up–mainly thedress, flowers and food.Thinking about not only the time ofday but the day of the week and thetime of year has always been a way tosave money on a wedding. Off-season–late fall, winter or earlyspring–and weekday plans don’t putyou in high competition for venues.

Ask for helpWhen couples have beaten the unconventional

path down to dust and are still coming up short infunding their wedding. It’s time to turn to family andfriends for help.

Couples are suggested to start with their parents.They’ll be pleased to see that you’ve put together abudget and that you have a vision and that there’s areason why you’re doing this.

If the bottom line still lies overhead after exploring

all cost-saving options, a smart couple will know it’stime to amend their plans–opt for a longerengagement period to allow for saving more for thewedding.

Whatever you do, don’t go into debt. It’s a reallytough way to start a relationship.

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10 Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012

Two pro planners weigh in on the allthe required essentials for your Big Day“emergency” bag.

1. Lip glossIt will keep your makeup looking freshfrom I Do’s to photos and beyond, saysWendi Hroncich, founder of Seattle-based Ethereal Events.“But avoid thesticky kind – it will drive you nuts andyour groom will hate it too!”

2. Breath mintsThey’re ideal for right before you walkdown the aisle. But if you want freshbreath that’s longer lasting, pack atravel-size bottle of mouth wash, notesHroncich.

3. Bobby pinsGet blonde-colored ones if you’reblonde, brown ones if you’re abrunette, and so on, says BrookeSheldon, owner of Lilybrooke Events inKennebunkport, Maine.

4. Stain removerHroncich loves Shout Wipes or the TidePen.“They both work great withoutleaving bleach marks or a circle ondelicate fabrics.”

5. A Band-Aid or MoleskinThese quick-fixes can save the day ifyour shoes are uncomfortable, or

prevent questionable footwear frombecoming uncomfortable in the firstplace, Sheldon says.

6. Safety pins“They can be used for almost anythingin a pinch,” says Hroncich.“Get a varietypack of sizes.”

7. ScissorsWhether it’s taking the tag off a garteror snipping stray strings on clothing,Hroncich always finds that scissorscome in handy.

8. Pocket tissuesUse them to blot everything from tearsto makeup. Hroncich likes the wedding-themed variety.

9. A protein-packed energy bar“Chocolate is notorious for getting oneverything, so opt for a Yogurt HoneyPeanut Balance Bar or Lemon CLIFBuilder’s bar,” says Hroncich

10. A helper“Of course, every bride should have awedding planner so they don’t have tocarry a thing!” says Sheldon. Can’tafford one? Ask someone responsible(ideally not your mother or maid ofhonor) to ensure your essentials safelymake it from ceremony to reception.

In 10 things every bride should have with her on her wedding day – besides her fiancé

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Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012 11

Just as a stunning piece of jewelry can really setoff a wedding gown, beautiful blooms are likeaccessories for your big-day décor. But we’re not justtalking decoration here–with countless colors,textures and options for arranging, your florals alsoare an easy way to create the vibe for your event.

Petal PlanningIf you’re a fan of flowers, booking the shop or

event designer who will create your arrangementsmay be at the top of your to-do timeline.“But don’thire the florist until after you’ve selected your venueand date, and secured your main vendors–band,catering, and photographer,” says Karen Bussen,author of the “Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer”(Stewart,Tabori & Chang, 2011).“Then you’ll have abetter sense of what your décor budget is and whatkind of ambience you want to create.” Six or sevenmonths out should be a safe bet.

Before meeting with vendors, perusemagazines, books and websites for ideas.Rachel Bowes, owner of Seattle-based Finch &Thistle Event Design, says that blogs are herprimary source of wedding inspirationbecause they update daily.

As for the average bill, you can expect to payout about 8 to 10 percent of your total budget forblooms. However, the actual number varies widely,depending on factors like your desired aesthetic (e.g.lush and glamorous versus minimalist and chicversus simple and rustic), the type of flowers (thinkseasonal and locally grown blooms to save money)and the size of the event. In addition to receptioncenterpieces, for a traditional wedding you’ll likelywant bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids,boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, ushers anddads, corsages or small posies for MOBs and MOGs,and possibly petals and head wreaths for flower

girls. But you can useflowers anywhere, fromchair-back garlands, altersand the cake, to windowsand restrooms.

Once you have an ideaof the approach, colorpalette and price-rangeyou want, Bussenrecommends meetingwith a couple vendorswho seem like a good fit

before making your choice.

Flower ForwardWhile the over-the-top, romantic look still

resonates with plenty of couples, more and moremodern pairs are preferring a simple, clean and/orless formal aesthetic that’s still striking. For example,instead of one large, elaborate centerpiece, Bowessuggests using lots of small-bud vases and bottles invarying heights and shapes.

“That way your florist can showcase a fewamazing blooms, such as peonies, garden roses andorchids, to their full potential, and use less expensiveflowers and foliage as accents in the majority of thevases.”As an alternative, Bussen loves submergingexotic flowers.“One stem of bird of paradise orheliconia makes a great table accent when turnedupside down in a glass vase,” she says.

For eco-friendly couples, Bowes recommends usinga small potted tree (citrus, olive, cypress) in a lovelypot as a unique centerpiece, while Bussen is a fan oflive phaelenopsis or dendrobium orchidsinterspersed with a few votive candles.

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12 Advertising Supplement to The Spokesman−Review, Sponsored by KissTheBrideNW.com, Saturday, February 4, 2012

How long have you been in business? Since 1914

Number of employees? 550

What kind of products or services do you offer for weddings/events? Since 1914 the Davenport Hotel has been Spokane’s most luxurious and only

AAA 4 Diamond awarded hotel. Services offered include elegantly appointed guest roomsand suites, historic locations for receptions, rehearsal dinners, a bridal registry at the

Davenport Home store, full service flower shop, Day spa, and four award winningrestaurants.The Davenport Hotel and Tower captures a spirit of timeless world travel

and luxury in the finest of Davenport Traditions.

Any advice for people planning a wedding/event who are considering yourparticular product/service?

If you like the convenience of “one stop shopping”, then look no further than theDavenport Hotel. Our wedding services department can help arrange all aspects of your

wedding from pre-planning, ceremony, gift registry, rehearsal dinners, receptions,floral design, spa and overnight accommodations.We are reasonably priced with

wedding menu packages starting at $32 per person and overnight accommodationsstarting as low as $119 per night.

What’s the best wedding/event you’ve attended and why? The Davenport Hotel provided an amazing setting for the ceremony in the Isabella

Ballroom followed by a reception in the historic Marie Antoinette Ballroom. It was perfectin every sense, just like a fairy tale wedding should be.

Any plans for your business in 2012? 1. Davenport Home store has added a bridal registry

2. Davenport Flowers will beat any local flower quote for wedding ceremonies andreceptions both on and off site

3. Davenport Wedding department has added a wedding consultation room just off thelobby of the historic hotel to better serve our brides and grooms.

Anything else you want people to know about you and what you do? Think we’re expensive? Think Again.With wedding package menus

starting at just $32 per person, you can afford to have your fairy tale wedding at the Davenport Hotel and Tower. Call for an appointment today!

Matt JensenThe Davenport Hotel and Tower

10 S. Post Street • Spokane 509-455-8888

www.thedavenporthotel.cominfo@thedavenporthotel.com

Business ProfileThe Davenport Hotel and Tower