When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” ― John Lennon

One way we love to bring happiness to others is through introducing them to great wineries and spectacular bottles of wine. And one of our favorite wineries is celebrating a major milestone in June.  Can you believe it's been 5 years that the breathtaking modern entity that is Novelty Hill-Januik Winery opened it's doors?  To celebrate, they're throwing a party and we're all invited!  

Here's the details on the bash:

Come Celebrate!  It's Novelty Hill-Januik’s Fifth Anniversary
Sunday, June 3^rd, 2012
12 – 4 pm
No RSVP required

Guests will be treated to brats, sliders and hot dogs with all the fixings, as well as a complimentary tasting of their newly released Spring Run Rose for the 21 and over crowd. For the kids (and the kid in us grown-ups), they'll have lawn games, magician Nate Jester will be on hand from 12:30-3:30 and caricature artist Vince Yee will join for the duration. Live music, of course! It's a celebration, after all! 

We're so honored to feature them on our wine tours and through Weddings in Woodinville and most importantly, to call them friends.  We wish them many, many more years of continued success! 

Guests tour the grounds, brides and grooms rooms at Arbor Garden while staying dry under a Butler Seattle umbrella English Country Garden reception table decor & rentals by Vintage Ambience with florals by Althauser DesignButler Transportation's Mercedes Benz Shuttle at the Snohomish Wedding Tour & amazing flora arrangement by Althauser DesignWedding ceremony area at Arbor GardensCandy table at Arbor Gardens during the Snohomish Wedding Tour

Brides were encouraged to enter into  our "Date Night" raffle that included a Friday Night Wine & Dine for 2 from Butler Seattle, a bottle of wine and a bottle of sparkling cider, chocolates and many other items that made for a great date night!

Cupcakes & wedding cake by For The Love of Cake!The gazebo wedding ceremony area at Arbor GardensStuart Butler of Butler Seattle-Butler Transportation's at the 4th Annual Snohomish Wedding Tour

We were honored to participate again in this year show with the Snohomish Wedding Guild and the following vendors:

Arbor Gardens – Venue

Blush – Coordination

Vintage Ambience - Furniture & Accessories

PJ Parsons Presents – DJ

Pour Girls & Some Guys – Bartenders

Bluewing Photos – Photographer

Celebrations Catering Services – Caterer

For The Love of Cake! – Bakery

Althauser Design – Florist

For more information on other vendors and venues that participated in this years show please visit mysnohomishwedding.com.

And my experience visiting the new Chihuly Garden and Glass at the base of the Space Needle on Friday truly embodied the artist’s wish.  The exhibition opens to the public today and entails the Exhibition Hall which holds the Glass Forest Room, Northwest Room, the Sealife Room, the Persian Ceiling, the Ikebana and Float Room (which was one of my personal favorites with the reflections of the rainbow colored glass and wooden boats, Chandeliers, the Macchia Forest and Drawing Walls; the   Glasshouse, the Gardens, Theater, Collections Café (which welcomes you with an extensive personal collection of beer bottle openers.  And yes, I’m kicking myself for not getting a photo… I was too engrossed at the vintage collection myself when I saw a few that I have in my personal collection) and the Bookstore where you can purchase books and materials relating to Dale Chihuly’s artworks and projects, including some Studio Editions and special designs by the artist.

I hope you enjoy some of the photos taken from my visit to the exhibition and highly encourage you to experience it for yourself!

Glasshouse view of the Seattle Space Needle at Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Garden at Chihuly Garden and Glass vibrant blues Persian Ceiling in the Exhibit at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Green spikes at the Chihuly Garden and Glass ExhibitChandeliers in the Garden Plaza offers an elegant setting for receptions & dinners.

Mille Fiori Room at Chihuly Garden and GlassIkebana and Float Boat at Chihuly Garden and GlassThe 40' tall Glasshouse offers a suspended 1400 piece, 100 foot-long glass sculpture offers quite an impressive setting for up to 250 guests.Mille Fiori side view at the Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Garden at Chihuly Garden and Glass looking into the GlasshouseChihuly Garden and Glass and the Seattle Space Needle

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Hours are Monday-Thursday from 11am-8pm and Friday-Sunday 10am-9pm

Tickets range from $12 for youth to $33 for adults which includes a trip to the Space Needle Observation Deck

Please visit www.chihulygardenandglass.com for more information

Join Butler Valet as we help sponshor Beer Flights - A Fundraiser for Historic Flight Foundation Education Fund.

Beer Flights - a Fundraiser for Historic Flight Foundation Education Fund invites you to their inaugural “Beer Flights” exclusive event for aviation enthusiasts that will feature a collection of beautifully restored aircraft from 1927-1957 paired with stellar food purveyors, led by Pike Brewery.  Guests will have a chance to meet author Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, granddaughter of Jimmy Doolittle, famed leader of the raid on Tokyo 70 years ago.  An auction will feature once-in-a-lifetime aviation experiences, such as traveling in a vintage aircraft and joining the flight crew for an air show in Alaska or Wyoming.  All this and much more at Beer Flights!

Envisioned by event sponsor, Pike Brewing Company, this festive celebration of flight and spring, offers a comparison of several different craft beers, (which is called a beer “flight” by the way - ha! we love puns!).  This unique fund provides training opportunities to students of all ages interested in aviation, restoration and the history of flight, some of whom you'll meet throughout the evening.

Climb on board to taste your way through flights of craft beers, fine wines and a variety of cuisines provided by elite restaurants and specialty food producers. Explore a superb collection of beautifully restored aircraft from 1927-57. Bid for one-of-a-kind aviation experiences and paraphernalia.

Additional highlights of the evening that will have you soaring will be 1940's Period Music by Elizabeth Hott and the Sugar Daddies, authors, reenactors, and a special ale delivered by a special plane.

The Details:

Beer Flights - A Fundraiser for Historic Flight Foundation Education Fund
Historic Flight at Kilo 7 – Paine Field
Friday, May 18, 2012
6-10 p.m.
Tickets are $50, $75,$100 and $150 levels.  Butler Valet will be providing the valet parking for those VIP Admission guests.  

For more information visit http://beerflights.org/ 

Tickets available at http://beerflights.org/events/beer-flights/

“Like” their Facebook event page for the latest details: https://www.facebook.com/events/410937448936274/

Additional questions?  Please contact (425) 348-3200 or email visitorservices@historicflight.org.

We hope you will join us (and invite your friends) for this memorable event - a prelude to Aviation Day on May 19th -that will help fund and propel the next generation of aviation professionals. 

Brides and grooms are invited to bring their friends and families for an afternoon touring thirteen of Snohomish’s beautiful wedding venues during the Fourth Annual Snohomish Wedding Tour, Sunday, May 20th, 2012 from 11am – 5pm.. Caterers will have tasty food to sample, florists will have flowers to admire, DJ’s will have music to get you dancing and photographers will have photos to inspire. Meet over 75 top wedding vendors including wedding coordinators, cake and chocolate makers, bridal shops, rental suppliers, beverage servers and officiants to make this a “one stop” shopping opportunity for all of your wedding planning. Each venue will have a sweepstakes to enter and win free wedding services.

 Butler Seattle is thrilled to be apart of the Snohomish Wedding Tour again this year where we will be featured at the beautiful Arbor Gardens.  Arbor Gardens is an outdoor, beautiful 1 acre lawn & garden venue that hosts many events including wedding ceremonies, receptions, anniversaries, company picnics and birthdays and is large enough to accommodate up to 300 guests.  The ceremony area hasPhoto by Valley Portrait Photography different options available for your wedding that include a white Victorian Gazebo or a rustic flower covered arbor both with towering cedar trees as a back drop and a 20' x 60' canopy reception area, a bridal room, grooms lounge and charming photo spots amongst many additional amenities.

The Details:  4th Annual Snohomish Wedding Tour

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

11am – 5pm

$5 per person 

Tickets Available at http://www.mysnohomishwedding.com/online-store/?viewitem=1099 or tickets may be purchased at the Registration Center the day of the Tour
Registration Center located at Simply Sweet Cupcakes, 2705 Bickford Ave., Snohomish, WA 98290 – OPENS at 10:30 am 

 “Beautiful Venues Filled With Amazing Vendors”

The good people that be at 425 also want to keep things fair, so you have to register before you vote. Don't worry, they're not going to share your email address with anyone, but we'd love it if YOU shared the voting process with your friends! Votes from one email address per person will be counted.

Voting Ends May 5.  Look for the results in the July/August issue of 425 Magazine!

Happy Voting! http://bestof425.com/

We are happily supporting our fellow vendors, locations and friends with such votes as Weddings in Woodinville for "Best Local Event", Woodinville Wine Country as "Best Northwest Travel Destination" and would be honored for your vote of Butler Seattle (aka Butler Valet, Butler Transportation and/or Butler Wine Tours) as "Best Small Business".

Chateau Ste. Michelle offers this concert series as an expression of community involvement and support of the arts. Net proceeds from the concert series support their charitable contributions program of long-standing philanthropic partnerships with many local and national charitable organizations, that include the Auction of Washington Wines supporting Children’s Hospital Foundation and Chateau Ste. Michelle Scholarship Fund which supports minority undergraduates at Washington State and the University of Washington. 

Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 28 at 10am. Visit ticketmaster.com, any Ticketmaster outlet or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available in the Chateau Wine Shop daily between the hours of 10am - 5pm.

We’re offering valet & self-parking again this year at Columbia Winery for all concert nights.  Cost of parking includes a free tasting in Columbia’s Tasting Room.  Mention this blog and also receive a discounted parking rate!

We're excited for this event!  Food, wine and fun... always a winning combo. Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

Here are some great shots from Weddings in Woodinville 2012. 

Columbia Winery during Weddings in Woodinville 2012 Rentals by Grand Event Rentals, guest planner Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Weddings & Events at Columbia Winery.

 Valets were ready to lend a helping hand and transport all the guests for this wine tour wedding event

DeLille Cellars during Weddings in Woodinville 2012V-E-G or the Very Elegant Garden at DeLille Cellars created by wedding planner Jacky Grotle of Event Success, linens by Creative Coverings,  and floral & veggie displays by Bella Rugosa.

Butler Transportation offers comfort & luxury with their Mercedes Benz Sprinter Shuttles for your next event

JM Cellars ceremony in the barrel room during Weddings in Woodinville 2012, photo by Visions of Romance Photography

Rentals by AA Party Rental, florals by Melanie Benson Floral Design, in collaboration with Melody Davis of MG Davis Events transformed JM Cellars for the day.

Limousines, town cars, and Mercedes Shuttles transport guests to the 7 venues featured during Weddings in Woodinville

Willows Lodge during Weddings in Woodinville 2012

Willows Lodge was transformed into a wedding reception showcasing Woodland Glamour by Janel Schlitt of Occasions, LLC. with decor & floral by Aria Style and chair covering by Swink Chic Chair Cover Rentals.

"Man Cave" at Willows Lodge during Weddings in Woodinville 2012

Willows Lodge created a great little "escape" for the guys complete with the game playing, martini's and comfy lounging space.

Always ready for Seattle's liquid sunshine!

Eli Darland of Rare Form Limousine is another transportation provider for the tour.

Matthews Estate at Weddings in Woodinville 2012

Guest planner BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events helped transform Matthews Estate into the perfect intimate rehersal dinner setting with the help from ABC Special Rentals by Cort and florals by Laural's Floral Decor.

Butler Valet prepping for guests to arrive

Novelty Hill/Januik barrel room featured rich reds and hints of purplePlanner, Jennifer Taylor or Taylor'd Events by Jennifer transformed Novelty Hill/Januik Winery's barrel room with the help of ABC Special Event Rentals by Cort, gowns provided by From The Gown Up and floral arrangements by Fena Flowers.

The Cellar Room at Novelty Hill/Januik Winery

Butler Seattle table display inside the VIP tentVIP guests received a bottle of wine & wine key as part of the Weddings in Woodinville experienceColumbia and Novelty Hill/Januik wine's & custom wine keys were given to VIP guests from the Weddings in Woodinville Board of Directors: Stuart, Jeremy & Ani Butler of Butler Seattle, Emily Pollock of Novelty Hill/Januik Winery, Linda Conklin of Columbia Winery, Jacky Grotle of Event Success, Melody Davis of MG Davis Events, Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer, Marion Clifton of Banquet & Event Resource, Inc. and Eli Darland of Rare Form Limousine.  

Please visit www.weddingsinwoodinville for a complete collection of photos, inspiration boards, and videos of this year's event.  And save the date for January 27, 2012 for our 4^th year!

Ray's Boathouse in Seattle, Washington

And the culinary teams at Ray’s are just as ready as we are to welcome the Spring & Summer seasons and have the new menus to show it!  So they are holding a Spring Open House on Tuesday, April 17^th from 5:30-8:30pm.  Ray’s Executive Chef Wayne Johnson and his culinary team are ready to share their craft with dedication, passion and knowledge with you; featuring local fishermen, farmers, ranchers and the freshest ingredients available.   The Open House will take place in their private waterfront banquet room, The Northwest Room.  To make reservations please RSVP to Maddie DuBray by Friday, April 13^{th at} 206-789-6309 x0221.

The Details about Ray’s Boathouse Spring Open House:

Tuesday, April 17^th 5:30pm-8:30pm

Held in The Northwest Room, Ray’s private waterfront banquet room

Reservations are required by Friday, April 13^th to Maddie DuBray at 206-789-6309 x0221

As a reminder, it is invite only. They can not take “walk-ins” at the door that night.

Ray’s Catering prides itself on exceeding guest expectations by providing you with innovative and friendly menus paired with our high standard of impeccable service.  Ray’s Boathouse Executive Chef Wayne Johnson and his culinary team share their craft with dedication, passion and knowledge; featuring local fishermen, farmers, ranchers and the freshest ingredients available. 

Ray’s Catering menus are also available for your off-premise event at various Seattle venues, fundraising galas, offices, boats, private homes and for drop-off and pick-up orders.  Our waterfront banquet room showcases the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain Range which makes for a beautiful, warm and relaxed backdrop for your next all day meeting/retreat, corporate dinner, cocktail gathering, celebration of life, wedding or rehearsal dinner/luncheon, birthday or anniversary celebration.

Ray’s Catering talented sales team, Amy Stevens and Maddie DuBray, are dedicated to bringing you the best of all catering needs and services from lavish to casual events.  Their infectious enthusiasm, friendliness and polished presence, combined with Ray’s outstanding food and service, makes for a very memorable celebration!