Port Gamble Weddings and Events gets a lot of questions regarding our role in your wedding or event. We are venue coordinators. Our primary role is to keep the venue in good working order and to make sure no damage is caused. We make sure rules are followed, to confirm vendor arrival times, to confirm the layout and overall setup (tables and chairs) and to provide facilities in good working order. We also help conduct your rehearsal and get you down the aisle on your wedding day.
To compare, a wedding coordinator’s primary role is to make sure the day runs smoothly. There are day-of coordinators and full planners.
A day-of coordinator may work to put together detailed timelines and floor plans, direct the rehearsal, meet day-of deliveries and vendors, set up and break down your decor, line up and cue the ceremony processional and attend to the couple on the day of the wedding as needed. Each has different services they offer and is best for couples who are confident about doing all the planning themselves. It’s a good choice for couples who want assistance within the last few weeks of their wedding and want to have somebody on-site that day so they, and their families, do not need to deal with these responsibilities.
A full wedding planner takes on a few more duties such as working with a couple to understand their preferences, style, budget and personalities. They communicate throughout the planning process to keep tasks on track, make personalized vendor recommendations, negotiate contacts, answer logistical and etiquette questions, conceptualize all of the design elements, coordinate hotel blocks and transportation and much more. Each one offers a different set of services, so ask questions about what you want to happen. That type of planning is best for couples who may not have interest in or time for planning, need assistance with the design of their day or want professional guidance throughout.
For details, contact us at portgambleweddings@raydient.com or 360-297-8074.
Business news
Each year, Mother’s Day weekend is a blast in Port Gamble. With many of the businesses holding sales, bring mom out for the day. Dine in at one of our restaurants or enjoy a picnic with the beautiful views.
Meanwhile, smiling faces and great coffee have returned to the coffee stand in Port Gamble. On Feb. 20, new owner Beth Ramey held a soft opening of Steel Bridge Coffee. Manager Kaylee Taylor has over 10 years of experience with helping people start their day off right, with an amazing cup of coffee. “I wanted to create a place in the community where people of all kinds are welcome. I want everyone to leave with a yummy treat and feel like they are treated like family.”
How did you come up with the name Steel Bridge Coffee? “My grandfather was a crane operator for Simpson Timber and piloted the famous crane ‘Daisy,’ which re-decked the famous High Steel Bridge. My grandfather was proud of that work, although he came home every day with white knuckles from the work of re-decking the 375-foot-high bridge. I wanted to honor my family contributions to the area,” Ramey answered.
Steel Bridge Coffee also offers milkshakes, spritzers, blended drinks, Italian sodas, protein and vegan shakes. They also have sugar-free, vegan and dairy-free drinks. They also have breakfast sandwiches, donuts, bagels, oatmeal, coffee cake or the Ham & Cheese Pretzel Melt. They also plan to add more “lunch-style” sandwiches. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Meanwhile, Tango Zulu goes on summer hours May 1. Still open seven days a week: Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday-Saturday open an hour later. Stop in for your African baskets, fair trade clothing and handmade soaps, or shop their online store. The business is celebrating its 13th year. For more go to www.tangozuluimports.com.
House 11 Taproom is expanding its hours and changing the menu for late spring and summer. Expect dishes with local fresh produce and summer-centric sandwiches. For “Meet the Winemaker” and other events go to www.house11taproom.com.
Also, Port Gamble Cruise Nights take place Thursday evenings from May through September. See some classic and modern hot rods, cruisers and trucks from 4 p.m.-dusk. All vehicles welcome. The Port Gamble Cruise has been a Spring/Summer staple in Port Gamble for years. The cruise meets up at the grassy field next to Butcher & Baker Provisions.
The Port Gamble Historic Museum will be open from noon to 5 p.m., and admission is free from May 4 to Oct. 1 Thursdays through Sundays. It is located under the Port Gamble General Store.
Finally, Port Gamble is hiring a full-time maintenance tech. Pay is $20-$24 an hour, weekdays, and includes benefits; call 360-297-7251.
You can stay up to date with happenings at Port Gamble by subscribing to the monthly Port Gamble E-Newsletter at www.portgamble.com.
Peter Orbea writes a monthly column on Port Gamble for this newspaper.
