Our September educational meeting took us to the lovely Lan Su Chinese Garden in downtown Portland.  Michele Starry of Lan Su managed every detail of the meeting from showcased wedding professionals to menu to the featured speakers.  Thank you, Michele!  It was a perfect summer evening; we could not have asked for more pleasant weather.  Upon arrival, guests enjoyed passed appetizers and a festive bar while networking on the terrace overlooking the picturesque garden.  Catering by Bo spoiled us with wonderful bites of goodness throughout the garden.  Michele then introduced all of the participating vendors before sending us on a path to three educational stations: Joan Levine and Yehudah (Alan) Winter from Your Personal Ceremony discussed essentials from the Jewish faith, the mysteries of the Buddhist faith were unearthed by Jacqueline Mandell of Exquisite Weddings, and Evonne Tang of The Tao of Tea demonstrated the fundamentals of the Chinese tea ceremony and basics of Chinese wedding traditions.  And at each stop: more fabulous food plus gorgeous floral arrangements from the talented Botanica Floral.  At the end of the evening, guests regrouped in the center of the garden for wonderful, gluten-free desserts from Ruby Cakes. How can we forget those lemon ginger cupcakes?  It was difficult to leave such a fulfilling evening of education, friends, food and such a peaceful environment.  Thanks to all of our contributors for making the evening so perfect!  For more pictures, visit the WNUSA Portland Facebook page.