HELLO! TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY.
​My name is Taylor Whitcomb, and I was born and raised in Gorham, Maine. I’m a Southern New Hampshire University Alumni, with a degree in Baking & Pastry Arts and Culinary Management. I’ve studied abroad in Italy, at Florence University of the Arts, and focused my education on breads, wines, & farm to table Italian lifestyle. 
After a few years in the industry I knew it was time to put all my time and love for the industry into my own business, and Gorham Village Baking Co was founded in July 2017.
I wanted to base my business in Gorham because my heart has always found its way back to my home town and I noticed a need for a local bakery. I sell most of my products at local businesses in Gorham and surrounding areas, with the hopes of one day building my business in the direction of the wedding industry + catered events. 

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS?
​I have always loved to be creative. Working with food not only gives me the satisfaction of being creative, it also gives me great happiness + joy when complete strangers find love in the first bite of my sweet treats.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part is seeing the outcome of a cake I’ve spent hours hand crafting. I also love knowing I had a part in making the day a little more special for a bride + groom with a beautiful cake or dessert table. 
 

​WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED THAT YOU WOULD PASS ALONG TO OTHERS LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
I’m only a year into owning my own business, however, the best piece of advice I could pass on is the importance of making a connection with your clientele – it only helps your business become more well-known, in turn making it fun AND successful. Also … HUSTLE! A business you’ve always dreamed of will never just come around by waiting for the best opportunity. Take that leap of faith, and JUMP ALL IN! 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR TIME AWAY FROM WORK? 
My time away from work is always spent with my dog Harley, she’s my best friend and the best company in my garden. Also, always enjoying time on the lake or eating a good ice cream cone... I’m slightly addicted to exploring and finding new ice cream shops.
 
 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR BUSINESS?
My favorite moment in my business is seeing it grow. I started by just selling my whoopie pies at Gorham House of Pizza, and I now sell to Fishermen’s Catch in Raymond and Carter’s Green Market in Gorham. I’m currently collaborating with new locations to sell products as I expand my brand.
This summer I’ve booked 10 weddings and I’m already booking for 2019! It’s always hard while you’re in the daily grind, but when you have the time to step back and admire your hard work + determination … it’s the best! 

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?
I’ve always been very creative. I took as many art classes in school as I could, even college-level art classes at MECA throughout high school. I first went to design school in college, which taught me a lot about colors, textures, lighting & basic structure. 
I’ve also always been a perfectionist. I would spend hours just to make sure one portion of my project was perfect. I’ve put every ounce of my time to make everything the exact way I envisioned it to be, even finding better ways to accomplish the outcome along the way. I ‘m my very best critic, which I feel makes me very different from others in my field. I always think of my next cake as my next piece of art in a gallery.
 
ARE THERE ANY TRENDS YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE OR WOULD LOVE TO SEE LEFT BEHIND?
The current trend I absolutely love is dessert tables with a small traditional cutter cake for weddings. I’m not a huge lover of eating cake myself... but if I saw a table full of desserts and pastries at a wedding, I’d be all about it! 
 
IF YOU COULD ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I would be Joanna Gaines. She is my idol. I have an obsession with interior design and seeing the charm in old farm house restored to their original beauty.
 

1.  Tell us a little about yourself and your company! 

​​I began my career as a DJ in 1988 as a club and lounge DJ in New York City and through the years have mastered the art of mixing and music programming.  My style is wildly eclectic.  I play music from all around the world, from rock to jazz, funk to classics (70’s & 80’s), house to hip-hop, and beyond. If it has soul and personality, I'm on board!
 
My philosophy is simple, the party begins when I arrive. There is no lapse in the quality of music, and I work the entire time. I'm not the type of DJ who blabs on the mic all night. I connect with the crowd through the best music and proper programming, that's all you need.
 
By taking music you have requested and infusing songs I feel will compliment your selections, together we can create the perfect atmosphere for your event.
 
In 1995 I began a career as the National Director Of Promotion for various Major and Independent record companies. Some of the artists I have promoted include Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, George Michael, Jamiroquai, and Donna Summer. 

2.    Why Dis You Decide to Get Into the Business

3. What Is Your Favorite Part of Your Job

Watching people go off on the dance floor to their favorite song.  I love what music does to people.  there is no better feeling than giving in to the music and letting your body do its thing!

4. What’s Something You Learned Over the Years You Would Pass Along to Others Looking to Start Their Own Business?

Don’t ever think you are bigger than the music.  stay humble, listen to many genres, and focus on creating a vibe with your music.  Being a good DJ isn’t about having the latest equipment and pumping your fists.  you have to be able to read a crowd and be eclectic so everybody has a good time.  stay true to your sound and work the gigs that allow you to be creative and suit your style.  the client should always feel they have a voice and you value their opinion.

5. What Do You Like To To In Your Time Away From Work? 

I have many sides.  I have an insatiable appetite for learning new things and helping others.  I love being outdoors and foraging for wild food, medicinal mushrooms, and living off the land as much as possible.  This is one of the reasons I moved to Maine.  ​

6. What Has Been Your Favorite Moment In Your Business?

7. What Makes You Different From Others In Your Field?

My experience and knowledge of so many genres of music. My ability to create an incredible eclectic vibe.  My business is strictly word of mouth and I purposely keep it that way.   I don’t use the mic unless I have to.  One of my gifts is connecting with people the various styles of music.  If you play great music from beginning to end, you don’t need to get on the mic and motivate the crowd.   ​

8.  Are There Any Trends That You Absolutely Love of Would Love to See Left Behind?  

Many big name Dj’s around the world have become pop stars and do more posing than creative music programming.  they are paid tons of money, their sets are pre-planned and generic.  I come from the school of DJ’s where we play the entire night and it’s about the music and not us.

9. If You Could Anything Else In The World, What Would You Do?

​Nothing. I’m doing it right now.  I have three career paths that are the result of my journey through life.  I wouldn’t trade being an entrepreneur for anything.

If you want to contact Funky DJ, feel free to email him at ChrisTheFunkyDJ@gmail.com

​Today we would like to highlight Amanda Fogarty, photographer with A. Fogarty Photography. She picked up photography in high school as a hobby, after some time family and friends started to enquire about her pricing. She started as a part time photography but after many years of practice she decided to start her own business, and recently took on photography full time.
 
“I decided to get into the business because I love, love - and capturing the genuine connections between people.”
 
One of her favorite parts of her job is working with the clients as well as other vendors. Being able to connect with everyone that is apart of someone’s special day and tell a story of that day with her photographs.

Amanda is a very genuine person and always strives to give her clients the best experience. It’s that experience that she delivers that she believes set her apart from others in her profession.
 
“I truly believe in not only being a photographer but also a friend. From start to follow up, I’m a resource for my client’s and I try to elevate their entire wedding planning and day of experience by my thoughtful approach.”
She loves to bring the excitement of the day out though her photos of it, always striving to capture the love the couple has for one another as they move though their special day. Making their experience with her truly unique and lasting.
 
            Outside of working as a photographer, you could probably find Amanda at the beach. She also loves to travel and spend time with her Fiancé and Fur babies as well. She also has a second business as well, her gifting company, Posh + Walker. If she was not working full time as a photographer, she would most likely be working to expand that business. She is living her dream every day by being able to have a career that she loves.

“There is nothing that compares to the moment when I took my business full-time. The realization that my passion was my full-time career was unexplainable. Every day after, I wake up so grateful to be able to live my dream life and career.”
 
One last piece of advice that she has for those looking to start their own business;
“You’re never done learning. Both in your business and on your craft. Continue to challenge yourself and learn from others who inspire you.”
 
If you would like to learn more about A. Fogerty Photography, check her website and Instagram! 

We are excited to continue to bring you more wonderful vendors! Check out Wedding Officiant Charlotte Nolan! 


TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY!
Based in Scarborough, I have been officiating for 6 years. During that time I have
performed more than 100 ceremonies. My work is creating memorable and meaningful
wedding or vow renewal ceremonies


WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS?
A good friend of mine asked me to officiate for her wedding and it was such a wonderful
experience for me. Officiating combines all the things I love and am skilled at - meeting
new people, writing and public speaking. Plus, you are surrounded by love!​


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?​
After I’ve spent time with a couple, getting to know them and their families and friends, and
created a ceremony that is truly reflective of them and their wishes, and they are so happy
standing at that altar with me, and their guests are crying and laughing and everyone
knows that they are witnessing something special - that’s my favorite part of my job. It’s
the best job ever!


 WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED OVER THE YEARS YOU WOULD PASS ALONG TO OTHERS LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS? 
I’ve learned that there’s room for everybody in this business and to be myself. Don’t try to
be everything to every couple. Work with couples who want and appreciate what you have
to offer.


WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR TIME AWAY FROM WORK?
I’m a singer and sing soprano with Maine Music Society in Lewiston. I hike, comb beaches
with my 5 year-old yellow Lab, Lucy, garden, read good literature, and try to write daily. I
also bake a pretty unbelievable chocolate cake.


WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR BUSINESS?
I love the hugs I get from brides and grooms. I love that I get to be with them, supporting
them, on such an important day in their lives.


WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?
I would say the level of service I provide sets me apart. I spend a lot of time getting to
know the couples I work with, making sure the ceremony we plan is as close to perfect as it
can be. I offer lots of examples and years of experience.


ARE THERE ANY TRENDS THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE OR WOULD LOVE TO SEE LEFT BEHIND?
​I LOVE the trend of couples choosing Maine for their destination wedding!


IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I have done other things - sold radio advertising, published poetry, been a spa director, law
office manager, environmental grant writer, and women’s advocate. Nothing compares to
being a wedding officiant, though (except that time I was a lead singer in a cover band
back in the early 90s - I’d do that again!).

If you would like to get in touch with Charlotte, take a look at her beautiful website here! 

​Here at The Portland Masonic, we work with so many wonderful vendors! As you may know, the Maine Wedding Industry is HUGE! We are always meeting new people and creating new relationships. Because we love meeting new people and supporting fellow weddings industry peeps, we wanted to start Meet Vendors Monday (#mvm). We found some of our favorite vendors and asked them questions about their business, what motivates them, and what they do during the off-season. 

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY!
My name is Lauren Myers, I’m the owner and creative designer
behind Lauren Rachel, custom invitation and day of material
design company. I pride myself on the ability to collaborate with
couples on unique designs that represent them and their love
story. Making one-of- kind designs using my skill sets in
illustration, painting and fondness of paper, brings me great joy
and pleasure. I believe the first impression for a wedding guest is
captured in their mailboxes. Each couple is special, so why would
they settle on their wedding stationary to be a template that
hundreds of other engaged couples have used?



WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS?
I decided to get into the business after having dabbled in wedding
invitation design for family and friends for over 3 years. Once I
started getting referrals from outside my circle I thought I would
give it a go professionally. I also had been laid off from an
Advertising Agency (50+ hours a week) which allowed me to
dedicate more time to creating a business plan and hitting the
ground running with research around local wedding businesses to
start networking with.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love working with people and researching. I enjoy
collaborating with other vendors for styled shoots as well as
working with planners and couples to really personalize the
experience of a one-of- kind design. I’m constantly seeking out
new vendors for printing or new resources for paper so I can
offer the best quality and most unique options to my couples.
Plus PAPER is my jam!



 WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED OVER THE YEARS YOU WOULD PASS ALONG TO OTHERS LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
For any small business it takes time and there are a lot of
ebbs and flows when you are a small team. It will always be
hard work. Try to stay connected on a personal level with your
network(folks within your industry), get to know the other
businesses and demographics well so you have an
understanding of where you fit into the puzzle.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR TIME AWAY FROM WORK?
I’m a new mom so I would have to say spending time with my
family. Away from my family I am in a “not so serious” book
club and I do yoga!



WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR BUSINESS?
My first client under my business name. The client came in via
my websites form, it had been the first one to use my form. I
felt an oversized amount of joy and pride since getting a
website up in 2 months was crazy for me. After working with
the couple, I learned a lot from them but still enjoyed the process as much as I remember before I had
all the kinks worked out.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?
Every designer is unique, while my design style doesn’t follow
the same way as other designers, I specifically work with clients to create
something from scratch. My designs are individual and in the spirit and likeness of my couples
making the keepsake mementos for their special day.




ARE THERE ANY TRENDS THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE OR WOULD LOVE TO SEE LEFT BEHIND?
Trends… not my cup of tea but none the less I do still get a lot
of requests for the trendiest stuff from blush and gold
palettes to farm style burlap. I prefer to leave the trendy stuff
to the cookie cutter invitations online!



 
IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Travel all expenses paid with my family!




If you want to learn more about Lauren Rachel Custom Invitation Designs follow her on Instagram & Facebook. Don't forget to check out her awesome website! 

People always ask us, what makes The Portland Masonic a unique venue? It’s a perfectly valid question and here’s our top 5 reasons why- Enjoy! 

1. Location, Location, Location!

Located in beautiful downtown Portland, Maine, The Portland Masonic offers you everything Maine’s biggest city has to offer. We are one of the top 3 largest overall venues in downtown Portland, which makes us an excellent choice large & medium sized weddings. Our space is centered within walking distance to award winning hotels, critically acclaimed restaurants, and the stunning waterfront of Casco Bay. The Portland Masonic offers easy access to & from the highway with many parking options for your quests.
​

      2. No Rain Boots Needed!
​It’s no surprise that New England’s weather (especially in Portland, ME) can never be fully predicted. We know that when you are planning a large event, you don’t want rain, snow or any other weather disaster to interfere with your special day. And we’ve got you covered- literally! We have two, yes TWO areas you can rent. One for a ceremony, and the other for a reception that can fit over 200 guests.

    3. Your Day-Your Way. Customize Your Wedding!
It’s your big day! ​The Portland Masonic offers you the ability to fully customize it with your favorite colored linens, decorations and anything else your heart desires. We will provide you with the tables, chairs (cough, cough, Chiavari chairs cough, cough), flatware and china you’ll need. Whether you're looking for a classic simple white wedding or leopard printed theme… we make it work for you!

       4. Affordability
​Not looking to burn a hole straight through your pockets but still impress your wealthy uncle? This is the spot for you. We price our large room at an affordable rate that all can take advantage of.  We think everyone deserves to have a dream wedding without stressing about your financial stability. We work with you to make sure you get a price that is fair & affordable.

     5. Vintage Feel For Real!
​It may be no surprise that The Portland Masonic has a lot of history to it. The building was erected in 1911! Every wall, hallway, room, and even the doors have stood in Portland, ME  for well over a century. This makes for an experience like no other. You get the history with a unique look that will leave your guests with memories of your special day for lasting years. Who doesn’t want that?!

Contact Us to Schedule A Tour!



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​Photography by Molly& Victoria Photography