Photo by Woodstock Photography

All great things begin with only a single thought. On her honeymoon, with the planning of her huge Italian wedding still fresh in mind, she relished in the thought of having a single resource to use when planning such an important event. Turning that into reality, Mary Lou and friend Marion Clifton crafted the first Bravo! Wedding Resource Guide in 1990 with an Apple IIe and a single-sheet bubble-jet printer. By 1994, the idea was taken a step further into publishing the first Event Resource Guide to hit the Oregon and Southwest Washington market.

Life is never quiet at the Burton household. Graced with her family and four wonderful children: Alex, Nick, Will and Greta, Mary Lou is no stranger to the need for an organized, simple way to entertain, educate, and care for her family. She dedicates her life to acting with intention: if it is going to bring a smile upon a sad face, light the fire within a soul, or illuminate a cloudy path, she will find the time and energy to accomplish it. Admired and respected within the event industry, Mary Lou finds her ability to persevere both personally and professionally in the inspiration and support of her family. "It would all still be just an idea without his positive 'can do' attitude," says Mary Lou.