Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Always A Bridesmaid


Now, this is what you call pretty maids all lined up in a row.

Lily & Iris, a new boutique for bridesmaids and moms, has made its way to Utah — and wedding parties will never be the same. 

Opening JANUARY 4, this charming store in downtown Salt Lake (brought to you by the equally charming folks at Alta Moda Bridal) will have the most important women in your life dressed to the divine on your wedding day. We're talking designers like Cynthia Rowley, Amsale, Lela Rose, Ivy & Aster, Watters, Lynn Lugo, Dessy, Fancy, Sarah Danielle and Anna Elyse.

Oh, and did we mention there are grand opening promotions? Because there are so grand opening promotions.

For the first 25 brides to visit on Jan. 4 ...
Buy five gowns, receive the sixth gown FREE. Receive a sixth gown of equal or lesser value for free when you purchase five gowns at full price. Buy gowns for your five bridesmaids, or get a party dress for yourself! Or get the value of your most inexpensive dress toward a reception gown for yourself. The options are endless!

For anyone shopping in January ...
Receive 10 percent off your entire order if you place your order during the month of January (Jan. 4 - Jan. 31).

Utah Valley Bride is counting down the days to Jan. 4. Are you?

Fancy

Ivy & Aster

Lela Rose

Sarah Danielle

Monday, December 20, 2010

Marry Christmas

Now, this is a gift.

The 2011 Utah Valley Bride sauntered (yes, sauntered) into our offices this week — and we can hardly contain our glee. After months of gloriously gorgeous hard work, our 164 glossy pages request the pleasure of your perusal.

Below you'll find a glimpse at our four covers for the year — one for each dearly beloved season. (You'll find the Winter issue on newsstands after you've given your honey a New Year's kiss.)

So be of good cheer, engaged ones. It's here.

SPRING 2011
PHOTOGRAPHER Rebekah Westover Photography (www.rebekahwestover.com)
COVER COUPLE Rachel Skalla and Drew Parcell, Provo

SUMMER 2011
PHOTOGRAPHER Photography by McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)
 COVER GIRL Julie Price, Highland

FALL 2011
PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Hixson Photography (www.danhixsonphotography.com)
COVER COUPLE Amanda Gedicks and Blake Moore, Orem

WINTER 2011
PHOTOGRAPHER Nichole V. Photography (www.nicholev.com)
COVER GIRL Sarina Thomas, Provo

Thursday, December 9, 2010

No, Seriously ...

.... you're going to the Alta Moda Bridal Sample Sale, right? 

That's what we thought.

It's this SATURDAY, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You're so there. 

P.S. For even more divine details, check out the post Hilary (owner of Alta Moda) wrote today. Click here.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Here's The Deal


It's the most wonderful time of year, indeed.

Alta Moda Bridal is hosting its annual sample sale — a gorgeous gathering where gals and gowns "meet cute." It's THIS Saturday, Dec. 11.

You. Can. Not. Miss. This. Event. 

Like, for real. 

At last year's gathering, the Alta Moda staff arrived to a couple dozen brides anxiously lining up outside their wintry doors. And that fact alone warms our wedding-loving hearts. 

The deets ...

WHAT Alta Moda Bridal Annual Sample Sale
WHERE Alta Moda Bridal, 637 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
TIME 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FYIs 
* You’ll find more than 50 couture wedding dresses marked down 50 – 85 percent. Gowns start as low as $400, with many under $1000.
* There will be dresses from all of your favorite designers: Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Augusta Jones … and the list goes on.
* Gowns are sold as-is. 
* No appointments (first come, first served).
* No holds, all sales are final. Come ready to buy (and swoon). 
* Most gowns are suited for street sizes 4-12. 
* Space is limited — bring only one or two key decision makers. 

Monday, November 29, 2010

Miss Us?

What's that you say? You miss us desperately? You were spoiled by the daily sneaky-peeky posts and want us back on your Google Reader?

It's hard to blame you. :)

The problem is we're sorting through photo after photo of reckless gorgeousness. I mean, who has time to blog when you're looking at pictures like the one below from Rebekah Westover Photography?

But rest assured. We are still here. We're still working on the 2011 issue that will grace your manicured fingertips come January. And we're still going to blog said reckless gorgeousness 'til your wedding do us part. (Though if you still want to read our pretty posts after your nuptials, we, like, totally understand.)

In any case. Be patient with us, and stay tuned. 

We're just getting started. 

PHOTO BY Rebekah Westover Photography (www.rebekahwestover.com)

Friday, November 12, 2010

Sneak Peek Week — Day 5

PHOTO BY Nichole V. Photography (www.nicholev.com)

As the managing editor of Utah Valley Bride, images like this one from Nichole V. Photography continually pop up on my screen.

And then I can. not. wait. for January to come so blushing brides get to see just how talented the wedding vendors are in this valley. I mean, it's unreal.

So dearly beloved, as we've gathered together this week for our sneaks and our peeks, remember this: In two months time, you best be flipping through your copy of the 2011 Utah Valley Bride. Because you know what they say ...

Turn pages, turn heads.

(OK, they totally don't say that. I just came up with it. But they so totally could say that.)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Sneak Peek Week — Day 4

Want a little coverage?

Check out this snapshot of our staff contemplating cover candidates for the 2011 Utah Valley Bride

As you can see, we pretty much leave the men out of it. :)

November 2010

Among the girlish figures congregated in our design room is our editor-in-chief, Jeanette Bennett, at the computer; my co-managing editor, Kate Lehnhof, doing the finger talking; and me, Briana Stewart, the green arm at the bottom left holding my 6-month-old daughter, Margaret. This is, in fact, Margaret's second Utah Valley Bride magazine, as she was "bumping" her way into our meetings last year.

The above photo is a far cry from MY first Utah Valley Bride magazine six years ago (for you history buffs, the inaugural issue came out in 2002). Back then we congregated in a wee little room shared by four people, I was a college intern (with the denim arms) and Kate was MIA thanks to a little thing called Spanish Fork High School (go Dons!). Jeanette, however, wins the consistency contest by holding her post at the computer.

But the biggest difference, you ask? We hadn't yet figured out the men bit. :)

November 2004

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Sneak Peek Weak — Day 3

What a day. 

Gown after gorgeous gown made its way to InStudio by Kenneth Linge for our wedding dress shoot of the 2011 Utah Valley Bride. You know, the one that will saunter onto newsstands come January?

And what can you say except ... sigh. (Do I sigh too much on this blog? Perhaps. But YOU try having a job this pretty.)

Below you'll find two images from our day that was dressed to the nines (until the fives). In addition to the amazing Linges, we had Suggestions Salon (led by the ever-lovely Darcy Moody) on the scene all day styling our models to editorial perfection.

By the by, if you're looking at these photos wondering, "Why is that picture so dark?" or "Why can't I see the details of that gown I know I must have?" — then question no further. 

These are peeks — and we're feeling a little sneaky.

 In this shot, MaryLyn Linge, one of the photographers, tests the lighting while one of our models, Annie, dons a beauty from Alta Moda Bridal.

 Another model, Heidi, gets her inner-goddess on in this Avenia Bridal gown while co-editor, Kate, and I gush from the sidelines.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sneak Peek Week — Day 2

Need some wedding day "dos"? Then don't miss our article on dressing your tresses in the upcoming 2011 issue of Utah Valley Bride.

Below you'll find just one of the stylings we're featuring, courtesy of the amazing Suggestions Salon of Orem (we kind of totally adore them). But you'll have to wait until the magazine hits mailboxes to see the rest of our hair wonders.

Oh, patience. We never did like that virtue.

HAIR BY Suggestions Salon (801.226.6993)
DRESS BY Allyse's Bridal (www.beautifullymodest.com)
PHOTO BY David Blackhurst

Monday, November 8, 2010

Sneak Peek Week — Day 1

Editor's Note: As we giddily put together our 2011 issue of Utah Valley Bride, we're declaring this week Sneak Peek Week on the blog! Check back every day for a glimpse into our upcoming glossy pages.

In honor of today's winter wonderland weather, here's a peek at one of the gorgeous weddings we'll be featuring in our annual "love stories" section. The photographer is the eye-catching Captured by Mikki.

Find out the who, where, when and how (the what and why seem rather self-explanatory), and see this image and more in the next Utah Valley Bride — which will hit newsstands January 2011.

PHOTO BY Captured By Mikki (www.capturedbymikki.com)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Major Props

SAGE ADVICE Props, please.

Bringing props to a photo session can really take pictures to a whole new level, says Jessie Evans, of Jessie Alexis Photography. 

See what we mean?

PHOTO BY Jessie Alexis Photography (www.jessiealexisphotography.com)

Friday, October 15, 2010

Do Come In

DEARLY BELOVED DETAIL Welcome some advice? Give many a thought to the first thing your guests will see when they arrive. It will set the entire tone for your reception.

PHOTO BY Captured By Mikki Photography (www.capturedbymikki.com)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Season's Greetings

PHOTO BY Meredith Carlson Photography (www.merephoto.com)

WHAT TO LOVE Those fall colors! This stunning picture by Meredith Carlson makes crayons swoon.

WHAT TO LEARN Seasons matter. Whether you have a spring in your step or are fall-ing in love, take advantage of your matrimonial months.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Second That Emotion

  PHOTO BY Photography By McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)

WHAT TO LOVE How can you not want to fall in love all over again after seeing this photo? (With the same person, obvs.) We have an office of giddy editors saying you just can't.

WHAT TO LEARN The depth perception of the photo matches its depth of emotion. And the bright clothing matches the couple's bright future. Think about the emotion you want to convey in your photos by purposefully pondering your location and wardrobe. Then find an expert photographer to make it happen in a snap.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Fashion Find

Couture bridal fashion show? Yes, please.

Christian Garcia Couture is hosting a bridal fashion show Saturday, Oct. 16 — and the Utah County bride world is invited. They will be showing 15 one-of-a-kind wedding dresses, and one lucky bride in attendance will win a free wedding dress.

OK, twist our arm.

Here are the details ...

When Saturday, Oct. 16
Where Provo City Library Ballroom
Time 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Cost $5, although brides, buyers and press are free
Fun Fact Christian Garcia has been designing and sewing since the age of 12!


PHOTOS BY Kim Guanzon (www.aesonica.com)
MAKEUP BY Laa Guanzon (www.makeupbylaa.com)
HAIR BY Karla Artigas
STYLED BY Christian Garcia Couture (www.christiangarciacouture.blogspot.com)
DIRECTED BY Roldan Din
MODELS Rebecca Wadley and Abbe Wadley

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A Head Start

WILL YOU ... wear a veil? A feather headpiece? A flower?

What, for you, is the tops?

PHOTO BY Kristin Michelle Photography (www.kristinmichellephotography.blogspot.com)

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Attn: Local Wedding Vendors


Do you know Hilary, owner of the divine wedding dress shop Alta Moda Bridal? Please tell us you do. Everything she touches turns to gorgeous gold.

And she's tapped into something new. Hilary and her husband, Justin, have created WedSmith — an annual conference designed to "Forge a better business, craft better weddings." Anyone and everyone in Utah's bridal industry will be there. And you should be, too. 

There will be a dream team of speakers — including the likes of Anne Barge, David Perry and Sylvia Weinstock — and the chance to mingle with local (hear that, local!) vendors that you need to meet and greet.

It's a wedding gift, really.

Here's the deets ...

When Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
Where Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City
Time 8 a.m to 6 p.m.
Cost $249

Monday, August 23, 2010

Sweet Talk

WE DO ... flowers, flowers everywhere! 

See what we mean? Divine.

PHOTOS BY The fantastic Kate Osborne Photography (www.kateosbornephotography.com)
FLOWERS BY The ridiculously talented Blossom Sweet (www.blossomsweet.com)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

It's Our Party ...

... and you can advertise if you want to.

The time is fast approaching to say "I do" to the 2011 Utah Valley Bride! Don't miss your chance to reach thousands upon thousands of local brides who are engaged to the wedding planning process. 

They don't call us the local wedding bible for nothin'.

E-mail this address and we'll put you in contact with one of our fun ad reps.

Until then, make yourself merry with this parting shot — courtesy Oakstream Photography.

WILL YOU ... ADVERTISE WITH US?
PHOTO BY Oakstream Photography (www.oakstreamphotography.com)
SIDENOTE How is it that Oakstream Photography's engagement sessions never get old? Sigh.

Monday, August 9, 2010

We Kid You Not

WE DO ... wee ones at bridal shoots!

It doesn't get sweeter than your flower girls and ring bearers, so why not let them in on the bridal shoot fun?

And yes, we are well aware there are a high number of flower girl/ring bearer photos on this blog. We're not going to stop the cuteness anytime soon. :)

PHOTO BY Kristin Michelle Photography (www.kristinmichellephotography.blogspot.com)

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Did You Know ...

... the 2009 edition of Utah Valley Bride was voted the No. 1 magazine in Utah by the Society of Professional Journalists?

Well, it so was. 

We don't mean to toot our own horn, but we just can't help ourselves. :)

Thanks, SPJ! Means a lot. 

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I Do, I Do, I Do

SAGE ADVICE Plan a wedding, plan a marriage. 

It was my (Briana Stewart, managing editor of Utah Valley Bride) third wedding anniversary yesterday. And I got nostalgically smitten looking back on that most happy of days. My groom! My gown! My photos! My cake! I still revel in it all.

But do you know what makes me even more smitten? My marriage. 

In this gloriously giddy time of planning your wedding (and plan your heart out, baby), remember the marriage.

It's the best wedding gift of all.

THE HUBBY AND ME
PHOTO BY Bryant Livingston Photography (www.blphoto.com)
DRESS BY Alta Moda Bridal (www.altamodabridal.com)
FLOWERS BY Pam's Floral Garden & Design

Monday, July 19, 2010

Make A Night Of It

SAGE ADVICE Take some bridals/groomals in the evening!

Want your photos to stand out? Save a part of your shoot for after the sun goes down. 

We're talkin' a night-and-day difference. 

PHOTO BY Nichole V. Photography (www.nicholev.com)

Friday, July 9, 2010

Oh, Baby

Congratulations to Jessie Evans, of Jessie Alexis Photography fame. She just had a lovely baby girl named Norah. (Don't you just adore the name?)

You can check out a photo of the wee one here.

But in the meantime, we thought we'd celebrate with one of Jessie's purely perfect pics. (Don't you just adore alliteration?)

Congrats, Jessie! Utah Valley Bride is oh, so happy for you.

PHOTO BY Jessie Alexis Photography (www.jessiealexisphotography.com)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Eye Candy

WE DO ... party favor food!

Be sure and entertain your guests with food that is both interactive and delightfully delish. Think of it as a party favor of scrumptious proportions. 

PHOTO BY Bryant Livingston Photography (www.blphoto.com)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Bridal Fair

BRIDE Kristen
PHOTO BY Photography By McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)

Now you may want to kiss us this is so exciting. 

The Bridal Fair is next week Saturday, so mark your calendars and start your bridal engines.

And go kiss your groom instead.

EVENT DETAILS
What The Bridal Fair
Where Noah's Lindon
When Saturday, July 10
Time 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost It's so free

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

All Roads Lead To Love

SAGE ADVICE Have some drive.

When your romantic reception comes to a close, what will you be driving away in? Whatever you decide, make it a scene stealer.

PHOTO BY Tender Treasures Photography (suzannastendertreasures.blogspot.com)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Fierce To Be Wreckoned With

PHOTO BY Photography by McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)

WHAT TO LOVE The intensity in their eyes is infectious. Draws you right in. (The photo's gorgeous coloring doesn't hurt, either.)

WHAT TO LEARN Think the commitment stops with the groom? Silly bride. Commit to your pictures and bring this kind of fierceness* to the lens. 

*Apparently, we're channeling our inner-Tyra Banks here. But let it be known: Fierce comes in all looks and sizes (powerful, serene, pensive, etc.).

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Short Notice

WILL YOU ... wear a short(er) wedding dress? Discuss.

PHOTO BY Jessie Alexis Photography (www.jessiealexisphotography.com)

Friday, June 11, 2010

Have It Made (Up)

PHOTO BY Bryant Livingston Photography (www.blphoto.com)

You can't make this stuff up.

So naturally, we asked a glam expert to give you the honest truth when it comes to wedding makeup. Here are three must-knows from Sarah Logan, of the Aesthetic Science Institute (skin care schools, NY).

1. PLAN ACCORDING TO LIGHTING, VENUE AND SEASON.
Take time to stop and think about if the event/photos will be taking place indoors or out. And think about what time of day. Indoor photos will be taken with flash, so it’s important to use powder to combat shine and to also be sure foundation is matched well. If outdoors, soften makeup a bit as it can easily look too heavy or harsh in the sunlight.
 
Also, adjust your makeup look for more formal locations and later times in the evening. When considering these factors, you will want to use more color and definition over simply adding more makeup.

Anticipate your skin’s history, and treat it accordingly depending on changes your skin may experience in the climate or weather that’s expected at the venue. If you are going to be outdoors in a hot, humid climate, stop makeup melt with long-wear products and lots of powder reapplications.

2. BUILD UP FROM A GOOD FOUNDATION.
Be sure your foundation is the right color and formulation for your skin. You may feel like you should use a heavy cream or stick foundation since you’re being photographed, but heavier formulas will look caked on and are more likely to leave a line of demarcation around the neck and hairline that’s tougher to blend away. Just stick with the liquid or powder that works for you, and be sure it’s properly matched to your color. No one wants to look washed out, but it can also age you a bit if your base is too dark for you. Color correcting concealers, like green or yellow for redness, and peach or yellow for under eye circles, are a much better choice than simply layering on more makeup. Remember that redness will be easily picked up in photographs, so take care to balance that out, and stay away from more pink-based foundations.

Avoid the glitter and shine and keep skin more on the matte side. Radiance-enhancing or shimmery foundations make faces look too slick for photos, so if you must, only keep the sheen on cheekbones and the Cupid's bow for highlighting purposes. Always finish the t-zone with powder, which is especially important to balance any highlighting applied.

3. DEFINE AND FLATTER EYES.
Keep in mind that darker eye shadows and heavy liner make eyes look smaller. A matte or pearl shadow formula will be universally flattering and especially in warm, earthy tones. To keep eyes looking big and bright, highlight the inner corners and brow bone with an off-white, light pink or pale gold shadow or crayon.

The older you are, the more important it is to stay fast to the no shimmer rule, as it tends to bring attention to fine lines. Black eyeliner can also look too harsh for older women (same goes for liquid liner) and fair blondes are more suited for eyeliner and mascara in the brown tones.

Don’t forget to make sure brows are properly framing the face — everyone looks better and younger with defined brows. Fill the arches with powder or if using a pencil, blend with a brush. Brow color and size are important considerations here; so don’t forget to use a light hand and blend.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Color Us Smitten

WE DO ... Turquoise. 

What a fresh, fun color for summer. Plus, it's oh-so-compatible with equally divine hues like grape or marigold. Possibilities, meet endless. 

PHOTO BY Oakstream Photography (www.oakstreamphotography.com)

PHOTO BY Jessie Alexis Photography (www.jessiealexisphotography.com)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Ready For Your Close-up?

SAGE ADVICE Engage!

In the midst of your fun, candid, fairy tale engagement photo shoot, be sure to get a solid close-up of the two of you. You'll be sending your invitation to folks who'd like to see what you and your honey look like, so engage, smile, and give the people what they want!

PHOTO BY Studio Lush (www.studiolush.com)

Friday, May 14, 2010

En-Joy

WE DO ... Those shots of pure, candid joy. It makes us all kinds of happy. 

PHOTO BY Lindsay Jane Photography (www.lindsayjanephotography.com)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Play On

WHAT TO LOVE Who knew sports could get us all smitten? (Oakstream Photography, that's who.)

WHAT TO LEARN If you or your fiance is a sporty soul, incorporate it into one of your wedding photo shoots (be it engagements, bridals or groomals). For love of the game, folks. For love of the game. 

Tennis Anyone?
BRIDE & GROOM Meagan & Nate
PHOTO BY Oakstream Photography (www.oakstreamphotography.com)

Hey, Batter, Batter, Batter
BRIDE Brianna
PHOTO BY Oakstream Photography (www.oakstreamphotography.com)

Monday, May 10, 2010

On The Move

Have you heard? The lovely Abella Bridal has moved. It's new address is 3376 N. University Avenue, Provo.

We'll follow dresses like these anywhere. 

DRESSES AVAILABLE AT Abella Bridal (www.abellabridal.com)
PHOTO BY InStudio by Kenneth Linge (www.instudiophoto.com)

Friday, May 7, 2010

Jump For Joy

PHOTO BY Photography by McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)
THIS PHOTO MAKES US Oh, so happy.

It's the weekend ... now go forth and plan your wedding, lovebirds. 

Don't know where to start? Just try ... 

... flipping through Utah Valley Bride

... perusing local vendors' blogs/Web sites. 

... scouting out the next local bridal expo. 

... deciding on your colors. 

... visiting local reception centers. 

... having long talks with your mother and/or girlfriends and/or hubby-to-be.

... having the most fun. Ever.