Engaging Moments

SAGE ADVICE When you take your engagement photos, carefully choose your location to match you and your honey's style. And please, oh, please don't pick a place simply because it's popular.

"Not everyone can take their engagements on train tracks," says McKenzie Deakins, of Photography by McKenzie. "We need to find a style and location that will match both personalities."

HAPPY COUPLE Tamara and Jacob
PHOTO BY Photography by McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)
CONFESSION We might be slightly obsessed with this photo.

If We Were A Movie

PHOTO BY Pointe Digital (www.pointedigital.com)

Doug Larson, of Pointe Digital, was gracious enough to share three vows of videography. Say "I do" to them right here, right now. Take it away, Doug!

1. VOW TO HAVE A VIDEO So many times the video gets cut because of your budget. The sad thing is, once your wedding is over, there is no going back. The two things you can take with you after the wedding are your photography and videography. Sure, you'll keep the dress, but you won't hang it up the living room for 50 years. You'll save the top of the cake and eat it after one year. You might even have your flowers put in a sealed case to preserve them. These things are all important — and so is the video. The biggest regret of recently married brides is that they didn't hire a videographer. We hear over and over again from newlyweds that they wish they would have budgeted for a video. Even if you don't hire us, there are plenty of good videographers right here in Utah. We even have a professional organization you can visit online at www.UPVA.org.

2. VOW TO FIND ONE YOU LOVE When hiring a videographer, make sure you like his or her style and are comfortable with their personality. Sometimes, videographers are chosen strictly by price. When you think about it, that's probably not the best way to do it. You can usually find several videographers in the price range you are comfortable with.

3. VOW TO HAVE FUN Once your wedding day arrives, all the planning, the coordinating and the rehearsals are over. And if something doesn't go exactly as planned, don't sweat it — you are marrying the love of your life and everything else will take care of itself. You are getting married, enjoy it. Besides, when you are having fun, your photos and video will be fun, too.

Augusta Jones Trunk Show

DRESS BY Augusta Jones (www.augustajones.com)
PHOTO COURTESY OF Alta Moda Bridal (www.altamodabridal.com)

Trust us. You cannot miss this event.

The ever-lovely Alta Moda Bridal (across the street from Trolley Square in SLC) is hosting an Augusta Jones Trunk Show this weekend on Jan. 29-30. You'll get to see the inspired designer's gorgeous collection AND converse with her right-hand woman who will be there to answer any and every query.

Oh, and Alta Moda also announced on their blog that Augusta Jones is doing a brand new style of temple-ready coverage (i.e. not your normal "build-up"). We know, right?

So what are you still doing reading this? Call Alta Moda (801.531.1215) and make your appointment.

EVENT DETAILS
What Augusta Jones Trunk Show
Where Alta Moda Bridal, 637 E. 500 South, SLC
When Jan. 29-30, 2010
Time Call to schedule an appointment.
More Info Call (801) 531-1215 or visit www.altamodabridal.com.

*Editor's Fun Fact Utah Valley Bride's managing editor, Briana Stewart, wore an Augusta Jones' gown for her wedding three years ago. She's been in love ever since — to the gown AND the groom! :)

On Display

BRIDE & GROOM Rachael and Bryan
PHOTO BY Ashlee Elizabeth Photography (www.ashleeelizabethphoto.com)

DEARLY BELOVED DETAIL Unique reception displays

Find a stellar, out-of-the-ordinary display piece (like this oh-so-memorable caricature of Rachael and Bryan above) that really represents you as a couple. Pick something your guests will be talking about (in a good way) long after they've been lined and dined at your reception.

Frozen in Time

BRIDE Melanie WEDDING DATE Jan. 14, 2010
PHOTO BY Photography by Jocelin (www.photographybyjocelin.com)

WHAT TO LOVE We adore the serenity of this photo — and how beautiful bride Melanie blends in and stands out at the same time. Icely done, Jocelin. Icely, done. (We couldn't help ourselves.)

WHAT TO LEARN Don't let the weather stop you from getting those shots you always wanted. Even if your wedding dress has short sleeves, brave the cold and reap the rewards.

Petal to the Metal

FLOWERS BY Blossom Sweet (blossomsweet.blogspot.com)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Blossom Sweet (www.blossomsweet.com)

Melissa Nickle, owner of Provo-based Blossom Sweet (which, by the way, was named one of the top three event florists in the state for 2010), was kind enough to offer the following three petal pointers for you gorgeous brides. Take it away Melissa!

1. BLOG LOVE This has been said time and time again, but choose a florist with a regularly updated blog and portfolio. A noteworthy blog will be regularly updated, fun to read, informative and visually splendid. You can place confidence in vendors who demonstrate expertise in the blogging arena.

2. COLOR LOVE To ensure the look of your wedding is visually cohesive, choose your color palette wisely. If you have four or five shades you are set on incorporating, choose just one or two of those to be your main hues. The remaining colors can serve as accents.

3. PHOTO LOVE Hire a photographer who excels in capturing details. Other than the blushing bride herself, flowers are what make a wedding beautiful. It breaks my heart when clients invest time, money and energy into making sure their flowers are stunning, only to get their photos back and find there are no great photos of them! When you invest in the details, invest in a photographer who will do them justice in capturing superb images. DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!

Salt Lake's Premier Wedding Show

PHOTO BY Dan Hixson Photography (www.danhixsonphotography.com)
TAKEN AT Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Salt Lake's Premier Wedding Show is this Saturday! So grab your bridal entourage and get ready to swoon over the plethora of vivacious vendors.

EVENT DETAILS
What Salt Lake Premier Wedding Show
Where Joseph Smith Memorial Building and The Lion House
When Saturday, Jan. 23
Time 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More Info Visit www.WeddingsAtTempleSquare.com

Follow Our Lead

Hey Utah Valley Bride lovers!

Twitter requested the pleasure of our company, so we RSVPd. Come follow us ... @UVBrideMag

So Long, Farewell

BRIDE & GROOM Ryan and Chad
PHOTO BY Bryant Livingston Photography (www.blphoto.com)

DEARLY BELOVED DETAIL Leaving your wedding reception!

Don't overlook this most important of events. Be it with sparklers, confetti, bubbles, rose petals or swoon-worthy transportation (like the sweet ride Ryan and Chad sported above), leave a lasting impression with your guests as you jet off into your new life as husband and wife.

Parting can be such sweet delight.

Set the Stage

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

WHAT TO LOVE That lighting! That dress! That location! We can't stop oohing and aahing at this stellar photo by Nichole V. Photography. Local bride Genna is an actress and wanted to do her bridals in a theater. So Provo's own Covey Center for the Arts set the stage for this dramatic and stunning bridal shoot.

WHAT TO LEARN If you're up to the task, pick a bridal shoot location that has meaning to you. Nothing will make you shine (or standout) more than being in your element.

Photo Love

BRIDE AND GROOM Stacee & Tyler WEDDING DATE Jan. 8, 2010
PHOTO BY Jessie Alexis Photography (www.jessiealexisphotography.com)

Jessie Evans, of Jessie Alexis Photography fame, graciously offered to divulge three picture perfect pointers that will help you "click" with your wedding photographer. Take it away Jessie!

With the vast number of photographers available today, choosing one to document your wedding day can be the most overwhelming planning decision. By using these three steps, you'll be able to avoid the pitfall of pitiful wedding photos.

1. STYLE Start by visiting numerous photography Web sites, blogs and even wedding planning Web sites to figure out which style of photography most appeals to you. Be it photojournalist, traditional, vintage or classic, make sure you've done your research and know what it is you like. Once you have it narrowed down to a few photographers whose photographic style appeals to you, move on to step two.

2. PERSONALITY Before signing a contract and putting down money, set up meetings with potential photographers. Remember, this is the person that is going to be by your side on one of the most important days of your life. If they take amazing pictures but annoy you to no end, that is going to translate into your photographs. If you don't feel like you can be yourself around them, or they just can't quite catch the vision of your wedding, you're going to end up with a stack of photographs you hate, no matter how well composed they might be. Once you've found a photographer you love, move on to step three.

3. COST Again, before you sign that contract, make sure you're aware of what you're getting. While it is nice to have your photos on a disk, a lot of times those photos never make it off the computer and onto the walls of your home. Does the photographer offer prints or albums with your package? Or are you just paying a lot of money for the photographer to show up? Or, on the flip side, are you just getting a great deal because the photographer is inexperienced and wanting to use your wedding to build their portfolio? Either way, make sure you're comfortable with what you're paying for.

La Caille Bridal Show

PHOTO BY Swensen Photography (www.swensenphotography.com)
PHOTO COURTESY OF La Caille (www.lacaille.com)

La Caille Bridal Show is this Saturday, Jan. 16. You won't want to miss this gorgeous event (filled with glorious amounts of local vendors) at one of the most glamorous reception locations in the state.

EVENT DETAILS
What La Caille Bridal Show
Where La Caille
When Jan. 16
Time 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More Info Register at TheBrideandGroom.com

Crafty Cuisine

MUST FOLLOW: Culinary Crafts Blog

You've heard of Culinary Crafts, yes? One of Utah's most celebrated and beloved caterers? Well, if you haven't, here's your chance to meet cute. Led by local culinary queen Mary Crafts, the blog details food, trends and advice to make your wedding day (or any event, really) a scrumptious success.

We here at Utah Valley Bride are always hungry to see what this Orem-based gem will come up with next.

Yum.
That is all.

'Til Theme Do You Part

SAGE ADVICE If you pick a wedding theme — commit to it. If you only flirt with the idea, your wedding will feel more hodgepodge, less epic.

Unless, of course, you go with "hodgepodge" for a theme. :)

How do you like them apples?
This local wedding incorporated apples into every aspect of its delicious decor.
PHOTOS BY Magnifique Photography (www.magnifiquephotography.com)

Bubbly Bride

PHOTO BY Dan Hixson Photography (www.danhixsonphotography.com)

WHAT TO LOVE Can you say fun? This bride's personality is positively infectious.

WHAT TO LEARN Break the rules and be yourself. Your bridals are just that — yours. So don't copy what other brides have done. Find your own version of bubble gum beauty.

Thanksgiving Point Wedding Expo

BRIDE Stephanie Matthews Thomas MARRIED July 1, 2009
PHOTOGRAPHER Photography by McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)
TAKEN AT Thanksgiving Point Gardens

Thanksgiving Point's Wedding Expo is this Saturday, Jan. 9! So grab your mom and your girlfriends and get giddy as you waltz down the aisles of this local vendor heaven.

Plus, you'll get a free copy of the 2010 issue of Utah Valley Bride when you walk in the door. What more incentive do you need?

EVENT DETAILS
What Thanksgiving Point Wedding Expo
Where Thanksgiving Point
When Jan. 9
Time 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More Info Call (801) 768-2300 or visit www.thanksgivingpoint.org for more information.

Here Comes the Blog

The four covers of Utah Valley Bride 2010.

Welcome to the official Utah Valley Bride blog. You've flipped through our glossy pages — now scroll through our dearly beloved screen and find yourself smitten with every bridal whim you can imagine.

Over the next year, we'll be featuring lovely local weddings, standout vendors, head-turning trends and advice for the nuptial newcomer. (Bridal veterans, you're welcome here, too).

So add us to your Google Reader, and get excited for Utah Valley Bride — blog style.