Wedding Wonderland (aka Alta Moda Sample Sale Alert!)

It's a marry season, indeed.


It's time for Alta Moda Bridal's Annual Sample Sale! You know, the day when 50-plus covetable couture gowns go on sale at 50 to 85 percent off.


Yep. That day. Just the thought of it makes us giddy.  


Brides — you cannot miss this event. Did you hear that? You. Cannot. Miss. This. Event.


And because we're givers, here are the divine details ...


WHEN Saturday, Dec. 10
TIME 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HOW First-come, first served (no appointments)
DETAILS 
- No holds and all sales final
- Gowns sold as-is
- Most gowns suited for street sizes 4-12
- For those brides with modest needs, there will be dozens of gowns that can accommodate temple-ready options
- Space is limited; only one or two key decision-makers per bride


For more information (and to check out pictures from last year's event), check out Alta Moda Bridal's blog post here.


Marry shopping!

Gorgeous For Sale

DRESS BY The Perfect Dress (www.theperfectdress.com)

PHOTO BY Alixann Loosle Photography (www.alixannlooslephotography.com)

It doesn't get more perfect than this. The Perfect Dress is hosting its semi-annual SAMPLE SALE! 


The when? Black Friday, Nov. 25
The time? 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The what? Divine wedding gowns, belts, bolero jackets, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses. 
The prices? Stunning gowns from stunning designers starting at $299. 
The why? Um, hello! 


The FIRST 15 CUSTOMERS on Friday will receive a certificate for an additional $100 off any sample gown. (Some restrictions apply.)


Plus, there will be extended store hours on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.


Appointments fill quickly, so call (801) 568-3737 to schedule your bridal appointment! 

Happy Wedding

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Brooke Bakken Photography

Local love? We likey. Especially when it's as love-ly as this. 


Take a look at what happened when Sarah became Michael Nelson's Mrs.  


P.S. That dog in a bowtie? Dying!

VENDORS

Photography Brooke Bakken Photography  (www.brookebakken.com)

Gown Allure Bridal

Catering Surefire Pizza (www.surefirepizza.com)
Flowers Steiner's Flowers (www.steinersfloral.com)

Cakes Kneader's Bakery (www.kneadersbakery.com)

Photobooth Serendipity Photobooths (www.werentphotobooths.blogspot.com)

Going Strong (Contest Alert!)

JUST DREAMY

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

There's no need to pinch you. Because this is so totally real.


The good folks over at the Utah Commission on Marriage are hosting a StrongerMarriage.org DREAM WEDDING CONTEST. 


The contest will follow one Utah couple through the most important steps of marriage preparation and education, and then reward them with a dream wedding. 


Umm, OK!


To enter, couples can logon to www.facebook.com/strongermarriage, upload a photo and explain why they deserve to win a dream wedding. The deadline to enter is SUNDAY, OCT. 9, so get your engaged little selves to Facebook pronto. 


Commission board members will select five finalists to be announced on FOX13's Good Day Utah on Oct. 14, after which fans and viewers will be invited to vote for the winning couple on the Stronger Marriage Facebook page. 


What are you waiting for? Make this dream your reality!


To learn more, click here. 

Let's Get Personal

WE DO ... truly personal touches! 


Anytime you can add a unique personal touch to your wedding, go for it! Seek inspiration from other brides' weddings, but be sure to give it twists, turns and twirls of you.  


There's a reason they call it your day.

Silhouette images of the bride and groom? Picture perfect.

PHOTO BY Mikki Platt Photography (www.mikkiplatt.com)

Flower Power

SAGE ADVICE ... stop and smell the flower (girls)! 


Bringing your flower girls to your bridal shoot? All kinds of cute. 

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

It's Our Party ...

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

The time is fast approaching to say "I do" to the 2012 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, enjoy this lovely parting shot from Meredith Carlson Photography.

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

Hey, Bright Eyes

WHAT TO LOVE These colors! That tree! Their blissful expressions! That tree!

WHAT TO LEARN Color is your friend. Talk to your photographer about hue-tiful locations that will help you pop off the page. (Yes, I totally just said hue-tiful.)

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

Cover Love

DID YOU KNOW ... this was almost the photo we picked for Amanda's 2011 cover shot? 


We adored it then. We adore it now.

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

DRESS BY Alta Moda Bridal (www.altamodabridal.com)

As you know, though, we ended up going with this sigh-worthy shot of Amanda and her man. 


Loved it then. Love it now. 


Read more about Amanda's wedding here. For the love!

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

Get A Move On

PHOTO BY Christine Olson Photography (www.christineolsonphotography.com)

Wedding videography? Yes, please! Get the lowdown on moving pictures from local videographer Elizabeth Welch, of Fielding Films (fieldingfilms.blogspot.com). Elizabeth owns the company with her husband, Landon, and below she shares her top three tips for a vivacious vid. 


And check out one of her company's love-ly videos here. Swoon!


1. MEET CUTE
The best part of planning your wedding is your personality and style get to shine! The choice you make in hiring a videographer should be no different. Explore your options and find the right videographer who has a similar style to you. Meet with a few different people and see if your personalities mix well. It is important to work with someone who makes you feel relaxed and completely comfortable.


2. FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH
You and your fiance should decide how much having a videographer means to both of you. Having your wedding filmed gives you the opportunity to relive those memories you and your fiance have made on your special day. A picture tells a thousand words, but a video tells the story. Find a videographer who fits your budget and who is willing to give you exactly what you want! Remember, they cater to you — not the other way around!


3. EASY DOES IT
Relax! Seriously, take a deep breath. The engagement process and wedding day can be overwhelming and stressful at times, but remember to enjoy the process because it will all be gone soon. If you stay relaxed, this will show in your videos and you will be able to remember how happy you and your fiance were on the most important day of your lives. Enjoy the time you get to spend planning your wedding day — a day you have dreamed about your whole life. And smile! This is the fun part. 

Oh, Snap!

FREE wedding day photography?


I to the do!


Check out the details of this ah-mazing opportunity from the always lovely Photography by McKenzie. 


(Click to enlarge.)

Fancy Meeting You Here

Hey vendors! Do you know what time it is?


WedSmith registration time, that's what. (Hurrah!)


The lovely owners of Alta Moda Bridal and Lily & Iris are making wedded bliss once again with their annual conference to "forge a better business, craft better weddings." 


And mark our blog — you'll never witness a prettier meeting. 


The big day is Tuesday, Oct. 4, the speakers are to gush for, and the attendees are must-mingle. So what are you still doing reading this? Go register! (There may even be an early bird discount in it for you.)

www.wedsmith.com

Lookie Hair

WE DO ... hair pieces!


Especially this one sported by lovely (and local) Jennifer. 


So simple. So striking. 

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

Feel The Rhythm

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

DEARLY BELOVED DETAIL ... musician pictures!


Don't forget to let your musicians play to the camera. You'll love the energy and rhythm they bring to your wedding album.


So be sure and mention it to your photographer — even though a stellar snap artist will already have it in the plan. 

What A Night

SAGE ADVICE ... night shots!


We've blogged it before, and we'll blog it again. Do a night session with your photographer. Pretty, pretty please?


We're talkin' some enchanted evening, ladies.

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

The Mary-ing Kind

BIG Congratulations to Mary Crafts, who got married today in Utah Valley.


The wedding queen of our town — whose company Culinary Crafts makes your weddings deliciously divine — is a dear friend to Utah Valley Bride and an inspiration to everyone she meets. 


We love you, Mary! Happy Wedding.

PHOTO BY Kenneth Linge (www.kennethlinge.com)

Our lovely editor, Jeanette Bennett, is pictured here with the divine Ms. M (make that Mrs. M!). This was back in 2003 when Mary graced the cover of our sister publication, Utah Valley BusinessQ. Jeanette will be attending the reception tonight, and the Utah Valley Bride staff CAN. NOT. WAIT to find out what the culinary queen serves at her own wedding! Oh, and her dress. We always want to know about the dress, right ladies?

Oh They Say When You Marry In June ...

Since June is almost over (it's shocking to us, too), we had to give a shout-out to all of our June brides.


So enjoy this charming clip from "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers," and remember — when you marry in June, you will always be a bride.

Happy Campers

Happy Friday!


And to celebrate, does this picture make you as happy as it does us? We thought so. 


So gleeful. So simple. So love. 

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

Set Sale

Five words: Avenia Bridal Spring Sample Sale


Squee!


Select designer gowns (from the gorgeous likes of Badgley Mischka, Junko Yoshioka and Tara Keely) are going for 10 to 50 percent off at Avenia Bridal, so grab your mom and your best girls and sample yourself stunning. 


Also to note: The gowns are available as sampled or customized with sleeves as needed. Plus, there are BOTH temple-ready and strapless gowns available for purchase. Who could ask for anything more?


Here are the deets.


WHAT Avenia Bridal Spring Sample Sale (Squee!)
WHERE Avenia Bridal, 228 E. University Parkway, Orem
WHEN Now!
WHO You!
HOW Make an appointment by calling Avenia Bridal at (801) 373-0194.
MORE INFO www.aveniabridal.com

GOWN BY Badgley Mishka

GOWN BY Tara Keely

PHOTOS COURTESY Avenia Bridal (www.aveniabridal.com)

What A Treat

DEARLY BELOVED DETAIL Tasty favors!


Having an interactive treat — like the blissfully blue cotton candy below — is a delicious (and memorable) way to love on your wedding guests. 


And a way to get an adorbs pose on, of course.

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

One For The Honey

WHAT TO LOVE Every single thing about it. The bouquet covering his face? His sly expression? Those ridiculously raised eyebrows? We could look (and giggle) at this picture all the day long.


WHAT TO LEARN Convince your honey to loosen up in front of the camera and get in on the fun! You'll have your romantic shots, your serene shots and your epic shots. But silly groom shots? We do, we do, we do. 

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

Wax On

PHOTO COURTESY WixyWax

Does it get more annoying than unwanted body hair? We submit that it does not. But when it comes to your wedding, don't let that hair wear you down. Be free, brides! Be free. 

Here to help you in your cause of freedom is Lana Nielson of WixyWax, a waxing studio in Provo. Her three tips are so great, they'll make the hair stand up on your arms. (Until you're free of it, that is. :)

Wax on, Lana!

1. BARE IN MIND

Decide to be fresh and free. You don't have to be tied to the daily shave on your wedding day — body waxing buys you long-lasting silky smooth skin. Shaving irritation is known to be more common in tropical climates, and salt or chlorinated water can bring on a shaving rash. Thinking forward into your honeymoon, consider leg, bikini and underarm waxing for both confidence and healthy skin.

2. CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES

Know your wax choices. Choose a salon that is dedicated to waxing only. This will ensure your esthetician loves to wax and knows the most efficient pain-free techniques. It also means they will have a good knowledge of waxing chemistry and use both hard and soft waxes (especially important with Brazilian waxing). Know that you have the right to ask about their policy on double dipping (make sure a clean stick is used for every dip into the wax pot). Last of all, beware of the "15-minute Brazilian" wax hype. The pace should be up to you — fast or slow. You deserve to receive answers about skin care and learn some skin prep without being rushed.

3. NOW, NOW

Schedule now. Repeat waxing leads to thinner and thinner hair growth, so you've everything to gain by starting early. If you're already getting close to your wedding, no worries! A specialist will have a plan for that, too. Hitch the man, ditch the razor.

For more information, check out www.wixywax.com.

Wedding Party

Please check out McKenzie's (of the famed Photography by McKenzie) blog to see the recent bridal shoot she did as a fun personal project. 


You have our kind of fun, McKenzie. 


Check out her blog post (and more fab photos) here. You can also see the list of local vendors she used, including the lovely Avenia Bridal for gowns. Gush and a half! 

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

Fits Like A Glove

DEARLY BELOVED DETAIL ... gloves!

For you girls currently getting engaged to winter weddings, think about some hand candy (in addition to that permanent sparkle on your left). It'll add some variety to your photos and save your fingers from freezing. 

How's that for a practical wedding purchase! (You're welcome, dads.)

PHOTO BY Mikki Platt Photography (www.mikkiplatt.com)

Swept Off Your Feet?

WILL YOU ... brave the rocky earth in your oh-so-white (or oh-so-ivory) wedding dress? Or will you play it safe on your feet? Discuss.

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

Love Spell

WE DO ... picnic engagement photos!


Oh, and hats. And sweet bling. And romantic scrabble. 


Need we spell more?

PHOTOS BY Brooke Bakken Photography (www.brookebakkenphotography.blogspot.com)

Positively Gleeful

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

WHAT TO LOVE Can't you just feel the glee? Love this unconventionally thrilling pose.


WHAT TO LEARN Don't be afraid to take chances during your bridal session. Surprise yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone and pulling poses you wouldn't normally think of doing. Trust us — your photographer will adore it. 

Good Groom-ing

SAGE ADVICE ... give your groom some love — in the fashion department.


Don't let your honey and his best men be an afterthought in the wedding wardrobe arena. In addition to the more obvious tie color decision, think through ALL your grooming options. 


What color do you want him wearing? Will he wear a tux or suit? Tie or bow tie? What about his shoes? Does he know not to wear his white athletic socks? (Better to be safe than sock sorry.)


In addition to being the love of your life, your groom is the ultimate arm candy (and you are his). So go get your sweet talk on.


P.S. We're totally in love with this local groom's color scheme. The gray suit and gleaming copper tie? Perfs. 

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

In The House

Did you know Utah Valley Bride is in the know? 


Well we are, you know. 


And because we're givers, we thought we'd clue you in to this upcoming Bridal Open House on APRIL 30 hosted by the Flower Patch. It's sure to be a lovely occasion. 


Check out the flier below for details, or visit their website at www.flowerpatch.com.


We know, right?