Jun
2009
YOU COULD WIN THE $100,000 DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAY AT LA CAILLE!!!
By Randi | Register for our wedding planning newsletter
On Saturday, July 19th, 2008 I attended the Bridal Extravaganza Show at La Caille in hopes to get some great ideas for my upcoming wedding. Not only did I walk away with oodles of great brochures and coupons, I won the $100,000 DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAY! Now, I know what you are thinking…there is no way I would ever win that. Well, that is exactly what I thought and to this day it still amazes me that I walked away with something so great. There are no words to explain how much we appreciated all we were given. It has been a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget.
I had the opportunity to work with many of Utah’s top wedding vendors. Some including; La Caille, Swensen Photography, Iris Videos, Libella Event Planning and Design, Alta Moda Bridal, Imperial Floral Design, Carrie’s Cakes, Paper Hearts Invitations, Smile Now Photo Booths, and many many more. I owe it all to them for doing such an amazing job and for being so accommodating to my husband and I while planning our wedding. Our experience with these vendors has created everlasting memories. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity we had to work with these great people. They made so many things possible for us and for that we thank you for making our wedding day so special.
By attending the La Caille Bridal Show on July 11th, you too will have the great opportunity to meet and get to know Utah’s top wedding vendors while enjoying fashion shows, entertainment, and hors d’oeuvres complimentary of the beautiful La Caille. You will get to see the spectacular display of cakes, gowns, invitation designers, wedding bands, floral arrangements, photographers, and more. The vendors at the La Caille Bridal Show are hands down the BEST you will work with. But that’s not all…maybe you’ll be the lucky one to win the $100,000 Dream Wedding Giveaway.
Go to www.thebrideandgroom.com to pre-register for the wedding planning event of the year! See you there!
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Dec
2008
John and Randi’s $100,000 Dream Wedding Update
By Randi | Register for our wedding planning newsletter
First off…yes! We are still alive! It seems like forever since we have been on here to update you all on how are wedding plans are coming. We wanted to thank everyone who took the time to go and vote on our poll and helped us decide where to get our engagement photos taken. By popular demand, we chose The Exchange Place and got a variety of AWESOME, FANTASTIC, AMAZING, SPECTACTULAR, ETC., ETC., ETC., PHOTOS. Swensen Photography went above and beyond our expectations! They certainly know how to take the BEST photos! We were extremely lucky the day we took our engagements. The weather was great! and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. We can’t help but talk up how great Swensen Photography is. They are accommodating to your needs and are dedicated to capturing your personality and those special moments you want to remember. There are so many photographers out there, but we can promise you that if you choose Swensen Photography…YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Another great Vendor we got to work with was Iris Videos. Brand was there to capture all the highlights of our engagement session. He did a great job! And just like Swensen Photography, Iris Videos truly captured lasting memories for us. We are so privileged to work with these two vendors. We can’t thank them enough for all the work they have done and will do for us. So what’s next with Swensen Photography and Iris Videos you might ask…THE BRIDAL SESSION!!! Make sure to visit back to Thebrideandgroom.com Blog to see my bridal photos that will be taken at La Caille!!! (need I say more 
)
Lets face it…wedding planning is a big load to take on. Thank goodness we have Christine Miller from Libella Event Planning and Design to help us out. She is ALWAYS there anytime we need help and with so many things to get done, Christine is our lifesaver! We couldn’t plan this wedding without her! The best part is she is always someone you can count on and if you are stressing out or just need a friend to talk to, you can always count on her. If you need a wedding planner, she is your girl! Christine is hands down the BEST wedding planner EVER!
With only 3 months left till our big day, we still have a lot of planning to do. We have been privileged to order our cake from Carries Cakes and can we just say, ” They have the most yummy cakes we have ever tasted.” No cake compares to Carries Cake! We have also been extremely privileged to work with Jennifer From Paper Hearts Invitations. We custom designed our wedding invitations and we couldn’t have done this with out Jennifer. She is so accommodating and on top of things. (even when we change our mind a bazillion times) The Invitations reflects our wedding theme, our taste, and our personality. The invitation is the first thing that our guests will see to introduce them to our event. When our guests see the invitation that Jennifer from Paper hearts has designed, they will be blown away! It’s above and beyond our expectations.
With so many fun and exciting things to still plan, we hope that you all will visit back to Thebrideandgroom.com Blog as we keep you updated on the planning of our $100,000 DREAM WEDDING. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
DON’T FORGET TO ATTEND THE LA CAILLE BRIDAL SHOW JANUARY 24TH, 2009
IT’S THE WEDDING PLANNING EVENT OF THE YEAR!!!
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Dec
2008
Bridal Gown Preservation
By Shirley Tan | Register for our wedding planning newsletter
If you are anything like most Brides you are probably planning on holding on to your wedding dress for many years to come. I am not saying that you plan on using it again; it is just a nice item to keep around for sentimental reasons. However, like most brides you also most likely don’t have the slightest idea about how to protect the fabric from the ravages of time. Luckily, the Wedding Gown Preservation Company has been specializing in doing this for over 85 years and would be happy to secure your dress so that you are guaranteed to keep it looking as fresh as the day it was “altered.”
How the process works is simple; you label any spots on your dress that you may have acquired while wearing the dress with the supplied stickers, then you place the dress in the secure shipping bag and box provided and send it out. They handle the rest from there. While your dress is safe in their hands they treat the fabric to withstand the tests of time so that when they are done your dress is secured safely in a display box that will provide further protection to your gown.
If you are interested in learning more about American Bridals Bridal Gown Preservation kit please feel free to check out the website where they specialize in everything from wedding favors to bridesmaid gift ideas.
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Dec
2008
KayCee’s Plans:)
By Kaycee Stroh | Register for our wedding planning newsletter
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Every girl knows that if you don’t want to get caught strangling a bridesmaid or pulling your own hair out you MUST have a great wedding planner. Think of it as, The “Thelma to your Louise” or “Your partner in crime”. Planning any wedding is a lot of fun and a lot of work but “celebrity weddings” are a big bite to swallow. No worries I assure you that I have found the best in Utah…. Tori Beesley. She has been nothing short of wonderful and has been by my side with her helpful information and “making things happen” all along the journey. She continues to outshine any event designer I have ever worked with and I wouldn’t have anyone else for the job!
THE CAKE
We picked our cake today! I am so excited with our choice; she is nothing short of miraculous. This will be her second time having her work published in PEOPLE magazine and from what I hear she is the best in the west. I can’t tell you too much (don’t want to spoil the surprise 
but I came to her with a pretty over the top idea. After looking through her work I realized it was nothing for her. There was everything from Mad Hatter cakes to extravagant cakes and the taste… Oh my goodness! They were some of the best tasting cakes I have ever had. There were so many selections to choose from so that there will be something for everyone. I am so happy we found her and I know that when they bring out that cake at my wedding it will be nothing short of STUNNING! Check her out at Carries Cakes.
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
I don’t even know how to express how much I love the designer who is doing my bridesmaid dresses. I love her work so much that I turned away other designers and had her design and custom make My High School Musical 3 premiere dress! (Check it out on the red carpet at wireimage.com and type in KayCee Stroh). Her name is Nancy Barrus you might know her from Nancy Barrus Couture she makes custom made wedding dresses, evening gowns and anything else your heart desires.
Now to understand how incredible these bridesmaid dresses are, you have to know a little bit more about what I wanted these girls to experience. I realize that I am very lucky and get to dress up in some of the most expensive and beautiful designer dresses you could imagine. There is nothing like walking into the Emmy’s with your hair and makeup done by some of the best in the business and wearing a gorgeous gown. Let me just say…you feel so beautiful! So many women unfortunately don’t get the opportunity to experience this so on my special day I wanted my bridesmaids to feel just as pretty as I do. Nancy Barrus has done it! Every girl no matter what shape or size is going to look like they are going to the Oscar’s. If you want that feeling on your special day Nancy is the one for you!
PHOTOGRAPHY
We did it! We chose our photographer and had our engagement pictures taken!
I have had photo shoots with some of the best in the business and Swensen Photography is up there with all of them. They took plenty of the traditional engagement shots but really stood out with there creative and artsy pictures. They are so beautiful!
Picking your photographer is the biggest decision in your wedding and where you should invest the most. Remember girls…you can never have these moments back. I am so excited to be working with these award winning photographers and I know there will not be one moment not accounted for!
FLOWERS
Have you ever looked at pictures of your relatives or friends wedding and said “Really?” That is exactly what I don’t ever want to do with my own. Now I have a special challenge as I am having a January wedding, so anything too flowery is just going to look odd with the snow falling outside the windows. I wanted something really unique for the season that no one had ever done before and with the help of Imperial Floral we have conquered! Out of all the things I am most excited to show off at my wedding it is going to be or creative centerpiece and bouquet designs. I never realized what an important part the flowers play in a wedding but now I see they are EVERYTHING. The flowers and décor set the ambience for the whole event and can really make a statement. Of course I chose something very over the top and not exactly easy to do but I know that Imperial Floral is going to outshine even the best of Hollywood!
INVITATIONS
I have received so many beautiful invitations in my day (award shows, Hollywood birthdays etc) but I have never been so pleased to find Pink Piggy Designs! There work is absolutely above and beyond the rest. The traditional invites are good but Pink Piggy’s are creative, unique and anything but your grandma’s. Each design is custom made differently for every couple so that you are sure you won’t see anything exactly like them. I really like that. My invites mean a lot to me, they are being sent to some pretty important people so it’s crucial that they are absolutely beautiful. I received them today and let me just say…GORGEOUS! I love love love everything they have done and wouldn’t work with anyone else!
Topics: Featured Utah Weddings, Unique Wedding Ideas, Utah Wedding Planning, Utah Wedding Vendors, Wedding Advice, Wedding News, Wedding Traditions | No Comments »
Dec
2008
So, you have your dress picked out and ready to go, but that’s not where your fashion decisions end – The wedding party’s clothing choice is right up there in importance with making sure the father of the bride shows up to walk his little girl down the isle. A well suited groomsmen or an impecably dressed bridesmaid can add the class you’ve been hoping for to your wedding and reception. Let’s go over what you need to know to coordinate your wedding party’s look.
Dressing the Bridesmaids for the Wedding
- Color is just as important as cut when it comes to the bridesmaid dress. A short halter dress in red may give off the wrong impression – a little too va va voom, whereas the same dress in a steel gray could add the perfect touch of elegance.
- Bring one or two of the bridemaids with you when shopping. It might be a good idea to bring the one that’s most difficult to fit, or the one that’s most similar to the rest of the bridal party.
- The maids’ advice is important, but the ultimate decision is up to you. You’re the one who knows the big picture for the big day.
- Place all bridemaid dress orders at the same time. This will ensure the dresses are made from the same dye lot.
- Allow atleast 3 months for delivery and alteration time.
Dressing the Groom & Groomsmen for the Wedding
- Groomsmen should dress around the groom. The groom does needs some differentiating detail whether its a boutonniere, tie, or pocket square.
- Tuxedoes are the classic choice, but there are other options too depending on the look you’re going for. More casual? Go for a jacket and trousers. A nice suit can also look impressive.
- Groomsmen need to be measured at the tuxedo shop or from a professional tailor to get the right measurements.
Dressing the Parents for the Wedding
- Traditionally, the mother of the bride chooses her dress before the groom’s mother, but really what it boils down to is that their choices complement the other.
- It’s a good idea to shop for the mom’s dresses after the bridesmaid dresses have been ordered
- Usually, the moms should stear clear of white, off-white, ivory, or any other colors that closely resemble the bride unless pre-approved by the bride herself.
- The dad’s tuxedoes don’t need to perfectly match those of the groomsmen, but make sure they are atleast along the same lines of formality.
Dressing the Kids for the Wedding
- Just like the dads, kids don’t need to perfectly match the bridesmaids or groomsmen, but they still need to match the formality of the event. Only exception: tuxedos are not necessary for kids under six.
- Don’t dress your flower girl or ring bearer in something too sophistacated. Strapless or halter dresses may look a little over done.
- The flower girl doesn’t need to wear white.
- Make sure it’s comfortable. After all, kids will be kids – they need to be able to move around.
Whatever your choices, there are plenty of Utah wedding party outfitters to help you exquisitely dress the ones you love. Best of luck and happy hunting!
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Nov
2008
Alta Moda Sample Sale
- One day only December 6th
- Appointments are necessary
- Sample gowns from Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet,
Amy Michelson, Anne Barge, Augusta Jones, Alvina Valenta
and more - More than 40 gowns will be included in this event
- 50% and 80% off all sale gowns
- Gowns starting at $600
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Nov
2008
As Thanksgiving approaches, we all take time to think about those things we’re most thankful for. Before long you’ll have a lot of thanking of your own to do - the dreaded wedding thank you notes. The friends and family that come bearing gifts more than deserve this simple gesture of appreciation. As daunting as this task seems, it’s important to thank your guests for their efforts in a somewhat timely fashion. Here’s a survival guide for getting those wedding thank you notes checked off of the to-do list:
Wedding Thank You Note Preparation
- Make it a little easier on yourself and begin preparing for the thank you note mayhem as soon as you start creating your wedding invitation list. First, save the list!! Grab this list as soon as you start opening gifts and write next to your guest’s name what they’ve given you. I’ve found that keeping an Excel spreadsheet works best for me. That way, you have your guest name, address, and gift all on the same page.
Wedding Thank You Note Writing Tips
- Use the good stuff – invest in some thick quality stationary. There are many Utah wedding invitation vendors that provide stationary along with the invitations. Using folded white or ivory paper and blue or black ink is considered standard form.
- Speaking along the lines of quality – equip yourself with some nice roller ball pens. Don’t use those cheap pens that bleed all over.
- Start writing as soon as the gifts start pouring in. Be prepared – this may begin before the actual wedding, especially if you have any wedding showers planned.
- Don’t expect to get them all written in one sitting.
- Be specific. Instead of thanking them for their “wonderful gift,” thank them for “the beautiful silver framed picture frame.”
- If the gift is money, be sure sure to tell them what you plan on doing with it whether it’s for new furniture, a down payment, or date night.
- Send them off within the first month or two.
- As soon as it’s done, write a big check next to their name. It’s rewarding to see the unchecked name list get smaller and smaller.
- Reward yourself when it’s done.
Half the challenge is getting started, so just roll up those sleeves and get writing. You can do it. It will be over before you know it. Best of luck and Happy Holidays!
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning, Wedding Advice | No Comments »
Nov
2008
As talk of recession becomes more and more a reality, it may be tempting to try and save a dime or two by taking on some wedding projects yourself. While some things may be easier to tackle, most are far better left to professionals. Besides, this is your big day. Why skimp on one of the most important moments of your life? Here are some musts for leaving it to the pros:
- Photography/Videography: Photos and video will be one of the few tangible mementos you have to remember your big day by. Well meaning relatives and friends may say they’ll capture every priceless moment, but if their camera malfunctions or they’re distracted by Great Aunt Winny then wish those treasured memories goodbye. Most professionals have very high quality equipment and editing techniques that would be near impossible to duplicate with your average point and shoot. This is one area you’re going to want to shell out the dough for.
- Flowers: Often one of the first things your guests will notice, the flowers are a key part of the decor. A centerpiece alone can set the perfect mood for your reception whether it’s sleek and sophisticated or flirty and fun. The last thing you want to be worried about while you’re walking down the isle is how to hall x amount of centerpieces from point A to point B while still keeping them fresh. Leave the algebra to the florist.
- Catering: Just because you can make the best appetizers in town doesn’t mean you need to show them off on your wedding day. Caterers are trained to do more than just cook the food - Not only is it a feat to prepare food for hundreds, but keeping it hot and having it served on time provides a task best left to professionals.
- Cake: Sure, you or your friend may be one fantastic baker, but wedding cakes are in a league completely of their own. Whether it’s a missed ingredient or a tier that resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s easy for a minor mistake to become a big one. Decorating and transporting can quickly turn into a sticky situation as well. Moral of the story: don’t turn the cake into a DIY project.
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Nov
2008
Our Intro- Utah Here We Come!
By Kaycee Stroh | Register for our wedding planning newsletter
Hey there everyone! My name is KayCee Stroh but most people know me as Martha Cox from Disney’s international smash hit phenomenon High School Musical. Not many people know that I was born, raised and got my start right here in SLC!
I met the love of my life Ben Higginson at a small acoustic concert on one of my visits back here to good old Utah and we have been attached at the hip ever since! On May 24 2008 Ben popped the question and it has been a crazy ride ever since. You might have run across some of the stories but if not here is an example of how it all happened.
http://www.instyleweddings.com/weddings/cp/general/photos/0,,20169584_20169576_20466260,00.html
I have been very blessed with much success in Hollywood and now reside there but when it came to getting married I wanted no other place then my hometown. When Ben and I discussed celebrating our big day here we decided to only use local vendors to give them the opportunity to show off there talents. Let me tell you, I am more and more grateful everyday that we made this choice and can’t wait to share all of our wonderful vendors and helpful hints with you!
Topics: Utah Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Nov
2008
Candy buffets can be found at many a wedding receptions, and while still fun, they are becoming anything but unique. Why not mix it up with a seasonal appropriate Hot Cocoa Bar? It’s classy, it’s intimate, it’s gourmet, and it will be sure to have your guests talking about more than just the beautiful bride.
Hot Cocoa Bar How-To’s
- Use fancy mugs. This can be an fun, attractive way to tie in your colors.
- Have a few assortments of flavored hot cocoa. Some favorites that would also act as a perfect base for your guests’ creations would be peppermint, white chocolate, and dark chocolate. Make sure the liquid starts out HOT. The room temperature add-ins will cool the cocoa quickly.
- Finely chop your chunky add-ins so they will melt well.
- Have both liquid and dry options for add-ins.
Hot Cocoa Bar Add-Ins
- Marshmallows (what hot cocoa isn’t complete without this staple?)
- Peppermint sticks
- Flavored syrups
- Flavored whipped cream
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange twists or rinds
- Chopped up candy bar
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate truffles
- Caramel squares
- Candied ginger
If hot cocoa isn’t your style, but you’re still looking for that exclusive, unique touch you may want to opt for a caramel apple bar or even a s’mores bar. Both have the same idea as the hot cocoa bar - You start with the base and add toppings or mix-ins to personalize. The options are limitless. Whatever your preference, a creative food bar can be a great tool to give your reception that extra “it” factor you’ve been looking for.
Topics: Unique Wedding Ideas | No Comments »
« Previous Entries