Wedding show month has now ended and we had a great time participating in three of Utah’s Best Shows.  It was great meeting so many brides and grooms and hearing about their wedding plans.

We will be posting pictures from each of the shows over the next little bit.  Here are some of the photo highlights of The Winter Bridal Extravaganza at The Grand America.

Almost 1000 brides and over 3000 people came through the doors at this show.  The Grand America is second to none when it comes to class and elegance.  This was a beautiful show, there were thousands and thousands of dollars in prizes given away and one lucky bride, Tessa Karrington, won an amazing dream honeymoon to The All Inclusive El Dorado Royale in The Mayan Riviera – Compliments of All Points Travel.

Here are some of the highlight photos.

ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF MAGNIFIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Make sure to check them out if you are still in need of a fantastic photographer.

Thanks again to all the wonderful brides, grooms & guests who attended the show and the 133 marvelous wedding professionals who were a part of it as well.

Also, thank you again to Magnifique Photography for these great photos.

We wish all you brides and grooms out there the best of luck as you plan your wedding and as you begin your new lives together.

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Photography by~Photo Love Stories & Merilee Photography

This fabulous wedding inspiration was done on July 26th, 2011 in Hurricane, Utah, located in Southern Utah.  Taylor with Taylor Made Weddings & Events shared with us how this gorgeousness came to be.  She said one of the biggest roadblocks that she sees couples facing is how to incorporate their personal tastes and styles into their wedding.  She said for example “The couple loves sushi and goes out to sushi for dates… it’s a big part of their relationship, however neither has a personal style that fit the sushi themed wedding stereotypes. The rules are, there are no rules when styling/designing a wedding, so  I really wanted to showcase a different style and taste with “Sushi and Sea Foam”; incorporating modern organic elegance with a little bit of hip, intellectual fun.”

I love this & she is right, there are no rules.  Have fun with it, make it personal, original & of course sensational.  That is just what Taylor did with her fun idea of “Sushi & Sea Foam”.   She really wanted this shoot to stand out, not just in style but in location too.  She wanted greenery with something different and outside the box.  When she located the river with the bridge, concrete tunnels & pond she new that was the perfect spot for this shoot. This river in Hurricane gave a whole new level of organic & natural style that Taylor was looking for.

Kortney & Jake were perfect for this shoot.  This couple is fun, hip, intelligent & totally in love.  Your personal style should be reflected in your wedding just like Kortney & Jake’s were in this shoot.  Find things that you not only love or enjoy but that you feel comfortable with.  Being comfortable on your wedding day is a must!

Taylor shared a few more details with us, she shared “Floral accents from My Favorite Flowers, like air plants, and sushi rolls (made from flowers,) really created the hip yet organic look I was hoping for.  While the flowing dress provided by Bella Donna Boutique, overflowing bouquet (My Favorite Flowers)  and gorgeous yet simple jewelry, provided by JK Jewelry,  really brought an elegance yet natural aspect to the model and the shoot as a whole. Wooden and book risers with in the centerpiece brought a feel of intellect while focusing on natural woods and colors.   Air plant favors/name tags (My Favorite Flowers) with the pops of color provided by the sushi (Benja Thai) really pulled a hip and fun feel, and that was exactly what I want to portray to couples.   I hope you are inspired and happy planning!”

Photography by~Photo Love Stories & Merilee Photography

Photography by~Photo Love Stories & Merilee Photography

We want to give a special thanks to all the incredible wedding vendors who created this inspiration shoot.  And a special thank you to Taylor with Taylor Made Weddings & Events for sharing this with us.

Those who made it happen:

Images provided by~Something New Custom Wedding Books

How to Personalize Your Wedding Reception

Written by~ Amber Johnson owner of Something New Custom Wedding Books

Have you ever walked away from a wedding thinking, “Wow! That reception was amazing!”  When you look back, what was it that made such a great impression?  Amazing flowers? An impressive venue? Delicious food? Maybe. But more likely, the thing that made the event such a stand-out was the beaming couple, thoroughly enjoying a day, atmosphere and environment that was so… them.

Gorgeous flowers, tasty hor d’oeuvres and colorful decor can only do so much. We’ve all been to weddings where every detail was beautiful, but we still walked away less than wowed. What makes a great wedding event is a couple taking the time to make it THEIRS. The latest trends, most fashionable ensembles and best hair stylist mean next to nothing if the couple isn’t comfortable at their own event.

Call me a romantic, but my favorite weddings are the ones that give guests a glimpse into the story and personality of the couple. Events where the couple feels so at home that they can fully celebrate the start of their new journey, and everyone watching can’t help but smile as a result.  Events where thought, time and effort has gone into making it a personalized celebration, that screams “We’re in love, and here’s why!”

So, how do you wow your guests, and, more importantly, create a personalized wedding reception that you’ll always remember?  Only YOU can truly answer that question, but here’s some tips to help get you started:

• Take the time and effort required to be actively involved in the planning

I shudder whenever I hear a bride say something like, “My mom is doing the planning because I don’t really care” or “I’m so glad I hired a wedding planner. I’m too busy for the details.” Moms, wedding planners and your amazing Aunt Martha all play a very important support role in planning your big day, make no mistake. But they should be just that: a support. In the midst of crazy everyday life, made even crazier by the fact that you’re now madly in love, it might be tempting to think you don’t care about the details. In fact, you genuinely might not care… right now. But someday, in the not too distant future, you will. Minimize your future regrets! Being involved in making your wedding day as much you and your honey as possible is something you’ll never regret taking the time to do.

• Choose details that tell part of your unique story

It’s easier than you might think to incorporate meaningful details into your big day. Is there a favorite flower he always gives you? Use it! A photograph of the two when you first met? Display it!  A drink you had on your first date? Serve it! A song that sounds just like your relationship? Give it as a favor! A special proposal story and photos? Put them in your guest book! The possibilities are endless.

• Consider a theme

A theme isn’t essential, but it is a fun and easy way to glue all the elements of your big day together, and ensure they stay focused on the happy couple. I’ve seen everything from romantic (“Today Was a Fairytale” theme from a couple of Taylor Swift fans), to playful (Yankees theme from a couple who loves going to Yankees games together). The right theme can help with planning colors, venues, stationary and every detail in between, and can definitely set a personalized mood for the couple and guests.

• Make sure you can be yourself around your key vendors

If the vendor is going to be interacting with you on your big day (ie your PHOTOGRAPHER, caterer, ceremony official), make sure you can be yourself around them and that they evoke the feelings you want to feel on your wedding day.

• Think about your favorite environments and activities, and incorporate them

Do you get giddy in the fall? Consider a harvest themed reception with soups and breads. Do you love your weekly date to the little drug store on the corner for root beer floats? Serve them as dessert, with a little explanation on the menu. Did you meet at a salsa club? Do a salsa for your first dance.

• Put your own twist on traditions

I went to a wedding once where the bride made an announcement that went something like this: “Some of my favorite memories of growing up are of when my dad would put on his loud music, and we’d all line up and dance like crazy around the kitchen table. So tonight, we’re going to do our kind of dancing for the father daughter dance!” She then called up her surprised dad and sisters, an old song started blasting, and they all danced like fools around the reception center coffee table. The crowd loved it, and she says it’s one of the most memorable moments from her wedding day.  Don’t be shy about tweaking traditions to make them yours.

• Think about the two of you as a couple, and infuse the day with things that scream YOU!!

Don’t feel self-conscious or worried about putting your own, unique stamp on your wedding. Guests LOVE getting glimpses into your relationship and seeing you happy and at-home. Personalization is what will make the day memorable for them, and for you and your new hubbie.

About the author~ Amber Johnson, owner of Something New Custom Wedding Books, helps brides and grooms personalize their wedding with custom designed guest books and wedding day albums that use the happy couple’s colors, theme, story and photos. Samples and more info available at www.snweddingbooks.com.

Images provided by~Something New Custom Wedding Books

Photography by~Ceniza Studios

Flowers & Design by~Chic Design Studios

Flower girls and ring bearers can really add character to a wedding.  Who doesn’t love watching the cutest little girls and boys walking down the aisle, anxiously waiting for one of them to do something hilarious!?!  I know I do!

This spring shoot catered to these little additions to a wedding.  And hopefully will give you some other options to showcase their cuteness!

Below you will find some fun alternatives to the standard flower basket carried by most flower girls.

First, is the simple rosebud halo. This halo is much more cost effective compared to a standard halo that you most often see.  It doesn’t detract from the adorable girl or overpower her small head.  Remember with halos that less is more.

Second, I gathered a small cluster of yellow daffodils for her to hold.  When choosing a nosegay for small attendants remember to use a smaller bloom and keep the bouquet petite as to not overpower the subject.

Last, is my ultimate favorite for flower girls!  What little girl wouldn’t love to hold a flower wand?  I know I would love to hold one and I am not a little girl anymore.   I adore this trend and hope that more brides will give this sweet option to their flower girls.  The flower wand can be made with flowers, tulle, or ribbon.

Below you will find some alternatives to the standard flower pillow held by most ring bearers.

First, find an alternative for the pillow.  Most pillows are white satin and sometimes don’t match your theme or style.  Choose something that coordinates throughout your wedding.  Pictured you will find we used an adorable painted bird cage accented with ribbon.

Photography by~Ceniza Studios

Second, flower and moss boxes are also very popular and fun!  They have the overall look and feel of a pillow but with a twist.

Photography by~Ceniza Studios

Last, pomander balls!  I adore pomander balls and find they are a hip option to the standard pillow.  Just remind your little fellow not to practice his throwing or bowling skills.  Trust me on this one; I have seen it in action.

Photography by~Ceniza Studios

I hope these options will help you add interest to your “little” attendants.

Photography by~Ceniza Studios

Chic Design Studios is owned and operated by Kimberly Watt and is located in Salt Lake City, UT.  We offer custom floral designs combining an eclectic mix of styles.  Chic Design Studio focuses on providing brides with cutting edge design, quality product, at an affordable price.  We are available for travel throughout Utah and Southeast Idaho.  We offer FREE consultations so please visit our website at www.chicdesignstudios.com, email us at chicdesin.kw@gmail.com, or call at 801-891-8478.

Photographer: Ceniza Studios

Models: Poppy and Kimball

Photo by~Cake-A-Licious

I came across these pictures from Cake- A-licious & knew that our readers on The Bride and Groom.com would LOVE to see them.  They were created for a very creative bride who had a vintage, shabby-chic wedding them & wanted to have the perfect cake to fit in with her theme.

This bride wanted to have multiple cakes with different colors, textures, styles & shapes instead of the normal tiered cake that we typically see.  Every cake had a different flavor but all done in buttercream frosting.  YUM!!  I love the pastel colors she choose, lavender, pale & pastel pinks & whites.

I absolutely love the bird cage.  The details are awesome.  The bird & the flowers were created from fondant & the rest of the cake was the delicious buttercream with piping details all over the cake.  The bride found an old vintage dresser that had crystal handles on it.  It made the perfect set up to display her cake on.

Cake-A-Licious even made cupcakes & topped them off with sweet little buttons in her wedding colors.  The bride found cute pink & silver individual cupcake coxes & the cupcakes were sent home with guests.  They even stacked up the cute boxes on another vintage table by the door so their guests could take one as they left.  What a cute idea.

Thank you Cake-A-Licious for sharing this fantastic, fun, & creative wedding cake you created with us.

Photo Courtesy of~Swensen Photography

Thanks to all you amazing brides, grooms, friends, Moms & Dads that came to the bridal show at The Grand America yesterday.  It was simply spectacular.  Lots of incredibly talented wedding professionals, yummy food & gorgeous set ups.   We hope you found all that you were looking for.  So now you may ask what do I need to do from here.  So here are a couple of ideas to get your organized.

Organize~Go through all the information you received at the show & put the information in categories of services or items you need for your wedding.  I do suggest getting a wedding binder that you can store all of your wedding stuff in.  It doesn’t have to be glamorous,  just something fun that can be a keepsake of planning your wedding.  You will want to do this as soon as possible to help you remember which wedding professionals you wanted to use.

When you have all your information separated then put them in order of which wedding professionals you want to use.  Don’t throw any of the others away yet as the one you want just might be booked on your special day. If you took notes at the bridal show this is a great place to make additional notes & start calculating your budget to make all the pieces of your wedding puzzle fit together.

Research~ If you can’t decide who to choose between do some homework.  Ask others about their service & research them online.  You want to make sure you are hiring  someone you trust, & someone that wants to really make your wedding a dream come true.

Budget~ May I suggest to work your budget around what is most important to you for your wedding.  If you want a particular location for your wedding then by all means make it happen & adjust your budget where you need to.  If you want a specific photographer then for sure hire the one you want as you can’t capture those images over again.  If food & entertaining your guests is the most important to you then be sure to get what you want.  Don’t forget the honeymoon as many couples think they will go on one later & miss out on that all together.  Even if you have to do a short distance honeymoon, make it special, romantic & fun.  Your budget can be adjusted by most wedding vendors so if they can’t give you all the services they offer for the price you can pay then see what they can do for you for that amount.  It can’t hurt to ask what they would be able to give you even if it isn’t everything you can afford.  My recommendation is don’t settle on quality for quantity.  You could be disappointed.

Contacting The Wedding Professionals~ Be sure to contact the wedding professional as soon as you know who you want.  Wedding dates fill up fast, especially if you have a popular wedding day, Friday or Saturday in May, June & July, 11-11-2011 or any other day that many brides & grooms will want to use.  So, you will want to contact your preferred wedding professional as soon as possible.  Here are a couple tips on getting the wedding professional you want.

1. Call them Early

2. Be willing to change your wedding date if you really want to use them.

3.  Make them want to have you as their client.   Build a relationship with them, refer to them.  Tell others how great they are & be kind, courtesy & give good tips.

Your wedding professionals could ultimately become some of your very close friends.  Be sure to thank them after your wedding & a nice Hand written thank you card is always an appreciated gesture.

Printable Wedding Planner~ We have created one more tool to make your wedding organization a little bit easier.  Be sure to print out your FREE Printable Wedding Planner from our website Here.  This will help you keep track of all your wedding professionals information, their names, numbers & addresses.  You will want to have this information kept in a special place where it won’t get lost.  If you decide to have a wedding binder as suggested above this is the perfect place to keep it.

Enjoy Every Moment~ Meeting with the professional is so much fun.  You get to share your love story & ideas you have for your wedding & start creating the perfect wedding day.  Don’t stress, your day will come together & with the help of amazing wedding professionals you can make it your dream wedding.

If you missed out of the amazing Bridal Extravaganza held at The Grand America, be sure to pre-register for the Bridal Show held at The Davis Conference Center on Saturday 1/29/2011.  That’s right, Northern Utah Brides deserve to have an incredible wedding show too. The Premier Bridal Show For Northern Utah Brides.

Reasons to Attend The Bridal Extravaganza

• The first 150 brides to arrive will receive a 2 night get-a-way.
• Over 100 of Utah’s top wedding vendors will be on hand to help you plan your perfect day.
• Food and entertainment all day long.
• Fashion shows from Utah’s top wedding gown companies.
• Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given away during the day.
• Live music, special guest speakers and so much more.
• One Lucky Bride At Each Show Will Win A Dream HoneyMoon To The All Inclusive El Dorado Royale In The Mayan Riviera.  – Compliments of All Points Travel.

Pre-Register now Here.

Photo by: Envy Photography

We asked some of our photographers for a couple of their favorite images from 2010 weddings & here they are.  2010 was a fantastic year for weddings.  2011 is going to be spectacular!  We can hardly wait to share fresh new image from 2011 with all of you & we have a few from 2010 that need to be showcased as well so stay tuned for more amazing weddings.

Photo by: Envy Photography

Photo by: Swensen Photography

Photo by: Swensen Photography

Photo by: Magnolia Photography

Photo by: Magnolia Photography

Photo by: Oakstream Photography

Photo by: Oakstream Photography

Photo by: Opie Foto

Photo by: Opie Foto

Photo by: Robert Wood Photography

Photo by: Robert Wood Photography

Photo by: Tiny Comet Photography

Photo by: Tiny Comet Photography

Photo by: Moments to Remember

Photo by: Moments to Remember

Photo by: Garzand Photography

Photo by: Garzand Photography

Winter weddings shoots can be some of the most picturesque and enchanting photos a photographer can capture.

Pictures of a bride and groom after a fresh snow fall can be very tricky for a photographer to get the right look.  However, when captured by a skilled professional they can be some of the most amazing photos as well.

Alisha Ekstrom of Oakstream Photography is one of those photographers who knows how to capture amazing winter shots.

Tia and Nick will be getting married on Tuesday, December 21st.  Alisha gave us a sneak peak of some of their pictures they took together before the big day.

Tia purchased her gown at Alta Moda Bridal Boutique and coincidentally her dress is named “Tia”.

We wish Tia and Nick best of luck in their new life together.  To see more of their pictures and more winter wedding pictures make sure to check out our winter weddings gallery in the planning and ideas section of thebrideandgroom.com

We had the pleasure of doing a podcast interview with Jeff Long the creator of Improve My Wedding Video.com. We wanted to share this interview with not only our brides and grooms who are questioning having a wedding video but also for our wedding vendors as we discuss some networking tips, & fun, new inventive ideas yet to come to the wedding video reality. We hope you check it out here.

Jeff Long has been in the video and web design industry for 10 years and started his company in the wedding industry. He not only works with local and national clients in these fields but also loves teaching people. Jeff teaches people how to start their own wedding video company at ImproveMyWeddingVideo.com, where he releases a free training podcast and resources. He also teaches people how to build WordPress websites for themselves at WordPressTrainingHub.com, which has a podcast and detailed training videos for non “techie” people. When he is not helping others with video and web design, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his beautiful wife and family.

Jeff can be reached online through:
Twitter: @TrueFocusMedia
@ImproveMyVideo
e-mail: jeff (at) ImproveMyWeddingVideo.com
Website: http://www.ImproveMyWeddingVideo.com or http://www.WordpressTrainingHub.com