The Bridal Extravaganza is Utah’s premier bridal show.  Featuring over 100 of the states very best vendors.

The First 150 brides to arrive will receive a free 2 night get-a-way.

One lucky bride will win a 4 night vacation to the All Inclusive ElDorado Resort in the Mayan Riviera.  The Trip is compliments of our good friends at All Points Travel.  If that isn’t enough All Points Travel is also sponsoring a 3 night vacation to the same resort for the brides mother or mother-in-law.

Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given out during the show.

The Spring Bridal Extravaganza also features a Bridal Boutique where you can purchase accessories for your wedding day or jeans, shirts, jewelry and other items for any day.

Fashion shows, live music and special guest speakers will take place on the stage.

We are truly excited to be such a big part of this amazing event.  We are also excited to announce a contest sponsored by TheBrideandGroom.com and All Points Travel that will send one lucky couple to Disneyland.  Details will be announced soon on this blog.  Stay tuned!

Pre-Register for the show by clicking the banner below.

The best part is that brides get into the show for FREE!

Don’t miss this awesome event!!

]]> http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/the-bridal-extravaganza-utahs-biggest-wedding-show/feed/ 0 http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/engagement-photographytips-sites-from-some-of-utahs-best/ http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/engagement-photographytips-sites-from-some-of-utahs-best/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:36:17 +0000 admin http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/?p=789

Photo by: Swensen Photography

We want to give a special thanks to Monarch Photography, Opie Foto and Swensen Photography for their response to our questions about photography.  We know how busy you all are especially with the upcoming wedding season just around the corner.  Thanks for all your GREAT advice & suggestions.  We are so lucky to have such incredible Vendors on our site.

We asked our photographers their favorite places to shoot engagement pictures and here are some suggestions:

1. The Great Salt Lake: All three photographers mentioned the Great Salt Lake.  Ashley at Monarch Photography said that the Great Salt Lake has different scenery than anywhere else in Utah.  Justin from Swensen photography said there is amazing sunsets and the lighting is unmatched.  Chauntelle at Opie foto said the Great Salt Lake has a great mix of tall yellow grass, black rocks, and graffiti.  The Great Salt Lake is a great location for engagements.

Photo by: Monarch Photography

2.  Down Town Salt Lake City: Two of our photographers mentioned Down Town Salt Lake.  Down Town Salt Lake city has lots of great color, a great urban/modern feel and they have different textures so you can get a great variety of pictures in that area.

Photo by: Monarch Photography

3.  The Nook & Cranny: The Nook & Cranny is a great place for engagements because there is a really rustic feel and there is a lot of variety, train tracks included.  (located at: 115 E State Street Lehi, Utah)

Photo by: Swensen Photography

Here are some more great location ideas for engagement pictures:

The Canyons: Great location in the fall with so many incredible colors and lots of awesome scenery.

Photo by: Opie Foto

Union Station: The trains and train tracks add something really fun and unique to pictures.

Photo by: Monarch Photography

The Exhange Place: Great urban feel, with lots of unique architecture. The Exchange Place is one of six historic districts in the downtown Salt Lake area. This square block has Main Street to the west and State Street to the east and is just between 300 and 400 South. (Technically it is downtown SL, but we wanted to specify this area as a GREAT spot as well)

Photo by: Swensen Photography

Jordan River Parkway: Has lots of open fields and incredible lighting in the evening.

Photo by: Swensen Photography

Salt Lake City Library: The architecture is amazing.

Photo by: Opie Foto

Wheeler Farm: A great casual location with a good mixture of buildings and trees.

Photo by: Opie Foto

Park City: Main street in Park City is super cute and has colorful store fronts. You can drive just up the street and do some pictures in the trees as well.

Photo by: Opie Foto

Anywhere that the couple picks: Often times this makes pictures more personal & special.  There are lots of places to choose, & if you have a Great photographer like one of our vendors they will be up to the challenge in turning a place you choose into great images for you.
Clothing suggestions for engagements: (What to wear & what not to wear)

We asked our Photographers about clothing because they know what looks good & what doesn’t.  Here are some of their suggestions:

• No logos or pictures on your clothing, this often can be distracting.
• Wear great shoes, great heels for the women and nice shoes for the men (no tennis shoes)
• No white socks for the guys.
• Avoid patterns and anything that takes attention away for you.
• Try to avoid identical attire (i.e. matching jeans and white shirts). You want engagement pictures to appear somewhat natural.
• Wear clothes that fit your body type and that go well with your fiancé.
• Keep clothes classic and colorful.
• Solid colors are a must!!
• Keep jewelry simple to avoid distractions in your picture
• Make sure to wear your engagement ring

Here is some additional advice our photographers wanted to give Brides and Grooms about engagement pictures:

• Come ready to have a good time & relax.
• A good photographer will pay attention to every little detail so you don’t have to worry about that.
• Establish a relationship with your wedding photographer, engagement sessions are a great time for your photographer to get to know you & your personality as well as how you interact together as a couple.  Engagements pictures help the photographer capture images on your wedding day that are unique to you.
• Don’t be afraid to share your ideas & input with your photographer- you must communicate so you can get just what you want.

To see more engagement pictures go to our website thebrideandgroom.com.

Photo by: Monarch Photography

Photo by: Opie Foto

]]> http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/engagement-photographytips-sites-from-some-of-utahs-best/feed/ 0 http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/brides-groomswhat-are-you-looking-for/ http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/brides-groomswhat-are-you-looking-for/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:38:28 +0000 admin http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/?p=735

Photo by: Swensen Photography

Okay Brides & Grooms this blog is for you.  Our site was created to help Brides & Grooms find with ease just what they are looking for to make their wedding spectacular.  We don’t want you to be stranded with no where to go like the picture above.  We want you to find everything you are looking for & we want you to find it here.  So we want to hear from you.  What are you looking for??  If you can’t find it on our site, tell us, we want to be your wedding guide, so let us help you find what it is you are looking for.    We are here for you.  We have lots of new ideas coming to our site so keep watching for new featured weddings, new pictures and ideas and lots of fun blogs.

If you have a question you can email me directly at Melissa@brideandgroommarketing.com please put in the subject Blog or you can leave a comment on this blog.

Photography by: Monarch Photography

Matt and Rachel~ Woods on 9th~February 20th

From the moment you meet Matt and Rachel, you can tell they are meant to be together.  Both with bubbly and positive personality’s, both outgoing, fun loving, and both very much in love with each other.

Rachel and Matt met at their job. They had been friends and coworkers for a year before they even dated. Eventually fate stepped in and these two love birds headed down the isle. Matt and Rachel love hiking and finding new trails up the mountains, eating good food, and playing with their two kitties, Ryno, and Sugar.

(Rachel)What I love so much about Matt is that he is always very calm and patient with me, and always makes me laugh!
(Matt) What I love sooooo much about Rachel is that she is genuinely kind and concerned for others and that she loves me so well.

(Rachel)What made our wedding day so special was that I got to marry my best friend, and we were able to share that with our family and close friends.

Thank you Rachel and Matt for letting Monarch Photography be a part of your special day!

A special thanks Ashley at Monarch Photography for sharing Matt & Rachel’s story & special day with us.  Check out her fantastic images on our website at www.thebrideandgroom.com. You can also visit her at her website and blog at: www.monarch-photo.com &  http://monarchphotography.blogspot.com.  You can also view Matt & Rachel’s wedding on our featured wedding page at www.thebrideandgroom.com.

Pictures by:  Opie Foto

Meeting your spouse is half the battle & you just never know when or where you may meet that special someone.  For Lynn & Mark their chance at meeting was on a flight.  Lynn is a flight attendant and just happened to pick this specific flight so she could attend one of her friends graduation celebration.  Mark was traveling to his nephew’s first birthday party.  What are the chances that the two of them would meet & their journey begin together.  Fate put them together on that flight and their love for each other will continue to grow.

Mark proposed to Lynn on a hill over looking the Golden gate bridge.  The view was spectacular and he got down on his knee and asked her to marry him.  Of course she said “YES!”

Lynn wore a BCBG dress and Mark sported a Calvin Klein Suit.  Together they were set for perfection.   They danced the night away with the DJ’s Ted Dancin’.  They loved the beauty of the Inn on the Creek in Midway.  It was just what they wanted.  Her colors were Fuchsia, Slate Grey and touches of metallic, to go perfectly with her Asian Fusion theme.

Lynn & Mark gave a special touch to their wedding with their invitations.  They where designed to resemble airplane tickets, and name tags for the seating were like little bag tags because they met on an airplane.  What a great, unique idea to make it personal.

Here are a few other vendors that they used for their wedding:

Menu: Catered by Charlie Perry who owns EVA, in SLC

Flowers: Dominic Tartaro

Décor elements: Dominic Tartaro

Special thanks to Opie foto for sharing their photographs with us.  We wish Lynn & Mark a very happy & beautiful life together.  To see more from Opie Foto please check them out on our website www.thebrideandgroom.com.  To view more pictures from this wedding check them out under featured weddings at www.thebrideandgroom.com.

Picking out your wedding cake should not only be fun but should be personal.  You should pick something that expresses you as a Bride or you as a couple together.  We were able to get the inside scoop from  Christina with Christina’s Cakes to share with us the latest and greatest trends with cakes.  She shared five main suggestions to our brides about cakes.

Cake Shape: Christina said that she is making more square cakes than any other shape because of the modern feel that the square cake has.  There are also so many unique ways to stack the cake, like off setting it or lining it up on side instead of the middle.  There are no rules when choosing your cake.  She did tell us that the traditional round cake is a very close second to the modern square cakes.

Flavors & Layers: Christina lets the Bride choose if they want all the layers of cake to be the same, or all different.  Most Brides choose to have them all different.  Christina told us that the most popular flavor right now is  probably red velvet with cream cheese filling and coconut with butter cream filling.  Would you be surprise if I told you lemon was right up there too?  Christina also makes fresh jams for some of her filling options and that makes the cake even more moist and flavorful.  Strawberry and raspberry are the two most popular right now.  She just had a cupcake the other day that was coconut lime and she will be adding that to the mix because it was incredible! Christina has a an ever expanding list on her blog so check it out there at http://christinamillerscakes.blogspot.com.

Fondant:  Christina always recommends using fondant for a couple of reasons.  She knows that fondant doesn’t always taste the best, but she has found a great solution and she is sure she can change your mind about fondant.  She makes all of her fondant frosh for each cake and she adds flavor with various extracts to her homemade fondant and it exceeds all expectations of your typical fondant.  Christina recommends using fondant for durability.  It will hold its shape better, look cleaner and hold up better in the heat.  Finally, the best part about using fondant is there are so many fun ways to decorate a fondant cake.  Unless you really love the rustic look of butter cream then don’t be afraid go with fondant!!

Ribbon: Christina also loves using ribbon on her cakes.  You can add so much color, texture and pattern with a ribbon or two or even more.  Christina has used up to 14 different ribbons on one cake before & it turned out incredible.   You can create many different styles with a ribbon or even a vintage broach to the center of the bow to add that perfect touch.   It is also a fun place to add that special something of your great grandmother’s, something borrowed as the tradition would call it.

Cake Stand: Christina said to think outside the box for your cake stand.  Fruit is very popular right now and she has put cakes on oranges, apples, lemons and limes.  By using fruit it adds another place to put in your wedding color or your personality.  Square glass vases are also another fun idea.  You can put a little water at the bottom of it and float your favorite flower and put four of those together and you have a unique stand for cake.  There are so many options for your cake stand.  Christina has a lot of fun ideas.

Less is More: Christina believes that there is elegance in simplicity.  Some of her favorite cakes are the ones that have almost nothing to them.  You might be surprised what a satin ribbon, some glitter and a few rose petals can do for a cake.  Christina shared this about less is more: “Don’t get me wrong, I do love personality, color and details too.  In fact, I am very excited about some new discoveries in pattern, texture and color.  My airbrush is my new best friend and I can pull off any color you throw at me!”

I have tasted Christina’s cake and I have to say it is the most amazing thing I have ever tasted.  I am still craving her luscious cake that melts in your mouth.  She is remarkable.   Here is a little bit of background about Christina.  She attended school in New York City at the French Culinary Institute where she graduated in 2003.
She has worked in the food industry since then.  Besides running her own Cake Business she also finds time to  teach at the Art Institute of Salt Lake in their Culinary and Baking and Pastry programs and she  teaches a cake decorating series at Orson Gygi.   She loves learning and her business gives her many opportunities to be creative and fun.  She loves what she does and she knows her stuff.  She loves sitting down with Brides and help creating something together that fits each Brides personality.

Christina loves what she does and it shows.  She shared with us  why she makes cakes and this is what she said “When I meet with a bride for the first time, it seems to be a creative session where ideas about her dream wedding cake evolve and change into something she never imagined possible.  I love being a part of that process.  Together we come up with something special just for her!  I am will to try anything to help her get to that point…The cake of her wedding dreams!”

We want to thank Christina for her amazing cake ideas and insight.  For more information check her out on our website at: www.thebrideandgroom.com or her blog at http://christinamillerscakes.blogspot.com or by phone at: Christina Miller – 801-808-8839.

To get more ideas & see more pictures of cakes check out our cake ideas at www.thebrideandgroom.com.

We want to introduce you to Celtic Waters Productions, Inc. is a family owned and operated videography/photography company.   Their primary videographer is a graduate of the University of Utah Film Studies Program.  Their photographers regularly attend industry-relatated seminars and study the latest concepts in their field to keep abreast of current trends and advancements.

They utilize a wide variety of camera, lighting, sound and high-quality, industry-standard film and photo editing software.  Using this training and equipment, underscored by our dedication, it is their goal to turn each client’s  unique vision into a reality.  They are excited about every project they undertake and look forward to serving each and every couple and their families.

We had a couple fun questions that we thought you may want to know about Celtic Waters.

Why the name Celtic Waters?
We wanted to have a name that was unique and memorable while presenting the goal of our work. That goal is to preserve special events in images that touch lives for generations. Our own cultural heritage is Celtic. We are proud of that heritage, just as others are proud of their heritage.

Secondly we wanted to express the continuity and flow of priceless times throughout a person’s life, like their wedding. We could think of no better image than water itself to represent this eternal flow of special times spent with special people.

Thus, the name Celtic Waters.

Why did you get into the wedding industry?
Weddings are incredible for a videographer. They afford so many opportunities for us to utilize unique angles for shots, special effects in editing, along with artistic sound and lighting techniques. All of these aspects are highlighted by the intense emotion, incredible beauty, unique style, and unparalleled elegance that is uniquely a wedding.

What would you consider to be Celtic Waters Style when it comes to wedding videography?

Our style first and foremost is dependent upon the couple’s wishes. Before we ever start shooting, we communicate with the bride/ and or groom and their families to develop a clear understanding of their expectations.

Some couples are looking more for a documentary style. We can do that and implement elements characteristic of today’s documentaries including voice-overs during chosen moments in the video or associated with heirloom photographs or beautiful new portraits.

Others look for a more cinematic style filled with stylized music, special effects such as slow motion, changes in color, interesting transitions and aspects of Hollywood-style motion effects. We can do this, too.

Often times it is a combination of both. Whatever style the couple chooses, we enjoy and are grateful for the opportunity to create their vision.

For more questions you can contact Celtic Waters at 801-503-2974  or check out their website at: www.celticwaters.com.ram.  Our photographers regularly attend industry-related seminars and study at very affordable rates.

Imagine your wedding or reception at Ogden Golf and Country Club–amid manicured grounds, and one of the most picturesque vistas of the beautiful Wasatch Range and our golf course to serve as a backdrop for those special photographs.  Add to that the services of a staff trained to help turn your special day into a memory you will look back on for the rest of your life.

Using our flexible function space, we can accommodate various sizes of wedding receptions up to 250, keeping an intimate feel regardless of size.

Every special event is planned to the smallest detail and brought to life with the finest in personal service and gourmet cuisine.  Our catering staff will custom-tailor your special event to your individual desires.   If you can dream it, Ogden Golf and Country Club will help you make it happen.

You can get more information on our website at:  www.ogdencountryclub.com or contact us by phone at 801-621-2060.

Those qualities can seamlessly be translated to weddings.  So, it should come as no surprise to anyone that this celebrated past time is making its way back into the lime light with a fresh new look and use.  So many details, thoughts, energy and preparation go into planning a wedding.  Yet it arrives, it happens and it is gone before you know it.  A photo booth adds so many elements to the big day that make it last forever.  Entertainment is provided for guests as they scheme to think of the best poses for their turn in the photo booth.  The finished product is available for them to take home as a favor.  Duplicate photos are left behind for the bride and groom with a personalized written message next to them, giving the bride and groom a visual memento of all the wonderful friends and family that came together to celebrate their union.  Post wedding, guests will reflect on the unique experience, making it unforgettable.

Planning brides and grooms add their own personal touches and choose different aspects to express their style as a couple.  The photo booth allows guests the opportunity to add their personal touch to a wedding.  It compliments the photographers work and often let’s them focus more on the newlyweds and other details rather than candid shots of guests.  Not to mention, there is just something novel about getting in the booth and closing that curtain.  People warm up to the camera, get creative, and have FUN.At a recent wedding, a 95 year old grandmother, who despises having her photo taken, stepped into the photo booth to appease the bride (her granddaughter) & groom.  Not only did she end up being a “repeat offender”, by using the booth multiple times, she even stuck her tongue out with the rest of her grandchildren around her.  Priceless.  What will you capture in your photo booth?

A special thanks to Kelly Simons of Shutterbooth for her contribution to this blog.   Shutterbooth was recently awarded “Bride’s Choice 2010″ for unique services on weddingwire.com. Please visit their website at http://www.shutterbooth.com or contact them at 435.783.2342.

• #1 – The Mayan Riviera, Mexico – Based on overall quality, value, and convenience, the all-inclusive resort options along the Mayan Riviera provide some of the most romantic honeymoon choices! OUR FAVORITE HONEYMOON RESORT(S) – El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale! Adults only, all-inclusive, 5-star rooms and food, in-room Jacuzzis, outstanding service, beautiful oceanfront location. This is a hidden gem that gives honeymooners a very romantic spot for honeymoon bliss!
• #2 – The Caribbean Islands – In the Caribbean you will find some the world’s most exotic and secluded beach areas also offering high quality, adults only, all-inclusive resorts. Air schedules and high prices to some islands may lessen the options for some couples, but great values can be found especially on the island of Jamaica. OUR FAVORITE HONEYMOON RESORT(S) – Sandals and Royal Plantation Resorts! By far the most inclusive of any resort chain and their “couples only” atmosphere makes these resorts the perfect honeymoon spot! There are several resorts and a range of room categories and pricing to choose from.
• #3 – Cruising – Cruising offers not only high quality, partially inclusive accommodations, but the relaxing feel of being at sea as well as the high paced action of port activities. Cruising is not for everyone, however. If you are affected at all by motion sickness, this could be a factor on any cruise you choose. OUR FAVORITE HONEYMOON CRUISE LINE – Princess Cruises! Offering the utmost combination of high quality accommodations, food, entertainment, and port experiences.
• #4 – Hawaii – The most popular vision for honeymoons, Hawaii offers some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and scenery. While there are many options for accommodations in Hawaii, one must choose their resort well to be sure the quality is up to par! There are no all-inclusive options in Hawaii, so the added expense of eating and playing must be taken into budget consideration. OUR FAVORITE HONEYMOON RESORT(S) – Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu! Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui!
• #5 – Honeymooning Close to Home – Because of budget and/or time constraints, you may find that choosing an option close to home is best. Even if a lavish honeymoon is not an option, we always recommend that couples take at least one or two nights to escape to a special hotel or resort to capture the “honeymoon experience” immediately following the wedding. OUR FAVORITE CLOSE TO SLC OPTIONS – The Blue Boar Inn in Midway! Silver King Lodge in Park City! The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird! Grand America in Salt Lake City! If you have a little more time or budget, there are awesome options within driving distance of Salt Lake City such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Jackson Hole, and Lake Tahoe.

Remember to plan as far in advance as possible for the best travel deals and availability. Consulting with an experienced travel agent will not only help you with information about the destinations you are considering, but will very possibly save you money as well! You have a world of possibilities … now to find the one that will beat your budget and exceed your expectations!

For assistance with your Honeymoon planning you can visit our friends at All Points Travel online at www.allpointstravelonline.com or give them a call at 801-466-1101 /OR/ 800-444-9104.

Remember to attend the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza, April 17th at the South Towne Expo Center  for your chance to win a dream honeymoon at the All Inclusive El Dorado Resort in the Mayan Riviera – Compliments of All Points Travel.