TheBrideandGroom.com Blog » Wedding Cakes

Highlights From The Winter Bridal Extravaganza At The Grand America

Melissa — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:31:27 +0000

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.

Wrap Up The Wedding Show Season With Utah’s Longest Running Wedding Showcase – The Wedding Festival

Melissa — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:33:23 +0000

Attention Brides!! – The wedding show season is coming to a close this weekend and Utah’s longest running wedding showcase, The Wedding Festival, is a fantastic way to finish up your wedding planning.

Located in one of Utah’s most convenient locations, The South Towne Expo Center, over 115 of Utah’s premier wedding professionals will be on hand to help you finalize your wedding planning.

The Wedding Festival is Utah’s longest running wedding showcase, over 30 years, and is currently being produced by the team at Bride and Groom Marketing who also produces The Bridal Extravaganza shows.

If you have attended other bridal shows this month you will want to make sure and attend The Wedding Festival because you will find a whole bunch of new professionals that you probably have not seen at other shows. Some of these professionals have deep roots in the local wedding industry and you will find some incredibly unique ideas.

The Wedding Festival runs for two days – Friday, January 27th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturday, January 28th from 11:00 – 6:00.

Here are a few other reasons to attend the show.

Over 115 of Utah’s Very Best Wedding Professionals Will Be On Hand
Four Fashion Shows (One of Friday, Three on Saturday)
Food sampling from Utah’s best Caterers
The First 75 Brides Through The Door Each Day Receive a Complimentary Two Night Get Away
Thousands of Dollars in Gifts and Prizes Will Given Away At This Show
No Running Around Town, Wrap Up Your Wedding Planning In One Location

PLUS

One Lucky Couple Will Win A Dream Honeymoon To The All Inclusive Barcelo Resort In Beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

Barceló Puerto Vallarta, More Than You Imagine

“Located at the most romantic destination: Puerto Vallarta, between the Pacific Coast and a tropical jungle, this resort is made up of 316 luxurious Suites, each with a private terrace offering breathtaking views. Four pools, Spa, Fitness Center and tennis courts. There are four Restaurants, three of them a la Carte, and three bars. Enjoy the activities including water sports and nightly entertainment.“

The Wedding Festival

Friday January 27th – 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Saturday January 28th – 11:00 – 6:00 pm

SAVE TIME AND MONEY PRE REGISTER TO ATTEND!!

CLICK HERE TO PRE REGISTER

Wedding Cakes by Wedding Dreamer

Melissa — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:24:29 +0000

Have you dreamed about the wedding cake you want yet? There are so many gorgeous options out there. Wedding Dreamer shared a few of their gorgeous & fun cakes with us. If you haven’t heard about Wedding Dreamer yet be sure to check them out. They offer a ton of services & they have great prices too. Their most popular cake is their 6″‘, 9″, 12″ cake for $250.00 & pricing goes up & down from there. To see their price list for their cakes go HERE. They have received many compliments that their cakes taste the “Best of the Best”.

For more information about Wedding Dreamer & the other services they offer visit their website HERE.

Be sure to visit Wedding Dreamer this weekend at the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza, Saturday, January 21st at The Davis Conference Center. You can Pre-register for the show HERE.

Utah’s Best Wedding Pros Gather In Northern Utah – Bridal Show

Melissa — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:12:48 +0000

If you are involved in the wedding industry at all in Utah (meaning you are either a bride, groom or a wedding professional) you have probably noticed there are a lot of wedding shows out there this month. But there are very few shows that compare to the show this weekend in Layton at The Davis Conference Center.

This weekend The Bridal Extravaganza is producing a show that vendors and brides from Northern Utah have been asking for. This truly is a unique show as it is The Largest Show in Northern Utah featuring some of the states very best professionals in one location. Over 70 wedding experts will be on hand to help brides not only from Northern Utah but from all over the state plan their dream wedding.

The Davis Conference Center is conveniently located right off of I-15 in Layton (CLICK HERE FOR MAP AND DIRECTIONS), the facility is not like a traditional expo center as it is extremely classy and has a nice elegance to it. Brides from all over Utah are welcome to attend this event as they will not only get some fantastic ideas for their weddings they will also have the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in prizes.

WHY ATTEND THE BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE DAVIS CONFERENCE CENTER?

Conveniently Located Off I-15 In Layton, Just 20 Minutes From Salt Lake City and 10 Minutes From Ogden + Free Parking
Over 70 Wedding Professionals Will Be On Hand
Smaller Crowds Than The Bigger Shows, Gives You More One on One Time With Wedding Professionals
Thousands of Dollars in Prizes Will Be Given Away Throughout The Day
The First 150 Brides Who Arrive Will Receive a Complimentary Two Night Get Away
One Bride Will Win A Nights Stay At The Hilton Garden Inn
Utah’s Best Wedding Professionals Participate In Bridal Extravaganza Shows
Fashion Shows, Food Samplings, Entertainment and More

PLUS

One Lucky Couple Will Win A Dream Honeymoon To The ALL INCLUSIVE EL DORADO ROYALE In The Mayan Riviera – Compliments of All Points Travel.

Actual Photos of The El Dorado Royale

With Smaller Crowds Than Other Bridal Extravaganza Shows your odds of winning prizes are greater at this show than any other wedding show produced in 2012.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY, PRE REGISTER TO ATTEND TODAY

CLICK HERE TO PRE REGISTER

ALSO, MAKE SURE TO STOP BY THE SHOW AND VISIT THE CASTLE’S BOOTH SO YOU CAN SEE HOW YOU AND YOUR FIANCE CAN WIN A WEDDING VALUED AT $15,000.

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Tips and Ideas For Brides Attending Upcoming Bridal Extravaganza Shows

Melissa — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:49:57 +0000

2011 A Wedding At The Grand America Display

Winters biggest and best wedding show is this weekend at Utah’s most elegant and classy location, The Grand America. With over 130 wedding professionals on hand, fashion shows and live music this is the show you do not want to miss. That being said here are some tips to help you get the most out of the show. There will also be some amazing hair and makeup professionals available to give you a quick little make over or updo. You will be able to sample food from some of Utah’s best cake decorators and caterers. You will be able to chat with the states best photographers and wedding gown designers and see so many other things you may never have thought of for your wedding You will also be able to see what A WEDDING AT THE GRAND AMERICA looks like as they set up a room for brides to see first hand. Here are a few key things we HIGHLY recommend you do when attending the Bridal Extravaganza.

1. Arrive early

Those that arrive first to the bridal shows automatically receive some of the coolest prizes. Many Utah Bridal Shows offer discounts and incentives for arriving early to the show. The Upcoming Bridal Extravaganza at The South Towne Expo is giving away a 2 night get away to the first 150 brides who arrive. Not a bad deal for just showing up early. Many times brides show up towards the end of the show thinking they will just check it out. Little did they realize there is so much to do and see that they wish they would have arrived earlier.

Parking - The Grand America is conveniently located downtown but it isn’t in the middle of all the confusion. There is plenty of parking in The Grand America’s parking garage. However, you can also avoid the parking garage and its parking fees by parking across the street for FREE at the Little America. Another suggestion is to take Trax. The Trax line stops directly in Front of The Grand America. Even better if you were to go somewhere else downtown The Grand America stop is part of the FREE FAIR zone in down town Salt Lake. So if you wanted to park at The Gateway and then come on over, you could do so at no cost on TRAX.

2. Pre-register before the show

Save time by registering before the show. Registration only takes a few minutes and will save you from having to fill out a registration form at the show. While the line to get in may seem long before the show starts, once the doors open, those who are already registered and checked in are simply able to walk in. Make sure those attending the show with you pre-register online as well. There are separate check in tables for those brides and guests who are pre-registered and those who still need to register and pay. Click Here To Pre Register.

3. Bring your friends

Bringing your friends to the bridal show will help them feel involved and also give you a chance to bounce ideas back and forth. Many brides bring their maids of honor and their brides maids to help them with decisions. Many others will bring their mothers or mothers-in-law as this helps them feel more a part of the planning process. Plus, in many cases they are the ones paying for it all.

4. Contact info labels

Wedding vendors will often have drawings for prizes at their booths. Instead of having to fill out multiple forms with your contact info, prepare some electronic labels before the bridal show. Information to include: your name, address, phone number, wedding date and email address. This is something that will really help you as you go through the show. Trust us on this one, you will be so glad you did this.

5. Bring a notebook and pen

Bring a notebook and pen so you can take notes. Write down contact info of vendors you talked to or thoughts you have while attending the bridal show. You will visit with a lot of vendors. Make sure you write down things that really jump out and impress you. Realize that if you don’t write it down you could likely forget something important. There are many times where we get phone calls from brides after the show asking who the vendors were in the show because they didn’t take down any notes.

6. Bring a digital camera

Bringing a simple digital camera will allow you to quickly remember some of the great things you saw at the show. Did you see a great dress during a bridal fashion show? Maybe there is a great cake from a wedding cake designer. This will allow you to go back and see some of the things that impressed you the most.

7. Know your budget

Setting your wedding budget and knowing who is responsible for each thing will help you make decisions and know what you are looking for while attending the show. Shows tend to feature vendors of all kinds that fit into many different wedding budgets. While one vendor could be more expensive than your budget allows, the next one you meet with could meet your needs just fine.

8. Bring your checkbook – Extra Incentives to Book With Vendors Day of Show.

Many wedding vendors will offer a special day-of-the-bridal-show-only discount. This will help you save even more money if you are able to find your vendor at the bridal show.

The Bridal Extravaganza also gives you an additional incentive for booking your vendors at the show –Extra entries into the Grand Prize Drawing! Most vendors will require a deposit to secure your wedding date. Please be aware that certain dates fill up very fast so if you find a vendor you want to work with, put the deposit down because chances are if you don’t someone else will book them. For every vendor you book with at the show you will receive 1 entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. This is a great way for you to not only solidify your wedding vendors but to also give you a better chance at the Dream Honeymoon.

9. Do your research

Know which wedding services you need before the show. Also try to find out which wedding vendors will be exhibiting. This will help you know what questions to ask and allow you to visit those vendors you are particularly interested in.

To see a list of participating vendors for this show go here.

10. Take part in the prizes offered during the show

Many shows offer prizes that are given away throughout the day and a grand prize drawing at the end of the day. I know of one bride at a recent show who won three different prizes provided by the show vendors. Because of it she was able to save almost $1000 on her wedding. Money she said she used to pay for a honeymoon they didn’t think they would be able to take. Grand prize drawings at the end of the show are an exciting thing for the brides, imagine having your wedding in a location you never dreamed of or taking a honey moon trip to an all inclusive resort that you never thought you could afford. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given away at The Winter Bridal Extravaganza. Many brides will leave with some incredible gifts. It very well could be you. Not only will one lucky bride win the honeymoon of her dreams but the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza also offers a 3 day trip to an all inclusive resort for the brides mother or mother-in-law, all they have to do is register for it. Pretty great way to say thank you to your mother or your fiance’s mother.

All Points Travel provides us with the amazing Dream Honeymoon to The All Inclusive, Adults Only, El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera. This incredible resort was recently named one of the top 100 Resorts in the World AND one of the Top 10 Relaxation Resorts in Mexico.

We are excited to see you at the show this weekend. A reminder to register early, it will save you money and it will also save you a lot of time. Brides and Guests that are pre-registered are able to just walk in once the show opens.

Go HERE to print your FREE printable Wedding Planner

We are excited to see you this Saturday at the Grand America for Utah’s biggest & best bridal show of the YEAR!!

Utah’s #1 Wedding Showcase at The States Most Luxurious Location

Melissa — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:48:17 +0000

The Grand America – Host of The 2012 Winter Bridal Extravaganza – Photo by Swensen Photography

If you haven’t noticed the month of January is wedding show month in Utah and there are some good shows out there. But no show compares to The Winter Bridal Extravaganza at The Grand America. First of all you have The Bridal Extravaganza, Utah’s largest producer of Bridal Shows teaming up with the incredible luxury, elegance and class of The Grand America and its staff to bring you one amazing wedding showcase.

This year the show is even bigger and better than ever. Featuring over 130 of Utah’s very best wedding professionals from all over the state you will find every kind of vendor catering to budgets of all sizes that will be there ready and eager to help you make your wedding day magical.

Over 130 Wedding Professionals From All Over Utah Will Be On Hand

Last year over $20,000 in gifts and prizes were give away at the show and this year it will be no different. Many brides come looking for services to help them with their wedding and end up leaving having won so many prizes that they are able to take money allocated for one thing and apply it to something else for their wedding. One bride at a recent show won a couple of prizes that she hadn’t planned on, giving her the opportunity to take some of the money she would have spent on those services and apply it to a honeymoon she wasn’t planning on taking.

If you have not been to The Grand America you need to do yourself a favor and come check it out. The elegance and class is second to none and The Grand America knows how to host an event, plus they take one of their rooms and decorate it so brides can see what a wedding would look like at The Grand.

Utah’s premier caterers will be on hand providing amazing food samples, local wedding gown designers will be there to showcase the latest fashions and styles. Photographers, videographers, wedding designers, reception centers, cake decorators, officiants, florists and so so many more professionals will be there to give you the ideas, suggestions and advice to help make sure you have the wedding you want.

Catering Samples From Some Of Utah’s Best Caterers

Aside from all the wonderful things you will see here are a few other reasons you do not want to miss Utah’s #1 wedding show.

The First 150 Brides Who Arrive Will Receive A Complimentary Two Day Get Away
One Couple Will Win A Nights Stay At The Grand America
One Couple Will Win a Custom Designed Suit for Him and A Spa Package For Her – Click Here For Details
Over 130 of Utah’s Very Best Wedding Professionals Will Be On Hand, More Than Any Other Show
Day of Show Deals and Specials Provided By Local Wedding Professionals That You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Over $20,000 in Gifts and Prizes Will Be Handed Out Throughout The Day
One Couple Will Win The Ultimate Honeymoon Get Away. A Dream Honeymoon To The All Inclusive El Dorado Royale In The Mayan Riviera. – Compliments of All Points Travel.

The El Dorado Royale – The Dream Honeymoon Give Away

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

PRE REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND

Pre Registered Brides and Guests Get In Faster Than Those Not Pre Registered

See Samples of What Weddings At The Grand America Look Like – Photo By Swensen Photography

Thousands of Dollars in Prizes Will Be Awarded At The Show

Picture Yourself Here – The Crystal Blue Waters Of The Mayan Riviera – Actual Photo At The El Dorado Royale

See You There – Photo By Swensen Photography

Click HERE to get your FREE Wedding Planner

Some Favorites of Local Utah Wedding Professionals From 2011

Melissa — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:03:58 +0000

We asked many of the wonderful vendors who are part of TheBrideandGroom.com to submit some of their favorite images from 2011. There is some amazing talent right here in Utah and we are privileged to be associated with some wonderful people. Yesterday we shared some favorites of local photographers today we are sharing some work of some fantastic designers, caterers, cake professionals, florists and other local professionals.

We want to thank those of you who come to our blog on a regular basis to get ideas, learn more and see some amazing work. We also want to thank all those who regularly contribute to our blog giving soon to be brides and grooms ideas, advice and inspiration for their own weddings. We are honored to be a small part in helping to make one of your most memorable days magical.

We wish you the best as you plan your wedding and we look forward to hearing so many of your amazing stories in 2012.

Photo by~Cake Photography.com (submitted by~White Ginger Events)

Photo courtesy of~Sure Fire Pizza

The Flower Valet

Photo by~Cake-A-Licious

Photo credit~Magnifique Photography Submitted by~Utah Events by Design

Twilight Wedding Inspiration

Photo credit~Tonya Peterson Photography Submitted by~Utah Events by Design

Twilight Wedding Inspiration

Photo credit~Tonya Peterson Photography Submitted by~Utah Events by Design

Twilight Wedding Inspiration

Photo credit~Tonya Peterson Photography Submitted by~Utah Events by Design

Copper Harvest

Photo by~Tonya Peterson (Submitted by Utah Events by Design)

Copper Harvest

Photo by~Tonya Peterson (Submitted by Utah Events by Design)

Connie & Thomas~Summer Utah Wedding at La Caille 2011~2010′s $100k Dream Wedding Winners

Melissa — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:09:22 +0000

Photography by~Swensen Photography

Thomas & Connie were the 2010 $100k Dream Wedding Winners but weren’t married til July 2nd, 2011. During this beautiful holiday season we thought it would be great to share highlights from their gorgeous summer wedding. We know there were lots of engagements over the holiday & some more coming in the next week with New YEARS so congratulations to all the newly engaged couples out there. We hope this fabulous summer wedding inspires you for your own dream wedding.

Photography by~Swensen Photography

We want to send a special shout out to the amazing vendors who are able to make the dream wedding giveaway possible:

To see all images from this gorgeous wedding be sure to check out their featured wedding page HERE. We hope this wedding inspires all the 2012 brides & grooms to create their own dream wedding.

The Ice Wedding~January California Wedding at La Quinta Resort

Melissa — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:45:16 +0000

“The Ice Wedding”

Written by~Barbara Wallace-The Wedding Planner

Hello again. I’m so happy to be back with TheBrideandGroom.com!

Now that winter is nearly here it’s gotten pleasantly chilly even here in Southern California. I love the season to celebrate so many wonderful things and love the days when it’s sunny but chilly! I also love to bring out boots and scarves at least a few months of the year so in keeping with that theme, I’d like share with you what the brilliant designer and I dubbed “The Ice Wedding.”

From the tall carved ice columns along the ceremony aisle to the faux snow falling on the guests as they entered the ballroom to the snowflake lighting and lots of crystals everywhere this wedding was gorgeous, unusual – and lusciously winter-y.

It took place in January in the desert community of La Quinta (California) which is near Palm Springs. The designer came up with the idea of playing up the juxtaposition of winter and the desert which is thought to be a great place to get away from the cold.

At La Quinta Resort and Club there is a lovely vintage villa called La Casa that used to be Greta Garbo’s vacation hideaway. It’s surrounded by a sizeable asphalt parking lot but after the designer got done with that parking lot it was an amazing secret garden that enclosed an intimate ceremony.

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

First, he fashioned a Secret Garden with dozens of hedge boxes brought in to form 8-foot walls around the perimeter of the ceremony area. A few extra hedges formed a baffle so that guests sort of wended their way in to discover the garden. After passing through a wrought iron gate festooned with wreaths of solid baby’s breath they came upon a striking white aisle (made of dance floors sections) lined with eight 4-foot tall carved ice columns topped with large floral arrangements all in white. Four 6-foot tall carved ice columns were used at the front to accent the altar area.

The color scheme was white and silver accented by an icy turquoise blue which was worn by the bridesmaids then used inside the ballroom for the lighting. Ceremony seating was silver Chameleon chairs with white suede cushions. A wonderful chamber ensemble played prelude and ceremony music then moved to the cocktail area

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to the lovely enclosed courtyard of the villa for the cocktail hour where they nibbled on tray passed and hors d’oeuvres displays from a long table draped with turquoise blue overlain with white chiffon. Simple silver trees and white flowers in silver mint julep cups adorned the cocktail tables.

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

Both the ceremony and the reception were booked out-of-doors as it seemed like the desert weather would be comfortable even in the dead of winter. But the week prior to the wedding it turned bitter cold once the sun went down so, concerned for the guests’ comfort, we scrambled about to move the reception inside. Wouldn’t you know, the large ballroom at the venue had a corporate event booked in it so we had to use the smaller, L-shaped ballroom. Fortunately the décor designer is creative in all ways so he was able to turn around on a dime and make the décor work just fine.

Because it was chilly, the guests were didn’t linger in the cocktail area and were happy to get into the ballroom. They were directed along the resort’s charming, winding pathways and into a single door so we could purposely funnel them through our “snow.” We used a small snow machine that dropped darling little snowflakes on them as they entered the ballroom. It was a pleasant surprise and provided a wonderful atmosphere. They then walked a white aisle (which was dance floor sections just as we used in the ceremony.) That path was also lined with ice columns but these were just 4-feet tall. We were able to re-purpose the flowers from the ceremony to top these columns. The lighting was key here as illusions of snow dropping swirled gently about the ceiling further echoing our snow fall.

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

The room was sparkling with the silver and crystal. From the silver beaded tablecloths and the tall centerpieces of leafless silver tree branches dripping with crystals to the bunches of silver glitter laden branches that adorned the columns of the room there was the feel of a winter wonderland. We chose turquoise lighting throughout the room- uplights and projections of bare winter branches in white and large white snowflake projections over the dance floor which gave exciting movement. To set them apart and also to give some visual color interest the nine piece band was lighted in pink.

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

A lounge area was in a corner of the ballroom behind the ice column entry path. In keeping with the ice-garden motif, white wicker furniture was used and it formed a mini secret garden away from the dining tables where guests could watch the dancing and visit.

The couple chose to have both bride’s cake and a groom’s cake. Hers was a gorgeous all white confection adorned with pearlized spheres which sat atop a silver stand. It was surrounded by tall ice columns, flowers and greenery. The groom’s cake was an over sized replica- both in looks and taste- of his favorite candy- a peanut butter cup. It was displayed atop a stand of mirror mosaic on a table near the bride’s cake and both were ceremoniously cut and served to the guests from the luscious Viennese table dessert display after a delectable sit-down dinner.

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

Guests danced the night away then were delighted to find a Sweet Dreams table as they departed the ballroom. Of course, in keeping with the turquoise and white color scheme the candies were ice-y blue and white. I especially loved the rock candy as it looked like ice chunks.

Photography by Jon Nickson Photography

To Do or Not To Do?:

Q. Shall we see each other before the wedding?

A .Couples often ask this question and there is really no right or wrong answer. The first thing I tell them is to look at the pros and cons and then follow their own hearts and not to let anyone sway them including the photographer, friends or family. Sometimes the couple is urged to do it for the convenience of the photographer but I don’t feel that should be a factor. Naturally, there are pre-ceremony photos of both the bride’s and groom’s sides separately but with the usual hour of cocktails there should be enough time to get the group photos done. If you have a large family, make sure you have someone from each side who knows all of them to wrangle them for the photographer.

Things in favor of seeing each other are that you will get photos of the two of you while you’re freshly dressed and you won’t have to worry about being away from your guests just after the ceremony. You might get rid of some of the pre-ceremony jitters if you have that few moments together to share that special time. Of course, the photographer and/or wedding planner should make that first glimpse a very special time with a bit of orchestration as to where and how it will take place. I would also recommend that it be limited to just the bride and groom for the first few minutes as this is a very intimate time and having the full complement of the wedding party can be a little distracting especially to a less outgoing couple.

One con to seeing each other before are that you lose some of the magic that happens when you see each other for the first time with the wedding in full swing- the music is playing; your wedding party has entered and the guests are enthralled with all the beauty and excitement. Actually, I’ve seen more grooms shed a tear at this time than at a “first glimpse” prior to the wedding.

Another con is that you may not be able to join the cocktail hour due to having group photos of both sides that might take most of that hour. Some couples purposefully do not join the cocktail hour as they prefer to make a grand entrance into the reception room but that is a personal decision.

Something I’d recommend every couple do is to take five minutes alone just after the ceremony to take some deep breaths, share a little smooch and bask in the newlywed status. It might very well be the only 5 minutes you have alone the entire day.

About the Author:

Barbara Wallace- Wedding Planner

Barbara Wallace is an award winning wedding planner located in California and is a Master Bridal Consultant ™. She has twice won the coveted Gala Award for Best Wedding and has been a winner or nominee of four other Galas. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and on the TV shows “Platinum Weddings” (WE) and “Extreme Weddings” (TLC). She was the real wedding planner on the Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (Season 3.) Barbara is also the author of the “Wedding Vendor Handbook: Get to the Top and Stay There.”

Barbara is also the co-author of “Beautiful Bride From Every Angle: Look Great in Every Photo…and in Life”.

To get more tips, ideas & inspiration from Barbara you can order her book HERE.

Vendors for This Wedding:

Venue: La Quinta Resort and Club, La Quinta, CA, www.laquintaresort.com

Décor Designer and Florist: John Creager, San Diego, CA www.johncreagerweddings.com

Photographer: Jon Nickson Photography, Southern California and British West Indies, www.nicksonphoto.com

Videographer: Ashley Video, Newport Beach, CA www.ashleyvideo.com

Lighting: Shine, Brea, CA www.shinelighting.com

Ceremony Music: Enchanted Evening Productions, Mission Viejo, CA www.enchantedevening.com

Reception Music: Essence Entertainment, Costa Mesa, CA www.essenceentertainment.com

Cakes- Bride’s and Groom’s: The Cake Studio, Fountain Valley CA

Bridal Gown: Carolina Herrera

Invitations: Studio Z Mendocino, Fort Bragg, CA www.studio-z.com

Hair and Makeup: Yamaguchi Salon at La Quinta Resort and Club, www.laquintaresort.com

Tis The Season~For Utah Bridal Shows~Save The Dates

Melissa — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:12:44 +0000

GET READY FOR UTAH’S BEST WEDDING SHOWCASES!!!

After the gifts are unwrapped and all the eggnog is gone, after you have sung Auld Ang Syne and kissed your sweetheart at midnight to ring in 2012 get ready for Bridal Show Season.

Wedding Shows are a very popular thing for brides and grooms getting married and January is the month for so many newly engaged couples to plan their weddings. Bride and Groom Marketing is Utah’s not only the largest producer of wedding shows in but they also produce the best shows.

In 2011 over $300,000 in gifts and prizes were awarded to brides and grooms who attended their shows. Utah’s top wedding professionals bring their expertise to these shows and brides from all over the state are able to get ideas, become inspired, see the latest trends and styles and have a fantastic time while planning one of the biggest days of their lives.

In 2012 attendees are in for special treats at each show produced by Bride and Groom Marketing. Not only will there be thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes given away at each show but at every show one lucky couple will win an amazing dream honeymoon. That is 6 honeymoons throughout the year.

In January Bride and Groom Marketing will be producing three different shows. Each show is unique in and of itself and each show will feature some amazing wedding professionals, some fantastic fashion shows and yes some pretty amazing prizes.

WHY ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS?

Visit with numerous wedding professionals all in one location
See the latest styles and trends in the wedding industry
Get ideas from those who know and understand weddings
Win thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes
Companies typically offer some pretty great day of show deals that you can’t get afterwards
No running around, everything you need is in one location
Did we mention you can win a dream honeymoon?

WHY ATTEND SHOWS PRODUCED BY BRIDE AND GROOM MARKETING?

Utah’s best professionals participate in their shows
More gifts and prizes are given out at their shows by far
The first 150 brides who arrive at each show receive a complimentary 2 night get away
Brides get extra incentives for booking with vendors at the show
More vendors participate in their shows than any other show giving you more opportunities to get ideas, and find exactly what you are looking for

Here are the upcoming January shows produced by Bride and Groom Marketing

The Winter Bridal Extravaganza

January 14th, 2o12

The Grand America

From 11:00 – 6:00

Utah’s number one bridal show featuring over 125 wedding professionals at the states most luxurious location. This is the ultimate wedding show. Wedding professionals from all over Utah participate in this show and brides planning their wedding of any type of budget can find what they are looking for here.

One couple will win a nights stay at The Grand America

One Groom Will Win A Custom Designed Suit by Dress Code

and One Couple Will Win A Dream Honeymoon To The All Inclusive El Dorado Royale in The Mayan Riviera – Compliments of All Points Travel.

The El Dorado Royale

The Northern Utah Bridal Extravaganza

January 21st, 2o12

The Davis Conference Center in Layton

From 11:00 – 4:30

Northern Utah’s Premier wedding showcase. The top wedding professionals from Davis, Weber, Box Elder, Cache, Morgan and Summit Counties will be on hand at this show. Over 75 wedding professionals in one location to help brides from the Northern Utah area plan the perfect day.

Thousands of dollars in prizes will be handed out at this show including a dream honeymoon to The All Inclusive El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera – Again Compliments of All Points Travel.

The El Dorado Royale

The Wedding Festival

January 27th and 28th

At The South Towne Expo Center

Friday – 4:00 – 8:00

Saturday 11:00 – 6:00

Utah’s longest running wedding show (since 1977) is the newest addition to the Bride and Groom Marketing wedding show group. This two day show will feature over 100 of Utah’s very best wedding professionals.

As it is with their other shows thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes will be given out at this show and one lucky couple will win a dream honeymoon to the all inclusive Barcelo Resort in Puerto Vallarta.

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta

Because each show is unique and because no wedding is alike we invite you to attend each show, not only will you get all sorts of great ideas for your wedding you will also see so many different styles and ideas that will help you to create the wedding of your dreams.

Enjoy the Holidays we will see you in January.

TheBrideandGroom.com Blog » Wedding Cakes

Highlights From The Winter Bridal Extravaganza At The Grand America

Wrap Up The Wedding Show Season With Utah’s Longest Running Wedding Showcase – The Wedding Festival

SAVE TIME AND MONEY PRE REGISTER TO ATTEND!!

CLICK HERE TO PRE REGISTER

Wedding Cakes by Wedding Dreamer

Utah’s Best Wedding Pros Gather In Northern Utah – Bridal Show

Actual Photos of The El Dorado Royale

CLICK HERE TO PRE REGISTER

Tips and Ideas For Brides Attending Upcoming Bridal Extravaganza Shows

1. Arrive early

2. Pre-register before the show

3. Bring your friends

4. Contact info labels

5. Bring a notebook and pen

6. Bring a digital camera

7. Know your budget

8. Bring your checkbook – Extra Incentives to Book With Vendors Day of Show.

9. Do your research

10. Take part in the prizes offered during the show

Utah’s #1 Wedding Showcase at The States Most Luxurious Location

The Grand America – Host of The 2012 Winter Bridal Extravaganza – Photo by Swensen Photography

Over 130 Wedding Professionals From All Over Utah Will Be On Hand

Catering Samples From Some Of Utah’s Best Caterers

The El Dorado Royale – The Dream Honeymoon Give Away

PRE REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND

See Samples of What Weddings At The Grand America Look Like – Photo By Swensen Photography

Thousands of Dollars in Prizes Will Be Awarded At The Show

Picture Yourself Here – The Crystal Blue Waters Of The Mayan Riviera – Actual Photo At The El Dorado Royale

See You There – Photo By Swensen Photography

Some Favorites of Local Utah Wedding Professionals From 2011

Connie & Thomas~Summer Utah Wedding at La Caille 2011~2010′s $100k Dream Wedding Winners

The Ice Wedding~January California Wedding at La Quinta Resort

Tis The Season~For Utah Bridal Shows~Save The Dates

The Winter Bridal Extravaganza

The Northern Utah Bridal Extravaganza

The Wedding Festival

Pre Register Here