Photography by~Mario Testino

(Official portrait photographs for the engagement of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton)

The Royal Wedding is almost here.  Prince William & Catherine Middleton will be wed this coming Friday, April 29th, 2011  at Westminster Abbey.  This is sure to be the wedding of the year.  When it comes to planning a wedding the Royal Wedding is sure to top it all & I can’t hardly wait to see all the amazing details.  Just because you weren’t sent a royal invitation doesn’t mean you can’t share in the excitement & watch for yourself.  If you want to watch be sure to tune in to the Royal Channel HERE so that you can watch it all LIVE.  And now you can’t say you weren’t invited because now you are.

I am so excited to see her beautiful dress, see all the amazing flowers & hear what music they decided to choose.  Any guesses on what style of gown she will wear?  Catherine has so much class & elegance about her I know that all the amazing details will be in good taste. I only hope that the fruit cake they chose for the wedding cake flavor is much tastier than the traditional fruit cake I have eaten during the Christmas holiday at my house.  I think my taste would prefer Prince Williams chocolate cake that he requested, chocolate is always a hit.    We hope that her ideas will help inspire you  to invent your own royal style for your perfect wedding.  After all it’s your day & you deserve to be the Princess that you are.  I would love to hear your thoughts on how you are making your wedding plans as spectacular as this wedding will be.

For more information about the Royal Wedding & interviews from those helping make this day happen, you can visit the Official Royal Wedding 2011.

January marks the end of the holiday season and the beginning of the wedding show season.  Brides who became engaged over the holidays, or earlier for that matter, will have ample opportunity to prepare for their dream wedding at the states biggest and best wedding shows.

The Bridal Extravaganza Show on January 15th at The Grand America is Utah’s most prestigious wedding show.  Brides will have the opportunity to meet with over 100 of Utah’s top wedding professionals at the states most elegant and exquisite location.  The Grand America itself is an amazing place to see, but put a bridal show in the Grand America and you have a wedding event you do not want to miss.

The Northern Utah Bridal Extravaganza Show on January 29th at The Davis Conference Center is the perfect show for brides planning their wedding in Davis, Weber, Box Elder and Cache Counties.  80 of Northern Utah’s best wedding experts will be available at this show to help brides plan their dream wedding.  The Davis Conference Center is the perfect location because of its class and charm.  This isn’t your typical expo center as the conference center itself is a place that can also host a first class wedding.

Fashion shows by Utah’s top wedding gown companies, music from the states best musicians, incredible food sampling from caterers around the state and so much more will be exhibited at these shows.

Typically vendors at Bridal Extravaganza shows offer specials to attending brides that they can’t find anywhere else in the state.  Brides will also have the opportunity to see the latest styles and newest innovations within the wedding industry.

In 2010 over $300,000 in prizes were given away at Bridal Extravaganza shows and in 2011 there will be even more opportunities for brides to receive some incredible gifts from amazing wedding vendors.

One lucky bride at each show will win the honeymoon of her dreams at the amazing El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera.  This is an all inclusive, adults only resort like none other.  Our friends at All Points Travel are the sponsors of this amazing give away.  The possibility of winning such a phenomenal honeymoon is reason enough to attend the shows.

A One Bedroom Casita At The El Dorado Royale

Ocean View From Your Private Patio At The El Dorado Royale

Pre-registered brides get in free.  Friends and Family are $7.00.  Both shows will open at 11:00 and close at 5:30.

Pre-Register Here

The first 150 brides who arrive at the shows will receive a complimentary 2 night getaway and thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes will be given out at both shows.

If you aren’t quite sure what you want then ask your videographer for some ideas.   I am sure they will have lots of fun ideas as they come up with fun video ideas all the time.  If you don’t have a videographer, be sure to check for one in our vendors section on our site The Bride and Groom.com.

Here are a couple tips to help you make it more personalized:

1. Find something that is unique to your relationship~ Maybe the first place you kissed, or your first date or something even more fun & creative that works with you & your man.

2. Tell your story~ Your video should tell a story.  Something that gives a good feel for who you both are & how you feel about each other.  Your very own love story.  Who doesn’t want that?

3. Be yourself~ Show your personality & don’t be afraid to be who you are on camera.  Most importantly have fun.  This should be one of the best times of your life.  Planning your wedding & creating your own love story will be one of the most memorable parts.  Enjoy every second of it as it will go by way too fast.

Here are a couple fun examples of fun engagement story videos.  Special thanks to Kale Fitch Productions for sharing these fantastic videos with us.  They are incredible.

Picture yourself in a tropical paradise walking hand in hand down the beach with the person you just married.  Picture yourself spending time relaxing in front of the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean while the sun rises.  Picture yourself staying in a beautiful suite at an all inclusive resort where your every need is taken care of.  Now, picture yourself doing this and not having to pay for it.  Pretty sweet huh!

The Bridal Extravaganza along with All Points Travel are proud to sponsor a Dream Honeymoon give away to The all inclusive El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera at both the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza shows in January.

Actual Aerial View Of The El Dorado Royale

Brides who attend Bridal Extravaganza Bridal Shows not only have a chance to win this absolutely amazing honeymoon but also have the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in prizes given away throughout the day at both shows.

In 2010 Brides attending Bridal Extravaganza shows won over $300,000 in prizes and in 2011 it will be even bigger and better.

The first two shows of the year will kick off on January 15th and 29th respectively.

The January 15th show will be at the states most luxurious location the amazing Grand America Hotel.  The Ballroom will feature over 100 of the states very best wedding vendors and experts who will be on hand to assist attending brides with all of their needs.  The Grand America is known for luxury, first class accommodations and the Bridal Show doesn’t disappoint.  We will also be announcing the winning couple of the Military Wedding Give Away Sponsored By Celtic Waters. Vendors at this show know the wedding industry inside and out and know how to help all brides who attend the show whether they are planning a small intimate wedding or a large bash this is the one wedding show you do not want to miss.

The second show will follow on January 29th for our Northern Utah Brides.  By popular demand The Bridal Extravaganza will be producing Northern Utah’s biggest and best wedding show.  For many years we have been told by vendors and brides alike that Northern Utah deserves to have a first class show and we have responded.  Over 75 of Northern Utah’s best wedding experts will be on hand to help brides in Davis, Weber, Cache and all other Northern Utah Counties plan their perfect day.

Why Bridal Shows?

• Vendors at bridal shows are on hand to meet with you personally to plan your day.
• Typically vendors offer specials at bridal shows where you can receive some great discounts for your wedding needs.
• You will see the latest trends and styles as well as some unique things you may have never thought of.
• No running around, the states industry leaders are all in one place.

Why Bridal Extravaganza Shows?

• Thousands of dollars in prizes are given away.  Including one Dream Honeymoon to the all inclusive El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera – Compliments of All Points Travel.
• Receive a 3 day 2 night get away if you book services with at least 3 vendors at the show.
• The first 150 brides to arrive at the show will receive a 3 day 2 night get away.
• Vendors at the show are ready to assist you with your needs and help you get what you need within the budget you have created for yourself.
• Fashion shows from the states very best wedding gown and tuxedo companies.
• Entertainment from the states best bands.
• Unique ideas that you may have never thought of for your wedding.
• Beauty tips from Utah’s best makeup artists, food samples from the states best caterers and so much more.
• Brides who attend Bridal Extravaganza shows leave the show being better educated, with more ideas and have had a lot more fun than any other show they have attended.
• One lucky brides mother or mother in law will also win a complimentary 3 night stay at the El Dorado Royale.  No they don’t have to go with you.

If you are getting married in 2011 or if there is the possibility that you might get married in the near future these are the shows you DO NOT want to miss

Pre-Registered Brides get in Free!

Pre Register Here

Corina from All Points Travel, Durven from Laughing Gravy and Rachel from The Bridal Extravavanza Selecting the Dream Honeymoon Winner at The Fall 2010 show.

Become a fan of  THEBRIDEANDGROOM.COM on Facebook to receive the latest updates in the wedding industry and you can also become eligible to win other incredible prizes.

Photography by: Swensen Photography

By: Josh Scott of All Star Events DJ Services

Sometimes the hardest music to pick is the songs that you want to use for those special dances that have become such a traditional part of weddings. Here are a few popular suggestions for those special dances

First Dance:
A Moment Like This- Kelly Clarkson
Always and Forever-Heatwave
Amazed- Lonestar
Can’t Help Falling In Love- Elvis Presley
Come Away With Me- Norah Jones
Come What May Ewan McGregor/Nicole Kidman
Everything I Do (I Do It For You)- Bryan Adams
Faithfully- Journey
From This Moment- Shania Twain
God Must Have Spent A Little More Time- N Sync
Have I Told You Lately- Rod Stewart
Heaven-Bryan Adams
I Could Not Ask For More- Sara Evans
It’s Your Love- Faith Hill/Tim McGraw
The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra
Unforgettable- Nat King Cole
When You Say Nothing At All- Allison Krauss
You’re The Inspiration- Chicago
You’ve Got A Friend- James Taylor

Father/Daughter Dance:
Butterfly Kisses- Bob Carlisle
I Loved Her First- Heartland
Always be Your Baby- Natalie Grant
Through the Years- Kenny Rogers
How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You- James Taylor
The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra

Mother/Son Dance:

Wind Beneath My Wings- Bette Midler
A Song for Mama- Boys II Men
What a Wonderful World- Louis Armstrong
Because You Loved Me- Celine Dion
Have I Told You Lately-Rod Stewart
The Perfect Fan- Backstreet Boys
My Wish- Rascal Flatts

Josh Scott is the owner and head DJ for All Star Events Djs.  He has experience working all sorts of events. From small weddings with 15 people, to large sporting events with 60,000+ screaming fans.  Large crowd or small Josh knows how to make your event memorable.

Photography by: Swensen Photography

Photography by: Swensen Photography

Are you planning your wedding for the second time?  GREAT, now you can do things the way you want to do them. Here are a few tips for planning your second wedding.

1. Telling your Ex~Be sure to tell those who are close to you first & if you have a relationship with your first spouse because of children together or what not, be sure to tell your ex personally so they don’t hear it through the grape vine.  Communication with your ex may not be that simple.  If that is the case you can always send a letter if that is easier.  If you do communicate then say it in person rather than a letter.
2. Include your children~ If you have children from your previous marriage be sure to ask them to be involved.  If they are older children ask them how they want to help & possibly even be a best man or bride’s maid if you want them to.  If they are younger children it is important to keep them included & make sure they are comfortable with your decision on getting married.  After all, your soon to be spouse will be just as much a part of their life as yours.
3. Do everything different~ This means, new dress, new rings, new venue.  You want to have new memories with your new spouse, don’t redo your first wedding, or your first marriage for that matter.  You are making a new start so do it differently.
4. Celebrate~ Just because this is your second wedding doesn’t mean it is any less special. Keep in mind that many friends & family gave you gifts at your first wedding so you may want to think about not having a large reception or request “please no gifts”.  You may already have all that you need to start your new life together.
5. Bridal showers & Registry~ Typically showers are held for first time weddings so that new couples can get the things they need to build their new home together.  Often time second marriages don’t need everything, but having a bridal shower doesn’t have to be obsolete.  If someone offers to throw you a bridal shower, graciously accept their offer.  The next question is should you register?  Why not? You may register for different things than you would have the first time around, but none the less you can still register. Etiquette rules state that gifts for second marriages are optional, but that doesn’t mean you won’t receive gifts, you just may not receive as many as your first wedding.
6. Receptions~ Of course you may have a reception.  A reception is simply a celebration of your marriage.  Just keep in mind you may have to pay for this one since most likely your parents covered the first wedding.
7. Who pays~ Typically speaking on second marriages the couple splits the cost.  However, if parents volunteer to help cover some of the expense it is okay to graciously accept their offer.
8. What color to wear~ Of course you can wear white!!  I find it absurd that someone created the rule about not being able to wear white.  If you want to have a traditional wedding like your first then do it.  It is all about what you want not what everyone else finds acceptable.  Let’s face it if they don’t like they don’t have to come.  Wear any color & any style you want, after all this is your wedding & you only plan on getting married twice.
9. Keep it simple~ Most second marriages you want to keep it simple.  Here are some suggestions on ways to keep it simple:

~Invite only close friends & family.  Having a small wedding list gives a more intimate feeling & cuts some of the expense as well.

~Opt for a backyard barbecue for the wedding dinner or luncheon.  You can even have this catered & spare the stress of preparing the food.

~If you have a backyard barbecue, why not have a backyard reception as well. (if you plan on having a reception, as second marriages sometimes opt out of receptions all together) If you already ordered tables & chairs for the luncheon why not keep them for the reception.

~Make your own Candy Buffet or dessert bar for your reception.

~Find some DIY projects that will help create the beautiful wedding you want but help cut some of the expense.

My biggest rule for ANY wedding is this:  Do what works for you. When I say YOU I am referring to both the Bride & the Groom. Both the bride and the groom should have a say in the wedding plans.  This can be a great way to learn how to compromise by making each other happy in regards to the wedding plans.  Be sure to talk about what is really important to you & what you must have at your wedding.  If each of you talk about it & really say how you feel you will be more apt to understanding where the other is coming from.  This is your day so make it what you want.  You can’t take it back once it has happened & you can’t change anything.  It’s okay to be a little selfish on your day, just be sure to include the ones you love in your decisions especially if you have children.  If you have children let this be their special day too.

Be sure to get our FREE Printable Wedding Planner on our website The Bride and Groom.com to help you keep track of all your planning.

I found this great little check list for second weddings on The Knot.  I hope you find it helpful.

Be sure to check our website for amazing vendors to help you create your perfect day.

Photography by: Monarch Photography

Photography by: Swensen Photography

BEFORE THE WEDDING

How he proposed: Ryan took Irina to where they went on their first date. They walked to the first place they ever sat down together, he went down on one knee and proposed.

WEDDING

Ceremony Place: Memorial House, Memory Grove, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Date: July 3rd, 2010

The bride wore: A red and gold saree for the ceremony, and a white silk gown afterward

The groom wore: A gold sherwani for the ceremony, and a dark grey suit afterward

RECEPTION

Reception Place: It was a wedding and a dinner. No reception.

Wedding music: Classical guitar for the wedding march and bollywood songs afterward [DJ Moazzem from Emkay International].

Menu: lamb vindaloo, parsi fish curry, saag aloo, masala vegetables, rice, bread, pakoras [Utah Food Services]

Cake: Chocolate and vanilla, 4-tiers, butter creme frosting [Wedding Cakes By Dawna]

Colors: Red, white, gold

Flowers: Hydrangeas courtesy Kathy Swiss

Décor elements: Flower arrangements (Kathy Swiss) and handmade centerpieces (Stephanie Long), silk table runners (nameless Chinese vendor in Beijing)

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT

Bride’s answer: The wedding ceremony was perfect. I was holding my breath to hear every word that Ryan said, it was in a perfect location and my dream outdoor wedding. During the ceremony, I was thinking so much about Ryan and myself, that the world around us had disappeared and it was just us getting married. It was wonderful.

Groom’s answer: The wedding ceremony.

HONEYMOON

Place: (pending) Dominican Republic

WEDDING ADVICE

Relax and enjoy the wedding. It goes by very quickly. If at the end of the night, you’re married to your true love, you can consider it a success! Spend time talking to your friends and family, because they will say things that they will never tell you on any other occasion.

Fore more images from their wedding be sure to check them out on the featured wedding page on our website The Bride and Groom.com.

VENDORS

Rings: Birks & Sons, Canada

Invitations: Ideal Products, Bangladesh

Guest book: It’s a secret!

Photography: Opie Foto

Bridal gown: The saree is from Tangail Kutir, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The white dress is from a tailor in the Silk Street market, Beijing, China

Alterations: misc tailor at Westgate Mall, Ottawa, Canada

Hair and Makeup: Janae @ Lunatic Fringe, Salt Lake City, Utah

Bridesmaids’ dresses: somewhere in India

Groom’s Tux/Suit: The sherwani is from Orly in Kolkata, India; the suit is from Hugo Boss in Ottawa, Canada

Flowers: Kathy Swiss, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Decorations and rentals: Linen rentals from UFS and Memorial House, centerpieces from Stephanie Long, St. George Utah

Catering: Utah Food Services, Salt Lake City, Utah

Cake: Wedding Cakes by Dawna, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Venue: Memorial House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Entertainment/Music: DJ Moazzem from Emkay International, Murray, Utah

Wedding favors: Pearls and ties from various vendors in Beijing, China

Wedding planner: Bride & groom with lots of help from family!

Officiant: The Hon. Shauna Graves-Robertson

Transportation: Avis Car Rental, yo!

Guest lodging: Utah’s Best Vacation Rentals (.com) and SLC’s finest downtown hotels…

Make sure to attend the wedding event of the year.

Saturday July 17th, 11 am – 5 pm

At La Caille

9565 Wasatch Blvd. in Sandy

For Map and Directions Click Here

Over 80 of Utah’s best wedding vendors will all be in one of the states most elegant locations to help you plan your dream wedding.

Reasons To Attend The Bridal Extravaganza at LaCaille

• First 150 brides to arrive will receive a 2 night getaway.
• Thousands of dollars in gifts will be given out that day.
• One lucky Bride will win the wedding of her dreams valued at $100,000.
• Special musical performances and fashion shows featuring some of Utah’s top wedding gown and tuxedo companies.
• Everything you need to plan your wedding in one of the states most famous and elegant locations.
• One lucky bride will win the wedding of her dreams valued at $100,000

There is no other wedding show like the Bridal Extravaganza.

See you there.

Pre Register Here

View Photos of Past Summer Bridal Extravaganza Shows Here

For Tips on Attending A Bridal Show Click Here

For over 15 years The Bridal Extravaganza has been producing Utah’s best wedding shows.

]]> http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/utah-wedding-vendors/its-show-time/feed/ 0 http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/vintage-weddings-are-hotpopular-wedding-theme-other-wedding-trends-for-2010/ http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/utah-wedding-planning/vintage-weddings-are-hotpopular-wedding-theme-other-wedding-trends-for-2010/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 03:56:03 +0000 Melissa http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/?p=1349

Photography By: Swensen Photography

I have been hearing more and more about people wanting to have a vintage wedding.  The vintage style dress is becoming really popular.  It is a fun look for a bride that wants to be different from the traditional bride.   You don’t have to have everything vintage  if you just want the look for you & your groom.  But if you want to go all all out on the themed wedding then by all means, Do it!  I have been seeing more and more of the blushers rather than the wedding veil and the shorter wedding dresses are ever so hip.  So whatever you style make it yours.

The vintage look is a fun, flirty look that many brides are falling in love with.  One of our amazing bridal gown vendors, Modest Couture by Elizabeth will be giving us more information about dresses soon, so be sure to check back soon.

In searching for other vintage weddings I found a fun blog post about the vintage trends on Intimate Weddings.com.  She has a great link to an article by The Knot about 2010 hottest Wedding Trends.

Photography by: Swensen Photography

What a great time we had at last weeks Bridal Extravaganza at the South Towne Expo Center.  We would like to thank all those who participated in and attended the show last week.

Brides began to line up as early as 7:30 in the morning and the show didn’t open until 11:00.

From the moment the doors opened until the they closed the show was packed.

We would like to thank all 115 vendors who participated in the show.

A special thanks to the following vendors for their help in designing, producing or hosting the show.

Laughing Gravy Entertainment
All Points Travel
Flower Patch
Swensen Photography
TheBrideandGroom.com
Bed Bath & Beyond
Morgan Jewelers
Wedding Dreamer
Modern Expo

Congratulations to Holly Uphold who was the grand prize winner of the trip to the All Inclusive El Dorado Resort in the Mayan Riviera and also to Janna Vannoy who won the mother of the bride trip to the same resort.

Also a special congratulations to Brittany Asay and Steven Stoker who won the Love Story Contest trip to Disneyland.

We are excited to announce our Summer Bridal Extravaganza at Utah’s most elegant restaurant, La Caille, on July 17th. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given out and one lucky bride will win a $100,000 dream wedding.  Continue to check thebrideandgroom.com for more details.

Click here to view pictures from our Spring Extravaganza at The South Towne Expo Center.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in and attended the show.

The Utah Bridal Shows Team