Only joy can be expressed for this fancy little post that went up on Southern Weddings blog this afternoon.

Erin Kate’s island inspiration shoot was featured on one of our favorite blogs.  Who doesn’t love Southern Weddings!?  It was a thrill to be a part of this chic shoot. Check out the short and sweet wedding dresses from Melissa Sweet and Amy Kuschel.

Congrats, Erin. (Oh, and Happy Anniversary!)

Remember the post about Kate by Erin Kate?  Well, here is what was actually happening that day.  Erin had conjured an idea for an island wedding inspiration shoot. (That’s right, a beach wedding, in Utah!)  She wanted to show you a chic, simple, and stunning vision for a sand-filled (salt-filled?) celebration.

You’ll find a more comprehensive and bewitching selection on Erin Kate Photography’s blog.  But, here are a few I selfishly borrowed for this blog:

If you’re wondering, and I know you are, the gowns are by Melissa Sweet and Amy Kuschel.

Now, go out and get some sand between your toes!

There is so much joy out there in weddings.  As a professional that gets to work with brides every day, let me say what an honor it is be a part of one of the biggest days in a woman’s life.  It is an honor I take very seriously.  And though the recent seminar I attended happened to be held juxtaposed to a turquoise sea and powder-soft white sand beaches, it didn’t keep me from working hard.  I promise!

Travelling with Utah Bride and Groom editor Tessa Woolf gave me an insight as to how the Utah publishing scene adores the brides in the Beehive State.  Tessa is a sharp, young mind with vision and appreciation for the local community.  And, after being stuck with me as a roommate, I now know she is an incredibly patient person as well.  Thanks, Tessa!

Me and Tessa making the photo rounds at the opening night beach party.

It’s not just good enough to have a photo op with Sylvia Weinstock, but to hear her speak of her decades of joy in working with brides.  She shared many pearls of wisdom, but this was one, in response to the several knock-off attempts at her cakes, was one of my favorites, “If you’re happy with the knock-off, go for it, but I want the real diamond.”  Sylvia is, indeed, a gem.

Me with Sylvia…yes, I am an amazon.  But, in character, she dwarfs me.  (She even told me stand up straight.)

Then you meet someone like Lara Casey.  She was gracious enough to let me nervously introduce myself as we sat next to each other on the flight.  But, even better, was listening to all the creativity and success she exudes.  All of the new trends, vendors and styles her refined eye identifies and displays through Southern Weddings simply amaze me.

Lara Casey having a chat with event designer extraordinaire Todd Fiscus.  Love him!

Alta MODA is lucky to work with so many of you brides in Salt Lake City and around.  You were endlessly deified and lovingly shared with some of the best in weddings.

Thanks for checking in…now back to work I go helping brides find the dress of their dreams.  (I love my job!)

You’re a bride. You deserve the best. So, to make sure you get it, I have enrolled in a little summer school that will help me supply you with all the newest trends, techniques, and inspiration the wedding world has to offer. The absence in blogging hasn’t been that we haven’t been thinking about you, but hard, hard, hard at work bringing all the best to Utah.  Read more about it at UtahBrideandGroom.com.

In the last 12 hours, I have heard from Darcy Miller, Millie Bratten, Sylvia Weinstock, Marcy Blum.  I don’t even know where to start, but I can tell you that all of this delightful and engaging information in coming home with me…just for you!

Daily inspiration and posts to follow.  (If the beach doesn’t lure me in that is.)

Being that I live, eat, and breathe weddings, it’s hard for me to go anywhere and not take notice of weddings happening all around.

Recently, while walking the streets of London, I ran into the following (entirely British) festivities:

A double-decker wedding bus:

A white wedding taxi:

And a bride in St. James Park:

Love in London.  Brilliant!

Thinking about what to pack on your much deserved honeymoon get-a-way?

Here are a few must-have essentials:

Pashmina

It let’s you cuddle up on that long flight, it’s a make-shift sarong at the beach, a pick-nick blanket in wine country, and a wrap on cool nights.

Water Bottle

Reduce, reuse, and refill often!  Stay hydrated in the sun, on your hike, or hitting the local markets…not to mention that flight.

Shoulder pack

Maybe not the most au courant of hand bags, but top lines like Gucci, Coach, and Louis Vuitton craft several wearable, sleek shoulder bags.  Perfect for on the go.

Passport Case

Travelling abroad?  Why not give your passport an updated, new home.  I love cases like these.  Try local lux stop Tabula Rasa for an impressive selection.

Happy Travells.

Christy and Ken. We loved them both.  This groom had an eye for style and a heart of gold…to prove it, just look at his bride Christy; a bright gal who relocated to the beautiful Utah mountain towns from California.

To celebrate with as many friends and family as possible, this couple held their nuptials at the always stunning Lake Tahoe.

Christy wore a silk chiffon and lace Atelier Aimee wedding dress for her fall wedding.  Photos by Peter Spain.

To a long and happy marriage, we thank you Christy and Ken for letting us be a part of your big day.

In anticipation of Bridal Fashion Week (just 4 days away!), Brides.com gives you a little appetizer of the full course that is to come this weekend as Augusta Jones Couture unveils their latest bridal collection.

Augusta Jones describes the collection like this: “A fascination with islands in the sun; beautiful cities steeped in history and a keen appreciation for style.”  Now you’re picturing yourself somewhere warm and sunny, right? (Crazy Utah weather.)

Your friendly Alta MODA staff takes off this weekend.  We’ll stay in touch with you via this very blog with video clips, photos, and any inspirations we discover this weekend .

We LOVE brides and all things weddings.

You have the fancy mixer, the duvet, a great set of service-ware, more linens than can fit in your cramped linen closet – Maybe you’re thinking that you don’t need more stuff?  Consider a honeymoon registry.

As easy, if not easier to create than a traditional product registry, honeymoon registries let you select a destination (or destinations if you’re so inclined), accommodations, activities, and even dining options.  So many choices…

Getting the word out is much like that of a standard registry and all etiquette rules apply.  (Word of mouth is best.)

So, now all you have to do is plan you’re romantic getaway.

Happy Travels!

Forget fast, this feature might go on as it contains one of my all time favorite couples.

Kim first came into Alta MODA on a Saturday over two years ago.  We had a great time getting to know her, putting her in gowns, and learning all about her fiance and her move from Florida.  The next day, she brought in Sean.  I still remember him pulling up in his big, red truck and feeling a bit intimidated at first.  But I shortly realized his heart was bigger than that truck.

Kim looked great in everything! That’s not an idle compliment, she looked so good it almost made it hard to distinguish “the one”.   But, Sean gets the credit for casually asking about a bridal gown that had caught his eye.  We put her in the magic number from Atelier Aimee and you could almost see an epiphany light glow overhead.  Kim ordered the gown, accompanied by a custom chapel-length veil and silk shoe both from Atelier Aimee, both adorned with the same beaded detail found on her gown.

Though plans changed and modified, Kim and Sean kept a clear vision of their wedding day and were married on the 4th of July at Johnson Mill in Midway, Utah.

If you have read this blog before, recently, ever, you know we adore Mitch of ZumaPhoto, and images like these only add to our fan-club (stalker) like appreciation of the studio.

Their wedding is featured in the latest issue of Utah Bride and Groom Magazine.  Drop in for your copy…just make sure you have time to get lost in the each priceless page.

To Kim and Sean, I can’t thank you enough for your sense-of-humor, style, and for including us in the plans.  You will most definitely be an all-time favorite.