This is what happens when our Megan has an idea (she’s a sharp cookie), Jacque Lynn brings her camera (and talent…obviously), Hailey (who we won’t let stop working with us) models, and Flavia (who always delivers) styles it up.

Want more? We don’t blame you. And you’ll get it…soon.

Chandler and John were married on a beautiful fall day amidst the valleys and vineyards of Napa, California.

Chandler wore a silk organza Vera Wang gown, and was further adorned with a pair of glittering Paris crystal and pearl drop earrings. John was looking dapper in a custom-made three-piece suit from Beckett & Robb.

The whole amazing affair was coordinated by the ladies of Enjoy Events, Co., and  was captured by W. Scott Chester Photography.

Thank you, Chandler and John, for sharing your special day with us. Congratulations!

Ok, scary title.  Perhaps Salt Lake City in January at a chilly 15 degrees doesn’t exactly put you in the mind-set to be thinking about swimsuits or your bikini regiment.  It is however “engagement season”. The time of year when many of you have a rather ornate new addition on your left hand. This is also the time when many of you are purchasing (or starting to get closer to finding) your wedding dress.

Now, let’s put those two ideas together: You’re searching for your bridal gown, say…a sweetheart neckline, strapped dress with a low back. How would your vintage-y bandeau top bikini lend itself to your dramatically framed, exposed back? Might leave a bold (often pale) horizontal stripe interrupting that glorious back of yours.  Now say you’re a bride with great shoulders and you know that a strapless is perfect for you. How would your sassy, triangle top suit leave lines?

[In an attempt to be nice to our winter state of mind (and body) - no picture included...especially not of a swimsuit model!]

I know it seems a bit early to be thinking about this, but we often see brides well into the winter who still have tan lines from their glory days of summer, or they took that girls-only trip a few weeks before their wedding and those tan lines are now solid.

Start think about what type of wedding dress you’ll wear down the aisle and plan your swim suits season around it.  That and there is always the skin-friendly method of staying out of the sun, but for many, a little tan is inevitable. Just plan ahead.

Wishing warm thoughts your way…

Two weeks and counting – August 20th and  21st.  That’s when you’ll be able to come in and try on (and fall for, and order, and go home with) the fabulous bridal gowns from Claire Pettibone.

Claire’s wedding dresses imbue Victorian-meets-art-deco elegance with timeless vintage details.  Her gowns are petal soft and crafted from artistic laces you’ll adore.

Since we firmly believe in not putting rules and restrictions on yourself, know that while wearing a Claire Pettibone dress, you’ll look fantastically in-place whether you’re planning a mountain wedding (it is Utah, after all), a ballroom extravaganza, or a quiet ceremony at a private residence.

Call us at 801.531.1215 to schedule your appointment.

See you there.

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.