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.

Destination weddings are gaining popularity. 2010 promises to have more get-a-way weddings than ever.  This includes many Utah brides travelling far and near to host their nuptials in memorable, meaningful locations.  Our brides are finding the perfect Utah locales, like Moab and Bear Lake, in addition to dream destinations like Aix-en-Provence and Tuscany.  Lucky brides!

Many of you that just got engaged over the holidays (congratulations!!), are contemplating a destination event.  As a gracious bride, give your guests an early heads-up.  Save the date cards play a big part in out-of-town weddings. These ideas, all from MarthaStewartWeddings.com (yes, I love them), create an early mood for your adventurous knot-tying.

These can be less formal than your invitation suite, so don’t forget to infuse your personality and destination character.

Travel is my passion, my thing, my weakness.  So, when Martha Stewart Weddings blogged about this luggage, my attention was piqued.

The collection is from Steamline Luggage; vintage styled, hand-crafted, and delightfully girly.

Perfect for your destination wedding or honeymoon.  All that’s missing are your retro stickers chronicling your travells!

Masina and Greg were married with the dramatic natural beauty of Jackson, Wyoming serving as their backdrop.

This international bride split her wedding planning time between London, Salt lake City, and Jackson.

Masina donned a silk Monique Lhuillier gown down the aisle.

Thanks to Masina for letting us be a part of her plans.  And thanks to her brother for graciously sharing these images with us.

Travel is my passion.  So, this month I let the top five reflect this by discovering (and hopefully one day exploring) elusive and exclusive honeymoon destinations.  Less frequented by newlyweds and a little less common, explore these possibilities:

1. Eco – Alandaluz, Ecuador

Off the grid and off the beaten path, you’ll find environmental luxury and exotic beaches.  Whale watching, quiet nights, and untouched beauty.

2. Big City – Barcelona, Spain

With this metropolis, you’ll get both a vibrant city and sweeping Mediterranean beaches.  The Catalan capital boasts old-world landmarks and modern achievements.

3. Luxe – Maldives

An atoll nation in the amazingly turquoise Indian Ocean, the Maldives will seclude and seduce you. Quick sea plane hops can whisk you away to several islands during your stay.

4. Adventure – Interlaken, Switzerland

High in the Swiss Alps, this quaint city is nestled in a deep glacial valley that produces unlimited outdoor adventures.  Justin HIGHLY suggests the paragliding.

5. Road Trip – HWY 1

At your leisure, you’ll be able to see one of our country’s most beautiful regions.  Set a languorous pace, or view the sunset in a new town each night.  I recommend Chinese take out on an unpopulated beach.

For the many brides out there planning an event in the near future, consider these three new and luxurious wedding and reception venues that have just opened or are about to open their doors.

Cucina Nassi

Brought to you by Utah favorite Valter Nassi of Cucina Toscana (hands down my favorite restaurant in the state), this refined building boasts a vast open space for guests with a Tuscan inspired balcony and Murano glass chandeliers.  Subtle, welcoming, but ever so glamorous, you’ll instantly love this venue.  Just as I did.  And no worries on the food…you know it will be amazing.

St. Regis

With so many great things happening in Utah, it is no wonder that we are getting a hotel and venue of this caliber.  Scheduled to open in October 2009, this property will be just off of the Deer Valley resort in Park City.  A luxury hotel at it’s finest, this will be the new place for a fancy fete.  And you can be one of the first!

Montage

Still a year off from their grand opening, this resort promises high-style weddings, all with a very conscientious take on the event.  Gracious ballrooms and stunning views will set a warm and exhilirating tone for your wedding.  As soon as more inside information is available, you’ll be the first to know.

Looking for wedding inspiration?  Check out the website and blog from the editors of Southern Weddings Magazine.

One of our favorites, we are always impressed with the stylish weddings that they feature.  Their publication is also top notch!

Liz and Brigham were married earlier this year surrounded by the snow cover mountains that make Utah famous.  Their unique wedding is now featured on UtahBrideandGroom.com, as well as on our site.

Held at The Homestead Resort, this couple planned a wedding that was both masterfully elegant and personal.
The bride wore a couture Monique Lhuillier ballgown and custom jacket made by our fabulous seamstress Pamela.

We love winter weddings (especially here in picturesque Utah) and were genuinely thrilled to be a pat of Liz’s plans.

Who doesn’t love a chance to get away, especially when it is for one of the best reasons of all; a wedding.  Here are our top 5 tips to help get your plans started:

1:  Research the local requirements for marriage licences and permits.  Every country has specific legal requirements based on residency, type of ceremony, and health regulations.  The UK, for example, requires at least one week of residency before any marriage licence is valid.

2:  Find a friend or acquaintance local to your destination who can guide you through customs, proximity of events, and provide insider information to you and your party.  Also, consider hiring a wedding planner that can professionally take you through all the steps at your destination.

3:  Bring a photographer with you.  Hiring a photographer at home can save you a lot of money and stress.  Since you’ll be able to use the same artist for engagement and bridal photos,  as well as working on your album after the wedding, this will be a big time saver, too.  Don’t forget, other local vendors might be worth bringing along as well.

4:  Tariffs.  Many countries will tax you on goods carried or shipped into the country.  Check with local departments of commerce and tourist sites to see what might be expected.  As another tip, carrying your gown on the plane with you often bypasses any tariff on the item.

5:  Prepare yourself and your party with travelers insurance.  With numerous guests joining you, it is inevitable that at least one of them will experience delays, cancelled flights, lost luggage, and other such inconveniences.  A one-time travelers policy will make this easier to handle and provide a wonderful service for your guests and yourself.

Happy travels!