Mention names like Monique Lhuillier, Augusta Jones and Melissa Sweet, and we might get a little tipsy. Now add price tags as low as $400 – $1000, and you’ll have to be putting us back in our chairs.

You can expect some bewilderment this weekend when favorite bridal boutique Alta MODA puts on its annual sample sale. To make room for new arrivals, they’ve marked down over 50 designer dresses at 50 – 85%. Seriously. The once-a-year sale is first-come, first-serve and begins at 10 a.m. You best throw on your comfies and grab some hot cocoa, but rest assured you’ll wait for your turn in style: the front parlour will be open and refreshments will be served.

As for light-headedness, we can’t make any promises. News of this kind just has that giddy effect. In the meantime, take a deep breath and grab a glass of water.

{See Stars}

Alta MODA Annual Sample Sale
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alta MODA Bridal
637 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 531-1215
www.altamodabridal.com

Win a bet with your dad, and you might score his Canon A1 you’ve been eyeing for years. Combine that with stunning views of the California foothills just waiting to be documented, and you might be on the road to a career in photography.

It’s definitely a gamble that worked out for YHO photographer Cody Buell. California bred and self-trained, you’ve seen a lot of his work around this place (see here, for a handful of good examples).

But we figure it’s time we tell you about the other Cody. Or at least the other side of him: The guy who snatched a magazine-worthy image of blue bridesmaid’s shoes lined up in a row, but who can also turn a desert horizon into a work of art. The guy with a photojournalistic approach to photography that makes him an ideal choice for documenting your big day.

First off, Cody’s favorite thing to photograph is people. We’ve heard him say that documenting a relationship is the best part of photography. This will certainly come in handy when everyone you love comes together to celebrate you and your beloved, or when you get the family all together for a one-time portrait.

Secondly and thirdly (and fourthly too), Cody has perfected a soft, clean style and his images are filled with warm, natural light. He’s got the whole composition thing down-pat and doesn’t rely on software to get the look he wants. We love a good pola or vintage effect as much as the next bride, but in the long run, natural photos are the ones that will stand the test of time.

Cody will capture yours with film or digital, should you prefer one or the other. So really, going with this guy isn’t much of a gamble at all. Just ask Courtney.

{Buell It Up}

Cody Buell Photography
Cody (at) codybuell.com
(801) 361-4309
www.codybuell.com

{Doorprize!} Cody is feeling generous and will be handing out either one engagement session or one small family shoot (up to six people) to just one winner. Want in on the fun? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, December 6.

Want your choice of accessory to do some of the talking? At your wedding, let it be the story of two sisters who grew up assisting their mother in the sewing room as she put the finishing touches on handfuls of bridal gowns. As they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. These local ladies of Anne Michelle Heirlooms carry on the family tradition with timeless, classic and on-trend veils and hairpieces for brides-to-be and bridal parties.

Whether it’s a question of length (waist or cathedral?) or style (classic birdcage or tulle with flower?), Anne Michelle can help you out. Just take it from their blog. Aside from totally-custom jobs, rumor has it these two will soon be whipping out collections for babies and ballerinas.

{Hair Loom}

Anne Michelle Heirlooms
anneal.mt@gmail.com
Anne Michelle Heirlooms on Etsy
www.theveilblog.blogspot.com

Want some real artistry behind your centerpiece? Look to newcomer Leif Flowers. With a fine art photographer and painter making up the duo behind the operation, you can rest assured that you’ll get some bravo for your buck. Leif Flowers, comprised of twin sisters Amanda and Chelsea James, whips up arrangements using recycled materials for corporate events, weddings and more for goings-on in Utah Valley, Salt Lake and Park City.

Impress your guests with Leif’s subtle, elegant and slightly wild artistic style, with an emphasis on the art.

{Leif it to Me}

Leif Flowers
(480) 747-1002
twins@leifflowers.com
www.leifflowers.blogspot.com
www.leifflowers.com

Smile! Click. Kiss! Click. Cross-eyed! Click. Pucker! Click. Ah, the excitement brought on by a spontaneous 30-second stint in the photobooth. It never gets old. It’s classic, fun, exciting. Perfect for your wedding—especially the kissing part.

So how do you round up a photobooth for your big day? And not just the booth, but also unlimited photos plus some help from an on-site technician, if needed? And maybe have set up and take-down taken care of? We know; it’s easy as cake: Talk to Smile Now Photo Booths.

But you’re the bride that wants it all. What about one of those cute ‘n fun candy buffets with cinnamon bears, jelly beans or Lemon Heads galore? (You pick.) The treat bags are included, as well as some made-just-for-you-guys labels. An attendant will be on-hand, too? No, my dear, you’re not asking too much. Once again, Smile Now Photo Booths is at your service.

Here’s the scoop: These guys will hook you up with photobooth and/or candy buffet with all the bells and whistles, to make your wedding as cinchy for you (and your mom) as possible. You can see for yourself this Saturday at the La Caille Bridal Show, where you can also enter to win a $100,000 wedding giveaway. Find out more here.

{Say Cheese}

Smile Now! Photo Booths
(801) 949-4021
suzzi@smilenowphotobooths.com
www.smilenowphotobooths.com
www.smilenowphotobooths.blogspot.com

{Doorprize} Do we have any brides- or grooms-to-be in the house? Suzzi at Smile Now wants to hand out one candy buffet package (a $450 value including up to ten types of candy, buffet attendant, custom-designed sticker, treat bags, free delivery, serving up to 250 guests; date pending on availability). Leave one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, July 12.

It’s not everyday you get to see in real life the wedding gowns you swoon over in your favorite bridal mags. Especially if don’t call NY or LA home. But thanks to high-style and high-class bridal boutique Alta Moda, soon-to-be brides in UT can set a trend and step inside the latest designs from feminine favorite Monique Lhuillier as soon as this weekend.

This Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Alta Moda hosts a Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show and invites you to get a one-time look at the latest from her Fall 2009 collection. Make your reservation by calling (801) 531-1215. This upstages your average Easter dress, anyday.

{La La Lhuillier}

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, April 10 & 11, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Alta Moda
637 E. 500 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 531-1215
www.altamodabridal.com

Check out what Ashlee Andrews in Ogden is doing to make paper prettier. It was her Elissa and Spencer design that first caught our eyes, but it looks like Ashlee and Eric (thee Ashley?) had some fun with their cheery chartreuse mailings too. And only we Utah lads and lassies would appreciate just how well one Park City bride’s winter evening idea was interpreted by this Utah paper princess.

Brides-to-be, design lovers and any curious souls can peruse more of Ashlee’s work at her website, www.ashleeandrews.com. By the looks of it, she’s also into baby invitations, menu layout and any other fun event that needs a fun invite. And she’ll do letterpress, too.

Even in our rough and rugged desert-meets-mountain landscape, a flower as delicate and exotic as the orchid is taking root and pushing up like daisies. In winter too, thanks to local merchant and supplier Orchid Dynasty.

Maybe you know a bride-to-be who’s looking to put an island or Asian spin on her nuptials. Or perchance you’re looking to add some color to that stuffy corporate social. Or perhaps you could simply use some advice on keeping these pretty buggers alive, for heaven’s sake.

Stop by Orchid Dynasty in downtown SLC. Whether it’s a Trichocentrum, Tolumnia or Catteleya that’s on your list, we think these specialists and designers might be able to help you out—and probably with a pronunciation key, as well. Check out their helpful FAQs here.

{Orchid in You}

Orchid Dynasty
1344 S. 2100 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 583-4754
www.orchiddynasty.com

Images courtesy Orchid Dynasty website

We like to be reminded that people still use pens and pencils. That they jot things down in notebooks, write thank-you cards, use the Postal Service. So tuck away that iPhone or Blackberry (unless you’re reading this right now courtesy of one of those devices, of course), and step into Salt Lake’s Floribunda where you’ll find Crane, Vera Wang, Kate Spade and PaperSource stationery alongside Moleskines and address books. Maybe even a fancy pen to go with.

Another local staple that we’ve mentioned time and time again, this bundle of a shop serves as the go-to place for classic and classy paper goods from personal stationery to greeting cards, whether elegant or humorous. Some of our other Floribunda favorites include sold-separately sheets of designer wrapping paper, stylish datebooks and a great selection of 2009 calendars from Cavallini and Co.

Also keep your eyes peeled for timeless home accessories like glass birds and artisan jewelry as well as brag-worthy seasonal collections—the kind devoted patrons anxiously await. (Halloween isn’t too far off, you know.)

And if you’re planning a fall or winter wedding, you might consider a Floribunda stop more seriously. We’ve located tasteful guestbooks here, and Floribunda will gladly arrange your letterpress invitations for you. And have them printed on environmentally-friendly paper recycled from cotton, if you so desire … a good option for the 2008/2009 bride.

{Bunda of Joy}

Floribunda
920 E. 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-4013

Megan wrote in on behalf of her bride-to-be-sister looking for a local business or person that knows how to place pin lights on a wedding cake as well as a gazebo … for lighting and effect. She’s also in the market for a gobo (that’s when the the just-married couple’s initials are cut into a steel plate and placed over a light source). In a nutshell, we’re looking for someone in the professional lighting arena that might specialize in event production, as some Chinese lanterns need to be strung and lit, too!

Anyone have any leads for Megan? Help a girl out and comment below, please.

Check out the letterpress goods of local lady Karisa Winkel. Though each has no-doubt been tailored to her clients’ wants and needs, we love that her designs are colorful and classy with a nice tough of unexpected fashion-forwardness.

Commissioned invitations like “Emily” from her wedding collection are case-in-point. Also check out the unusual and artsy appeal of “Andolyn.” Another great example? Be sure to check out the “Kerilyn.”

Karisa Winkel Designs also do personal stationery, die-cutting, corner-rounding and other fancy things. Check out the list of services here.

Shelby recently wrote in with a few wedding woes, wondering how in the world to step outside the typical Utah wedding dress so a little bride she knows doesn’t drown in a sea of ivory conformity, or give up on the perfect-gown hunt altogether.

We la-la-love the looks pictured above. This season, designers are branching out with romantic lacey shrugs, mesh sheaths, voluminous sleeves and delicate boleros: inspirations to any bride dreading the not-so-unusual strapless or cap-sleeved getup.

According to Maeve, who is surrounded by wedding gowns all day, the trick is to wear the dress, rather than have it wear you. Truer words were never spoken.

A staple, it’s easy to forget that you can accessorize a wedding gown. We’re not talking pearl necklace, diamond earrings and classic pointy-toe shoes. We’re thinking more along the lines of a wedding outfit. A favorite bride from Martha Stewart recently wore a dandelion-yellow vintage cardigan to cover up her otherwise all-white ensemble. The gesture was endearing and casual, and totally acceptable since every other detail was rather polished.

The cardigan also meant that the dress beneath it all didn’t have to carry all the adornments on its own. Start with good bones (remember that Target’s dresses will debut soon), and rely on subtle embellishments to pull a look together. Ali adored the pearly-colored sweater Carly wore to cover up her shoulders for her December wedding and the lovely, gem-encrusted brooch that held Maeve’s light wrap around her waist last June.

Sometimes it’s an unusual necklace, sometimes it’s a cherry-red bolero worn over a marked-down J. Crew dress. Here are some places to start making your wedding look your own.

For covering arms:

For interesting jewels:

For topping it off:

We know that there are some experienced brides and knowledgeable brides-to-be currently reading; do you have any ideas for Shelby?

Here’s a good Valentine’s Day scenario. It’s one you all know: girl meets boy, girl and boy fall in love, boy proposes, girl accepts, girl plans wedding and finds the gown of her dreams at Target.

That’s right, Target. So maybe we didn’t know the whole story, but we’re thrilled at its ending. After debuting home decor and women’s fashion lines at the fashion-savvy big box retailer, celebrated American designer Isaac Mizrahi will debut eight gowns as part of his wedding collection—all priced around $150. The exclusive bridal line, which will also include cheap-yet-chic bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories for men, will debut at Target stores nationwide on May 1.

We have attached the only photos we’ve found because we decided that not-so-good photos are better than no photos at all. So please accept our apologies. We can tell you that, according to a press release, the dresses will come in white, ivory, and even black, and that a tulle princess dress, a silk charmeuse cowl neck sheath and a silk faille trapunto bell gown are just some of Mizrahi’s handiwork. Sounds fancy, no?

A bride-to-be will also have a choice of polishing off the look with satin peep-toe pumps or lacey high-heel slingbacks. She’ll also have the option to outfit her maids-in-waiting with matching clutches and her beau’s best men with coordinating cummerbunds.

We’re not planning any weddings, but we think any black tie-ready ensemble priced at $150 is worth celebrating—whether it comes in handy for a prom or a gubernatorial dinner. But any brides might want to consider waiting it out until May. If she can make it til then.

Ah, we love to spread good news. And we love Target for making said news-spreading so much easier to do.