We received two new Kelly Chase gowns that were custom designed for our store with sleeves and shoulders.

Kelly Chase 08-110

This A-line Chantilly lace gown is embellished with pearls around the waist and neckline along with pearl buttons down the back. This dress would be perfect for a vintage wedding or for a bride who simply loves the elegant look of Chantilly lace.

Kelly Chase 11-109

This gown has a soft flowing silhouette which provides a light and slightly casual feel. This dress would work perfect for a destination or summer wedding. The roughed bodice slims the waistline and the fabric flowers add dimension and beauty.

To try on these and other Kelly Chase  gowns call Avenia Bridal to schedule an appointment: 801-373-0194

Shopping for a wedding gown is a new, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming experience for most brides. Our goal here at Avenía Bridal is to help each bride live their fairytale and find a perfect dress! We have come up with a few pointers that should be helpful when preparing to shop for a designer wedding gown.

Once the decision to start shopping is made, call Avenia Bridal to set up an appointment: 801-373-0194. This is important because a bridal consultant will be ready to assist you when you arrive. If an appointment is not made there may not be the opportunity to try-on gowns at that time and therefore the bride may need to come back at a later time or day. Simply call with a day and time in mind and we will schedule you with one of our wedding gown specialists.

It is always helpful to research silhouettes and styles that best suit your body type and personality. If you’ve seen pictures online or in magazines of what you like, (and who doesn’t like looking through bridal magazines??) we would love to have you bring them in with you so we have a better understanding of how we can best help you find your dream gown.

The main silhouettes for gowns are; A-line, Basque Waist, Ball Gown, Empire, Mermaid, and Sheath. A great way to discover what you like is to simply look in your closet and see what you have. If you tend to pick a pencil skirt over a full/flared skirt then you might look into a mermaid or sheath style. If you choose fuller loose fitting clothes then the ball gown, empire or A-line would suit you best. The best advice we can give is to be open- minded and try on many options – you may be surprised what you find!

A-Line

LIANCARLO- 4868

This shape flares out from the waist to the floor creating an “A” shape. An A-Line silhouette is very popular because it is flattering on most body types. This shape looks great on petite brides because it can make them appear taller. It is also great for a full figured bride who wants to de-emphasize their hips.

Basque (Dropped) Waist

Lis Simon- Camilla

This style is characterized by a low waistline that begins a few inches below the actual waist line. This shape is great for taller brides who are hoping to create an hourglass appearance. Since the waist line is dropped it may not be best for petite brides because it will only make them appear shorter.

Ball Gown

Lis Simon- Constance

This silhouette is the most traditional and formal. The ball gown has a fitted bodice and a waistline that leads to a full skirt. This dress is a great choice for the taller bride and for a bride hoping to hide her hips. Since this full shape is overwhelming it may not be best for a petite bride, unless the proportions are balanced.

Empire

Junko Yoshioka- Mona

This style has a high waistline and a skirt that starts under the bust and falls to a straight or A-Line skirt. This style is best on brides with a small bust and slim figure. The shape can give the impression of longer legs and can de-emphasize the waist area.

Mermaid (Trumpet, Fit-and-Flare)

Tara Keely-2101 (with seam line)

This style fits closely to your body and then flares out at around the knees. It can either have a seam line at the flare point or it can be continuous. This dress is perfect for one wanting to accentuate her curves.

Sheath

Badgley Mischka- Coco

This style is very form fitting, following the body closely. A sheath dress has a straight skirt and no waist. This silhouette is recommended for brides who are tall and thin.

The Knot put out a great guide that explained what gowns look best on each body type.  Click here to see what they suggest.

Our gowns at Avenía Bridal are “Sample” gowns. This means that we usually only have one of each style and when your perfect dress is found, we will take your measurements and order it for you in your correct size and color. This process takes a bit of time because once the order is placed the gown will be made and shipped back to us. This usually takes approximately 12-18 weeks. If you need the gown sooner, most designers can deliver it in 6-10 weeks with an added rush fee.

Since we work directly with our designers and because we have in-house seamstresses we are able to add sleeves and shoulders to almost every gown we carry. These “build-ups” are designed and executed so that the design of the gown is not compromised – not strips of fabric thrown on a strapless gown.  The designers themselves will either add the changes in their factory or we will do it here at Avenia. Necklines, sleeve lengths, and minor design details can all be altered for an additional cost.

On our tags we have two prices. One is the original gown price and the other includes a build-up with sleeves and shoulders. Alterations are not included in those prices. Also, we are currently having a Sample Sale and many of our dresses are reduced 20-50% off. In those cases we would sell the actual sample as is for the reduced price.

What happens at your appointment?  Once a few gowns are selected, you start trying them on!!   The consultant will help you in and out of the gowns. This preserves our delicate gowns and ensures that all questions can be answered and that when you come out to show your friends and family, the gown will look and fit the way it should.

Many different headpieces, veils, shoes and jewelry can be worn to help complete your whole look.  We are here to help make your wedding day everything you dreamed it would be.

Start the exciting process today by calling Avenia Bridal, 801-373-0194, to schedule your appointment!

Victoria found an Angelina Couture gown that was absolutely everything she wanted! The designer did an exclusive design for our store that added sleeves and shoulders to this originally strapless gown. We do not have a picture of what this dress looked like strapless we only have a picture of Victoria in the version that was modestly designed.

Victoria had a wonderful wedding day and agreed to share with us her story about meeting Brett, picking out her dress, and enjoying her magical day.

“My husband’s name is Don Brett Candland and my new name is Victoria Kerin Candland.  We were married on June 25th, 2011 in the Oaklands LDS Temple.

We met at BYU two weeks into my freshman year at a dance party called Rock the Block.  We became friends, and then best friends and then gradually started dating.  After more than a year of dating, Brett proposed on March 11, 2011, also the day that I found my dress.”

“My experience at Avenia Bridal was fantastic.  Out of all the other bridal galleries that I went to, the service at Avenia was the best.  The people were so nice there and my helper knew exactly what I was looking for in a dress. I chose my dress because I loved the color, the soft pearl off-white color and I loved the lace up back.  Furthermore, I loved how the back looked very much like Belle from Beauty and the Beast with the roses and billows of fabric, and the front was more chic and sophisticated.  For me, it was the perfect blend of princess and fashion diva.”

“We had an open house in Danville, CA on our wedding day held at my husband’s family’s beautiful home.  After that we went on our honeymoon for a week at a high-end seaside resort in Goleta, CA called the Bacara.  On July 1, we held a reception in San Diego, CA at a Spanish villa called the Darlington House.”

“Both the wedding day and the reception day were magical.  I remember feeling very nervous right before we were married, but then such excitement and peace after the ceremony/sealing.  The reception was a blast especially because the dancing was so fun.  The whole wedding experience was absolutely exquisite and I want to thank Avenia Bridal for helping me find the dress of my dreams.”

Thank you Victoria for letting us be a part of your special day!

Call Avenia Bridal today to make an appointment to try on gowns or to discuss the option of a custom gown: 801-373-0194

Sandra married Brice, the love of her life, in an amazing Lis Simon gown. This gown comes strapless or in a built up version with shoulders and sleeves.

Sandra and Brice met years ago and were finally able to tie the knot, they couldn’t be happier. Here is Sandra and Brice’s story of how they met and how Sandra found her perfect dress!

“Brice and I studied at the same dance studio as young teens, so we were distant friends years before we started dating. I thought Brice was a nice shy boy with cute curly brown hair, and he thought I was a cute shy girl. We both made summer intensive dance programs in NYC the summer after I graduated high school, and that is where the magic began. We spent the summer of 2004 realizing how much we loved spending time together. We spent hours talking as we walked through Central Park, every moment more exciting than the one before. At first I fought my feelings for Brice because he was nearing 19, the age of an LDS missionary. But by the time summer was over, we both knew we had found something special in each other. The next few years we shared together were full of laughter, joy, and love. We both wanted Brice to serve a full-time mission for the LDS church, but Brice had to wait until the timing felt right for him. We performed together, taught together, and traveled together. I moved across the country to study dance at OKCU, and we spent hours talking every night. When I decided to move back to Utah we committed that Brice would have his mission papers in before I moved back. We knew how tough it would be to be together again and face the decision of when he should serve. He flew out to Oklahoma to help me drive home, and we opened his mission-call the same weekend, December of 2008. He left in February of 2009 for Little Rock, AR, the week after Valentine’s Day. We wrote each other beautiful letters at least every week for the entire two years. The only thing that made the time apart easier was receiving a tape or a letter from Brice. Even though I felt like I had lost my best friend, I knew he was where he needed to be. Brice and I grew so much during the two years apart. When he came home, February 2011, I was filled with butterflies, unsure of how things would work out. When I saw Elder Brice Morgan walking down the terminal after two long years, I felt warm tears fill my eyes and run down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe my best friend was really back. We were ecstatic to pick up right where we had left off. Brice proposed four weeks later, at the same place we had our first kiss. After 6 ½ beautiful years of courtship, Brice and I were so happy to be engaged.”

Choosing the Gown:

“I took a trip from Cedar City, where I was working on my MAcc, to look for wedding dresses at Avenia Bridal. My experience at Avenia was dreamlike. I felt like a princess as Caroline helped me try on dress after dress. These dresses were one-of-a-kind and all uniquely beautiful. I was delighted that Avenia gave the option to “build-up,” or add sleeves to, almost any dress. I knew they had beautiful dresses, but I was not expecting to find a dress that fit my personality so perfectly. I could never have imagined a dress so unique, fun, and gorgeous. My favorite qualities about the dress were the petal-sleeves, the sparkly waistline, and the huge swirly skirt. It made me want to dance! It was such a memorable experience. My mom, my new sister-in-law, my cousins, and Aunt helped me choose the dress that fit my personality best. I returned later to choose the perfect shoes and veil as well.”

Thanks Sandra for sharing your cute story! You are GORGEOUS! More about the actual wedding day to come!!!

Call today to schedule an appointment to find your perfect dress: 801-373-0194

Haley recently got married in an Avenia gown that was customized especially for her. Here is her romantic story! More pictures coming soon.

Last month we posted about the ”Real Bride Lauren.” Lauren purchased a strapless Tara Keely gown from us and worked with our in-house design studio to create the perfect build up. In our first post about Lauren we only had a few pictures of her in her gorgeous gown to share. We now have Lauren’s wedding story along with pictures of her wedding day and a link to her wedding video. Enjoy!

Here is Lauren’s story:
“I met David the modern way… on the internet!  He was told to “check me out” on Facebook and from there he sent me a message and a write up his sister made for him when she posted it on an LDS dating sight without him knowing!  Being a sister to 3 brothers, I really appreciated what she said about her big brother and then decided to give this guy a chance.  We sent a few messages back and forth and then talked on the phone for a couple of weeks before he came from Houston to Dallas to meet.  It was a done deal as soon as we met. We both knew that we had found something really special.  We continued to date long distance until I moved to Houston to be closer to him.  He later proposed to me by surprising me with a trip to Los Angeles where we went to my favorite place, Disneyland, and then proposed as the sun started to go down on the beach in Newport.”

“I first started looking in Dallas for a modest wedding dress.  We were planning to be married in the Dallas Temple but the wedding salons and bridal boutiques didn’t understand the concept of a dress with sleeves!  It was frustrating enough that my mother and I decided to visit some family in Utah and look for a dress there.  What a difference it made!  No one looked confused or disgusted about sleeves!  It was wonderful.  I went to a few places that had been recommended by friends and also went to some bridal stores that I had found online.  I just couldn’t find what I was looking for.  A lot of the dress were beautiful and covering but just not my style.  I didn’t find anything truly unique.  I then saw a beautiful ad for Avenia bridal and decided to give it a look!  I was intrigued by the fact that Avenia specialized in custom gowns.

When we arrived, I was so impressed with the store and its charm.  All of the gowns were gorgeous and after seeing some of Nancy’s custom work I knew it was a great fit!  I then tried on only a few gowns before I found THE DRESS! It was a Tara Keely designer gown that was indeed strapless but I knew Nancy could make it Temple perfect!  I was so in love with it, I hated to take it off! I couldn’t wait until it came in and we could get to work.

Because I was from Texas the sweet girls at Avenia promised me that they would work around the clock to build up the dress so I wouldn’t have to make two or three trips back out to Provo for my fittings.

Nancy was TOO wonderful for words.  You can absolutely tell that she is not only a genius seamstress but a lovely person as well.  It was such a treat to try on the dress and get it fitted just right.  She took extra care in listening to exactly how I wanted the dress built up.  She constructed my dream gown with a BEAUTIFUL neckline and sleeves and it fit like a glove. She was so patient and worked tirelessly to have my dress finished before I had to head back to Texas.

When it was all finished, I couldn’t have been more pleased!  It was perfect, original, and modest!  I carried it on the plane and took it back to Dallas.  I just couldn’t wait to wear it!  It did everything a wedding dress should.  I felt so beautiful and SO myself.  The dress really was so me!  Honestly, my wedding dress was one of the highlights of my wedding day.  It was so special to have gone to Utah with my mom and to have had such a wonderful time creating it with Nancy.  It is a wonderful memory I will always hold dear. It was a dream come true.  I’m so grateful to Nancy and the girls at Avenia Bridal for the wonderful and ultimate BRIDAL experience.”

“Our wedding day was the best day of my life.  We were sealed in the Dallas Temple and the day went off without a hitch.  I still can’t believe that it all happened so fast!  It was the perfect day.  I couldn’t have been any happier.  I still feel so blessed to have such a wonderful day and to be with my husband now.  He is the best husband anyone could ask for and thank Heavenly Father everyday for sending me such a wonderful man. We had an intimate dinner at a wonderful hotel in Dallas called The Crescent Hotel.  It was just our closest family and friends and was so special. We wanted to keep it small and simple and decided we wouldn’t have dancing.  A wonderful meal followed by sweet, touching speeches and we were done!  We wanted it to just be about us and the temple so, we decided to not even have bridesmaids or groomsmen.  It was perfect for us.  We still talk about what a wonderful day it was.  I think our video captured it beautifully.”

Watch Lauren’s wedding video @ http://www.candlelight-films.com/. There are five videos featured on this site, hers is the 4th one down (the thumbnail is a picture of Lauren’s ring). The video is stunning and to make it even more personal the song that is playing is actually Lauren’s song. She is an up-and-coming singer and this song was on her demo CD. It fit perfectly with her wedding and is such a beautiful touch to an already magnificent day.

Thanks so much Lauren!!

Find your perfect wedding gown at Avenia Bridal! To view, try on, and learn more about custom couture wedding gowns, please call Avenia to schedule an appointment: 801-373-0194.

Introducing Lauren in her Tara Keely Customized Designer Gown:

Lauren’s gown, #2917 by designer Tara Keely, is a silk satin organza gown with a sweetheart neckline, alencon enhanced dropped waist, beaded applique accents and ribbon at empire bodice, and a three tiered overlay flounce skirt flowing into a chapel train.

Original Tara Keely 2917 Design:

Because the original gown by Tara Keely is designed strapless, Lauren requested the gown be built up with sleeves and shoulders as a personal preference.  Feminine, scalloped cap-sleeves were tastefully added along with a sophisticated Queen Anne neckline.  Lauren’s build-up was designed and executed completely by our in-house design studio at Avenía Bridal.

Lauren’s Customized Tara Keely Gown:

To view and try on wedding gowns from Avenía Bridal or for more information on custom couture wedding gowns, please call Avenía to schedule an appointment: 801-373-0194.

Leah met her husband Kyle on her first day of college, September 4, 2007, at Brigham Young University.  After a two-year-long friendship and seven months of long-distance dating, Kyle and Leah were engaged on June 15- actually at 8:00 a.m., right in the middle of the Avenía Boutique!

Kyle and Leah were married on September 4, 2010 in the beautiful Mesa, Arizona Temple, exactly three years from the day they met in English class!  Their beautiful ring ceremony and reception took place at Windstar Gardens in Peoria, AZ.

“I knew I wanted a dress from Avenía the minute I met Nancy. Honestly, her knowledge, talent and expertise is beyond impressive,” said Leah.

Leah originally met Nancy Barrus her sophomore year at BYU and quickly became a talented and wonderful addition to the Avenía team as a consultant.  It was then that Leah knew Avenía was the place she would find her gown.

“My parents came up from Arizona to pick out a gown with me at Avenía, and that was one of the neatest experiences. My grandfather’s gift to me was to buy my wedding dress, but due to medical issues, he was unable to fly down and watch me pick it out. We hooked up Skype to a computer, and I modeled the gowns for my parents and grandparents though video chat. What a special day!” said Leah.

Leah’s Gown: Fifi by Badgley Mischka

Leah’s designer gown, Fifi, is a fit-to-flare, silk-organza gown, designed originally to be worn strapless.  As a personal preference, Leah needed the gown to be built up with sleeves and shoulders for her Temple Marriage.

“I wasn’t worried in the least bit about the buildup because I have worked with Nancy enough and seen her work before. It was such a relief to work with a talented designer and trusted company,” said Leah.

Nancy Barrus and our in-house design studio completed all the customizations on Leah’s gown, keeping the overall look of the gown in tact, including the romantic, sweetheart neckline on Leah’s tailored bodice.

Original Fifi Gown- Designer Badgley Mischka

Customized Fifi Gown

Congratulations, Kyle and Leah!  We wish you all the best.

To view and try on Fifi by Badgley Mischka and other Avenía gowns, call to schedule an appointment: 801-373-0194.

It’s that time of year again- the Fall 2010 Bridal Extravaganza is this Saturday, September 11!  Avenía Bridal will be attending and participating in this spectacular event. We invite you to come meet our representatives, learn about our boutique and view some of our exquisite designer and custom wedding gowns in the Bridal Fashion Show.

Below are a few of the wedding gowns Avenía will be featuring in the Fashion Show:

Fifi by Badgley Mischka

Madison by The Vineyard

Tara Keely 2012

Liancarlo 4837

Liancarlo 4804

Mallory by Badgley Mischka

If you are planning a Fall, Winter or even a Springtime wedding, make plans to attend the Bridal Extravaganza where you will find everything you need to plan your dream wedding!  Attend the show to view exciting new bridal fashions and enter to win prizes among the hundreds of giveaways.

The Fall Bridal Extravaganza:  Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  at the South Towne Expo Center, 9575 State St., Sandy, UT. Follow our link to preregister:  http://utahbridalshows.com/.