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

Envisioning my dream wedding dress wasn’t hard–I had found it at the back of my mom’s closet during high school. My mom had somehow ended up with my great-grandmother’s wedding dress, and I was enthralled with it. It was sheath lace, with lace covered buttons, a belt with a mother-of-pearl buckle, and a long sleeve, fitted lace jacket that included a train. I loved the idea of wearing such a beautiful and sentimental family heirloom. All we needed was someone to repair and alter the dress for us.”

“Nancy was wonderful not only because she knew exactly what she was doing, but also because she was so excited about the project herself. She was amazed by the condition of my great-grandmother’s dress, and could tell by the stitching that she had sewn it by hand. Working with Nancy and her assistants was a dream. They took such good care of my dress. No mistakes could be made because there was so little material to work with, but they did a phenomenal job. I cannot thank them enough.”

“Our wedding day was wonderful because it focused on celebrating with the people that we love most. Because Jayson and I grew up in the same home ward, many of our guests knew both the bride and groom. Family from both sides came down to Florida to be with us as well. Wearing my great-grandmother’s dress, I felt that much closer to my family–those who had already passed on, those who were there at the wedding, and those who were now my family because of my marriage. Jayson and I still talk about what a fun, happy, and special day it was. We feel so lucky, in every way.”

What a fun and unique experience to wear such a meaningful and beautiful gown that has been passed down through generations. Thanks for sharing Emmaleigh. All the best to you and Jayson! 

Make an appointment today-call Avenia Bridal: 801-373-0194

Alyssa recently got married in an Angelina Couture gown. She wanted a different bodice then the one that originally came on the gown so we designed her a custom bodice. It turned out beautifully and was just what she wanted.

Before

After

Here is her love story…

“My husband’s name is Bryan Whitney. We met because he moved into my apartment complex at the beginning of summer semester 2010 at BYU and he came to a birthday party we were having at my apartment. We had a summer of flirtation and frustration and finally decided to start dating at the beginning of Fall 2010.

We were married on April 28th, 2011 (a year, to the day, from when we met) in the Washington D.C. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We had a reception at my home in Maryland (he is coincidentally from Virginia, though his family moved to Utah after he finished High School). We had an Open House in Utah on May 13th at my uncle’s home in Alpine. On our wedding day I felt happy and in shock that this was actually finally happening for me. It was a surreal but wonderful day and we were so happy to finally be married.”

“As far as choosing the gown– my mom came out from Maryland to Utah for a week to help me plan wedding things at the beginning of March. I had dreamt of my wedding gown my whole life. I was afraid of not finding something that felt like me. I have always felt like so many modest wedding gowns look the same. I wanted something soft looking, possibly with tulle or organza. I also wanted little puffed sleeves rather than the typical cap sleeves that are the norm for modest wedding dresses. I wanted some kind of detailing with the collar. We went to a few store/boutiques and I had found a couple of dresses at Abella Bridal that I thought could be me but everywhere else I went I was thoroughly frustrated with. We were going to cancel our appointment at Avenia so we could go to a place in Salt Lake City that I had heard a lot of good reviews about. However, we decided to just take a quick look in Avenia. I told the attendant the things I had wanted and she brought out a couple of dresses she thought I might like. I fell in love with the skirt of one of the dresses but didn’t love the top all that much. She told me that I could design my own bodice for not too much more and have the dress made. I was ecstatic and SO happy we hadn’t canceled this appointment because Avenia was where I found THE dress. Nancy Barrus actually made my sister’s wedding gown in 2006 and had done altering for a friend’s gown as well so we were familiar with her.”

“I definitely had a good experience at Avenia. Everyone was very nice and listened to exactly what I wanted in a dress.”

Images © 2011 Brian G. Rudd ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No rights granted unless in writing by Brian G. Rudd (http://briangrudd.com/)

Thanks for sharing your story Alyssa!

Call today to schedule an appointment with Avenia Bridal where we will help you find THE 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.

Bride Teri came to our in-house designer Nancy Barrus at Avenía Bridal in search of her perfect custom wedding gown.  She knew just what she wanted:  a flowing, white column-gown with quarter-length sleeves and a wrapped waist.  Simply beautiful!

Teri and Dave were married in April in the Jordan River Temple and held a vintage, old fashioned-themed wedding reception in the historic Provo City Library, the old Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah.  Teri’s gown fit her wedding theme perfectly- elegant, classic, timeless.

Congratulations Teri and Dan!  We send our best wishes for your happiness and success.

For more information on designer or custom Nancy Barrus wedding gowns, call our boutique to schedule an appointment (801-373-0194) or visit our website here.

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.

A beautiful summer day and a charming garden reception set the stage for Melissa and John’s perfect wedding last summer.  And what could complete the scene more perfectly than an elegant, lace wedding gown custom made by designer Nancy Barrus.

Melissa and John’s wedding was recently featured on Utah Bride Blog and reveals all the enchanting details:

Melissa’s gown, the Alex gown, is a Nancy Barrus Custom Couture creation available at our boutique as shown or with different neckline and sleeve options.  This lace, a-line gown is tailored to flatter Melissa perfectly and adds a soft touch with it’s scalloped trimming on the v-shaped neckline and classic three-quarter length sleeves.  For this couple, beauty is all in the details!

To view and try on this gown or for more information on Nancy Barrus custom gowns from Avenía Bridal, please call our boutique to schedule an appointment: 801-373-0194.

Photos courtesy of Utah Bride Blog and Gideon Photography.  Click here to view more from Melissa and John’s garden wedding reception.