Archive for the ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ Category
Mini-Moon: Hotel Shangri-La, Santa Monica
After a $35-million, two-and-a-half year renovation, the Santa Monica legendary Hotel Shangri-La is back in business, and not a moment too soon.
Perfectly perched on humming Ocean Avenue, visitors get shopping and restaurants right at their doorstep and the beautiful SoCal beaches are just across PCH. It’s an ideal summer retreat for the couple in search of surf, sunshine and social time.
Recommended Resort: Hotel Shangri-La. Built in 1939, the modern, deco structure long drew Hollywood’s elite, providing them a seaside retreat to hide away from the masses. The gorgeous, streamline white structure has been lovingly preserved, and interior designer Marc Smith has given the inside an big upgrade, bringing back some of the ’30s glamour and mixing in some modern touches. Rooms are sleek, some boasting kitchens and Pacific views. The Dining Room, also overlooking the ocean and Palisades Park, serves up fresh fare with ingredients from the local Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
Check In: 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica. 877-999-1301, shangrila-hotel.com.
Check Out: For the month of August, take advantage of their Romantic Santa Monica Vacation package. This great deal includes two nights in a two-bedroom, Luxury Ocean View Suite, with an oversized ocean-view soaking tub, a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne, bath products by Fresh, a bouquet of flowers, chocolates and breakfast in bed each day!
Don’t Miss: The pool scene. The Courtyard boasts the only 100 percent solar heated swimming pool in Los Angeles. DJ parties are held every Thursday through Sunday, attracting a good-looking, social crowd for dancing and cocktails through the evening. During the day, lounge back in one of their plush chairs, sip a cocktail and enjoy the amazing view. Life is good.
Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Hotel Shangri-La.
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Dazzling Dresses: Forever Yours from The Bridal Box
Ready for a little romance this week?
We’ve discovered a few dreamy dresses from designer Forever Yours sure to make hearts flutter. Regal and ravishing, these gorgeous gowns could make any bride feel like royalty. Trumpets sound…let the procession begin:
This strapless satin gown with an A-line silhouette features a scalloped neckline with beaded and embroidered lace on the bodice. A drop waist dramatically segues into a beautiful pick-up skirt decorated with scattered appliqués. Shown in Ivory.
Taffeta and tulle complement this full A-line silhouette with 72-inch train. Strapless and two pieces, the back laces up on a bodice with an exquisite beaded floral design. The tulle underskirt also features beading and elegant embroidery. Shown in Bridal Light Ivory.
A splash of color highlights this satin and strapless trumpet number. A gathered neckline in a color of your choosing matches a back bow and buttons that run the length of the 72-inch train. Adorable!
All three of these Forever Yours dresses can be found at The Bridal Box, 8546 Madison Avenue in Fair Oaks. 916-961-1500 or www.thebridalbox.net
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Forever Yours.
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Mini-Moon: Hotel Monaco, Portland Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a wonderful town to visit during the summer and fall seasons. Combine warmer temperatures and beautiful Northwestern scenery the place comes alive with visitors out to enjoy the sights.
And, lucky for us, Portland’s only a hop skip and a jump from the Sacramento region…easily accessible by air or road trip. One of our favorite hotels in Portland, Hotel Monaco, puts you right in the middle of the actions, with a terrific downtown location that’s close to many of the city’s best spots.
Recommended Resort: Hotel Monaco. The 1912 building that hosts the hotel has quite a storied past, having once been home to both Lipman Department Store and retailer Frederick & Nelson before its recent hotel incarnations. 1n 1996, Kimpton Hotels took over and renamed the 221-room property, welcoming Hotel Monaco to Portland’s thriving downtown scene. Designer Michael Booth of Babey-Moulton in San Francisco preserved the original high ceilings and picture windows in the lobby and made some additions to better resemble the structures retail roots. This loving restoration adds to the charm guest enjoy when visiting this historic venue.
Check In: 506 SW Washington at 5th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. 888-207-2201, www.monaco-portland.com
Check Out: The Red Start Tavern and Roast House. Here you’ll find amazing American cuisine that has all of Portland buzzing. Wood accents make up the setting and wood fire ovens serve up the flavors, with specialties like orange glazed baby back rib and garlic and red wine hanger steak. Yum. If you love Bourbon, try one of their tasting flights and sample from one of the most extensive Bourbon walls in Oregon.
Don’t Miss: In-Suite Spa Services. Bring relaxation right to your room with one of their delightful in-suite spa treatments. Highlights from the menu include an Aroma Journey Massage, Spirulina Body Wrap and Anti-Oxidant Vitamin C Facial. Oh, and did I mention that Hotel Monaco is pet friendly? So make sure Rover gets some VIP treatment as well!
Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Hotel Monaco.
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
Dazzling Dresses: Watters Brides from Miosa
Hello Real Weddings Magazine Brides!
We’re jumping at the bit to share these gorgeous gowns from Watters Brides. Award-winning designer Vatana Watters has been creating stunning dresses for over 20 years, many worn by celebrities on their big day.
Now’s your chance to walk down the aisle in one of these glamorous styles. We picked three of our favorites from the current collection. Let the runway begin…
This white silk taffeta strapless gown with pleated bodice features a shirred empire band, flower pin and full skirt with pick-ups. Covered buttons line the back bodice with a chapel train finish. This beauty also comes in ivory and eggshell.
Here’s an eggshell duchess silk satin v-neck gown with draped bodice, pleated shoulder caps, an asymmetrical draped skirt and flowers at shoulder and hip. A sweep train completes this elegant silhouette. Also available in white.
Beautifully layered ivory silk satin organza has a breathtaking effect on this strapless bias strip fluted gown with a chapel train. Also available in white.
Yeah, we told you they were gorgeous!! Watters Bridal dresses are available locally at Miosa Couture, 1125 J Street in Sacramento. 916-443-1301, www.miosabride.com
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Watters Brides.
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Dazzling Dresses: Pretty Brides Maids from Diamond Bridal Gallery
It’s Thursday…time to bring on the girls.
This week we turn the spotlight to bridesmaids. These ladies have your back, darling bride, so let’s make sure they look fabulous as well!
Here are a few selections from Pretty Brides Maids…their name says it all!
Bridesmaid Dress 22305
From the “Maid” Your Way program, where you choose the color, fabric, length and accessories for any style.
Shown in taffeta, this strapless tea length gown features an empire pleated bodice.
Bridesmaid Dress 22317
Another beauty from the “Maid” Your Way program, this tea length halter is satin with banding.
Bridesmaid Dress 22328
Pretty in pink, this strapless short gown with satin banding has a natural waistline and flower accent the waistband.
Bridesmaid Dress 22339
Speaking of flowers, here’s a unique chiffon print and high rouched neckline gown with flower detail. Lovely.
Bridesmade Dress 22324
Lady’s got the blues in this chiffon number, with a high collar rouched bodice and neckline accented with flower.
Pretty Brides Maid Dresses are available at Diamond Bridal Gallery, 6963 Douglas Boulevard in Granite Bay. 916-521-9856, diamondbridalgallery.com.
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Pretty Brides Maids.
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