Posts Tagged ‘Always a Bridesmaid’

Hello delightful Real Weddings Brides. Ready for a little Thursday eye candy? Here’s a selection of lovely dresses from the Casablanca Lace line at The Clothes Mine Bridal & Formalwear in Sutter Creek.

According to The Clothes Mine Bridal & Formalwear’s Tracy Lindenberger, “Casablanca is our number one vendor, and their lace gowns are great for the vintage look popular up here with winery and rustic barn weddings. Another positive with Casablanca is that they never discontinue a dress. If a bride falls in love with a gown, she can be assured that it will still be available when she’s ready to order.” Let’s check them out!

1827

This romantic gown has a modified sweetheart neckline and an A-line silhouette. The delicate lace is decorated with just the right amount of sparkle and bead work, while the chapel length train helps complete the look of this sophisticated creation.

1900

This strapless A-line silhouette features beaded Chantilly lace overlay with scallops on the neckline and elaborate hand-embroidered designs and crystals on the bodice. A stunning empire waistline wrapped in luxe satin and scalloped semi-chapel train makes this gown timeless.

2004

Beautifully beaded lace appliqués sewn on netting over crystal satin lining. The neckline is an off the shoulder design with scalloped trim accent and the gown silhouette is a fit and flare A-line. Features a sheer lace design on the back.

2072

Beautiful scalloped A-line gown with beaded band accent at waist. The beaded lace over silky satin is finished with eyelash fringe.

2096

Soft beaded lace gown with a deep sweetheart neckline and an organza and lace ruffle skirt. Matching lace covered buttons go down the entire back of the bodice.

Find these gowns at The Clothes Mine Bridal & Formalwear, 60 Main Street in Sutter Creek. 209-267-0417, theclothesmine.com. And, make sure to like The Clothes Mine Bridal & Formalwear on Facebook here!

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Casablanca.

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This week we take a cue from recent bride Anne Hathaway and explore the blushing shade of pink in wedding gowns. Many brides are choosing non-traditional colors for their frocks (in fact, before Queen Victoria choose white for her gown as a political gesture, brides wore vibrant colors like red, green and purple at their ceremonies). The color trend returns as brides walk down the aisle in stunning scarlet, gorgeous grey and bold black.

The color pink has also made a comeback in recent years, most recently with Miss Hathaway. For her divinely romantic Valentino dress, she chose a pale pink tint at the bottom of her skirt that faded into traditional white.

This dress may remind you of another trendsetter, Gwen Stefani, who wed in Galliano several years back with a shocking blast of pink tulle and satin in her fabulous gown. Anne took a softer tone, but still made brilliant statement.

“Mr. Valentino Garavani designed it especially for Anne and our seamstresses at the couture atelier in Rome made it,” shared a representative for Valentino. “Anne is like a daughter to him.”

And, as a bonus, Anne has decided to sell her wedding photos and donate much of the proceeds to Freedom to Marry, a pro-gay marriage campaign, and other non-profits. What a class act!

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photo of Anne courtesy of and copyright InStyle. Photo of Gwen courtesy of and copyright  Rex.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Greetings my Real Weddings brides. It’s time to “B” brilliant and “B” beautiful. Are you sensing a theme here? Today it’s all about the letter “B.” Take these four appropriately named dresses from SPARKLE bridal couture, all modern classics with a few trendy touches, but with silhouettes and proper draping to make them timeless. Check them out!

Bonfilia

Bonfilia is a classic strapless luxe satin gown featuring a beautiful sweetheart neckline and well-structured pleated bodice for additional support. A beaded bow embellishment at the hip gives this gown a modern touch. An a-line skirt cascades over hips to balance your figure and create a perfect hourglass.

Bryce

Bryce is a soft taffeta gown that is light and easy to move around in thanks to its construction and detail. A pleated bust and waistline cinches your mid-section and leads to a black belted accent at your waist. The full a-line pick up skirt give this dress some drama without being too fussy.

Benita

Benita is a modern taffeta gown that uses long layered asymmetrical ruffles to show off a bride’s fun side. The strapless scoop neckline softens the bust line and the pleated angled waistline gives proportion to your figure. A beaded floral accent adds a sweet touch and the detachable cap sleeves give additional support or coverage as needed.

Bareli

Bareli is the perfect combination of vintage and modern with its use of lavish lace embroidery as lace detailing cascades across the bust and down the torso across a pleated waistline. The lace detachable cap sleeves accent a strapless sweetheart neckline. This gorgeous taffeta gown with an a-line skirt features a delicate floral embellishment at the hip.

Find all these gowns at SPARKLE bridal couture, 3200 Folsom Blvd in East Sacramento. 916-538-6615. For more information, please visit, sparklebridalcouture.com. And, make sure to “like” SPARKLE bridal couture on Facebook, facebook.com/sparklebridal.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of and copyright SPARKLE bridal couture.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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For anyone who has frequented the City by the Bay in the past decade, it’s well known that the streets of San Francisco no longer just run north of Market for the occasional tourist. In fact, SOMA (South of Market) is one of the most bustling and happening neighborhoods in town. Home to exciting new restaurants, shopping area, public space and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), this the place to be and be seen.

It should come as no surprise that many a chic hotel has opened its doors along these formerly industrial avenues. Some are boutique and some quite posh, like the St. Regis San Francisco, a 40-story tower that beautifully blends the modern and metropolitan flavor this section of the city is becoming known for.

Recommended Hotel:  St. Regis San Francisco. The hotel handsomely transformed the historic early 20th Century Williams Building into a skyscraper with contemporary character and sleek sophistication. You could say culture surrounds this hub of hospitality.

Not only does the building host the new Museum of African Diaspora, but phenomenal SFMOMA is only steps away as well. Across the street you’ll find Yerba Buena Gardens, and bustling Market Street is only a short walk north.

If you’re lucky to get a room several stories up, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the bay to one side, or that inevitable fog engulfing the city to the other. Beautifully appointed and wrapped in the comforts you’d expect from a St. Regis property, the spacious rooms aim to please, with a clean cream and white palette and generous square footage.

Check In:  125 3rd Street in San Francisco. 415-284-4000, starwoodhotels.com/stregis

Check Out:  Reméde Spa. Release the tensions of your day or week in the St. Regis signature spa. 9,000-square feet in all, you’ll be surprised as the space the hotel has masterfully designated for this sanctuary. Indulge in the private steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools before your massage or facial then treat yourself to champagne and handmade truffles as you unwind.

Don’t Miss:  Ame. A tough reservation for even locals, the flagship restaurant at the St. Regis is a must for the intrigued epicurean. Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani, the team behind Terre in St. Helene, present seasonal New American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.

Pair an elegant bottle of wine with offerings like fresh crudo, tartare and carpaccio, or sample some sashimi with a limited-edition sake. No matter the choice, you’ll leave this dining experience completely satisfied.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of and copyright St. Regis San Francisco.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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Salutations my Real Weddings brides. Let’s mix it up today and check out a sampling of delightful gowns courtesy of Enchanted Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe in Fair Oaks. There’s a little something for everyone here, and plenty of pretty to go around. Enjoy!

Divina by Maggie Sottero

Opal Organza makes a beautiful statement in this asymmetrical gown with a sweetheart neckline. A ruched bodice hugs tight to the figure providing an exaggerated mermaid fit through the hips releasing into a breathtaking, layered skirt.

Sabelle by Maggie Sottero

This one-piece, strapless, full A-line gown with lace-up closure creates a striking silhouette in rich Bordeaux Taffeta. The cascading bustles drape asymmetrically over an embellished lace skirt. Beaded lace accents the gentle sweetheart neckline and surrounds the signature lace-up back. Handmade flowers are nestled within the bustles of the skirt. This style is available with a stunning sleeveless, lace bolero jacket or embellished cap-sleeves.

C7879 by Karelina Sposa

A Point D’Espirit strapless A-line with a sweetheart neckline and natural waistline offers re-embroidered lace and Sequin accents, rhinestones on the belt, a lace-up back, chapel train and long sleeve bolero.

1942 by Casablanca

Soft and chic describes this gown accented with sheer cap sleeves and plunging deep “V” shaped back neckline. The gown is trimmed with scalloped Chantilly lace appliqués and the bodice features a silk band and beaded flower appliqué.

Find all these enchanting gowns at Enchanted Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe, 5321 Sunrise Boulevard in Fair Oaks. 916-965-5683. enchantedbridalshoppe.com. And, make sure to like Enchanted Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe on Facebook, www.facebook.com/EnchantedBridalShoppe.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Maggie Sottero, Karelina Sposa and Casablanca.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!