Posts Tagged ‘Always a Bridesmaid’
Real Weddings: Blogs We Like… HuffPost Weddings
Whatever your political affiliation, we think you will dig the wedding content on The Huffington Post.
They’ve created a section devoted solely to the subject of nuptials, and think it’s pretty post worthy. Informative, helpful, amusing and often irreverent, it’s just as good for a quick laugh as it is for tips on finding a “superstar” wedding ring on a budget. They have individual tabs that include Planning 101, Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Wedding 2.0, Etiquette and Advice and even Indiebrides. You’ll find entries, like “How to Get Married at Home Without Losing Your Mind,” and my favorite “Five Things Never to Talk About in a Wedding Toast.”
Here’s another handpicked blog close to my heart…”10 Things Not to Say to Same-Sex Couples.” Read it here. Enjoy!
Check HuffPost Weddings out here: www.huffingtonpost.com/weddings
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photo courtesy of HuffPost Weddings.
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Real Weddings Mini-Moon: The Charlie
Chaplin, Monroe, Gable… other than being Hollywood royalty, these legendary stars all shacked up (though not together) at the property now known as The Charlie. Facing potential tear down to make room for a new development, this small, charming enclave in West Hollywood was acquired by Menachem Treivush in 2002 and lovingly restored to its former glory and reopened to the public as guest accommodations. Now, just in time for awards season, you can book your own bit of Hollywood history and sleep in the shadows of cinema giants.
Recommended Resort: The Charlie. Not a traditional hotel, The Charlie is actually an assortment of bungalows surrounding a gorgeous garden. Built in 1924 by the Ruth Gordon family (of Harold and Maude and Rosemary’s Baby fame) these little pieces of heaven became temporary havens to the aforementioned stars, especially its signature namesake.

Following the multi-million dollar restoration, the property is better than ever and awaiting your close-up. Each is touchingly named in homage to a famous celebrity and styled in sleek Hollywood fashion. Most feature a kitchen and private area, be it a balcony or a patio. Units range in size from two-story to one-story living spaces.
Check In: 819 N. Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood. 323-988-9000, thecharliehotel.com
Check Out: The Marilyn. Home to Marilyn herself in the ’40s, this stand-alone two story cottage features two bedrooms and one and a half baths. The dining room overlooks the lush gardens and the bedroom opens to a large wrap around patio, perfect for a post-Oscar champagne brunch.
Don’t Miss: Hollywood…of course. The Chaplin has the benefit of being located in a quiet residential neighborhood without being too far away from the action. West Hollywood is a great spot for cafes, restaurants and shopping, especially along famous Melrose Avenue and ever evolving La Cienega.
For more reliable tourist fare, head up to Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, where historical landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Grauman’s Chinese and the Walk of Fame await your camera opp. For a bit of Hollywood dining history, make a reservation at Musso & Franks…one of the oldest eateries in the area and a favorite hide out for the stars.
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of The Charlie.
Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
Real Weddings Dazzling Dresses: Christian Siriano Does Bridal!
Hey dreamy Real Weddings Brides! One of the “fiercest” designers on the hit TV reality show Project Runway is getting in the wedding dress business…and we couldn’t be more excited!
Christian Siriano has already designed for big stars like Heidi Klum, Fergie and Taylor Swift, but now you can expect to see his dazzling couture grace the wedding aisle. Nordstrom will feature Siriano’s bridal looks this March, available online and in Nordstrom stores across the U.S.
The strapless gown featured above retails for $2,375 and is “fit for a fairytale.” Check back at nordstrom.com soon for more inspiring looks from this talented young designer.
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.
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Real Weddings Dazzling Dresses: Feminine Touches
It’s all in the details with these wonderful creations by some of our favorite designers. The best part is that all of these gorgeous creations can be purchased locally at Enchanted Bridal Shoppe! Check out the parade of pretty…
The “Camden” by WToo is unique with its halter neckline and sleek A line fit. Covered in full lace, this dress is sure to give off a romantic feel.
The “Alandra” by Maggie Sottero is the gown with a lot of personality. With the slight sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice leading into the dramatic train, heads are sure to turn.
The “Giselle” by Maggie Sottero is shaped by the rouching of the bodice that is a flattering silhouette to any figure. A dramatic full tulle skirt to create a winning look for any princess bride.
The “Reese” by Maggie Sottero is an elegant free-flowing dress perfect for that destination wedding. With the unique beaded back this dress forms any shape with a sleek silhouette.
This Casablanca gown 2020 is delicate with beaded appliqués from head to toe. The optional zipper slit and the sweetheart neckline adds that lovely feminine touch.
Find all these delightful gowns at Enchanted Bridal Shoppe, 5321 Sunrise Boulevard in Fair Oaks. 916-965-5683, enchantedbridalshoppe.com.
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of dress manufacturer.
Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?
Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!
Real Weddings Mini-Moon: River Terrace Inn, Napa
We love Napa…even in the chilly winter months. Spark some romance cuddled in a comfy robe with a nice glass of red wine overlooking the Napa River. A great place to get started is the River Terrace Inn, located in the heart of downtown Napa.
Recommended Resort: River Terrace Inn. This tranquil retreat nestled along the River Trail and the Oxbow Park Preserve of the Napa Valley Wine Country is walking distance from downtown Napa’s charming wine tasting salons, restaurants, art galleries, nightlife and attractions such as Oxbow Public Market, Napa Valley Opera House and Napa Valley Wine Train.
Featuring a pristine riverfront setting, the River Terrace Inn is a refreshing blend of upscale elegance and cool California charm. Stretch out in their 106 luxurious guestrooms and suites where warm wood tones are accented by rich, vibrantly colored fabrics and rugs.
Check In: 1600 Soscol Avenue in Napa. 866-NAPA-FUN riverterraceinn.com
Check Out: Restaurant Cuvée. Located in the center of downtown Napa adjacent to River Terrace Inn, this fun eatery offers a low country feel and living room ambiance complemented by distinctive cuisine with a high country flavor and polished edge.
Cuvée’s community-focused menu is solely dictated by regional availability and ripeness, producing rich comfort food flavors reengineered to a level of “high cuisine.” While offering an extensive local wine list, the bar also features a robust beer list focused on Northern California micro brews as well as fresh garden-inspired drinks.
Chef Mackey’s enhancements to Cuvée include an on-site garden to harvest organic herbs and vegetables for farm-to-table ingredients as well as new weekly themed guest receptions such as “Cupcake Happy Hour” on Tasting Tuesday and “Bubbles and Buckets” on Fried-day.
Don’t Miss: Napa Valley Wine Country Honeymoon Package. Experience two nights of romantic bliss in a River Front Deluxe Jacuzzi Room with a private balcony overlooking the Napa River.
A lovely bouquet of roses, box of chocolates and chilled champagne await you upon arrival. Enjoy an intimate dinner at one of Napa’s most popular restaurants. Awaken to breakfast in bed or on your private balcony before enjoying an exclusive private wine tasting tour of three boutique wineries in a chauffeured limousine.
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Contributor Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of River Terrace Inn.






























