Dazzling Dresses

Hello Real Weddings Magazine Brides!

Here’s another amazing dress we plucked right off the runway. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we were inspired by the dramatic dose of romantic red in this particular style.

From Alfred Angelo, this satin with re-embroidered lace design is accented with metallics, crystal beading, sequins and rhinestones. Optional elements include a modestly piece and spaghetti straps. The dress is available in white or ivory and the trim comes in 55 colors to match your theme or personal style!

Find this and other Alfred Angelo dresses at their boutique in Roseville at 1208 Galleria Boulevard. 916-797-1919, http://www.alfredangelo.com/.

About Alfred Angelo
The family-owned Alfred Angelo is the world’s leading maker of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. For 75 years, they have been dressing brides and the members of their wedding party in elegant and affordable gowns by premier designer Michael Shettel.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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Platinum Weddings...New Episodes Start Tonight!

Spare No Expense! Platinum Weddings Returns with a new season!

Jewel encrusted wedding bouquet? $500

Professional sitar player? $2,000

45 cascading floral arrangements? $37,000

An opportunity for our readers to get ideas for their weddings without breaking their budget? Priceless

That pretty much sums up the perks of WE tv’s popular reality show Platinum Weddings, airing new episodes starting tonight.

Can we say extravagant? Of course, but these grand affairs are also super entertaining.

I was checking out a repeat from last year on a couple that threw a lavish Indian ceremony and reception. There were some pretty great ideas in there, even if the sum of the parts equaled the down payment on a loft in New York. But price tag aside, there are plenty of reasons to watch, from the beautiful table settings, to the gorgeous locales, to the stunning dresses. Check it out and get inspired!

New episodes at 9 p.m. PST/8 p.m. CST starting tonight, January 3 on WE tv. Check your cable provider for local channel information. You can also visit the Web site for info on the couples and their vendors. http://www.wetv.com/.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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Hot Trend: Tiffany & Co. Zodiac Charms by Paloma Picasso

As we celebrate 2010, Tiffany & Co. introduces a new collection from favorite jewelry designer Paloma Picasso. Inspired by the animals of the Chinese zodiac, she offers 12 beautiful charms, one for each year cycle of the horoscope.

“The Chinese zodiac is a wonderful birthday tradition,” said the designer. “We all have a curiosity about the zodiac and whether it influences our lives.”

Paloma’s Chinese Zodiac captures the vitality of each animal — and the human personality it represents – the inquisitive monkey, restless tiger, self-assured rooster, quick-witted horse, passionate dragon, resolute ox, sensitive rabbit, sensual snake, determined ram, loyal dog, patient pig and tenacious rat.

Beautifully handcrafted and innately charming, these 18K gold pieces would make delightfully personalized gift for each of your bridesmaids. To figure out her zodiac sign by year, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac.

Pictured is the Tiger Charm Pendant, photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Learn more about these and other Paloma Picasso charms at Tiffany & Co. in the Roseville Galleria, 1151 Galleria Boulevard. 916-872-2129. http://www.tiffany.com/.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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Dazzling Dresses

Hello Real Weddings Magazine Brides!

Let’s get ready to kick off the New Year with our first installment of Dazzling Dresses!

Throughout the year, we’ll be posting our favorite dress styles from our favorite designers, from beautiful bridal gowns to bridesmaid dresses to mother-of-the-bride offerings, all from local bridal boutiques!

We’re hoping you’ll get inspired and find the dress of your dreams in plenty of time for your big day!

Let’s get the fashion show started with this stunner from Diamond Bridal Gallery in Granite Bay…

Style: Salome. A gorgeous gown in garza by Spanish designer Two by Rosa Clará.

Try it on for yourself at Diamond Bridal Gallery, 6963 Douglas Boulevard in Granite Bay. 916-521-9856, http://www.diamondbridalgallery.com/.

About Diamond Bridal Gallery
Diamond Bridal Gallery is proud to present magnificent selection of American and European designers bridal gowns and evening wear. The salon received perfect feedback on every one of its fashion shows so you can depend on their expertise and reputation.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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Say Cheese! – Reception Photo Booths

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design.

Here’s a wedding trend that’s guaranteed to generate smiles from ear to ear.

Setting up a photo booth at a reception is not only a unique way to keep your friends and family entertained in between drinks, dinner and dancing, but one that’s sure to create lasting memories as well.

“They are fun, nostalgic, and a great way to help guests ‘kill time’ while the couple is taking photos after the wedding with the photographer,” says John Vu of Profinish Design in Sacramento. “They help with creating a fun atmosphere and help guest warm up to the occasion.”

Many brides and grooms are choosing photo booths over traditional party favors, making customized printouts so their guests can take home a visual keepsake from the event.

“Something magical happens when people get in the booth and close the curtain,” says Chris Terry of Encore Entertainment in Sacramento. “At every event I see the same thing, early on many guests are serious, they haven’t started loosening up, and then they get into the booth to take some pictures. They always come out of the booth laughing. When you throw in props like funky hats, boas, fedoras, and a cane, things really come alive.”

Photo courtesy of Encore Photo Booths.

The Encore Web site allows guests to order reprints and enlargements of photos from the event, including print customization and incorporating wedding theme and colors. “We try to make the print a piece of art that’s appealing to the eye so you just don’t have photos but a cool look that takes the guests back to the special day,” Chris says. “The bride a groom also get a USB Thumb Drive at the end of the event containing all of the photos and prints taken.”

John at Profinish notes that there are more options than just the commercial booths you see at arcades or malls. “There are many different kinds, from a photo kiosk (a stand with a camera and backdrop), to a curtain booth (table clothes and laptop), to full-fledged photo booths (like the ones I have manufactured) that are light weight and take better quality photos,” he says. “I like to educate people about this as much as I can, considering that the term ‘photo booth’ could be a broad commodity. It’s almost kind of like finding the right photographer these days, with quality of photo prints, booth, service, etc.”

Some booths also offer the added benefit of viewing the photos in a real-time slideshow. “We just finished installing 32” LCD monitors on all of our booths,” says Chris at Encore. “After about a half hour of taking pictures the slideshow will begin and a crowd usually gathers as the guests enjoy hilarious pictures their friends have taken through the event.”

Needless to say, if you’re in search of cool favors and some more fun for your guests at your wedding reception, have one of these qualified local photo booth providers hook you up and get ready for the memories to start flashing by.

Profinish Design
John Vu
http://www.profinishdesign.com/
916-760-1499

Encore Entertainment
Chris Terry
http://www.go-encore.com/
916-248-8445

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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For the Love of Etsy

You might be like, “Etsy, what the heck is that?”

Etsy is actually an online source for handmade gifts, posted by a variety of artistic vendors from across the country. Think of it as a really cool crafts fair on the Web. I’ve been going here for unique gifts for several years, but it wasn’t until recently when I made a handmade bow tie purchase that I realized what a great hub this site can be for wedding stuff.

I’m sure many of you would like to make your own wedding favors or cake toppers, and if you have the time and the talent, go for it! For others, it’s not always easy to squeeze a hot glue gun into the schedule. So, before you employ your mom or bridesmaids on putting together little projects, check out Etsy and see what other creative folks have to offer. Here are some of my favorites by their seller name:

MeandMatilda
Perfect for the outfitting the groom and his guys, this purveyor of custom neckties, bow ties and bridal accessories offers a wide range of fashionable damask, polka dots, stripes, solids and more. “Classic style with a modern twist so everyone can journey in style.”

JustToppers
Here’s the icing on the cake. Just Toppers provides personal and unique selection of custom cake toppers, including monograms and other popular wedding themes.

BridalBlissDesigns
A wedding gown and bridesmaid dress designer who specializes in “custom design reproduction” with quality fabrics and materials, like chiffon, taffeta and organza depending on the style of the dress.

TrialByCupcakes
Does wedding invitation calligraphy and makes beautiful hand drawn wedding invitation maps to order.

JessicasDesignShop
Creator of unique and visually interesting wedding announcements, invitations, place cards and more.



BridalEmUnique
Jewelry designer making one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces with crocheted elements, gemstones and sterling and gold-filled finding.



HeKnowsMyName
Offers an assortment of veils, headbands, flowers and other hair accessories.




PetereneDesign
Fabulous custom garters so cool you might not want your groom to toss.

Find these sellers and MANY more at http://www.etsy.com/.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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Good Philosophy

What do you give the bride who has everything (or the registry to prove she soon will)?

Over here at Real Weddings Magazine, we're huge fans of philosophy products, so what about one of their wedding-inspired offerings?

The always cute and creative bath and beauty line has four gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on your bride's face this holiday season:

The Bride - Falling in Love Shower Set - $40
This sweet shower gel and spray will have you falling head over heels.

The Bride - Skincare Set - $48 (pictured at the top of this blog)
The beautiful box holds five pieces in three of philosophy’s best selling products – grace, hope and purity.

Tying The Knot - $100 (not pictured)
This nine piece set includes everything a bride would need for her big day, including hope in a jar, purity made simple and amazing grace eau de toilette.

The Wedding Party – $30
A delightful trio of shower gels in appropriately named wedding cake, bridal bouquet and bubbly.
Find philosophy products at Sephora at Arden Fair Mall, 1689 Arden Way in Sacramento; or Sephora at Westfield Galleria at Roseville, 1151 Galleria Boulevard in Roseville.

Or, check out philosophy's Web site: http://www.philosophy.com/.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of philosophy.

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Keep On File

Busy brides must manage a long list of last minute details as they countdown the days to their wedding. Flowers…check. Pick-up dress….check. Favors...check. Manicure…check. My poor sister-in-law, she had so many things creep up on her at the end that she almost missed her rehearsal dinner completely. Unacceptable!

It’s safe to say that brides have a lot on their plate, and things may not always go as smoothly as they would like. That said, I’m going to suggest adding one more tiny thing to that to-do list, something I like to call the 911 Beauty Kit.

Sure, you’ll have your hair done the morning of, your make-up beautifully applied, your dress steamed to perfection. But, even the most prepared brides confront unexpected hurdles to making it down the aisle in flawless condition. So, over the next few weeks, I’m going to introduce a few products that should be packed and ready should you encounter a beauty mishap.

#1 THE FILE
Your manicure is sensational, why take the chance of an unsightly chip? Be sure to pack the exact shade of nail polish in your kit along with a small file, like the new Matchbox File from Tweezerman. Twelve of these little guys come adorably packaged in a small matchbox-style case. They’re cute, compact and convenient…perfect on the go. Pack them for your honeymoon and open in case of an emergency.

Find them at Target, target.com.

Blog Post by Always A Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.