This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Ex-Real-Housewife-Turned-Party-Girl Visits Millburn

Dina Manzo signs copies of NJ Bride Magazine and talks to brides in Millburn.

Yes, another (former) star from The Real Housewives of New Jersey made an appearance in town.  That makes two, in three days.  Millburn = Hollywood, east?

On Sunday, Dina Manzo was at Exquisite Bride in Millburn for a special event -- which tied in with her appearance on the cover of New Jersey Bride's Fall 2011 issue. 

In addition to being an ex-housewife, Manzo is a party planner extraordinaire and has her own successful party planning business in Franklin Lakes, where she lives.  And she has parlayed her party-planning business and her popularity from the Housewives series into her own new reality television show, "Dina's Party,"  which will air on HGTV this fall.  On her  new show, she will be be featured planning parties with real clients. 

Find out what's happening in Millburn-Short Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sunday's event was a must see for sophisticated brides to be. 

The draw was Manzo - signing copies of New Jersey Bride Magazine, taking photos, and looking even more fabulous in person.  When asked about the very red streak in her otherwise very blonde mane, she explained that it was to promote awareness for the charity she founded called Project Ladybug, which is dedicated to helping children stricken with cancer - and their families.  The ladybug has become her signature mascot because they are thought to bring good luck.   

Find out what's happening in Millburn-Short Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She spoke about her daughter, Lexi, who Real Housewives fans all know from the show, and of course, her famous cat, Grandma Wrinkles.  Neither of whom, were there. 

Manzo was a very popular star of the Housewives show, and left abruptly in the middle of the second season when the drama got out of control.  She is known as centered, spiritual, philanthropic and, yes, beautiful, glamorous and over the top.  Because of that, she has a  large and devoted fan base.  And apparently, many of them are getting married because they lined up to see her. 

One such fan, Laura, brought her fiancé, Nick.  The young couple, recently engaged, saw the event advertised online, and even though their wedding is two years away, Laura did not want to miss a chance to meet Manzo.  Laura described how Nick proposed. 

"We are both big coffee drinkers.  He wanted to do something different, so he took me out for dinner and had his proposal printed on a coffee mug.  Of course I accepted."  It wasn't mentioned, if she was calm enough to drink the coffee afterwards.  Probably decaf.  

Beth Bressman of New Jersey Bride Magazine, said, "We like to work with celebrities on the cover.  We were very fortunate to find Dina Manzo.  She makes the pages come alive.  This is a lovely way to involve advertisers to meet brides to be."   

The magazine hosted the event which featured Exquisite Bride's wedding gowns, some of which were modeled for the crowd.  Also featured were a caterer, an entertainment company, which provided a DJ yesterday, a company that makes hand-crafted boxes for wedding gifts at the wedding, and of course, wine and wedding cake. 

This was one party, not to miss.  And in case you did - no worries - you can read more about Manzo and Dina's Party in New Jersey Bride Magazine.   Who will be the next reality star to visit the local burbs?  Stay tuned.....  

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Millburn-Short Hills