(Interview and photoshoot made on January 2013)
Rock stars and beautiful women go hand in hand like diamonds and Marilyn Monroe and Motley Crue musician Nikki Sixx has certainly found the perfect gem in his wife-to-be. Model-turned-presenter Courtney Bingham and the legendary rocker have been together for three years and their engagement caused quite a stir after a romantic trip to St. Bart’s produced a mammoth six-carat sparkler. They are due to marry on March 15.
Courtney grew up in Los Angeles and began modeling at 17. After a stint working at Paramount Pictures her passion for making movies saw her produce Inappropriate Comedy starring Adrien Brody and Lindsay Lohan in 2011.
A woman of many talents – cover girl, swimwear designer and Do It Yourself lifestyle presenter covering fashion and home decor this bride-to-be is certainly rocking her own destiny and we at Naluda have the privilege of featuring her.
What was life like growing up in SoCal?
Growing up in Southern Cali was amazing! This city has so much energy yet it’s super laid back at the same time and everything you could want is right at your fingertips. From skiing and surfing to museums, entertainment and shopping there is something here for everyone and is a one-stop-shop to make your dreams a reality.
You got into modeling at a very young age, when was your first real big break?
I started modeling at 17. My first break was when I was signed with Wilhelmina Models and then Photogenics Model Management and was sent to Milan, Italy with my mom to build my portfolio. I was able to meet with and work with top Italian designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Cosabella. It was a huge learning experience as well as a major growing experience for me.
You are a busy girl, can you tell about all the projects that you are currently working on?
At the moment I’m working on revamping my website, how2girl.com, recording my radio show How2Girl on iHeartRadio daily and oh… planning my wedding.
With such a busy schedule right now, how do you manage time to stay in such good shape?
Even though I have a schedule that is crazy right now keeping my body and mind in shape is very important to me. I recently discovered Pilates and meditation. I try and devote 4 days a week to Pilates and I meditate every morning to help me focus and put me in a good state of mind for the day. With a strong mind and body you can conquer the world and one is just as important as the other.
How did you meet Nikki?
Nikki and I met through a mutual friend who thought we would really hit it off and become friends. He never expected us to fall in love. We chafed over the phone for about two weeks before meeting in person and as soon as we met the sparks were crazy and the friend card went out the window!
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career is when The Home Depot called me up to partner up with them for their Lets Do This campaign! I was so honored and am still blown away!
Other than Martha Stewart, who inspires you and why?
I really love Ellen DeGeneres because she is so fun loving and hilarious, she can relate to all of her guests on her show and I love that she is so true to who she is. I am obsessed with Chelsea Handler, I think she is the funniest person alive. Oprah Winfrey is a huge inspiration to me, the fact that she had so much to over come and has helped so many people is amazing to me!
With your wedding coming up very soon, as a true How2girl, we hear you are planning your own wedding!? Exciting times! How is it all coming together?
I am having a blast planning my wedding! There are so many little details and aspects of the planning process and I am rolling up my sleeves and am so excited about everything from incorporating my fiancé Nikki and my style into the invitations, flowers and food to the bachelorette in Mexico, but my hands down favorite part so far has been the design of my custom wedding dress! Normally custom dresses can be pricey but my super talented aunt Janene Hines is making my dress for me at her bridal boutique in Alameda, Ca Janene’s Bridal, so I am saving a lot of money and also having a great excuse to keep flying back and forth to San Francisco, one of my favorite cities ever!
Is Nikki getting involved at all in the wedding planning?
Nikki and I are having the time of our lives planning our wedding. It is very important to us that the big day reflects who we are as a couple and isn’t one sided and all about the bride as a lot of weddings can end up being. We are a very creative and hands on couple so the entire process has been very fun for us. It’s a give and take but it’s important to have the wedding feel like both of us.
Being the month of love, any plans for Valentines day?
I am very busy right now working on lots of V-Day DIY posts for my website and radio shoe, from flirty nail designs and fun and sexy V-Day hair and makeup to menus and entertaining tips for a romantic dinner or an anti V-Day dinner party, I am leaving no stone uncovered thinking of ways to inspire my followers to have fun and give this V-Day some extra sugar and spice and everything nice!
What has been the most romantic gesture your Nikki has made to you?
For my birthday last year Nikki surprised me while he was on tour, I went out to eat lunch and when I came back to the tour bus he had filled the entire bus with silver bday balloons for me. It was one of the coolest and sweetest things I have ever seen!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
My perfect Sunday is waking up and making a Vanilla Latte, then taking my Golden Retriever on a hike in Malibu with Nikki. Followed by lunch or a picnic on the beach and a great glass of rose.
When sick, who makes the better patient/nurse and why?
Nikki is the best nurse in the world! He always has a way of making me feel better and he cooks me ramen noodles. It’s really cute!
Do you have any How2girl tips for our readers trying to impress their loved ones on Valentines Day?
Get creative! Rather than buying V-Day cards make your own using cardstock, glitter, stickers and markers. Add Hershey’s syrup into a jar accompanied by a paint brush for some sexy chocolate body frosting and add a spoonful of raspberry sorbe into a champagne flute with your champagne for a simple, festive and delicious cocktail!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In 5 years from now I see myself being happily married with a baby and working on my How2Girl tv show showing women everyday how to live fabulously on a budget with hot lifestyle tips from entertaining and decorating to fashion and beauty for the girl on the go!
Know Courtney
Name: Courtney Bingham
Age: 28
Hometown: Calabasas, CA
Do you have a nickname?: Court
When you were a child what did you want to be when you were a grown up: A veterinarian.
Coolest place you’ve visited: Dubai
Favorite color: Pink
Fashion style: Classic with a touch of rocker chic meets bohemian.
What could you not be without: My puppy Leica.
Most romantic moment: Nikki’s proposal to me last november on a beach with candles and roses under a moonlit canopy.
Follow Courtney at:
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Credits
Model: Courtney Bingham
Photo: Daniel Zahoul (naludamagazine.com)
Stylist: Priscilla Colwell
Clothing: Novecento Boutique (novecentofashion.com)
Susan Holmes McKagan (susanholmes.net)
Make-Up: Christian the MUA (christianthemua.com)
Accesories: Novecento Boutique, Elodiek (elodiek.com) & Sarah Horne
Location: Kevinsstudios.com
