Miss Dalmatian, Nashville, TNAge and Occupation: 23, Pediatric NurseFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Computer Engineer and Entrepreneur Engagement Date: April 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Historic CedarwoodAbout Me: I am a Northern girl from Chicago who is planning a wedding filled with Southern charm in Nashville, Tennessee. I love dogs, the White Sox, Full House reruns, and anything with ruffles on it. Mr. Dalmatian is my computer-genius problem-solving fiance who is constantly teaching me new things and making me a better person. We live with our adopted pup Echo, who is very excited that his parents are getting married!
As with all well-laid plans, our dress-shopping adventure did not go exactly as intended. You see, our New York City shopping itinerary turned out to go to waste because…wait for it…I bought my dress in Nashville!
Because I am cruel, you are going to have to wait a bit longer to see my dress, BUT because I am not that cruel, I will share another aspect of my wedding-day look: my shoes!
I was apparently on a decision-making roll after purchasing my dress, because while we were in New York (not shopping for wedding dresses) I bought my shoes! I felt a little silly buying them nearly 11 months before the wedding, but I could not resist! I’m pretty sure neither my foot size nor my love for these shoes will be changing anytime soon.
Mrs. Raccoon, IndianapolisAge and Occupation: 22, StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: Christmas 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Catholic Church, Chateau Thomas WineryAbout Me: I'm a wholesome Midwestern girl, TV series junkie, professional shower singer, and Anglophile. I love my fiance, crock pot cooking, my cat Heepo, going for the gusto, and all things wedding. Mr. Raccoon is pretty sweet, too! He’s a mad scientist that loves to travel. We met my first night on campus and have been inseparable since.
Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
I don’t even need to tell you why I’m in love. Just look at the TURQUOISE SOLES. Amazing. Read more…
Miss Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
I have a problem I need to own up to. I have a serious addiction to all things accessories. My need for accessories can not be quelled. For one, I thought this would be a good organization solution:
Personal photo of my lame closet
It’s now a tangled mess, and that’s just a touch of the mass heap I own.
Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
First and foremost, before we get to the good stuff, I LOVE ZAPPOS. If you haven’t used them yet, find a reason to! Sure, they have a huge selection of shoes. Sure, they have free shipping. Sure, they have a 365 day return policy.
They also sent me two pairs of shoes within 24 hours of ordering them. I didn’t even ask them to…I was perfectly happy waiting 3-5 days for their standard free shipping when I ordered a few pairs one morning back in April. When I got an email early afternoon on the same day saying that they were already being shipped, I thought, “sweet!” Then, when Mr. Foxy texted me around 1PM the day after to tell me that they were just delivered?
My jaw hit the floor. Amazing. And perfect, because I’m probably one of the most impatient people you’ll meet.
As I mentioned, I made this purchase back in April—with spring and Easter season starting up, there were lots of pretty colored shoes out there that weren’t available a few months prior. And one of those colors was fortunately turquoise.
Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
Hive, I have a very exciting wedding event coming up in a few weeks. (You will hear all about it—don’t fret!) So, you all know what that means! I will get to wear my non-wedding bridal shoes!! As luck will have it, the shoes have arrived! Would you like a little peeky-pie?
The BOX! Oooh, look at the hearts! (I think it means I will luv them.)
Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
You may remember, not so long ago, I was all up in the air over which shoes to wear to complete my wedding-day look. I figured I had time, as I had not selected a dress yet. Well, I still have not selected a dress yet, but I have solved the shoe conundrum. You see, I did not want to pass up the chance to buy a pair of FANTASTIC shoes, but I hadn’t found anything I liked more than these:
I was not 100% sold on the colored-shoes thing, but these were A) pretty, B) comfy, C) already in my closet, and D) closed toe (ish). You see, I am a HUGE fan of back-seam stockings; I think they are the perfect way to be ladylike, but show you have a sassy side as well. I had my mind set that I wanted to wear stockings for my wedding before there was a wedding to plan. That means closed-toe shoes are a must. PLUS, April in Michigan = cold and most likely wet, so no strappy sandals here.
Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
In case you didn’t get it…this post is about shoes! Huzzah!
I’ve been poking around online as of late for viable wedding-shoe options. I’ve already decided that I really, really, really want turquoise shoes, a la our color palette. It’s our main wedding color for a reason…I have a minor obsession.
I have also realized that turquoise shoes? Are pretty rare. At least the *right* turquoise, anyway. I’d be OK with a pale pink shoe, but it would have to be pretty sassy if I went that route. (Honestly, it’d have to be sassy even if it was turquoise.) ‘Cause I’m a sassypants.
I would also prefer a closed-toe shoe, mostly because I hate my feet. Not like you need to hear it, but my toes are pretty blech from dancing my whole life on bare feet and in pointe shoes. A pedicure can’t save those babies. And I absolutely must have a few feet/shoe shots at the wedding…so I either need a kick-ass photographer who can avoid the toes, or a closed-toe shoe.
My preliminary search brought me to Zappos, where I actually found some good options. The first pair of turquoise beauts that caught my eye were these:
Miss Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
After going back and forth for a while, I’m finally ready to share my wedding shoes. Honestly, I’ve had them for a while, but I had my doubts.
In my last shoe post, I talked about my desire to rock red shoes. I found the Stuart Weitzman Turalu available online and figured I would buy it if nothing else sparked my interest. Unfortunately, most of the shoes that I wanted were discontinued in red or out of stock in general. I tried holding out until the holiday season in hopes that more red shoes would come out. But I had a feeling in my gut that if I waited too long my “safety” shoe would become unavailable too. The day after I bought them I checked the website again and they were no longer available in my size. Phew!
Miss Doe, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 24, Real Estate AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Recycling ManagerEngagement Date: December 25, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Monte Verde InnAbout Me: I’m a Rat Pack fan and a Christmas nut that loves to read, good wine, cheesy ’80s movies and ’90s sitcoms. My wiener dog with an attitude problem and lazy basset hound are my constant source of entertainment. He's a hunter and I like cooking so it's not rare to see wild game on our dinner menu. Both of us were born and raised in a small historic farming town where our feet are still firmly planted. We have been together for nearly a decade and have shared many life experiences together, including birthdays that are only one day apart. We are two old souls that are creating our long-awaited wedding with loads of tradition that blends our two styles into rustic elegance in the foothills of Northern California.
There are many things that I could talk about today, but the winner is going to be shoes. You see, besides receiving a marriage proposal and an engagement ring for Christmas, Mr. Buck did not want that to be an actual Christmas gift. So, he also got me Christmas presents as well. Generous, right? One of them was a gift card to Nordstrom. I knew immediately what I wanted to buy. SHOES. Long ago in a far away land, I saw a pair of shoes at Nordstrom that were mind blowing. Yes, I am going to exaggerate that much because they were so fantastic. They were sparkly little things, and I said to myself, “Doe, where would you ever wear these shoes?” The only place I could ever think that would need such incredible shoes would be for our wedding. So, sure enough after I was engaged and had a Nordstrom gift card in hand, I went and bought those shoes. It was my first wedding purchase, and I had them even before I got my dress.
{Personal photo}
Well, being that I have a wandering eye for shoes, I began to notice other incredibly beautiful shoes.
Mrs. Cinnamon Bun, Calgary, AlbertaAge and Occupation: 26, Stage ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Theatre TechnicianEngagement Date: June 22, 2010Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Calgary Opera CentreAbout Me: I'm a life-long crafter and bookworm living in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Some of my loves include Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, knitting, opera, musicals, Etsy, baking, and of course, Mr. Cinnamon Buns. We're keeping our wedding close to home---the venue isn't very far from our house, and we live within walking distance of 6 bridal salons. I'm using the wedding as an excuse to try out every craft project I possibly can, with the endless help and support of my fiance.
Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
Let’s talk about wedding shoes. “But Ms. Aardvark!” you are thinking, “Do you have a dress yet? Why are we talking about shoes before you’ve even picked a dress!?” You are correct. I do not have a dress. I do have an idea about the dress but I have not tried anything on or purchased anything yet…hear me out. I would like to have my shoes by the time I start my whole dress hunt so that I will be able to know right off the bat how different lengths work, how easy it is to walk, etc.
I have not selected my official wedding shoes yet but, seeing as I am getting married in April, in the Midwest, I purchased a sassy little pair of lacy rain boots just in case! You will have to wait to see them though. I almost hope it rains a bit just so I can get some cute puddle pictures!
Now, as cute as those are they really wont cut it for the church ceremony, or dancing all night. So that brings us to our current situation. I originally wanted a closed-toed shoe. April will most likely be a bit chilly and I am a sucker for back seam stockings. Unfortunately I have fallen in love with a couple of great open-toed shoes. Let’s take a look: Read more…
Miss Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
Red shoes, that is! It’s no secret that I’m in love with the color red. I have had two red bedrooms and countless bags, clothing, and accessories in the color. The color scheme for our wedding is red and gold. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that I want red wedding shoes.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Wicked Rich in Red / Image via Project Wedding
Mrs. Honey, Durango, COAge and Occupation: 28, Financial AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Lab Tech/PhlebotomistEngagement Date: August 1, 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Vallecito LakeAbout Me: I am a Colorado girl through and through, marrying an adrenaline-fueled Alabama boy. We love the outdoors just about as much as we love spoiling our dog and three cats. On any given weekend you can find us being adventurous, doing anything from rafting to snowboarding, and everything in between. We live in an outdoor mecca and truly believe in "Work Hard, Play Harder." I'm an optimist to the core, a crafter wannabe, a Southern food cook-in-training and a big time believer in girls nights. We met, fell in love and got engaged in eight short months and are now knee-deep in planning what we hope to be a super-fun, very us wedding celebration. Join us as we plan a rustic meets whimsical, Colorado winter wedding with loads of personal touches and good food!
It was out with the glamorous heels and in with the cowboy boots, as I divulged in my last post. I already owned a pair of cowboy boots, which made my wedding day shoe decision rather effortless. I am by no means a girl who wears cowboy boots for the functionality of them, I fully admit to wearing them purely as an accessory. I am, however, a big time country music lover, and there was a time in my life where I could be found every Friday night at the country bar two-stepping my heart out. At that time my mom gifted me with a pair of nice, for-real cowboy boots. If you have ever owned a pair of cowboy boots, you will know that right off the rack, they aren’t the most comfortable shoe known to woman. A pair of cowboy boots is best after being used, you know like roping cattle and feeding the horses. Since I don’t do that real stuff, and my two-stepping has slowed down since I met Mr. H, I haven’t fully broken in my boots. I have worn them a handful of times, but they still look brand-spankin’ new: Read more…
Mrs. Sunhat, Dyer, IN Age and Occupation: 32, Tax AccountantFiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Landscape ForemanEngagement Date: September 25, 2010Wedding Date: December 2011Venues: St. Andrew the Apostle, Fiesta PalaceAbout Me: I'm a Midwest girl who grew up in the country and now works in the big city! I love cooking, entertaining, reading (addicted to my Kindle) and going to the movies. I don't miss an episode of Hoarders and I start cleaning every time I watch! My profession doesn't call for much creativity so wedding planning has been a great outlet. Mr. Sunhat and I met online three years ago, cheer for rival MLB teams and share a home with our dog, Wrigley. We are planning a traditional, Polish, Catholic wedding with lots of DIY elements and some fun surprises. I'm so excited to be married on New Year's Eve and we can't wait to ring in the new year as husband and wife!
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
