Bridal Shoes {and more}



These great shoes belong to my bride
 this weekend!  How awesome!

 What girl doesn't love shoe shopping?  I don't know of any, and even if you're more tomboy...don't you really enjoy finding the best pair of converse or the greatest basketball shoes ever! 

One of my very most favorite shoe designers is Jimmy Choo.  Even before Sex in the City came out I loved the shoes!  Well, they just came out with a new Bridal Collection.  Take a look and let us know what your favorite design is.

{I think I'm going to have to look for a wedding designer pair!}






What style of shoe will you wear on your wedding day?  Whatever you choose, here are some tips for you when deciding on your shoes.

Have two pairs of shoes
You should have one pair for the ceremony and pictures and another for the reception and dancing.  You don't want to start your married life not being able to walk.

Break them in
Try to wear both pairs of your shoes a few times before your wedding day.  Wear them around the house and get them to "form" to you.

Practice your glide
Seriously, practice walking in your shoes, no matter what style you pick!  You will want to look comfortable, confident and relaxed, so practice!

Get shoes that fit
It is sad that this even has to be a tip, but far too many brides find shoes that they like, but are too small.  You will not want to jam your foot into something just because you like it.  By the end of your wedding day, you won't like the shoes anymore, and you will be in pain.  Find shoes that fit.  There are so many choices out there so take your time and look. 

Really!  How could you not just LOVE this shoe!

http://www.jimmychoo.com/bridal/icat/bridalus

I think it is great when a bride uses colored shoes.  Find a pair to match your girls or just the color theme of your wedding.

Here are some of my favorite white designs

A gorgeous vintage pair!

So, now that you have your dress - find those shoes!!

Wedding Traditions and Their Meanings

How many of you think the "White Wedding Dress" means purity?  I did too! 

Way {way, way, way} back in the day, like medieval times, most brides wore dresses that they already owned or if they were lucky enough, they purchased a practical dress. One that they could wear again.  This pretty much, meant that the general population of brides did not wear white wedding gowns.  Then, in the 1800's when Queen Victoria married, she wore a white, lace gown...and the rest is history.  Actually, the color blue is purity.  And, now you know!

Tossing the bouquet
This originated in England.  Women used to try to rip pieces of the brides flowers and dress to obtain some of her good luck.  To escape the crazy mob of women, the bride would throw her bouquet and run!  Could you imagine this sort of thing happening today??!

Giving away the bride
Can you guess when this one started?  Yep, in the long ago era of arranged marriages.  Daughters were considered to be the fathers property {hmmm!!} and it was his right to give away his daughter to a groom, usually for a price.  Today, though, a father "gives his daughter away" to show his blessing of the marriage.

The wedding ring
The wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand since Roman Times.  The Romans believed that the vein in your "ring" finger runs directly to your heart.  The wedding ring is a never - ending circle symbolizing never-ending love.  Personally, I love the meaning of this tradition. 

The best man
He's not just there to keep the groom company.  In ancient times men sometimes captured women to make them their bride.  He would often take along his biggest, strongest and most trusted friend to help fight off resistance from the woman's family.  That brute was then considered to be the best man among his friends.  In Anglo-Saxon England the best man accompanied the groom to help defend the bride. 

Bride on the left
In Anglo-Saxon England the bride stood to the left of the groom to keep his sword hand free. 

Something old
This represents the bride's link to her family.  She may choose to wear an heirloom brooch, her great-grandmothers engagement ring {my mother-in-law lent me her grandmothers 3ct hand-etched ring}, or she may wear her mother's or grandmother's wedding gown.

Something new
Representing hope for good fortune and success in the future, most brides choose the wedding gown as their "something new".

Something borrowed
Something borrowed usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to lend some of her happiness and good fortune to the new bride

Something blue
Something blue symbolizes love, fidelity and purity of the bride

The bridal veil
The veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty, virginity and was used to ward off evil spirits. 

The bridesmaids
These great ladies were used to confuse evil spirits.  The bride's friends would dress similarly to her to confuse and fool any badness that was floating around.  Today, the bridesmaids are there to support the bride through stressful times.  You know, get her some wine once in a while.

Well, those are my favorite traditions and their meanings and origins.  Post a comment and let us know your favorite traditions. Tell us of new traditions that you've incorporated into your own wedding.

I hope you all have had a great weekend!

Summer Wedding Tips and Ideas

With the weather changing, flowers blooming and a lot more sunshine to be had by all, May through August - with good reason - are the most popular months for weddings. 

Here are some tips and ideas for you to be able to take full advantage of your summer wedding.



The outside setting
Take advantage of the longer days with a later afternoon wedding.  With the sunset behind you, you don't really need to spend a lot with decorations.  Use a flower garden as your nuptial site, a huge, green willow tree, or your families backyard. 

Summer wedding attire
With most of the wedding gowns being strapless, the summer bride is LUCKY!  Be sure to choose a gown that will fit with your location.  If you're getting married on a beach, a simple, light silk, linen or chiffon is perfect.  You could use beautiful hats in your party for a garden wedding, or you could decide to go barefoot for your beach wedding. If you are still getting married in a church and having an indoor/ outdoor reception, something a bit more formal, but still a light weight material is what you will want to find.  Make sure your girls are comfortable with a lighter dress and the guys could go with a linen suit or a pair of khakis and a nice button up shirt and dinner jacket.  And, of-course, a tuxedo is always appropriate for the more formal weddings. 

Summer hair and make-up
You will want to keep humidity in mind when choosing what to do with your hair {all of you!}.  Don't fight your hair, work with it.  Most professionals can design an updo for you that will look fabulous all day.  Keep your make-up light and natural.  You will be more comfortable and it will just look better!

Summery wedding favors
This is a great time to use some delicious fresh fruit for favors for your guests.  Work with your planner to find the perfectly colored, perfectly ripe peach or chocolate covered strawberries.  Also, make sure to offer your guests water {if getting married outside}, a beautiful wicker fan {which can double as your ceremony program} or a personalized parasol to block the sun.

The flowers
Well, this is easy!  It's summer and flowers are everywhere!  There are so many choices, so to help you narrow your choices here are some favorite options:
Hydrangeas, Roses, Lilies, Lilacs, Calla Lillies, Orchids, Stephanoitis, Mums and Zinnias.


Are you having a summer wedding?  Tell us about your details! Gown, flowers, food, decorations...we all want to know!

A Mexican "flavored" Wedding

I love Mexico!  I love the water, the people that I've met, the food and most definately the drinks!  Cinco de Mayo is coming up {YAY!!  another reason to have a party!} so here is an Inspiration Board - Mexican style!

I also created a fun Bridal Shower invitation for my future sister-in-law {ooo...that is so fun to say}.  Since I love Mexican food, and I'm hosting the party, Cinco de Mayo style is what she is getting!

Watch for party pics!

Favorite Find for the Week

Hello Brides!!  As the weekend was going on and the weather was horrible, I got bored and decided to look for something fun and original to share with you. 

Here is my favorite find for the week!  Custom designed, Non-slip Fabric Aisle Runners. 

The Original Runner Company creates the world’s first non-slip fabric aisle runners for weddings and special events.  All of their aisle runners are completely tear and puncture proof even for outdoor installations.  With the unique solid colors, elegant patterns, and limitless custom designs; they have the perfect aisle runner for every grand entrance.  Pricing starts at $145

Aisle runners were first used in the days when the roads were unpaved.  Guests would track in mud and dirt and it just didn't seem right that the bride should have to drag her gown through all of that so, the aisle runner was used to protect her gown.  We don't really have that problem anymore.  Aisle runners are completely optional, but when you can add something this regal to your grand entrance, you should definately go for it!  Here is a small sampling of what The Original Runner Company can create for you. 

Damask Fabric

Created for a wedding designed by David Tutera

Harbin, Nataki wedding

Created for Maria Souflis

Did I mention you can add crystals, feathers, or any unique item for a couture look.  They also offer matching accessories! 

Now, I know that you are probably wondering what you could possibly do with this when your wedding celebration is done...well, let me give you some suggestions (also through Original Runner Company).

• Create a family heirloom by adding additional monograms for years to come
• Craft a table runner to use for romantic anniversaries
• Drape the runner over a table at the reception for guest signatures, then frame it and hang it in your new home
• Fashion a personalized Christmas Tree skirt (love love love this idea!)
• Create a quilt

What would your personalized design be for your grand entrance?  What is your favorite idea for "after the event"?  Post your comment and let us know!

You can contact The Original Runner Company directly or, better yet, let your wedding designer know you're interested!  Tell them Shelly from Signature Events by Shelly sent you.

Create Away!!!