Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre {& Post} Wedding Shots: Shoes Part I

Who doesn't love shoes?! Whether yours are high, platform, flat, kitten-healed, rubber-bottomed, laced-up, zipped-up or slipped on, a girl has to have her shoes!

From the moment Annie Banks, in the Father of the Bride 1991 remake, appeared in her wedding Sidekicks, brides have not been afraid to express their shoe style.

A trend we have been seeing for a few years is the wedding day "statement" shoe. Brides are expressing their wedding day colors and personality. A growing trend this year is the ultimate sparkly, crystal-embellished shoe {as seen in my last post} 

and a patterned shoe such as leopard print and polka-dots.

Be sure to capture your shoe-sonality on wedding day. Check out these fun "stems":

Shoot your shoes with rings, your bouquet or dress as the backdrop.

{look carefully at the above, top left image. Those shoes are in the chandelier!}

A few tips to insure the perfect pair:

- As popular as shoes are, its still all about the dress. You shoes should compliment your wedding day style - not overshadow or out-shine your dress. In other words, your shoes should complete the look, no steal the show.

- As fun as trends are, don't let them steer you away from your wedding day style. If you are reserved and graceful, go for a vintage, classic shoe in a softer color. But if you are loud and wild, go for a brighter shoe with accents.

- Comfort is key! You will spend a long day on your feet standing, dancing and walking. If you are questioning the comfort of your wedding shoes ask if they are returnable. Then take them home and walk around on the carpet. If you cannot make it an hour, you will not be able to break them.

- For some extra cushion be sure to check out Dr. Scholl's inserts. They also make great tokens to tuck into bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride gifts.

- After your shoes are photographed and admired, you can add some extra traction to make sure you don't slip down the aisle. I love Foot Petals. They come in white for lighter-colored soles.

- No one is perfect and most likely your feet are not the same size. Be sure to get the right fit with added cushion to the back heal, arch or toes. More great options found at Foot Petals.

- Nothing can ruin the look more than going from some fabulous shoes to boring flip flops. To keep your groove going on the dance floor bring along some fun "pumps" or "sneakers" or classy ballet flats. I love the ballet flats and bamboo-lined flip flops from The Dessy Group. They have 180+ colors to choose from!

Look for Part II this weekend to include groom's socks and bridesmaids shoes!

Crowning & Fabulous: Jimmy Choo's 15th Anniversary Crystal Collection

Move over Manolo! I am loving Jimmy Choo's Crystal Collection for this year's bridal shoe. And whats even better is that it comes in flats for the girl who doesn't want to tower over her groom, but still wear fabulous shoes!

Or it also makes a great Mother-Daughter matching shoe.

The high-heeled Samba is featured in the middle with the matching Rachelle in the kitten heal. Shop Jimmy Choo online or at Nordstroms.

Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre Wedding Shots

Before you say your "I Dos", there are a few photographs every bride must have: your bridal gown (without you in it), your shoes, your wedding bands & wedding day jewelry, your invitation, program and any other stationery used (menus, escort cards, place cards, welcome bag tags, etc.) and finally your bouquet (before its over handled, nudged and petals are bruised).

Basically, to sum it up: details, details, details!!!!

Let's start with the dress. I have spent quite some time looking for these shots. These are my favorites.

When thinking about where you are going to be getting dressed on wedding day, think about where you are going to hang your gown, the lighting, the hanger its on and the atmosphere.

Mix it up and include your Groom's tux or the bridesmaids dresses!
What's your favorite look? Photogs, tell us what angle you love to shoot the dress!

Crowning Inspiration: Escort Cards

Escort cards are one of the first things guests receive when they enter your wedding reception. Therefore they should make a statement!

Your statement doesn't have to be expensive. It can be creative with a DIY, easy project.

In order to create the perfect escort card, you need to know what it is. An escort card is a way of guiding your guests to their assigned table. It usually includes both couples names. For a formal event, it would include their proper titles:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Table Nine

 or

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Kime

Table 9

For informal or casual settings, escort cards can be first and last names:

John and Kathy Smith

Table Nine

or

Ed and Liz Kime 

Table 9

If the couple is not married, you list the lady's name first, with the man's name below:

Ms. Kathryn LaPointe

Mr. John Smith

Table 9

All escort cards should have last names with a suffix, ("Jr.", "III", etc.) when necessary and be organized alphabetically.

If you are choosing to assign the seat of your guest at each table, then you will need a place card. The place card has one name per card, vs. the escort card has two names (or one name if attending solo). The place card can be on a menu, or tied to the napkin, placed on a glass, chair or above the plate. No matter where it is, it must be visible and easy to find to avoid confusion and delayed seating. If its too complicated it could delay the time your dinner is served, thus your food will be sitting under a warmer or in a

hot box continuing to cook and dry out.

One final tip: make a few extra "blanks" in case you need to change the seating arrangement, someone brings an unexpected guest, or you have a guest that didn't RSVP.

Crowning & Cunning: The Gown Shop, Ann Arbor | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

Today I had the great pleasure of visiting my friend Stacy of The Gown Shop, Ann Arbor. Stacy is a Perrysburg native with experience in the bridal industry. She chose Ann Arbor for the location of her new store.

Its a fabulous space! The clean lines, high ceilings and tall windows let in soft light to highlight the luscious bridal fabrics. The beautiful crystal chandelier draws your eye to a table of sparkely jewelry pieces, sashes, hair accessories, head bands, clips, birdcage veils and shoes. The Shop's pallet of pink and black highlights the selection of white and off-white gowns along the wall.

Each consult is by appointment only. And the store offers exclusive and personal consultation, taking one appointment at the time. It's like being a celebrity: the store is closed for your private viewing and fitting of bridal gowns, veils, shoes and accessories. And it all looks so fun!

The Gown Shop carries designers Fancy New York, Carol Hannah, Amy Kruchel & Modern Trousseau, as well as shoes from Benjamin Adams, jewelry and accessories from Haute Bride and veils from Sara Gabriel. You can view these designers on The Gown Shop's website: http://thegownshopannarbor.com/

 {love these shoes!!!!!!!!}

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, or visiting the city, be sure to check out her window displays on Main Street. The gowns, which are changed weekly or even daily, are highlighted by crystal chandeliers and her signature stripe background.

 The Gown Shop is located at 122 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor

You can follow The Gown Shop-Ann Arbor on Facebook

Crowning Inspiration: Black & Green Chic

Here's a little something I am working on for one of my June Brides, Emily.

She has chosen a black and green color scheme. We are going to play on this chic, elegant color tone and tie in elements of nature with some branching, curly willow and even some dramatic trees. Tables will be filled with candlelight to give the room a warm glow against the white and soft green hydrangeas.

Crowning Celebration: Alison & Nathan

I love viewing wedding photos! {who doesn't?!}

I think I get just as excited to view photos as my clients do.

It was fun to find this picture of me with the bride and groom in the mix.

Great couple! So sweet!!! I was honored to help them with their special day.

And this one of the fabulous Sarah of Sarah J Photography {I took this one}.

She's so much fun and very talented! Check her out at www.sarahjphoto.net

Crowning & Cunning: Charming Cookies

Happy Saturday!

It's snowing here {again} in Ohio. So if you are currled up and surfing the web for fun wedding ideas, be sure to check out these cute cookies from Eleni's. They make great bridal shower favors or treats for your welcome bags.

Here's the I DO collection:

Make it personal with these Valentine's Cookies

Write up to 3 different messages with up to 150 characters, and we'll screen your words onto our hand-iced sugar cookies.

Check out the love birds!

And take a bite out of your frog prince!