Heels for Reception???

A lot of brides today are switching out the heels and slipping into something more comfortable for the reception. Or maybe you are the bride that would rather do away with heels all together. Well then this is the post for you.

There are so many different options out there and you may be tempted just to go grab any pair of flats. Be aware that just because they are flats does not mean you do not need to break them in. Every pair of shoes will hit your foot differently and it is important to give them a test drive before the big day. Here is a list of shoes that are tested in the comfortable category but don't leave out any style!

Word of advice, if you are a bride that wants to wear the heels for the ceremony then switch them out, I say wait to switch them until the 'First Dance' and 'Father-Daughter Dance' are over. Your dress is altered to your heels so when you slip them off, your dress will swimming all around you creating an unkempt look. Once those first dances are over with feel free to slip them off and get down, they are going to be crazy-fun photos from there on out anyway.

Now on to the shoes!!!!

Whalen Creative Group's Favorite! So cute!

custom Toms from CAPSLOCKTUESDAY.etsy.com $85.00

more custom Toms by FreeRangeChickStore.etsy.com $89.00

if custom Toms aren't in your range or style then you can't go wrong with a pair of classic Toms

Ivory Women's Glitters by toms.com $54.00

Natural Crochet Women's Classics by toms.com $58.00

Double Dare by tashlimited.com $40.00

Intrigue by tashlimited.com $38.00

I hope you enjoyed some comfortable shoe inspiration!

XO Grace

Cake Topper

Everyone knows that a wedding really shines when the designer pays attention to the details.

I want to talk about one of those details that are often neglected....Cake Toppers.

We've all seen the metal initials as well as a beautiful floral arrangement, but I want to encourage you to look into other options that may fit into your wedding style better.

Here is a taste for inspiration.

braggingbags.etsy.com $24.50

mademerrishop.etsy.com $45.00

atcompanyb.etsy.com $15.00

oneviewfinder.etsy.com $60.00

klipsnscraps.etsy.com $20.00

sayhelloshop.etsy.com $3.00

I hope you have found these fun cake toppers inspiring! And remember...choose details that make YOU happy and represent you and your groom!

XO Grace

Real Wedding: Stremke - October 29, 2011

I had the privilage of planning the wedding of Ryan and Lizzi Stremke in Lafayette, IN on October 29, 2011. The whole thing was planned right down to the smallest details. The details are what made this wedding gorgeous. The bride had a vision like no other, I was just glad to be a part of that inspiration.

A radient bride

Gorgeous details

A meaningful gift. Lizzi wanted to thank her bridesmaids in style. She purchased each maid a personalized clutched with their names stiched on the inside.

A welcome sign with personality to direct guests to the ceremony and reception.

To go along with the vintage theme Lizzi picked up adorable vintage suitcases. We stacked them leaving the top one open for the guests cards.

Lizzi and Ryan wanted a very unique guest book. They opted for a vintage typewriter for their guests to leave their love to the couple.

Guests picked up custom programs, designed by the groom himself before entering the ceremony.

Lizzi wanted something different for her aisle runner. We loved the idea of carrying the chalkboard look throughout the wedding but of course is next to impossible for a chalkboard runner to actually work. Instead we opted for a black runner with white paint markers.

The end result was gorgeous, different and so memorable.

Lizzi and Ryan in the beautiful Lahr Atrium in downtown Lafayette, Indiana.

For tablescape decor Lizzi really wanted that eclectic, vintage feel. Various flowers were arranged by Rubia Flowers in eclectic vases that Lizzi found at Goodwill.

Instead of a traditional favor for their wedding guests, Ryan and Lizzi gave a donation to the Kawasaki Disease Fund, something dear to their heart.

Lizzi and Ryan were just another wonderful couple that I have the absolute pleasure of saying that I had a part in planning their special day. They were a complete joy and their vision was beautful, fresh and new. I hope you can find some inspiration for your day in some of these photos.

A special thanks to Breath of Life Photography for providing these beautiful images that truly captured the evening.

XO Grace

Bridesmaid shoes, easy and inexpensive

Lela Rose, best known for the beautiful bridesmaid dresses have come out with a shoe line. These are dyeable bridesmaid (or bridal) shoes that are affordable. These shoes are $30 and up with 15 different styles and 64 colors to choose from. Just go to unforgettablemoments.com and begin your search. Custom dyeing and shipping are free with your footwear purchase.

Our favorite style is the Nathalie for $49.99, which is a steal for custom dyed shoes.

"This retro-inspired pump features a softly rounded toe, delightful folded bow detail and 3" satin-wrapped heel."

Here is a look at a few of the 64 color choices seen on the Nathalie.

Untold Blue

Pistachio

Pomegranate

Vivid Coral

Alluring Transparency

"There is no mistaking that transparency is the new white" - Reem Acra

One of the biggest trends seen in bridal fashion 2012 is transparency fabrics. You see it in illusion necklines and layered skirts.

Here is a look at the Spring 2012 collection from Reem Acra where transparency is highlighted.

Sheer neckline with cap sleeves.

Sheer cap sleeves with ornate details

Sheer layered skirt

I hope you find this inspiring as you may be hunting for your perfect dress.

-Grace

*all photos from Reemacra.com

Brooklyn Olivia's 1st Birthday Party

In between the weddings I plan as a full time job there are still a number of personal things I have the pleasure of planning for friends and family. This one tops the list of couse. The 1st birthday party for my daughter, Brooklyn Olivia Whalen. I still cannot believe she is one! I call her my mini-toddler, she is no longer my infant baby.

The planning started with a theme and an invitation. Being in February, I didn't want it to feel too summery, but I definitely wanted it to be girly. I ended up choosing a cross between 'woodland fairy' and 'vintage princess'. So maybe...Vintage Woodland Fairy Princess. :)

Next came the decor. I have a huge, blank, white wall that I wanted to give life to. I ended up cutting out birch trees out of cardboard, painting them peach and gold and hanging tissue poms to give dimention. I also made a "Happy Birthday Booklyn" banner out of white burlap, satin ribbon and scrapbook paper.

Here is the birthday girl getting her first taste of cake. She had the cutest little babydoll cake.

Brooklyn and Mommy in front of her 'sweet shoppe'. For food we had cookie cutter pb&j, cheese cubes, mini banana splits, chicken skewers, meatballs, frosted animal crackers, carrot sticks and celery cups, fruit snacks, mini cupcakes and of course cotton candy.
Drinks: Grapefruit punch, Izze, organic milk, and root beer floats.

The birthday girl!
I made her tutu and headband
Shirt: Gap
Leg warmers: babysnazz.com
Shoes: Converse

The food was a perfect balance between light and heavy.

Family photo!
Daddy, Brooklyn and Mommy
Behind us is the candy buffet. We had little brown bags stamped 'Thank you' for guests to fill up as they left. Also, kids left with pinwheels and princess wands that I made.

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