Today, Marnie (whose wedding is in our special Real Weddings issue), shares some of the things that made her wedding night—including a change of shoes.
I knew wedding planning was getting serious when the Department of Homeland Security flagged me as an illegal importer. I’d ordered 150 pairs of fold-up ballet flats from Hong Kong as our winter wedding’s answer to dance floor flip-flops. They were extras on a wholesale order from Elee Shoes, so I was able to get a variety of sizes and colors at an amazing price. I thought I was a planning genius. That is, until I received notice that the U.S. government had embargoed the shoes. They thought I was planning to sell them. You can imagine their surprise when I explained they were for our wedding!
The ballet flats kept our guests boogying well past midnight. They were one of my favorite details—and there were so many details! To wrap up our behind-the-scenes blog posts, we put together a slideshow of 10 elements that we haven’t shared yet, but made our New Year’s Eve wedding extra special. Click through the images from Belathee Photography to see for yourself!
1 Anna's Bridal, in Portland, custom-made my wintery wrap. My earrings were my "something borrowed." Thanks, Mom!
2 Hair and makeup artist Tiffany Lowry, of Tiffany Colors, created two bridal looks. For the ceremony, we aimed for soft and classic hair and makeup. Here's a close-up, featuring my new favorite lip gloss, Trish McEvoy's Instant Pick Me Up.
3 For the reception, Tiffany Lowry darkened my eye makeup and brightened my lip color.
4 I swapped my veil for a headpiece by Twigs & Honey's Myra Callan.
5 I also bustled the back of my dress to make way for this dramatic dip. Nice work, Husband.
6 At 11:30, I shortened the entire dress so I could dance the night away. Anna's Bridal, in Portland, created that perfect line. I am in awe of alterations!
7 At the same time, I changed into a mini-hat by Twigs & Honey, and Jamie put on a top hat. I think this photo was taken a few seconds after midnight. We're the only ones still kissing!
8 For our exit, I slipped into my wrap again. Our amazing photographers, Belathee, captured this moment through the window of our vintage British taxi.
9 My sister and matron of honor, Maggie Storino, was 8 months pregnant at our wedding. How gorgeous does she look in this rockin' red dress by Isabella Oliver?
10 Her Kate Spade necklace captured the confetti theme.
11 I thought a feather bouquet would be a great keepsake. Every time I see it on my dresser, it's an instant pick me up.
12 As a sweet surprise, my mom embroidered this vintage handkerchief with our wedding date. I asked Anna's Bridal of Portland to put pockets in my gown, so I'd have a place to stash it.
13 On our wedding day, Jamie gave me a new version of the Kacey K necklace I wear every day. It features my new monogram, MBH.
14 Jamie gave his groomsmen Tokens & Legends cufflinks, made from the seats of classic baseball stadiums.
15 Yay for cufflinks! The guys get in formation in the photo booth.
16 We distributed fold-up ballet flats as the dancing started. My sister, Maggie, calligraphed the sizes onto circular tags.
17 Shoes in action! I initially resisted changing my shoes, but I gave in at 1 a.m. The dance party went until the wee hours.
18 It's a good thing I did. I never could have pulled off this move in heels.
19 A local Seattle hotdog truck, Dante's Inferno, served late night hotdogs outside the entrance of our reception venue, Sodo Park.
20 The hot dogs were so good that after our official exit, Jamie and I circled the block and asked for another. Here, our friends Candy and Conor chow down.
21 The flowers and feathers on our The People's Cake cake were handmade from sugar.
22 We received incredibly thoughtful gifts on our wedding day. My sister had these playing cards printed for our honeymoon.
23 My friend Tracy gave us a painting my last single girl apartment, on Jane Street, in New York City.
24 My friend Emily framed the invitation, which kicked off the celebration!
From: Jessica | 8/15/12 at 11:32 am
I love the idea of ballet flats! So much better than flip flops.
From: Jen | 5/9/13 at 7:17 pm
The ballet flats are great! Had them at my wedding and the guests would not stop talking about them. Really good quality too! I ordered mine from http://www.fitinclouds.com