Wedding Day Shoes

Although your wedding dress may be the most important article of clothing on your wedding day, today’s blog post is all about wedding day shoes. Below are a few helpful tips for finding the perfect fit and a round up of our favorite wedding shoes.

1) Be realistic when selecting year heel height. I know its fun to pick out 6 inch Jimmy Choo’s and more power to you if you can walk all day in those, but make sure the heel hight is something you are comfortable with and comfortable in. Your aching feet should be the last thing on your mind as you walk down the aisle.

2) Have fun with your shoes! For the most part your shoes will be hidden under your dress, so why not make them your something blue or show some of your personality with platform Kate Spade sneakers. Of course we love a traditional white or ivory heel, but this is one place you can really have some fun and more than likely you would wear them again post wedding.

3) Get your shoes early enough to break them in prior to walking down the aisle. A few months before the big day, throw on a two pairs of socks and your wedding day shoes and walk around your house. I know it’s silly, but it works to break them in and soften them up. A few weeks prior to the wedding go ahead and walk around in them without socks and add mole skin to the insides any place it still rubs. This will help you to avoid blisters while taking all those pre ceremony photos.

1) Minolo Blahnik Hangisi 25 Ebelished Satin Flats

2) Badgley Mischka ‘Dawn’ Crystal Back d’Orsay Pump

3) Bella Belle Giselle Pump

4) Jimmy Choo Annie d’Orsay Angle Strap Glitter Sandals

5) Keds x Kate Spade New York Tripple Decker Glitter Sneaker

6) Sam Edelman Yaro Ankle Strap Sandal

How to Title your Wedding Invitation Addresses

One of the most common questions we get about invitations is how to correctly address them. We wanted to outline specific scenarios such as, what goes on the inner versus the outer envelope, do you include middle names, etc. In this post, we wanted to dive a little deeper into titles and what to do with the many different ways to address someone. Below we tackle the military, doctors, and names with suffix at the end. Jane Dolan, owner of Southern Calligraphy, sat down with us to help explain all these complicated scenarios and created a few beautiful examples. 

Widow

Traditionally, a widow retains her husband's name until she remarries. However, some widows prefer to use their own first name as well. In this case, it is best to ask what she prefers. 

Example: Mrs. John Frank Smith or Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Smith would be acceptable

Doctor

When anyone in the relationship is a Doctor, or has a PhD, you should always include their title on their invitation. When the wife is a doctor and the husband is not you should put the females name first. You do so because a professional title "outranks" a social title. Also, be sure to always spell out the title, Doctor. 

Male Doctor: Doctor and Mrs. Joshua Frank Rachal

Female Doctor: Doctor Jenna Laine Rachal and Mr. Joshua Frank Rachal

Both Doctors: Doctors Joshua Frank Rachal and Jenna Laine Rachal

Military

Addressing an invitation to someone in the Military works much like the Doctor scenario above.  You should always add their title to the envelope and always spell out the full title. If the female is also in the military you put whichever person is of higher ranking. 

Outer Envelope: Major and Mrs. Joshua Frank Rachal

Inner Envelope: Major and Mrs. Rachal

Both Military: Captains Thomas and Sara Smith

Both Military with Different Positions:  Major Joshua and Captain Jenna Rachal

Inner Envelope: Major and Captain Rachal

Junior, IV, V, etc.

When addressing your invitations to someone with a suffix on the end of their name you have a few options. If you choose to write out junior or senior it does not get capitalized. If you abbreviate it then it is capitalized as Jr. or Sr. There has also been a lot of discussion on whether or not you should put a comma after the name and before the title. Jane says; "I tend to avoid commas most of the time in envelope addressing as the US postal service does not prefer them. In more recent times it seems to be that it is appropriate to no longer use a comma here, but either is acceptable." The comma is not used to separate designations such as II, III, IV etc. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Frank Rachal junior

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Frank Rachal Jr. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Frank Rachal IV

We hope this post is helpful for those tricky addressing situations!

Jenna Laine Weddings: Chelsea and David

Some of the sweetest weddings are those at a family’s home, and Chelsea and David’s was no exception. We absolutely loved working with Chelsea and her mom to plan the perfect intimate celebration at David’s family’s home. Their ceremony was one of the most personal ones we have ever been a part of, with only family and a few friends witnessing Chelsea and David’s vows, and even the officiant was Chelsea’s friend. Their reception was filled with lots of friends and family and featured a s’mores bar as well as a food truck, which the guests absolutely loved. Cheers to the Allen’s!

Design, Planning, Coordination: Jenna Laine Weddings | Photographer: Lauren Bailey | Venue: Private Residence | Florist: Wildflowers | Rentals: SOHO | Lighting: Willow Bridges | Catering: Will Hughes Catering | Cake: Couture Cakes | Invitations: Jenna Laine Weddings

Jenna Laine Weddings: Carolyn and Neal

Sweet Carolyn and Neal got married in May, and their beautiful wedding was one for the books. We couldn’t have loved working with them any more. Carolyn dreamed of having the perfect southern wedding, and we loved how she incorporated the magnolia flower into her design of her invitation suite, as well as her bouquet. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and then their guests celebrated with them in the Grand Hotel ballroom. We were so honored to play a part in this day, and we are so very thankful for the vendors on our team making this event happen. Cheer’s to the Carter’s!

Design, Planning, Coordination: Jenna Laine Weddings | Photography: Elizabeth Gelineau Photography | Florist: Belle Bouquet | Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Grand Hotel | Reception Music: Southern Sounds | Cake: Couture Cakes | Hair and Makeup: Allure Salon | Bridal Gown: Emily Hart Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Invitations: Jenna Laine Weddings | Calligraphy: Southern Calligraphy

10 Rent the Runway Looks for Black Tie Events

Between the Grand Summer Ball and weddings this time of year, finding something to wear to each event can prove to be quite the challenge! Thankfully, Rent the Runway is the perfect one stop shop for you wardrobe needs. They have an incredible selection of dresses, jumpsuits and accessories for any dress code. Today, we rounded up 10 looks perfect for black tie weddings and events. You can rent each of these items for a fraction of the retail value, and they will be delivered right to your door. You can choose to rent for 4 or 8 days, depending on how long you need the items for. If you have a lot of weddings on your calendar, the unlimited membership might be the best option for you. Scroll through their inventory and choose 4 items to have at once. With 2 day shipping, you’ll get your items quickly. As soon as you are ready to trade it out, send your item(s) back and you can choose another! Super simple, very affordable and the perfect solution to the constant “what am I going to wear” question. Check out some of our favorites below- shop them directly by clicking on the picture!

This dusty blue jumpsuit is the cutest thing! From looking at the customer photos, it seems to be flattering on any body style. We love the classy lines and one shoulder detail.

This two-toned dress would be perfect for outdoor summer weddings! With the high neckline and flowy structure, you could dress this style up or down.

This lace overlay dress is the cutest! Super classy look that we think would go great paired with some statement earrings and fun shoes!

Could this color be any prettier! & look at the back. Please, someone wear this to one of our wedding so we can see it in person! Doesn’t get any classier than this.

A fun, trendy look perfect for outdoor weddings. You can tie the top part in so many different ways, so it never looks like the same dress!

Another two toned pick! This would be perfect for a spring/summer wedding and is so flattering! Such a classy dress.

It’s hard to tell from the pictures, but this dress is navy and the strap at the top is black! We think this color combo is done so nicely here. From the reviews, it appears to be a good option for a maternity dress.

Print dresses for black tie weddings can sometimes be hard to find, but this one is adorable! The back detail is an added bonus. Perfect for spring weddings!

This jumpsuit is so fun and trendy! From the hot pink color to the cape in the back, this would be the perfect outfit to dance all night in!

Y’all know we love a good turquoise :) This classy dress is perfect for all ages! The the detail on the front is so cute and the slit in the back is super fun.

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Here are some of our favorite accessories:

We hope you find this post helpful when planning what to wear to your upcoming black tie events! If you try any of these dresses, let us know how they work!

Jenna Laine Weddings: Whitfield and Blake

We absolutely loved working with Whitfield and Blake, along with their families, to plan their beautiful April wedding day. From the floral details to the beautiful bridesmaid dresses to tented reception, the design details of their wedding were incredible. They had some of the sweetest moments, too— from the precious first look between Whitfield and her dad to the emotional moment she walked down the aisle to Blake. Aimee and Robbie Reynolds captured the day perfectly with the photos and video below. Working with this sweet couple was a joy, and we wish we could do it all over again! Cheers to the Griffeth’s!

Tell us your story as a couple.

Our story begins at a Christmas bonfire 2013 when a group of friends gathered to celebrate being home for the holidays.  You read about “love at first sight” but it really does happen – we’ve been together ever since that night!  The first few years were challenged by distance with Blake working in Seattle and I finishing school in Tuscaloosa.  Three years later, underneath a beautiful arbor with twinkling lights, Blake proposed marriage to me on bended knee!  With tears and a joyful heart – the answer was yes.  Planning began immediately.  April 7, 2018, Blake and I tied the knot with the help of friends, family and the best wedding coordinators ever!  It was an absolute dream – I wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding day.  Blake and I happily reside in Williamsburg, Virginia with our two pups, Cyrus and Bailey.

What was your favorite part of the planning process?

My favorite part of the planning process was being able to talk openly about a variety of options with Jenna and Courtney.  They would bring wonderful ideas to the table and we would discuss the pros and cons of all until a decision was made.  I chose every single detail of our big day with Mom by my side the whole way. It was such a special time for Mom and I and …she kept me sane!  Jenna and Courtney made the planning so easy and let’s not forget the famous Leslie Gilbert as she orchestrated the wedding day without a ripple!  They had a plan for everything – rain, sleet or snow – they were ready to go!!

What was your favorite moment of the day?

Favorite details abound about our wedding day, but one particular memory is my favorite.  I’ve had many special people who loved and molded me through the years.  One such person was my Grandfather, S.M. Broughton - we called him Pop for short.  Pop had a silver cross that he kept near and dear to him at all times.  Another such person was my Grandmother, Betty Carolyn McDonnieal Kittrell– we called her Memaw.  Memaw loved a good handkerchief but she had some favorites that she always carried to church or special occasions such as weddings or funerals.  One of her favorites was an initialed handkerchief embroidered in light blue. To my surprise, Mom carefully stitched both treasures inside the skirt of my wedding dress so these two important people were beside me the whole way!

If you could give advice to another bride in the process of planning her wedding what would it be?

I would advise every bride to take a deep breath and love every second of the planning process!  I know it can be stressful but take a minute to enjoy where you are because your big day will be here before you know it!

Design, Planning, Coordination: Jenna Laine Weddings | Venue: Fox Meadow Farms | Photography: Aimee Reynolds Photography | Florist: Wildflowers | Catering: Rob and Brandy | Rentals: SOHO | Cake: Couture Cakes | Videography: Robbie Reynolds | Band: 2nd Groove Band I Hair and Makeup: Makeup and Hair by Chaney