Wednesday Wedding: My Shoes

Last Wednesday was a major breakthrough in wedding planning. Yes, I found my shoes! As you may or may not know, I have an aversion to wearing super high heeled shoes (that, from what I gather, many brides must not have because then how does anyone ever get married), so I've been looking for months for pretty, glamorous shoes that I love that aren't higher than maybe 2 inches (tops) and will go with my dress, our colors, etc. This is not easy to do! I've had several "eh, maybe"s, but none to make me say "yes. I must have these." I think the top runner previously was this pair in fuchsia. But last week, I found the perfect pair, Imani from Kate Spade. Well, at first I thought they were amazing and perfect, but wasn't sure if I should go for a half flip-flop sandal. But then I remembered it will be June (and I'd probably switch to flip flops after the ceremony anyways), and it's my wedding, and they are so, so pretty and perfect. I mean, look, (faux) pearls! You know how I feel about pearls. And the gold. And bling. They will be so comfortable! And hidden under my dress, anyway...

I was going to put up some pictures from the shop online, but they arrived quicker than I thought! And the packaging was pretty, so I took pictures of that too.

These are definitely my shoes. Look for them peeking out from under my dress on June 15th. :)

Other good news, I got the invitations sent out on Monday! Good thing I ordered extra stamps- it takes 4 to get to Australia/Europe, and 3 to Canada!

Also, the lovely Joelle at Something Charming wrote a post with ideas for vow renewals, in response to my question! Thanks, Joelle!

Finland in Spring

As you might expect, the transition from winter to spring in Finland is truly wonderful. Winter has a bit of an extended stay, especially in the North where I spent a long Easter weekend at my 3rd host family's cottage (/ friend's reindeer farm!), but eventually things start to warm up. I particularly remember one weekend day in April when there was a big festival along the river. Lots of vendors out, selling food, flowers and other little things; everyone out walking about in the sun. I remember I was wearing flip flops, as it was really nice and sunny out, but apparently despite the warm weather, I still looked like the weirdo wearing flip flops in winter (you know the type: they are especially rampant in college culture, wearing shorts, t shirt and sandals in the middle of winter, snow gently falling. the fools). But it was so warm, I promise! May 1st is Vappu, where all the high school graduates don their graduating cap, college students wear their college jumpsuits, and everyone gets drunk in the center of the town. The holiday could really give St. Patrick's day a run for its drunken money. It is dangerous every time I do these Finland posts, usually for Kyle, because I'll be asking him repeatedly when we can go there.

Easter in the North. I rode around on fur-lined jet-skis, fed reindeer, and walked on the frozen lakes.

 Spring day along the river.

 Sunset on the island Ruissalo!

 Vappu

 Helsinki

Sailing around the islands. One of the best experiences.

Want more Finland? (I know I do)

Summer in Finland

Winter in Finland

Christmas in Finland