*I Doooo… Not: Famous Women Who Never Married
Who said it’s every little girl’s lifelong dream to get married? Liars, that’s who. Several women – many prominent in finesse, historically altering by design and refined through their presence – have found solace outside the confines of marriage. Girl Power! (I can’t ever seem to say that without being British) at its finest, the list of women to evade the altar includes everyone from nuclear physicists and women’s rights activists to haute couture fashion designers and media moguls. They’re a group that is as eclectic as they are iconic and legendary for not only what they do, but who they choose not to do it with.
Even in “the days of Yore” when it was practically mandated for every woman to marry, several ladies chose to go against the grain. Among the first and most remarkable is Joan of Arc, who chose sainthood and war heroism over nuptials and newlywed bliss. She scoured battlefields, instead of dishes and made it quite obvious that God was the only man for her. Considered the national heroine of France, Joan of Arc proved that behind every good man – or in this case, and army of men – is an even better woman, but not always vice versa.
And she wasn’t the only historical figure to choose valor over vows. Perhaps among the most influential and noteworthy would be Elizabeth I of England. Better known as the Queen Elizabeth, she reigned over an entire nation without, despite many attempts to force her hand, the matrimonial backing of a man. Elizabeth I was courted by several suitors, and while speculation on her non-nuptial lifestyle are still debated, it was quite clear she was nowhere near as concerned with marriage as the population surrounding her, which is the same sentiment shared by many other of her eminent successors.
Civil and women’s rights activist, Susan B. Anthony and the celebrated nuclear physicist, Lise Meitner were two others that poo-poo’ed the thought of marriage. Not to mention inspiration revolutionary, Helen Keller, iconic fashion pioneer, Coco Chanel and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Jane Addams… all of which never heard the wedding bells chime. (Probably because they were too busy making a difference – duh!)
There were also a number of critically acclaimed authors, hailed for their abilities to evoke passion and spark debate through their literary works, who chose a pen and paper as more suitable companions than a man. Still found in every classroom, library and literary timeline around the world, Jane Austen, Emily Dickinson, Louisa May Alcott, as well as the Brontë sisters, Emily and Anne, never took the plunge.
Not taking “the plunge,” however, can sometimes cause just as much of a splash as taking it would, especially this day in age. With the media at an all time explosive high, women like political activist Condoleeza Rice and Academy Award winning actress, Diane Keaton are sometimes thrown unwanted scrutiny for their choice not to marry, but no one, honestly NO ONE, has been debated about over her choice not to marry than Oprah Winfrey. The woman practically wrote the book on how-to-be-a-success story, and she did it all without taking vows.
After years of being the face of day time TV, Oprah has been known to shine the light on the topic of herself. Almost laughingly, she can joke about how even after countless awards, innumerable life changing interviews and incalculable donations, there are still people who still could view her as incomplete because she never towed the line and took the vows. It’s alright Oprah, even if you never marry, I can think of about one billion reasons you’ll never be left wanting. Go ahead with your bad self, girl… go… a… head!
2 comments December 18, 2009
Our Aruba Ariba Honey*Swoon*: Nautical Newlyweds at their Finest!
I’m baaaaaack! And there’s no need to say it… I know you missed me – hehe! The honeymoon – or as I have officially dubbed it: the honeyswoon – was AHHH to the MAAAZING! The Mister and I had the most fabulous time and would like to applaud not only the entire island of Aruba but the wonderful people who make it such a magical place. After a week in paradise, it was clear that the enchantment of the island was a direct relection of the people call it home. They made it very easy to make each day the BEST day of our vacation, and for that I would like to respectfully extend a nod of my head, tip of my hat and one big standing ovation in your direction.
We stayed at the Aruba Marriott Resort and spent the majority of our days lounging about soaking up the sun, sucking down the “Aruba Aribas” and straight BLASTIN! Below are some of my favorite honeymoon pics! And be on the lookout for Friday’s post… where I will feature photos from our favorite night out on a little extravaganza known as the Kukoo Kunuku!
And last, but certainly not least… my favorite picture from the trip… Tan Man doing his best impression of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model – haha!
10 comments December 14, 2009
Beautiful Wedding Photography: Is There Anything Better?
(Takes a minute to compose herself before writing…. <breath>… and ready!)
You’ll have to excuse the extra seconds I’ll be taking throughout this week to compose myself, but with less than a week to go before I’ll be Mrs. Tanner Dietz (aaaah!), I have found myself in a state of perpetual exhilaration! And if you think I’m exaggerating – which I tend to do from time to time, hehe – you’d be seriously mistaken. This has been the BEST time of my life. It’s an uncanny combination of eager anticipation, calmed readiness and sheer enthusiasm that has my heart beating through my throat and out of my chest. It’s like I want to laugh and cry all at the same time, and sometimes, depending on what part of the day I’m in, you just might catch me doing both.
To know that I’m officially making the best part of my day (aka Tanner) part of my every day is an incredible feeling, and to know that it’s merely days away from happening is even more exciting! The joy surrounding the past months has been absolutely undeniable, and I just don’t think my heart could quite possibly be filled with any more love, thankfulness or hope than it is right now.
Actually, you want to know what it’s like? It’s like I’m the Grinch at the end of the movie… you know the part where he still hears all the Hoos down in Hooville still celebrating Christmas even after he’d stolen all their stuff ? As he listens, he can’t help but tear up, as his heart grows bigger and bigger and fills with more and more of the Christmas spirit. For cereal, that’s my heart, and even though medically an enlarged heart doesn’t bode well for those who have it, I’m quite certain I could be the first medical miracle it who works it out.
I’m fully ready to do the work, because I know how much fun there is in store. And over the course of the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure to come across other people in love who have also decided to tie the knot… and if you ask me, there’s nothing more amazing than to capture that love on film. Below are some of my favorite wedding photos I’ve come across through out my planning. Please enjoy!
Add comment November 23, 2009
November 18 is National Tell People “I Love You” Day
*hugs and kisses not included but VERY much encouraged.
Even though I’m using the term “National” here rather loosely (and by loosely, I mean I’m the only person who’s actually declared anything – hehe), I still know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s oh-so important to say “I love you” to the people who mean the most. I’d even venture to say THE most important thing there is.
Today, I’m officially ten days away from my Mrs. debut, and while I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate mine and Tanner’s upcoming nuptials in front of all my favorite people, I’m afraid it’s not the only thing on my mind. There have been several moments in the past couple of months – unfortunately - marked by bad news. (Boo)
Never any fun to hear, I figure bad news leaves people with two choices. They can either a) dwell on it and let it take over or b) choose to become a better person from it. This, of course, is the path I like to take. I find it’s best to pray for the worst, hope for the best and live each and every day appreciating what I have… and I’m imploring you all to do the same! And here’s why:
Optimism will eternally be more effective than pessimism. It provides us with hopeful confirmation that ”everything (truly does) happen for a reason.” Even when the cards we’re dealt aren’t our preference or anywhere near are number one choice, there’s always hope for a big turn on the river card or even a shot at another deal (poker, anyone?)
Even the most awful moments - in their infinite wisdom – will serve a purpose, if given the chance. Whether they’re meant to teach us a lesson, reaffirm our priorities, emphasize a greater appreciation for the good or simply just help us see more clearly, the lowest valleys are just as important as the highest peaks.
In the case of my bad news, I decided to become a better person by finding even more goodness in what I already have… like my mom, for instance, who has spent the last 11 months of her life being the BEST planner / assistant / helper / friend / mother / teacher I could’ve ever asked for. Or my dad, whose excitement for the “big day” has made this journey an even more wonderfully memorable experience than I dreamed possible. Or even my best friend, Bre, who – even though she lives in NYC – has spent countless hours listening, planning, sewing (that’s right, she created the flower girl dress!) and laughing from another phone line, because she knew it meant the world to have her there as my maid of honor.
And finally, (not finally finally, just for this post – duh!) I have found more goodness in my Mister, Tanner, who has made me feel loved every morning when I wake up and every night when I go to sleep. He’s taught me patience and why it’s so important not to go to bed angry, and in this moment, seems more fitting than anything else. Which is why I say to you, Mom, Papa, Bre, Tan Man, friends, family and anyone else reading this post, for that matter… from the bottom of my heart…
I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!
Add comment November 18, 2009


















































