From Gucci and Prada to Chanel and Christian Louboutin, if it’s designer, authentic and up for grabs, Corri McFadden is all over it. The self-made business woman, founder of Chicago’s favorite designer consignment shop, eDrop-Off, and star of VH1′s hit House of Consignment can add another role to her resume: bride-to-be! After a surprise proposal from longtime love Spiro Tsaparas in Capri, Italy, McFadden now welcomes the world of weddings into her jam-packed schedule. In between delegating duties to interns and processing new couture pieces rolling through the door, the eDrop-Off beauty shares the story behind the latest addition to her collection: her knock-out bling.
Corri McFadden, Lara Shiffman, and Spiro Tsaparas; photo courtesy of Michigan Avenue Magazine
Q: Before we jump into the big proposal, we have to know: just how did you two love-birds meet?
A: I sit back all the time and wonder if this is my life, is it real and just how did I get here? Spiro had just finished a season of Bullrun on the SPEED channel and his publicist, Lara Shiffman, was throwing a wrap party. Lara, who is my former publicist and quite the matchmaker herself, insisted that I be at the party; with a lot of hesitation, I finally decided to attend. Spiro and I have been inseparable ever since. We are so much alike—we both have huge companies [Tsaparas is the CEO of Centaur Construction], we’ve both been on reality shows, and we truly cherish our time together. Both being type A personalities, we just get it!
Q: Sounds like it was meant to be…?
A: It really is—you just know when it is meant to be. He can make me laugh anywhere! Spiro is a lot of who I am. He is the reason I am able to do all I do with eDrop-Off. He is amazingly supportive.
The proposal at Faraone Mennella: photo courtesy of eDrop-Off
Q: While you knew he was the one, did you have a clue the engagement was coming?
A: I about fell over. I really thought I would know and to be honest I had no idea. Friends were asking if I thought he would propose on our trip to Italy, and I had been telling everyone there is no way he would on vacation. We were going to celebrate the grand opening of Faraone Mennella’s new store in Capri. Ironically, I had met [the team] at a SAX trunk show, and just knew they would design my ring.
The night of the proposal we were running late; when we got to the store, the designer asked if I wanted to browse the line and find jewelry to borrow the following evening. Spiro and I began looking through the cases. While looking at a necklace in one, Spiro asked me to look at a ring in the next case. Before I knew it, he was down on one knee and asking me to marry him. EVERYONE in the store had known. I was laughing, I was crying—I could have never imagined the range of emotions I would feel.
Custom engagement ring by Faraone Mennella: photo courtesy of eDrop-Off
Q: How fun to have the proposal occur at the opening with the designers who created your ring there!
A: I love everything about them! They are such good friends. I just knew I wanted them to design my ring, and they nailed the design. I work with my hands all day, I needed something that would not catch on fabrics. I had told Spiro that I wanted diamonds to my knuckles, and I wanted color, but not primary colors. This is a ring I will love for years to come. I could see myself getting bored with something after three years, but not this: It goes with absolutely everything.
Q: After a whirlwind proposal, have you had even had a chance to begin planning your wedding?
A: Spiro is Greek. I am Irish. So of course we would like “My Big Fat Italian Wedding.” It makes sense, right? We are thinking a wedding in Capri next summer, with 75-100 people and of course, energy through the roof. I do not want any parties when we get back. Just the wedding in Capri and that’s it: we’re done, we’re married.
Photo courtesy of eDrop-Off
With a destination wedding in the works that sounds amazingly breath-taking and fun, we can barely wait to get our hands on the all the stylish details! We’re left wondering if her pal and Project Runway alum, Christian Siriano will design the sure-to-be jaw-dropping gown. While we “ooh” and “ahh” over her matrimonial vision—and her stunning ring!—take a peek at these trendy engagement gifts McFadden recently suggested to Refinery 29.
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