Amber Walker and Ron Dutt’s wedding was a unique celebration of their love for each other and their shared passion for John Fluevog’s distinctive shoe designs, which have inspired a devoted fan community known as the “Flummunity.” Their story blends romance, community, and creativity, culminating in a surprise wedding at the Flummunity Fest in Vancouver, British Columbia, where fans gather annually to celebrate their love for the brand’s iconic, artistic footwear.

Amber, 46, and Ron, 50, first connected in January 2023 on Match.com. They quickly bonded over shared values and a sense of comfort they felt around each other. Their first coffee date in New Westminster, a suburb near Amber’s home in Burnaby, stretched into a seven-hour outing, including stops at an artisan market, a doughnut shop, and an early dinner. By the end of that day, they knew they had found something special. Ron, a lead technician and foreman at an auto body franchise, and Amber, a professional development advisor at a Vancouver law firm, each brought unique passions and life experiences to their relationship, making their connection deeply fulfilling.

Though neither Amber nor Ron had previously been married, they felt a strong, immediate bond. Ron, who hadn’t initially intended to remarry, was captivated by Amber’s warmth and presence. The couple’s mutual love for Fluevog shoes, though not advertised on their dating profiles, soon became a focal point in their relationship. On one of their early dates, Ron introduced Amber to his personal “shoe sanctuary,” a closet filled with around 80 boxes of Fluevogs, mostly in shades of blue. To Ron, the shoes represented a way to express his individuality, from their bold colors to their unique designs.

For Amber, too, Fluevog shoes held special meaning. She bought her first pair early in her career at Fasken, a large law firm, as a statement of personal style and creativity. Despite the shoes costing half her monthly rent, she considered them essential “roommates” that showcased her sense of individuality in a conservative corporate environment. The Fluevogs became a symbol of freedom and self-expression for Amber, a feeling she found echoed in Ron’s enthusiasm.

Their mutual love for Fluevog shoes became an even bigger part of their relationship as they began documenting their courtship on the Flummunity Facebook page. Regular “shoefies”—selfies featuring only their shoes—showcased their weekly dates, and their growing presence on the page turned them into minor celebrities within the Fluevog community. Fans commented on their posts, rooting for their relationship and sharing in the joy of their unique romance. This virtual community provided a source of support and inspiration for Amber and Ron, who were touched by how their shared love story resonated with others.

Flummunity Fest, the annual fan-driven event celebrating Fluevog shoes, was started in 2018 as a gathering for enthusiasts to connect and celebrate their shared passion. Inspired by one of the company’s core beliefs—that every person is inherently creative—the event quickly grew into a larger festival hosted in various cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Portland. For Fluevog fans, the festival was more than a chance to shop for new shoes; it was a place to celebrate creativity, individuality, and community. The founder, John Fluevog, a prominent figure in the footwear industry, often made surprise appearances, turning the gatherings into an experience that felt personal and family-like.

Amber’s dream of a wedding at Flummunity Fest came about serendipitously. She awoke one morning in April 2023, vividly envisioning herself descending the stairs at the Fluevog flagship store in Gastown, Vancouver, in a wedding dress, meeting Ron at the bottom, surrounded by Fluevog fans. Initially, the couple had planned to elope in Las Vegas, as Amber was hesitant about a big wedding due to the recent loss of her mother and brother. However, the dream was so powerful that they decided to make it a reality, enlisting the help of John Fluevog himself, who enthusiastically agreed to officiate their secret wedding during the October Flummunity Fest.

The festival, held on October 19, 2023, was a lively, colorful event that brought Fluevog fans together from all over. Amid displays of Fluevog’s signature shoes, tattoo artists, and even a glittering aerialist performance, guests reveled in their shared passion for the brand. Fashion designer Anna Sui, who had collaborated with Fluevog on limited edition pieces, commented on the joyful, almost theatrical atmosphere, likening it to the glam rock era when people dressed up to impress each other. This sense of unity and celebration was evident, with attendees taking pride in their outfits and rediscovering old Fluevog styles, feeling a renewed connection to their beloved footwear.

Amber and Ron’s wedding took place during the final morning of the festival at a historic Vancouver landmark, The Permanent, formerly home to the Bank of Canada. In a dramatic reveal, John Fluevog and his wife, Ruth, entered the venue and walked up the aisle, taking the stage as an acoustic guitarist played “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle. Guests watched in awe as Ron, dressed in a custom purple velvet suit with chrome Luciano shoes, took his place, and Amber followed, looking radiant in a retro-style lace dress, birdcage veil, and limited edition Zenith wedding boots.

Fluevog officiated the ceremony with warmth and humor, celebrating the couple’s love in the presence of the Flummunity. His words emphasized the value of community and the importance of finding love and acceptance among like-minded individuals. After exchanging rings, Amber and Ron were pronounced married in the eyes of their Fluevog family. The ceremony encapsulated the sense of belonging and creativity that had brought the couple together, reflecting the brand’s ethos of celebrating individuality.

Later that day, a legal ceremony was held at the Fluevog flagship store, attended by close friends and family, where a marriage commissioner from British Columbia officiated their union. The couple’s wedding was a joyful, fulfilling conclusion to their year-long romance, which had blossomed from a shared love of unique footwear into a deep, meaningful partnership.

Reflecting on the experience, both Amber and Ron felt a renewed sense of purpose and joy. For Amber, who had faced personal losses and grief in recent years, the wedding was a chance to find happiness and connection again. “It’s nice to feel some sparkle again,” she said, attributing much of her newfound joy to both Ron and the supportive Fluevog community. Ron echoed her sentiment, describing the wedding as the fulfillment of a dream he had never anticipated, one that made him feel complete and connected in a way he hadn’t experienced before.

Their love story and unique wedding at Flummunity Fest continue to inspire others in the community, reminding fans that love, creativity, and connection are possible in even the most unexpected places. For Amber and Ron, Fluevog shoes are more than just footwear—they’re a symbol of individuality, freedom, and the transformative power of community, values that lie at the heart of their relationship and their journey together.