bridal portraits with Dan

This is the end of the bridal portraits, promise. Several people asked me along the way if Dan would be in the wedding. The wedding packet for the church says that animals aren't allowed to be there, and everything on our wedding day took place at the church. I decided the best time for Dan to get involved would be during bridal portraits. 

Zack's dad took the responsibility of watching Dan and bringing him to the second location where we took pictures. That was so generous of him, and he was an awesome handler! 

Dan has been my best pal since before Zack and I were dating, and he's been by my side as I've spent countless hours at the computer planning the wedding. He's right beside me while I type this post. 

He loves Zack almost as much as he loves me, which is exactly how it should be. 

I'm so thankful that Zack loves me AND my dog. I'm also thankful for this woman's best friend! 

all photos by Krista Joy Photography

four months with Dan

Once upon a time, Dan came to live with me as a foster dog. He was underweight and sick and going through treatments. He was also recovering from being neutered. His coat was light brown. 

Dan followed me everywhere I went, and we became best buds. He learned to stay in his invisible fence. After another round of treatments, I finally got to adopt Dan. He still had to be inactive for another month. 

Dan loved attention and often jumped on people, counters, doors, etc. He got plenty of Busy Buddys full of peanut butter to keep him occupied while he wasn't allowed to run, which also helped him put on weight. He ate everything everywhere, including on the counters. He shed his light brown coat and turned a darker brown, but his fur was still soft, so Mom continued to pet him. 

Dan began a home manners class and leash walking class. When the vet said his inactive time was over, he and I started going on walks every day. She also told me that I needed to feed him more, and he started gaining more weight. Dan's behavior improved when he had exercise. He learned to "heel" and only to pee on everything when I give him the "release" command. Amazing! Dan sits and waits for his food now. He sits and waits to go through doorways. He even sits and waits to get in the car, and he LOVES to get in the car. He can lay down and "leave it" on the ground. Dan is eager to please. 

My grandmother says that Dan looks like he is somebody now. 

He still steals cucumbers. The other night, he gently carried a possum to me on the front porch. It gave me hope for a future of hunting. 

Dan graduated from his home manners class this weekend. I only signed him up for the first set of classes because I honestly couldn't imagine him even getting to where he is now. He has learned and improved so much! 

I am so pleased with Dan's behavior and so happy that he is healthy. Look at him watching his person even while I'm not paying him attention. 

My dog is awesome. 

I am thankful for my family helping me out tremendously with him. Having Dan has taught me about commitment, (letting go of) control, and accepting help. He is a handful, but he is a sweet, soft, lovable handful. 

waking up in red, white, and blue

Continuing my tradition of wearing red, white, and blue all week before July fourth, I jumped at the chance to buy these Sleepy Jones pajamas (Alex tank, Tauba short) on sale recently. My mug is a hand me down, stamped with the Carolina Aero Club logo. Three generations of my family have been involved in the club, which played a large part in my parents meeting. 

I'm so glad to have patriotic pajamas that are made in the USA! And below is what our mornings actually look like. 

Happy Independence Day!!!

spring purple and gold

Even though it's nowhere near football season, I still find myself wearing purple and gold on Fridays. This season, it's the pastel version. 

When my buddy sees me set my camera and run, he has to get in on the action. 

Ralph Lauren oxford // Loren Hope small Sarra cuff // skirt by my mom // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

on Dan: Over Under Huntsman Collar

welcome white season

I am enjoying a day off today and taking a moment to thank God for servicemen and women and their families. 

We've been wearing white in the south since Easter, but now it's officially the season for everyone to wear white. 

Friday was an important day because Dan became mine! I had been fostering him for over a month, and the time finally came for me to adopt him. My mom's good friend's daughter runs a fabulous rescue organization called Saving Grace. I had been checking their website for months by the time "Jackson" showed up. I'm so glad I adopted with them! Since Dan is a rescue dog, I don't know much about his history. He is definitely a hand me down, though ;) His name is also HMD because my mom's family had a dog named Dan when she was growing up. You can find Dan at #handmedownDan on Instagram. 

Moon and Lola Gidleigh earrings // HMD belt from Granny // Moon and Lola Preston charm bracelet // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

on Dan: Over Under Huntsman Collar

plain white and Dan

I've been feeling a little uninspired with my outfits lately. My work has been so busy that I don't feel like doing much else when I get home. Plus, having a dog has made me even lower maintenance than I was already. (I know, I'm taking a risk by wearing a white dress with a dog.)

I've been sticking to basics: a lot of black and white, simple jewelry, minimal make up, and topsiders. I meant to take some photos of my new topsiders before I broke them in, but they haven't left my feet for long. We definitely love our topsiders in my family. I've been wearing the same pair for the last ten or so years, which is still wearable, but I finally bought a new pair when I was in the King Street store in Charleston last month. 

After a long day, I decided to try out my grandfather's tripod and take some photos of myself. I didn't think I'd post them, but Dan made things interesting. He really does not leave me alone once I get home from work. And for the sake of being real, this is how I've been looking lately! #myrealselfie

HMD sweater from Granny // Lilly Pulitzer dress // Sperry Topsiders // Loren Hope Sophia studs

Over Under and a new friend

This is my latest made in USA purchase: an Over Under Huntsman Collar. 

It's a handsome collar, and I appreciate the name plate so there's no jingling. 

I also own a shirt by Over Under and gifted my brother the Cannon's Point Single Shotgun Shell Belt last Christmas. I'm so glad that he loves it and wears it often!

I already had one of their coozies from my brother's belt order, and I'm glad to add another to my collection that matches the collar. 

Who in the world would I purchase this collar for?! Well, here's a glimpse of my new [foster] friend . . . who may or may not be staying around. 

Looking good, Dan!



If I had room in my budget, here are a few things I'd add to my Over Under collection:
Bourbon and Boweties collaboration bangle
Sky Blue Original Logo tee
"The Collection" tee for my duck enthusiast brother
The Lewiston Handbag
and can we get a "Go Pirates" version of these stadium cups?