engagement photos

We've been planning, postponing, and rescheduling for months, and we finally got to take some photos with our wedding photographer! I'm not crazy about the idea of engagement photos, but of course, she convinced me that we needed practice taking pictures together before the wedding. Truthfully, the first photos I took with Krista were my bridal portraits, but those are still secret for now. I may schedule some for just after the wedding if I can convince Zack not to peek at the scheduled posts. 

We had so much fun with Krista at the airport! I'm so glad we went there because it's really where our love story took place. I can't believe I have never written our love story here! I will have to do that soon, but basically we fell in love in and around airplanes. 

This time, I started planning our outfits with what Zack would be most comfortable wearing and look nice in, then planned mine accordingly. Keeping it simple helped. That's my bit of advice for engagement photo outfit planning--plan the man's outfits first and keep it simple. Outfit details are at the bottom of the post. 

All photos by Krista Joy Photography. 

K: Waccamaw Pearls // Anthropologie top // J. Crew 3" chino shorts // Jack Rogers Palm Beach sandal 

Z: Southern Proper shirt // Over Under belt // Onward Reserve shorts // Sperry shoes

K: Moon and Lola earrings // Anthropologie dress // HMD bracelet // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo 

Z: Onward Reserve shirt // Over Under belt // Dockers pants // Clarks shoes 

Southern Frock wrap dress

I found this dress when I visited Southern Frock's flagship store in Beaufort in July, and I love how it fits. My mom was a big fan of DVF dresses when she was my age; as beautiful as DVF prints are, those dresses aren't made for my body type or budget. I will stick with the local brand, and I will definitely buy more of these Southern Frock dresses when new prints come out! 

I have been using my new GiGi clutch from Charlotte's and loving it! It's the perfect pouch to take with me out to dinner and on the weekend. It was absolutely the right choice for spending my winnings. 

I'm so thankful that I got to pick up this boy at the airport on Saturday and that he is willing to take my picture. He is the sweetest! 

Southern Frock dress // HMD earrings and necklace from Mom // GiGi New York All in One Bag // Lilly Pulitzer bangles - gift from Elise // Cole Haan pumps, purchased at Revolver

Elise and Caleb's wedding

My friends Elise and Caleb got married last weekend at Rose Hill Plantation. The rehearsal dinner was there as well, and everything was wonderful! The scenery was beautiful and the food was outstanding. 

Everything was lime green and purple. Elise's mother thinks of every single detail and makes everything personalized and perfect. 

I loved Caleb's Skully groom's cake. 

These two are such a sweet couple! I have known Elise since fourth grade and Caleb since college. I admire Caleb for his persistence over the years, and I'm so glad that it finally paid off. These two are an excellent match, and I wish them the best! 

Elise's bridesmaids were friends from middle school, high school, and college. I enjoyed our mini high school reunion. I'm impressed with how everyone has grown up so good looking and well rounded!

This is Elise's precious friend Leanne. I complimented her necklace, and she said she borrowed it from her mother. Of course I had to take a photo! 

Elise's "something old" and "something borrowed" was her late grandmother's bracelet. I have memories of Elise's sweet grandparents, who lived with her family when we first met. 

I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was too busy having a great time. I am thankful for these friends and feel honored to have been included in the wedding. Best wishes, Elise and Caleb! 

spring things

Our yard is in full bloom. It's looking like spring!

I've always been a pearl girl, but I thought I was set with my classic short and long single strands, single strand bracelet, and simple, small studs. Now that I've played with some Waccamaw Pearls, I want even more, fun pearls. 

This triple strand, mixed texture necklace is the perfect combination of classic, fun, and affordable.

I found this floral square in a box with one of my grandmother's clutches and felt it would go perfectly with our blooming yard. I think pocket squares are a nice touch on men, and I've had fun folding them to go in a man's pocket. The pocket on my blazer is much smaller than on a man's blazer, though!

Moon and Lola Hartford block monogram earrings // Triple Threat necklace on loan from Waccamaw Pearls // HMD pocket square from Granny // J. Crew schoolboy blazer // Loren Hope small Sarra cuff // H&M dress (old) // Stuart Weitzman shoes (old)

ballet pink tomboy

Loren Hope Abba earrings // J. Crew schoolboy blazer // Everlane t shirt // Loren Hope Mara bracelet // Loren Hope small Sarra cuff // HMD belt from Mom // J. Crew chino shorts // J. Crew shoes

pink, purple, pearls

I spent a little time in Charleston last week and took advantage of the scenery for outfit shoots. Behind me in these photos are the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (also called the New Cooper River Bridge) and the USS Yorktown. 

A very stylish friend of mine owns Waccamaw Pearls, the brand behind this beautiful pearl bracelet. After teaching in China for two years, she decided to bring quality pearls back with her, and she sells them at incredibly reasonable price points. 

Part of what makes Waccamaw Pearls special is their signature toggle closure. One side is imprinted with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "be joyful always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances." 

I'm very thankful to VC for letting me wear her pearls, and now it's time to start building my own collection. More Waccamaw Pearls to come!

HMD scarf from Mom // Kayce Hughes Willa Ruffle dress // HMD belt from Mom // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from Mom // Sweet Southern Pearls bracelet on loan from Waccamaw Pearls // Loren Hope small Sarra cuff // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo