Always the Optimist

Chapin and I recently celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. We have actually been a couple for 16 years, though! It's hard to believe that much time has passed since our very first date in the Fall of 1999.

This year, we decided to forego gifts and cards and just go out for a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, The Optimist. Many people commented that it was a good restaurant choice (the name) to celebrate an anniversary. I guess I agree! Chapin and I have our ups and downs like any other couple, and we definitely don't have a perfect marriage, but we love each other, enjoy spending time together, and have a lot in common. I think if you have that kind of foundation, you can grow and change together. I am certainly not the same person I was when I married Chapin at 25!

I think in today's Facebook/Insta-Age, we all try to display that facade of perfection. One Instagram user recently made headlines for "quitting social media," saying she was actually miserable despite all her positive posts. I'm guilty of it, too, I guess - Isn't everyone? No one really wants to read about how I was recently diagnosed with stress-induced eczcema, or how I often cry myself to sleep because I miss George so much. We are all only human, after all.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna Sequined Polka Dot Katarina Dress (no longer available)

The Shoshanna Kimberly Dress is similar but has a different silhouette.  It's also available at Saks Off 5th.

Celebration

Chapin and I celebrated our wedding anniversary this past weekend with a wonderful dinner out.

Where: Lusca

What We Ate:

• Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad (to start)
• Pumpkin Swordfish (for me)
• Charred Octopus (for Chapin)
• Side of Roasted Okra with Curry Sauce (to share)

We skipped dessert, even though we adore dessert, since there was no chocolate option on the menu. We did enjoy a wonderful bottle of wine with our meal, though: Morgon. We are looking into getting regular shipments!

My Outfit Details:

• Dress: Rebecca Taylor Lace Bustier Dress
• Shoes: B Brian Atwood

Chapin's Outfit Details:

• Shirt: Hugo Boss

Fun Fact: I curled my hair for the occasion, but I am inept with a curling iron and even a curling wand. I used my old Lock 'n Roll set that I've had since I was twelve.

Celebrity Sighting!
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg (little sister Dawn on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) wore the dress to an event a few years ago.

Special Anniversary

Earlier this month, Chapin and I celebrated eight years of marriage. Since we actually got married on the fourth anniversary of our first date, that means we have been together a total of 12 years. It's hard to believe it has been that long!

Our Eighth Wedding Anniversary

I met Chapin in 1999, when I was in my last year of college at Emory and he was in his last year of college at Georgia Tech. We are both shy individuals, so it took awhile for us to feel comfortable around each other and to really be ourselves. Soon, though, we just started clicking, and after the first three months together, I think I knew he was the one. I definitely knew I was in love.

This anniversary was more low-key for us because we just returned from a fabulous vacation in Puerto Rico. (I still have to go through all the photos, but I hope to update this blog soon with an account of our travels. It's also why I look more tan than usual!) Chapin surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to my office, and that night, we went to our favorite Italian restaurant, Nino's, for dinner.

Bouquet from Chapin on my Desk

I still have dresses in my closet that I bought years ago but, for some reason, never wore, so I decided to choose one of those unloved dresses for our anniversary night out. This A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Strapless Ruffled Lace Dress has some intricate lace detail on the bodice, and an A-line silhouette that is flattering on a variety of body types. I paired it with some Betsey Johnson peep-toes that also have lace detailing, and a black and silver clutch.

Chapin is growing his hair longer for a different look, and I just love it. He is so handsome and sexy, especially with that facial scruff. I'm glad after all these years that I still love him just as much as when we were first together. Happy Anniversary!

Starting Our Life Together