A Surprise Wedding By The Lake

Dress - Eliza J (also available here) / Sandals (just one size left, some similar sandals are here and here) - Target / Bag (similar here and here) - Ann Taylor / Necklace - Stella & Dot / Similar earrings

I bought this dress back in the depths of Chicago winter, because my theory has always been to buy the dress when you find one you like, because an occasion will always pop up. That way, you don't have to be stressed out trying to find a dress at the last second for an event - you always have the perfect one waiting in your closet. 

Well things really worked out this time. When I got the dress I had no idea when or where I would wear it, and then Jeff's dad did me a solid and decided to elope over the weekend! 

I've been to some small weddings before - my sister and her husband only had their immediate families (plus my new boyfriend Jeff - things really worked out there!) at their wedding. This one though? Just the bride and groom, Jeff as the minister, the photographer, and me! We went down to Adler Planetarium on Saturday morning for a short and sweet ceremony by the lake. 

I've said it before, but I am such a sap at weddings. Jeff took me to a wedding once where I had never met the bride or groom and a late minute seat change put me on the aisle in the second row. And I sobbed. Can you imagine getting married and seeing a stranger sobbing right in front of you?! Yep, that's me. 

This wedding was somehow even more emotional, because it really was just two people declaring their love for each other - no pomp and circumstance. I managed to hold it in because I was focusing on my assigned task (the photographer showed me how to work her fancy dancy camera so I could take a video of the ceremony) but the vows? Yep, you'd better bet I cried. 

Gosh, maybe never invite me to a wedding. 

I made Jeff snap these pics of me before we hopped in the car to head to brunch to celebrate. I used to go running on this stretch back when we lived in the South Loop, and man did I miss that skyline view! Chicago, you're pretty. 

Dress - Eliza J (also available here) / Sandals (just one size left, some similar sandals are here and here) - Target / Bag (similar here and here) - Ann Taylor / Necklace - Stella & Dot / Similar earrings

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Pretty Little Spring Dresses under $50, $100, and $150

Do you have any fun spring events you're going to have to dress up for in the near future? Between Easter, wedding showers, baby showers, and weddings, there are a few special occasions I'm going to have to dress up for this spring! I've worn all of my fancy dresses a bunch of times, so I'm definitely on the lookout for a new dress or two to add to the closet.

As much as I love to splurge, for special occasion dresses, sometimes it's best to shop on a budget. After all, you won't wear them as often as a great pair of jeans or the perfect blazer, so the cost per wear is pretty high. So here are some options, under $50, under $100, and under $150. So you can look good and not feel bad about it!!

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9 Spring Dresses under $150

I don't know about you, but every spring I end up needing to dress up more than I expect. Between weddings, showers, Easter, and work events, I always end up needing a pretty spring dress or two. I looked in my dress closet and realized that most of my pretty spring dresses have been around the block a time or tow, so I've been on the hunt for something new to add to the closet. I actually ordered this one but I have a feeling it isn't quite going to work on me, so the hunt continues! I'm always looking for dresses that are under $150, aren't too revealing (for all of the church events), and have pretty spring colors or details - all of these fit the bill! Which is your favorite?

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