Marley Lilly Dress, Necklace and Earrings (c/o) / Kate Spade Sunglasses (Old, but love this similar pair by Tory Burch and this pair from Ray-Ban!) and Bangle (Old, but love this one!) / Jack Rogers / Vera Bradley Clutch (c/o)
There’s just about a month left before my next trip to the East Coast, and I’m counting down the days like whoa. This time, it’s for a very special occasion: my brother’s wedding.
Eeeee!
As crazy as this sounds, I’ve never been to a family wedding before. I’m the oldest on both sides, and therefore first to experience most. So many firsts, when I think about it–from boyfriends, graduations, and moving out to full-time jobs, cohabitation (#stress), and marriage. Heck, I’m even the first to own a dog!
Being the oldest on both sides used to upset me. Why did I have to be the one to pave the way for my siblings and cousins? There were so many embarrassing instances from my adolescence and young adulthood that seemed to get publicized. Innocently so, of course. (My family was simply excited, and wanted to talk about the changes I was going through.) But for those who followed? Not as much. They had it easy. ;)
(Just kidding. Growing up is hard no matter what!)
Now, though, I realize that being the oldest is very special position to hold. I can provide guidance, advice and support to my siblings and cousins, and reassure them that everything will work out. Because it will.
Wait. I totally went off on a tangent.
I always do this.
What was I talking about?
Oh, yes. Patrick’s wedding.
I’m simultaneously over-the-moon with happiness and kind of shocked. (Still.) My little brother–who carried around a stuffed animal seal named “Seabert” for years (sorry, Patrick)–is getting married. WHAT?! And, I mean, I know that he and my youngest brother, Danny, probably felt the same way about my wedding, minus the whole Seabert thing. But this is a first for me. (Albeit not the first time one of us has watched a sibling tie the knot. #Huzzah! Streak broken?)
All of this said, I’m going to be a complete mess at the wedding. (The mother/son dance?! Seeing Patrick up on the alter?! Listening to Danny’s toast?! Tearing up now, haha. Mitch, we’re going to have to stuff your suit pockets with tissues.) Not only do I love my brother beyond belief, I also love his future wife and my soon-to-be sister. And I’m so excited for them.
I’m also so excited for summer dresses. Their wedding is on June 6th, which I’m considering to be the kickoff to summer. (June 21st, pshhhh.) While I’ll be in a bridesmaid dress on the big day and in a Lilly Pulitzer number for the rehearsal, this Marley Lilly dress from the brand’s adorable Monday Dress line will undoubtedly be in my suitcase for the trip. I love its sturdy yet lightweight cotton material, seasonal seashell print, intricate gold detailing around the neckline, and its price point. (How can you beat $49.99?!)
Anyway, check out the rest of the Monday Dress collection here, and feel free to share any memories associated with family weddings! I’m can’t believe I’m experiencing my first!
Wow what a great deal for a gorgeous dress, I love the necklace it has its own built in statement jewelry! How exciting for your brother, now that you paved the way I bet you will be happy to sit back and enjoy the wedding with family instead of being the one planning everything.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Alex! I can’t even tell you how excited I am. And I totally agree. I actually don’t remember the entirety of my wedding–I was just so happy and overwhelmed (in a very, very good way) that it all kind of seems like a blur. There was so much going on, you know?! I’m really pumped about really taking in Patrick’s wedding, and spending some quality time with the people I love most in the world. So lucky!! :)
How exciting for your brother! I’m sure it will be a wonderful family event. Love this dress!
Shae @ http://www.currenthabits.com
Cute dress! Love that pattern and gold detail. You look great and hope to see you soon! xo
~Samantha
Aw, so exciting Kelly! You look beautiful.
Wishes & Reality
What a fun dress! I had no idea Marley Lilly was making dresses now!
xo
Alex | Mrs. Mason Dixon
What a beautiful dress!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Such a gorgeous dress and I can’t believe your brother’s wedding is so close!
How do the Marley Lilly dresses run in size?
Love that vera bradley clutch!! I am so excited for your trip! I hope you blog about it! Enjoy and relax!
Meredith
http://chicagobymeredith.com/
Kelly, Patrick, Danny–you sound like the quintessential Irish family! I’ve never been to any wedding (I’m the youngest of all my cousins by far, and I’m an only child), so while my parents were often invited growing up, I wasn’t. Maybe in a few more years, friends will start getting married and I can finally go to a wedding!
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
1. That is an amazing deal for such a cute dress!!
2. Seabert is the best name for a stuffed animal I’ve ever heard.
I hope you have a great time at the wedding! It will be such an exciting time, and what a great time of year to choose :) Lovely dress, definitely great to dress up or down with heels or flats :)
How cute are you?! I love this dress, and love the Vera purse you paired it with. Also, that price point is unbeatable! (PS – Your brother’s wedding is a day before Doug and my’s first year anniversary! #GoodVibes)
How exciting! I’m far from the oldest…probably closer to the bottom of the cousin pack in my crazy big Italian family, so my first family wedding was my own brother’s when I was 14!!!! Granted he was only 20 when he married his high school sweetheart. In case you’re wondering…they are still married almost 29 years later! Crazy!!! I cannot wait to see pictures of the weekend and all the fancy attire!!!