Dress: BB Dakota (c/o) | Boots: Vince Camuto | Handbag: Chloe | Sunglasses: Nordstrom

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner. How on earth did that happen? I am headed home to Kentucky Wednesday morning and can’t wait to relax with family!

This time of year always brings up so many amazing memories for me. Trevor and I had known each other for a few years before we started dating. I met him when I was in graduate school and went to a party with a big group of girlfriends. He was an incoming freshman and was chatting with some guys I went to college with. I don’t remember all the details but I know we chatted a bit that night and then remained friends throughout graduate school. It wasn’t until my last year of dental school when something changed. 

I knew I wanted to move to Chicago by the time my graduation was nearing and was happy to go on dates here and there but really focused on finishing school and moving. Since we already knew each other fairly well, our first date was more of a casual dinner at a sushi restaurant. I remember leaving thinking I may be in trouble. Over the next few weeks, I fell and fell hard. Not only was Trevor amazing and quickly becoming my best friend but I think I was finally in a confident space as well. Growing up takes time, and I had finally come to a place in life where I was confident in who I was, what I believed in and what I wanted out of life. 

After a few weeks of ‘dating’ – really watching True Blood and Dexter together with friends I fell pretty sick. It was over Thanksgiving break so I was home at my parents house and luckily my brother had come home to surprise us. What I though was just a cold got so bad I couldn’t walk up the stairs in my own house. We decided I should go to the ER thinking I would get some fluids and head home. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way. I was intubated and sedated and diagnosed with swine flu and pneumonia. When I was weaned off the ventilator weeks later and processing everything while still trying to get better, I remember thinking I am going to marry this man. 

Someone I had been dating weeks was laying in a hospital bed with me, bringing me Arrested Development DVD’s and it just felt right. We continued to date as I recovered and long distance while I completed my residency here in Chicago and he finished his last year of medical school in Louisville. Soon (after 11 months) we were engaged and married a year and a half later. 

I’m such a firm believer in being friends with your spouse beforehand and am so thankful our timing worked out the way it did. Whenever this time rolls around each year it reminds me of how thankful I am for everyone’s health, happiness and my sweet husband. How did you guys meet your mate and did you just know? 

On a fashion note – I am in love with this burnt orange dress and think it’s perfect for the holidays. You can transition it from winter with boots to spring with heels and the color works all year! Plus, it’s a steal! 

Hope you all have a quick week and stay tuned for my Black Friday picks later this week! 

Photography by Jules Kennedy