I wore this dress after our wedding reception last year--Rob and I were picked up in a limo and raced back to our hotel so I could change before meeting all of our guests out in downtown Roanoke at one of our favorite bars to continue the celebrations. I really wanted to continue wearing these shoes, too, but after being on my feet all night, I had to wear sandals.

I have never been more exhausted than I was that Sunday after our wedding weekend was coming to a close, but it was one of the happiest weekends of my life. Our wedding is one of my favorite memories, and since I had my wedding dress cleaned and preserved soon after (it was my mom's first) I'm so glad I have this one hanging in my closet, ready to be worn at any time.

Dress: ModCloth | Shoes: J.Crew + sparkle DIY

Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: c/o Pamé Designs

Photos by Andi Perullo for Freckled Italian.

Wishing you a dreamy and relaxing Labor Day, friends. I love this time of year. Come on, fall!

Today is my birthday.

26 was a really hard year for me. I didn't share most of it. I was ambiguous and distant online and sometimes even in my personal life, and I think that made things harder. But I will say this:

Even throughout life's troubles, there is still full and deep joy to be had. Life is complex, and that is beautiful.

There is a long and lovely list of things that have brought me joy this year--my wonderful marriage, our sweet and sometimes rowdy puppy, and big successes in my career. I traveled and ate and made new friends and turned an unfamiliar city into a home. I discovered new passions and am learning, slowly but surely, to let go.

So today, like most days, I'm looking forward to what good things the future has in store. Here's to 27.

Photo by V.A. Photography.