I’m happy to be back with the second installment of, “It’s a Date!” If you missed the first post kicking off this series you can get caught up here. Our weekly date nights are extremely important to us and a pretty major part of our relationship. This past week we took a walk down memory lane.
This week we went to Corona Del Mar which is near us. It happens to be a really special city for us because it’s where my husband proposed. Of course it depends on where you live in relation to how your courtship began, but it’s fun to go back in time and visit a special place. And if you can’t actually go to a spot from the past maybe you can recreate a dinner that you had or rent a movie that you saw together back in the day. I just think it’s fun to relieve poignant moments in your relationship. We look back at how young we were when Ryan proposed and the really funny sequence of events leading up to the proposal. Let’s just say he knew I needed to be fed. I may or may not get cranky without food.
Ladies, you can’t beat a flowy, feminine skirt that has an elastic waistband! Hello, perfect date night piece. You can eat and drink all you want! It’s so comfy and I love how it moves when I walk. And it’s another piece that is much cuter in real life than the store website depicts. They also make a cute polka dot version. And I wore it recently with a graphic tee, jean jacket and sandals. Really loving this skirt right now.
Date Night Hot Spot: After taking a walk through Corona Del Mar and the spot where Ryan proposed {overlooking the ocean} we had dinner at Gulfstream. It’s a really yummy restaurant with a great atmosphere. After that we stopped by Bandera for a cocktail. That place also hold special memories for us.
Date Night Question of the Week: This week we talked a lot about the past and the years we have spent together. The question was, “What would you tell your 25 year old self? What advice would you give?”
skirt | necklace | wedges | similar tee | gold bangle | sunglasses
This man is my everything. He is a really really good guy and he makes me want to be a better person. He also looks darn cute in a dress shirt. He loves the trim fit cut. It’s always challenging when you are a bigger build. Because Ryan is broad, he needs larger shirts. But then they have so much material. A trim fit is cut in more so that it doesn’t look so boxy. Just a tip for any men out there that might need to adjust their fit. No shock that I love this gingham dress shirt. And it is really good looking tucked in with dress pants and a tie. In fact, Ryan just found this for a wedding we are attending in Napa soon. And if the man in your life is in the market for a dress coat or suit, Nordstrom is a great place for those, too.
click on any shirt above for details
I rounded up some other great looks. Always free shipping and free returns which is key. Especially if you have picky person to shop for.
Ryan will be wearing a suit similar to this for the upcoming wedding and chose this tie. I love this tie so much. I can already picture him in it. I am such a traditionalist when it comes to men in suits. I just love the plaid, stripes and gingham.
photos via taylor cole
Date Night Style: Shop The Look
Have you been on any dates recently? Even sneaking away for a lunch is great if you can’t get out at night. Last week’s date night look was a bit dressier but it was fun to wear a bright and colorful skirt down by the beach. Enjoy your day all.
And in case you missed the announcement, Just Four Things back and I am looking for one of your bedrooms to makeover. Learn how to submit your space here.
Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. Affiliate links used.
What a beautiful post, Courtney! I lived in Corona del Mar for years and was engaged there as well!! And boy do I miss Bandera!!! Fun date night!!
Oh, really?! What a small world. I love that, Katie. Do you live far away now? Thanks for sharing. Love knowing we have that in common. Enjoy your day.
Aww sweet couple pictures! I love your necklace!
Her Heartland Soul
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Thank you, Erin. I wear it all the time. Hope you’re off to a great week. xo
I can’t even with that handsome hubby of yours. You guys are SO cute. You are seriously making me want to move across the country so we can double date and all be best friends. Are you coming here in July?? Drag Ryan along and we will make it happen!!!! And I can’t not comment on how great you look, as well. Talk about a power couple. I’m going to start calling you Beyonce and Jay-Z. Love and miss you!
Bahahah. I never thought we would be called Beyonce and Jay-Z. It’s an honor. Love you, girl. PLEASE move asap. How much fun would we have?! I know our boys would get along great.
The beach at Corona del Mar is a very special place to my husband and I, as well. It’s the first place as teens that we held hands climbing over the large rocks to where we sat and watched boats coming out of the Newport bay and the camp fires on the beach. We still take our family there to play at the beach when we are down south and, when we can, slip away alone to that magical place at sunset for just a few minutes.
OH my goodness! Bridey this is the best story ever. I LOVE that you first held hands there. It really is a magical town and full of memories. And how sweet that you take the family there, too. Thanks for sharing. xo
You all are the cutest! Love this series! Love the idea of a question….we may need to start doing that.
Back at you! I am always inspired by the two of you. When is the move to CA? 😉
Love the new date series — especially when you mention names of places! We live in Irvine and am always looking for new, fun places to go in Newport or CDM.
Oh that makes me so happy. Thank you for letting me know, Bryn. I love it. We head that way almost weekly so we will keep the hot spots coming. xoxo Have a great week. Such gorgeous weather right now.
That is a pretty outfit on you Courtney and you two are the cutest couple! So fun to walk down memory lane isn’t it! What a beautiful spot where Ryan proposed! My hubby proposed to me at the sweetest little outdoor flower shop in Mill Valley (CA) . It was dusk and the shop has lots of twinkling lights strung all around. Napa will be gorgeous in the summer for the wedding you’re attending.
Thank you. Oh I love learning that, Allison. Sounds darling. I love that there were twinkling lights. Those are the moments you never ever forget.
I always love reading about your date nights! Believe me, they will come in handy down the road when you are empty nesters and looking at each other like “now what?” When Mark is not at work we are pretty much inseparable now. You are such a good looking couple!!
What a great perspective, Lauren. I hadn’t really thought about when the kids are grown and out of the house {makes me weepy}. I love what a strong relationship you and Mark have. Inspiring and we will keep up the dates. Thank you. Lauren.
Love this new series Courtney! You guys seem like the sweetest couple and I love that you make and schedule time for one another!
Thank you so much, Sarah. What a sweet comment. We have found it to be really valuable. Have a great great day. xo
Excuse me Barbie and Ken!!! Y’all are too cute for words!! And now I am missing you pretty face and sweet smile!!
Um. . . . that would be you and shirtless Todd!!! You two are the most darling couple. I miss you so much. Wish we could get together. We need a double date! xo
Such a lovely couple!
Thank you, Kathy. So sweet. Hope you’re having a really great week.