CRANBERRY RED DRESS AND THE MARINE CORPS BALL

Dress: Shop Stevie here (sold out), navy here; All Shop Stevie Formal here

Every year around this time I get giddy about the Marine Corps Ball. And every year, I wear a red dress. I guess you could say it’s sort of become “my thing”. I mean what girl doesn’t love an excuse to put on a gorgeous red formal dress and stand next to a man in uniform. Especially when that man in uniform is her handsome husband. I definitely won’t say no to that. I found this dress through one of the bloggers I follow who started her own shop! I love supporting small businesses, especially when it’s someone you feel like you “know” from being a part of their Instagram life. 😛 I usually opt for a more true red for my dresses but I loved the cranberry color of this one. And it would be a perfect option for a fancy holiday party or wedding! It’s currently sold out, but keep an eye out because she restocks things often. But if not, it comes in navy which I also love!

This year’s ball was a little different than the ones before. We always go to the ball and enjoy the ceremony and food and then after we go out dancing and having fun until the wee hours of the morning. But about two months ago, one of the guys from Ben’s unit passed away from leukemia. And so to honor his incredible wife who still came to the ball this year with her family, they had a special shadow box made for her with Marine Corps memorabilia and a plaque with a dedication to him. They had a small little ceremony to present it to her, and I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was just so sobering to be there and know that she had just lost her husband. I literally cannot imagine the pain but I’m so thankful to know that he’s in heaven. And even though I didn’t know him, it was amazing to just see all of the guys in the unit come together and honor her. She’s only 21, so young to have gone through so much but she has the brightest spirit, and I am just so honored to have been a part of being there in a small way.

So between that and leaving to San Francisco the next morning, we decided not to go out. But it still was such a fun night, and I’m always so honored to be amongst so many amazing men and women.

Hope you have the best weekend!

xoxo,

Christine

P.S. Benjamin Bennett, I love you. 😀