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July 3, 2014

Of rodeos, vintage copper accessories, and true love




Outfit details

Brown 1950s nylon scarf: Gift from a dear vintage loving friend ♥
Plastic peach rose earrings: Handmade by me
1980s denim shirtwaist dress: eBay
Vintage clear lucite horse head brooch: eBay
1950s tooled copper belt: eBay
1950s Renoir copper "flame" bracelet: eBay
Camel coloured faux leather cross body bag: eBay
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Brown 1940s style round toe pumps: Consignment store
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Nail colour: Aco (from Ardene) Vintage Blue


Photography by Tony Cangiano

















































This past Victoria Day long weekend saw the return of the annual Keremeos Elks Rodeo. Though a tradition for the last few years in the area, this was the first time I'd ever had the pleasure of attending and was the only rodeo outside of Calgary's world famous stampede ones that I'd been to in all my life.

For a day of good, old-fashioned wild west inspired fun, I knew that a thoroughly cowgirl approved outfit was in order. This denim dress is straight up 1980s to the point that, while still somewhat older looking, I stop just shy of calling it full on 1980s does 1950s, though some might do just that. To add to the southwestern charm, I reached for two beloved 1950s copper accessories: a gorgeous tooled rose pattern tooled belt and an eye-catching Renoir copper “flame” (as I've seen this design called before) cuff bracelet. Believe it or not, I don't actually own a cowboy hat (I have to remedy that for sure!), so instead I opted for a classic 1950s nylon (chiffon) scarf in a desert sand inspired shade of brown.

I've said it before (such as in this post), and I'll say it again here, I have a bit of an inner cowgirl and I flat out love those rare opportunities (since moving from Calgary back in 2003 at least) when she's able to burst forth in full force as she did with my outfit choice in these photos.

On a sizzling hot Sunday afternoon we headed south from Penticton to the small, and very charming, community of Keremeos, which long time readers may recall for its famous fruit and vegetables stands (such as Bear's Farm, which I blogged about back in October of 2012), stood in a lineup of plaid shirts and straw cowboy hats, got our hands stamped, and moseyed on over to the metal bleachers, front and center, to gaze upon the day's festivities.

Calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and plenty of humorous banter between the clown and the MC were amongst the rodeo's highlights, all set against the smell of fried onions, open beer bottles (from the beer garden), and popcorn being gobbled up by youngsters in every direction. Though the bleachers were anything but comfortable (we'll be taking our camping chairs next time we go for sure!), we still had a wonderful afternoon and didn't even realize as the sun was ramping up its fiery wattage that we were both getting just a wee bit pink on our cheeks and noses and dehydrated in the process.

Nothing serious, thankfully, but enough for me to notice as much when I look at the photographs we took after we returned to Penticton (the light was too harsh and the setting too crowded during the rodeo to do a shoot there). I see a lot more in these photos however, in no small part because one of them includes my darling husband's hand.

A few weeks ago, in the third entry in this year's delightful vintage honeymoon destination post series, I chronicled the fact that Tony and I began our life together in the Emerald Isle, including the fact that my beloved proposed to me in a centuries old Irish castle. He did so on July 6, 2004, which means that in just three day's time, I can officially say that it's been ten years now since we became engaged.

In the days, weeks, months and ultimately - as time is so keen to play out - years since then, we have faced as seemingly insurmountable numbers of challenges, curveballs, stresses, and worries, thrown at us my a universe so very often beyond any speck of one's control. Through it all however, our love for one another has never faltered. Like any couple, we've had our spats, our tiffs, and even a few blowups, but we've always quickly made up and moved on. We need one another. Always have, forever will.

We have a decade of life together, having gone from little more than mere babes (I was 19 when we meet in March 2004, Tony was 23), with heavy pasts and hearts full of hope about the future, to proper adults with a car, house, pets, businesses in our names, hefty tax bills, fewer hairs and considerably more wrinkles.

We've fought seemingly countless medical battles (most mine, but a few Tony's as well), mountainous debts, uncertain immigration processes (chiefly the long process of more than six years that it took for Tony to work his way through the immigration system and officially become a Canadian citizen in June 2012), floods, storms, rodents, nightmarish landlords, the passing away of cherished family members, tears that ultimately made us stronger, calamities, injuries brought about from accidents, periods of tremendous stain, great personal growth, and a billion other occurrences as husband and wife. And through it all, no matter how hard the forces of life may have tried to wedge themselves between us, we've kept on holding hands.

Tony is my rock, my light, my love, and my soul mate, and I am his. Whether we're tired, happy, sad, peeved, hungry, anxious, serene, frazzled, in pain, scared, worries, elated, uncertain, excited, or anything else, through the good, the bad, and the - most of all - through the seemingly unbearable, we have been there for one another. I have no greater blessing in my life than my husband, nor he than I.

We grow more in love with one another every day and couldn't fathom a world at this point without another. Tony has been there with me every day now for a full third of my life. The memories we've made together could fill the halls and shelves of a thousand universes. We know each other's voices anywhere, delight in the scores of insider jokes and references we've amassed and pepper our everyday speech with frequently, understand what makes one of us tick and what pacifies the other in any situation, and we never let a day go by without kissing, even if it means planting a smooch on a furrowed brow, sweat drenched head, or - as was the case on the evening following the rodeo - a slightly sunburned nose.

So often in today's world we hear only hear about the negative relationships. The brutal breakups, marriages that went off the track, and those who are woefully unhappy when it comes to romance. I share some of my passionate feelings for my husband here today as an antithesis to such tales. True love is real and so are happily ever afters. I know because I'm blessed to wake up next to mine each morning and hope with all my heart that I'll get to do so for many, many more years and decades of celebrating all kinds of anniversaries to come.

65 comments:

  1. Primeiro quero dizer que seu vestido é lindo, os acessórios são perfeitos. Acho muito lindo o amor de você e seu marido, Deus continue abençoando muito seu casamento.
    Beijos Vivi

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  2. What a beautifully written post. You have obviously found your bliss in each other's happiness.

    Happy Anniversary!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  3. Awwwwww! This was SUCH a lovely read! My favourite post of yours, so far! :) You and Tony are clearly made for each other, and it is truly heart-warming to read such a sweet, real-life love story! xxx

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  4. you two are incredibly sweet and endearing! i enjoy hearing how no matter the obstacles thrown at you both, you keep plugging through together. that's what love is. for better and for worse, sickness and in health, etc... my parents had the same wonderful marriage and have almost 31 years together before we said good-bye to dad. because of them and hearing lasting marriages like your own, it raises the bar for the man i want to spend the rest of my life with, whoever he may be.

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    1. That is incredibly lovely to hear, sweet dear, thank you very much. How beautiful that your parents were able to savour 31 wonderful years together. Though my own biological parents marriage didn't last (thank goodness - but that's a whole 'nother story), both of my grandparents had/have decades long marriages (one of my grandpas passed when I was six) and my mom and step-dad have been together for nearly 17 years now, plus one of my aunts and uncles have shared nearly three decades. I believe deeply in love and the importance of trying to make a marriage work, so long as it's a healthy one for both partners. It breaks my heart in a way how quickly many people throw away relationships in recent decades and always said that when I married, I wanted it to be for life, so I tried (and succeeded) in finding someone with whom I could gleefully do just that. Hearing stories like those of your parents or some of my family members really helps cheer me/us on and reinforces the notion of true love for life.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. As a hopeless romantic, I love this post. Congratulations on making it work! (Also, I love that belt!)

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    1. Thank you very much (on both counts), my lovely friend (and fellow die hard romantic).

      Have a magnificent 4th of July!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. i adore western styles! they are fun and summery. the belt is absolute my fav piece from this post ... the 80s denim dress does a real good job in thin 50s styled combination. love it!

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  7. Oh wow, congratulations on having been together for such a long time already :3 I also love that dress! I've been developing a thing for denim dresses recently and this one is gorgeous. It looks lovely on you :)

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal!!! When I was a little girl, let's say circa age 10, I had a very similar looking denim shirtwaist dress (purchased from the now defunct Canadian department store chain Zellers) that I absolute lived in and loved to no end. Long after I outgrew it, I kept a clear picture of that dress in my mind and when I found this online a while back, I knew I had to buy it right then and there (as I did) because it was both so similar to the one of my youth and also seemed like (as it is) a very versatile piece that I could wear all year round. Denim dresses are classic, fun and easy to dress up or down. I highly recommend every woman adds one to her wardrobe, no matter if you're a fan of western wear or not. They can be urban and chic just as easily, assuming they're cut more like a shirtwaist dress than rodeo garb, and both durable and stylish to boot.

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I am so glad that you have your soul mate dear Jessica. Your words are so well said and so nice to hear. You two have been through a lot and I'm very curious what your anniversary post will look like:) I hope you are able to do something very special on this grand day. We have been married since 2001. We got married and I soon thereafter moved to New York and then the terrible terrorist attack happened. So, I shall never forget the year of our marriage. So fun to go see a rodeo! This is also so nice that you are able to wear copper:) My father used to love to make things in copper and I can remember as a child asking him to make me bracelets. I wish I still had these but I do have a couple of jugs he made.

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    1. Hello my sweet friend, thank you very much for your wonderful comment. It's touchingly beautiful that you and your honey have been together for many years now as well. Goodness though, I can fully imagine how strange and almost surreal it must have been to move to New York shortly after the events of 9-11. What a jolting and tragically unique way to greet your new state.

      It really is fabulous that I can wear copper, so long as it's pure (in the sense of being free of nickel, as it commonly is). The same applies to brass and bronze, too, and while I love both of those metals, too, there's something about coppers golden, autumn palette worthy hue and innate sense of warmth that really speaks to me on the fashion front. I'd love to find more vintage copper pieces (I have a couple others beyond these two) to add to my wardrobe as time goes on.

      Wow, that is really cool about your father working in copper. Was it a hobby or something he did by trade? It's wonderful that you still have some of the jugs he made. There is nothing more precious on the family heirloom front that handmade items that are passed down from one generation to the next.

      Big hugs & joyful 4th of July wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Congrats on being together for 10 years! You two have a great relationship. Once you find a person who supports and up-lifts you, your life becomes so much easier and fulfilling. I know that since Jesse came in my life, he has made me a better, stronger person. He is my love and my friend.

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    1. That is fabulous, dear Mariela. I'm truly happy that you both found each other as well and that you've bettered one another through your love and years together. Ultimately, I believe, that's one of the most important components of a romantic relationship, as well as being an incredible glue, to speak, to help couples stay together and weather the storms of life.

      Big hugs & joyful 4th of July wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Oh I love this look! I have a real weakness for Western style fashions too and completely love your outfit! I've never been to a rodeo (unfortunately not too many this side of the pond!) but it sure sounds like a lot of fun, I'm glad you had a lovely time. I always enjoy reading your posts about your life with Tony, it's really inspiring. As you say there's so much negativity in the world surrounding relationships that it easily begins to feel a little hopeless that there even is such a thing as love and "finding the right person" so it's really uplifting to find people who are so very happy and adore each other. I wish you both all of the best to a long and happy lifetime together x

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    1. Thank you deeply, sweet dear. I have a total weakness for western style fashions and love those rare occasions when that side of my wardrobe comes out to play. True, I can imagine that rodeos are few and far between in Europe. If you're ever in Canada, especially between May and September, there's a decent chance you could find one to attend, especially if you're up for a bit of a road trip.

      I sincerely appreciate your beautiful wishes and hope with all my heart that they ring true for us.

      Joyful start of July wishes to you!
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Congratulations on your anniversary! You're so lucky to have found someone who is such a wonderful partner, especially when you were so young. It sounds like you and your husband have a great relationship.
    I love the copper accessories with the denim; the fabric really sets off the beautiful color of the metal so well. Perhaps a brighter scarf, though? The color is pretty, but it blends in so closely with your hair that at first glance I didn't realize you were wearing one.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear gal. I am truly fortunate to have found the love of my life so early on and to have been able to "grow up" throughout my twenties with the man of my dreams by my side.

      In person the scarf stood out a bit more, but I wasn't aiming for it to take center stage that day, so I intentionally opted for a neutral shade that went with my shoes and bag, but didn't steal the show away from the dress, copper jewelry, and cute horse brooch. I agree though that in general, it doesn't stand out much against auburn locks and for that reason doesn't get as much play as most of my other vintage nylon/chiffon scarves (should I ever become a blonde again though, I'm sure it will!).

      Have a stellar 4th of July!
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Congratulations on your 10 years! You look so cute and I especially love that copper belt.

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  13. Congratulations! The first decade is the hardest, I think. For so many different reasons. Then you kind of find your groove, and settle in.

    Your outfit is so cute! I don't think I could pull it off at all, but I really like it on you! The horse pin is adorable--I'm such a sucker for horses. :) I like the final photo of you two holding hands--sweet.

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  14. True love is real, Jessica, and I am happy for the two of you with all my heart! Happy anniversary to you! I hope your passionate, sincere writing will inspire other people to go and search for their true love, and be brave and bold despite all the fears they might have.

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  15. I adore this outfit to no end! The brooch! The belt! It's all so darling!

    Also congratulations on ten years!!!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Thank you very much, darling Janey!!! I was thinking about you and your super inspiring passion for vintage western and southwestern wear so much that day (and even told Tony as much).

      Now, to just find some amazing tooled leather heels like you have before next year's rodeo rolls around!

      Wishing you a stellar, fun filled 4th of July!
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Jessica, i love it! i've always been a huge fan of vintage western stuff, but with your post and Lucky Lucille's posts going around about this cool rodeo stuff, may just be in heaven! you wear this kind of thing so well, that belt is totally awesome, here it is way too hot for sleeves, but i understand these images were not made today and you live in a different part of the world. your horse brooch is darling, but i just loved the picture of you and your husband's hands. ahh. so sweet.
    -Abigail

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  17. Congratulations to you both! It's amazing how relationships develop and change as the years go by,

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  18. Awwww, you guys are precious! That's so wonderful to see you guys celebrate 10 years when people tend to give up and split so much sooner these days. I'm so glad to see a couple still dedicated and so deeply in love! It makes my heart well with happiness!

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  19. I want to see a close up of the earrings! I was so excited to see that you were wearing one of your own designs, and they look cute from what I can see, but I'd like to see them better! Have you shown them in an earlier post?

    Thanks for sharing your happy love story. I agree that we don't hear enough of them compared to the sad tales, or compared to Hollywood love stories about only the beginning. I find it especially nice that you found true love so young, which it seems is becoming less common. I am approaching five years together with my lovely husband, (3 since we got engaged). I hope we are as happy at 10 years as we are now, and as you and Tony are.

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    1. Thank you very much across the board, sweet Tanith. Huge and very heartfelt congratulations to you and your honey on nearly five years together. That's fabulous!!! In the past they (society) used to talk about the seven year itch, but I've read numerous pieces in more recent years that says it's more like the 3 or 4 year itch these days and if couples can make it beyond that, they stand a far better chance of long term success, so we're both in the clear there.

      Aww, thank you! I didn't hand sculpt the roses, they're pre-made plastic flat backs that I glued to nickel-free earring post blanks. You know, come to think of it, despite wearing them numerous times a year, I don't recall ever taking a super close up shot of these earrings. I'll have to make a mental note to remedy that the next time I sport them. Thank you for the request - I always welcome them on anything I wear.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Happy Anniversary. Best wishes for many, many more to come.

    Beautiful belt-I've never seen anything quite like it. I do enjoy a bit of Western wear. If you can get your hands on vintage Panhandle slim Western shirts they're exceptionally well tailored and pretty. The company is still around, but the quality just isn't there anymore. Anyway, something to keep an eye out for if you like that style of clothing (I live in cowboy land).

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    1. Vintage Pandhandle shirts are the home-on-the-range bee's knees and then some, I completely agree. I don't own any myself, and those I have come across in person always fetched a pretty penny, but they're definitely on my radar and are something I troll the big E's more often for. Thank you for the great reminder and many heartfelt thanks as well for the wonderfully nice anniversary wishes.

      Have a fabulous 4th of July!
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Yay for true love! It is so rare that we celebrate the union amazing union of a man and wife that it almost seems shocking to hear such a public statement, but I LOVE hearing real love stories. My husband and I met when we were seventeen and got married at twenty one and twenty two. We've been married for eleven years and have known each other for fifteen. There is no one on earth I'd rather do anything with and I agree that all the trials only make us stronger. Love is truly amazing and I pray yours is only blessed with more years and more joy together.
    Also, as you probably already know, I seriously love me some cowgirl clothes! I don't think it's too over the top 80s and the way you've accessorized keeps it from being too dated. I love you copper bracelet and belt.
    Sarah

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  22. Happy 10 Year Anniversary! You know I love vintage western stuff lately so this outfit is SO AWESOME.

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  23. Congratulations on your anniversary dear Jessica and Tony! Wishing you many, many more years of happiness and joy together.

    And yes, your rose copper belt really is something special, but I'm afraid I lost my heart to your lucite horse head brooch... It's so sweet! And of course, being an incurable horse nut like myself, how could I not adore it? ヾ(^-^)ノ♡

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. Thank you very much across the board, darling gal!!! I swear, I think of you and your awesome passion for ponies (a love I share as well, though I've never owned a horse myself) whenever I wear this or one of my other vintage horse brooches. Tony madly loves horses, too, as his father was a stable hand and so he spent his youth in Italy growing up around horses and at race tracks. We'd both very much love to have one or more horses of our own some day.

      ♥ Jessica

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  24. I am so happy for you both Jessica , God Knows I was Feeling the same for my fiancée and now that its over I m destroyed...
    Im glad to know There still is true Love and hope in the world.
    You are lovely on this outfit its been à while since you havent shoWn us an outfit post and this Rodéo style suits you so Well!

    Xxx
    Love From Paris my dear friend,
    Lorna

    Http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

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  25. Beautiful words my dear may your love story endure as today for all the years to come. Happy Anniversary to you both. Your cowgirl look is just so cute on you, sounds like a fun day.

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  26. Fly me over the moon, Jessica.
    With this post, you did.

    First thing first: 10 years realy deserves a loud "Congradulations!" (from the top of my lungs). Lately, I've seen too many seemingly good marriages go down; and for once I can smile uopn a couple that has a strong bond that links two souls.. proves me right, you know: the marriage is much, much more than a way to legitimize a pregnancy or a way to get a better bank loan (I've seen it, believe me) :) You two love birds - have it your way.
    *rises a glass of water from the table*
    "To the happy couple!"

    ..
    Now we can talk fashion. :)
    Horse brooch left me breathless. It's so adorable, so lovely.. And the brass-looking buckle (fits the theme, ah?) :) You're crafty, and I like when you show it to the world.

    Oh, what a lovely day..
    I'm so glad for you..

    Give my best to Tony.

    Hug
    Marija

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    1. I will indeed, dear Marija, thank you deeply for the beautiful words, wishes, and congratulations, as well for your wonderful thoughts on this outfit. That brooch is so darling, I agree! I picked it up quite a while back on eBay for a surprisingly good deal, as the seller was very nondescript with their listing and I happened upon it by chance. I think I got it for less than $15 (+ shipping), which is quite a steal, as I've since seen the same brooch and other different coloured versions (and wooden versions, too) of it sell in the $40 - $75+ range.

      That means a great deal to me. I am crafty, it's true (very, actually, if I may say so myself) but I'm also extremely shy and have always struggled with showing my creations to the world. I'm trying to get better at it though and was thinking that perhaps one day I'll start a post series here on my blog devoted to showing some of my creations on an ongoing basis with my readers and online friends.

      Huge hugs & many heartfelt thanks again for everything,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. From both Tony and I, sweet dears, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for absolutely each and every one of your caring, touching, beautiful proposal day anniversary wishes.

    ♥ Jessica

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  28. happy wedding anniversary for you and tony!!!!
    how lovely to share your great happiness with us. you guys are such a wonderful couple!

    i never saw a rodeo live - but it seems to be a lot of fun! hubby loves horses - sometimes we go to a race or jump competition. such beautiful animals!

    your dress is fab - exactly what i love to wear on the go - feminine but not frilly, elegant and sturdy. the copper belt and bangle are to die for, copper has a great warm hue and shine. especially with your red hair!
    the pic with tony´s hand around yours is pure love!!!!!
    wish you a gorgeous weekend and don´t forget the sunscreen!!!!
    hugs&kisses

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    1. Thank you very much, my darling friend. I think that you would adore the rodeo! If you can ever make it to Canada in July, I highly recommend visiting the world famous Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, which is our country's largest. Not only is a rodeo, but there's concerts from famous bands and artists, a home show, fair rides, tons of great food, various contests, and lots of other awesome things to see and do there.

      I really like your take on this outfit, thank you, honey. Seeing these photos now really entourages me to add more vintage copper to my wardrobe. I have a 50s copper necklace, too. It's not overly western-y, more architectural, and is a piece I'll have to shine the spotlight on in an outfit post of its own some day.

      Thank you again & have a fabulous, fun filled weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. That belt is amazing! Really pretty and unique.

    I am so pleased you and Tony found eachother. What a wonderful relationship and partnership. I am often amazed to realize that I have been married 13 years and with my husband 17 years, nearly half of my life. Im very blessed indeed

    retro rover

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  30. Congratulations on such a fantastic anniversary! It is so wonderful to hear stories of real, true love--you're right, we don't hear much of those these days. Here's to many more years!! :)

    Your outfit is also just lovely! The belt is so cool, and so is the brooch. I love those rodeo-inspired touches!

    Cheers,
    Jenny

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  31. Aw, the way you write about your dearest is the way I feel about my own Grand Amour too! I think sometimes people are scared to shout it from the rooftops, fearing a reaction from others of 'yuck', but some of us need to counteract the bitter negativity and pessimism that others are always throwing out about relationships!! True Love does exist!!

    Congratulations on your anniversary, and I love the cowgirl look - there's a bit of an inner cowgirl in me too and I have a similar dress in my own wardrobe.

    P x

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    1. Excellently said, dear Porcelina. I too feel that such is often the case and also that it's a bit of a modern phenomenon. Yes, love songs abound, but we don't have the same open embrace of love that was often seen in centuries past, from the Renaissance painters to the Victorian poets.

      True love does exist indeed and it is a grand, glorious, incredible thing which should celebrated and shared with all the world. It's endlessly fantastic that you've found yours as well. Three huge cheers for soul mates!

      ♥ Jessica

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  32. I'm not a rodeo person, myself, but I am a love story person, and yours is wonderful. Those of us who are able to be with our soul mates are truly blessed. Congratulations on your upcoming ten years, and may you enjoy many more years together.

    Cheers,

    Kelsey

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    1. Thank you deeply, my said. I couldn't agree more. True love is a blessing unlike any other and one that I count my lucky stars each and every day to have found in Tony.

      Wishing you a beautiful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Beautiful sentiments, this was such a lovely read.

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Kate.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Lovely outfit, you look stunning and happy as always! ^^
    Happy Wedding B-day dear gal <3

    XoXo
    vintagepri.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you very much, my lovely dear. This is such a happy, celebratory month at my home (and in my family) that spills on in over to August, too, which houses Tony's birthday, my parent's anniversary, and my sweet cat, Stella's, birthday on the last day of the month.

      I hope it's a joyful, fabulous one for you as well, honey!
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. What a beautiful relationship you two have. Wonderful love stories should be celebrated . You and Tony sound like the perfect pair. I hope you have many wonderful years together. Finding the perfect person for you is difficult to find, and I'm glad you found one another.

    Best Wishes,
    Amanda

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    1. Thank you deeply, my darling friend. We are immensely blessed to have (and to hold :)) one another and I thank the universe every single day for the amazing, caring man I'm married to. It is so difficult to find your "soul mate", I completely agree. I was in a horrifically bad, abusive relationship as a teenager that I barely (no joke) made it out of with my life. After that I swore I would only date and get involved with wonderful, respectful, hardworking men and made good on that promise to myself, most note-worthily of course in my sweet Italian prince (as I like to call him), Tony.

      Big hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. What a beautiful story, it fills me with so much happiness and hope for my own relationship!
    You also pull off that 80's dress perfectly, and I love the horse brooch.

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  37. This post is so lovely. :) It warmed my heart and brought a romantic tear to my eye. I'm deeply happy that you have such a wonderful man in your life.

    Lisa.

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    1. Thank you deeply for sharing that this post moved you deeply, my dear friend. It moves my own heart to know that.

      Giant hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. PS. Another thing that connects us I forgot to include. You got engaged on my birthday 10 years ago!

    Thank you so much for the birthday wishes today! :) I had a lovely dinner with my family last night. We made individual homemade pizzas for everyone and my Mom made my favourite lemon angel food cake (I get one every year on my birthday). Today I'll be hitting up Starbucks for my free birthday drink, hopping over to Value Village for a browse of the goods and tonight Nick and I are going out to a new restaurant in town with our closest friends (3 other couples). Should be a good day :)

    Have a great day, my friend!
    Lisa.

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    1. That is seriously cool!!! I bet that there are even more things still that we share in common and haven't even realized as much yet.

      Aww, how wonderful! That sounds like an ideal birthday celebration to me. Fun, low key, spent with loved ones.and complete with some super yummy treats. Mine, on Thursday, will most likely follow a similar pattern (there's a chance Tony might be out of town due to work for it, but if such is the case, I'll just hang with some family members on the 10th and then the two of us will have a second celebration once he's back) and that suits me totally fine. :)

      Big hugs, my fellow July birthday girl!
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. That is true love, Jessica! and it is really nice to read how you talk of the years spent with your dear husband...many congratulations for your anniversary!

    Your denim dress is delightful and you have matched it to special accessories!

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    1. Thank you very much, darling Dan, you always leave the sweetest comments for me.

      Un bacio!
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. That is one of the most romantic things Ive read, everything you wrote about your husband is really sweet. I agree you give me hope that love can exist and last, these days it seems everyone is quick to give up over things that can be pulled through. I also can appreciate the fact that you met so young, I feel like sometimes people feel if you met your love young you missed out but I also view it as you've had more wonderful time together in life! I also love your brooch!
    Justine
    http://theredlipchronicles.blogspot.com

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  41. This is just beautiful, Jessica, and I thank you for sharing it. It's a relief to see other women as happy with their marriage as they ought to be! Sometimes I wonder if many people confuse "happy" with "perfect and conflict-free"—and I'm not sure that's happiness at all, because it means you're hiding things. A very happy (belated) anniversary to you both, and a very happy (belated) birthday to you, too—for some reason I thought it was tomorrow! xoxo

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  42. how incredibly sweet and touching this post is. so happy that you and tony have been together for a decade and in this world where people don't cherish the marriage union it is wonderful to hear that you two have truly meant for better or worse and that is beautiful! happy anniversary!

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    1. Thank you deeply, honey. Tony is a blessing beyond measure to me and never does a day go past, even if we've been having a little spat, that I don't thank every one of my lucky stars that somehow, even being on different sides of the world at the time, we were able to meet (online) and to create a life, home, and family together.

      ♥ Jessica

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