Dock Diving

In our house, every piece has a story.  

Some are better than others. 

But this story just may be one of my favorites....

Almost two years ago today, Michael and I were in the midst of wedding planning.  Between dress shopping, choosing a venue, and listening to potential bands, I felt like the frazzled bride-to-be.  

But in the midst of the spinning, we escaped one gorgeous spring afternoon to capture the moment.

One of our very talented friends, Lauren Jackson, of Lauren Jackson Photography, sweetly offered to take our engagement pictures.  

There wasn't even a question about where they would be shot.  

So many firsts here at the lake....first date, first kiss, first "I love you," and first (AND last) marriage proposal.  The pictures just couldn't be anywhere else.  

An abandoned dock around the cove seemed like the perfect backdrop.  Lauren did not disappoint.  She made it come to life:

{At this point Crisp Interiors hadn't even begun to enter my mind, but I did know I LOVED the rustic beauty of that dock!}

Indulge me with one more picture, and then I promise I'll stop all of this reminiscing and get to the point...

OK...maybe two :)

{This one is my absolute favorite.  Isn't Lauren just amazing?  We feel so blessed that she was the one to freeze these moments in time for us.}

SO....back to the story:

Sadly, a strong storm recently washed this gorgeous dock away.  

It had stood it's ground for as long as it could.  It was just too special not to save.

My sweet, sweet husband hopped in the canoe one afternoon while I was out and rescued some of those perfectly weathered boards.

We let them sit outside for a few weeks, not really knowing where they would find a place in our home.  

UNTIL:

We both realized this coffee table, although pretty, was just not our style.  

The {faux} granite was chipping off and it didn't tell much of a story.  

No real memories other than the fact that it was a real bargain at our favorite antique store.

Last night, it got a new top AND a new home {upgraded to the living room}.

Gosh, it must feel special!

We stayed up late bleaching, sanding, waxing and buffing

the dock wood until it was just about perfect:

And although we were so sad the dock washed away; we couldn't be happier about having some of those memories in our house to stay.

I think someone else is here to stay too!  

See that little ball of fur under there?

Meet Gus-Gus:

He wandered up to our house this week and has quickly become part of the family.

How could we resist those eyes?

I'd say he's a keeper for sure!