Written by candace on May 24, 2013 | 2 Comments

Never Imagined

We’re on our way to Palm Springs to shoot a wedding and it got me thinking.

I never imagined having a job that would bring me such fun opportunities.
I never imagined owning my own business, or being a photographer.
Which then got me thinking…

I never imagined I’d quit college.
I never imagined I’d move to California.
I never imagined I’d start my marriage with a teenager.
Heck, I never imagined I’d be married…to a Ukrainian no less!
If I did ever envision marriage, I never imagined not having a mother and father-in-law.

Everything in my life right now is not how I ever imagined it, and yet, it far exceeds my imaginations. I couldn’t have thought up this crazy life, but I’m thankful for each piece. This week I’m learning that I don’t really have control over my life as much as I like to think I do. I’m learning to trust the One who really does. He gives and He takes away.

I never imagined I would know, love and trust in Jesus.

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Written by candace on April 30, 2013 | 4 Comments

Cuddled on the Couch

The first time I ever hung out with Vitaliy one on one he took me to Border’s on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.

We don’t actually consider this our first date. (That’s a whole other story!) He took me to the photography section and I was immediately captivated. I don’t know if he was trying to impress me, knowing Vitaliy he wasn’t, but I was definitely blown away. It was the first time I thought to myself, “Who is this guy?” I left that evening curious to know him more.

This past weekend we spent time with our close friends Emik and Yana who are also a husband/wife photography team located in Fresno. While taking a trip to our favorite coffee shop Kuppa Joy, we stumbled upon a used book store nearby. Vitaliy took my hand and led me once again to the photography section. We cuddled on the couch, this time surrounded by dear friends, and I listened with just as much anticipation as I did 8 years before.

I know I’ve said this once before, but I’m going to say it again, Vitaliy is my favorite photographer. What he sees in an image, whether taking the picture or just reviewing one, is remarkable. This is one of the first things I admired about him and something I’m still enjoying to this day.

Thank you Yana for the picture and this sweet memory I hope to not soon forget.

What were you up to this weekend?

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Written by candace on April 22, 2013 | 2 Comments

Wedding Season Begins

I woke up this morning full of aches and pains that shouldn’t be present in a 29 year old body. But they are my little reminders that the wedding season has officially begun.

Saturday we photographed RJ and Jamie’s beautiful wedding at Rios-Lovell Winery. It was the official start to our fifth wedding season and I couldn’t have been happier. The way that I feel now compared to our first wedding season is so drastically different. I remember not being able to sleep the night before our first wedding. Though each season has been unique in it’s own way, I’m thankful for each one. What they taught me. How they changed me. And most importantly, the couples they’ve brought into our lives.

For each one of them, I am forever grateful for.

Happy Monday everyone! What are you grateful for today?

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