Written by Candace on February 10, 2012 | 6 Comments

Portland Giveaway
The Winner

Vitaliy and I are counting down the days until we leave for Portland. While V was giving his grandma flight details, I was hollering in the background to let her know I’m bringing only stretchy pants along for the trip. But as excited as we are for grandma’s cooking, we can’t wait to meet the winner of our Portland Giveaway.

We decided to announce the winner with a video, inspired by the upcoming Academy Awards. I apologize for any cheesy-ness, but we just couldn’t help ourselves. Well, go check it out! The very first Pictilio video.

Happy Friday everyone!

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Written by Candace on February 8, 2012 | 1 Comment

Konrad + Loma

Loma and Konrad met on a sales floor. But as ordinary as a retail shop is, their love story is not. They met in Seattle and became friends, but eventually said goodbye when Loma moved back to Michigan. They then reconnected a few years later in Colorado, started corresponding over email, and before you know it, Loma found herself back in Seattle.

Their love endured multiple moves, long distances, and sadly, life’s tragedies. But regardless of where they were at or what they were facing, their love remained constant and true.

When they told us they had never been able to have engagement pictures taken due to life’s circumstances, we were thrilled to be the one’s to make up for that loss. When they modeled for our engagement dinner party, we snuck them away for a little portrait session of their own. In real life, Loma and Konrad will be celebrating their two year wedding anniversary this year. I hope these pictures will tell of the true and lasting love that is so evident between them.

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Written by Candace on February 6, 2012 | 4 Comments

Coffee Date:
Make Your Move

When Vitaliy and I were in college, he took me to the cutest little coffee shop in Chicago. I understand that going to a coffee shop in college is pretty typical, but this coffee shop was not. It was so unique that we paid a visit while visiting Chicago this past fall. And it’s also the inspiration for a date idea I wrote for the latest issue of Styled (02.02.2012).

With the start of the new year comes the realization that we are deep in winter’s abyss. With frigid temperatures and possibly snow-covered grounds, we find our comfort staying indoors and sipping on our favorite warm beverages. The coffee shop being the best of both worlds.

With the ease a coffee shop presents, I find it can usually be far too predictable. A good date has at least a touch of spontaneity or unpredictability. This date idea was inspired by one of our favorite coffee shops in Chicago that offers an array of game choices to add a little personality to your coffee visit.

Surprise your date at your next coffee rendezvous with a favorite board game. If it’s a first date, you will calm nerves and abate the inevitable awkward moments. And if it’s your 89^th date, you’ll likely add some much needed laughter and friendly competition to what could have been an ordinary evening.

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