Author Archives: Candace

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Matt + Stacy

Everyone has a case of falling in love in grade school during recess. You spot him from across the field and hope you get picked to be on his team for kick ball. And if you’re the boy doing the eyeing, you try to think of a way to start a round of tag just so you can have a reason to chase her. Am I right?

Well, Stacy and Matt didn’t exactly meet on the playground in elementary school, but they did meet on what I would consider the playground for Maritime Academy students – a ship out at sea. Being student leaders finally paid off as it’s what brought the two of them together. But the more time they spent with one another, they soon realized their friendship had become more. And before they knew it, they were engaged and ready to hit the crazy waters of life, but this time as husband and wife.

Matt and Stacy, your wedding was such a great way to start the new year. To have that much sunshine in the middle of winter was just an indicator of the kind of warmth the two of you bring to the world. We wish you a lifetime of love and laughter, but knowing the two of you that won’t be hard. Congratulations!

~V + C

Bride and groom walking hand in hand with a vintage black car in the backgroundWedding dress hanging on the bed inside Jefferson Street Mansion in Benicia, CABridesmaids and groomsmen with the bride and groom on the lawn of Jefferson Street Mansion.Wedding at the Jefferson Street Mansion in Benicia, Bride and groom portrait.Groomsmen in the Napoleon Room inside the Jefferson Street Mansion in Benicia, CaliforniaGroom whispering in bride's ear. Black and white photo.Bride and groom kissing with vintage car behind themBride and groom dancing at the reception. Black and white photo.Bride with her sisters. Formals. Beautiful sunset in the background.
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Heidi + Seal
Say Goodbye

I remember reading a little blurb in a magazine. It said that Heidi Klum and Seal went back to the same place they got married to renew their vows every year. I thought it was ultra-romantic and it inspired us to do something similar for our two year anniversary.

I guess in a way I idealized them. I admired that their love transcended racial boundaries. And in the divorce infested world of Hollywood, they appeared to be doing something different. I had high hopes they’d be able to beat the odds.

While getting ready for work yesterday, I got a text from Vitaliy who is away at a conference. This is what it read, “Heidi Klum is getting a divorce. Sad day for marriage after 7 years.” I sat with my morning cup of tea and wanted to cry. There goes another one, I thought. Being a child of divorce myself, I am well aware of the pain this entire family is about to enter into.

I was equally devastated because I’m a wife myself. A wife trying to keep her marriage rooted in love, sacrifice and commitment. And every time someone gets a divorce, it’s an affront to marriage, even my own. It’s like another announcement is blasted over the intercom of life saying, “If it’s not working, it just wasn’t meant to be. It’s not going to get better. Divorce isn’t that big of a deal.” We all hear the lies and sometimes we’re tempted to believe them.

I am truly saddened for this family. But instead of just sitting with those emotions I let them fuel me to invest in my own marriage and to find ways to invest in those around me. So go kiss the one you love and babysit for a friend! Your relationship needs it and so does their’s.

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Portland:
A Giveaway

This February we’ll be visiting Vitaliy’s grandmother and eating all of her incredible Ukrainian dishes. The last time we went I gained 3 lbs in 3 days. I’m not even kidding. All she did was feed us and demand we take naps. I couldn’t argue with that!

This time around we decided we wanted to get out a bit, see Portland, and meet some locals. But to be honest, we don’t just want to meet you, we want to photograph you. We’re giving away a free portrait session to one lucky couple!

Details

Giveaway starts 5:00 AM PST 01/30/12 and ends 11:59 PM PST 02/07/12. The winner will be announced later that week with plenty of time to surprise their loved one for Valentine’s Day.

Must be available for the session Feb 16 – 19, 2012. Also, nominations are not accepted, you must enter the giveaway yourself.

How to Enter

There are two ways to enter, you may do both to be entered twice.

  1. “Like” Pictilio on Facebook.
  2. Follow Pictilio on Twitter.

Lastly, to confirm your entry, leave a comment; give us your name, the name of your significant other, and one sentence as to why you’re so excited to celebrate your love with a photo date.

Example: My name is Candace Prokopets and my hubby’s name is Vitaliy Prokopets. I want to win this photo date so bad so that I can kiss my hot Ukrainian on camera and share the picture on Facebook so everyone knows how much I love foreigners.

So here’s the thing, we really want to give this to one sweet couple, but we need your help. I don’t think V’s grandma will be able to help us find a couple. But I bet you know someone in Portland, and if you don’t, someone you know does. Guaranteed! It’s a small world and with Facebook and Twitter, it’s even smaller. So can you please help?

Share this on Facebook and/or on Twitter:

Portland couples, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a photo date from Pictilio! Enter here: https://pictilio.com/portland-giveaway

To get the party started, we took a few photos to show how excited we are to meet our new friends in Portland! By the way, we used Oh Happy Day’s DIY for these Zig Zag Streamers. They were so easy to make and they’re so much fun!

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