Written by Candace on January 13, 2012 | 1 Comment

Our Life. In Focus.

All great changes are preceded by chaos. I read this on Facebook yesterday. It’s definitely true of our lives right now. A trying and yet very exciting time.

Our Life. In Focus. is the start of a new series that will give us the opportunity to intentionally focus on the little things in life. Those things that bring you a smile throughout your day, but that are easily forgotten in the midst of the so-called chaos of life.

Here are a few things that have brought a little sunshine to our lives this week.

→ Homemade popcorn and cookies, essential move night treats.

→ A little bubbly, fun project to be revealed next week.

→ Books, my current favorite home décor waiting to be boxed for the move

→ Love notes, cute stationary that will surely catch the eye of my love.

→ Moustache pillow, my Christmas present to V that always makes us laugh

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Written by Candace on January 12, 2012 | 6 Comments

Date Idea:
A Simple Sunrise

Vitaliy and I used to walk the streets of Chicago in the dead of winter. I’d get back to my door room and I’d find my skin blistered from the downtown winds. But it was all worth it as long as I could spend a few more minutes by his side.

I recently pondered these memories and wondered would I still do the same thing today. I found that the answer was no. I had traded in my spontaneity for comfort. My creativity was put on the shelf and replaced with practicality. Something needed to change. It was me.

I saw a window of opportunity and decided to make the most of it. I wanted to give Vitaliy a date that required me to invest or sacrifice something. I didn’t just want to simply show up. He’s always wanted to watch the sunrise while I’ve always cringed at the idea of waking up early. So that’s precisely what we did.

My two cents for making this date a success:

→ Ladies, wear multiple layers, bring blankets, and a hot beverage.

→ Pick a day that allows for an afternoon nap.

→ Bring along something yummy for breakfast.

→ Have some books or a game on hand to enjoy once the sun is up.

→ Talk, cuddle, kiss – whatever your relationship is missing. Ours was prayer.

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Written by Candace on January 11, 2012 | 11 Comments

Josh + Shelby

Cheers filled the room as Josh and Shelby descended the aisle hand in hand, arms raised in celebration. Their closest friends and family quickly followed wanting to be the first to congratulate the happy couple.

Everyone cried and hugged and kissed and then repeated the process with the person standing next to them. It had the appearance of one big group hug.

As everyone set out to start the party, Josh and Shelby stood against the California sunset. No longer bride and groom, no longer boyfriend and girlfriend. They stood side by side as husband and wife and their faces displayed the joy those titles gave them. Josh looked at his wife admiring what he saw. “She’s so beautiful, “ he said, as he pulled her in for a warm embrace.

Josh and Shelby, your wedding was pure delight. It was beautiful and fun and everything else that the two of you are. Thank you for inviting us along to document it all. We wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter! xoxo V+C

Special thanks goes to Erin and Kaitlyn of Bustle Events, as well as, Yasmin at Floral Theory for their attention to detail, creativity and hard work. You never disappoint!

UPDATE: We are excited to announce that Josh and Shelby’s wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty! You can view this editorial feature here: California Winter Wedding

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