This month has been a blur. The days are flying by and I have found myself not applying my “less is more” motto to my scheduling.

But every opportunity has felt too good to pass up. Including our current trip to San Diego for Alison Howard’s Refine Workshop which just wrapped up yesterday. Alison is a luxury wedding planner based in San Diego who has years of experience to speak into the lives of those just starting out or wanting to take their businesses to the next level. As usual, Vitaliy and I chose to divide and conquer which is how we try to do most things in our business. I attended the workshop and Vitaliy photographed the event.

While I’m not a wedding planner myself, I was thrilled at the opportunity to take a look into another aspect of the wedding industry in order to challenge myself in new ways. And to be quite honest, one thing I took away from the event was how much photographers and wedding planners have to offer each other. I learned so many things that could apply to my own business and I can’t wait to get home and start implementing some of the new ideas and changes we want to make to Pictilio in order to create an even better experience for our clients.

Alongside Alison, we also got to hear from Tim King of Tim King Photography, Cathy Olson of Love-Inspired, and Kylie Carlson from the Wedding and Events Institute. Alison brought together a great crew for her very first workshop. And while the speakers were top notch, there is nothing I find more valuable than the people sitting alongside me. I love attending workshops because of the relationships built with other attendees. And this was such an intimate group that it made the process of making friendships even easier. I can’t wait to stay in touch and see what everyone makes happen this next year. But right now, I’m going to close this computer and go explore San Diego with the man I love most.

Missed you, friends! xo

A little rooftop cocktail hour at the W Hotel in downtown San Diego ending the first day at the Refine Workshop.

I often doubt my abilities of being a good friend, but these two women are teaching me how it’s done.

I first met Monika online during a 30 day vlog challenge that I try to forget every happened. Though it was a humiliating 30 days it did teach me a lot. And more importantly, it introduced me to Monika and I couldn’t be more thankful to now call her my friend. Monika then introduced me to Yuliya who it turned out goes to the same church as Vitaliy’s cousins where I had previously met her sister years earlier. It really is a small world we live in.

We took our relationship off the computer and into real life when we teamed up to go through Jasmine Star’s ReStart CreativeLive Workshop. Not only did our businesses grow as a result, but so did our friendship. Sadly, we don’t live close by each other so we try to plan 2 day retreats once a quarter to get together for serious girl time and business inspiration. It’s amazing how seamlessly these two can go together when like-minded creatives get together.

Monika and Yuliya, thank you for calling me your friend. I am grateful for every love note, text message, and prayer. I thank God for bringing Picmoya together! I love to laugh with you, dream with you, and eat with you. I cannot wait to see what God does in our lives and businesses this year. Thank you for your constant support! You bring me joy. xo Candace

Our most recent getaway took place in Dinuba, CA at Monika’s grandma’s house. There is nothing quite like going to grandma’s house even if it’s not your own grandma. It’s still the best!