Written by Candace on November 12, 2013 | 6 Comments

Elias+Yuris
Old Town Alexandria Engagement

Elias and Yuris both knew each other before they knew the other person knew. Make sense? Let me explain.

Elias was the older brother of one of Yuris’ close friends, but she assumed he didn’t know she even existed. In reality though, he had already noticed her when their paths fatefully crossed one morning at church. While the future was unknown to them, God was at work behind the scenes bringing these two together.

They eventually ended up on the same praise team. And while praise team was meant for singing, which they did, it was also the first time Yuris and Elias spoke to each other. It must have made an impression because Elias conveniently offered Yuris a ride home from one of their recording sessions. In fact, it became their thing. He would drive her home and they would talk. Their rides somehow took longer and their conversations grew deeper. Then one memorable night they talked for so long they were both embarrassed by how late it had gotten without them noticing. They bashfully said their goodbyes but inside they were smiling.

It was a turning point in their relationship. If they weren’t together in person, they were constantly on each others minds. And before long, they were officially dating.

We photographed Yuris and Elias’ engagement photos in the beautiful Old Town of Alexandria, Virginia. The town has so much character and charm just like Yuris and Elias. Having booked us over email, this was our very first time meeting the happy couple. And after only a few minutes chatting over tea, we couldn’t believe such special people had chosen us to be their wedding photographers. We were a match made in heaven and we are thrilled to be photographing their wedding this coming April back in Virginia. It can’t get here soon enough!

Yuris and Elias, my heart was bursting at the seams as I began selecting our favorites for this post. Your love is so sweet and evident in each one! Thank you for all of the laughs! And thank you for giving us the honor and sincere pleasure of being your wedding photographers. Congratulations! Enjoy this very special time in life. Love to you both!

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Written by Candace on November 7, 2013 | 4 Comments

The Young Photographer

After Vitaliy’s mom, dad, and little brother Daniel passed away in 2005, pictures have become even more valuable to us.

Vitaliy has recently been in a bit of a panic because he can’t locate his baby album. We’ve made a bit of progress in the search and have figured out the last time and place it was seen. We’re in touch with his sisters who we’re hoping will continue the search on our behalf in Ukraine.

There are so many things you take for granted when your parents are alive. Like, hey mom, where did you put my baby album? But aside from practical matters like this, there are more emotionally driven questions that you never think to ask until you’re much older. Like, what was I like as a child, dad?

People often ask Vitaliy if he had formal training in photography. Aside from one class in college, Vitaliy is completely self taught. When I look through the pictures we take on a given wedding day, I can see that he has something I don’t. I’ve always known it, but its often quite difficult to convince him of it. Artists always doubt their gifts and abilities. But I can tell when I look at his photographs that he sees the world differently then the rest. People can learn photography and become great photographers, I’m not suggesting otherwise. (Obviously, he’s taught me!) But you can’t deny when you see someone’s God given gifts on display.

The last time Vitaliy’s baby album was seen was back in 2006, the year we were married. Our brother-in-law Vasiliy emailed Vitaliy a few scanned photos from his baby album. We just re-discovered them this week and I about died when I saw this picture of Vitaliy. He’s the child on the left with the camera in hand photographing his neighbor.

This picture means so much to us for so many reasons. Most importantly, it connects us to the photographer, Vitaliy’s father. He loved taking photos and even developed them in his own dark room. He had a real passion for photography and often took portraits of his family. I can see that same passion in Vitaliy.

While we may not be able to ask Vitaliy’s parents all the questions we wish we could, I’m thankful for the answers pictures can give us. It’s evident that Mr. Prokopets’ gift and passion for photography has been passed down to Vitaliy. And thanks to this photo, we can see it started at a very young age. As his wife and best friend, I can’t wait to see the photographer he grows into 20 years from today.

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Written by Candace on November 6, 2013 | Chime in

Ravi+Jessica
Marriage
In Focus

Ravi and Jessica have been married for two years and now have a sweet baby girl named Arya. Below is my interview with them both. I love what they had to say about marriage, so true! I hope you enjoy!

Q. How many years have you been married? When is your anniversary?

A. September 3, 2011 (A little more than 2 years)

Q. How did the two of you meet?

A. Jessica and I met through a mutual friend, who first introduced us in December 2006. The following year, I crashed Jessica’s birthday celebration in Palo Alto. A few weeks later, we accidentally crashed a stranger’s birthday party at a club and discovered our mutual obsession with 80’s pop music.

As the clock struck Midnight on New Years 2011, I proposed to her in front of some of our closest friends, and we were married later that year.

Q. What is one thing you wish you would have known before you got married? Possibly something you’ve learned over the years that could help another couple out.

A. Marriage requires a lot of work. You don’t just wake up one morning and have a successful marriage. There are going to be highs and lows, and you may not see the outcome of your work for some time, but like most things that require effort, it’s a great feeling when you can look back and see that you got it right.

You and your spouse are partners. It’s not about deciding who is right or wrong, but working together to find the best solution.

Q. What’s been a favorite date of yours whether while you were dating or now that you’re married with children?

A. One thing we’ve done since we first met is try a lot of different restaurants wherever we are. From burger joints on the side of the road in Napa to fine dining at one of the many great restaurants in the Bay Area, we’ve always had a great experience.

Throughout our relationship, we’ve grown closer over a great meal. Each 3-hour-long tasting menu or basket of French Fries has given us a memorable story and ideas for our next dates.

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