Written by Candace on September 10, 2013 | 2 Comments

From St. Louis

I’m writing today from St. Louis Bread Co., also known as Panera. But being a St. Louis native and since I’m in town, I much prefer the original name.

We got into town late last night and somehow I’m jetlagged even though the time difference is only two hours. Not to mention, I literally melted on my way to the cafe. I was expecting beautiful fall weather. But instead, it seems that summer is lingering in all it’s humid glory.

I’m going to make this quick because I’ve got a date with my dad in a few minutes. Here are a few random thoughts my mind has been churning over.

Friendship. On Saturday, we had a little party to celebrate Vitaliy. Everyone shared a few thoughts about the V-man and then we all toasted him with a little Honey Pepper Ukrainian Vodka. I was so thankful for every person there and for all the kind things they had to say about my husband. I also enjoyed watching everyone’s reaction to the spicy vodka.

Nostalgia. I walked into my grandpa’s house last night and it smelled the exact same way it smelled when I was five years old. Memories began to flood my thoughts and I fell asleep with my grandmother on my mind. I miss her.

TV shows. Vitaliy does this to me. He convinces to me start a new TV show with him even though I am completely satisfied with our current line up. Suits being on the top of that list! But I always give in and then become obsessed. For example, I currently want to watch House of Cards every free moment I find. But what kills me is that Vitaliy could care less when we watch the next episode. He leads me on, I get hooked, and then I’m all alone struggling with my addiction.

Cardinals. I’m back in my hometown of St. Louis and everyone has on Cardinals gear. I can’t wait to get some new Cardinals garb and come back to San Francisco to flaunt it. Go Cards!

Ok, I better run! I see some toasted ravioli’s in my near future. If you’re from St. Louis then you know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you’re not from St. Louis, your life is not complete until you have your first toasted ravioli.

Enjoy the “crazy” photo from our party on Saturday.

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Written by Candace on September 5, 2013 | 3 Comments

Jeffrey & Phoebe
Engaged

I never would have imagined high school band class being a place where sparks could fly. If only I knew then what I know now.

But that was precisely what happened for Jeffrey and Phoebe. While Jeffrey played the percussion, he spotted a girl on the clarinet and sparks began to fly. The girl’s name was Phoebe and without hesitation he put an entire plan in place for getting to know her. However, by the end of the school year, it was all still just an idea. And unfortunately for Jeffrey, Phoebe was still just the girl from band class.

Thankfully, high school is four years long which meant Jeffrey had four chances to make his move. They did eventually attend a high school dance together, but they were still “just friends” at graduation. It would take a few more years, long distances between them, and the internet to finally bring these two together. But I’m happy to say that in 2008 Jeffrey was finally able to declare Phoebe was more than just the girl from band class when their relationship became Facebook official. But it was only a matter of time before their status changed from “in a relationship” to “engaged”.

Phoebe and Jeffrey, thank you for giving us the honor of photographing your love and laughter. You guys are clearly meant to be together and we couldn’t be happier for you both. Congratulations! Love to you both!

Check back next week to see pictures of Phoebe and Jeffrey tying the knot.

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Written by Candace on September 3, 2013 | 6 Comments

Milestones

I’m sitting in a coffee shop right now, across from my business partner/husband/best friend.

Sipping on a cup of caffeine I hope kicks in soon, happy. This past month, we photographed a total of five weddings, three of which were this past weekend. Though I’m still recovering, I feel a very palpable sense of accomplishment.

September marks our ninth month as full time wedding photographers, small business owners, adventure seekers. I don’t know what to call us. As I’ve said before, being a wedding photographer is about so much more than just taking pictures.

I remember about 5 or 6 years ago, Vitaily and I were assisting the lovely Teresa Halton at one of her weddings located at Nestldown. If you have never been to Nestldown, it’s one of the dreamiest wedding locations in Northern California. It’s literally like stepping into a fairytale. I distinctly remember looking around and thinking to myself, “I wonder if we’ll ever be able to photograph our own wedding at such a place like Nestldown.” I had my doubts.

After quitting my day job 9 months ago, I’m happy to report that we still have a roof over our head and food on our plates. Not only that, but on Friday we photographed our very first wedding at Nestldown. However, after five years in business, my perspective has changed. It wasn’t Nestldown that made the day so special, it was the couple we had the pleasure of photographing. While a beautiful location is a huge plus, it’s not near as important as working with two people who you respect and care for and who feel the same about you.

As I look back on this wedding season, it’s definitely the people that have made it so memorable. Well, the people and…their epic dance parties!

Here’s some photobooth fun from Amy and Larry’s wedding on Sunday. I do love him!

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