Opposite Day

Yesterday morning our little neighbor friends came by to deliver cookies. As I opened the door to invite them in, they notified me that it was opposite day.

While I registered what that meant, they handed me a plate of cookies that looked like they had just come out of the oven. These cookies are not homemade and they are disgusting, they said. Wow, so yummy, I thought.

But I got it, it was opposite day. Of course we played along, but the deeper into the conversation we went, the more difficult it was to understand. I laughed out loud and said to Vitaliy, this opposite day game kind of feels like communication in marriage. The girls looked at me funny and asked for an explanation.

Here’s the most common occurrence of this in our marriage.

Vitaliy: Candace, where do you want to eat for date night?
Candace: Oh, I don’t know, why don’t you go ahead and pick.
Vitaliy: Ok, let’s go to (insert restaurant of choice).
Candace: No, I’m not really in the mood for that.

I tell him one thing when, in reality, I mean another. We all do this! I may do it more frequently then he does, but we all do it.

Let’s say what we mean and mean what we say. Because really, playing the opposite game is down right confusing.

Do you catch yourself doing this? What does your convo look like?

k-and-l

RJ+Jamie
Wedding at
Rios-Lovell Winery

RJ stood in his hotel room adjusting his tie and making sure his hair was fixed to perfection. Tying up his chucks, he couldn’t wait to get on the dance floor. That’s their spot – the dance floor. But that night, they’d be dancing together as husband and wife.

Though the dance floor may have been his final destination, anyone could see how eager he was to promise his life to Jamie, his lover and best friend. Vowing forever was what he and Jamie were ready to do. And the smiles on their faces leading up to the ceremony reflected just how excited they both were.

Through tears and laughter, Jamie and RJ said “I do.” I half expected them to dance down the aisle during the recessional, but they walked out, side by side, hand in hand, smiling from ear to ear. RJ and Jamie were married.

You can read their love story here. And you can also see 20 of our favorite memories from the day: RJ AND JAMIE: THE HIGHLIGHTS

RJ and Jamie, you are both so special. Listening to the speeches at your wedding only solidified it more for us. We are blessed to call you our friends. Your wedding was perfect in every way. And RJ, your dance moves did not disappoint! Keep dancing, laughing, and loving through the years! We love you both! Congratulations!

Bride and groom in Rios-Lovell Winery in Livermore, CATender emotion. Bride and groom in Rios-Lovell Winery in Livermore, CABride dancing for the groom in front of red barn doors in Rios-Lovell WineryBride and groom portrait in front of a gray 1940 Chevy classic car. Bride dancing for the groom in front of red barn doors in Rios-Lovell WineryBride holding a lovely bouquet from Floral TheoryGroom wearing a gray suitLandscape photo of bride and groom at Rios-Lovell WineryBride and groom inside of the gray 1940 Chevrolet classic car.Portrait of bride and groom at Rios-Lovell Winery in Livermore, CABride and groom leaning on the gray 1940 Chevy classic car in Rios-Lovell WineryBride and groom walkingLove

Cuddled on the Couch

The first time I ever hung out with Vitaliy one on one he took me to Border’s on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.

We don’t actually consider this our first date. (That’s a whole other story!) He took me to the photography section and I was immediately captivated. I don’t know if he was trying to impress me, knowing Vitaliy he wasn’t, but I was definitely blown away. It was the first time I thought to myself, “Who is this guy?” I left that evening curious to know him more.

This past weekend we spent time with our close friends Emik and Yana who are also a husband/wife photography team located in Fresno. While taking a trip to our favorite coffee shop Kuppa Joy, we stumbled upon a used book store nearby. Vitaliy took my hand and led me once again to the photography section. We cuddled on the couch, this time surrounded by dear friends, and I listened with just as much anticipation as I did 8 years before.

I know I’ve said this once before, but I’m going to say it again, Vitaliy is my favorite photographer. What he sees in an image, whether taking the picture or just reviewing one, is remarkable. This is one of the first things I admired about him and something I’m still enjoying to this day.

Thank you Yana for the picture and this sweet memory I hope to not soon forget.

What were you up to this weekend?

fresno-bookstore-blog