Author Archives: Candace

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Eben+Christy
A Portland Photo Date

They met through a mutual friend, but the running joke is that it took them two years to go on a first date.

The truth is their paths went separate ways after that first introduction. But when they reunited two years later, Eben recognized Christy immediately and did everything he could to muster up the courage to ask her out. If he had known the way she felt, he may not have been quite so nervous.

When Vitaliy and I announced Eben and Christy had won the Portland Portrait Giveaway, I told you that Eben romanced Christy with laughter. It’s what first attracted her and it’s evident that it’s what continues to win her over each day, even after 8 years of marriage and two children.

Eben and Christy, thank you for giving us a glimpse into your lives. We hope this experience brought you even closer and we hope, through your pictures, you’ll see the love and laughter that is very prominent in your relationship still today. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate your love through photos. It was one of the highlights during our trip to Portland.

Couple dancing on the streets of downtown Portland, ORPhoto taken downtown portland, OregonPortrait of a man wearing a vest, tie and a hatPhoto of a woman laughing wearing a vintage har and a brocheCouple kissing with Portland, OR downtown buildings in the backgroundCouple walking down the sidewalk at dusk in Portland, ORCouple holding hands with a guy tipping his hatGuy twirling a girl with city lights in the background. Portland, Oregon
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A Night Away
Ace Hotel Portland

I’ve heard that staycations are pretty incredible. I hope Vitaliy and I plan one later this year even if it’s short. But whether you’re on a stay-cation or a va-cation, I highly recommend finding a night to slip away to a nearby hotel.

It can’t be just any hotel though. During our recent trip to visit Vitaliy’s grandma, we spent our last night at the Ace Hotel in downtown Portland. The Ace is definitely unlike any hotel I’ve stayed at so far. It wasn’t fancy or luxurious; it was simply unique. It’s hipster vibe made me forget about reality. All I could think about was the coolness of this place, the creativity that surrounded me, and the love of my life by my side.

Pick a night. Find a cool hotel. And getaway. All with the one you LOVE.

Couple sitting in the lobby of the Ace Hotel in Portland, ORAce Hotel street view in Portland, ORAce hotel doorAce hotel bathtub with a wooden box as a step stoolAce Hotel suitcases and lamp used as a side tableChandelier in the lobby of the Ace Hotel, Portland, Oregon
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Stop & Celebrate

Vitaliy and I have a tendency to strive. To exert oneself vigorously; try hard. Though this does result in a good work ethic, it can also easily have negative consequences.

Going on our fourth year of running a business as husband and wife, we have had to learn to set boundaries and continually check our priorities. I shouldn’t say “have learned” because in reality it’s a constant work in progress.

One of the things we decided to do differently this year is to stop and celebrate our accomplishments in order to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. It’s very easy to notice all the things you haven’t done yet, but it takes discipline to notice the ones you have.

So we’re extremely thankful to celebrate that Josh and Shelby’s beautiful winter wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty. If you enjoyed their wedding, check out SMP to see more pictures.

It’s almost March! What are you thankful for so far this year? Let’s not wait until December to notice.

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