Never Imagined

We’re on our way to Palm Springs to shoot a wedding and it got me thinking.

I never imagined having a job that would bring me such fun opportunities.
I never imagined owning my own business, or being a photographer.
Which then got me thinking…

I never imagined I’d quit college.
I never imagined I’d move to California.
I never imagined I’d start my marriage with a teenager.
Heck, I never imagined I’d be married…to a Ukrainian no less!
If I did ever envision marriage, I never imagined not having a mother and father-in-law.

Everything in my life right now is not how I ever imagined it, and yet, it far exceeds my imaginations. I couldn’t have thought up this crazy life, but I’m thankful for each piece. This week I’m learning that I don’t really have control over my life as much as I like to think I do. I’m learning to trust the One who really does. He gives and He takes away.

I never imagined I would know, love and trust in Jesus.

candace

Exuberant Floral Art Natasha Lisitsa

To say that Natasha Lisitsa is a florist does not seem like the correct title to convey what she does. Floral designer is better, but still seems to fall short.

Natasha Lisitsa, of Waterlily Pond, is a floral and event designer based out of San Francisco, but I believe she deserves the title of artist. The floral arrangements she designs deserve a place in museums, alongside statues and other works of art. This is likely why she has created unbelievable pieces for the deYoung Museum and St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. My favorite being the Out of Water piece which was suspended above the baptismal font of the cathedral. Her work is creative and beautiful, daunting and overwhelming. You leave inspired to dig deeper into your own depths of creativity.

We weren’t surprised at all to find out that Natasha had her own book coming out entitled Exuberant Floral Art. But we were pleasantly surprised to hear that she had chosen one of Vitaliy’s images to include in it. The book is filled with color, imagination, and beauty – all the things that represent Natasha’s artistry. You’ll get glimpses of the thought process and design behind her work. If you love flowers, art and/or design, then you’ll enjoy the Exuberant Floral Art.

As wedding photographers, what we find most exciting is that brides all over get to enjoy the beauty of Natasha’s artistry on their wedding day. She casts vision and designs weddings as unique and beautiful as each bride she works for. Vitaliy had the pleasure of second shooting this wedding of Natasha’s alongside the talented Teresa Halton Photography.

We are honored to be a part of Natasha’s exciting book launch and we look forward to our next opportunity of working with her again.

floral-designs-by-natasha-lisitsa

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?

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