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.

Matt + Stacy

Everyone has a case of falling in love in grade school during recess. You spot him from across the field and hope you get picked to be on his team for kick ball. And if you’re the boy doing the eyeing, you try to think of a way to start a round of tag just so you can have a reason to chase her. Am I right?

Well, Stacy and Matt didn’t exactly meet on the playground in elementary school, but they did meet on what I would consider the playground for Maritime Academy students – a ship out at sea. Being student leaders finally paid off as it’s what brought the two of them together. But the more time they spent with one another, they soon realized their friendship had become more. And before they knew it, they were engaged and ready to hit the crazy waters of life, but this time as husband and wife.

Matt and Stacy, your wedding was such a great way to start the new year. To have that much sunshine in the middle of winter was just an indicator of the kind of warmth the two of you bring to the world. We wish you a lifetime of love and laughter, but knowing the two of you that won’t be hard. Congratulations!

~V + C

Bride and groom walking hand in hand with a vintage black car in the backgroundWedding dress hanging on the bed inside Jefferson Street Mansion in Benicia, CABridesmaids and groomsmen with the bride and groom on the lawn of Jefferson Street Mansion.Wedding at the Jefferson Street Mansion in Benicia, Bride and groom portrait.Groomsmen in the Napoleon Room inside the Jefferson Street Mansion in Benicia, CaliforniaGroom whispering in bride's ear. Black and white photo.Bride and groom kissing with vintage car behind themBride and groom dancing at the reception. Black and white photo.Bride with her sisters. Formals. Beautiful sunset in the background.

Celebrate: Engagement Dinner Party on Lake Tahoe

This engagement dinner party styled by Victoria of A Subtle Revelry left me wanting to throw my own. Seeing that I’m already married, it gave me the perfect excuse for an anniversary dinner party. Wherever you’re at in life, I hope this will leave you wanting to grab your closest friends and toast to life and love.

The magic of Lake Tahoe is enough to set the tone for a celebration of romance, but the fun details Victoria added took this simple dinner and made it a party. An old rowboat, a sequined bottle of bubbly, and a confetti filled table were just a few of the design elements that made me swoon. To see more pictures and further details on how to recreate this party for yourself, look A Subtle Revelry Online Magazine and the accompanying blog post.

Now that we’re all inspired to celebrate, who’s throwing the first party?

Styled by: A Subtle Revelry
Hair and Makeup: Melanie Meyer
Photography: Pictilio

table, chairs, table details, mountains, dock, lake, water