Written by Candace on March 7, 2012 | 3 Comments

Let Your Love Soar

I watched as the trees swayed outside my window. The sun shone brightly and beckoned me to come out and play. Unfortunately, I was stuck at my computer. Yesterday would have been the perfect day for kite flying.

I’m not one to give up though. Thankfully, the Bay Area is a perfect spot to fly kites so I know my opportunity will return. And when it does I will grab Vitaliy by the hand and convince him to get tangled up with me…in the kites, of course!

Thanks to Tim and Christine for this awesome date idea! You can find my write up and more pictures of it in the latest issue of Styled. If you want to get creative and need inspiration, this magazine is for you. And it’s free – so be sure to use and share! We are honored and thankful to be a contributor for it. Enjoy!

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Written by Candace on March 5, 2012 | 7 Comments

Piggy Bank

I was talking to a close friend recently who has been married for over 17 years. We were discussing the importance of date nights. With her many years of experience, I wanted to get her opinion. Did I mention she also has four children? This is how she explained it to me.

Date nights are like making investments. Every time you spend, just the two of you, it’s like putting change in your piggy bank. It may not feel like much in the moment, but each investment will add up to be of great value for your relationship.

It’s true that some dates might have different values. For example, watching a movie will not have as much value as spending a weekend away together. But what’s most important is to consistently take time away from everything else to make that investment. In each other.

She told me that when her kids were pretty little, she and her husband were always exhausted. Sometimes they had no energy to do anything big, but they would lay in bed at night playing cards and laughing. It was a very small gesture, but it let the other person know that they were a priority.

So let me encourage you, no matter how much you feel you’re capable of giving, find something to invest. Each bit will add up. And who knows, you may find yourself wanting to give more. But most importantly, let each date be a statement to the other person that they are a priority in your life.

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Written by Candace on March 1, 2012 | 4 Comments

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.

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