Written by Candace on June 10, 2015 | Chime in

Make Marriage Happen with Lara Casey – Part 2

I’m so excited for this week with Lara Casey discussing marriage.

Yesterday, Lara gave us an introduction to her life, business and marriage. Today she’s sharing an honest lesson she’s learned that might be helpful to other couples just starting their marriages. Who knows, it could even be a reminder or a wake up call for a seasoned couple reading. No matter where you find yourself, we hope it encourages you to make your marriage happen!

I love getting a glimpse into other marriages and hearing what helps them press on together. So, thank you, Lara, for sharing what has been working for you and Ari!

This life is not about us and marriage is not about finding the perfect person to make you happy. There is such deeper fulfillment found in relying on God as our source of joy. We used to think that we had to work hard to make each other happy, and that led to so many arguments and both of us not feeling fulfilled. Now we know that the gift of marriage is to encourage each other to have a closer walk with the Lord — and that inherently makes us closer as a couple and brings immense joy! Whether it’s praying together or for each other, sending a text with encouragement during the work day, sharing scripture, reading a faith-building book together, or loving each other like God wants us to love, choosing to build each other up in faith is so much more satisfying than trying to create temporary happiness.

Photo by Gina Zeidler

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Written by Candace on May 28, 2015 | 3 Comments

Garrett & Kimberly
Lifestyle Engagement Portraits

Garrett and Kimberly first met on their community swim team when they were only 6 and 7 years old.

Kimberly recalls having a crush on Garrett, but cooties were still very real so she simply admired him from afar. One year, however, they both won the coveted award and their names were carved side by side on the same plaque. According to Kim, “In my expert 10-year-old opinion, that was fate. We were meant to be together.”

And she was right! Garrett and Kimberly both joined their high school swim team which brought them back together. All of Kimberly’s childhood feelings for Garrett returned. They quickly became friends and began dating. But like most high school relationships, it ended before graduation came around. They went their separate ways for college, but remained friends and occasionally stayed in touch over email.

But after college, they both found themselves back in San Francisco, Garrett attending UCSF for dental school and Kimberly starting her career in healthcare finance. Around this time, Facebook recommend Kimberly as a “friend you should stay in touch with” to Garrett. He sent her a message and they reconnected as friends. And just like that, Kimberly’s childhood dream came back. It was fate – these two were meant to be together.

Garrett spent the next few years trying to convince Kimberly to go on a real date with him, as more than just a friend. It was during a two month sabbatical out of the country, waking up sick and unable to get out of bed that she realized how foolish she had been by rejecting all of Garrett’s invitations. She returned home, they went out for dinner, and the night ended with a kiss. Fate had brought them back together again and for good this time.

We had the pleasure of photographing Kim and Garrett’s engagement session in Danville, the place where it all began. I can’t wait to share the beautiful Tahoe wedding with you next!

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Written by Candace on May 14, 2015 | 4 Comments

East Coast Wedding:
Elias+Yuris

One of the most exciting things about your business is seeing the new couples God will bring into our lives each year.

As I’ve discussed before, the majority of our business comes from word of mouth. And I couldn’t be more thankful! To know that we have a crowd of people around us who support us is the best feeling in the world. But more importantly, that crowd sends amazing people into our lives. Case in point, Yuris and Elias! This sweet couple was referred to us by our friends who now reside in D.C. They booked us over email and we met each other for the very first time when we photographed their engagement session in Old Town Alexandria. Building relationships with our clients, no matter how far away they live, is paramount to us so we started things off with tea and conversation. We left grateful to have these two in our lives and were even more excited about photographing their East Coast wedding. I hope our camera brings us back that way again because it is beautiful country filled with beautiful people.

We were fond of Elias and Yuris from the start, but then we met their friends and family, and decided we wanted to be a part of the club. They too are surrounded by a sincere and committed group of people who know how to love. Every single person, whether friend or family, played a role in their wedding day. And they served Yuris and Elias with commitment and joy. We loved being a part of it all! So much so, that we joined the after party because we didn’t want the fun to end.

Yuris and Elias, you know how much we love you both! But if you need us to say it again, we will! We’re so happy to have met you, photographed your wedding, and now get to call you our friends. Your East Coast wedding was a highlight of our 2014! We cannot wait for you to make it out to San Francisco or perhaps we’ll be back in your hood one day too. Happy Belated Anniversary to you!

P.S. Yuris is a talented artist and has started her own online shop, Salt Stains, designing and creating custom prints and cards. Be sure to check her out if you’re looking for something unique and beautiful!

THE TEAM

Ceremony & Reception: The Church of Philippi

Dress: Mori Lee

Shoes: Marc Fisher

Makeup: Grace Skincare

Hair: Linda Chae

Rentals: ABC Rentals

Catering: Rainbow Catering

Paper Goods: Salt Stains

Suit: Suit Supply

Photographers: Pictilio

Friends and Family!