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Apple Picking
The Perfect Double Date

I am thrilled that the fall season has finally arrived in all it’s glory.

This is by far my favorite time of year. I love the cool weather, hot soup, and the anticipation of all the holidays. One of the things that I think goes unnoticed is how much this time of year brings people together. The wedding season usually stunts our social life so I’m eager to get to spend more quality time with those I hold dear as the wedding season comes to a close.

With this in mind, Vitaliy and I decided to usher in fall with close friends while we were in St. Louis last month. Sarah The Architect had the brilliant idea of going apple picking together. It was a perfect double date! We went to Eckert’s in Illinois, but I’m sure you can find a good apple picking spot wherever you’re located.

I often miss my window for apple picking so don’t delay. Grab a few friends and go have fun! Now, if only I knew how to make a homemade apple pie.

Eating a freshly picked appleApples on the apple treeRed vintage truck loaded with pumpkinsApple picking in the fall - double date idea by PictilioApple basketRiding on a tractor trailerPicking the applesHolding an appleApples, basket and a hatGet them applesApple picking at Eckert’s Belleville Farm double date idea.Juggling applesRomance at the apple orchardA Toast
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Gabe+Nikki
Wedding at Nestldown

Vitaliy and I fell in love with Gabe and Nikki on a chilly winter day last November.

We were so head over heels that we rendezvoused in Utah. We played in the snow, laughed until our tummies hurt, and took a lot of pictures. Then they invited us to their engagement party and we realized that we loved their friends and family just as much. That first meeting last November started a business relationship, but what we have now is nothing less than a true friendship. And for this, we are very thankful.

We’d like to think we are unique, but after getting to know Nikki and Gabe and hearing the stories told at their wedding, they are just the kind of people that love others well. Nikki is passionate, she smiles big, and though she’s petite, she hugs like a giant. Gabe is a gentleman through and through. He’s the kind of guy who will hold the door open no matter who you are. And I admire the way he’s not afraid to love Nikki out loud for the world to see.

Gabe and Nikki had their fairytale wedding at Nestldown in Los Gatos. Their ceremony was so sweet I had to hold back the tears. And their reception was so fun I had to hold back my dance moves. The entire day was perfect in every way. A big thank you to Caitlin Arnold and her team for working so hard and for making sure that no detail was missed. We also want to thank Monika Greenaway for joining us in making sure every detail and moment was captured.

Gabe and Nikki, thank you for giving us the pleasure of being your photographers, and now your friends. You are a one of a kind couple and we are so thankful to know you both. Your wedding day was magical and we are so happy to have been a part of it all. Congratulations! We wish you a marriage filled with love and laughter.

You can read Gabe and Nikki’s love story. And you can also view our favorite memories from their day here: GABE AND NIKKI: THE HIGHLIGHTS.

Below is the team of vendors that helped make the day so perfect.

THE TEAM:

Ceremony and Reception: Nestldown

Hotel: Toll House Hotel

Coordinator: Caitlin Arnold Weddings and Events

Floral Design: Sweetness and Light

Videography: OneDay Pictures

Dessert Table and Design: Honeycomb Events and Design

Wedding Dress: Vera Wang

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik 

Men’s Tuxedo’s: Vera Wang

DJ: Ron Grandia

Officiant: Rev. Irene Pak

Linens: Napa Valley Linens

Catering: Cafe Primavera

Stationery: DIY from the Bride and Groom

Hair: Colleen Moore Wright

Makeup: Grace Colindres

Photographer: Pictilio

bride and groom smile big at Nestldown Los Gatosthank you note and menu at reception at NestldownReception set up at Nestldown Los GatosGroom with a bowtie at Nestldown Los Gatosbride and groom after the ceremony at Nestldown Los GatosCake with a skyline cake topper by honeycomb events and designBride and Groom embrace in front of taxi at Nestldown Los GatosVery Wang dress on a dress stand at Nestldown Los GatosBride and groom walking hand in hand at Nestldown Los GatosBride and Groom under the tree near the pond at Nestldown Los GatosGroomsmen together for pictures at Nestldown Los GatosJunior Bridemaids laughing and holding flowers at NestldownFlower girl blowing bubbles during ceremony at NestldownBride and Groom kissing on the bridge at Nestldown Los GatosGroom kissing the bride's cheek at NestldownBride and groom walking up steps at Nestldown after ceremonyBride with bridesmaids at Nestldown in Los GatosBride in front of taxi at Nestldownbride and groom toasting in front of Mr. and Mrs. sign
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Saint Louis Date Idea: The Mud House

Our trip to St. Louis is winding down and before we know it we’ll be saying our goodbyes. My least favorite part about coming home.

But before we leave, we had to share our newest discovery. It’s absolutely perfect for a date! The spot is called The Mud House and it’s located on the famous Cherokee Street in St. Louis. It’s technically a coffee house, but their food menu makes it so much more. Vitaliy enjoyed their soup-of-the-day a few times, and I was completely hooked on their Mushroom Reuben sandwich. However, I’m a total sucker for breakfast, so one of the days we worked there I enjoyed their famous French Toast which was to-die-for.

Besides the great food, my top two reasons why this would be a great spot for a date is the atmosphere and the neighborhood. Let me explain.

If you’re going to go on a date, you want to take him/her somewhere unique. The Mud House has a bicycle hanging from the wall. Does it get anymore interesting? Their décor has a total vintage/hipster vibe and you can’t help but want to walk around and enjoy all the art on your way to your table. Not to mention, their restroom is covered in old board games. You can trust that any location that takes the time to design their restroom knows how to pay attention to detail in every way.

But to get the most out of your experience to The Mud House, grab your coffee to go and enjoy stepping back in time as you stroll Cherokee Street hand in hand. There are tons of little shops and bakeries to enjoy. But be sure not to miss the plaques telling the old stories of the families of Cherokee Street. There is so much history in this quaint little neighborhood.

The Mud House is definitely a new St. Louis favorite of ours. If you live in the area or are planning a visit, be sure to check it out! Here are a few other St. Louis staples that we never miss when coming to town.

Ted Drewes Ice Cream – Come here after a Cardinals baseball game!

The Pasta House – A St. Louis chain; I come here for my toasted ravioli’s.

Park Avenue in Lafayette Square – Get your St. Louis gooey butter cake here with a cup of coffee and then stroll Lafayette Square Park.

Artwork on the wall - Bob Dylan portraitArtwork on the walls and seating area. Date Idea in Saint Louis.At the registerBalck and white photo of an old school bikeWe love CherokeeThe Mud House coffee shop outsideStuff on the wallsSeating and ambianceMud House date ideaTypewriters on the shelf with books.
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