Written by Candace on September 5, 2013 | 3 Comments

Jeffrey & Phoebe
Engaged

I never would have imagined high school band class being a place where sparks could fly. If only I knew then what I know now.

But that was precisely what happened for Jeffrey and Phoebe. While Jeffrey played the percussion, he spotted a girl on the clarinet and sparks began to fly. The girl’s name was Phoebe and without hesitation he put an entire plan in place for getting to know her. However, by the end of the school year, it was all still just an idea. And unfortunately for Jeffrey, Phoebe was still just the girl from band class.

Thankfully, high school is four years long which meant Jeffrey had four chances to make his move. They did eventually attend a high school dance together, but they were still “just friends” at graduation. It would take a few more years, long distances between them, and the internet to finally bring these two together. But I’m happy to say that in 2008 Jeffrey was finally able to declare Phoebe was more than just the girl from band class when their relationship became Facebook official. But it was only a matter of time before their status changed from “in a relationship” to “engaged”.

Phoebe and Jeffrey, thank you for giving us the honor of photographing your love and laughter. You guys are clearly meant to be together and we couldn’t be happier for you both. Congratulations! Love to you both!

Check back next week to see pictures of Phoebe and Jeffrey tying the knot.

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Written by Candace on September 3, 2013 | 6 Comments

Milestones

I’m sitting in a coffee shop right now, across from my business partner/husband/best friend.

Sipping on a cup of caffeine I hope kicks in soon, happy. This past month, we photographed a total of five weddings, three of which were this past weekend. Though I’m still recovering, I feel a very palpable sense of accomplishment.

September marks our ninth month as full time wedding photographers, small business owners, adventure seekers. I don’t know what to call us. As I’ve said before, being a wedding photographer is about so much more than just taking pictures.

I remember about 5 or 6 years ago, Vitaily and I were assisting the lovely Teresa Halton at one of her weddings located at Nestldown. If you have never been to Nestldown, it’s one of the dreamiest wedding locations in Northern California. It’s literally like stepping into a fairytale. I distinctly remember looking around and thinking to myself, “I wonder if we’ll ever be able to photograph our own wedding at such a place like Nestldown.” I had my doubts.

After quitting my day job 9 months ago, I’m happy to report that we still have a roof over our head and food on our plates. Not only that, but on Friday we photographed our very first wedding at Nestldown. However, after five years in business, my perspective has changed. It wasn’t Nestldown that made the day so special, it was the couple we had the pleasure of photographing. While a beautiful location is a huge plus, it’s not near as important as working with two people who you respect and care for and who feel the same about you.

As I look back on this wedding season, it’s definitely the people that have made it so memorable. Well, the people and…their epic dance parties!

Here’s some photobooth fun from Amy and Larry’s wedding on Sunday. I do love him!

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Written by Candace on August 28, 2013 | 4 Comments

Smitten
Ice Cream Shop

As you all know, I am from St. Louis where frozen custard is the reigning champ of ice cream.

Since moving to the bay area over 7 years ago, I have yet to find an ice cream shop to rival my beloved Ted Drewe’s back home. I have since grown fond of the tangy tartness of frozen yogurt and hold off on ice cream until I make a trip home where I can get the real deal.

BUT…I recently discovered Smitten Ice Cream. It has the old school charm of my beloved Ted Drewe’s with the modern hipsterness that is so San Francisco. It’s not frozen custard so it’ll never be at the top of my list, but it does have unique features that make it admiringly delicious.

It’s one of a kind! Literally. The owner, Robyn Sue Fischer, spent five years developing an ice cream machine that runs on liquid nitrogen.
Every cup of ice cream is made to order right in front of your eyes. Edible artistry!
It’s smooth and creamy just how I like it!
Robyn uses all natural and locally grown ingredients like a true SF foodie. I’d expect nothing less!
And their shop is located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Hayes Valley.

I can’t take credit though, it was our awesome clients Larry and Amy who led us here. As we encouraged them to approach their engagement session as a date, they opted to start things off at Smitten Ice Cream. We had so much fun and the ice cream was so delicious, I knew I had to share it with all of you. Grab your love and head to Smitten! With your ice cream in hand, stroll around the park across the street or walk the neighborhood of Hayes Valley. Then come back and thank me later!

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