Written by Candace on May 24, 2013 | 6 Comments

Never Imagined

We’re on our way to Palm Springs to shoot a wedding and it got me thinking.

I never imagined having a job that would bring me such fun opportunities.
I never imagined owning my own business, or being a photographer.
Which then got me thinking…

I never imagined I’d quit college.
I never imagined I’d move to California.
I never imagined I’d start my marriage with a teenager.
Heck, I never imagined I’d be married…to a Ukrainian no less!
If I did ever envision marriage, I never imagined not having a mother and father-in-law.

Everything in my life right now is not how I ever imagined it, and yet, it far exceeds my imaginations. I couldn’t have thought up this crazy life, but I’m thankful for each piece. This week I’m learning that I don’t really have control over my life as much as I like to think I do. I’m learning to trust the One who really does. He gives and He takes away.

I never imagined I would know, love and trust in Jesus.

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Written by Candace on May 22, 2013 | 5 Comments

Kyle+Lauren
Engaged

Kyle was a student at Stanford University when Lauren walked into his dorm room and into his life.

While trying to spend an evening studying, a beautiful brunette with a gorgeous smile, kept coming in and out of his room. That was Lauren who had strategically stored her drinks in his refrigerator. Kyle tried his best to ignore her, but Lauren wasn’t the type to be discouraged. She was interested in getting to know him and wasn’t going to give up that easily.

When their group of friends took a trip to Chipotle, Lauren and Kyle finally got to talk. Lauren mentioned something about a proposal or marriage, just as a joke, which only made Kyle want to distance himself even more. He made sure to sit at the opposite end of the table.

Little did they know the significance that joke would be in their lives. Kyle soon found Lauren irresistible and he in fact did offer her a proposal of marriage. The two are now engaged and will be getting married this July.

Kyle and Lauren, we cannot wait for your upcoming wedding! I’m so excited that Kyle wasn’t scared for too long because you guys are the cutest together. I likewise scared Vitaliy a bit when we first met, but when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. We wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter!

Lauren and Kyle decided to do their engagement pictures where it all began – on the campus of Stanford University.

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Written by Candace on May 20, 2013 | 3 Comments

Angel Island
Bike Ride

When I have someone coming for a visit, I love playing tour guide but I do try to avoid the areas that attract the most tourists. My favorite location to share with people currently is Angel Island, but I’m shocked at how many of my local friends have never been.

Ladies and Gentleman, whether you are local to the area or a first time visitor, Angel Island is absolutely ideal for a date. Take notes, or pin this link, then go make plans with the special person in your life.

Date Idea: Biking and exploring Angel Island

Highlights: 360 degree views of the bay, historical sights, architectural gems, beautiful bike ride, freedom to explore, picnic areas, beachfront, a little cafe, and so much more.

The Deets: Visitor Info, Ferry Options, and Bike Rentals.

After visiting a few times now, here are a few of our personal recommendations.

We love taking the ferry from Tiburon. Coming from the Peninsula, we enjoy the exciting drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and are thankful to avoid traffic and parking in San Francisco. Tiburon has a parking lot where you can park for about $10. But if you don’t mind the trek, you can usually find a spot up the hill into the neighborhood for free.

Research the weather, but wear layers no matter what. Like any location near the bay, the weather can get pretty chilly because of the wind. But with an active bike ride and if the sun makes an appearance, you’ll want to be able to remove layers.

Bring your own lunch instead of eating at the cafe. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the island, but if the weather is warm enough, we recommend picnicking at the little beach located about halfway around the island.

The bike ride can get a little challenging at times so if your date is not into bike riding or outdoors this may not be the ideal date. I don’t do a lot of biking, but I really enjoy the ride. Don’t rush through the ride, take breaks and enjoy the views, and be sure to plan for a long break for lunch. If biking is not your thing, there are also segways, scooters, and tram tours available for rent. And of course, you can always run or walk the island too.

To save money on rentals, you are allowed to bring your own bike on the ferry and onto the island. Due to the terrain, roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, and personal segways, are prohibited. We like to bring our own bikes so that we’re not rushing back in order to save money on the rentals. They can get expensive!

Be sure to keep track of time. You don’t want to miss your ferry to the island and you don’t want to miss the last ferry going home.

Have you ever been to Angel Island? I’ll definitely be going back so feel free to leave any of your own tips in the comments. But if you are reading this and you’ve never been to Angel Island, stop what you’re doing and put it on the calendar now.

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