So without further ado, please let me introduce you to Pictilio.

I surveyed my surroundings and happiness began to fill me up. I saw Kenny and Allison full of smiles and non-verbal communication of love and excitement. Surrounded by the most important people in their lives. All for this moment. To bear witness to this promise of love and commitment.

Kenny and Allison, you both bring us joy. Thank you for giving us the amazing privilege of documenting your special day. Your wedding day! We loved every single second. We enjoyed not only capturing it, but we loved being a part of it, soaking in every memory of the day. Cherish those memories, and in case your memory starts to fail you, we hope these pictures will bring a flood of sentiments that will keep your love strong. We love you both!

xoxo – C and V

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Allison, you are flawless. Simply beautiful.

Kenny and Allison opted for a First Look and it was a very sweet moment.

I just love moments like these.

I’m pretty sure that her look says it all.

We were so excited to partner up with Joanna Tao of Scarlet Floral Design once again. Her flowers never disappoint!

Kenny and Allison were married on a Friday. On our way to the car, a group of school kids saw them. Their reactions to the bride and groom were priceless.

I absolutely LOVE this shot Vitaliy took during the ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs.! Husband and wife!

You can also view Kenny and Allison’s wed­ding slideshow below. Enjoy!

We walked into the home of Erin’s parents and made our way to the room where Erin was getting ready. I later found out that it was the same room she grew up in. The day was full of stories like this of John and Erin all culminating in this moment, their wedding day. I came into the room to greet Erin who wore that unforgettable smile of hers. She looked even more beautiful than I remembered; she was nothing less than radiant. Before I could even finish my hello in stepped her Maid of Honor and best friend Holly, who was actually the reason Erin and John hired us in the first place. She grabbed the hand I extended for a handshake and pulled me towards her for the biggest and warmest hug of the day telling me how happy she was to finally meet us. I should have known that Erin and John’s friends would be as sweet and loving as them.

And this was John and Erin’s wedding. A beautiful ceremony and celebration in the backyard of the home Erin grew up in. Filled with old memories and the beginning of new ones. Surrounded by their closest friends and family all reminiscing the little John and Erin they knew for years while celebrating the amazing couple they’ve become.

John and Erin, being outsiders looking in on your day, it was impossible not to see how loved the two of you are. Erin, to watch your dad play that song for the two of you is a memory I’m thankful to have witnessed. And John, when you and your mom boogied on the dance floor I smiled as much on the inside as I did on the outside. Your day was filled with so many memories like this and we’re so happy to have captured them all for you to have and remember. We’re honored to not only be your photographers but are equally honored to be your friends. In all honesty, we’re excited to have been welcomed so warmly into the John and Erin circle — it’s the place to be! Love you guys! xoxo Candace & Vitaliy

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If I could go back and get married again, I’d ask Erin if I could borrow her dress. It was everything any little girl could dream of for her wedding day.

John and Erin opted for a First Look which gave us plenty of time for pictures. I just LOVE John’s reaction here. This is precisely why we recommend a First Look.

Vitaliy’s in love with this picture — Erin’s beauty and the way John is looking at her. Priceless.

While taking pictures, a neighbor was playing music loud enough for us to enjoy. Erin and John started dancing. I guess technically this could be considered their frist dance.

Erin and John’s ceremony brought tears to my eyes. I was caught up in the dreaminess of them getting married underneath this tree. And then when they read their vows to each other, I just couldn’t contain my emotions. Thankfully, I could hide behind my camera.

One day he’ll grow up and kiss a bride like this and it will no longer seem so gross.

Such a fun recessional, but I would expect nothing less from these two. Every guest was given lyrics to The Beatles song, When I’m Sixty Four. Everyone sang as John and Erin danced their way down the aisle as husband and wife.

Oh, these girls? Well, they’re just the beautiful, sweet and fun bridal party. But I’m sure you could see that from the photo. Ladies, thanks for working the camera for us and for being so much fun in the process.

And here is the groom and the handsome groomsmen. You see John’s brother to his right? The one with the incredible moustache. He was the inspiration for Vitaliy to grow a moustache.

Here’s John looking oh so dapper.

That’s precisely why he gets kisses like this.

Well it’s because of his good looks and because of the way he loves her like this.

And here’s where I’ll end. John and Erin, I hope the roots of your love grow as deep and wide and strong as the roots of that tree standing behind you.

You can also view John & Erin’s wedding slideshow below. Enjoy!

Wanting to have a less commercialized pumpkin experience this year, Vitaliy and I visited Bob’s Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay. It was exactly what I had hoped for — no inflatable bounce houses and we were actually able to pick our pumpkins off the vine. We spent the entire day ushering in the fall season!

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Orange isn’t my favorite color until October hits then I can’t get enough of it.

Now I want to own a farm just so I can see this everyday. I took shots from behind as well, but he told me they were for my eyes only. He’s modest like that.

This picture, as well as the others featuring the two of us, were taken with a makeshift tripod (stack of pumpkins) and a self-timer.

I kind of like him. If for no other reason than for the way he makes me laugh.

I hope you enjoy our spooky way of celebrating love. To see more pictures and learn a bit more about Victoria’s vision for this shoot, you can see her post here.

Happy Thursday!

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Vitaliy and I had such a great time photographing the two of you and getting to know you both along the way. We cannot wait for your wedding next week! Below are a few of my thoughts for you.

Love to you both!

~Candace

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There is nothing sweeter than being tangled up in love. No matter how busy life gets, take time to just be in each other’s arms.

This is my favorite picture from the shoot. Let it be a reminder to always walk hand in hand through life. Never let your paths begin to take separate routes. And Kenny, be sure to always check in with your girl, it’ll make her smile just like in this picture.

Kissing and laughing = two necessary ingredients for marriage.

All I can say is…Allison, you are gorgeous. Always enjoy the inner and outer beauty of each other.

Support and encourage each other through all that life brings your way. There will be enough things in life that will try and tear you down, don’t add yourselves to the list. Be the wife and husband who are always lifting each other up.

Playfulness is a virtue in marriage. At least, that’s what we think.

Allison, look at that strong, handsome man of yours. Don’t be afraid to lean on his shoulder. And if you need to cry on it, that’s ok too. How many of Vitaliy’s shirts have I ruined with my mascara!

This picture makes me happy.

Eskimo kisses do a marriage good. But we already told you that.

A few of you have commented on my lack of blogging recently so I felt I owed you an explanation. There are a few reasons.

1. It began to affect my marriage. In a bad way.

I’m just keepin’ it real. Sometimes blogging stresses me out. And well, sometimes Vitaliy received the brunt of that frustration. As communication is key in every relationship, he spoke to me in love and honestly shared his point of view. I could see where he was coming from and made changes accordingly by reprioritizing.

2. A new blog and new website are in the works.

I started sharing about some changes we’re working on here and here.

Though it’s been a slower process than I would have hoped, I’ve come to learn that things don’t happen overnight. I am happy to say that we have a new logo and our new business cards are complete. In addition, our blog and website are in the works as we speak. So stay tuned — some exciting and fun changes are coming.

3. A new focus and creating new content.

When our new blog and website launch, you’ll see that our business has a new focus. I have emotionally and mentally made that shift so it’s hard to be motivated to write for this blog. Some things won’t change. We will continue blogging about our awesome couples which is why it’s easy for me to write about them now. But the non-client posts on this blog have been kind of random. I basically wrote about anything and everything. The new blog will be more cohesive and consistent. With the mental shift I’ve had, I’m currently working on content for the new site instead of putting as much energy into this one.

I do have some great stuff to share on this blog in the near future that I know you’re going to enjoy. But if you’d like to be added to our mailing list and be the first to know when our new site goes live, sign up by entering your email address below:

So what have I been doing? Well, with the extra time on my hands, I’ve been spending some much needed time in the kitchen. Surprisingly, I’ve been loving it!
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As Amanda and JP’s newly found friends, I’m delighted to wish them a very Happy One Year Anniversary. You guys never fail to make us smile and today is no different. We’ll celebrate tonight in your honor and maybe have a slice of pizza. We love you both! Here’s to many, many more!

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Congratulations you two! Love you both!

~xoxo C&V

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As the festivities began to unravel, I could see Leslie and Mike’s ideas come out to play. For example, I could see their fun personalities shine through the bright, playful colors they chose for their flowers. When they started their slideshow with a homemade video thanking their guests, I was reminded how thoughtful and gracious they are. And I could see Mike and Leslie’s appreciation and love for photography when they scheduled plenty of time for pictures. Sorry – I just had to include that one!

Leslie and Mike, as beautiful as the two of you are, your wedding day was equally as gorgeous. Individually you both shine bright, but standing side by side, you are absolutely radiant. It’s clear that you belong together as one. We can’t wait to see how God uses you as a team. Stay united and there’s no stopping you guys. We pray for many years of love and laughter as you travel through life together as husband and wife. We love you both!

xoxo – V&C

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I loved that Leslie’s wedding shoes never went unnoticed as they poked out from underneath her wedding dress throughout the day.

Mike and Leslie were smiles and giggles all day. Love is sweet!

The floral detailing on Leslie’s dress and hair pin were the perfect feminine touch to make her ensemble all the more romantic

Leslie, seriously, you are beyond gorgeous!

Keep your love young and playful like this and it will surely endure.

Joanna, of Scarlet Floral Design, did an incredible job on the flowers. Leslie was literally jumping up and down with excitement when she saw her bouquet.

The cutest ring bearers and flowers girls ever! I hope to see their entire walk down the aisle relived when Jason of Taylor Films shares Mike and Leslie’s wedding video which I expect to be an amazing work of art. We had a blast collaborating on the wedding day!

Mike and Leslie held their wedding at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, CA and Annie, the wedding day coordinator, was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was fun, sweet and helped the entire day run smoothly. I hope we get to work together again soon!

Beverly Tanaka of Cake Creations by Bev did a phenomenal job on Mike and Leslie’s wedding cake. I love the backdrop of wine barrels.

Who needs a mistletoe to steal a kiss?

I’ll end with this because it’s simply enchanting.

To see more of Mike and Leslie’s wed­ding, check out the slideshow below. Enjoy!