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!

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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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!

Though both parents welcomed their new son and daughter into their families during their speeches, it was clear they didn’t need to verbalize it. Anyone could see by the way they looked and spoke to one another, they were already like family. This was most evident when Ravi and Jessica’s siblings toasted the happy couple.

Jessica’s brother stood with such poise as he reminisced what it was like being the older brother growing up. He remembered, when Jessica first introduced Ravi, he felt he should be more of a bully in order to let Ravi know he would protect his sister. But he just couldn’t – he liked Ravi from the very start. And anyone who has ever met Ravi knows exactly what he’s talking about.

Then Ravi’s sister stood with her infectious smile and spoke about how she copied everything Ravi did growing up. She wanted to be just like him. And now that she has a new sister, she has an entirely new set of hobbies.  Well, like knitting, which she has recently started. Knitting is Jessica’s favorite thing to do. These two are not only going to be great sisters, but I imagine they will be great friends too.

The room filled with laughter and love as the speeches came to a close. Everyone’s stomachs may have been ready for the meal, but their hearts were fully satisfied. Love was felt between two people as they promised their lives to one another. And love was seen as two families from different parts of the world joined together. The entire day was a celebration of such love.

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Jessica’s mom was so sweet the entire day. I never saw her without a smile on her face.

Jessica and Ravi wanted plenty of time for pictures so they opted for a First Look. As always, it was a very special moment.

The wedding party had asked to come outside for the First Look, but I gently declined as it takes away from the intimacy of the moment. But I found it so cute that they all looked on from inside.

Let the marriage competitions begin! I compete with Vitaliy on a lot of things, but height is definitely not one of them because I wouldn’t stand a chance of winning that one.

Vitaliy’s view on the left, my view on the right.

Jessica and Ravi were married at the beautiful Saratoga Country Club.

The recessional is always one of my favorite parts of a ceremony, but Jessica and Ravi’s was above the rest. They were so happy they kind of danced themselves down the aisle.

We even had a little bit of time for a few more pictures before the party started. Nothing like the warm light at sunset to add to the romance!

I’ll end with this. My hopeless romantic heart just can’t get enough of this moment.

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

I’m happy to announce that the celebration of love continues. Today is Justin and Kelly’s two year wedding anniversary. Congratulations you two! I hope you celebrate with a lot of food, a lot of fun, and a lot of…well…you know.

Love you guys! Happy Monday!
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Today was the day that Rachel would marry Nick, her high school sweetheart. As the wedding began, Rachel stood in the back of the church with her closest friends by her side. Hannah, her maid of honor and best friend, fluffed her dressed for the last time. She took Rachel’s arm in hers, and as the church doors opened, led her best friend down the aisle towards Nick who stood strong and handsome with a smile on his face.

Rachel’s father passed away when she was younger, so Hannah took the honors of giving Rachel over to Nick. He gently took Rachel’s hand and the two stepped forward to commit their lives to one another. They promised, said I do, and kissed their first kiss as husband and wife. The crowd cheered with excitement. Today was the day!

Rachel and Nick, Vitaliy and I are so thankful to have been a part of your wedding day. It was special and unique just like the love that you two share. We can’t wait to see what your future holds as husband and wife. And we pray your marriage be filled with tons of love and laughter! xoxo – V & C

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Rachel got ready at her mother’s home which was where our day began.

I love the two dress images above, but this one below just makes me smile.

As I mentioned above, Rachel’s father passed away when she was younger. We know first hand what it feels like to have parents missing from the wedding day so when I walked by this picture I had to include it. Though he wasn’t present physically, he was still part of the day.

Here is Nick looking debonair as he takes a first glance at his bride.

I love this shot Vitaliy got as Nick takes Rachel’s arm and they step forward to make their wedding vows.

Throughout the ceremony Nick and Rachel stole glances at each other. The softness in Rachel’s expression here is stunning.

Saying their vows. Promising for life.

This is my favorite shot of the day. As I’ve told him a million times, I am Vitaliy’s biggest fan. This image is flawless.

Vitaliy’s view on the left. My view on the right.

The first dance. Probably my second favorite image from the day.

Rachel and Nick are big fans of In-N-Out so they wanted to include it in their wedding day.

I’ll end with this one because they just look so happy.

To view more pictures from Nick and Rachel’s wedding, enjoy the slideshow below.

It isn’t your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation
Oh no, it’s just the nearness of you

When you’re in my arms
And I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams came true

I need no soft lights to enchant me
If you will only grant me the right to hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night the nearness of you

~Norah Jones The Nearness Of You