This is an important post. Why is it that when things are important we raise our expectations and expect so much more from ourselves? Thinking about what I wanted to say to Leska as she graduates from high school was a big deal. I have a million things that I want to say to her. She may not even need to go to college — I could easily talk to her for the next four years. And yes, I promise what I would say is just as brilliant and life changing as anything else she’d get from her college professors. But as I remembered that I was writing for a blog, I knew I needed to keep it short. That’s when it came to me — one clear thing that I’d love to share with my sweet girl before she takes her first steps into the next phase of her life.
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My dear Leska,
I remember walking into your hospital room in Ukraine like it was yesterday. You were fourteen years old then. I had no idea what to expect walking into that room. Besides wondering what condition you were in, my heart raced with insecurity as I wondered if you would even like me, let alone accept me. I came into your life that day with a lot of love, but even more so, with a lot of ignorance. You see, before I ever even met you, I had a long conversation with God about my possible future, a future that possibly included you. I sat in my room one lonely, painful night. Vitaliy had just rushed to Ukraine to handle the funeral plans of your parents and Daniel. I was scared, alone, and completely confused. I had no idea how he was doing. I had no idea when I’d see him again. I had no idea what my future would look like. I laid in my bed in the darkness and cried out to God. At the end of that conversation, I told Him that I would do anything He wanted me to do. Anything. Even take care of you. I meant it, with all of my heart.
But I was young. I still am young! I was completely ignorant of the human heart and the immense pain that it can hold. I figured that I was a teenager once; I could do this. But what I didn’t weigh into the equation was what a teenager’s heart and mind and soul would be like after all three have been shattered by grief. I was ill-equipped and failed miserably. I can here my loved ones now as I write this, “You’re too hard on yourself!” In reality, I agree. I am too hard on myself so let me rephrase. Though there were many things I failed at and many things I learned from, there was one thing I fought for through it all — to never stop loving you. Even though there were many times that I’m sure you didn’t feel it, I never ever stopped loving you. And you can rest assured, I never will.
You see, the thing is, most people believe if you’re in God’s will then things should be going well. Things should be easy-peasy, right? As difficult as things have been for our relationship, I never ever doubted that I had made a mistake. Never! I knew that this was God’s will for my life — you were God’s will for my life. There were many people who didn’t trust us taking care of you and many people who suggested you live with them. But I fought against it all because I knew that to let go of you would mean giving up on my commitment to God.
I have no idea what your future holds, but I’m excited to see where God takes you. No matter where you are or what you are doing, please always know that you are not alone. You have a God who is with you every step of the way, and if you look, you will see Him. But also know that Vitaliy and I will always be there. When we made the commitment to God to take care of you, we meant it for life.
Leska, you are loved. Hold on tight to that and never let it go.
~Candace
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We started things off close to home. There is a little walkway nearby that has the most beautiful light. I new we had to photograph there before we went anywhere else. And…I was right!
We didn’t stay there long because Leska wanted an urban feel to her pictures so we made our way to San Francisco. I love what this picture speaks. She is walking away from the narrow road (high school) and toward a wide open future. And check out that confidence! I pity the fool that steps in her way.
One of my favorites.
Smokin’!
Leska really trusted us to create beautiful senior pictures of her. Like I mentioned when I showed you the sneak peek, she really went out of her comfort zone to create these images and it really paid off. I was so proud of her because she came willing and ready.
Leska, you are fierce!
This is one of our favorites.
One of Vitaliy’s favorites.
Leska is one busy high school senior totally dedicated to her school work so we were late planning her pictures. Short on time, I quickly made an appointment at MAC near our home. Edgar Magana did Leska’s makeup and he did a phenomenal job. He is not only skilled at what he does, but he is a pleasure to work with.
This is how I picture Leska looking at guys in college. The dude approaches her with some pickup line. Her response, “Really? That’s really what you just walked up to me to say? Please come back and try again.”
Leska’s hair was done by the amazing Stephanie at Trio Salon in Burlingame. Leska was so thrilled with how it turned out and she really enjoyed Stephanie’s company. We loved it too!
Oh, back to the boys in college. This is how I told Leska she’s suppose to check out boys in college — interested but cautious.
She just loved at my suggestions.
This is exactly how I want to picture Leska in college. I will hold this moment in my mind forever. Learning, relaxed, and enjoying life!
33 Comments so far
Those pictures are great! I thought she was already in college because she looks so sophisticated and beautiful!
GORGEOUS! These pictures as well as Leska are stunning! Can’t believe these are her SENIOR pictures! Nice job!
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. great depth of field — one of my favorite features of a photograph and you do it so well.
great portraits!
These are absolutely beautiful… my baby sister is going off to college this year and while she hasn’t had hardships like Leska, watching her turn into an adult has been beautiful. Congratulations to Leska– getting into college isn’t an easy feat .. much luck, love, and happiness!!!
AWESOME!!! These are great pictures, guys. Job well done
So happy and excited for you, Leska!
Leska is gorgeous. I love these pictures. Some of them make me want to run up and hug her. I hope she sees how beautiful she is–it’s not just brother and sister telling you that because they have to! Leska, I want your autograph for when you start modeling for…Prada?
What beautiful pictures! I’d bet no one has senior pics this awesome!
These are amazing. She is so beautiful, happiness radiates out of her. She definately doesn’t look like the average senior. Lucky girl.
ohhhhhhh myyyyyyy gooooooodnesss!!!!!!
these are so beautiful!
Leska, what a truly beautiful woman– and you guys captured that– not just outside, but her beautiful spirit.
well done, well done!!!!!
love the depth of field here, Vitaliy! Candace, I can TOTALLY see your work in this as well!!
love you guys!
Oh my goodness.. I love the blouse and hair flower!! So jealous! What a beautiful young lady she is too!!! Just Gorgeous!
Now THAT’S how you do senior pictures!!!
Love the outfits! This was so sweet of you guys to do this for Leska! Just georgeous!
Amazing!
I agree with Vitaliy in his choice for favorite pic. On its own, I would have thought I was looking at an ad in a magazine!
Congratulations Leska!
Wow Leska! You are one beautiful woman! Great job with the pics V and Candace.
Thank you, guys. And thank you, Candace and Vitaliy for making this happen. Thank you for your love for me for all these years! You are amazing!
Wow great shots! I love the ones with the umbrella and the ones with you with the books!
Leska–you are so beautiful and your brother has captured this. You should submit these to get some modeling jobs!!!
These are beautiful! I especially love the ones with the umbrella!!
These are so beautiful! Leska you look amazing! Great job V and Candace and I just love what you wrote Candace, so sincere. What a beautiful creation of work by all 3 of you!
oh my gooodnesss Leska is so freraking GORGEOUS!!! great job u guys as always
i love the city theme…
these pictures!! leska — you are so pretty!! and the styling is SPOT ON. hello anthropologie!
Seriously…Leska is beautiful.
You guys are amazing…I miss you!
Mere Perfection I am loving these images. Truly Breathtaking!!!
I love these! Her eyes have incredible depth and expression. She is just stunning!
Those pictures are breathtaking!!! Leska! Your hair and make-up look soooo great!! You are absolutely BEAUTIFUL inside and out! Those shots are amazing!! You look like a professional model!!! Love them!
I’ve always thought Leska was breathtakingly beautiful, but WOW!!!! Girl — you are a knockout! I’m nervous for Candace and V sending you off to college.…. =)
Amazing, amazing, creative, gorgeous, and perfectly lit.
Vitaliy — this is your best work and you should be proud. Leska I agree, modeling contract FOR SURE!!!
Gotta add.….LOVE the shirt in the second grouping Leska! Where’s it from if I might ask?
beeyoootiful. Leska is truly blessed to have you two in her life, and not only for these amazing pictures. my favorite has got to be the first white blouse shot — so direct, full of strength, but vulnerable and lovely at the same time. oh yeah and the blouse is freakin’ anthropologie-ly gorgeous. another great job all around, guys.
Love those pictures of Leska! I would have to say that they’re very Vogue.…. Beautiful
senior pictures .
I’m in awe…these photos are amazing, and Leska is beyond gorgeous. I just got more and more excited as I scrolled down…Congratulations on capturing such a wonderful time in Leska’s life in such a beautiful way!
stunning, stunning, stunning! i could see any one of these pics on a billboard somewhere. leska looks like a movie star. what a gift to have such awesome pictures like these taken by the ones who love her so. thanks for sharing.
Leska is a knock out!!! I’m so glad she’s a good girl too
Vitaly & Candace, this was amazing work. The best I’ve seen. I love the umbrella photos.
You are awesome parents!!!
These are, without doubt, my favorite senior pictures I’ve ever seen! They are absolutely perfect! So Vogue and at the same time so personal. You guys have outdone yourselves!! I’m sure she is thrilled with them!