A Tale of Two

Written with love, by Candice Papierowicz  (Soon to be Vega)

Dave and I met our freshman year of College in an improvisation acting class just shy of ten years ago in August of 2004. Our chemistry was instant but being so young and not very interested in anything too serious (plus I was in a relationship) we quickly became close friends. We would talk to each other about anything and everything including dating advice.

Fast forward to January of 2006...

We started dating one another exclusively (Yayyyy)! About 8 - 9 months after we had been dating Dave started feeling weak and tired. He would complain about numbness in his left leg and foot. I would urge him to see a Doctor in case it was something serious, little did I know just how serious it was.

Toward mid September of 2006 Dave told me that he had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when he was just 13 years young. He felt it necessary to tell me as he knew we were serious together even at just 20 years old, and also because he felt his symptoms were related to his ailment.

It turns out Dave was right.

He started to relapse around the holiday season shortly after telling me, placing him in the hospital for what felt like an eternity. He was undergoing chemotherapy treatment to shrink the lesions on his brain and spine. He was also undergoing a very intense steroid treatment to keep him strong throughout the chemo.  Throughout this process I could only see him for about two hours a night and we were not allowed to kiss. We could barely touch one another as he was on a rigorous chemo and steroid plan which depleted his immune system. After what seemed like forever he was finally released from the hospital and was feeling much better.

It wasn't over.

About a month and a half later he suffered a grand mall seizure, indicating the lesion on his brain was not only back, but also it had grown. Dave was admitted back into the hospital with the same treatment plan, only stronger. At this point we had been together for barely a year.

My closest friends and family were heart broken over what we were going through and hated seeing us both in so much trouble and pain, especially so young. I was even told by my greatest supporters that if I were to walk away they would not think any less of me. I commend my family and friends for saying that to me to let me know that they had my back no matter what in case I felt pressure to stay just because he was sick. I appreciated it. But I did not feel pressure because he was sick. What our friends and family did not understand was that we were in love and we both knew that what we had was much stronger than his disease and it would not overshadow us or our strength. At the age of 20 we saw one another through that rough patch because we knew we had something far greater. And although at the time our friends and families did not want us going through such pain and struggle so young, I can say without hesitation that he was and still is completely worth it.

He is my heart and my soul. He makes me a better person than I ever imagined I could be. He even inspired me to run in my first half marathon in his honor and raise $1,655 towards MS research in a matter of months.

The Proposal

Fast-forward again about six years later and we are in the year 2013. Now at this point Dave and I had been through the regular highs and lows that most couples experience, but we remained strong and infatuated with one another. We remained and still do remain in the honeymoon phase which we get a lot of grief for but our love does not fade. Our friendship grows stronger with each life experience. Although, I did harass him quite a bit about being together for so long with no ring. My side comments fell on deaf ears until I decided I would rather be with him like this than not with him just because he wouldn't propose. I couldn't imagine my life without him so if that meant no ring and no wedding, so be it.

Little did I know my change of heart made his game of teasing me for not having proposed yet would not longer affect me. (Plus little did I know he actually already had a ring in our closet for me)! Finally on July 3rd 2013 (Three days before my family reunion) he proposed right after I got home from work. And the day before our nation celebrated it's independence, I gladly gave mine away.

Every year my Grandparents throw a themed anniversary/family reunion/4th of July party at their house. The theme is always heavily represented at these parties from everyone's outfits, to the invitations, the decor, entertainment, and food. That year the theme was family T-shirts. The family with the most clever, funniest, or funnest themed shirts would win. I made a comment that we had to dress up with all of my sisters and my mother and my sisters boyfriend because he couldn't "shit or get off the pot with proposing" so he and I couldn't be our own team. (This was clearly before my revelation) Move ahead about a month and half later to July 3rd 2013, three days before the big party. I came home from work and A LOT of holiday weekend traffic and Dave is sitting on the couch waiting for me. I notice a beautiful arrangement of flowers on the table and immediately start smothering him in kisses and thanking him for already making my day 100x's better. He pointed under the flowers to a package and said, "That's for you too". I immediately became giddy over the thought of not only receiving flowers but also getting a "Just because it's Wednesday" gift. I open the package and inside is a white t-shirt, I unfold the shirt and read the print "The Future Mrs. Vega" I gasp with tears already completely welled up in my eyes and turn around to find Dave directly behind me on one knee ring box in hand. He began with "Now we can be our own team" and opened the box to reveal a diamond engagement ring! AHHHHHHH!!! He gave (what I am sure was an INCREDIBLE proposal speech but I did not hear most of it as my head was swimming) and ended with "Will You Marry Me". I finally burst tears streaming down my face and start nodding my head like a bobble head in an off roading Jeep and manage to say "Of Course!" His hands were shaking so much that I couldn't even see the ring and I had to take it from him and place it on my hand for him.

My Advice to You

We have had our hardships and although I know there are more to come, I could not possibly begin to imagine facing them with anyone but him. He makes life exciting and filled with so much joy. No matter where we are as long as he is with me and I am with him, it is the best day of my life. I cannot wait to begin our happily ever after this October 2014! (EIGHT YEARS we've been together!)

So with this story if I could offer up some advise. Don't let people belittle your relationship. Young love is still love and it is strong! And when you are in a long-term relationship don't get discouraged if you want to get married. Ask yourself, "What do I really want?" And if you decide he or she is more important to you than marriage then that's between you two. But if marriage means that much to you, then you need to let he or she know. Just don't rush them. Because even if what you have is real, if you rush someone when they aren't ready for that commitment, they will always feel like you made them do it which will taint it.

And once you are engaged, ENJOY IT! Being engaged and planning a wedding has its stressors but it is certainly not stressful. Everyone else makes it stressful on you, but the experience itself isn't, as long as you stay true to you and what you want.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my favorite love story!

        -Candice Papierowicz  (Soon to be Vega)

5 Must Ask Questions for Potential Photobooth Vendors

Written with love, by Erika Crespo

‘Tis the season to . . .get hitched! If you’re a Bride or Groom on the verge of cementing your union as one, we know your mind must be all over the place right now.

“What venue will we have the reception at?”

“Who will cater our food?”

“Which makeup artist can I trust the most?”

“Will our DJ play the right songs?”

The list of questions, as you know, goes on. And we’re willing to bet the question of “should we hire a photo booth?” has popped up between you two lovebirds, especially as the popularity of these booths at weddings continues to grow. If you’re considering this option, there are a few questions you should be asking of each photo booth vendor who is competing for your business. Because just like everything else in life, no two vendors are alike.

1. Do you have references?

Hey, when you’re interviewed for jobs you’re asked the same question. Isn’t that what these vendors are doing --applying to be HIRED by you? If you are dealing with a reputable company, this request should not make them bat an eye. In fact, if they don’t happily offer up a couple references as well as their contact information, you may want to move on. Don’t forget to do your own homework and researching your vendors on sites like Yelp.

2. Is there an attendant operating the booth at all times?

Many assume this is a given, while many others assume the booth can run itself (technology, right?). We’re here to tell you: There should always, always be an attendant manning the booth. Or else, who is responsible for the product you are paying for? Who will save the day when little cousin Maggie hits the “Delete All” button on the accompanying computer? You get the point.

3. Can my photo strips be personalized?

It’s pretty standard for most photo strips to come customized with names and dates. But remember, these strips may be the one thing your guests hold on to for years after your wedding. They’ll forever leave an impression of your special day. Just as you asked for references, ask your vendor for examples of customizations they’ve done in the past, as well as their graphic design capabilities. (Customizable font? Colors? Designs? Layout?). As an example (and an excuse for us to show-off) below are two examples. One we did for a recent wedding, and one “the other guy” did. Which would you prefer your guests to go home with?

4. What if my guests want extra prints?

In the age of social media, having your own strip to go home with is great --but what to do about all those connections on Facebook who DON’T get to partake in your big day? And what if your guests want the freedom to print out more copies as well as tag themselves to be visible online? At the very least, your vendor should provide you a CD after the event with all images. Bonus points if they put them them up on their Facebook page in their own neat little album the very next day, for all to see, tag, and print. (Cough, cough. . .guess who does that?)

5. Can we come see the booth?

This is your BIG day. You don’t want some janky piece of cardboard in the corner of your reception area that looks more like a fire hazard than a legitimate accessory to your party. Vendors should allow you to schedule an appointment to stop by their offices and check out what you’re paying for. This is also a great opportunity to meet the staff and make sure your personalities and goals for your day align. 

There you have it. If you’re able to check off these 5 questions with ease, chances are you’re about to say “I Do” to your photo booth vendor. If you live in Southern California and are scratching your head on who to call, well --we’re always happy to talk.

---

Team i Heart Momo consists of talented photographers, graphic designers, and friendly associates working together to produce the best Photo Booth experience available in Southern California.

From the booking to the follow up after the event, we believe the Photo Booth experience should not only be simple but enjoyable too. Quick communication is one of our strengths and makes working with us stress free and will help you stay clear headed and focused.

At your event we always provide the most friendly associates, though to be honest, with all of the fun you will be having going in and out of the booth all night, you may not even notice them!

I want to change the world.

I want to change the world.

And I've wanted to from the time I was a little girl. While I've come to the realization that it is nearly impossible for me to change the entire world, I know that I can make a difference at least in someone's life.

I want to give back. I love donating and I love volunteering. And in my perfect world, I would start my own charitable organization and love every minute of work every single day. Because I would be making a difference. I would be changing lives, and in a smaller way, changing the world one step at a time.

With bills to pay and rent to cover, I know that starting a non-profit organization is just not going to work at this time in my life. I know it will some day, but I still have an urge - an urge to help, an urge to change, and urge to give.

So while it may be small, I am going to do what I love, in a very small way.

What huge thing doesn't start small, though? Everything starts somewhere, and I am starting here.

Today, The Overwhelmed Bride is making one small step toward a huge goal...

Our Nationwide Search

Today we will begin our nationwide search for a beautiful couple - a beautiful couple who deserves so much. It may be a couple who has served years and years for the freedom of our country, or a couple who has seen what may seem like the worst luck to us, but may have turned that luck into a great gift, in their eyes. We may find a couple who has been through thick and thin and has continued to inspire others, or an ordinary couple who is determined to make a difference in the world.

We are not looking for anyone specific, just a beautiful couple with a beautiful story. A beautiful couple who wants to make a difference in the world, just like I do.

We will continue our search until we feel we have found a couple that is right for this project. There is no deadline and no set date for the search, just continuing until we get the feeling - the same feeling you got when you found your husband or wife.

How the Circle O'Love Works

Once a couple is selected for this project, we will give them the opportunity to raise money for a charity that is close to their hearts. They may decide to raise money via social media, or set up a fundraising event. But no matter how they do it, they are making a difference.

And here is where the Circle O' Love comes into play...

The dollar amount raised and donated to the charity of their choice, will then become their wedding budget. I will be donating my services and seeking the help of other wedding professionals to donate wedding services that equal the amount of funds that have been raised and donated by the couple.

And that is how I want to change the world. That is how I will change the world.

...one small step at a time.

If you would like to nominate a beautiful couple or if you are a wedding professional who would love to donate your wedding services to the couple we choose, please visit the "Circle O'Love" tab at the top of this page! And please help us spread the word, so that we may find the perfect couple to start making our difference in the world.
 

Let the Circle O'Love begin!