It’s been a while since I’ve made a “walking in…” post. Well, the only places I’ve been walking in recently were grocery stores and same old sightseeing places in LA with gazillion guest visitors last month. But last weekend we were so lucky to go for a wedding trip to Charleston, South Carolina.
To say that I was excited is to say nothing. I LOVE historic architecture and we don’t have it much here in LA. Charleston was founded in mid-17th century with tons of treasures to explore. Needless to say I was completely enchanted with charming little street, white porches and intimate gardens of residences, and southern food with its buttery sauces.
<images via me>
Today exactly 3 years ago I married the most amazing man on earth (sorry to break it down to you, single ladies, but yes – he’s already taken:) and those 3 years were the most blessed years of my life. I cant’ thank the God enough for bringing us together from across the planet. Seriously, what were the chances for a guy from Los Angeles to meet a gal from Shadrinsk? But here we are, honey, and I can’t cherish enough every second spent with you. You really make me a better person and I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life in our arms. I love you!
To celebrate the anniversary we set up the shoot with tremendously talented photographer and my dear friend Jenn Hoffman. Jenn did an amazing job capturing us as we are as well as luscious Downtown LA architecture (which, as you understand, was very important for me). Jenn is the best and can’t recommend her enough. Check our her site and prepare to be impressed!
And now, you guys get the first sneak peek of out shoot! 
<images via www.jennhoffmanphotography.com>
It’s about time to invite you all on a quick tour of my native town. Shadrinsk (I actually can’t believe that someone was kind enough to create the Wikipedia page for it:) is a small town lost somewhere by the border between Europe and Asia. As one of my school instructors said, if you close your eyes and throw a dart in the map of Russia, it ‘ll be somewhere there. Founded in 1662, it was a trade point during the monarchy.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?q=shadrinsk&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Shadrinsk,+Province+of+Kurgan,+Russia&gl=us&ei=LYidTNraF4mqsAO38e3VAQ&ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA&ll=56.0877,63.636089&spn=53.548555,180.527344&z=3&output=embed&w=425&h=350]
But what I really like and miss the most is the nature: lush forests, rivers and lakes, mineral water. 
What I really wanted to focus on the most during my last visit is the architecture. Nothing major there but we do have a few buildings left from the 19th-early 20th centuries, which really give the town its charm. 
These brick beauties as if still carry the pride and honor of their once wealthy trade masters. I really wanted to capture the buildings before they turn into these… 
It makes me so sad to see the history being abandoned while instead we are rushing to build the faceless concrete boxes.
Anyways, what you really want to look for when visiting a small Russian town is the window legend. Literary, old windows have some legends. Look at these incredible woodwork which is unique and made by hand. 
So if you ever in that area – drop me a line, my mom is always happy to meet the guests.
<images via me>
For me the best part of Sacramento is its residential part. Rarely I see such a perfect combination of beautiful architecture dawning in greenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
I started my trip with the tour of the Governor’s Mansion. With the rich history behind, the place is like a time machine where you can see the transfer of style from Victorian to the 50s turquoise kitchen. 
Leland Stanford Mansion was just as impressive if not more. Unfortunately no photography is allowed inside. 
As for the mere mortals, they have nothing to complain about. The regular streets are full of old charms. 
<images via me>
Being a soccer wife does have some benefits. Besides witnessing games’ highlights live, every now and then we get the unplanned road trips. So last weekend we went to Sacramento (hence the lack of posts). Surprisingly small town (for the capital of California), it possesses such an irresistible charm that I couldn’t help but snuck out in between the games to just walk the streets and take it all in.
Sacramento’s architecture is a clad of Victorian, Colonial, American Federalist, Greek and all sorts of Classical Revivals. Yum! Needless to say that my whole historical entity was having a blast.
Capitol Building (1861 – 1874) 
California Western Life Building (now Citizen Hotel) – 1925 
Ruhstaller Building – 1898
Masonic Temple – 1920
Elk Building – 1926
Pioneer Hall – 1868 and Merchant National Bank – 1921
Old Sacramento 
<images via me>
