Post: Alexis
Photos: Alexis & Mitchell Morfas

I first met Erin when I visited her icon studio in hopes of learning the sacred art of iconography. While we did speak about icons that day, we also covered a myriad of subjects and found that we share many of the same passions: most notably our passion for food and hospitality! When Erin later shared her vision with me for the cookbook, Hospitality and Joy, we immediately found ourselves collaborating. Two years later, we have launched the cookbook pre-sale and you are reading the start of our Hospitality and Joy blog! This project has become our baby as we work nights and weekends or grab a few minutes at lunch to share ideas and plan the next shoot!

Naturally, I've been blessed to spend much time with Erin during the planning and shooting process of the cookbook. It didn't take long for us to realize that we share the same blessing/curse of the "do it all" syndrome. We love so many different things and want to do EVERYTHING! I think she would wholeheartedly agree with me when I say that one of the biggest struggles in my life is that I don't have enough time or energy in my day to do, read, learn, and experience all of the things that I want to! Not only do we share a wide variety of creative interests and deep love for the Holy Orthodox Church, we often times find that we almost mirror each other in thought, habit, and all-around work ethic. We have many ideas and are always eager to turn them into action!

That being said, it was natural, perhaps even inevitable, that our conversation in her icon studio would lead to our collaboration on the cookbook and ultimately to the creation of this blog! The cookbook is a tribute to Erin's beloved Sitey (her grandmother) and an anthology of her hosting secrets and most popular recipes. The blog provides both Erin and I with a sharing space for the recipes and moments of our everyday lives. Our initial conversation over the sacred art of iconography has developed into a friendship and creative partnership that we hope will glorify God and inspire you to create memorable moments around your table.