Keeping the Gifts Coming

So Christmas is coming a little late in the Reenie Rose camp.  It's the holiday season, so why not extend gift giving a little bit longer than December 25th.

First off, I have to introduce you to the photographer behind the camera that captured Sarah and Ernest's wedding day this past October.  A new find for me, Jaclyn Simpson is a photographer that I can't wait to get to know better.  We already have so much in common....good food, traveling, and art!

1.  How long have you been in  business?  
Four years (give or take)

2.   Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?  
Weddings and Portraits

3.  Who or what are your  favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session? 
I love to photograph people. I also really enjoy photographing great details and styled photo shoots.

4.  What do you like about working in the  wedding industry?  
I love that I am able to be a part of one of the happiest days in my clients’ lives. I also love the community of  professionals and vendors in the wedding industry.

5.  When  you are not working, what are you up to?
Enjoying good food and friends in Chicago or traveling.

6.  Anything new and exciting  coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)   
I am in the process of starting a completely separate  and exciting new brand just for portraits.

 Definitely pay Jaclyn a little visit at www.jaclynsimpson.com.

And now for the big unveiling...here is Sarah and Ernest's painting....completed!!!

There wasn't anyone out there willing to take a bold stab at the hour count on this one, so I'll give in.....a whopping 63 hours!!!  I couldn't believe it either!  Quality takes time.

Speaking of time, don't forget that you have until December 31, 2011 to book a painting at the 2011 prices.  Paintings will be going up next year, so don't wait...treat yourself to a late Christmas gift!  You know you deserve it!

Another Gift

Is it really Christmas weekend?  That just doesn't seem right.  Maybe it's because of the lack of snow covering the ground with no foreseeable snow in the immediate future.....Christmas miracle anyone?

Well here's a mini-miracle/holiday gift for you....a painting update.

So the next update will be the finished painting!  Can you believe it!?  Anyone want to throw out some guesses on the total amount of hours put into this one?  If anyone guesses correctly, a prize is surely deserved.

In the meantime, it is the holidays.  Enjoy the precious gifts of friends and family and be gracious for the love that surrounds you....I know I am.

A Painting with a Plan

Ok, I just can't wait anymore.  I am dying to share with you the wonderful team that made Sarah and Ernest's wedding possible.   Most importantly, this painting wouldn't have happened without the gracious referral from team leader Hilary Schwartz of Estera Events.

If there's any part of a wedding that I recommend the most (besides a fabulous florist), it is hiring a planner.  I can't imagine relying on a family friend or, heaven forbid, my mom, to make sure everything is in tip top shape the day of my hypothetical wedding.  Put it all in the hands of the professional and let the guests enjoy.  I've played the part of the consultant before, and there is nothing like the joy you feel when you bring complete calm and assurance over what can be the most important and stressful day in a couple's life.  Hilary is one of those people that easily makes you feel this peace when you are in her presence....imagine what she could do for your wedding day!

1.  How long have you been in business?

I started Estera Events in February of 2010, after working the previous 9 years as both an Interior Designer and Floral Designer.

2.  Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?

Given my background, I love to help my clients create a conceptual direction for their event that suits their personalities and budget. We are involved in every single element to ensure a cohesive vision. We also design and produce details for the bride such as personalized Welcome Bags for the guests, innovative Escort Card displays and unique Place Setting embellishments at the table.

3.  What would be your dream event creation?

My dream isn’t so much for a particular event; rather, I am excited about fulfilling my dream of increasing Estera Events’ presence on the West Coast. Ultimately, I’d also like to do more exotic destination weddings--especially during Chicago winters!

4.  Wedding trend you love and one you’d like to see disappear?

I love the return to traditional details such as the ‘send off’ at the end of the evening. As far as a trend I’d like to see disappear--well, I have an aversion to tented escort cards. We always try to push the boundaries and make things a bit more interesting for our couples.

5.  Craziest request you’ve had?

We’re currently working with a bride who has requested a ‘Tennessee Circus, Betty Paige meets Mumford and Sons’ theme for her wedding next year. Sounds crazy – but we love it!!

6.  What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

Aside from designing and creating the quintessential wedding day for a couple, I really appreciate the camaraderie among the vendors in this industry. It’s refreshing to be surrounded by so many talented and supportive individuals.

7.   When you are not working, what are you up to?

When am I not working! I have to admit, I love my job and don’t feel like it’s all work! When I do take time off, however, I enjoy traveling – particularly to the Bed and Breakfast owned by my family in Missouri (Inn at Clover Hill).

8.  Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)

Stay tuned for a Valentine’s Day event in late January, an exclusive dinner party in February, and not to mention all of our fabulous 2012 weddings! 

 

Thank you so much Hilary!!!  Eeee!  I can't wait to see what Estera Events has in store for 2012!  Be sure to visit her at www.EsteraEvents.com.

And now the update....

There are more to come.....

Indie Wed Ticket Deal!

Happy Monday!  Ah, back to the work week.  I've been cranking on this painting lately and am dying to show you some updates, but I'm waiting for some ingredients to add before I post.  So, instead I bring you a super fantastic deal this week....Indie Wed tickets on sale until December 16th....that's Friday folks!

Tickets are priced as follows:

* Early Bird (through Dec. 16th) = $12 per single / $20 per 2-pack
* Online  (through Jan. 27th) = $15 per single / $25 per 2-pack
* At The Door  = $20 per person

As you can see, the "Early Bird Special" is a really great deal (technically half off if you purchase 2 tickets).  Click on the box below to get your tickets in order to pay me a visit at my booth during this fun event.

Ok, and because I am so nice and have the patience of a 2 year old, here's a little peak at my painting progress....

Trust me, there are a lot more updates where this came from.  As a "thank you", you can go buy your tickets to Indie Wed now.  Monday is looking up.
Your welcome.

Introducing a Blumen Bouquet!

It's been gloomy all weekend, but I've found it to be the perfect weather to put up my Christmas decorations and start another painting.

You'll remember the beautiful bouquet that Blumen created for Sarah and Ernest's fall wedding that Estera Events coordinated....

Welp, Sarah and Ernest have chosen a composition...and I love it!

Isn't this a lovely representation of Sarah's bouquet....especially in a 20 x 20 inch format?

Lots of great updates to come about this one....

Whatever Happened to That One?

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  I managed to indulge in anything I saw fit for consumption all weekend long and now need to find a way to shrink my stomach back to a normal size.  Suggestions anyone?

Feeling a bit nostalgic, I'm going to dig back in the Reenie Rose vault of projects and revisit a painting I haven't posted about in ages....

Remember this one?  Well, it was a gift, and the thing with gifts is that they can get pushed down the priority scale.  Knowing that I was going to see these friends this Thanksgiving, I got my butt into gear, and viola....a long awaited finished painting.

Flowers by Creations by Lily

Lately it seems that I haven't had the chance to personally witness the unveiling of a painting to a client, so it was refreshing to my spirit to witness Dani and Michael love their gift in front of me.  Of course, I neglected to capture it on camera.  On the other hand, I did capture something worth thanking them for....

Thank you, Dani and Michael, for providing an amazing Thanksgiving spread!  I hope your painting brightens all of your days.  xoxo

Beautiful Painting, Beautiful People

I really and truly love all of the vendors I get the chance to work with.  Never have I been in an industry where everyone is so helpful, generous, talented and basically good people.  Since I work at home solo, getting to work outside the "office" with others that completely enhance my work day is incredibly gratifying.  With this being said, Maureen and Kevin's painting is finished!  Check out this loveliness...

Don't you just love these colors!

And now the two people that made this painting possible....and I'm not talking about the bride and groom.  Because Maureen and Kevin booked their painting with me after their wedding, I had to rely on their vendors for the details.  Lucky for me, I was able to work with florist Megan Musschoot of Pistil and Vine and Darcy Demmel of  Darcy Demmel Photography. 

If you haven't stopped into Pistil and Vine yet, go!  Megan has a lovely store front with a vine covered ceiling that transports you into a wonderland of sweet smells, products and, of course, flowers galore!  Though her shop and talent are fabulous, I really cannot say enough about her as a person.  She is so sweet and kind-hearted that you feel an instant connection with her.  There are a couple of projects we have in the making, so this certainly isn't the last time you'll be hearing about Megan. 

Here are some words from her....

1.  How long have you been in business?

Pistil & Vine opened March 17th, 2011 so we are approaching our 9 month mark!  I have been a designer in the floral industry for over 13 years, continuing my passion though Pistil & Vine.

2.  Gotta ask...what’s your favorite flower?

This is a hard question but I really love....peonies! (and EVERYTHING with great texture, really!)

3.  Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?

My specialty is working closely with my clients on their special events, especially weddings.  I feel events represent an emotion and I love to capture that through details in my designs.

4.  What would be your dream creation?

This sounds rehearsed BUT, I would have to say, doing what I do for a living, is a dream...and each "creation" is a notation, a caption, a punctuation that reflect this.

5.  Craziest request you’ve had?

About 5-6 years ago I was asked to hop on a plane to Bermuda and in 72 hours design 5 events for 1200 people on a corporate incentive program for 10 days.  "NO problem, I have my passport!", was my response.  I love a challenge.

6.  What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

Meeting really amazing people!

7.  When you are not working, what are you up to?

Hanging with my husband, Mike and Labrador Murphy.  We love the outdoors, entertaining and going to local music venues for a quick show now and again.

8.  Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)

We are gearing up to start hosting small floral classes for all levels of experience this winter...stay tuned for more bits on that :)

The flowers may have been created by Megan, but the photo used to create this painting was made possible by Darcy of Darcy Demmel Photography.  Darcy is newer to the Chicago scene, but she is already expanding in all directions with lots of potential to be a "go to" photographer in the wedding department.  She is another super wonderful person that I feel like I've known forever yet have really only met twice in person.  A big thank you to Darcy for capturing Maureen and Kevin's wedding perfectly and taking the time to also photograph their painting.

Here's Darcy's voice.... 

1.  How long have you been in business?

 Eeee... I have been in the industry for about three years and I am just completing one full year in business for myself:-)  One year married, one year Chicagoan, one year full time business owner.  My best year yet! 

 

2.  Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?

Color and connecting.  I love meeting new people, connecting with them and creating beautiful images for their home.  Color is huge for me, spicing it up as far as outfits, accessories and shoes goes is a must.    

3.  Who or what are your favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session?  

 Aside from a blushing bride on her wedding day... last spring I did a photo shot with my 80 + year old grandparents that have been married for 62 years.... some of my favorite images I have ever taken.  Fortunately they are still here with us, but when they aren't I will hold tightly to these images I have taken.

4.  Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera?

A rain storm in death valley, we should have been heading for cover but I snapped a panoramic of the storm coming in just before it started to pour...  the shot was published in Southwest Magazine. 

 

5.  What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

The creativity, the magic of the day, the anticipation and excitement.  It is also a bonus working with people that are excited to have this moment of their lives captured... I am creating history for these couple to pass down to their grandchildren!

 

6.  When you are not working, what are you up to?

I am always working... they say that when you love what you do it doesn't seem like work and the hours just pass away.  I truly feel blessed to do what I do and can honestly say this about myself.  I am always editing, reading, studying.... and if I'm not I'm probably traveling with my husband and taking photos of him:-) 

 

7.  What is one thing that’s on your bucket list?

To photograph an international wedding, Brazil or India! 

 8.  Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)

Next year Darcy Demmel Photography will be adding another genre to our mix of portraiture which is elderly photography.  If you have an grandparent, favorite aunt or uncle or special older couple that I could photograph please send them my way!!

Thank you sooooo much ladies!  I look forward to posting about you again very soon!

Thank You!

It's so nice to be surrounded by friends and family this Thanksgiving.

Happy Turkey Day!

Mini Maureen and Kevin Updates

I wanted to give you some eye candy as a weekend treat. 

Coming along. 

Purplely Painting

Time to introduce you to my next painting.

Maureen and Kevin were married this past October in Chicago and had the smarts to hire Pistil & Vine to create their flowers.  More on the talent behind Pistil & Vine later.  For now, take a look at what Maureen walked down the aisle with....

 

This is the composition Maureen chose after having several selections to muster through....a purplely 20 x 20 inch painting.  Love the colors!

Progress has been made, and there are special things in store for this project.  You'll just have to stay tuned...or send me your guesses.

Unveiling So Many Things

It's the moment we've all been waiting for....the unveiling of Laura & D.R's painting.  Thank you everyone for being so patient.  There were a few finishing touches I wanted to add to this post before presenting it, including a new photographer I want to introduce you to.
So, here it is...

Flowers by Elegant Creations in New Jersey

There are so many amazing flowers going on in this piece with subtle hints of color that make it more than an all white bouquet. 
The painting was captured perfectly by one of my new favorite photographers...Anne Truppe of Tru Studio.  Tru Studio is a husband/wife team comprised of Anne and Steve and their love for viewing all things beautiful behind the lens of their cameras.  Here are the answers to a few questions Reenie Rose decided to ask Tru Studio:

1. How long have you been in business?

 We have been in business for just over a year!

 

2. Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?

 Bringing out people's emotions and documenting it in an artistic yet honest and true-to-life fashion. 

 

3. Who or what are your favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session?

 People who are completely in love, who are fun, quirky, and have an appreciation for art and design. We love to have a good time, and always love working with people who don't take themselves too seriously and can laugh along with us. 

 

4. Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera?

 Somehow we always seem to put ourselves into compromising positions while on shoots. For example, Anne ended up in a pothole one time and Steve dove into a pine tree. We do our best to capture these very 'professional' moments for our private collection. :) 

 

5. What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

 We have been so impressed with how open and collaborative everyone in the industry is. It's refreshing to be surrounded by such talented, driven people. In regards to our clients, we enjoy having the opportunity to meet and work with various types of people. We love working so closely with our couples and have even made some great friends! 

 

6. When you are not working, what are you up to?

 Well, we are a bit of workaholics :) but, when we finally tear ourselves away we love to make French Press coffee, go hiking and enjoying the outdoors, traveling to new places, creating design projects, decorating our apartment, and cooking together - food pretty much rules our life, especially pizza! 

 

7. Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about?

 Now that our wedding season is finished, we are looking forward to having more time to shoot for ourselves. We have been dreaming up shoot concepts to continue to push ourselves as artists and keep things fresh. You'll have to stay tuned!

Thanks Anne and Steve!  I'm looking forward to many more opportunities to work together!

Before I forget, the answer to last post's mystery image of Paula Jean and Brian's painting plus print...

Print on the left; painting on the right

Pretty close, huh!?  Something to keep in mind when looking to fill some wall space.  Prints are a great, affordable option and still very unique....not many people own prints thus far.

On that note, happy weekend to everyone and happy Veteran's Day to all those that have and are currently serving our country so bravely.  We owe so much to your service.  Thank you.

Seeing Double

It's almost the weekend, and this week has seemed to pass by in a whirlwind of business activity.  I have so many exciting things to share but need to contain myself and share the good stuff in small doses.  I know everyone is just dying to see Laura and D.R.'s painting finished.  Well, I have news....it is finished....but no sneak peaks just yet.  The painting is slumbering in my studio drying and getting ready for it's photo shoot tomorrow with a new photographer I will be introducing you to.  So, hold tight.  Patience.

In the meantime, I have a different photographer for you.  You see, with each painting I finish, I am now going to be introducing you to another great talent.  The wedding community is so gractious and helpful that I figure I might as well share the love while also getting a minor perk out of the deal....my paintings photographed professionally...ready to be printed in a heartbeat.

First, we go back a bit.  You'll remember Paula Jean and Brian's painting:

Again, with the love of the wedding industry, this couple was referred to me by the always wonderful, Kehoe Designs.  As a "thank you" to Kehoe, I am providing them with a print of the gorgeous bouquet they created.  In comes Kenny of Nakai Photography.  He graciously volunteered to take the photos of this painting so it could be printed just as perfectly as the painting was painted.  Now, you tell me....which is the print and which is the painting?

Click to enlarge

Pretty close, huh?  I'll let you leave your guesses as a comment below, and we'll revisit this answer in my next post.  In the meantime, meet Kenny.  He is an award winning photographer located in Lincoln Park where he shares an amazing studio with florist Vale of Enna.  Kenny is just the nicest guy with a pile of talent on top of that.  I'm so excited for him because he is getting married next year and is now playing the role of "the client" in his own industry.  Can you imagine being a photographer and having to choose someone to photograph your most special day?  All I could say to Kenny was "good luck".

Here's what Kenny had to say to a few questions asked by Reenie Rose:

1. How long have you been in business?

I just completed my 5th year in the wedding business! 3 yrs going full time

 
2. Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?

I definitely strive to be creative - but at the same time keeping it authentic, beautiful and timeless.

3. Who or what are your favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session?

I love photographing people - couples in love, families, children...anything where there's emotions

 
4. Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera?

I spent time volunteering my time with a non-profit - and I was in Japan 1 week after the Tsunami.  It was crazy to see houses upside down in the middle of a field.  Or to a whole neighborhood leveled...only the foundations remained. 

5. What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

 I love the wedding industry- because I get to capture special moments for couples to cherish forever.  They are photos they will look at...their kids will look at...and their grandkids! What a privilege to be such an intimate part of their lives!

 
6. When you are not working, what are you up to?

 I am recently engaged myself! So I am enjoying my time w/my fiance as well as wedding planning! Just like my clients!  =) I definitely have more empathy for those in the wedding planning process!

 
7. Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about?

 I am looking forward to doing more family portraits here in my photography studio! Newborns, toddlers, and generational photos! I found a new passion for portraits and I can't wait for the new year!

Well I know the holidays are coming upon us, and I'm thinking about Christmas cards.  Isn't it obvious....family photo session with Kenny!  Oh, and a Reenie Rose print in some nice gift wrap.
Thanks so much for sharing with us Kenny!  Definitely go checkout more of his work right now.

2 Weddings, 1 Update & a Birthday

It's Friday evening, the St. Louis Cardinals have won the world series and I feel like I've finished day 1 of my work week.  This past weekend / the beginning of this week all run together as one extended jumble of wedding activity and celebration.  I guess this could be one of the benefits of owning one's own business....the work week starts and ends according to me.

So, if I back track a bit, the first wedding of the weekend was for a new client of mine.  Sarah booked me back in June when Estera Events recommended I "preserve" her fall wedding bouquet.  Happy to do so, I've been waiting for the unveiling for months!  Drum roll please....

Ta da!  Amy at Blumen put together a fabulous bouquet of color, texture and character.  I've taken a look at some of the compositional photos I've taken, and all I can say is that this is one photogenic bouquet.  No matter what Sarah chooses, she's going to have a stunning painting at the end of this process.

Speaking of stunning, wedding number 2 took place on Sunday with not only a gorgeous bouquet but a bride fit for Hollywood.  My best friend Abra tied the knot with Peter, the man of her dreams, at Salvage One in a most elegant affair.

 Isn't she beautiful!  Her flowers were such a compliment to her style.  Bravo to Carolyn and Natalie at Hello Darling for taking Abra's vision and bringing it to life....with only their initial consultation...no mockups.  That's talent.

Of course, Abra and Peter will be receiving a painting as a gift.....when things settle down a bit.  I get one year to produce a wedding gift...right!?

In regards to paintings already in progress, Laura and D.R.'s is coming along.  I anticipate a finished painting this weekend!

And finally, the thing I wasn't going to mention, but could actually use some imput on....my birthday.  Yes, I celebrated my 30th birthday this past Tuesday...with much reluctance on my part.  My friends and family, however, had a surprise in store for me and forced me to acknowledge this new decade in my life (thank goodness wine was involved).  I'm slowly coming around to the idea of 30, but could use some support and advice.  Any words of wisdom for this single, 30 year old living in the city, running her own business?

Laura and D.R. update

I've been cranking on this painting these past couple of days and have made some progress.  Take a look...

Back to Canvas

Back to bouquet paintings.  Seems like it's been awhile since I've sat in front of a canvas.  My plan is to crack down on the next one because there is a lovely lineup of paintings to follow.
So, here she is....

Stats:  16 x 20 inches
           Ivory bouquet of roses, calla lilies & orchids
           Bride and groom- Laura & D.R.
           Wedding location- New York, NY

 Checkout the full shot of this cascading bouquet!  I think I've alluded to the fact that it has a cascading feature in the composition chosen.

 

Next post, some paint on this puppy.  Anyone want to place a guess on how long this one will take me?

The Great Michigan Adventure

6 days, 3 cities, lots of job connections.  I just finished up my whirlwind weekend of visits with friends and work work work in Michigan.  When I return to Michigan, I can't just stop in one place and do one thing....no, I feel the need to hit up anyone and everyone in the area.  The triangle visit started in Kalamazoo where I reconnected with some friends (one of which is getting married and has interest in a painting).  From there I headed up to beautiful Traverse City for a most interesting project.
First of all, check out the color show currently going on in this state.  The commercial has got it right with the whole "Pure Michigan" campaign.

I am so lucky to have the greatest of friends to stay with when I visit Traverse City.  My old college roommate and the rest of her family welcome me in with open arms and make my stay extra special every time.  Plus, this is the view I have from their house....you can't get this from the local hotels.

The main reason I ventured up north was for a specific painting project.  I was hired by The Inman Company to paint haunted mansions at 2 different casinos.  Now, this is a little off the Reenie Rose beaten path, but I love these opportunities that give me a challenge and allow me to use my skill in a totally new way.
So, 2 haunted mansions, 2 casinos, 3 days.....talk about a challenge.  The first part of the process was to paint all of these cutout pieces to place on the facade.  Because these were houses that people would not be able to go inside and experience, the outside had to have a special character to it.

 

To go into the complexity of this project would take too long, but let's just say that a team of 5 of us came together and created an unbelievable display at these two venues.

27 hours of my time spent at Turtle Creek Casino and here's the result!  Everything with gray paint was done by my hand.

Love the Adam's family!!

Once Turtle Creek was finished, we moved on to casino #2...Leelanau Sands.  This one was smaller, but just as intense.  We got to the casino at 3pm and worked until 11:30pm.  It was like sprinting a marathon.

 

 I'm so proud to have been a part of this project and want to thank Shane of The Inman Company for allowing me to be a part of it....despite what my aching body is now saying.

From Traverse City I headed to Grand Rapids to visit with another couple of friends, enjoy GR's new found glory...Art Prize and speak to a couple of illustration classes at my alma mater, Grand Valley State University.  What a fabulous end cap to a weekend filled with lots of driving, art and hard work.  Enjoying artwork around the city and speaking to students about my business made me realize how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing.  When business and pleasure blend together without boundaries, it's such a blessing.  On that note, I leave you with an image from Art Prize of a mural currently in the top 10 to win.  I voted for it.