Christmas Surprise Painting!

Just in time for Christmas,  Kaleen and Michael's cotton and Irish bloom-filled painting is finished!

Talk about a great story behind this one.....
In February of this year, I traveled to Ireland to visit a friend with hopes of creating a photoshoot out there too.  Weather was not on our side, and the southern portion of the country where the shoot was planned for was out of commission with flooding, power outages and road closures.  Despite our bad luck, I had the joy of connecting via Facebook with a lovely florist in Cork, Ireland.... Carrie O'Connor at The Best of Buds.  Her talents are amazing, and her kindness was incredibly generous.  Her sweetness lead a client of hers to me......Kaleen and Michael were married in Dingle, Ireland, but unbeknown to them, Kaleen's mother has purchased a painting for them as a Christmas gift.  I love these gifts.  The thoughtfulness that has gone into this painting by all parties involved really makes this season bright.

Photo by Poppies and Me

Even though their wedding was in May, I think this bouquet has a real winter warmness to it.

I kind of forgot to take a few progress shots in the beginning.

A gift to share with everyone.  Happy holidays to all of my friends, family, co-workers, clients and everyone in-between.  

Wishing you all the prettiness today and into the new year!

xoxo

Meet the Venue | Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

The holiday spirit is among us, and I can't think of a better place that brings the warm and fuzzies of the season than the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois.  My family has spent many a Thanksgiving holiday there, as well as my sister's wedding this past August.  Every year we went around Thanksgiving, the lodge and surrounding area was already decked out with their Christmas decor that you felt closer to December than turkey time.  So, in honor of the festivities that are edging closer and closer, I thought it would be fun to feature this venue that I hold so close to my heart.  In addition, Megan, the event planner for my sister's wedding, was so fabulous and definitely worth hearing from.

Photo courtesy of Unposed Photography

If you ever need a weekend getaway from the city (for those of you in the Chicago area), I highly suggest Eagle Ridge for a nearby retreat!

I reached out to Megan to answer a few questions about the resort....

1.  What is your main job at Eagle Ridge?
My official title is Catering Sales Manager. My job is to plan and oversee Weddings and Special Events such as Vow Renewals, Family Reunions, Bachelor and Bachelorette parties just to name a few. My unofficial title is Swiss Army Knife… I have worked in most positions in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry and am more than happy to fill in wherever needed.

2.  How long has Eagle Ridge been around?
As one of the Midwest's most unique full-service golf and spa resorts, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa offers an array of exciting experiences, as well as the perfect destination to take advantage of its pristine beauty and relaxing getaway opportunities. The resort is a natural backdrop to the picturesque setting of the 6,800-acre Galena Territory – a recreational and residential development built by the Branigar Organization in the early 1970’s. It’s abundant wildlife, rolling hills, peaceful lake and dramatic vistas were the perfect setting for a world-class resort and its close proximity to the historic town of Galena instantly made the area popular with vacationers.


Accommodations at Eagle Ridge range from 80 beautifully appointed rooms at the main lodge – or simply ‘the Inn’, to roughly 200 spacious, individually private-owned one-to-six+ bedroom villas and distinctive homes each enhanced by modern amenities and luxurious features.  This unique lodging arrangement not only offers guests the traditional luxury hotel room experience, but it also presents a more private alternative in our inventory of free standing homes which lend themselves beautifully to families, group getaways, wedding parties, executive retreats and even group meeting venues.

3.  Toot your own horn....what is the venue’s specialty?
Eagle Ridge goes above and beyond to accommodate our Guests and make them feel welcome. We pay a great deal of attention to the details and do our best personalize each stay and make it a memorable one.

4.  What would be your dream event creation?
A Celebrity Wedding. (Preferably Jennifer Aniston’s, I’m a big fan!) 

5.  Wedding trend you love and one you’d like to see disappear?
The trends that I love are seeing the personalized things/trends that Brides do. Some favs include different colored Bridal Gowns, going with black and gold linens instead of the traditional white, not having programs and doing a chalkboard or sign instead just to name a few. I don’t think that there is a trend that I would like to see disappear…. I think that every Bride is different and I love different trends/styles for each of them based on their personalities and tastes.

6. Craziest request you’ve had??
Umm, honestly, I don’t think I can say that I’ve ever had any request too crazy. I’ll be sure to let you know when I do though. lol

7.  What is something uncommon you wish your clients knew about Eagle Ridge?
We have had celebrity’s stay here.  When the movie field of dreams was filmed the cast stayed at Eagle Ridge. 
Also, our Chef creates a completely edible Gingerbread house every winter. I have attached a fun fact sheet about that as well.

8.  Favorite thing to do outside the territory?
I love nature, which Galena is great for! But besides kayaking and taking our two adorable beagles for long walks out near the nature preserve just outside of town. My guilty pleasure is Sushi! Date night with my husband is one of my favorite things to do and we dine at Little Tokyo in downtown Galena as often as possible. It’s delicious!

9.  Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about?
The second phase of multiphase renovations will be taking place soon which will concentrate on all our guest rooms in the inn and courtyard. We are all very excited about this!

Megan Carter

Catering Sales Manager

Weddings & Special Events

384 Territory Drive

Galena, IL  61036

(815) 776-5027 Office

(815) 275-3287 Cell Phone

(815) 777-0445 Fax

mcarter@eagleridge.com

www.eagleridge.com

http://www.eagleridge.com

Thanks so much Megan!!!  Oooo, and thank you for this tasty treat.....