Monday, November 28, 2011

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!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thank You!

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

Happy Turkey Day!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sunday, November 13, 2011

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.

Friday, November 11, 2011

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 StudioTru 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.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

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.