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!