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....