The All New "Hey Gorgeous Events"

It's so gray outside today as we wait for some semblance of snow to happen in order to make our Christmas a white one.  I thought a big dose of sunshine would be most appropriate, and I have the perfect package to make this happen.  I say "package" because there is a whole bundle that includes a  new website, video, awesome blog and relaunch party that surrounds this one sparkly person.  Allow me to elaborate....

In January, at the beginning of this year, my mom and I had the pleasure of meeting Rhiannon of Hey Gorgeous Events at the Sage Wedding Pros workshop.  We instantly fell in love with her spunky personality and "love of all things pretty".  Since this Canadian gal now resides in Western Michigan, close to my beloved GVSU, we have had the joy of sharing a visit a couple of times.  So, when Rhi announced her big relaunch party for her new website, we knew we couldn't pass up a 3 hour drive to celebrate with her.

Rhi's brand was already beautiful to begin with, but now she has really stepped it up! Take a look at her site this instant, and love it....and then get back to reading here.

Of course, her party was a perfect match to the redesign with catered nibbles and sweets, beautiful florals, a canvas of her artistry to sign and to-go Starbucks cups filled with little samples of love.

The extra bonus to the party was the people there.  Rhi knows good peeps.  

I was so lucky to get to meet Amy Carroll of Amy Carroll Photography in person and discover that she is even sweeter than the original blog post I featured her in for Kelly and Matt's painting....here.  

A couple other names to drop and be sure to look for in 2013:

-Parsonage Events - Another mother daughter team that creates stunning florals and provides rentals for events to complete the perfect day.  I just loved Liz...so much that she bought a calendar!

-Red Heels Events - Michelle first caught my eye with the cute dress she was wearing with these pretty red shoes to compliment.  Upon receiving her business card, I saw that she was bringing her brand to life!  You have to visit her site to sneak a peak at her and how she brings every event full circle.

-Pixel and Hank - I love when you meet someone and realize that you do actual know each other already.  Daisy and I went to Grand Valley together, and though we were in different majors (Daisy in graphic design and I in illustration), we very much remembered each other.  How fantastic that we are both practicing some kind of art form linked to weddings as our careers!  She creates the most beautiful handmade accessories.

Not bad for a 3 hour evening and 200 mile trek to get there.  Mom and I loved every minute of it and are both so proud of Rhi.

Rhi, continue to inspire with all the pretty that surrounds us, your zest for life and personality that could spark a fire.  You inspire me to truly be myself...and to have fun!!!  You're climbing to the top lady!!

xoxo

Meet the Photographer: Argentina Leyva Photography

I played Santa today and dropped off Argentina and Jesse's completed painting at Argentina's photography studio.  It's always a thrill to be present when a client sees their painting for the first time.  Even better...the painting is a surprise for Argentina's husband!  She's going to have it framed and show him on Christmas!  Love...

The bonus of the day was getting a tour of Argentina's studio.  I had no idea that this hidden gem was so amazing and that she is now even renting it out for events.

I got to know Argentina a bit more, and thought you might like to know her and her services too!  She's a fantastic photographer with a real eye for making her clients feel so comfortable and natural.  Take a look...

1.  How long have you been in business? 10 years

2.  Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty? I started as a wedding photographer and switched to Boudoir 3 years ago. Now I do 5 to 6 weddings a year and about 200 Boudoir sessions a year.

3.  Who or what are your favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session? Women. I like to make women look their best in photographs. My dream session is an exotic destination wedding to photograph the bride in her wedding gown as well as a Boudoir session in an exotic resort suite.

4.  Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera? Every session has that one image that stands among all that I can’t believe I created.

5.  What do you like about working in the wedding industry? The reaction of brides and women when they see their images and how beautiful they look

6.  What is something you wish your clients knew about your job? It’s physically very demanding and I have to stay in shape to keep up with the physical activity, I’m 42 after all!

7.  When you are not working, what are you up to? Thinking on how I can become a better photographer and better service provider to my clients, I’m always working, it’s my hobby!

8.  Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally) I will be creating Boudoir images of all my staff and myself. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of our clients to better understand the needs and create a better experience. I’m also going to be partnering up with a large wedding studio in Chicago, FIG Productions, to shoot more weddings but they will be doing all the album design process.

Here are some images from Argentina's boudoir gallery:

A year or so ago I worked Mandy and Nick's wedding as their day of coordinator which is how I first met Argentina.  Here are a few shots from their special day:

Love them!!  Visit Argentina's site to view more of her work and also enter to win a free boudoir session.  I'm thinking a belated holiday gift or getting a head start on Valentine's Day! 

Thank you for sharing Argentina!  We can't wait to see YOUR boudoir session!

I heart NY...and Jersey City

This past weekend I was galavanting about New York and Jersey with one of my bestest friends.  Ok, so at age 31 we no longer galavant nor find a need to go out and live it up as we use to.  It also should be noted that this bestest friend of mine is 2 weeks away from giving birth to her first baby.  We more or less trudged around when we did get out and had to dodge rain drops.  All this being said, it was such a lovely trip.

Here we are dripping wet at the Columbus Circle Christmas Market and loving it.

It's an amazing thing to be around someone that is about to enter into a game-changing stage of life that neither of you can give advice about... yet are constantly vacillating over.  Instead, we sat while sipping perfect Nespressos and reflected on life as we know it and all the dreams and aspirations we have for things to come.  The holidays can do this to you too, so we went out and shopped the the holiday markets to feel that holiday spirit while sipping on hot cider this time.  Everything kept leading back to how gracious and thankful we are to have each other and the life that surrounds us....so much so that we were already reminiscing 6 hours after our parting.

The 911 Memorial will also put a few things into perspective.

This is deep, I know, but I can't help start to get in a refresh mode by reevaluating life, taking things a bit slower, prioritizing a bit wiser and working on thinking more positively.  Before I left, I was in an anxiety ridden state that left me disappointed that I hadn't blogged all week even though I finished my painting.  Post zen weekend, I'm ok with my blogging break and giving you this beauty of a painting to start your week out.  See, eventually things all just fall into place.

Saturday Bonus!

Just a reminder for tomorrow...plus a bonus!

From Smitten:

**Custom Order Saturday is this Saturday!** 10-20% off all Custom Orders! Offer includes all custom lines including Alexander & Co. prints, Sugarboo frames and Michelle Rubin Jewelry! Can't make it in? Give us a call to order over the phone! PLUS, Loreen from Reenie Rose will be here painting live!

Stop by between 10am-4pm and see the progress I've made on Argentina and Jesse's painting!

Smitten Surprises!

Have we all come up off of our tryptophan low?  I hope everyone celebrated a plentiful and gracious turkey day....I know I did.
Of course, we are now full force into the holiday season where engagements and gift giving are at the top of the list.  Start the season off with a Countdown to the Holidays at Smitten Boutique (1041 W. Madison, Chicago) this coming Saturday, December 1st from 10am-4pm as I work on completing Argentina and Jesse's beautiful painting.

Special surprises are in store, so stop by to visit me and receive your special offer!

Small Biz Saturday

We've stuffed ourselves with gluttonous amounts of food, woken up at the butt crack of dawn to get a deal, and now it's time to support your small, local businesses for Small Business Saturday.  I will be working a wedding all day, but you should get out there and support some of my favorite peeps.  Here are some fantastic deals not to be missed:

Visit Viviana and her little dog, Louise, to be transported to a magical land in Lemont.  I often say that I'm going to just come by Petal Play Design and hangout for the day because I love the atmosphere and everything that surrounds me there.  When you purchase a Reenie Rose painting, receive a Petal Play bridal bouquet for free (up to $200)!
Don't forget that Viviana and I will also be sharing a booth together at the 2013 Indie Wed.  Double the fun!

Next Saturday I will be starting off the holiday countdown at Smitten Boutique in the West Loop where I will be painting on site.  From now through next Saturday, mention SMALL BIZ SATURDAY when booking your painting, and you will receive $200 off painting + 50 notecards.  If you stop by December 1st, you can get an even better offer on my new 2013 calendars!

So go out and continue to shop shop shop till you drop drop drop!!!

Day of Coordination

Friday afternoon I swooped in like MacGyver to assist a wedding.  I've been doing a lot of this lately.  No, not MacGyver moves, but day of assistance for weddings.  I'm actually totally loving working with different planners and vendors.   I'm going to start a series of interviews with all of the wonderful people I've worked with so far, but to start, here's a visual introduction to some of the work I've assisted on:

Place card table with City Girl Weddings

Umbrella backdrop I created for City Girl Weddings

Place card tree for Clementine Events

Lollipop place cards for SQN Events

The Campaign Trail

Yesterday I went on my own campaign tour to influence the youth of America.  Well, ok, maybe not to that extent, but I'm hoping I at least influenced a couple of Grand Valley State art students.
Every now and then I return to my alma mater in Pure Michigan and speak to an illustration class filled with inquiring minds that is taught by my former advisor and instructor, Ed.  I absolutely love doing these talks and think it is so important for these students to hear from other artists making a living with their talent in the real world.  I am hoping to extend my "teachings" on to other classes and universities in order to make a difference in how students look at life post college and anticipate having a career in an artistic field.  It ain't easy, but it's doable if done right.

The kids were in luck this year for 2 reasons.  #1: not only did I speak, but the other guest of honor was my good friend from undergrad, Kim.  She's an extremely talented medical illustrator for The New England Journal of Medicine that the students (and myself) were just fascinated by....blood and guts to my flora and fauna.
#2: I finished something very special for this talk....Anna and Jason's painting!  Still a tad wet, but finished!

The "kids" loved it (along with some of my other treasures) and asked plenty of questions about Reenie Rose.  One of the key things I pointed on was connections.  Networking and collaborating with others is so essential to having a successful business and career.  It reminded me that I never told you how I actually happened on Anna and Jason as clients.

Anna writes her own inspirational blog, Mint Chevron, that is an adorable collection of fun and beautiful findings.  Well, one fine day, Anna decided to blog about yours truly (without me even knowing this good news).  Lucky for Anna, her smartypants husband looked in to the post and thought, "Maybe my wife is trying to give me a hint as to something she would like."  Smart man I say.  So, Jason contacted me and the rest is history!  Anna gets the perfect 5 year anniversary gift, and Jason gets the Husband of the Year award for being so intuitive.

Lesson learned kids:  Marry a guy that reads your blog.  Are you out there?

I can't wait for Anna and Jason to see their painting in person!

Painting Update: Anna and Jason

While I've been posting willy nilly about all the other marvelous things I do (i.e. playing with stickers and assisting on weddings), you've probably been wondering if I still paint.  How is Anna and Jason's painting going?  Well, I'll tell you....it's a beast.  42 hours in and this is where we stand:

Oooo doesn't this painting just look warmer than what it is outside with all that sunshine coming in on it?!  I'm in the home stretch so watch out for a finished painting very soon!  Who thinks I will break 50 hours?

P.S.  This is my 200th post!  Whoot Whoot!

I Heart Stickers

Many of you know that I dabble in other areas of creativity.  Somehow I just can't seem to put all of my eggs into one basket, and I guess that is a good thing.  More people can take advantage of my artistic opportunities.  The latest one...my new Etsy story for Reeniebeans!

This shop dives into my childhood and the days spent collecting and trading stickers with friends.  Would you believe I still have my old sticker collection?!  We're talking vintage stickers now!  I've decided to put these gems to good use and make personalized gifts with them.  These are perfect for a baby or child's room or even to add a special touch to a teacher's classroom.  Check out a few samples:

So cute, right?!  Obviously I have letters, numbers and names featured but there are always other options too.  I was thinking about making a large heart in a 11 x 14 inch frame.  What do you think of this idea?  

If you'd like some more info on having your own sticker creation made, please contact me at Loreen@Reeniebeans.com and I'd be happy to start sifting through my collection to come up with the perfect images for you.  

I heart stickers!!!

I Dabble in Other Things

A week ago today I was putting the final touches on the timeline for Kristen and Dave's wedding as their day of coordinator for their Sweetest Day wedding last weekend.  Mind you, day of coordination is something I tend to do as an assistant to the other fabulous planners in my wedding circle...not very often am I going solo for the day.  I've worked quite a few weddings with a couple of ladies this season and so admire the women I have had the honor of assisting.  After this past weekend though, I have a new found appreciation for everything they do.  For Kristen and Dave's wedding, I was only involved in the process for about 3 weeks in which everything was already planned out, and I just swooped in to coordinate the day and vendors for a smooth flowing event (according to my timeline).  For the months and years that planners spend putting every last detail together flawlessly, and thinking on their toes for everyone that special day (including myself...I just come in and do what I'm told), I commend you.  I ran around calmly all last Saturday while having a mini tornado in my head of thoughts and problem solving and a constant check list.
Bravo ladies, you are to be admired and commended for all that you take on during the course of planning.

Now for what I took on....

Getting the bride down the aisle

Florals by Michelle's Petal Designs

Cake by Bittersweet

The fabulous candy bar I put together at Pazzo's.

The day went off without a hitch and Kristen and Dave couldn't be happier.  I on the other hand, have invested in some new "day of" shoes for the next long wedding day.  My feet couldn't be happier.

Snap Shots

Yesterday was an amazing day of progress toward my new website.  I had a photo shoot at my home/studio with the ever amazing Jenn Gaudreau of Jennifer Kathryn Photography.  Though I can't show you any of the photos from the shoot just yet, I do want to share a couple of images of the "village members" that are helping to raise this website child of mine.

Of course, for starters there is Jennifer Kathryn Photography.  There is another post to come with an interview and some images of the shoot from Jenn, but for now, you just need to know her.  She is the sweetest person to spend 5 hours of your day with.  Note that we did a lot of chit chatting and giggling throughout this shoot that may have added to our time, but neither of us seemed to really mind!

Bella assisted on the shoot

You've heard me swoon over Megan Musschoot at Pistil and Vine before....well, I'm doing it again.  Just look at this beautiful arrangement she provided for my kitchen counter to add some color to my images.  Oh, just something she whipped up for me on the spot.  I wish I could bottle her talent up and channel it to my toes...then I'd be painting and floral arranging at the same time.

Finally, with the weather cooling down, and my window boxes looking less than savory, Viviana Grasso of Petal Play Design (aka my partner in crime for next year's Indie Wed) provided some lush greens to improve the view from my windows.

It didn't hurt that she threw in these sunflowers to brighten my day too.

How lucky am I to work with such lovely and talented ladies!?  All I can say is that I'm always so grateful for these opportunities to collaborate.  It makes painting a Reenie Rose so much more than a "simple" painting.  Lots of tlc going into every painting and every part of the business.  Can't wait to show you more!

Thanks ladies!!!!  xoxo

Dualing Paintings

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope the blast of fall air has given you a fresh start to the work week.  I'm feeling pretty motivated and keeping busy.  As a wise woman I know once said, "People are their least productive when they're 'busy', meaning they have a lot going on but not much is happening."  Well Ms. Anne marie, I can safely say that things are "happening".  In fact, two things are happening....I'm dual painting.  
I've been asked before if I ever paint multiple pieces at one time, and the answer is typically "no".  Currently I have taken on this mystery of multi-tasking in order to have a couple of visual options for my upcoming photo shoot with the lovely Jennifer Kathryn Photography.


Here is an update on Argentina and Jesse's ivory bouquet:

I put the brakes on this piece in order to start another with a little more color variation for my website photos.  I introduce to you the composition for Anna and Jason's painting:

Not only is this painting full of spring colors, but it is a doosy of a composition (who volunteered this image?).  This piece reminds me a lot of Rachel and Brian's painting...remember that one?:

I think it's the sunlight, color palette and those coveted peonies that make these compositions look like cousins of each other.  What do you think?

Back to the painting...
So, I've sketched in Anna and Jason's, resulting in a very advanced, oversized looking coloring book:

Lil bit crazy looking if you ask me.  Ah, but there's no time to think about that.  Next week is the photo shoot and I need to have half of this painting finished with maybe a little more on Argentina and Jesse's.  Back and forth I'll go with a few updates here and there for you.

For more extensive coverage on my progress, follow me on Instagram.  Yes, I have added another social media platform to my arsenal of getting the Reenie Rose word out to one and all.  You can find me under the username "Loreen_Rose".  Do you believe "ReenieRose" was already taken?  Who is this impostor and how do they paint?!

Not this crazy way I bet.