An Oscar for Reenie Rose

Am I the only one that gets incredibly emotional watching the Oscar's?  I'm not talking about the red carpet walking and fashion analysis.  No, I'm referring to the heartfelt speeches, the nostalgia that runs rampant throughout the evening and the acknowledgement of one's achievements.  I seriously get misty-eyed.

I had my own mini Oscar moment this past weekend at the event I participated in at The Drake Hotel.  Ok, so for me it may be as close as I get to an "Oscar moment", but it did involve some flattery in a spotlight surrounded by my peers.  I was able to complete Vicky and Tom's painting for this event, and I was graciously honored for this in a way I would have never expected possible.  Vicky and her mom, Tita, flew from Dallas to see their completed painting and (most of all) meet me in person!  How sweet is that?!!!  Another very strong showing that I have the best clients ever!  I mean really, how many people have a client that is willing to fly almost 1,000 miles to just to meet them in person!?  Well, I do.

I gave my Oscar-ish speech of thank you's and was rewarded with compliments that went beyond a little gold man statue (though I wouldn't mind having one of those to place on display in my bathroom).  I cannot thank Vicky and Tita enough for making a painter from Chicago feel so special.  I'd also like to thank the Academy (my schooling), my peers (the whole wedding industry) and my parents (my parents).

For an after party, Mom and I headed over to The Palm Court in The Drake for some afternoon tea.  You know us Reenie Rose girls party hard!!!

The Wedding Event at The Drake Hotel

This coming Saturday I will be participating in an event that I am just thrilled to be a part of.  For quite awhile now, I have been trying to get in touch with Chicago's only master bridal consultant, Frank J. Andonoplas of Frank Event Design.  Imagine my surprise when he finally contacted me to ask if I'd like to be a part of his event this weekend!  A bonus to all of this is that I will actually be painting during the event.  Those attending will get a first peek at my newest painting and Vicky and Tom's painting completed (fingers crossed!).

Event details:

The Wedding Event at The Drake Hotel

When:  Saturday, February 25th, 11am-2pm
Where:  The Drake Hotel @ 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago
Tickets: http://theweddingeventdrakehotelchicago.eventbrite.com/


Stop by to see tips, trends and favorite wedding purveyors (that's me!) that will inspire you to detail your own incredible wedding day!


 

Meet the Photographer: Hillary Anne Photography

Thank goodness it's Friday.  I am going into this weekend with a fury of focus to beat Time at it's own game....sketches will be made, projects will be finished and paintings will be on the verge of completion.

Vicky and Tom's painting is really coming along.

I just love how the parrot tulips are popping through!

It's time I introduced you to one of the partners on this project....Hillary Wysong of Hillary Anne Photography.  Hillary is an incredibly talented artist, and when I say artist I mean she has the vision...and the Etsy shop to showcase her work.  I was so lucky to receive a variety of images from Hillary to work with for Vicky and Tom's painting. 

Let's get to know Hillary a little bit....

1. How long have you been in business?

 4+ years
 

2. Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?  

I love weddings of course, but I LOVE engagement sessions when I really get to know the couple, what is special about them and what has made their relationship turn into the amazing story it is today.
 

3. Who or what are your favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session?  

That is tough- but it is hard to beat a sweet, loving couple in a field with some yummy golden light! It always feels like magic!
 

4. Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera?  

There is the craziness that comes with a rowdy crowd at a wedding reception, but the most unusual thing I have shot is a horse 20 feet in front of me in an all out buck- legs almost straight up in the air. It makes me laugh every time I look at the picture.
 

5. What do you like about working in the wedding industry? 

I get to meet the most amazing and talented people, from stylists to artists to d.j.'s who can really get a crowd on the dance floor. Everyone has the same mission- to work hard to help the bride and groom have the most incredible day of their lives. Who doesn't want to be a part of that?
 

6. When you are not working, what are you up to? 

 I love to spend time with my husband, Brian, and my dog, Elle. I enjoy outdoorsy things but can also be a bit of a bookworm.
 

7. What is one thing that’s on your bucket list? 

I love running, and one day I would like to run a marathon.
 

8. Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally) 

 We are so excited to be expecting the arrival of our first baby in May! I think that qualifies for new and exciting, at least for us. ;-)

 

 

 

 

 This last image is of Vicky and Tom during a "trash the dress" session that Hillary shot.  I absolutely love this idea and think it is such creative outlet for some beautiful photos. No worries folks, Vicky's original wedding dress was not harmed in this process....she used a dress she bought from a resale shop!  Brilliant!  Check out the rest of this photo shoot on Hillary's blog.  Thanks for sharing with us Hillary!!!!

So Full.

I can't believe it's Friday already.  This week has flown by in a flurry of business analysis and food.  I'll get to the food later, but down to business first.

Mom and I attended The Simple Plan workshop hosted by the ladies at Sage Wedding Pros this week.  We were lucky enough to spend two full days soaking up piles of business advice among an inspiring group of wedding professionals at the lovely Ritz Carlton downtown.  Operations, marketing, and financials were the main topics of discussion, but so much more was learned through breakout sessions and stories of personal experience.  The result of these two somewhat grueling days (the food provided by the Ritz definitely helped ease everything).....I am a luxury business determined to bring you luxury paintings!  Get ready!

Our lunchtime view from the Ritz

This business "retreat" really put a lot of details into prospective, primarily that I just need to paint.  So, painting is what I shall do.
I have started Vicky and Tom's painting.  I'm already loving these bursts of oranges and reds!  Makes the winter outside seem a little bit warmer.

Finally, the food.  I am a big foodie and feel the need to mention that besides business, food played a large part of each and every day this week.  Though I think a cleanse may need to take place in my near future, I would highly recommend each and every one of these fine dining experiences:

Monday- Breakfast at the Bleeding Heart Bakery; Sushi dinner at Yuzu for my sister's birthday.  Happy birthday Lisa!
Tuesday- Breakfast, lunch, snacks (awesome popcorn bar), and dinner at The Ritz.  I kind of want to live there.
Wednesday- Breakfast and lunch at The Ritz again (note that lovely view); dinner at Pelago in the Raffaello Hotel for Mom's birthday.  Happy birthday Mom!!!!
Thursday- dinner at an event called Divine Dine + Wine featuring restaurants in the West Loop.  I would recommend every single one.
Friday- cold cereal.  A girl needs to give her stomach a break!

Highlight of the food fest...getting a snapshot with celebrity chef Anne Burrell!

Gotta keep up with me these days....things are exciting!!!

Who Needs Sleep?

I am just coming off a whirlwind weekend and trying to get all of my ducks in a row.  There are emails galore to send out, follow up calls to be made and a painting to start, but I really must share this weekend with you first.

It all started out with Indie Wed on Saturday.  What an amazing day filled with wonderful people walking through, inspiration all around, tasty treats and good music.  Looking back, I wish I would have taken pictures of all the fabulous vendors I admire...but when I think about the quantity of images I would have to post, it's probably best that I remain selfish and stick to just me.  There were so many great things going on!

Here's a look at my booth:

I was so lucky to have several pieces on loan from my clients along with 3 bouquets recreated for me by 3 talented florists.  Larkspur was paired up with Katie and Patrick's painting....

Exquisite Designs made a bouquet to compliment Sarah and Ernest's painting....

And finally, Natalie at Hello Darling recreated her original bouquet for her painting....

Thank you to such a wonderful group of ladies for all of your help in making my booth so beautiful.  For more photos from this event, visit the Reenie Rose Facebook page.

So, 10 days before Indie Wed, I received an email from the Lovely Bride Blog stating I had won tickets to a bridal event....in New York.  Yes, I know, who enters a contest to win tickets in NY the day after a big event, especially when that said person lives in Chicago....well, I do.  And, yes, as luck would have it, I won.  Thank goodness for frequent flier miles, Hotwire and a nice mom.  In no time flat, everything was booked and we were going to be off to New York.

With a 7:30am flight on Sunday, we arrived in NY to attend The Wedding Party New York with Martha Stewart Weddings just in time to see Darcy Miller (Senior Vice President and Weddings Editorial  Director for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia) speak about her own wedding inspiration.

 After Darcy spoke, an allstar lineup joined her on stage for an open discussion panel.  Take a look at these heavy hitters:

 From left to right we have hostess Claudia Hanlin (Wedding Library), Darcy Miller (Martha Stewart Weddings), Amsale Aberra (Founder of Amsale), Mindy Weiss (Celebrity Event Planner), Matthew Robbins (Matthew Robbins Design), Sylvia Weinstock (Expert Cake Designer) and Peter Callahan of (Callahan Catering).
Awesome, right?!  Did I mention that we were sitting in the front row for the panel discussion....even more awesome.  Highlights of the day besides the front row....meeting Mindy Weiss and Matthew Robbins and having them both sign my book (Matthew Robbins' Inspired Weddings) and take my business card and spotting Martha Stewart pushing a stroller with a baby....

Darcy Miller and I after we chatted about my business for a bit.

Mom and Sylvia talking cake.

Besides the super star panel, there were some amazing vendors at the show as well....

Centerpiece by Blade Floral & Event Design.  Love these colors!

Awesome cakes with realistic flowers by Sugar Flower Cake Shop.

More artwork in cake form.  This beautifully intricate work is by Creme Delicious.  These henna inspired masterpieces have been featured in Oprah Magazine.

The end of the event featured a Kleinfeld fashion show with the owners of Kleinfeld, Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein, introducing the line.

The final dress was a $32,000 Pnina Tornai dress.  It was a true showstopper.  Just amazing!

After this kind of whirlwind day, what else can you do but head over to the Waldorf Astoria and check out the swag bag goodies over some tasty martinis.  So, that's what we did....

More pics from this NY trip can also be viewed at the Reenie Rose Facebook page.