Be U Weddings Feature

I love seeing more of a bride and groom's wedding than just the bouquet, so I was delighted when Be U Weddings featured Sarah and Ernest's wedding on their blog yesterday.  They had an incredibly gorgeous ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center with flowers by Blumen of HMR Design Group, and all of the perfect details put together by Hilary of Estera Events....love her.  Check out the post and take a trip down memory lane to this purty painting....

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.

A Year in Review

Phew, we made it through the first week of 2012.
For the past couple of weeks, everyone has been reminiscing about the past year while preparing for the year ahead of us.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't doing the same.  This week has been about analyzing, reviewing and planning for 2012.  The thing is, we can't help but look back on the past in order to plan for our future.  That being said, I am going to do my part and pay gratitude to all that made 2011 possible for Reenie Rose....it only seems right and a form of good karma for 2012.
So, here's a year in review for Reenie Rose:

Kara & Mike

Florist:  Kehoe Designs

Photographer:  Rick Aguilar

 Rachel & Jason

Carrie & Bill

Florist: Event Creative

Photographer:  Studio This Is

Kelly & Andrew

Florist: Grapevine Floral

Photographer: George Street Photo & Video 

Paula Jean & Brian

Florist:  Kehoe Designs

Photographer:   Stuart Rodgers Photography 

Laura & D.R.

Florist:  Elegant Creations

Photographer:   Brad Photographers and Video 

 Maureen & Kevin

Florist: Pistil and Vine

Photographer:  Darcy Demmel Photography

Sarah & Ernest

Florist: Blumen Design

Photographer:  Jaclyn Simpson Photography

 The paintings are lovely, but the vendors I work with are fantastic.  The people I continue to surround myself with are the ones that are helping to build Reenie Rose to it's potential.  

Just think, by the end of this year, I'll have completed a full calendar's worth...and then some.  2013 Reenie Rose calendars....I like that idea.  Is it too early to place orders?

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....

2 Weddings, 1 Update & a Birthday

It's Friday evening, the St. Louis Cardinals have won the world series and I feel like I've finished day 1 of my work week.  This past weekend / the beginning of this week all run together as one extended jumble of wedding activity and celebration.  I guess this could be one of the benefits of owning one's own business....the work week starts and ends according to me.

So, if I back track a bit, the first wedding of the weekend was for a new client of mine.  Sarah booked me back in June when Estera Events recommended I "preserve" her fall wedding bouquet.  Happy to do so, I've been waiting for the unveiling for months!  Drum roll please....

Ta da!  Amy at Blumen put together a fabulous bouquet of color, texture and character.  I've taken a look at some of the compositional photos I've taken, and all I can say is that this is one photogenic bouquet.  No matter what Sarah chooses, she's going to have a stunning painting at the end of this process.

Speaking of stunning, wedding number 2 took place on Sunday with not only a gorgeous bouquet but a bride fit for Hollywood.  My best friend Abra tied the knot with Peter, the man of her dreams, at Salvage One in a most elegant affair.

 Isn't she beautiful!  Her flowers were such a compliment to her style.  Bravo to Carolyn and Natalie at Hello Darling for taking Abra's vision and bringing it to life....with only their initial consultation...no mockups.  That's talent.

Of course, Abra and Peter will be receiving a painting as a gift.....when things settle down a bit.  I get one year to produce a wedding gift...right!?

In regards to paintings already in progress, Laura and D.R.'s is coming along.  I anticipate a finished painting this weekend!

And finally, the thing I wasn't going to mention, but could actually use some imput on....my birthday.  Yes, I celebrated my 30th birthday this past Tuesday...with much reluctance on my part.  My friends and family, however, had a surprise in store for me and forced me to acknowledge this new decade in my life (thank goodness wine was involved).  I'm slowly coming around to the idea of 30, but could use some support and advice.  Any words of wisdom for this single, 30 year old living in the city, running her own business?