Mirror Mirror on the Wall

As you know, I gave in to slowing down on my current painting, rather than college cramming.  I put in some additional time at the Wheaton Wedding Walk this weekend to keep things moving along.  There's really not much left!

One of the projects that occupied some time this week was a special table seating chart for the Bride's Choice event going on tonight from 6pm-9pm at Room 1520.  If you'd still like to get tickets, they are available here.  Clementine Custom Events asked if I would help them out with their display, and I was all too eager to showoff my skills.  Below is a mirror I wrote on with wash-off-able marker.  It's tricky to take a picture of a mirror!

Stop by and see how this Frenchie display fits into Clementine's Parisian inspiration!

Do You Want a FREE Print?

You know what I love most in this world (besides ponies and kitties)?  Referrals.  Particularly booked referrals.  There's nothing better than someone loving your business so much that they pass it on to someone else and are able to pass it on successfully enough to have this client book with you without ever really encountering you or your product in person.  I always feel minorly guilty because there isn't much work for me to do in the "sales department" when this happens.  I just sit back and let the clients come to me.  Ok, not really, but it is such a treat to have clients fall into your lap via the nudge of someone who's work you already admire.

In order to show my thanks and appreciation to the vendors that support me in this matter, I gift them a print of the painting when a client books with me.  I'm really killing two birds with one stone here: I get some business out of the deal while they receive a complimentary piece of art that shows their own work.

I recently had two print deliveries to a couple of my sweet vendor friends.  Having them unwrap this gift was almost as exciting as seeing the client with their painting.
First up was Sharokina of City Girl Weddings.  Besides working Anna and Wade's wedding, Shar also suggested my painting services.  You'll remember Anna and Wade's painting and the reveal:

This print is going to look so pretty in Shar's office!

Love!

Last week I delivered a print of Kaitlyn and Mike's painting to Jenna at Avant Gardenia.

She was busy making pretties for that weekend's wedding.

I was delighted to receive a text from her later that evening all excited about having found the perfect spot for her print at home.

These ladies have some seriously awesome style in their homes and offices...and now I am an added bonus!

So, if you are a wedding vendor of sorts, you can't lose with a simple referral.  If you are not a wedding vendor and still want to pass on the Reenie Rose love, by all means, DO IT!!!  I am most certainly not against rewarding anyone that supports my business.  I tend to give sets of note cards because they are pretty and super handy.

If I can ever share your business love, please let me know.  This world needs a little more back scratching and sharing, and I will be the first to support it!

Winter White : Colorful Summer

Yay it's the weekend!  Have any good plans going on?  I wish I could say I was going out to make snow angels and go skiing and have a snowball fight, but alas, we go another weekend without snow accumulation.  I mean, is anything really going to happen tomorrow?  I'm not so hopeful.  With this disappointing Chicago winter, I will stay indoors and continue painting while waiting for a few flakes.

After my last post about the Clementine ladies, I was notified that the images for a wedding I had worked with Kelly were available to view.  I just had to share these with you!  While we may not have a white winter, we definitely had a colorful summer...and Cher and Nick's wedding was no exception:

Isn't that bouquet amazing!!!!  Pulling off a rainbow colored wedding can be tricky...in order to not come off tacky, but Cher and Nick combined with Clementine Events blended a perfect match of color and style.  It's so much fun to be a part of an incredible day like this.  To view more photos of Cher and Nick's day, jump over here.

And then there's my day job....which gets pretty incredible too...in a different sort of way.

I'm chugging along on Whitney and Will's painting.  It's probably a good thing there isn't any snow for me to play in...I've got some work to do here!

Meet the Planner: Clementine Events

What do you think of the new look!?  Figured it was time for an update...new year, new look (how long can we use this excuse for every change?).  Special thanks to Jennifer Kathryn Photography for the header image...she makes my painting supplies look interesting.

On to bigger, better things....

One of the things I am looking forward to the most in 2013 is continuing the working relationships I developed last year as a day of wedding assistant.  I worked with several amazing event planners that I could endlessly rave about.  Instead of a mega love fest, where I go on an on about their fabulousness, I thought I would let them speak for themselves.

This summer I had the opportunity to work with Clementine Custom Events on several occasions.  The team of 3 is comprised of Kelly, Melissa and Loren, all of whom I absolutely adore as people and professionals.

The Clementine Ladies: Loren, Kelly and Melissa

Owner and senior event consultant, Kelly Cavanaugh, is one of the funniest ladies I know in the industry.  An evening spent working along side her is never a dull moment....

      1.  How long have you been in business?

       Clementine has been in business for a little over 3 years. We’ve planned about 100 weddings under the Clementine name and we are currently working on about 40 already for next year!  I have been in the wedding planning business for 11 years.  Clementine as a company has a combined 28 years of experience in wedding and event planning. 

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

        We specialize in planning “off premise” events.  Many of our weddings are in very unique spaces around the Chicagoland area.  We work in a lot of museums, art galleries, photo studios, gardens, libraries etc… a lot of our clients are a little bit “out of the box” and we really enjoy a good challenge

3.  What would be your dream event creation?

         My dream event creation would take place at a venue I’ve never worked in, with really crazy logistics and a creative space for menu development.  I seriously love a challenge and I love trying something new!

4.  Wedding trend you love and one you’d like to see disappear?

         I love that bridesmaids are mixing it up and that not every girl looks exactly the same.  I could live without the bouquet toss and garter toss, but to be honest, a lot of my clients are choosing to skip that tradition lately. 

5.  Craziest request you’ve had?

         This isn’t that crazy but I get a lot of requests for flying lanterns as a send off at the end of the night. 

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

         I love working with such amazing people.  This industry is full of creative, colorful, nice, hard working individuals and I just adore all of them.  I love working together as a team to create something amazing for the couple.  I love the feeling I get when the bride walks down the aisle, sees the room for the first time, has her first dance….it’s just the best!!

7.  What is something you wish your clients knew about your job?

         I don’t think there is anything I wish my clients knew about my job.  I don’t ever want them to feel like I’m juggling 20-30 other clients.  I want them to feel like they are the only client I have.  I think giving good service is never letting them know exactly how demanding and time consuming my job really is.  I don’t think anyone realizes that planners work about 50-60 hours a week on a normal week.  I think a lot of people think we just attend a lot of parties and drink champagne while looking at fabric swatches! 

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

         When I’m not working, I spend every moment of my day with my beautiful daughter Chloe and my amazing husband Ryan.  I’m lucky to have such a great family life. 

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

         Clementine is always up to something new and exciting, we’re always out and about and meeting new people and coming up with new ideas.  Keep an eye on our facebook page!  Personally, I’m excited to be expecting another little bundle of joy in February! 

Bonus interview with Loren Carpenter!  Interviews from 2 out of 3 of these busy ladies is pretty good.  We will definitely catch up with Melissa in the near future.  For now, here's Loren....

    

  1.  How long have you been in business?

         I’ve had the privilege to produce events in Chicago for the past seven years. My event experience is quite diverse, having had the opportunity to work on extravagant corporate functions, not-for-profit galas and social events. I was thrilled to join Clementine earlier this year, and to be working once again with my dear friends Kelly & Melissa.

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

         I believe most of us in the industry excel at logistics, it’s in our blood. However, if there is one attribute that I’m especially proud of, it would be grace under pressure. “Grace” is my mantra through work and life, and finding it, is a skill I’m constantly working on. In the most challenging event situations, exuding grace has been key to putting my clients and their families at ease and enjoying their beautiful day.

3.  What would be your dream event creation?

         I have many dream event creations, but my most personal will be to someday plan my sister’s wedding day. I can guarantee most traditions will be out the window for her, so it will be an adventure for us.

4.  Wedding trend you love and one you’d like to see disappear?

         I love how thoughtful couples are when developing their menus nowadays. With the popularity of showcasing culinary experiences, (i.e. food shows, blogs, e-magazines, etc.) I find that couples are really using the menu as an extension of their personalities. I suppose the one trend that I’d like to see fade into history would be the faux mustache. They’re everywhere and I can’t help but think that our children will wonder what on earth we were thinking when they look back on all these images. Perhaps we’ll get a reprieve after Halloween.

5.  Craziest request you’ve had?

         I haven’t received any crazy requests to note.

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

         In my years of event planning, I’ve never experienced the camaraderie as I do now in the wedding industry. It’s refreshing to be so friendly with other planners and to share experiences.

7.  What is something you wish your clients knew about your job?

         This would be specifically for my couples who I’m contracted for day-of services. In these situations, although we won’t connect until about six weeks before their wedding day, I’m always thinking about them and here if they need me!

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

         I adore spending time with my husband and our dog. We love experimenting in the kitchen and entertaining our friends and family at home. I’m also an avid window shopper, and completely addicted to my Kindle.

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

         I’m really excited about how next year is shaping up. My couples are fantastic, and their personalities are really going to show through in their preparations. Also, now that my busy season is coming to a close I’m looking forward to planning a few trips for next year on my off-weekends! Vacations are very important in my family.

Take a look at the fabulous work these ladies orchestrate and a few more words from Loren to embellish a bit:

Like so many newly engaged couples, the engagement period marks a lot of change. With the help of good friends and family, Genie & Derek crafted the essential elements of their wedding day from afar. While living out of state, without seeing the event space, they choose to host their wedding within the landmark Art Institute of Chicago (AIC). It’s always a delight for me to see how my couples carve out what makes them unique on their wedding day, and Genie & Derek truly left their mark. The dramatic McKinlock Court served as the backdrop for a very personal wedding ceremony officiated by the couple’s close friend. Personal touches throughout the evening such as the incorporation of traditional Korean Wedding Ducks, sport-themed escort cards, personalized wedding cake design, and Alexander & Company “guest book” made their September wedding day all their own.

As always, it’s a team effort to pull off such a momentous event. With the help of these vendors, Genie & Derek’s wedding day was picture perfect:

Venue: Art Institute of Chicago

Planner: Clementine Custom Events

Caterer: Bon Appetit at the Art Institute of Chicago

Wedding Cake: CAKE

Flowers: Scarlet Petal

DJ: Style Matters

Lighting: Frost

Linens: BBJ

Thank you so much to Kelly and Loren for sharing a bit about Clementine with us!  Definitely pay them a visit to get to know them a bit more.  You can bet you'll hear more about them this year as we continue to work together!

Clementine Custom Events

Website:  www.clementinecustomevents.com

Email:  info@clementinecustomevents.com

Blog:  http://www.clementinechicago.com

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

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

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.....