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!

The Warm and Fuzzies of Gift Giving

At the beginning of the week I simply delivered a painting.  Three days later, I have had so many sweet accolades that I don't know what to do with myself, a client that now feels like my long lost fairy godmother with a daughter I've never met but have a feeling we could become bff's and even more pictures to share.

Lynda sent these pics to me of Kaitlyn and Mike receiving their painting.  I'd advise printing them all out and making your own flip book....I know I did.

Adorable, right?!!!!

If I'm going to introduce you to Lynda, I might as well give you a little insight into Kaitlyn:

 I'm small peas and carrots when it comes to blogging.  I mean, readership has gone up since getting in contact with Lynda, but I am by no means "a blogger".  Kaitlyn is A BLOGGER.  So much so that her blog, Sisters Marie's tagline is "Because we love blogging."  Filled with fashion, trends and Pinterest inspirations, Kaitlyn and her sister-in-law keep this blog consistently fresh and a great lead into their other businesses: BISTM (Because I Shop To Much) and BTGTF (Because They Grow To Fast).  Both sites stem from the concept of buying, selling and swapping clothes with others...it's social and economical!  Brilliant!  Take a look at all of the sites mentioned and watch their about video...I love that they are two girls just chillin in the sun at a patio table chatting like you and me would.  So fun.  We are totally on the verge of becoming bffs...until Kaitlyn realizes that my fashion sense is mediocre!  At least I have painting in my corner!

Enjoy your new piece of art Kaitlyn and Mike!!!

Kaitlyn and Mike's Painting Revealed!

I've been holding out on revealing Kaitlyn and Mike's painting in order to keep the finished product a total surprise (minor slip up happened already....take a look at the comment the bride made in THIS post...ah well).  Last night the painting was presented to the couple, so I know that it has landed in the hands of its final destination.  So....

Oddly enough, the best part of this post to me is not really the final painting, but getting to share with you my meeting with Kaitlyn's mom, Lynda...the gift giver.  Sorry to all my previous clients, but I think Lynda has topped out as my most favorite client ever.   I met her at a Starbucks, we talked for an hour and a half, she left with a painting, and I left with a box of chocolates as a bonus....can't beat that.

Really though, I was explaining to Lynda that I don't often get to see the reactions of my clients or the painting recipients, so when I get to experience this moment, it is very special to me.

And this is why I do what I do....

What a priceless reaction!

I am dying to hear how Lynda's dinner party went last night, and what her daughter's final reaction was.

Oh I could go on and on with compliments about Lynda and what a special mom she is, but you should take a look for yourself and visit her adorable blog....Lake House Lyn!

Congratulations to Kaitlyn and Mike for being the new owners of a Reenie Rose painting!  Cheers to many more years of wedded bliss, and a HUGE thank you to Lynda for being so fabulous!

Meet the Photographer | Gina & Tony

Progress is being made on Kaitlyn and Mike's painting....faster than you can say two licks of a kitten's whisker.  I won't tease you with a bunch of details, but instead give you the skinny on the latest update and show off the awesome photographers that were able to capture the bouquet for me to paint...Gina & Tony | Photographers.

Ha! Only bits and pieces left. You can guess what my next update will be!

Let's talk photos now. I am always so thankful when I'm paired up with photographers that make my job so much easier. It really is a humbling experience when you have to rely on someone else's work and the time frame in which they give it to you to make even a fraction of your business possible. Without ever having met them, Gina & Tony | Photographers were incredibly accommodating. I'd request some photos, and BOOM, they were sent. I'd request a couple more, and POW, I'd have them that day. They were my own personal super heros on this project, which makes me very excited to share them with you.....

1.  How long have you been in business?

We've been full time wedding photographers for five years now!

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

Oh that's a tough one. We're both pretty good with a camera, but Tony is awesome at getting a bridal party to feel comfortable and look great in photos and Gina is a Photoshop whiz!

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

People having a great time. It doesn't matter what you look like, if you're having a blast with the person and/or people around you that shows up in the photos every time! Our dream session would consist of two people that are completely in love, light sabers (for Tony), and a beach in Fiji (for Gina... and Tony too).

4.  Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera?

Once we were shooting a bridal party in a park and accidentally stumbled into the battlefield of a large group of LARPers (Live Action Role Players). Luckily the head mage suggested a big group photo and even let the groom hold a (padded) sword.

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

We get to go to an epic party every week! What's not to love?

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

For every hour we spend shooting, we spend about four more hours loading those photos, culling and editing those photos, designing albums and products with those photos, and answering emails about those photos. Except for those few days a week when we have shoots, we spend most of our lives in a small, dark, room typing, clicking, cropping, and zooming.

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

Playing with our 3 year old Goldendoodle, Caesar. Watching lots of cheesy sci-fi shows. Eating our way through Chicago.

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

We're having a baby! Our little guy or gal should be making their grand entrance sometime in late January. :D

I am going to have the chance to work with Gina & Tony again this November with one of my day of clients.  After reading their interview, I can't wait to get to know this dynamic photography duo a little bit more.  They sound like too much fun!

And finally, let's not forget our adorable couple, Kaitlyn and Mike!!!

Love fest!!!  Thank you Gina & Tony for sharing your talents with Reenie Rose.  We'll see you again in November!!!

Gina & Tony | Photographers

www.gntphoto.com/

info@gntphoto.com

Meet the Florist | Jenna Sprengel of Avant Gardenia

Hope everyone enjoyed a lovely weekend. Time for me to update you on Kaitlyn and Mike's painting and to introduce you to the creator of this fabulous bouquet.

Now on to Jenna Sprengel of Avant Gardenia. I have so much to say about this talented artist. She is amazingly kind, generous, and supportive....I wouldn't have this painting without her referral. The work she creates is made with incredible perfection and skill with an eye for the most perfect compositions and materials. I've had the joy of working with her on a couple of weddings, and I am always in awe of the work she produces. Jenna is also incredibly humble....this girl designs and puts most of her creations together solo and has recently had the honor of doing the florals for Jenny McCarthy's Dancing With the Stars charity event.  This girl has skills and a heart of gold to match it.  Love her!

1.  How long have you been in business?

I have "officially" been in business for 4 years.

2.  Gotta ask...what’s your favorite flower?

Favorite flower is a peony- any color. Love.

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

My specialty is mixing decorative items with floral to enhance the look. 

4.  What would be your dream creation?

Dream creation.... an event with thousands and thousands of peonies- it would look and smell divine. 

5.  Craziest request you’ve had?

No crazy requests (yet). :)

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

The thing I like about working in the wedding industry is that I get to be a part of someone's most important and happiest day to that point in their lives. And I get to decorate it and translate their style through floral, which I think is so amazing and the best career ever!

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

I can't tell you how many times I hear "Oh, it must be so relaxing to work with flowers". No! One thing I wish my clients knew about my job is how stressful, time consuming, and physically demanding it is. 

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

When I am not working (rare), I love to golf, hang with my 2 schnauzers, Wrigley and Groucho, or enjoy a night out with my fabulous man.

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

(Nothing new or exciting) :( Just trying to make it through this wedding season!

These are some of the pics I have taken at the weddings I've worked with Jenna, but definitely check out her website for many more amazing pieces.  Thank you Jenna for being so wonderful to work with!!!

Avant Gardenia

www.avantgardenia.com 

Jenna Sprengel 

avantgardeniachicago@yahoo.com

New Painting | Kaitlyn and Mike

Time for a new painting!  This fluffy, peony filled gem comes from the referral and creation of Jenna Spregel of Avant Gardenia....more from her in my next update.  Besides being a lovely referral, this is also a gift from the mother of the bride.  Lots of love and support going into this one.

Photos courtesy of Gina & Tony Photography

The lace on the handle is from the bride's mother's veil while the photo is the bride's maternal grandmother...three generations of women represented here!

This painting has already seen some time and action, but do not fret.  You can get a sneak peak at my progress this Friday, September 13th from 6pm-10pm during the Chicago Artists District's 2nd Fridays Gallery Night.  I'll be showcasing my work at the cutest shop in Pilsen...Blumgarten & Co.  I hope to see you there!!!

FEATURED EVENT 2nd Fridays Gallery Night - link  September 13th, 2013 - 6-10pm  Chicago Arts District at S. Halsted and 18th Streets Blumgarten & Co.  1827 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60608