My Head is Spinning

Things are a little crazy busy these days in the Reenie Rose camp.  Despite having not painted in over a month, I have been nonstop since 2012 hit.  When all is said and done, at the end of January I will have participated in 2 important events, been a guest at 4 events, had 15 vendor meetings, been to New York and back, and officially started my first painting of the new year.  It will have been a good month.

So, to catch you up to speed on a couple of things, last week I participated in Thursday Therapy, a monthly networking event among the wedding community, that was held in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.  This was a great opportunity for my peers to have a chance to view my artwork in person... and lots of it too.  I was able to gather 10 of my paintings to showcase for the evening.  A big thank you to all my clients for allowing me to steal back my work in order to share it with others.

Also, a big thank you to Joan of Five Grain Events and Kelly of Fleur for letting Reenie Rose be a part of this evening.  We had such a good time eating, socializing and making some new contacts.

I've got to make one more plug for my 2nd event of the month...Indie Wed.  If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, stop reading and go purchase them HERE.  You are not going to want to miss this event filled with so many goodies:  100 amazing vendors, food tastings, beer pairings, live music, wandering models, free workshops and so much more, this really is THE event to end all wedding events. The show runs from 10am until 4pm this Saturday, January 28th  at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave. There is plenty of free parking available along Ravenswood Ave or we are just a half block from the 'L'. 

Mom and I have been working on my booth setup, and let me tell you, it is going to be eye-catching!

Finally, what is this business really all about...the PAINTING.  I am going to be starting my first painting of 2012, and it is gorgeous.  

Isn't this just the perfect piece to be working on this time of year?!  The pops of color are going to make these gray days so easy to ignore.  There will be plenty more details to come about this 24 x 24 inch painting.  In the meantime, enjoy this image and go buy your Indie Wed tickets!

One Month till V-Day

Did you know that it is one month until Valentine's Day?!  Ok, so it doesn't bring on the same anxiety and panic that "a month until Christmas" brings, but it does get you thinking about those people/things that you love.
While many will start entertaining the idea of gifts of chocolates or roses for someone that they love, I prefer to swoon over the things that I love.
These days, the phrase "things that I love" now coincides with Pinterest.  Please tell me you've heard of it.  If you haven't, I won't lecture you about it...just click on the button to the right, start following me and go from there...trust me, it's fabulous.
Since things are held up in the painting department, I thought I'd pass on some inspiration that I have fondly "pinned" on Pinterest.  Now, I've given you a month to put something together for me for V-day, so no excuses.

 I love flowers.

Source: ruffledblog.com via Loreen on Pinterest

Ok, so maybe that's an obvious one, but seriously, if I had an unlimited budget, I would wear fresh flowers everyday in some fashion.

Source: claudiablonde.tumblr.com via Loreen on Pinterest

Though I try to capture the essence of a complete bouquet, I would love for a client to one day ask me for a painting of a single flower from their bouquet....and if it could be this Dracula Raven orchid, I would be the happiest girl in the world.

I love a good tea party.

Source: greenwellies.tumblr.com via Loreen on Pinterest

How adorable are these tea cups!  I do love to host a good party and could totally see having one of these for each of my sassy girl friends to use and take home as a little party favor.  Now, what would my cup say?  Don't answer that.

I love umbrellas.

Source: google.com via Loreen on Pinterest

You can't beat a good parasol, especially if it has some character to it like these ones.  They would be just darling above my tea party!

I love the color pink.

Source: thedecorista.com via Loreen on Pinterest

As girlie as I am, I never thought I would gravitate so much toward this color.  Low and behold, I am a pink girl....have you seen my business cards?  If I had this table, it would go in my client meeting area of my luxurious office space.  Let's make it happen people.

And finally...I love food.

Source: google.com via Loreen on Pinterest

For anyone that really knows me, this is a slight understatement.  I LOVE food.  It would actually take up less space and time to tell you what I don't like as opposed to what I do like.  I don't like these little wrinkly bitter black olives.  Ok, that's it.
I did come across this sweet image and thought it was appropriate for me and my loves.  It's a darling cupcake with pink frosting that is clearly saying " Love Reenie Rose"....and get working on her Valentine's Day wishlist.  I'm just saying....

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.