Hi Everyone!

KV asked me to do a little guest blogging for her while she is away on her Staycation!

Even though she is away from the studio, I am still here keeping busy with work.

I’ve been answering some e-mails, putting together posts that will hit the blog soon (photo blogs, don’t you worry, we’re back in full-swing with those babies!), archiving and organizing KV’s work and press, and the list goes on but becomes a lot less interesting!

Here is a look of what my week without KV has been like. Sad no doubt.

Thanks for stopping by…

xoxo,

Lauren

1. My Desk: I collect ampersands and have a couple to keep me company at the office. And those are the pens that everyone steals because I’m the only one who has “cool/good” pens on their desk. And a picture of me and my boyfriend Reece at a wedding.

2. Archiving KV’s press from past publications.

3. What I’m listening to. Elton John is one of my Top 5 favorite musicians of all time.

4. If you want to know the secret to our success over at KVP it’s Emerald Cinnamon Roasted Almonds. We’re OBSESSED. Like so much so that we have to ration them out to ourselves so we don’t eat them all at one sitting — not joking at all. And I love a good cup of English Breakfast Tea. I drink it every morning except for when I get SB’s after swimming on Wednesdays (today).

5. What I wear when my boss isn’t in the office & no one is coming in.

6. Who I miss the most right now. Foscoe is my boyfriend’s dog who I haven’t seen in 3 weeks going on 4. I’m currently reading The Art of Racing in the Rain which is about a dog, so it makes me miss that little buddy even more. (I miss Reece too)

7. Bring your baby to work day. I brought in MY Canon to photograph KV’s press.

8. I am in LOVE with Essie nail polish. I should seriously be their spokesperson. I have had A Crewed Interest on since Saturday and have been swimming twice since and not one chip.

9. What I’m eating today. Wassa crackers with hummus and tomatoes. Yummm!

While I have heard every last one of these words, at the end of the day this content still does not really phase me.  I guess it is because I myself want to “look skinny on camera, be properly lit, get my images back quick, be reassured that I am in the hands of a professional…and on top of all else…be educated”.  And I want the same for my clients.

I recently met with a new accountant (while pulling my hair out…arg…taxes!) and found myself utterly in love with the fact that he was thoroughly explaining and educating me on a variety of items.  It was a simple (and complimentary) initial consultation that turned into 1.5 hours of his time.  He understood his business, his industry and was the consummate professional.  I left wanting to hire him on the spot (and would have if I had had all of my ducks in a row to get an accurate breakdown of services).  Nonetheless, after being on the other side of the professional, I left feeling confident that each and every one of my clients get the exact same treatment when they walk through our studio doors.  They are welcomed, educated and enlightened!

So…now that I have just had a brain dump…onto this hilarious clip.  I will say, I feel insanely blessed to have only had a couple of “I-know-everything-about-everything” type of clients in the last ten years of business.  Pretty good stats I think! 

Happy Tuesday…and much love!

~xo~ k

Engage Your Imagination (e.y.i) is coming together just beautifully.  I first wrote about this new lovely Design Center that our very own The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is pioneering right here in the Queen City.  Complete with a Tasting Room, Cake Room and Full-service Design Room…it will leave every “Ritz-bride” longing to plan all aspects of her wedding within these intimate and romantic walls.

After a yummy lunch today at BLT Steakhouse with the lovely Heidi Nowak, Kimberly Werner and Rebecca Cochran – we agreed on the final selection of kvp imagery that will grace these beautiful walls.  Needless to say, I can’t breath I’m so excited!!  Still pinching!!

More to come soon…until then…lots of xoxo’s!!

This past December I received a phone call from the lovely Kimberly Werner, Catering Sales Manager for the The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.  “Kristin, we are working on a project that we are hoping to have you be a part of.  There is a bit of a time crunch, are you able to come by soon?”  It was then that I learned all about, e.y.i DESIGN STUDIO (aka – ENGAGE YOUR IMAGINATION).  Our very own The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is pioneering the first ever in-house Design Studio in the world!  Complete with a Tasting Room, Design Room, Cake Room AND…

KVP Images!

Pinch me…

“YES!!  I’ll be right there!”

My first walk-thru was beautiful.  Full of life, excitement and collaboration.  I met (and have fallen in-love) with Rebecca Cochran, Meetings and Special Events.  We have a clear and concise direction under the creative eye of, Mr. David Rothwell (General Manager).  And I could not be more excited to have Kenny of Kenny Color Lab by my side on this project.

The transformation is currently underway.  Image install is mid-February…just around the corner.

I hope you enjoy this little journey.

~ xo ~

Mr. Rothwell’s vision is Tuscan-inspired.  Complete with Restoration Hardware interior furnishings, oak cashmere wood flooring that will span from the floor to the ceiling and cultured stone arch ways…it will leave every bride longing to move in and call the e.y.i. studio, “Home!”

Below is a rough prototype of the entry hallway (complete with kvp imagery…eeek!  pinch me!!!).

The Wedding Cake Studio is currently transforming from a dandelion hue to a lovely shade of mauve.  Aaaand…I was lucky to catch the engineering department fitting the doorways for the cultured stone.

Stay tuned for more on this exciting project soon!

Happy Thursday!

~xo~

WHITE FRIDAY SALE!!!

Join NYB&G on Friday, November 25th for the first annual WHITE FRIDAY!!
NYB&G CHARLOTTE will host the biggest sale EVER!!!!! Hundreds of bridal gowns will blow out of this salon with special early hours from 9 AM til 3PM!!
We have gathered inventory from both stores to make this sale spectacular! All newly discontinued merchandise must go to make room for new!

Bridal gowns starting at $99 with nothing priced above $399
Bridesmaids gowns all priced up to $25
Flowergirl dresses at $15
Mother of the Bride dresses 50 to 75% off the MSRP

***We will not be open for regular business services that day. It will be madness! Regular business to resume Saturday at 10 AM***

I am so excited to announce Weddings and the City’s 1st Q&A Event.  It has been a long time in the making and we are now ready to open our beautiful studio doors to all brides seeking wedding planning advice.  Whether it’s logistic questions, design questions, budget questions, or reputable vendor questions – we are here to SHARE IT WITH YOU!!!!

Space is limited – so we ask that you only invite one guest to attend this (free!) open forum with you.

Be prepared to take lots of notes!  We will be covering many topics and tips in a short time period before we open the floor to all questions.

Look forward to meeting so many of you!!

Be sure to stay tuned to all that the WATC girls are up to…lots of exciting announcements, giveaways (it’s the giving season!!) and contests coming soon!!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest team member…

Miss Lauren Hall!!

Born and bred right here in beautiful North Carolina, Lauren brings a tremendous amount of creative leadership, graphic design skills and a phenomenal eye for style, photography and art!

She is passionate about snow skiing, going to the theater, New York City and roller coasters!!  She is a bubbly, sugary-sweet little thing that we are elated to have here supporting us in the studio.  I hope you will help us welcome her to the wedding community!!

Feel free to email her a little love at lauren@kristinvining.com or leave some yummy welcome messages right here in the comment box!

Welcome, Lauren!!

~xo~

“Wings spread wide…”

Where do I begin?

Deep breath, Kristin.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh…

Here we go.

My heart is bittersweet having to announce the departure of my beloved studio manager, Lizzy-lou-lou.  Our journey began just over two and half years ago, and it has been an utterly amazing ride.  She has been my right hand person and incredibly instrumental in keeping me sane.  She handled the day-to-day operations of our bustling studio with grace, charm and beautiful sweetness.  Her presence is angelic.  Her skill set and talent is untouchable.  Her heart, love and being is simply pure.

I ache…

I will greatly miss her being part of our team, but I am elated and overjoyed knowing that she is spreading her wings to fly and pursue her passion for photography.  I have watched this precious baby girl grow from a college graduate to an “I’m engaged! girl” to an incredibly beautiful bride – and now to a wife.  A woman who is well beyond her years and has a passion for the Lord like no other.  It lifts my heart to know that I have been a small part of her professional growth, but it moves my soul and spirit beyond measure to know that she has been an intrical part of my overall growth.

Liz. Lizzy-lou-lou.  Elisabeth.

I am proud of you.

I wish you blessings.

I wish you greatness.

I wish you success.

I simply wish for you.

I love you.

Our bustling studio is growing and we are looking for our next team member!  I am seeking an individual who has a passion for design and an eye for photography (please note:  I am not looking for a 2nd shooter, photographer or wedding planner).  This person should be highly proficient in their photoshop knowledge, web design skills as well as social media handling.  They should have an eye for style, fashion and photography.  Their organizational skills and ability to be a fantastic team player is a must!

Please contact me at kristin@kristinvining.com.  SEND RESUME + PORTFOLIO (or at least something that shows your design skills).  Feel free to link me to your website or facebook page.  I will be conducting interviews beginning this Thursday.  This is a paid, part-time position.