Because Kaitlyn Ruined a Surprise...

It starts with a funny story...I follow my wedding photographers on Facebook because in addition to the beautiful images they shot at my wedding, I just love looking at their work. One day I noticed they mentioned our wedding so of course I clicked through and it brought me to the website Reenie Rose where the theme is "bouquet preservation with a modern brush." 

I scrolled through all the images of a gorgeous painting of a bouquet, slowly realizing it was mine that she had been working on and instantly fell in love...

I left the artist (Loreen- she's wonderful!) a comment letting her know how beautiful her work was and asking how I could get my hands on the painting when she was done. She had done a profile on my photographers, so I figured she just decided to replicate one of their photos to go along with the story. 

The thought never crossed my mind that this was an amazing SURPRISE gift to me from my Mother...

I only found this out after I went back a few days on Loreen's blog and saw a few comments from my Mom at the bottom complimenting her progress on my present. Imagine my shock when I found out that I ruined such a generous, thoughtful present! That's what I get for being a Facebook stalker ;) 

The present was intended to be opened on my birthday in November but of course after this happened, my Mom and I both couldn't wait. How fantastic is she? The day after my wedding, I was so sad to see my beautiful bouquet already wilting (I may have even shed a tear) so she figured this was a unique way for me to be able to hold onto it forever. I am so lucky to have her in my life -- she always goes out of her way to make sure her family is happy.

And the unveiling of the "surprise" ...

 Loreen even captured the locket which held the photo of my late Grandmother which was very special to me, so I was very impressed. I am currently working on the arrangement of our wedding picture wall going up the main staircase in our house and I think this is the perfect piece to go in the middle.

If you know anyone getting married or anyone who recently tied the knot, check out Reenie Rose. Rather than preserve your flowers in a dry, brittle state, bring them back to life with a custom painting that will never fade. Loreen is a gifted artist with a great eye for detail and not to mention, she's super sweet! She and my Mom became good friends throughout the process so we talked about setting up a coffee date for the 3 of us. 

It's funny how these things happen, isn't it?