4 Things // Creative Muse

Happy Sunday wanderers. I'm listening to this interview with Austin Kleon on Creative Live.  He mentions Elizabeth Gilbert and her idea of genius being more of the Greek concept of the muse.  I love this idea of thoughts visiting you if you give them space in your daily practice.  He also mentions an interview she did with Tom Waits.  Tom would often get great ideas while he was driving. He would look up kind of frustrated and say, "Hey can't you see I'm driving".  I'm looking forward to finding this interview.

Listening :Creative Live

Reading : Just wrapped up Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond FearbyElizabeth Gilbert recently - so good.

Adventuring : Mike and I drove from San Francisco to San Diego along the coast earlier this week.  We took the time to create some beautiful images and try out new techniques along the way.

Dreaming of : Looking to get some good news for my dad at the doctors this week. 

xoxo

Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers

the $40,900 question: Quixotic Weddings

Today I thought we would share a little bit about one of our creative partners. Quixotic Weddings.  Couples ask us all the time about wedding filmmakers and you know we love to collaborate with talented folks.  Here is your chance to get to know an inspired San Diego couple Scott and Jenny Hoops.xoxo Suzanne

1.What drives your wedding films?
The couple and their love! Once we've had a chance to get to know the couple, see their day unfold, and look through hours and hours of footage, there is a moment where it becomes clear what their film should be.
2.What fascinates you about weddings?
A wedding is such an intimate moment. There is so much intensity and emotion surrounding the day - relationships with family and friends, organizing the details, and ultimately the commitment that the two people are making. We are truly blown away at every wedding we film - people say the most beautiful things and it's so amazing that we get to be part of such a special moment in someone's life.
 
3.What is the most thrilling aspect about your work?
S: The moment in editing when a piece starts to take shape and you can see what it is going to become - something totally unique that didn't exist beforehand.
J: After experiencing firsthand how incredible it is to have so many special moments of my life captured through video (childhood, family vacations, our wedding, travel & adventures), I love that we are able to record such an important moment in time for someone and that they'll be able to look back on those memories and share them with family and friends for the rest of their lives.
4.What is your get-ready routine for wedding days?
We try to prep everything the night before so that the morning of we can go for a leisurely walk, stop for coffee, and then come back home and watch an episode of the Colbert Report. And, though you did not ask, our routine for after each wedding is to celebrate with a shot of tequila!
5.What is your favorite scene to capture at a wedding?
J: The groom's reaction just before and while the bride walks down the aisle. I also love doing video messages from the bride to the groom (and vice versa) before the ceremony - it's such an honest moment.
S: Speeches and personal vows are some of my favorite moments because they are always unique and the voice inflections and facial expressions say so much in addition to the words. I also love being on the dance floor with a 50mm lens while everyone is dancing like crazy all around me!
6.Dream wedding venue?
S: I've loved shooting all over San Diego  - - so many amazing venues! With that said, we still have not been part of a vineyard wedding so I would say that is my dream venue at the moment.
J: Anywhere in nature (beach, mountains, forest, etc) and with lots of stringed lights and candles!
7.What details most capture your attention?
J: Smiles, tears and babies.
S: It's true. Jenny always films the babies - I'm in trouble! :) For me, I would say my attention is drawn to anything I haven't seen before. And at every wedding, there is ALWAYS something I haven't seen before.
 
 
8. I heard you two love to road trip, what place did you explore on your last adventure?
Las Vegas! And since videography is our passion in addition to our career, we brought a lot of gear with us on our trip. As a result, when the people in the elevator at our hotel saw us lugging in so much camera equipment, they thought we were making an adult film!
9.Must-have snack on every road trip?
S: Does wine count as a snack? But only when Jenny is driving of course! :)
J: I'm not sure why Scott said wine because he is always driving... :) Although he definitely brings wine to the drive-in theater! I love to stop at a gas station and get whatever I'm in the mood for... probably chocolate and coffee!
10.Finally, If you had $40,900 to spend on traveling, where would you go and what would you do?”
We've just spent the past twenty minutes debating the best travel route but have yet to come to an agreement... so here's the gist of where we'd go and what we'd do in no particular order: We'd head to NYC to live it up in the city and visit family and friends, stop by South America to drink wine, hike the Inca trail and explore Easter Island, fly to Africa to go on a legit safari, travel around Europe stopping by London & Geneva to see family, Spain & Italy to drink, eat and be merry, Greece to see the architecture, Czech Republic for a romantic night out, Germany for beer and lederhosen, followed by an elephant ride and yoga lessons in India, then off to Australia for some fun down under, an opera and to see a dingo, next we'd hit up Japan for some sushi, and end the trip with a road trip from Vancouver to San Diego stopping at every amazing place along the way! We calculate that that should come to around $40,000 leaving us with $900 which we would take to Vegas and place a bet on 17 on a roulette table and if it hits we'd do it all over again!

An Interview With Cara & Jenny of Luxe Events

In our most recent newsletter we're talking about advice and who we turn to for the best guidance. We decided to interview Cara & Jenny for the inside scoop on two best friends running a successful business together in the industry!Thanks again for sharing all of your wisdom, Cara & Jenny.We LOVE Luxe Events!

 

What is your number one piece of advice for your brides-to-be?

C: Let everything go the day of your wedding and enjoy. The most important thing is celebrating the commitment you are making to one another! We coordinators will handle the rest.

J: Funny despite my complete infatuation with wedding decor my best advice is "its about the vows". Truth is I will make it pretty and we will make it run smoothly but your love is at the heart of it at all. Sleep well, be at peace, the details have a way of working themselves out. Do not lose site of what the wedding is all about.

Who gives you the best advice?

C: My mom. As a former teacher, she has seen it all!

J: In life or professional wedding planning? I suppose my sister is the answer to both. My touchstone. Am I being crazy? Is my idea brilliant? How do I bring down Oliver's fever? Should I go on a limb? What color is in for a manicure this week? She will always tell me the truth and yet always has my favorite answer.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

C: You only get one reputation in life, so take special care of it.

J:Whatever you are, be a good one

What is one thing brides ask about the most often?

C: That's a hard one, since it is our job to answer all the questions;)

J: How do I stay on budget? hint: 1) reduce your guest list 2) listen to wedding planner's advice

What is one thing that brides don't ask about but should?

C: First look/reveal. I love the tradition of seeing your bride/groom at the ceremony, but with the scope of most weddings now days I think couples will be happy to have the extra time for photos

J: I love recommending my favorite vendors to match their personality and budget.

Design style you're currently loving?

C: Sparkle. From gold leafed table numbers to full on sequin linens, its fun and fresh and puts me in a cheery mood!

J:I just did a design for colorful Bohemian Glamour I am really loving. I like any design I see in a Jose Villa photograph. :)

Favorite "I want to go there" destination?

C:The Greek Islands

J: If I ever ran away from my world to be alone, I'd go to London. Favorite city.

Most surprising quirk about your best friend?

C:One of my best friends has a very girly job in design (guess who), yet she has a very man-like palette and eats only red meat and loves whiskey.

J: Its more of a blessing than a quirk, but she is the most generous person I have ever known- of herself, her time, and her love. Oh the quirk- she does not get hangovers. Ever.

Best design advice in 5 words?

C: Beware of too much DIY

J: Dream, Edit, Decide, Release, Celebrate

Best perk of your job?

C: The thank you hugs from the bride and groom at the end of the night. Oh, and having fresh flowers to take home after.

J: Being an intragal part of someone's love story, its an honor.

Wishlist item you want so bad it hurts?

C: A house so I have more rooms to decorate! I am out of space and every time I leave West Elm or Home Goods empty handed I feel very sad.

J: Got my eyes on a pair of Christian Louboutins

Food you could eat everyday and never get sick of?

C: Tacos, tacos and more tacos!

J: Mexican food

Color combination you're crazy for?

C: The timelessness of black and white always draws my attention

J: Depends on the week! Right now: blush, gold & mint

Three things you can't live without?

C: Mascara, cute flats, and my watch(s)

J: My family, mascara, red wine

Describe Cara in one word

J: Sunshine

Describe Jenny in one word

C: Vibrant

Current obsession?

C: Our puppy, Nala. I am nuts about her:)

J: Making my twin babies Oliver & Isabelle smile