During the slow time, I crave the company of my fellow artist and all our varied conversations.  All of my art friends are introspective souls.  We find joy in exploring ideas, dissecting our unique perspectives on the world, and delving into the challenges and triumphs of our individual artistic journeys. These dialogues not only nourish our spirits but also influence and propel our own creative endeavors.

Teaching art to elementary school children offers a different kind of fulfillment. Unlike adults, they haven't yet built walls of self-doubt or fear. With a gentle nudge, they readily embrace the unknown, diving headfirst into the expressive world of art. In this space, there are no "wrong" answers, no rigid skill sets to master - just the pure joy of exploration. All we ask is that they try.

Throughout my lifelong journey in the visual arts, I've witnessed similar dynamics unfold in adult art classes. Sadly, I've seen many students hesitant to push beyond their comfort zones. The fear of mistakes, the perceived superiority of others, and the sting of potential criticism can create formidable barriers.

What has the arts taught me?  A profound truth: it's just me and the medium, face-to-face. 

The struggles I face are often internal, stemming from questions about commitment, direction, and mastery. But within those challenges lies an exhilarating invitation: how deeply will I delve into this uncharted territory? Where will this new path lead me? How can I conquer this technique and blend it with my existing artistic voice? Ultimately, these inquiries pave the way for personal growth and artistic expansion.

I will forever be a lifelong learner in the arts.  Does my constant pursuit of learning in the arts make me a "creative person," or even an "artist"? I don't have a definitive answer. Yet, what resonates deeply is the profound fulfillment this journey brings, transcending any definitive answer.

We are gearing up for Range of Light.  The one thing I am absolutely sure about is that the Sierra Nevadas hold no secrets for us.  We know the mountains can change at any moment.  Range of Light elopements – celebrations as unpredictable as the mountains themselves.

We have to be prepared for at every single event.  Through Sweet Lilacs, we've set up in countless open spaces, off the grid and on, and understand the unique restrictions and enhancements.  We understand their quirks and potential.  But our deepest knowledge lies in the landscape itself. We know how flowers and setups will thrive in our climate, ensuring your vision flourishes amidst our picturesque and rugged surroundings. 

Challenges Met with Grace:

• We’ve selected items that are weighted and durable.  There are very few items that are delicate out here.  The gusts of wind may kick up so 30 miles per hour just a few moment.

• The ground is uneven.  We are out in nature and no one is paving the ground out here.  Just know we are walking on rocks, dirts and brush.

• We do our best dealing with limited water, buzzing mosquitos and even dirt.  

• We have a leave no trace policy.  Not only do we set-up.  We need to clean up, haul away and dispose of everything responsibly.  No easy feat here.

This, truly, is the greatest advantage of living and working where we do.  It is more than just set-ups for us.  It’s about unforgettable moments in the Sierra Nevadas mountains.

We are finally ready to launch Sweet Little Lilacs. It has taken some time to define the goals. I have had such a difficult time figuring out why I am so attracted to Sweet Little Lilacs. Admittedly, there have been many times when I questioned why I am starting yet another opportunity in the wedding business. Sweet Lilacs is established and doing well. It will be 9 years in business! I absolutely love my team and we work together so well.

For Sweet Little Lilacs, there have been attempts to start a forward momentum. I would post images on social media, then I would completely stall flat. What’s next, I would ask myself? Where do I go from here? What is my goal? Perhaps I should let this go? But, it never felt right to walk away.

2023 got busy with weddings and full installations. I couldn’t get back to addressing Sweet Little Lilacs until now. At the end of our 2023 season.

Finally, I can emphatically say that Sweet Little Lilacs is about adding the individual personal touch to your wedding.

We started this year being part of Range of Light, an elopement and small wedding service. With the other partners of Range of Light, we traveled to Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley for some beautiful photo shoots. The experience of traveling with other vendors and meeting our eager couples are so memorable. Lots and lots of laughter! I collected many items that would coincide with the theme of the shoot. I thoroughly enjoyed styling the reception area for the intimate meal.

Ultimately, it is creating the small items that adds the personal touch that has me hooked! Surprisingly, I love making the VOW books!

The very books that will hold your promises and future goals. It feels so special to me to hand write your names and date of your marriage. To hand paint flowers or to recreate the background of your ceremony. To make the paper that will cover your book. And even to hand stitch the binding of the books. This all feels so very special to me.

Seems like such a small thing really. But, I can create something intimate and personal for your wedding. For this special moment, I feel it has to be handmade, organic and personal. It can’t be something mass marketed and created through assembly lines. Does not seems right!

It has to have depth, meaning and profound. The words to your vows are so important. The VOW books need to have the same weight as the words it is carrying. This makes perfect sense to me.

So here we are! We can finally begin Sweet Little Lilacs and introduce our handmade customizable VOW books.