Saturday, December 15, 2012

Getting back on track...

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Have not been blogging 
for two weeks ...
seems like even longer!

But I am back 
on track now.






In case you 
missed my post in October, 
 my house was just photographed
this past week for
 read about it here.

So for the last two weeks 
my friend Jenn and I were
as busy as elves on December 24th
preparing for Christmas
for next year's holiday issue. 

On Monday,
we went to the airport
to pick up the 
famous Bonnie Broten 
-- stylist extraordinaire 
and Field Editor for Meredith Publishing. 
This darling (and beautiful) woman
has more energy and talent 
than most anyone I know! Her personality is magnetic.

We ran around and purchased
 fresh greens and flowers
and headed off to the house.

On Tuesday,
the magazine's Creative Director,
Geri Boesen, flew in and the four of us
got everything staged and prepared
for the photo shoot.  
(Lots of tweaking, rearranging,
and editing of things for the cameras.
Geri has such an artistic eye and a gift
for telling a story through photos.)



On Wednesday,
 Werner Straube
(Chicago-based interior/locations photographer)
and his assistant, Dustin, 
arrived with their equipment
and began shooting the house 
and the holiday decorations
for three days.
These two are so incredibly
talented -- the things they can
do with a camera! Oh my.



Trying to get the perfect lighting.



Moving things from one area to another.






Even the dogs took part in the process.
They were pictured in several areas
and they seemed to enjoy their
short stint in modeling. 
(Hallie is such a ham. Loves a flash .)

Until you experience something like this,
there's just no way to fathom
how much time and effort
 goes into each and every photograph 
of a room that is printed.

I learned SO MUCH!


Bonnie checking accessory placement.


Bonnie took her magic wand and applied
some "red holiday lipstick" 
to this old barn house
and Geri was right behind her 
with a couple design and styling
 "injections"
to pump up the looks of the place 
to get her camera-ready 
if you will! 

I couldn't even believe it was
the same place when the photos 
were finished.
(The final shots are all captured on
a laptop monitor so you are able to
watch the process of each shot from start to finish.) 
That's technology.


Werner and Dustin waiting for final "tweaking"
 being done by the ladies in the other room.


Now that it is all over,
it kind of feels like the day after 
your wedding --- 
a big let down.  
:(
So sad it is all over.



When one spot is being photographed, the other rooms
become storage and holding spaces.


Was very teary-eyed 
when Bonnie and Geri left.
So blessed to have met them 
and to have gone through this experience 
with these professionals
who are SO crazy ridiculously talented.

Can't wait to show you
the photos but will have to wait 
until after the publication 
comes out next October 
or November 2013. 

It's going to be 
a looooong 
9 months!


To see the home featured
in this year's holiday issue.
click HERE!

Enjoy! -
Alison





34 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

How exciting. I knew your home would be featured some time. Can't wait to see it.

Tartan Terrace said...

Alison - I've been thinking about you these past few days. I knew you were busy with the photo shoot. I hate that we have to wait almost a year to see the magazine article, but I know it will be worth the wait.

Merry Christmas!

Katharine

NanaDiana said...

Congratulations, Alison- I am just so thrilled and happy for you! I knew you would make the big time! And now I am glad you are back- xo Diana

Debra@CommonGround said...

wow, what an experience! Midwest Living is one of my favorite magazines. they always have such great ideas and home features. Can't wait to see your home next year!!

Miss Kitty said...

Alison! How VERY exciting! I can't wait to see the magazine, either. Will you let us know how the rest of us NOT in the Midwest will be able to get a copy? Your home is so beautiful day to day, I can't image that they had to do much to it but the behind the scenes images you shot look like a lot of work.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

How exciting, Allison! I know the pictures of your home will be gorgeous. Nine months is a really long time to wait and I know you must be very anxious . Congrats!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

so happy for you. your house is so lovely, I can't wait to see the magazine spread. My daughter lives in the midwest so I'm going to have her get me the issue.

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Alison, this is so exciting...you deserve it! Can't wait to see the magazine next year!! I know your home will be beautiful!

AntiqueChase said...

Wow that certainly is a long time to wait!! Congrats on the feature!!

Rebecca said...

What an amazing experience it must have been! Congratulations....

(And it's good to have you "back on track".)

Now relax and enjoy the rest of the Christmas season :)

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Alison,
You and your home so deserve this! I am thrilled that you were chosen. Can't wait to see the issue and yes, a LONG 9 months! Glad you are back with us. Now we need to see some holiday pics from you :)
xoxo

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

Alison- ho exciting, I can hardly wait to see the issue. October will be here before you know it. Happy Holidays.

Ron said...

How exciting, Alison! I cannot wait to see the photographs. You have a gorgeous home, one of my blog faves. xo

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I am so excited for you Alison! I had no idea it took so many days to shoot a home for a magazine! It is going to be hard to wait nine months! I know your home is going to look magnificant!!

The enchanted home said...

This is sooooo excitiing!! I can certainly see why they chose your beautiful home..its so gorgeous and cozy and elegant and classic. I am sure its going to be one of their most successful issues when your home comes out next year! Congrats Alison:)

Linda said...

Congratulations!! I am so excited for you. Just wish I could get my hands on that issue.
Your home is so beautiful!!

vignette design said...

I don't think I can wait that long! So happy for you Alison. Your home is so beautiful and I can only imagine what it looks like at Christmas. Bonnie is one in a million and I'm so glad you got to meet her and spend 5 days with her. It's true, she has more energy than anyone I know!
Have a merry Christmas. Now you can relax! ~Delores

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Alyson, you look gorgeous in yourt new picture! I was away for almost 3 weeks too and yes, I feel it was so looong..Welocomed back. Can't wait to see the magazine article, although it'll be for long stil! Have a blessed Christmas, along with yours.
FABBY

Designing Domesticity said...

Such exciting news. I can not wait to see the feature - in 9 months. torture! enjoy the rest of your holiday season. liz

All That Glitters said...

You go girl!!

andrea@townandprairie said...

Alison, what an honor! I am so happy for you and will look forward to your feature next Christmas! I have always loved Midwest Living. Congratualtions!

debra @ 5th and state said...

lucky you alison, smart them!

ohhhhh, 9 months is a very long way off. long ago a magazine featured my home and garden, in those close knit days you do bond with the professionals and it is hard to say goodbye as they march off to their next assignment
congratulations!
xo
debra

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

How awesome, Alison! This must have been so exciting, fun, and interesting...and a little stressful, too, I suppose! Think of all the fun to come when the magazine comes out next year, too!

Rose L said...

Congratulations on your article. So lovely.

SLR said...

congratulations! your home is a perfect choice for a holiday issue of Midwest Living magazine...i look forward to seeing and reading all about it next year! it's always goo to hear that so much work and tweaking goes into these shoots, so we know this is a process...and art, if you will, and not everyday life in the average household...you know, things looking magazine perfect! ;)

Bliss said...

Put me on the list for one of the autographed copies. And do tell.... did they leave up all the decorations for you?

Bliss

Gail Peterson said...

What a fabulous present for christmas next year!
Can't wait to see the special layout!
Congrats! Enjoy your beautiful home and family...
Merry Christmas*
xo
Gail
casualloveselegance

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Terri~terrileeauthor said...

I'm so excited for you and can't wait to see the final results. It's going to be hard to wait for an entire year. Your house is already so beautiful...I'm sure it made their job so much easier.
Thanks for sharing a little bit of the behind the scenes craziness.
Have a great week
xo
Terri

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I am amazed that your home has not been featured a dozen times before this feature...!!...Your home is magnificent....Congrats on the feature...looking forward to seeing it in the magazine...It must have been such a wonderful experience!! Great Christmas present!!

The Gilded JunqueYard said...

knew that was why i saw nor heard not a single peep from you these few weeks.....thought about you often and your exciting adventure! Cant wait to read and see the pics of your beautiful home!
xxo-j

Deserae said...

Congratulations!!! Bonnie is such an amazing lady.....spending time with her is such an experience and one you will never forget!!! I only wish she lived closer.....
Happy Holidays!
~Des

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