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Thursday, June 16, 2011

the photoshoot


The creative team from Renovation Style magazine arrived yesterday morning!
They make it look so natural and easy when you see a finished photo in a magazine, but the time and work involved to get even one angle of a room ready to be photographed is shockingly amazing! 
The stylist, Jorge Arango, arrived in the morning after picking up flowers in the wee hours at the flower district in NYC, and then driving the 4 hours to get to our house.  He immediately started arranging flowers for each room to be photographed. 
He came with what is called a "shot list" from the art director, Jack Murphy, at Renovation Style.   A shot list is the directive to the photographer and the stylist which specifically lists each room/angle/shot that has been chosen to be photographed for the magazine. They are doing a whole-house shoot, so there are quite a few photos on the list.  The stylist then styles that room or angle of the room to make it look great in a photo.  Styling is a totally different skill set than interior design.  It is almost like designing "outside the box."  Things that I would have never gathered together for a real vignette in a room look absolutely beautiful when grouped together for a photograph!  It easily takes at least an hour to set up for one shot.   It has been a fascinating learning lesson in styling and photography. 





Ella helping Jorge!  There is a lot of activity around the house, so luckily Ella thinks everyone is here to see her and it is just one big party!



Tulips being arranged for a shot in the living room. 
Sometimes props (pillows, throws, accessories, etc.) are brought in for a photoshoot, the only thing they brought with them for our shoot was flowers!!   The fact that they didn't need to bring anything was driven home when at one point Jorge found an antique iron vase in a cabinet that he decided to use for flowers for the entry shot.  I then remembered that I had two more antique iron vases that he might prefer to use instead in the attic.... everyone has three random antique iron vases just sitting around their house, right?!!




The photographer, Michael Partenio, and his assistant, David Mc Caughan, arrived with a lot of equipment!  (The large box isn't theirs, it was for the man-tv that was installed the day before the shoot! Who knew installing a television/sound system would take two days- and this is after the two days it took to wire it several months ago.... I digress;)  Luckily we had an empty barn room to use, as otherwise I have no idea where we would have put all of this! There is a lot of motion in the house with the assistant constantly going back and forth with equipment and special cameras that the photographer wants for a particular shot.





Again... Ella working hard helping the photographer!





Then she got tired and had to take a nap in the sun;)




In a photoshoot things get moved a bit.... oh- who am I kidding, everything gets moved:) sometimes just an inch or two, sometimes totally rotated, sometimes moved across the room, or even from one room to another just to get the perfect shot
We have lots of windows, i.e.  lots of light, so as you see in this photo light sources will often be covered with either a black or white drape to get the right light for the shot.




More "moving" to get the perfect photo...




...and things getting raised;) to look just right for the camera!






Michael, the photographer, setting up to photograph the front of the house.



We've had a week of rain coming into the shoot, but fortunately the sun has been out yesterday and today.   From what we are hearing, the photographer and the stylist are very pleased with the shots they are getting, so Dan and I are really excited to hear that!  They worked until 8pm last night and I think will be here that long today.
This has been an fabulous experience for us, and we can not wait to see the final photographs.  Know that I will share them with you (don't know when it will be) the second that I can.
I have some champagne in the fridge and in a couple of hours (or sooner, whichever comes first;)  you'll probably hear some corks popping!

Cheers!


93 comments:

  1. I dream of a house just like yours! Can't wait to move out of suburbia and away from the rat race. My in laws lived in Nashua for years and then came back to TX...I think they'd go back if they could! Your blog is definitely one of my favorite places to visit. Congrats and I think Ella and Sophie might be cousins. ; )
    ~Tina

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  2. So exciting!!
    Beautiful home :)
    Can't wait to see the pics!!

    Deborah xo

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  3. Hi Joan, Dan, and Ella! What a pleasant surprise to see your new post! My thoughts have been with you this week. I was not surprised to read that the only prop the magazine had to bring was flowers; I am sure that this photo shoot is an absolute pleasure for the team. Cindy

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  4. What fun, & what a fabulous experience! I don't normally buy that magazine, but I absolutely can't wait until this one comes out - I will definitely be buying! Cheers!

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  5. I didn't realise it was so involved. I just thought they showed up and took photos. Amazing story series.
    Thanks
    Dianne
    YONKS
    XOXO

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  6. You even have beautiful soap next to your sink! I can't wait to see the finished photo's. You are so lucky to live in such a gorgeous house. Mind you the fact that it is so very lovely is down to you, so sit back and bask in the forthcoming shower of praise.

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  7. I'm new to your blog. Your home is amazing and this shoot is beyond exciting!! Can't wait to see more :-)

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  8. The Renovation Home crew must be having a field day in that lovely house of yours. And I am sure they are already looking forward to coming back for the barn room. It's so nice to see behind the scenes. Thank you.

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  9. How exciting Joan!!! I am beyond thrilled for you that your beautiful home is being featured and can't wait to see the photos. I just came over from reading your post on Dear Lillie and absolutely love your porches! Is there anything about your house I don't love? I think not. Enjoy this exciting experience and thank you for sharing your lovely home and design ideas with us on your blog!

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  10. I know what you went through. When they came to, My Old historic house, last Oct. to shoot the pictures for Victorian Homes magazine, I almost lost it. Move this, change this, take that out and stuff every where. I was worth it, as it is on the news stands right now, the June issue. thanks for sharing. Richard

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  11. wonderful story, joan. looking so forward to the photos.

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  12. How exciting Joan I can't wait to see the pictures!! Martina

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  13. phew, looks exhausting but fun! Can't wait to see the photies!!! Am sure they willbe great!

    Veronica
    www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com
    pardon for comment anon but it sems the only way blogger will let me comment!

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  14. Thank you for keeping us abreast of the happenings at your home!!! I always expect great things from RS and I just know your home will be THE best! Can't wait to see it!

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  15. Fascinating. I am sure everything will look so gorgeous when it is published. All the work that goes into the photo shoot is amazing, isn't it? Save some of that champagne for next week! Better yet, we will bring more!!

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  16. This is soooo exciting! Your home is beautiful so it is no wonder people want to see it! You are a fabulous designer!

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  17. Sounds like you had a wonderful day! I can't wait to see all the pictures.

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  18. LOVE reading about the process! Very interesting.

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  19. How exciting!! I can't wait to see it in the magazine.
    xo
    Ashlyn

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  20. I am so very excited for you Joan. The whole thing is just amazing and I am so glad you are sharing it with your readers. Any idea when it will be printed in the magazine?

    Carolyn

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  21. How exciting!We have had two fotoshoots in our house, and it was such a fabulous experience!
    Can't wait to see your pictures!

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  22. You must have a whole range of emotions going full speed right now -- pride, stress, exhaustion, joy, terror ... the works! Thanks for taking us through the whole process. Renovation Style has always been a favorite magazine for me, and it's really thrilling to see someone I 'know' featured in it.

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  23. What fun to be able to work with a pro stylist and photographer. Loved reading about the shoot and look forward to seeing the feature in the magazine.
    My best - Diane

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  24. So fascinating!!! Love hearing all about it!
    xoTrina

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  25. Your home is just exquisite, even in its "pre photo shoot" stage its totally gorgeous! Cannot wait to see the magazine!! Stop by, last day to be eligible for my Kilim bench!

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  26. I am just sitting on the edge of my seat with an empty flute ready... when those photos appear. Learning about the process was cool. I imagine your place pretty much picture perfect. I can't wait for the magazine too. You make me giddy.
    Patty

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  27. This was a fantastic post!! I love to notice the details of the rooms in the magazines as to how they are shot specifically for the printing. You know, tables way to close to furniture, tables blocking french doors and such, but in the picture, the overall look is always perfect.

    I can only imagine how fascinating it is to watch them at work. The picture of the table set up on books was great!

    I am so excited for you. What an honor after all your perservance and hard work. I have a bottle of bubbly waiting in the fridge for when my copy arrives, lol. When it comes out in print I think you will corks popping all over the US from all of us fellow bloggers who share your joy.

    Thanks for sharing all the details.

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  28. Your home is just perfect for Renovation Style, one of my faves. What amazing validation of your talent and hard work. I just hope they include the last Smith and hawken mailbox on the granite post. :) LOVE!!!

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  29. What a lucky duck! Although I can only imagine how much work went into making your home the showplace that it is. Well deserved recognition!

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  30. What a great experience to see all the "behind the scenes" work and to learn and glean from it all. So excited for you. Thanks for sharing your experience!! I am really looking forward to seeing pictures. :)

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  31. Congrats to you. Can't wait to see it in on high gloss paper. I love it when fellow bloggers end up in magazines. So happy for you, you deserve it. Cheers! Heidi

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  32. This is absolutely thrilling, Joan, and so interesting to see the behind the scenes! Poor sweet Ella will be worn out. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your journey!

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  33. Sounds intense, but fun. Thanks for sharing all those photo shoot details. Who knew? That last shot of your house is gorgeous. I'm thrilled for you!

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  34. How exciting!! Thank you for letting us visit your beautiful home and share the experience of of the photo shoot. I can't wait to see the photos.
    Babs

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  35. I can't wait to see what the pictures look like when they are published!! Love your house so much anyway, don't see how they could really make it any better. How exciting!!

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  36. I'm so excited for you both. Glad Ella was supervising. Can't wait to see the photos...

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  37. I can feel your excitement! I can't wait to see the final photos.

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  38. This could not happen to a better house. So sweet seeing Ella overlooking the process. I cannot wait to hear and see every detail! Ths issue will be a "keeper" fo sho!!!! :)
    xoxo Dianne
    Having trouble with blogger so taking the anon route.

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  39. It is an amazing experience isn't it?! I remember the first shoot I was on and how much more was involved then I ever imagined! I can't wait to see the story, I know it will be gorgeous! Congratulations!

    Kat :)

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  40. Joan I have so enjoyed reading about the comings and goings of a photo shoot, It all sounds so exciting to me. I would love to see the process!! So pleased to hear that you are enjoying every minute of it!!! Enjoy your champagne!! Kathysue

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  41. So exciting ... congrats !! It's fun to see the lengths and details that are involved in a photo shoot ... I can't wait to see it in print, too !!

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  42. wow how interesting. this has got to be an amazing experience to go through. thanks for sharing it with us. cannot wait to see the final pics.

    xo
    janet

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  43. I loved reading this and I cannot wait for your issue to come out! I will tell everyone that I "know" you! : )

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  44. Glad to see Ella was there to supervise. Can't wait to see the published work. Am I hearing champagne corks flying? Hope it does not hit the man-TV!

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  45. It looks like you got a gorgeous day too! Enjoy every minute of it :) Can't wait to see the images in the magazine spread!!!
    Best,
    Amy Meier

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  46. WOW!.. our house was being photographed on the very same day by Fifi O'Neill! Can you believe what a mess is made of the house, after you've scrubbed every inch and organized ever corner just so?.... But what an experience, it was truly an honor.

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  47. AMAZING Home!! I'm new to your blog and you are inspiring me with every photo. Keep it coming:)

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  48. What a process, so interestng Joan....I bet you will never look at a magazine quite the same way...

    I can't wait to see it....so I can only imagine how you must feel....

    Oh what kind of champagne...? Love it with a splash of cranberry juice...

    Thank you for sharing...

    Kathy :)

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  49. I just your guest post for Dear Lillie. I love your porches! My Husband and I live in Illinois. We have a small porch that we enjoy sitting in during the Summer months. I also love the blue of your Chinese glass floaters. Where did you find them?

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  50. Am I naive to think that there's a magazine out there somewhere that comes into a house for a photo shoot and leaves everything where it is? I'd like to see a 'real house' for a change in a magazine. Since you've been through the process now, is that even feasible? Your house is beautiful just as it is.

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  51. Wow wow wow !!! Loved the amazing post. Informative and funny too (love that Ella :) I am so happy for you all- you have an amazing house and it is simply lovely that it will be recognized. I will be buying that magazine just to keep your article. Can't wait to find out when it comes out. Now enjoy that Champagne ~

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  52. I love hearing about the behind the scenes action, thank you! I cannot wait for the publication. I'm sure that they prepare the issue long before it comes out, I just hope it doesn't take them too long!
    Did they interview you and Dan at all about all of the work and how you got it to that beautiful state?
    I am so, so excited for you, you would think it was MY home : )
    Cheers!
    Carin from Pennsylvania

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  53. How exciting! I love seeing Ella participating! Can't WAIT to see it in my RS issue!

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  54. Thank-you for this window into your experience with the photography session on your home! I love the details! The fact that they didn't need props speaks volumes about the quality of your decorating! I'm not surprised at all! I'll bet they enjoyed being there as much as you enjoyed having them! Can't wait to see whatever you can share with us and the magazine of course! Kudos!

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  55. absolutely cannot wait to run to the store and pick up my copy of this magazine with your pictures. i adore your kitchen and would like to thank you for recently addicting me to fishing floats.

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  56. How fun!!!!! Cannot wait to see the finished shots for the magazine!!!! :)
    Karen

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  57. Thank you so much for this! Your excitement is fun to feel between the lines!

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  58. fabulous indeed...it felt like the champagne had already been uncorked given all the excitement - too wonderful! ella is a good example of how to remain calm when your whole house is turned upside down... looking forward to the unveiling in the magazine! thanks for the fun!
    -xok.

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  59. What fun to see your house thru different eyes! I bet you will change a few things, just to make it different and new to you. Though it is hard to improve on your style already, but fun to change it up!!! Congrats again.....Rosie PS I think I have 3 iron planters in my attic.....my movers are going to HATE me.....

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  60. How fun, Joan! Your home is just beautiful...what a FABulous article it will make for Renovation Style! Your pics brought back fond memories of a few years back when Romantic Homes magazine came and did my store, my home and a clients home....all you've described is true...everything gets moved, rearranged...styled....for just the right shot! But the results are always amazing! Can hardly wait to see the article featuring your beautiful home!
    Have a most FABulous Friday!
    ;-D Kathleen

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  61. Wonderful, wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing with us the photo shoot process...could you please tell us more? Look forward to what will be a wonderful magazine edition. Congratulations!

    P.s. Love seeing that Ella was so involved too!

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  62. Hi Joan,
    Bonnie told me to read your post, as this is exactly what I'm to expect when they come in August to shoot my house! I cannot wait to get my copy of Renovation Style. I just can't get enough of your house. It is everything I love! I want your refrigerator! haha! Anyway, congratulations, you deserve it! xo Delores

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  63. Congratulations Joanie! That is so exciting for you and Dan. I recently renewed my subscription and can't wait to see the beautiful pictures! It is so interesting to see what all goes into styling for a photoshoot! The pictures you take are so great and it will be interesting to see how they "see" the rooms differently. Keeping fingers crossed that Ella made a spread or two. xoxo, Allison

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  64. So exciting! It brings back such happy memories of my days art directing at magazines - I loved shooting days. I can't wait to see yours in print :)

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  65. Love it- how exciting! Can't wait to get my issue in the mail. I just know you will be on the COVER!!!!!!!!!!!
    Loved seeing little Ella helping everyone- such a cutie!
    Emily

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  66. Can hardly wait to know when the photo shoot will appear in the magazine. I do not subscribe to this magazine but I am sure going to buy a copy!! Also, I think it is sweet that Ella probably thought all the commotion was a party for her!! LOL. She deserves a big party for them moving all "her" things around! ;>)

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  67. So exciting...of course they only needed to bring in flowers. Your house is perfect!

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  68. How fun how fun! Exhausting fun...but fun, eh? And have NO DOUBT...Ella is running the whole dayum show!

    Linda Lime in the coco...

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  69. Wow! I'm impressed - with your house and with all that is involved in photographing one. Very cool, indeed!

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  70. New fan from Dear Lillie! I am just in awe of the beauty of your home. It's absolutely lovely. I just looked back at all your old posts and have really enjoyed hearing about the process of restoring an older home. And it makes me home sick looking at all the images of New England... those trees!! sigh. I miss the northeast. Enjoy the shoot!

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  71. Congrats! I look forward to seeing the spread!

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  72. How exciting for you and Dan and Ella looked like she was having a good time. Dylan would have done the same thing, got bored and go have a nap...KIDS! I can't wait to see your home featured good thing I subscribe to Renovation Home!

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  73. Hi! I was just introduced to your site a few days ago thru Dear Lillie and now I can't get enough of it. I've been reading your older posts and am in love with your home and all the details. Makes me want to drop everything and move to New England and buy a historical home right now! And I love all your orbs... how cool. Thanks for sharing all your hard work with us!

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  74. The shoot sounded so exciting! I cannot wait for the subsequent magazine article. You will let us know what issue, won't you?

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  75. I'm so excited for you, Joan! Your house already seemed magazine-ready to me. I can't imagine what would have to be done to my house to get it ready. They'd have to spend at least 6 months here :)

    Are your floors original or reclaimed? I'm in the market for hardwoods, and I really like yours!

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  76. what can i add but just another shout out and a cyber High Five!

    congrats, i love that magazine and your home will be the perfect addition
    debra

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  77. So glad I didn't miss this post. How much fun was that? I think I heard those corks popping. Our home was photographed last August for At home in Arkansas. Not near the size publication that is doing yours but i was amazed at how hard they worked to get just the perfect shot. You will not be disappointed. Cheers! Mona

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  78. What an exciting experience! Your house is absolutely charming. I love the kitchen and the outside. I look forward to seeing the magazine photos. (It's so interesting to read about the behind the scenes, too.)

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  79. So cool to see the little touches that they add to what I think is already perfect. :) Can't wait to see the photos. Even my husband read this with me and got excited.

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

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  80. ...what fun seeing the behind the scenes professional process...but bless their hearts...they did not need to edit a thing...

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  81. Joan,
    I am even more excited to see your house in print...is that possible!?

    Loved hearing no props were needed other than the fresh variety. I think this is such a tribute to your amazing style and decication to maintaining the personality of your hoouse!
    xo,
    ~R

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  82. Congrats! I can't wait to see the final photos in print.

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  83. It is my first time visiting your blog, and your home is truly stupendous. Your upcoming debut in Veranda is so well deserved.
    A sincere CONGRATS to you. -Brenda-

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  84. I'm so sorry but I just realized I made reference to the incorrect magazine. (Talk about totally embarrassing.) Hopefully you and 'Renovation Style' magazine will forgive.
    -Brenda-

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  85. hi Brenda! I bet you were thinking of my friend Brooke of Velvet and Linen who IS in Veranda this month;) Love that magazine!!
    so happy you found the blog....

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  86. Thank you Joan for dismissing the stupidity on my part. :) Loving your blog and wishing you A WONDERFUL DAY! -Brenda-

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  87. Joan...this is so very exciting! I've loved and been inspired by Renovation Style for years and the fact that your beautiful home will grace it's pages is thrilling, and I know your home will be an inspiration now to many because of it (not just us very fortunate bloggers who have you all to ourselves!).
    I'm actually quite exhausted though reading about what it takes to make all this fabulousness happen...think I'd be with Ella on the porch taking a nap too!
    Can't wait to see the pics...
    xo J~

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  88. Dear Joan, I love the fact that one day soon I'll walk into the Oaks Newsagency in the Stirling village & your RS issue will be there waiting for me after traveling 12,000 miles. What a lovely thought my sweet friend!
    Millie x

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  89. What a terrific post. I always wondered about how stylists primp a house. Thank for sharing!

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  90. It is all so interesting. I would have never guessed they make things higher and such:) thank you for sharing the experience with us all:)

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  91. just picked up RS yesterday and guess who's (sp?) house was in it! Looks amazing. congratulations!
    Carin from Pennsylvania

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan