Marilyn Monroe is in the hotel... I repeat Marilyn is in the hotel (part ONE)

I say this as a joke, but seriously, look at my GURLLLLL. I mean, REALLY.

Just a quick background. She's a fellow creative in my tribe. The one I will talk ideas with because she REALLY does GET IT, but also because she is always down for ALLLLLLL of my crazy photo ideas. She questions very little of what I do and it's soul-filling to create with another maker. And the usual- I love her little family, and that she is a fellow fun mama, who tells it like it is and gets the work, the goofy, and the craziness of life. Did I mention, she gets it- before I even ask... So, she was honestly the perfect person to have a session at this AMAZING PLACE...

If you haven't heard about the Graduate Hotel chain, you are DEFINITELY missing out on amazing hotels. I first came across the hotels when I happened to be in Lincoln for a really fun outdoor concert last spring. I wanted to know more just with the sign of the hotel and its location (mainly as an option if I didn't want to drive back to Omaha in the dark). But it has become clear that this particular hotel is more than just a comfy bed for a weary drifter. These hotels are much more than even your modern boutique hotels... I guess I should just show you... (Side note for those of us that are based out of Omaha, you might want to consider an overnight stay at the Graduate Lincoln if you can't make your way back after a night in Lincoln). For those that aren't in Nebraska, check out the chain options across the country, because they are perfect for your next visit near a college https://www.graduatehotels.com/... And I might have a new travel bucket list to try and hit a lot of them since they are so different in each one! I fell in love with the one in Lincoln... Read on and check out these pics...

 

(Those that are unaware of this information, Johnny Carson was from Iowa and went to school at University of Nebraska Lincoln, thus his influence here)

The lobby was kind of my favorite...

The rooms and the details... I mean, there's so much that it was hard to capture

 There's golf simulators in this lounge area... What a fun treat to do this if you happen to be staying in the area!!!

And this motto... 

We were there to work, but tiki bar... Again, let me repeat, TIKI BAR!!!!

 

This would be part one...

Thank you, Graduate staff for showing my amazing friend and this retro photographer a couple of amazing spots that REALLY MADE this shoot. I can't begin to say thank you enough to all of those involved last Sunday- Josie, AJ, Dana, Dave, and there were a couple of others that I didn't catch names. If you are lucky enough to get the staff that I just referenced, they were not just really sweet, but they were very attentive and aware that our outfits needed extra recommendations and accommodations. Their input was spot on- as you will see in the next post...

XOXO, Kerry

My brain doesn't ever stop creating...

It doesn't really stop. I know that I have a legit problem when I get involved in projects. Ask my husband, he knows there's no stopping this train.

A lot of people have asked WHAT do they do with the pictures once they have them. Legitimate question...

Well, the first answer is obviously, WHATEVER YOU WANT. The sky really is the limit. But the obvious is usually to make an album with any pictures.

My pictures, however, don't always warrant that... These type of pictures especially...

This is where, I hope you have chosen me as your artist ... Here's a list of ideas:

-Post-it notes (so that your family and office staff know exactly what you mean when you write things down and maybe how you want them to listen)

-Notebook cover (to giggle at whoever gets to stare at your lovely face saying some very specific quote)

-Bookmark (for when you find yourself reading.... riiiiiiiigggghhhhht)

-Calendars (and if you made a couple of Norman Rockwell pinup style, then this makes it even more fun)

-Playing cards (for your children to always remember you are still involved in their playtime)

-Luggage tags (because someone tries to take your luggage and you can shout at them that your face is on that tag)

-Glassware (EVERYONE should drink out of your beer mugs)

-Stationary and Thank You Cards (the quotes add some humor AND personalization)

-Phone Cases (yes, that's obvious because then you know which phone belongs to you)

-Magnets (your kids will know you are with them at the fridge even when they decide to go off to college)

The list goes on. These kind of things are just silly enough because you might not be recognized right off the bat AND sarcastic enough that it makes it acceptable. I won't lie, I had teatowels made of myself as a tiki girl and I think it is hilarious when my husband wipes his hands on my coconuts. Really, my coconuts. 

But I might also be partial because I love to add a layer of real to these products. This right here...

in a tea towel... (Actual amazing recipe) 

Will post something about my products in the future... Because some of us might have gotten product because it's silly. 

XOXO, 

Kerry

When your friend...

...Used to be a flight attendant.

...Gets excited and builds you (without very little evidence that it should be done).

...Is the encourager and THAT person you ALWAYS want in your corner.

...Validates and says the things that need to be said before it comes out of anyone's mouth because it's genuine.

..Starts to gather up ALL THE THINGS before it happens, because she's 100% ALL IN with you...

Well, you bet your bottom dollar that THIS friend deserves some love on the blog. Love this gal. I CAN'T EVEN with her genuineness, her honesty, and her refreshing love for all the things.

Everyone needs a Maria like this one in their life. I am so lucky that she's part of mine and I am so loving the way that this shoot incorporated her previous career in the airlines as well as the way we feel about "momming."

She honestly is a light in my life as well as everyone she graces. She will save your butt, brainstorm with enthusiasm in any problem, and talk in a way that is honest and hilarious at a later time. 

(flight attendant pictures involve mixed media of old advertisements for that fun vintage ad feel)

And just in time for the next holiday... LOVE how these turned into a very OLD SCHOOL PINUP style...

And we really did have a photoshoot... 

She's the best. I mean, look at her. She's the best. 

XOXO, Kerry

One of my favorite girls out there...

Can I talk about one of my closest girlfriends?

She is perhaps one of the most thoughtful, genuine, kind, and REALLLLLL people I know. And she does it all. I don't think you get it, but she really does it all. I mean, all of it. As in runs all the things and while she does it, she is really, really kind. She really exudes the greatest energy and I am so lucky she's part of my everyday people. Oh and the cherry? She's seriously gorgeous. As in jaw drop gorgeous. (There's something to be said about the way that good energy inside really reflects on the outside too... And she's really actually one of them)

Don't believe me? Well, just a couple from her session. 

You didn't believe me, did you? 

I hate to say it, but I don't know how, but I have a beautiful tribe. Really. Inside and outside.

Genuinely, honest, good freaking women who raise their kids with me, kill it in all they do, and build me up. It doesn't make sense. But you will get to see more of them here in the next month. Because my girls will brainstorm with me, network for me, and take the day off to take pics with me. And seriously, FILL MY CUP. Because they are my girl tribe. 

 ADDENDUM:

I had the opportunity to take pictures at the Red Lion Lounge... If you haven't had a chance to grab a drink at the Red Lion Lounge... then you have been missing out. I have been here numerous times in the Blackstone District and love the vibe. When you sit in their booths, well you feel like it is a different time and place. The pink door is one of the most famous doors in that building, which you can't miss, but I have always been about the ambience of a bar. And of course the drinks. This place has a classy feel to a night out, but also that Nebraska nice too.

Maybe even more so, is when you realize that one of your neighbor's best friends owns a triplet of places that you TAKE YOUR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS TO EAT. That's right, Red Lion is associated with Butterfish (best sushi in town) and Stirnella (literally the place I take all of my friends to lunch on the way to the airport). It totally makes sense. I am so glad to call them new friends also... because foodies. And friends.

Photography + Vintage Art + Humor = Kerry DePew Style

I know Christmas ended a couple of days ago and so I hope that this post finds you in a less chaotic mode now that the hustle of the holiday is winding down. I wasn't sure if I would get these silly holiday memes out, but better late than never. And perhaps better now that the holiday is over that we can be a little more lax than usual.

It's been a little crazy with getting my friends to get in hair and makeup, get in to model, AND take my headshots for me. December is crazy for every mom out there. Every mom is making the holidays happen. And oh, somehow fulfilling a huge request for me. I am forever grateful for each one of them. You will see the next couple of posts dedicated to each of those people...  

But first, one of my dearest girlfriends has always got my back. Not to mention she totally shares my humor and indulges my goofy requests. If you see the next post, you will see a totally different vibe, so I thought I would share this one first. Because this is the fun part of my new artistic vision... The fun part of making someone into a vintage meme, by adding in the magic of Photoshop and maybe something truly classical. 

Here's to my best girlie, Shelli. (And I can't wait for you all to see the next post, because like I said, she pulls off a different vibe altogether... JAW DROPPING GORGEOUS vibe that she continues to kill this session)

XOXO,

Kerry

And if you know her, she's always on the GOOD LIST... But when you look this hawt, it's hard to believe. Love this gal!!!