visual:ramblings: tomas flint - Finger Lakes Rochester NY Destination Wedding Photographer: Gratitude - Jared Valentine

January was a busy month for Tomas Flint Weddings, though this blog was not exactly indicative of the fact! Yep...the ol' visual:ramblings has once again played second fiddle to a number of new developments - all of which will be featured in upcoming posts.

For now, I would like to continue with the 'Gratitude' theme which was developed to pay tribute to key individuals who have enhanced my life, both personally and professionally, by virtue of their individuality, patience and talent.

If you're from Rochester, then you are probably (hopefully!) familiar with Open Face Sandwich Eatery. It's tops on my list for lunchtime destinations. The decor is quaint, warm and inviting and the menu - clever, thoughtful and delicious. Not to mention it is staffed by down-to-earth individuals who contribute enormously to a truly unique dining experience. I'm a big fan, what can i say?!?!

Now I am not the type of person who gets cravings for one particular food or another, but Open Face features this 'open face' corn mash sandwich on sourdough topped with bbq sauce and onion crunchies that actually causes a physical reaction every time that I think about it. So a few months back while gorging on one of these bad-boys, I came to the realization that it was their branding that spoke to me almost as loudly as their product. After some investigation, I discovered that the guy who was responsible for delivering this 'sandwich of the gods' was also responsible for the atmosphere that I was so fond of - enter Jared Valentine.

Now Jared is not only the artist force behind developing Open Face's one-of-a-kind menu, but he is also its part owner, operator, interior and graphic designer...all rolled into one. In addition, he runs his own design outfit - Drop Dead Designs - which provides visual consulting services to businesses of all types. Quite an impressive dude :)

Over the next few months, Jared and I worked together defining and visualizing the brand that is Tomas Flint Weddings. He was patient every step of the way - sketch after sketch, swatch after swatch, etc...etc. A true professional in every sense, he is a gifted listener - and Lord knows, I talked a LOT - with extensive knowledge of his trade. He invited my input and knew exactly when to cut me off, as I have a tendency to get ahead of myself! In the end, we arrived at a logo, color scheme and slew of marketing products that we feel exemplify Tomas Flint Weddings as it is today - Fun, Fresh and Full of Possiblities.

Thank you Jared, dear friend, for giving so much of yourself to the process. I am eternally grateful for what you have introduced...both the me and Flint Weddings...and I look forward to our friendship and collaboration for years to come.

Here are a few samples of the font, logo and color palate...it's such a diverse little guy, so many possibilities:

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