Specs

36 x 24 inches / 10800 x 7200 pixels

• Original photo print under acrylic glass

• Fuji Crystal DP II photo paper

• Solid aluminum Dibond backing

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The Love Life Story of Jesse Itzler and Sara Blakely: A Journey of Adventure, Love, and Creative Synergy

I love LOVE and was thrilled to be asked to create this commissioned love life story art piece for Sara Blakely and Jesse Itzler just in time for their wedding anniversary, in partnership with the brilliant artist Wow Yellow. Jesse and Sara’s relationship is a beautiful blend of passion, partnership, and an unyielding commitment to one another’s dreams. Together, we’ve worked to ensure that this commissioned artwork not only highlights the key milestones in their lives but also reflects the vibrant, adventurous spirit that defines their relationship.

A Chance Meeting in Las Vegas

Jesse and Sara’s love story began in an unexpected place—a poker tournament in Las Vegas. It was 2006, and they both found themselves seated at the same table at the “Net Jet Annual Las Vegas Poker Tournament.” Despite neither of them being particularly skilled at poker, fate had conspired to bring them together in the city of chance. This initial meeting marked the beginning of something special, a connection that would soon blossom into a deep and lasting bond.

In this commissioned love life story art piece for their anniversary, we captured the essence of that first encounter, with visuals of the iconic Las Vegas sign and poker chips, symbolizing the serendipitous nature of their meeting. This moment serves as the foundation of their love story, where two paths crossed and intertwined in the most unexpected of places.

The Charity Dinner and the Spark of Love

The next significant chapter in Jesse and Sara’s love story unfolded at a charity dinner hosted by Sara’s foundation, the “Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation ‘Give A Damn’ Dinner.” The event was aimed at raising funds to help women in Africa attend university, a cause close to Sara’s heart. It was during this event that Jesse began to truly fall for Sara, captivated not only by her beauty but by her passion for making a difference in the world.

As they continued to get to know each other, their connection deepened. They began emailing back and forth casually for seven months, a period marked by growing affection and mutual admiration. In the commissioned love life story art piece, we’ve depicted this phase of their relationship with visuals that highlight the dinner event and the playful exchange of emails, symbolizing the budding romance between them.

The Unforgettable First Date in New York

Their first official date was anything but ordinary. Sara was in New York on business, and Jesse invited her to a “day spa,” which turned out to be more like an underground bathhouse with an intensely hot sauna. The sauna was so hot that they had to wear hats to protect their hair from the extreme heat. Despite the unusual setting, or perhaps because of it, their first date was a memorable adventure that set the tone for the many unique experiences they would share together.

After surviving the sauna, they went to dinner at a fancy sushi restaurant in New York, with Sara’s hair still disheveled from the heat. This quirky and endearing first date is a pivotal moment in their love story, one that is perfectly captured in the personalized story art piece. The visuals of the hot sauna, the New York skyline, and the couple in their hats reflect the humor, warmth, and spontaneity that characterize their relationship.

A Napkin Proposal for Four Children

As their relationship grew, Jesse and Sara began to talk about their future together. In a playful yet serious moment, Sara wrote on a napkin, “Do you want to have four children together?” This simple question encapsulated their shared dreams and the deepening bond between them. It was a clear sign that they both saw a future together, one filled with love, family, and shared adventures.

This moment is illustrated in the commissioned life love story art piece, with the napkin proposal taking center stage - a capture that was exactly what the original napkin looked like. The transition in the commissioned artwork reflects the growing vibrancy and warmth in their relationship, symbolizing the blossoming of their love and their shared vision for the future.

The Epic Proposal at Columbus Circle

Jesse’s proposal to Sara was nothing short of epic, filled with creativity, romance, and a touch of humor. He kicked off the proposal outside their New York City residence with a gold band engraved with the words “BRING IT!!” This was just the beginning of a scavenger hunt that led Sara through their apartment, where she found seven hidden presents, including three more rings—one engraved with “Jesse Hearts Sara.” The final surprise came when Jesse got down on one knee and proposed to Sara in the middle of Columbus Circle, sealing their love in the heart of New York City.

In the custom life story art piece, I wanted to capture the grandeur and romance of this moment. The visuals include the gold band, the rings, and the iconic Columbus Circle, all of which symbolize the creativity and love that Jesse poured into his proposal. This was a defining moment in their relationship, one that marked the beginning of their journey toward marriage.

The Magical Wedding at Gasparilla Inn

Jesse and Sara were married in 2008 at the Gasparilla Inn and Club in Boca Grande, Florida. Their wedding was a reflection of their unique personalities and their love for life. With 450 guests in attendance, Olivia Newton-John performed “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and the couple enjoyed an outdoor movie night in golf carts—a fun and memorable celebration of their union. Sara wore her grandmother’s restored 1918 wedding gown, adding a touch of history and sentimentality to the day.

This wedding, filled with love, joy, and personal touches, is a standout moment in the commissioned love life story art piece. The visuals of the Gasparilla Inn, the golf carts, and the wedding gown reflect the beauty and significance of this day. This moment in their love story is not just about the wedding itself, but about the deep connection and shared values that brought them to this point.

Building a Life Together in New York and Atlanta

After their wedding, Jesse and Sara lived in New York at 15 Central Park West, an iconic condo overlooking Central Park. It was a time of excitement and new beginnings as they built their life together in the city. Eventually, they moved to Atlanta, where they continued to grow their family and pursue their passions.

In the personalized story artwork, we’ve captured the transition from New York to Atlanta, with visuals of the 15 Central Park West building and the Atlanta skyline. This phase of their life reflects their adaptability and their commitment to building a life together, no matter where their journey takes them.

A Life Filled with Adventure, Family, and Fun

Jesse and Sara’s life together has been filled with adventure, family, and A LOT of fun! They’ve shared incredible experiences, from hosting “Hell on the Hill” at their lake house to skiing at the Yellowstone Club in Montana and vacationing at Bakers Bay in the Bahamas. Their life is a perfect blend of work, play, and family, with their four children—Lazer, Lincoln, Charlie, and Tepper—at the center of it all.

This final chapter of their love life story is depicted in the commissioned art piece with vibrant and dynamic visuals that showcase the many adventures they’ve shared. The artwork reflects the joy, love, and creativity that define their life together, highlighting the moments that have brought them closer as a family.

Conclusion

Creating this commissioned anniversary love life story art piece for Jesse Itzler and Sara Blakely was an incredible journey. Their love story is one of creativity, adventure, and an unbreakable bond that has grown stronger over the years. From their first meeting in Las Vegas to building a life together filled with love and laughter, Jesse and Sara’s journey is a testament to the power of partnership and the joy of living life to the fullest.

This commissioned art piece is more than just a visual representation of their love story; it is a celebration of the creativity, passion, and adventure that define their relationship. Through this commissioned artwork, I wanted to capture the essence of Jesse and Sara’s journey together—a journey that continues to inspire and uplift everyone who has the privilege of knowing them.

- Chris / Sagen