Thoughts by Danison,

and for y’all who like to read.

Are Watercolor Guest Portraits Worth It? (Honest Guide)
Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz

Are Watercolor Guest Portraits Worth It? (Honest Guide)

Friends, let’s talk about the moment when your guests see themselves as a fashion model—high key obsessed faces, happy tears, the works. If you’ve been wondering, “Are watercolor guest portraits really worth it?” the short answer is yes—when you hire the right artist and know what you’re getting. In this guide, I’ll break down the value, the art style, and the nitty-gritty logistics so you can book with confidence.

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Watercolor Guest Portrait: Gen Z’s Fave Favor
Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz

Watercolor Guest Portrait: Gen Z’s Fave Favor

Friends, let’s talk about the experiential favor Gen Z couples are high key obsessed with: the watercolor guest portrait bar. It’s a live art station where your guests get mini custom portraits—aka a keepsake they’ll frame, not forget in the Uber. It checks all the boxes: intentional, interactive, photo-worthy, and sustainable. In this guide, I’ll break down the why, the how, the cost, and the “will this actually work for my wedding?” stuff.

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Live Art at InnVentures Annual Conference: A Luxury Experience Through Personalization

Live Art at InnVentures Annual Conference: A Luxury Experience Through Personalization

From June 3th–5th, 2024, I had the honor of being part of the InnVentures Annual Conference, a multi-day event filled with creativity and recognition. As part of the entertainment and experiential offerings, I was invited to bring live watercolor and calligraphy services to two of the most high-profile moments of the conference. Spoiler: It was epic.

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Live Wine Watercolor Guest Portraits at L’Angolo Estate
Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz

Live Wine Watercolor Guest Portraits at L’Angolo Estate

I debuted my live wine watercolor guest portraits at the stunning L’Angolo Estate in Newberg, Oregon. In collaboration with Benable, this intimate brand activation brought together 50 of Portland’s top influencers for an evening of wine, bites, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Over the course of three hours, I created 50 portraits—each painted using L’Angolo’s Reserve Pinot Noir.

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Fashion Illustration vs. Caricatures: What’s the Difference at Live Events?
Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz

Fashion Illustration vs. Caricatures: What’s the Difference at Live Events?

When planning live entertainment or guest favors at weddings or upscale events, it’s easy to confuse fashion illustration with caricature art—but they’re actually very different experiences. While both involve drawing your guests live, the style, tone, and end result can vary a lot depending on which you choose.

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What to Do with Extra Wedding Budget: Invest in Guest Experience

What to Do with Extra Wedding Budget: Invest in Guest Experience

Okay, real talk: once the big-ticket wedding items are locked in (venue, catering, DJ, photographer, videographer, glam team, and of course—the outfit), some couples are surprised to find they have a little wiggle room left in the budget. If that’s you, first of all, YAY! But now you might be wondering... where should that extra cash go?

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Orchard in Bloom Styled Shoot: Live Watercolor Guest Portraits on the Oregon Coast
Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz Watercolor Guest Portraits Danison Fronda-Tietz

Orchard in Bloom Styled Shoot: Live Watercolor Guest Portraits on the Oregon Coast

This one was something special, my friends. On April 29, 2025, I packed up my brushes and joined an insanely fun styled shoot at The Venue at Pelican Brewing in Pacific City, Oregon. The theme? Orchard in Bloom. Think rainbow fruit, breezy florals, and a splash of coastal charm—all inspired by those colorful Lenox plates you might've seen on your grandma’s fancy shelf (but make it modern wedding).

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A Magical Night at Epping Forest Yacht Club
Watercolor Guest Portraits, Real Weddings Danison Fronda-Tietz Watercolor Guest Portraits, Real Weddings Danison Fronda-Tietz

A Magical Night at Epping Forest Yacht Club

March 9th was one for the books—a wedding filled with love, laughter, and live artistry as I had the absolute joy of painting live watercolor guest portraits for Julia and Jesse’s big day. Their venue? The breathtaking Epping Forest Yacht Club in Jacksonville, a place so enchanting it felt like a cross between a fairy tale castle and The Princess Diaries mansion.

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Unique Wedding Activities That Keep Your Guests Engaged

Unique Wedding Activities That Keep Your Guests Engaged

Weddings are about love, celebration, and—let’s be real—making unforgettable memories. But beyond the gorgeous florals and delicious food, what makes a wedding truly stand out? The experience. Couples today aren’t just looking for a beautiful event; they want their guests to have a unique, interactive, and meaningful time. That’s where live art and personalization come in.

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