Thoughts by Danison,
and for y’all who like to read.

Our LGBTQ+ Love Story: From Tinder Match to COVID Wedding and a Creative Business
I’d be a really sucky gay if I wasn’t an LGBT-friendly vendor who supports my own community’s rights. I’m happily married to my husband, Josh. We’re a Tinder success story, but for the record, I swiped right first. On our first date at a Starbucks, he asked a follow up question, “What church do you go to?” That was the moment I knew he was someone special.

A Full-Circle Moment at My First Oregon Event
The event was a volunteer recognition night hosted by ASPET (American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics) in Portland’s Pearl District. I had my little watercolor station all set up at Hunt & Gather Catering, ready to create portraits.

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.

7 Steps on How to Plan a Branding Photoshoot That Captures Your Brand’s Personality
Let’s be real—your brand’s visual identity matters a lot. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, a branding photoshoot is one of the best ways (I think) to bring your personality and values to life.

Elevate Your Retail Experience with a Live Calligrapher Engraver
Let’s be real—standing out in today’s world is no small task. Everyone is trying to find the next best thing to make their store front or customer experience better than the store next door. For boutique stores, luxury brands, and even nationwide marketing agencies, finding fresh, unique ways to connect with customers is sooo important.

How I Stopped Marketing By Accident and Got Better at Marketing My Small Business in 2024
Learn how I improved my marketing in 2024 with blogging, SEO, and Enji software.

How to Choose the Perfect Spot for Live Watercolor Guest Portraits at Your Venue
Choosing the perfect spot for live watercolor guest portraits can make a big difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. In this blog post, I’ll tell you how to select the ideal location at your venue to ensure your live portrait station is a hit!

Fashion Illustration Watercolor Guest Portraits: Embracing a Unique Style
Fashion illustration is a cool and creative way to show off clothes and accessories. Unlike real-life drawings, fashion illustrations often exaggerate features to make everything look more stylish and exciting. That’s why I think I love it so much and how it lends itself to weddings and events! Let's dive into the world of fashion illustration and see how it's different from realistic proportions.

How Monstera Gold’s Pro Wedding Calligrapher Course Transformed My Calligraphy Business
After spending over 1.5 years trying to figure out the business side of wedding calligraphy, Monstera Gold’s Pro Wedding Calligrapher Course was the game changer I needed to turn my passion into a successful business, all while balancing my 9-to-5 job and family life.

Behind the Scenes: The Creation Process of Live Event Portraits
Ever wondered what goes into creating those stunning live watercolor guest portraits you see at weddings and parties? Well, in today’s blog I’ll be giving you a behind the scenes look. Let's take a peek behind the curtain to uncover the magic and artistry involved in bringing these unique keepsakes to life—obviously from my point of view!

Live Portraits at Destination Weddings: Unique Guest Favors in Napa
Okay, so imagine the sun setting over Napa Valley’s beautiful vineyards, the air filled with the sweet scent of grapes, and the happy sounds of your loved ones celebrating your special day. Napa is already a dreamy place for a wedding, but what if you could add something truly special that your guests won’t ever possibly forget? Enter live portraits – a unique and personal touch that your guests will remember.

Personalized Seating Charts: Functional and Stylish
I’ve been to weddings that were ABSOLUTE CHAOS. Do you know what they had in common? They didn’t have a seating chart! So I am here to chit chat all about the importance of a well-organized seating arrangement at your event.