Name: Kisa Koenig
Location: Driggs, Idaho
Company Name: Kisa Koenig Photography

Tell us a little about what you do.
First of all, I LOVE what I do. I get to take photos of people during the most special times in their lives. I shoot engagement portraits, weddings, maternity, newborn, and family photos. And my goal is to do so as naturally as possible. I have more of a photojournalistic approach, including using natural light whenever possible, and it lends itself to gorgeous, relaxed images of these incredible life experiences.

How long have you been in business?
I’ve been running my business for 8 years now…full time for the last 4 years.

What inspired you to start your business/studio?
I just couldn’t not do photography. Many times, I thought I might do something different, less unpredictable…but I just could never let go of my joy in taking pictures. It’s been a long road, but I’m so happy I get to do this every day!

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?
The people I get to meet is wonderful, and I’ve been incredibly blessed with the most awesome clients. My favorite thing is when I hear how happy people are with their photos (especially when it brings tears to their eyes

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?
Honestly, there’s not been one moment, but lots of little times when I make someone happy with the photographs I give them. Sometimes, it’s a blog post I do that uses words and photos to tell a story. It really makes my job so satisfying, and I love that I can do something that brings joy to others.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)
My style would be modern yet classic, with a natural, real feel to the images. I adore looking at so many styles of work, and have been particularly interested to see how everyone is using actions to create certain looks. But when I sit down to edit my photos, I always tend to go for a clean, crisp, realistic look…with bright, happy, natural color.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?
I guess I help by really listening to where they are coming from, what they envision, and what is important to them. When I begin photographing, I keep all of that in mind and try to document all the little details that make their wedding their own as well as capture all the moments that happen throughout the event. I think couples love to see their wedding details documented, but are most touched by the emotions captured…that are overflowing on such a big day.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)
I spend way too much time on the internet! I love browsing wedding blogs and other photographers’ websites! It’s my way of staying connected and inspired, since being a mother of two boys tends to keep me pretty busy most of the time. I used to LOVE magazines and would cut out images and keep them in books or tape them around on my walls for inspiration. Living in a small town where it’s hard to find many good magazines, blogs and websites have been my saving grace.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?
I have recently opened a studio in downtown Driggs, and I love to have prospective wedding clients come by, sip a beverage, look at albums and be able to get to know another. I think it’s so important to connect with your photographer (and vice versa) prior to the wedding day. I am also shooting more babies and newborns, so after the nuptials are sealed, you can come on by again with any new family members that may join you!

I’m so excited to to introduce our newest addition to the Dylan List, make-up artist Maria McGregor! Maria owns Colorado based company Wonderfully Made. She is a fashion and wedding make-up artist and we are so excited to have her be a part of the LDW family.

Name: Maria McGregor

Location: Colorado

Company Name: Wonderfully Made

Tell us a little about what you do?

I am a freelance makeup artist and also own my company called Wonderfully Made Makeup Artistry.

How long have you been in business?

I’ve been freelancing for a while but I started my company in the beginning of 2009.

What inspired you to start your business/studio?

The inspiration came from the wonderful women I did makeup for. I loved seeing the reactions of confidence after doing their makeup. So I took a leap of faith and decided to start my own business focusing on that very thing, making wonderful women feel beautiful not just on the outside but also on the inside, which is the most important thing.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?

Wow, that’s hard question. There are a lot things I love about my business. So, other than shopping for makeup, one of my favorite things is getting to travel to different places in Colorado that I have never visited before. Its exciting and so adventurous for me. And the best part is going back home and telling my family all the cool and beautiful places I got to see on the way to my job.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?

When I decided to start my business it was like a breath of fresh air. If you know me I’m an entrepreneur minded person so when I decided to step out on faith and start my business I knew this is what I was called to do.

When you built your business what style would say you built it around? (ie, classic, modern, vintage)

I say a little bit of everything. Because of the industry I am in every style can be incorporated, but I just love taking it to the next level. I’m all about using different styles but putting my own twist on them.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?

I ask questions, lots of questions! I also ask my clients to give me pictures of makeup styles and colors so that I have a visual idea of what they’re looking for.

Where do you go for inspiration? (ie blogs, magazines)

My inspirations come from other makeup artist’s work. So weather it’s from magazines, commercials or other portfolios, I love to see fellow makeup artist’s work. It inspires me then I put my own techniques and flavor on it. That is what is great about the makeup industry.  There is more than one-way to do things.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business /studio?

Yes, I am a christian makeup artist that strives to make each of my clients happy with the gift God has given me. I love what I do and the best part is meeting new wonderful people that become great friends.

As you know I’m a big fan of Minted. The last time I blogged about Minted’s Holiday cards I briefly mentioned their Photo Calendars. In November, Minted launched an assortment of photo calendars just in time for the holiday season.

They are printed on luxurious matte paper and finished with die cut corners. Let me tell you these calendars are sure to make the perfect gift for your loved ones!

I had the opportunity to see the process first hand and I have to say that Minted’s Photo Calendars should be on the top of your list of things to get for the new year!

The designing is easy,  just upload the photos you want in their pre-designed layouts. This calendar provided by Adam & Imthiaz Photography features the Aquarelle Photo Calendar with a variety of layouts. Each month was a different design alternating Minted’s one photo, two photo, and three photo layouts.

Another cool feature Minted provides on their Photo Calendars is paper craft ideas. You can take the backer on one of the months and cut out bookmarks. Just another way to reuse your paper products.

The print quality on Minted’s Photo Calendars is superb. Its the perfect gift to show off family photos, engagement sessions, and of course your wedding photos.

There are a few things to keep in mind when ordering your Minted Photo Calendar. First, make sure you love the design because once you order it you will not get a proof. And make sure you pick the right design to show off your photos. You don’t want your photos covered up by the design.

Don’t worry though, during the design process you get your preview right away and can make as many changes as you need. Once its ordered don’t worry about waiting on pins and needles, because chances are Minted will deliver your product before their set delivery date! Don’t you just love companies like that?

You can check out more of Minted’s Photo Calendars by visiting their website. Happy designing!

I’ve adored their products from afar for so long. I love Minted’s company philosophy, so when I found out I had samples in the mail being delivered right to my door step I was overly excited.

I have officially fallen head over heels for Minted products. Their signature paper is one of the thickest in the photo card industry. Its 30% cotton and is one of the only online retailers that offers 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Any company that is going to help reduce their carbon footprint has my vote all day!

Not only is the quality of the printing superb, but the entire experience of the stationary is jaw-dropping. It just feels so good in your hands. Its heavy and its personal.

They sent me a variety of samples from their Christmas card collection and Holiday card collection. Anytime I visit a website my biggest concern is whether or not its user friendly. I want to be able to get in and get out, just like when I go shopping at the mall. Not only is their website one of the most user friendly sites I’ve seen in a while, but they make your customizations as easy as pie. Some of the stunning add ons include:

• Card Backers- adds a solid color or patter to the back of the greeting card
• Slip-In Envelope Liners- custom-cut matte envelope liners
• Skinny Wrap Address Labels- a return address label that wraps around the top left side of an envelope
• Rounded Corners- what better finish do you need for your invitations or greeting cards

As you may know Minted offers Exclusive Yearline Holiday Photo Cards (which are the first 2 pictures in the post) as well as Exclusive Holiday Minibook Photo Cards (I blogged about these in Some Minted Favorites…) and both highlight your milestones from the year.

They really are stunning in person and will defiantly showcase your best moments to share with your family and friends.

It doesn’t matter if its for the Holiday’s, birthday parties, weddings, or a simple thank you note. You MUST check out Minted’s Christmas card and Holiday Card collection!

They also launched a brand NEW line of Photo Calendars. Can’t think of a gift for your friends and family? This is the perfect gift to showcase your wedding photos or engagement photos! They come in 2 different sizes 8×11 and 11×14.

Right now Minted is offering Free Ground Shipping on Holiday Photo Cards. Make sure you go and check Minted, I know you will fall in LOVE with them!

Happy Shopping!

Photos taken by me & calendar photo courtesy of Minted.com!

Bellissima Jewelry Design is one of our beloved sponsors. I’m not gonna lie I LOVE the designs and I’m so excited to share the inside scoop with you!

Name: Sarah Gregori
Location: Denver, Co
Company Name: Bellissima Jewelry Design

Tell us a little about what you do. I’m the owner and designer of my jewelry business- Bellissima Jewelry Design. All of my jewelry is handmade out of my home studio and is sold through my website and to boutiques throughout the country. I also design custom pieces and have designed many wedding collections for clients over the years.

How long have you been in business? about 5 years

What inspired you to start your business/studio? I’ve always been a creative person and beading for me was always a fun hobby on the side. I started taking it seriously after receiving a lot of great encouragement and positive feedback at a few craft shows I attended. I love all kinds of design and jewelry design for me soothed that need to design something from start to finish in a matter of an hour. I guess I’m drawn to that instant gratification but also love the idea of making small pieces of art for women to enjoy.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio? I love the freedom it gives me to design beautiful jewelry as well as the happiness and excitement it gives customers!

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path? One day when I was working a 9-5 job, it just hit me that jewelry designing is what I love and it makes me happy. Since that moment I’ve never looked back.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage) I love anything with vintage relevance but I’m also drawn to clean, modern lines so I think my jewelry has an eclectic mix of the two.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life? When I’m designing jewelry for weddings, I ask tons of questions and ask about the details of the wedding to try and get the best feel for my bride’s vision and style. Once I have enough info to go forward, then I come up with several different sketches and materials to show the client and go from there!

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines) So many places!! From furniture design to walking through a lovely boutique, it comes in so many different  forms. I think most of the inspiration is more of a feeling and color palette then once I sit down with designs and beads, it just takes off from there. I also love perusing beautiful design blogs like Design Sponge, This is Glamorous, and Mrs. Lilien to name a few.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio? I love designing jewelry for weddings and love the opportunity to design one-of-a- kind pieces for each person in the wedding party. I think it adds even more of a fun, individual element to each wedding!

You can follow Bellissima Jewelry on Facebook and Twitter for the latest on news, special discounts, and new designs.

Our favorite cake designer and Dylan List member Intricate Icings will be making their national TV debut this weekend on the Food Network Challenge! Rachael and her team will compete against 3 other cake designers making cakes inspired by teams of the Denver Roller Dolls League. The episode promises plenty of drama not only on the rink, but in the kitchen as well.

We wish our favorite gals lots of luck this weekend! Make sure you check your local listings to find out what time the episode will be airing on Sunday night.

TGIF!

Have you entered the Wedding Giveaway with Katy Gray Photography! No?? Make sure you do!