{in the studio with} twiggs photography

Name/Company: 

Claudia, also known as Twiggs of Twiggs’ Photography

Location:

Lisbon, Portugal

How did you get started in photography?

 Well, I didn’t quite noticed it, but I always liked photography and I remember having a small film camera on my family vacations… but then it was just later in 2007 that I got a point-and-shoot for Christmas while I was in NY, when I started to really enjoy taking pictures and explore that creative side… then I joined Flickr a few months later and the adventure continued at full speed! However it never crossed my mind I would or could make a living out of such field, as I’m graduated in Psychology and for 8 years I worked as a Psychologist/Human Resources Consultant.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

Everywhere, but I love Lisbon to take pictures, as there is a magical light in this city… the narrow streets inspire me, the small windows with typical white crocheted curtains inspire me, small details that get unnoticed by those who walk by inspire me… vintage cars… nature… the sun in the end of the afternoon…

What's your signature style? 

Well, I never thought about that until I started to go to Handmade Markets with my work, as I sell Fine Art Prints online. And suddenly my work started to get labeled by those who passed by. Apparently I have a whimsical work… something that makes it hard for people to believe that I actually took and worked on those pictures (never understood that, anyway!)J When I take pictures of people, I love to play with light, enhancing the colours… I don’t play all soft and sweet, but I like how colours can match a soft golden light… and also play a little with innocence.

What’s your favorite spot in your studio? 

The only one I’ve got, my chair in front of my laptop… as I have a cork board in front of me, I have placed some things that inspire me… and asides from that, the fact that I can reach everything from where I seat, is amazing! I try to keep it organized, so that I can work and feel organized!

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

Oh my, I wish I can see myself as an independent photographer, keeping my business as a blogger, fine art seller and also as a web-designer. If I can manage these four things I will be a very happy Twiggs! I would like to focus on Portraiture… Engagement… Motherhood…

Finish this sentence 

“I can’t live without… my family as it is right now and a creative life! My boyfriend supports my ideas and business as I never thought I could have someone supporting me… and my dog is a full-time presence on my daily routines, so I can’t live without these “two” boys in my life... I also have worked for a few years in a consulting environment and it made me think about what I want to do and what kind of life I don’t want to live. And this creative life is something that really makes me a happy and fulfilled girl, or should I say woman as I turned 31 the other day? Hum… ;)

{in the studio with} azulsahara

Name/Company:

Cristina Pennefather of Azulsahara

Location:

Madrid, Spain

How did you get started?

I am a photographer and designer. Three years ago a close friend of mine got married and she asked me to design her wedding invitations. I found the task challenging and fascinating! The invitations were a great success and family and friends encouraged me to start designing wedding invitations and stationery professionally. In 2008 our studio, Azulsahara, was launched. Since then the number of clients has gradually increased, with orders from all over the world!

Where do you go for inspiration?

I am fascinated by art, textures, materials and colors. I like combining them to come up with creative and original designs. I travel a lot and get lots of ideas from other cultures, then I work on these ideas to create Azulsahara´s unique style.

What is your signature style?

Original, unique and creative wedding invitations. Elegant designs which go from the more classic and vintage to the more chic and trendy, and exotic! We combine modern designs with traditional handcrafted techniques.

What is your favourite spot in your studio?

Our showroom, which is where we display all the work we produce in cozy and cute ways, like wooden boxes, crystal jars, baskets..... surrounded by vases with flowers. It also has a lot of light and opens onto a lovely garden with a terrace!

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend?

At the moment I am designing wedding invitations which are a fusion between a classic style and the influence of Asian art.

Where do you see your business in five years?

We hope to go on designing unique and beautiful wedding stationery that makes couple's weddings a very special day all around the world. I also see myself working with other professionals such as wedding planners, as it is challenging and gratifying to design wedding stationary with specific themes, colours etc that match couples personalities and fulfill their idea of their dream wedding.

Finish the sentence

I can´t live without a large cup of coffee at 7am, my Mac , delicious food, and a long walk in the countryside with my dog!

{in the studio with} annabella charles photography

Name/Company:

Annabella Brandon of  Annabella Charles Photography

Location:

Memphis, Tennessee 

How many years have you been in the wedding industry? 

Almost 4 years. 3 Full time

How did you get started?

I fell in love with weddings while planning my own..I was a full time nanny with dreams of being a photographer. (at the time I wanted to travel and shoot for national geographic (big dreams) After I had my daughter I decided to go full time with my weddings. (crazy but best decision I made for my company)  and it has blown up from there.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Everywhere , museums, Books, Pinterest - i'm obsessed , Martha Stewart of course, Food Blogs

What is your signature style? 

Clean, organic, I pay very close attention to detail

What’s your favorite spot in your studio? 

My couch,  It's very warm and comfy.. a very happy place to be

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend?

 If it's not obvious with my branding colors... and website but sea colors.. sea greens and blues. they are bright but calming. 

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

Wow.. Ok 5 years. I will be 30!!! My goal when I was in high school was to be published in National Geographic by the time I was 30. clearly I went in a different route... I would love to be stronger and better... and Published in Martha Stewart. ( I can dream big right?)

Finish this sentence

 “I can’t live without…” COFFEE... and the internet.... and eyeliner.... and of course my little family :)

To see more of Annabella's space visit her blog {here}

{in the studio with} espana photography

Name/Company:

Heather Espana [rhymes with lasagna ;)] of Espana Photography

How many years have you been in the wedding industry?  

This is my sixth year working in the wedding photography industry.

How did you get started?  

As an art major, I was always interested in photography and enjoyed messing around with film, but I hadn't thought of pursuing it as a career.  I was mainly focused on mixed media/drawing/collage work.  To be honest though, I was bored!  I got so lonely in the studio, and it just didn't click.  About six years ago I actually put an ad in a Need Sheet, advertising that I was available as a personal assistant/secretary.  In that same Need Sheet, a local photographer was advertising that he needed an office assistant.  I ended up working there for about three years!  I learned how to shoot digital [I had only shot film previously], post-processing, album design, and countless other things that have been very helpful in running my own business.  I was fortunate enough to be able to ease into the wedding industry, at first just as a third photographer, then as a second photographer on up.

What's your signature style?  

I like to say that I get to photograph quirky joyful people in love, with a vintage flair.  My favorite images are very emotional and warm, and sometimes just make you laugh out loud.

Where do you go for inspiration?  

Primarily, I go to people.  They are why I love my job!  I'm inspired by meeting new people, hearing their stories, watching their unique ways of interacting, the little things they do that they might not even notice.  I've been blessed with incredible clients, and as cheesy as it sounds, they really are my inspiration.

What's your favorite spot in your studio?  

Well, my husband and I just bought our first house last June -- so my favorite thing is that I actually have a whole room as my office!  I was working in very cramped quarters before, so this has been heaven.  My favorite part of this room though is my vintage wallpaper collage wall.  It makes me happy every time I look at it.

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend?  

I think the wedding industry has come to an amazing place, where couples are feeling more and more free to have a day that's entirely unique and entirely THEM.  I hope things just keep growing that way.  Color-wise, I am of course partial to weddings that feature red, orange and/or yellow.  Only because those are my favorite colors ;).

Where do you see your business in 5 years?  

In Magic Land, I have a beautiful North Light studio on First Street in my town where I can meet with clients and indulge in all sorts of photographic fun.  I also have a 50s truck and an airstream trailer.  And a Corgi puppy.  And I've photographed quirky weddings on every continent, including Antarctica.  In Realistic Land, I will really just be happy to still be doing what I am doing, and meeting more amazing people and traveling to more amazing places to photograph their weddings.

Finish this sentence 

 I can't live without...  http://www.tave.com for my client management, my Shootsac, my Canon gear, all the support from my husband, friends and family, and cheese.  I don't think I could live without cheese.

{Studio Photos} Espana Photography
{Studio Styling} Fawn & Feather
{Profile Photo} Brian Rupp Photography

{in the studio with} enchanted dream weddings

Name/Company:

Naomi Goodman of Enchanted Dream Weddings {soon to be changed!}

Location:

San Diego, CA

How many years have you been in the wedding industry? 

I am going on my third year in the industry.

How did you get started?

Before I became a Mrs. I asked David if I had to work because I had a plan. He said. ”No, BUT find something you like to do, does not matter what it is just do it.” In the corporate world I have designed, planned, and coordinated events for over 10 years and I love weddings, so I started EDWA and the rest is history.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

I gather inspiration from so many places. I allow myself to daydream…a lot. Honestly, inspiration is all around me. It can be in the form a song, a color, a book, architecture, a dress, places I have travelled, or one of the many decor and wedding magazines I have delivered each month. However, my favorite way to “let the inspiration in” is to sit quietly in my studio and meditate. When I do, the ideas flood in. Even though I am still here physically, in meditation I can go wherever my thoughts take me and I always come back with an “ah ha!” idea. It is pretty cool.

What is your signature style? 

My signature style would probably be best described as classical with a modern edge. I love dresses, skirts, heels but nothing frumpy. You can go in my closet and pick something ten years from now and it will still be a classic. I do love to mix the classics with the edgy. I have no problem wearing a leather motorcycle jacket with a statement necklace, a short pink frilly dress, a feather clutch, and 5-inch open toe booties. So haute, no? Now I feel like I need to somewhere and wear that!

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

Love this question! I am so excited about the future, Chris! I can see my business growing into an all- encompassing wedding boutique. I would love to have a few part time employees {sooner than later} and delve deeper into the wedding industry. I definitely will take on more destination weddings. I love to travel and if I can work and travel, it is a win-win for me. I have been thinking that maybe one day I would like to have a business partner… but we will see. I turned down a few weddings outside of the US because of scheduling so I have been thinking about it. I want to take my time and grow. I still have a lot to learn and if I am going to be the best, I have to know when to grow and when to take it slow. I am not concerned about being big. I want to be the best. The rest will follow. Since TWIPS is also a part of the future, my dream is for it to continue to grow and be a source of support for all of its members. I am continuously thinking of ways to offer better support so that the members can benefit in greater ways now and in the future. It is so important to me to give a voice to those in our industry who should be heard, seen, and acknowledged. It would be great to make TWIPS a leading organization in the wedding industry. I have big plans for #TWIPS and my newly named biz. It is going to be an amazing few years ahead! No, it is going to be BANANAS!

Finish this sentence

 “I can’t live without… I have a few! My favorite pen, my journal, gummi bears, and of course my boys… my husband David and my dog Jake. Oh and my Nook if I’m not reading I don’t feel as if I’m learning and if I’m not learning I’m not growing!

{Photography} Tande Guizar of Dilanattas Photography

{in the studio with} twig & lily

Name/Company:

Christina Bronstein of Twig & Lily 
Location: 
Austin, Texas

How many years have you been in the wedding industry?

A year now! 

How did you get started?

For years I used art as a creative outlet and worked in the Advertising industry while unofficially designing event stationery for friends and family. Then one day, I decided to follow my heart, leave the advertising world and follow my passion of art and stationery design. Shortly there after, Twig & Lily was born. One of the very early things I did to boost my confidence and get my name out there was to attend local craft fairs and I haven't looked back since!

Where do you go for inspiration?
I am and have always been inspired by nature. Really, inspiration is everywhere for me when I'm open to receive it. That being said all the lovely blogs out there are an amazing source of inspiration. And of course there's Pinterest! 

What's your signature style?
I love collaborating with a client on any style. But my signature style would have to be a combination of clean vintage whimsy with a touch of nature through textures like kraft paper and twine. I love mixing pretty feminine elements with rustic charm.

What’s your favorite spot in your studio?

Right at my good ol' mac!

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend?

My current favorite wedding trend is the hand drawn typography and art elements within invitations. The hand drawn elements give such a beautifully quaint feeling to what can sometimes be cold stationery pieces and I just love that.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to work with custom clients on creating beautiful event stationery. I would also love to see my line of inspirational art and stationery in many more boutiques. Along with that I would love to have an expanded offering of stationery, home art, decor and event goodies on my website.

Finish this sentence ~  “I can’t live without…” My husband, friends, family and dog. Also I really couldn't live without: green tea, chocolate, nature, my mac, Italian food, creating and designing art, yoga {it keeps me sane}, love, laughter and travel.

{in the studio with} hey gorg events

Name/Company:

Rhiannon Nicole of Hey Gorgeous Events

Location:

Grand Rapids, Michigan

How many years have you been in the wedding industry?

One :)

How did you get started?

Planning my own big day (and running into endless roadblocks and obstacles along the way :) really fueled my desire to do this gig full time so that I could help brides stay focused, organized, inspired and supported on their own journeys. Combining that with my desire to style and infuse personally into events, this business venture only seemed so logical. Thankfully prior to starting my business I already had been blogging for a few years and had a lot of exposure in the industry which gave me a leg up in the preliminary stages of Hey Gorg Events.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I find inspiration in just about everything; a pretty photograph, a song, an outfit. But these days I've been spending a lot of time and finding a lot of inspiration on that little thing called Pinterest :) I just love pinning all of those fabulous finds and creating boards to share with my clients for their big day visions. The Internet is such a fabulous place to continually stay inspired and enlightened.

What's your signature style?

Everyone knows I love soft soft pinks, grays and romantic, film-like photography. But I love pale blues and greens, black accents and a nice modern geometric detail. I love modern details with a timeless feel, and feminine touches that still offer enough masculinity to remain classy. Funny enough my wedding/business aesthetic is very similar to my personal/home aesthetic. I guess I'm pretty predictable in that sense :)

What’s your favorite spot in your studio?

I just love sitting at my desk only to look around and feel so happy and content with my office and how pretty it really turned out. It's far from being fancy but it's very much a representation of me, my style and my business and that's really important to me. I love being in my office at around 7:00 pm at night because the light that streams through my girl cave then is simply heavenly. I also love my pink wall. I recently changed my desk around so that I am facing the pink wall now; it's awesome!

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend?

I absolutely love a blush or champagne pink paired with gray, white or even a mint green. But truth be told, I love all sorts of palettes and colours because they each elicit their own unique feelings. For a truly classic look that will forever remain timeless I love an all white on white palette; there's something so striking about that. And gray is always in style whether you wear it, live surrounded by it or are getting married amongst it.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I will be happy and successful. And I'll be in a bigger more badder girl cave then the one I have now here in our rental :) I can't predict where I will be in one year from now so to think five years ahead is sort of a crazy thought to me. But wherever it may be, I hope it's some place awesome. Because I think it's pretty awesome where I am now.

Finish this sentence

"I can't live without... my family, my husband, my friends, my cat, love, my bed, pasta, chocolate, my iphone, my bathtub, Starbucks, my ability to create and be creative, my blog; clearly there are too many things I can't live without. In any case, I am very blessed and thankful for so many things.

{Photography} Jenna McKenzie Photography

{in the studio with} tessa kim

Name/Company: 

Tessa Kim of Tessa Kim {veil & accessories}

 Location:

Los Angeles, CA

How many years have you been in the wedding industry? 

2 years

How did you get started? 

I started making veils and accessories when I was trying to find the perfect headpiece for my own August 2009 wedding. At first it was just a DIY project but it transformed into a business shortly after.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

I absolutely love wedding blogs. A few of my favorites are Wedding Chicks, Grey Likes Weddings, Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes. I also find inspiration in my everyday life, I love living in such a creative city.

What's your signature style? 

My signature style is modern items with a vintage twist. I love incorporating the old with the new.

What’s your favorite spot in your studio? 

Since my studio right now is just a part of my home I love my bookcase full of my supplies with my vintage typewriter on top, it just makes me happy.

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend?

 Right now I am obsessed with champagnes, creams and gold toned items. I also love muted colors and blush tones, so pretty!

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

I am hoping to see my business in 5 years hopefully still going strong and having a few employees to help out. I would also like to open a small storefront. 

Finish this sentence 

“I can’t live without… my detailing scissors! They are a life saver!"

Tessa Kim is offering 15% off her online shop to all P&P readers. 

Promo Code: StudioTK11

{Profile Photography} Deyla Huss Photography   

{Studio Photography} Candice Benjamin Photography

{in the studio with} true event

Name/Company: 

 Sarah True of True Event

 Location:

Clinton, CT

How many years have you been in the wedding industry?  

7

How did you get started? 

Working with a wedding coordinator out of New Jersey and going to school at Parson's School of Design for floral design.

Where do you go for inspiration?

 I think inspiration is everywhere which is one of the most amazing things about being a designer you are always inspired by everything around you.  But I also love the usual blog suspects, Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, and I adore Mrs. Lilien and Coco and Kelley.

What's your signature style? 

I would say if you had to coin my style it is definitely more modern but I love vintage pieces.  

What’s your favorite spot in your studio? 

My white CB2 desk

Do you have a current favorite color palette or wedding trend? 

Most that know me know that I LOVE yellow and can't seem to get away from loving it in weddings, paired with other sunset colors for a summer soiree, paired with turquoise and blues for a coastal inspired wedding or paired with black, white and grey for a modern chic affair, yellow is such a warm happy color.  I love that you can redefine a color palette with every client you work with.  

Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

Definitely part of business 101 where do you see yourself in 5 years that is a question that often seems to far away to imagine.  However, I see us maintaining our boutique style, charm and passion for what we do not limited by geography or region. It is a dream to be able to do what I love to do while touring this amazing country and other interesting places across the world.

Finish this sentence

 “I can’t live without…”  my family and friends, they complete me.  But I also can't live without running, it keeps me sane, healthy and smiling. 

{Photography}  Anna Sawin Photography