blog post #1
Photograph by Laura Rodrigue Photography
What My First Year as a Live Wedding Painter in Maine Was Like
Last summer was such a whirlwind, I barely had time to feel nervous before my first-ever live wedding painting event. One of the most common questions I get when I tell people I paint at weddings is, “How can you possibly paint in front of people?” I can always hear the anxiety rising in their voice, as if just imagining it is overwhelming.
When I began this endeavor in early 2024, my husband and I were in the middle of moving into and renovating our new home. I was jumping from installing drywall in our bedroom (note to self: always hire a professional for that—lesson learned!) to gathering my painting gear, brushing off drywall dust, throwing on something presentable, and hopping in the car for a wedding adventure with very little idea of what to expect.
One year later, I have had the joy of painting for eight couples throughout New England and along the coast of Maine—and both my husband and I have truly had the best time. We’ve met so many wonderfully kind, creative souls, and I’ve never felt my artwork receive such an immediate, warm welcome as I did watching guests clasp their little watercolor portraits, mouths agape. There’s something magical about being surrounded by a group of strangers overflowing with love and joy. That energy is infectious. Suddenly, you’re no longer an outsider—you’re enveloped into this community of friends and family, welcomed with open arms.
A Lifelong Passion Turned Career
Ever since I could pick up a pencil (or crayon, more likely), I have been obsessed with drawing people. I spent middle school and high school furiously sketching celebrity portraits (probably too much), then studied Studio Art in college while also diving deep into Art History and Anthropology. My artistic passion has always centered around people—not just capturing their likeness, but understanding their stories.
In college, I fell in love with oil painting, which remains my primary medium, and after graduating, I worked in various creative spaces, including galleries, pottery studios, and frame shops. But discovering live wedding painting has been an exhilarating turning point—finally, a way to channel my love of figurative art and portraiture into something truly meaningful for others.
To the left are guest portraits completed after my second wedding— I had done so many by this point I was already pretty comfortable with the process!
Thanks to years of teaching and attending figure drawing workshops, I found the quick, gestural style of watercolor and ink guest portraits to be an absolute joy rather than a stressor.
My biggest challenge? Marketing.I’d much rather be painting and connecting with people than navigating the world of business and promotion—but I’m learning!
The Magic of Live Wedding Painting
Being part of the small but mighty community of Maine and New England wedding painters has been such a special journey. In 2024, Live Guest Portraits were by far my most popular package—and it’s easy to see why. They are such a unique guest experience, creating instant excitement, surprise, and joy. One of my favorite moments is when guests gather around and immediately recognize who I’m painting, exclaiming, “That’s exactly how they stand!” or “You got her pose just right!”
But perhaps the most profound moment of my year came while painting my only Live Wedding Portrait of 2024. As I worked, the groom’s mother quietly approached, standing beside the mother of the bride. She lingered for a long time before finally speaking, eyes brimming with tears. “You captured their souls,” she said. That moment will stay with me forever—and now, I strive to live up to that with every portrait I create.
Thinking About Hiring a Live Wedding Painter?
Whether you’re looking for guest portraits or a custom live painting of your wedding day, a live wedding painter can be such a meaningful addition to your celebration. If you’re considering it, I’d love to chat! Visit Black Lilac Studio to see my portfolio, rates, and booking info.
