Live Wedding Painting

Frequently Asked Questions

A refined guide to how I work, what to expect, and how your live wedding painting becomes an heirloom.

Yes — absolutely. Every painting begins live at the wedding. That’s where I establish the composition, the light, the color harmony, and the emotional foundation of the piece. I’m responding to the energy of the room in real time, and guests are always welcome — and encouraged — to stop by the easel and watch the painting take shape. It’s one of my favorite parts of the evening.

The work I do afterward in the studio isn’t “extra” — it’s essential. A wedding simply doesn’t allow the time or environment for the level of refinement, likeness, and subtle detail that I want your finished painting to have. The studio is where I slow down, breathe, and bring every face, gesture, and glow of light to its fullest expression. That’s what transforms it from a live painting into a true fine-art portrait.

In short: the moment is painted live, the craftsmanship is completed in the studio, and the result is an heirloom meant to last for generations.

I’m not watching a clock — I’m watching your story unfold. I paint throughout the celebration because the longer I stay, the more the painting can evolve as the evening does. Once I return to my studio, I continue with many hours of careful detailing, glazing, and refinement so that what began live becomes a fully finished work of art.

Absolutely — and not only are guests welcome, they’re encouraged to visit the easel. Many of them stop by several times throughout the evening to see how the painting is evolving. It becomes a conversation, a point of connection, and a quiet little performance within the celebration itself.

Yes. With more than twenty years of portraiture experience, capturing likeness and presence is at the heart of what I do. I work from life, from carefully chosen reference photos, and from a deep respect for light, anatomy, and expression to create something true, elegant, and timeless — not just that you were there, but how you felt there.

Always. I work with archival, museum-quality materials — from the primed Belgian linen to the paints and varnishes — so that your painting is built to last for generations. I don’t feel the need to over-sell materials; they’re simply the standard I work with.

Each canvas size offers a different balance of intimacy, detail, and storytelling. Larger canvases allow me to capture the subtleties that define a person — the gentle shifts in expression, the softness of the eyes, the way light touches the face — while still honoring the architecture and atmosphere of your venue.

With smaller canvases, I naturally focus more on the couple and less on the surroundings, simply because there isn’t as much room for extremely fine detail everywhere. Since my work is rooted in fine art portraiture, many couples choose a size that lets me fully explore both their likeness and the setting.

If you’re unsure which size best fits your vision, I’m always happy to compare options side by side and guide you toward the right choice for your wedding.

My paintings are centered on people — their emotion, their expression, their presence. Smaller canvases simply don’t provide enough space for the level of subtle detail that reveals who someone truly is. On larger surfaces, I can capture not only that you were there, but how you felt in that moment, without compromising the surrounding space.

That said, I understand the desire for a more intimate format. Beginning in the spring, I will introduce a new 18×24 option. This size will be dedicated primarily to the couple — a closer, more focused portrait with less emphasis on the background. It’s a beautiful choice for those who want all the nuance of fine portraiture without the scale of a larger piece.

The investment reflects several elements: the canvas size, the complexity of the composition, travel logistics, and the level of portraiture refinement required. Larger canvases naturally allow for more expressive architecture and more detailed facial work.

Additional figures, pets, or special requests can also influence the scope of the piece. Every painting is a bespoke artwork created with high-end materials and many hours of thoughtful, meticulous studio craftsmanship.

The Infinity option is fully customized — it’s for couples who want a painting tailored uniquely to their vision rather than to a standard size.

Its price is determined by factors such as:

  • The dimensions of the canvas (oversized or unique proportions)
  • The number of figures and level of portrait detail desired
  • The architectural or scenic complexity of the composition
  • Special artistic requests (blending multiple scenes, heirloom additions, unique perspectives)
  • Travel requirements for your location
  • The overall time and materials involved in creating something truly one-of-a-kind

Every Infinity canvas begins with a conversation where we define what you envision. From there, I provide a custom quote based on the scale and complexity of the piece.

Any moment that is meaningful to you. Popular choices include:

  • The aisle moment
  • The first look
  • The first dance
  • Ceremony highlights
  • A portrait of the couple within the architecture of the venue

You are welcome to choose the moment, or I can guide you based on lighting, composition, and the story you want the painting to tell.

Yes. Additional figures can be included upon request, and I approach these additions with a lot of care so they feel natural, elegant, and thoughtfully placed within the composition.

  • Additional guests or figures: +25% per figure
  • Pets: +20% per pet
  • Departed loved ones: +30% per figure

When adding departed loved ones in particular, my goal is to portray them with deep respect and warmth, as if they are quietly present in the celebration.

The studio process is meticulous and can’t be rushed. Most paintings are completed within several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the piece and my schedule at that time. I keep you updated along the way so you always know where your painting is in the process.

Yes. I paint throughout the United States and internationally. Travel costs are based on destination, travel days, lodging, and logistics. I provide a clear, itemized estimate so you know exactly what to expect before booking.

A signed agreement and a one-third retainer secure your date. Because each painting is a one-of-a-kind artwork and I take on a limited number of weddings per year, dates often book well in advance.

I’m very comfortable working in all kinds of lighting situations. Years of painting and working on theater and film sets have taught me how to adapt to candlelight, twilight, string lights, and everything in between. I bring what I need to see the canvas clearly while still capturing the atmosphere exactly as it feels in the room.

Yes — it makes an unforgettable gift. I can prepare a custom digital or printed certificate that you can present to the couple, explaining the experience and what they can expect from their painting.

That’s perfectly fine. I can work more discreetly from a quieter corner of the room or from a spot that isn’t in the center of guest activity. You still get a true live painting, but the experience remains more private if that’s your preference.

All the time. I coordinate with your planner and venue team in advance to handle logistics like setup location, lighting, and timing. The goal is always the same: for the experience to feel effortless for you, and beautifully integrated into the flow of your day.