From Blank Canvas to Family Heirloom
How the Live Wedding Painting Experience Works — Step by Step
Step 1:
Pre-Wedding Planning & Moment Selection
Before the first dab of oil paint hits the canvas.
Pick Your Key Moment: Do you want to capture your vows under the oaks, that emotional first dance under the bistro lights, or your epic dip at the end of the aisle? We’ll decide ahead of time so I know exactly what to focus on.
Vendor Collaboration: You don't need another thing on your wedding to-do list. I coordinate directly with your wedding planner, venue coordinator, and photographer so logistics are seamless and stress-free.
Zero Fume Setup: I paint using professional-grade, solvent-free oils. That means no toxic fumes, no nasty paint smells near your dinner tables, and no drop-cloth mess. Just rich, buttery, permanent color.
Step 2:
The Wedding Day Experience
Interactive entertainment that keeps guests talking.
Early Arrival: I arrive 1 to 2 hours before the ceremony/reception begins to set up my easel and lay down the architectural bones of your venue on canvas.
The Magic Happens Live: As your guests arrive, the canvas comes to life. I spend about 4 hours painting live on-site, building up rich textures and loose, impressionistic brushstrokes.
Guest Entertainment: Guests love this part. They’ll wander over between cocktails, watch themselves or the setting take shape, and come back throughout the night to see the progress. (Don't worry—I'm super friendly and love chatting while I work!)
Step 3:
Studio Polish & Detail Work
Where the magic gets refined.
• The Best of Both Worlds: While the soul, color, and energy of the painting are captured live on-site, I bring the canvas back to my studio for a quiet final pass.
• Focusing on the Feeling: Back in the studio, I use photographer references to capture the essence of the moment—the movement of your dress, the soft light, and the quiet emotion between the two of you—refining the piece in my signature loose, expressive style.
• Your Input: I include up to two digital progress checks before finalizing, ensuring the finished piece perfectly captures the heart of your day.
Step 4:
Delivery of Your Heirloom
From my studio to your living room wall.
Protected to Last: Once the oil paint cures, I apply a protective archival varnish to lock in the vibrant colors and guard against dust and light for generations.
Ready to Hang: Your painting is rendered on heavy-duty, gallery-wrapped canvas—meaning it arrives prepped and ready to hang on your wall immediately, no framing required.
Safe Delivery: I offer local hand-delivery across South Louisiana or insured white-glove shipping directly to your door within 3 to 4 weeks.
FAQs
Do my guests get included in the painting?Yes! Depending on the package you choose, the painting focuses primarily on the two of you, but can easily weave in key family members, the wedding party, or important guests in a soft, impressionistic style.
What do you need the venue to provide?Almost nothing! I bring my own easel, lighting, and specialized setup. All I need is a 6x6 ft space with a good view of the action and access to a standard electrical outlet. No special water hookups or toxic setup required.
How far in advance should we book?Most couples book 6 to 12 months in advance. Because I only take a limited number of live wedding commissions per month to give every canvas the attention it deserves, popular weekend dates (especially spring and fall in Louisiana!) fill up quickly.
Ready to Preserve Your Favorite Day in Paint?
Whether you’re planning a historic New Orleans courtyard wedding, a Baton Rouge celebration, or a Northshore country club reception, let’s make sure your favorite memory lasts forever.