FAQ

General

  • You will begin by filling out my inquiry form under the Contact section. If your wedding date is available, I will respond with confirmation of availability and coordinate a one on one consultation video call with you. Once you are ready to proceed I will send over a quote with a contract to sign and invoice to pay. I require a 50% non-refundable retainer that will be due after the contract is signed. The rest is due a month prior to your event.

  • Yes! I’m happy to paint any scene from your wedding using a reference photo.

  • I am located in Aurora, Colorado and will travel anywhere within 1 hour free of charge. Any further distances will require a mileage fee and potential overnight boarding and additional travel fee.

  • I use professional grade watercolor paints along with colored pencils.

Live Wedding Painting

  • I will arrive 1-2 hours before your ceremony or reception and begin working on the background of your painting. I will take pictures and video during the event that you wish to be painted, and then paint in the bride and groom as well as any additional details. I will use a portable hair drier to dry the paint, if needed, but only during times where the sound won’t be distracting.

  • In general the main focus of the painting will be the couple, and any additional individuals will be painted in an impressionistic style. If there is anyone you would like to include specifically in your painting we can discuss during your consultation.

  • I will bring my art supplies, lamp, portable easel, and chair. If preferred, I can use a chair that you provide to match your wedding decor. I will also need access to an outlet or extension cable and a water source.

  • Once the painting is complete – usually the same night as the wedding – it can be displayed on a surface of your choice. The painting can also be revealed as a surprise – it’s totally up to the couple! I frame all wedding paintings with a simple frame. If you have a specific frame you would prefer, I can purchase it on your behalf for an additional charge.

  • I do my absolute best to finish the painting on the same day as the event. If for some reason this isn’t possible I will complete the painting in my home studio and it can either be picked up or mailed upon completion.

Live Wedding Guest Portraits

  • I will arrive an hour or so before start time to set up. When a guest, couple, or family approach the portrait station, I will direct them to write their name on a list. I will go through the list in order and take pictures of whoever is waiting nearby, then begin working on painting portraits. If possible I try to take a few photos at a time, then finish a few paintings before repeating the cycle until the end of the event. I will also place signage on the table explaining this process. When I’m done with a portrait I will seal it in a clear bag and display it on the table where they can be picked up and taken home by your guests.

  • I will bring my art supplies, table light, and signage. I require you to provide a 6 – 8 foot table decorated as you wish with two chairs. Please no circular tables. If your cocktail hour is located in a separate location from the reception, I require a table to be set up in both locations and I will move my art supplies into the reception space when your guests begin to transition. I will also need access to an outlet or extension cable and water source.

  • To ensure I get to paint as many of your guests as possible there is a maximum of 3 people per illustration. There is also a limit of one portrait per person, unless the bride and groom want a portrait in addition to the one that is included with every Guest Portrait package.

  • Each wedding is different, but if you are following a standard wedding flow it is recommended to start offering portraits from cocktail hour through the end of the reception.

  • I require wedding guest portrait bookings for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 8 hours.

  • Unless it’s a wedding with under 50 people, I won’t be able to draw everyone. Each portrait takes about 8 minutes to paint, and longer for couples and groups.

    It’s up to you how you want me to choose who gets painted. I usually have a clipboard with a list that guests can write their name on, and anyone who waits nearby will get drawn in the order of the list. Alternatively, you can choose 6-7 people per booked hour and make your own list.

  • This can vary! The average painting rate is 7 single people, 5 couples, or 2-3 families per hour. The artist will need to take a short break every hour or so but will do her best to paint as many of your guests as possible.

  • The wedding day can be quite hectic for you and your closest friends and family. Unfortunately they won’t always have the time to pose for me.

    I do offer an add-on package for custom portraits of your nearest and dearest, which can be painted from photos taken on the day and mailed to you or painted from photos before the wedding and gifted to them on the day.

  • Only if they want to! I will work from reference photos to create each portrait. However, guests are more than welcome to watch as I paint.

  • A custom bride and groom painting is included with each Guest Portrait package that will be mailed after the wedding. That being said, of course I won’t refuse if they want to be painted on the day of the event!