Surrounded by loved ones, their moment was filled with tenderness and joy, oil painting on linen canvas, 24 x 30″
Painting a First Dance: Capturing Ariel and Jason’s Love at Perona Farms
The setting of a wedding tells a story long before a word is spoken or a vow is exchanged. When I arrived at Perona Farms in Andover, New Jersey to paint Ariel and Jason’s wedding, I was immediately drawn to the warm, rustic charm of the reception space — its rich wooden beams, stone pillars, and candlelit ambiance created the perfect stage for an unforgettable celebration.
This live painting was to capture a moment from their first dance, a tradition made even more special by the atmosphere the couple curated. Music played an enormous role in their evening — their carefully chosen band, with eight or nine vibrant musicians, filled the room with energy and joy from the very start. They led the evening with traditional Jewish dancing and even the classic chair lift — a moment of joy that radiated through the whole venue.
Movement, Music, and Meaning
Painting a first dance is both exhilarating and complex. On one hand, it offers such natural emotion and graceful movement — twirls, dips, and the way a couple simply is together. On the other hand, it presents a unique challenge, especially when the dance floor is packed and I’m sharing space with a full band, photographers, and videographers — all trying to document the same fleeting moment.
During Ariel and Jason’s first dance, the guests flooded the floor, completely surrounding them with love and celebration. It made it difficult to move and see the couple clearly from every angle, so I focused on observing and anticipating their movements.
As an artist, I pay close attention to body language and eye contact. When a couple gazes into each other’s eyes during the dance, it creates a magnetic moment — one that invites the viewer into the painting. But sometimes, especially when they’re spinning and twirling, those moments are rare or too fleeting to capture live.
In Ariel and Jason’s case, their first dance included a lovely dip — a moment I couldn’t see clearly the first time. So my husband Dean and I kindly asked if they would repeat the final dip just once more, for reference. They graciously did. And this time, while they looked at each other for a moment, they both turned and smiled directly at me. It was subtle, sweet, and honest.
Capturing the Essence, Not Just the Pose
Though it wasn’t my typical go-to pose, there was something tender and genuine in that moment — a young couple in love, surrounded by friends and family, wanting to make others happy while soaking in the joy of their celebration. That expression, that brief connection, was what I wanted to capture in paint.
Back in my studio, I planned out the final composition. I added Ariel and Jason’s family members to surround them — carefully considered and thoughtfully arranged to match the architecture and balance of the space. I also added their sweet dog Lucy, who wears a little bow and watches lovingly from the side. (In another post, I’ll talk about the unique challenge of adding people into a live painting after the event.)
But for this piece, the focus was on reading their body language — the openness in their posture, the grace in their dip, the moment their hearts met each other’s and the camera’s gaze.
To couples considering a live wedding painting — moments like these don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be yours. As a live painter, I’m not just capturing an image — I’m preserving a memory wrapped in motion, emotion, and meaning.
Tip for aspiring live painters: When painting a moment like a first dance, look beyond the pose. Pay attention to how the couple moves together — how they lean in, the rhythm of their steps, the way their eyes meet or miss. Even subtle body language can reveal the emotional core of a scene. These are the details that make a live painting come alive — not just with accuracy, but with heart.
Framed Painting
Most of my clients choose to have their paintings custom framed through me — it’s a seamless part of the experience that ensures the artwork is presented at its best and arrives ready to hang. For Ariel and Jason, we selected a Dark Bronze wood frame, which beautifully complements the warm tones of the reception setting and enhances the overall elegance of the piece. Seeing the finished painting framed and displayed, it becomes more than a memory — it becomes a treasured heirloom and part of their home.
