From Live Wedding Painting to Studio Masterpiece: My Two-Stage Process for Capturing Unforgettable Moments
There’s a certain magic in painting live at a wedding—a sense of anticipation, joy, and fleeting beauty that fills the air. When Alexandra and I chatted about her live painting at their June wedding at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY, I knew I was in for a truly special experience. This painting holds a special place in my heart, not only because of the beautiful setting and the joy of the occasion, but also because it was a gift from Rocco’s parents to the newlyweds. I was honored to be entrusted with capturing such a meaningful moment for their family.
Family Heirlooms
In fact, this wasn’t my first time painting for the family—I had the privilege of creating a live wedding painting for Rocco’s brother, Pasquale, and his beautiful bride, Brooklyn, the year before at the Basilica in Waterbury, CT. Being invited back to document another chapter in their family’s story was truly touching, and it’s these ongoing relationships that make my work so rewarding.
Setting the Scene: Inspiration and Collaboration
Alexandra and Rocco had a clear vision for their painting: they wanted to be depicted walking hand-in-hand in front of the grand entrance to Le Chateau, with the building’s beautiful architecture as a backdrop. Before the big day, they even sent me a photo from a previous shoot to help capture the perfect pose. I love collaborating with couples in this way—translating their dreams into a work of art that will forever remind them of their wedding day.
Stage One: Painting Live in Acrylics
On the day of the wedding, I set up my easel outside, facing the stately stone and timber façade of Le Chateau. The ceremony was held indoors in the ballroom, with its sweeping windows and sparkling chandeliers, while the staff transformed the space for the reception. Meanwhile, I began sketching the scene with a watercolor raw umber pencil, carefully mapping out the intricate architectural details that make Le Chateau so distinctive.
As the day unfolded, I worked quickly in acrylics—a medium I love for its fast drying time and flexibility. Acrylics allow me to capture the energy and atmosphere of the moment, layering in color and light as the sun shifted and the couple moved through their day. After Alexandra and Rocco exchanged their vows privately, we staged a few walking scenes outside, capturing their natural movement and the way the light danced around them. The backlighting was a challenge, but it added a beautiful, ethereal quality to the scene.
By the end of the night, the painting had taken shape: the couple, the building, the glowing windows, and the lush summer foliage were all there, alive with the spirit of the day.
Stage Two: Refinement in Oils Back in the Studio
While the live painting captures the immediacy and emotion of the wedding, I always want to give my clients a finished piece that feels timeless and refined. That’s where the second stage of my process comes in. Back in my studio, I spend many hours—often 18 or more—enhancing the painting with layers of oil paint.
Oils are my medium of choice for this stage because of their richness, depth, and subtlety. Using a glazing technique, I build up transparent layers of color, refining details, enhancing the play of light, and bringing out the textures of stone, wood, and fabric. This process allows me to elevate the painting from a lively sketch to a true heirloom—one that will hold its beauty for generations.
Why I Love This Two-Stage Approach
Working in acrylics on location and then refining in oils in the studio gives me the best of both worlds. The live painting is infused with the energy and emotion of the day, while the studio work allows for careful attention to detail and a luminous, polished finish. I find that this approach honors both the fleeting magic of the wedding and the enduring love it celebrates.
For Alexandra and Rocco, the finished painting is more than just a picture—it’s a living memory, crafted with care and heart at every stage. I feel so grateful to be part of their story, and to share my process with you.
Watch the Journey
If you’d like to see how this painting came together, be sure to check out the highlight reel below. You’ll see the transformation from the first brushstrokes at Le Chateau to the end of the night progress
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. If you’re interested in commissioning a live wedding painting or learning more about my process, I’d love to connect!
