There’s a quiet moment before the celebration begins—when I’ve set up my easel, my palette is ready, and the music hasn’t started yet. In that stillness, I reach for my sketchbook.
Guastavino’s in New York City is nothing short of magnificent—towering stone arches, romantic candlelight, and that sense of something grand about to unfold. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a space like this, especially with a room full of guests soon to arrive and a blank canvas staring back at me. That’s when I do a quick sketch. Just a few loose lines to map out the scene. It helps me breathe, think, and find my focus.
That’s how the painting for Diana and Nick’s wedding began.
Live Painting is a Leap of Faith
People often ask me if I know exactly what the painting will look like before I begin. The answer is… not really.
Of course, I do my homework. I study the couple’s photos, get a feel for the venue, and ask thoughtful questions during our planning conversations. I sketch ideas and imagine different compositions. But when it comes time to paint—live, on location—there is always an element of the unknown.
That’s part of what makes this experience so meaningful. You have to trust in the process. You rely on your experience, your intuition, and your years of painting from life to guide you. There’s no undo button. No erasing. Just one brushstroke at a time, in front of a curious and excited audience.
When the Guests Gather Around
One of the most beautiful—and vulnerable—parts of live painting is that people are watching you while you create. It’s not like unveiling a finished piece in a gallery. This is raw, real-time storytelling. I can feel their eyes as they approach, especially in those early stages when things look abstract or unfinished.
Sometimes I hear whispers:
“She’s painting this live?”
“Is that the couple in the center?”
And yes, sometimes I worry:
Can they see what I see? Will it come together in time?
But then a guest steps forward and says something kind. A smile, a compliment, or a simple “Wow!”—those moments lift me up. They remind me why I do this. I’ve come to realize that people aren’t expecting perfection. They’re watching something unfold that is deeply human, personal, and alive. And they love being part of that.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
As the night went on, I added details, built up layers, and brought the scene to life. And then, Diana walked over.
Her reaction will stay with me forever. Her hand went to her heart, her eyes lit up—and in that moment, I knew I had captured more than a setting. I had captured a feeling.
After the wedding, Diana left a review that brought me to tears. She said the painting was one of the best decisions they made. She remembered how we had talked through her vision beforehand, how she felt so comfortable and heard, and how special it was to paint a few strokes on the canvas herself.
That’s the kind of experience I want every couple to have. This is more than a painting—it’s a memory made in real time, turned into a keepsake they’ll cherish for generations.
Watch the Video: Behind the Brush at Guastavino’s
In this short video, you’ll see the painting unfold—from those early sketching moments to the reactions of the guests and the final reveal. It’s a quick but meaningful look into what it feels like to be a live wedding painter—and why this experience is unlike anything else.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Creating in Real Time
Live painting is both exhilarating and humbling. You show up prepared, but open. You listen, observe, and respond to what’s happening around you. You create while conversations swirl, music plays, and laughter echoes through the room. It’s a dance between instinct and intention.
And the result? A one-of-a-kind heirloom infused with the emotion, energy, and beauty of the day.
If you’re dreaming of having a live painting at your wedding, I’d love to hear your vision. Let’s create something unforgettable—together.
