FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’ll arrive around 11am on your wedding day to set up and prepare my canvas. Depending on the style of painting and the moment you’d like captured, I’ll take a background photo and begin working on the setting. After your ceremony, confetti shot and main group photo, we’ll spend around 15–20 minutes together capturing your chosen reference photos. This part is completely relaxed and fun, allowing me to capture your natural connection and love to bring to life on canvas.

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Once that’s done, I’ll return to my setup, sketch the line art and transfer it onto the canvas. From there, the focus will be on the two of you as I paint throughout the afternoon and evening. Around 9pm, you’ll be invited to view the painting before I take it back to my studio to refine and complete it. Please note that the artwork won’t be fully finished on the day, particularly if you’ve chosen one of the larger sizes.

Your painting is designed to last a lifetime. I use professional, museum-grade paints and archival-quality canvases, both created for long-lasting durability. Full care instructions are provided with your canvas so you can hang it safely in your home, ensuring it remains vibrant and does not fade over time.

The primary difference between each package is the canvas size and the level of detail achievable. All canvas sizes allow for realism and fine detail; however, larger canvases enable more intricate elements to be captured. 

I am based in Basildon, Essex, and travel up to 15 miles is included free of charge. Travel beyond this will be charged at 45p per mile. I do not charge for overnight stays of just one night. For stays longer than one night, accommodation costs will be added at the standard rate (usually a Premier Inn) including breakfast. All of this will be discussed and agreed upon at the time of booking.
For weddings taking place in Scotland, Ireland, or Europe, all travel arrangements and associated fees will be discussed in detail.

Once you’ve secured your wedding venue, I recommend reaching out. I take on a maximum of two weddings per month, with peak season running from May to October. I am booking into 2027 currently.

I do not hold dates provisionally. To secure your date, a 20% deposit and a signed contract are required. Once confirmed, we’ll arrange a pre-wedding consultation via Zoom to discuss your vision for the painting.

I begin painting as soon as I’ve set up and captured the background. Any delay in starting your portrait will depend on how soon we’re able to take your reference photo, which is chosen around six weeks before your wedding. If your photographer or schedule runs a little late, that’s absolutely fine, but the sooner we take the photo, the sooner I can begin painting. I’ll go through all of this with you in detail beforehand, and I’ll be with you until 9pm on the day.

I require a small space near a power outlet to set up my main easel and equipment. After the reference photos are taken, I also need a quiet area to begin transferring the line art to the canvas, away from guests.
For outdoor weddings, I’ll need a shaded area in good weather, and a canopy or covered structure in case of rain to protect the artwork and materials.​

Yes, especially with your photographer and wedding coordinator. This helps me coordinate logistics for the day and resolve any potential issues in advance. I’ll also ask you to inform your photographer and videographer that I’ll need a short amount of time with you to capture the moment that will be painted.

Yes, I am fully insured and hold an up-to-date PAT certificate, with all my electrical equipment clearly labelled. I’m happy to provide copies of both this and my risk assessment to your wedding venue if required.

I use archival-quality acrylic paints on gallery-wrapped canvas, ensuring your portrait will remain vibrant and beautiful for a lifetime.

To ensure the highest quality, I spend up to 30 hours completing each portrait in the studio. Once finished, the painting needs up to four weeks to fully cure and dry before it can be varnished and sealed for longevity.
I allow a timeframe of 12–16 weeks for completion, although some pieces may be ready in as little as four weeks.

Absolutely! If I can liaise with your photographer, videographer, and coordinator, I can pose as a photography assistant to discreetly capture the scene. I’ll then reveal the live painting during your reception as a unique and memorable surprise.

No, there are no hidden costs. All details are agreed upon prior to signing the contract. Your booking includes the cost of materials and supplies.

Yes! I love chatting with guests while I paint. In my experience, many enjoy watching the process and it often becomes a highlight and talking point of the evening. I may place a small barrier around the artwork to prevent accidents - especially to keep Uncle Harold’s beer at a safe distance!

Absolutely! Commissioned paintings or drawings begin from £1000. Photographer permission is required