Live Wedding Painting - Kate & Alister 04.09.2025

It started nine weeks ago when I put out a model call for a wedding reference. Kate and I have known each other for a number of years, having met as zookeepers at Colchester Zoo. Although we only briefly worked together, as we were on different sections, I always liked Kate. She reminded me so much of one of my closest friends. So when she messaged asking if I would wait until she got married, I cheekily replied, “Well, why not hire me for the day?” I didn’t think she actually would!

That was the moment the whirlwind of setting up this side of my business really began. Back in 2023 I’d been incredibly inspired by an Australian live wedding painter, Rebekah Lord-Johnson, who was already creating bespoke wedding paintings for couples. I followed her videos, wondering if it was something I could do here in the UK. I began planning, spent just under £1000 on materials, and started learning to paint, but soon lost my confidence and decided it wasn’t the right time.

I have been an artist now since early 2020 and have loved drawing for people all over the world - their pets, horses, and loved ones. But I have always said that I am far too social to be stuck in my studio 24/7. This is something I have been trying to figure out for some time, how to change and grow, and then, in June 2025, I experienced my second miscarriage. That week, I poured myself into painting a portrait of our couple best friends. It was in that time of grief that I realised this hidden talent needed to be shared, so I invested in the rest of the equipment I needed. I never expected my first live wedding painting would come so soon, and with someone I knew. It felt natural, and I didn’t feel pressured. I am so grateful that both Ali and Kate valued my work and gave me this opportunity. I wanted, just as much, to give them the painting they had envisioned. Six weeks before the wedding we had a Zoom call together. We reminisced about our zookeeping days before moving on to all things wedding. This was my first meeting with Ali and I could instantly see why they had found each other. It’s one of those loves you can’t fully describe; you just know they are each other’s person. After a while, I asked Ali to step out so Kate and I could discuss the dress, the hair, the colours and the important details for the painting. Her only real request was to capture movement in her dress and some scenery. We didn’t know the exact pose yet, so the plan was to take three different shots and decide on the day.

In the lead-up, I bought a brand-new camera and lenses to make sure I could capture my own image of them. I reached out to the venue to arrange space and also chatted with their photographer, Freya, to make sure I wouldn’t disrupt her plans. I was determined not to be a nuisance on the day.

Of course, not everything went smoothly. Two weeks out, my trusty 2012 Corsa broke down at home something it has never done in the 10 years I have had it. After visits from two mechanics, it finally came back to life the day before the wedding, but by then I had already decided to take Conor’s car instead. With its bigger boot space, it was far better for someone like me, who loves lists and always packs “just in case” extras. Three days before the wedding I also came down with a head cold. I dosed up on zinc and vitamin C, rested as much as possible and hoped I’d feel well enough on the day. Then came the table incident. I’d ordered a fold-down round table without measuring it, assuming it would be fine. When it arrived, it turned out to be big enough for eight people! Luckily, I had a smaller 3ft table from past events that I could bring along instead. At that point, all I could do was laugh - a good lesson learnt about girl math.

The wedding day finally arrived. At 5:30am I set off from Essex for the 2-hour-40-minute drive to The Granary at Fawsley. I needed to arrive between 10 and 11am, and although it might seem early, anyone who knows the M25 understands why. With heavy showers rolling through, it was definitely the right call to leave early in the more reliable car.

On the way, I stopped at a little spot called Granny’s Café in Weedon for a much-needed “dirty breakfast” to fuel the day. I also picked up some nasal spray at a chemist so I wouldn’t be sniffling through the reception, then carried on to the venue.

The setting was breathtaking. Rolling countryside surrounded a rustic, silvery timber barn filled with natural light and beautiful décor, perfect for the evening party. To the right was a golden-stone courtyard, its square shape enclosing an immaculate lawn and elegant rooms for the couple and their closest family. The whole venue felt timeless and serene, a dream location for a wedding and for a wedding painter like me. I met Ali in the courtyard, and he took me to the wedding coordinator, who showed me around and where I’d be set up. At first, I was a little disappointed the space wasn’t huge, but with a borrowed table from the venue it worked out perfectly. Once set up, I went to see Kate, who was having her makeup done. The room was full of warm energy, the makeup artists and bridesmaids all so welcoming.

I then explored the grounds to find the perfect spot for their portrait. We had discussed using the oak tree on the hill, so I walked up to check it out. In true me fashion, I managed to get moss all over the sleeve of my bright blue jumper when I opened the gate, but thankfully I’d brought a dress to change into later. From the hilltop I looked down at the venue, watching clouds race by and rain showers sweep across the fields. I prayed the weather would ease up for the ceremony. The ceremony had to take place indoors during one of the heaviest downpours of the day. But as the couple emerged afterwards, the rain cleared just in time for the confetti shot. The group photos followed, and then it was time for styled pictures. Ali and Kate were naturals in front of the camera, so full of love. It honestly felt like a fairytale.

Kate led us up to the oak tree, keen to make sure I had plenty of time at the canvas. Freya styled the shots while Kaci, the coordinator, helped with the dress to create the flowing look Kate wanted. Once I had the image, I quickly edited it, lined it onto the canvas, grabbed a bite during the speeches, and then began painting. For the next six hours, I painted while guests wandered past to peek. Early on I caught a few concerned looks, as the first dark layers didn’t resemble them at all. But as the painting built up, people started to stop, watch, and chat. Some were secretly artists themselves, others were just fascinated by the process. The atmosphere was amazing, with music, laughter and conversation all around.

When Kate and Ali finally came to see the painting, I hadn’t completed every detail, but their faces, Kate’s dress, and the base layers of the suits and flowers were there. Their reaction was everything. The love and relief on their faces was unforgettable, and when Kate said, “This is exactly what I wanted,” every bit of nervousness I’d carried melted away. I knew then that I was exactly where I was meant to be as a live wedding artist. After another hour it was time to pack up. As I checked the space, two bar staff cheered me on with a “You did it!” I laughed, cheered back, thanked them, and handed out some cards. Then I sat in the car for a moment, reliving the day.

It was honestly magical. I loved every second and felt so grateful to everyone at the venue, especially Kaci and Charlotte, who made me feel so welcome. I truly hope I get to paint there again one day.

To Kate and Alister, thank you so much for booking me, trusting me, and setting me on this journey. I’ll always hold such gratitude that yours was my first wedding. It was completely effortless, and I cannot wait to see your painting hanging on your wall.

Venue: The Granary at Fawsley https://www.granary-weddings.com/

Photographer - Freya Louise Photography : https://www.instagram.com/freyalouise_photography/?hl=en

Package Choice: Sapphire

If you are getting married and would love a live wedding painter in the UK to capture your day in a bespoke piece of art, I am now taking bookings for 2026 weddings. Get in touch early to secure your date. View my packages here PACKAGES