Entertainment

Our Latest Wedding Obsession Explained – All the Info on Live Painting

by Brides of Oklahoma July 20

Wedding vendors are creatives by nature, but we still almost can’t believe all the new ways they have revolutionized the industry in the past few years with services that make for some seriously unique wedding celebrations. Among those are live painting and illustration as a form of entertainment for guests to enjoy while capturing a moment in time with a piece of custom art you will remember and cherish forever. You probably still have a few questions about it all, and we’re sharing everything you need to know about live painting and illustration in Oklahoma. Read on!

(Information provided by Courtney Kibby Cooper of Courtney Kibby Designs)

live painter at your wedding

What does a live wedding painter do?

A live wedding painter PAINTS YOUR WEDDING. Each has different offerings, but the bulk remains the same. You work with your painter to choose the exact moment you want painted, and your painter paints it. It’s really that simple. Choosing the ideal moment may not be easy, but thats why live wedding painters are professionals and can guide you through the process and make the best decision for you and your fiancé.

Typical live wedding painting packages include one painting and 4-6 hours of live painting and entertainment for your guests – talk about including TRADITION and a heaping spoonful of charm!

Why hire a live wedding painter?

A live wedding painter is highly attuned to the exact moment the bride wants painted. My goal as a live wedding painter isn’t working to make sure every moment is taken care of, but instead capturing one special and timeless memory that can hang on your wall forever and be passed down as an heirloom for generations. Because of that, live wedding painters are laser-focused. We are there to not only help make sure that your day is perfect, but ensure that perfect happily ever after moment is captured beautifully.

courtney kibby painting

Why does art matter?

Such a good question! I’m going to briefly refer back to the two blogposts I’ve written on why art matters (click here for part 1 and here for part 2). In a nutshell, art matters because it is good for our minds, bodies and souls. Not only do I firmly believe this, but statistics show that it’s absolutely true.

I’m getting a photographer/videographer. Do I still need this?

Capturing your wedding with photos is beautiful! It’s a precious way to remember your day. I’m not discounting the value of photographs, but the value that art adds not only to your life and your day is priceless.

Let’s also not discount the fact that the photographer is there to blend in and take photos, and the live wedding painter is there to ENTERTAIN your guests and draw them to fall even more in love with your special day and remember it vividly. We’re not all over the place trying to capture 502472847 moments as “special” like photographers, but are instead working hard to capture one SPECTACULAR moment. Painting in front of a group of people isn’t easy, but the promise is real—I’m good at what I do, and if you’re nervous about it, check out my happiness guarantee.

So why hire a live wedding painter? Because your future self deserves it!

(Information courtesy of Amy Kelly, owner of Amy Lee Illustration)

amy lee illustration

What’s unique about live illustration?

You may be familiar with live wedding painters, but they only capture a single moment on your wedding day. Custom illustrations by Amy Lee Illustration provide a unique live experience for you and your guests to enjoy. The illustrations are completed at a surprising speed (approximately six minutes per person) and guests get to take home the original, signed artwork!

How does live illustration work?

Live illustration is typically offered during the cocktail hour and reception. I ask that that you have the venue set up a table for me with two chairs on either side. I’ll sit on one side and the guests sit on the other as they’re being illustrated. A line forms pretty organically so you want it to be located somewhere in the venue where guests can easily see me, but it won’t get in the way of caterers, bartenders, etc. if a line forms.

What if we (the bride and groom) don’t have time to sit and be illustrated?

Not to worry! In addition to live illustrating during the reception, my bridal package includes one 8×10 illustration of the bride and groom only. This is created in my studio from your wedding photos when you get them back, so you get a detailed illustration of the two of you as a keepsake.

What else do I need to know?

Because I create the custom illustrations with markers, they dry immediately. Worried your guests will get tired of sitting? They don’t have to! I ask them to stay at the table until the drawing is finished, but they can talk, drink, eat cake, etc. I love getting to visit with the guests while they’re getting illustrated! If you’re hoping to include more illustrated elements into the design of your wedding, I offer custom packages and can create guestbook illustrations, placeholder cards, and more!

Searching for more unique ideas your wedding guests will love? Explore all of our experiential events vendors!

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