My journey with Niamh and Steve started months before their special day when we designed and crafted their bespoke invitations which received such lovely feedback:
“The invitations have exceeded our already high expectations, we are absolutely thrilled!” – Niamh
Photography credit: Dominic Williams
They later got in touch once again and booked our Heirloom Heritage Live Wedding Painting Package which included a framed ceremony painting that I painted live on the day, accompanied by a selection of Guest Portraits.
During our video consultation, when we discussed the finer details of the booking, I also got to know more about their love story and found out how much they valued original art. They told me while on holiday in Japan, and unknown to them, an artist sketched them as Steve proposed to Niamh and captured the moment forever. This same drawing was displayed on their wedding day at Hedsor House and featured on their Save the Dates.
Part of the pre-wedding planning involved Niamh and Steve choosing a group of guests they wished to be painted and giving them our bespoke VIP Passes to use on the day. This ensured both the guest and I knew who I was to be painted.
As this wedding was far from home, my journey started the day before with the train journey to a warm and sunny London along with my suitcase, easel, art supplies and the couple’s gorgeous pre-chosen Ceremony Painting frame. They chose a beautiful ornate gold frame, one which I, myself have in my own home and is a favourite. My accommodation for two nights was near Hedsor House making my arrival on the day calm and composed, ready to give my all to painting at Niamh and Steve’s wedding.
I arrived at the venue a few hours before the start of the ceremony, primarily to set up my easel, but also to look around and absorb the magnificent surroundings. There was luxury and elegance at every turn and very welcoming staff on hand to guide me. The floristry, harpist (playing on guest arrival), string quartet (playing during the ceremony) and ethereal choir afterwards, all added to the magical atmosphere.
At the rear of the ceremony room, I discreetly positioned myself and started sketching the scene in pencil while everyone gathered. When the bride and groom arrived, I also sketched their silhouette. Once the emotional ceremony finished, I moved to another beautiful room I had previously chosen with Niamh where I continued my work and where the guests could come and watch me work. After around 3 hours, I finished the ceremony painting and framed it, which was then displayed on an ornate gold easel. On revealing it to the couple their wonderful reaction was captured perfectly by their photographer and videographer (see supplier links below). It remained on display throughout the evening allowing guests to wander by and view it.
Guests who had received the VIP Passes used these to approach me where I took quick photos of them which I then used as a reference to paint their Guest Portraits. For the next few hours and until the end of the evening, everyone could come by, watch my progress, and take their very own little portraits home as a unique keepsake from Niamh & Steven’s wedding.
After the wedding, Niamh and Steve received great feedback about the Wedding Artwork experience and lovely comments from their guests. Everyone loved their portraits. It was such a success they asked for additional guest portraits which often happens. As part of the Heirloom Package, they also received 60 Thank You cards featuring their Ceremony Painting.
“We will forever cherish the incredible heirloom artistry you have created for us commemorating one of the most special moments in our lives – it still makes me emotional when I look at our painting and that’s all thanks to you.” – Niamh
It was such a delight and honour for me to share in Niamh and Steve’s perfect day and to capture their love and the joy of their guests in such a stunning and magical setting.
Special thanks to Niamh & Steve for kindly permitting me to share about their special day, as well as to Dominic Williams for the wonderful wedding photography. I would also like to mention the very talented harpist Aoife Miralles and videographer (Kier at Reel Boys Film).
Please enjoy some additional photos from Niamh and Steve’s wedding at Hedsor House:
If you would like to add this exclusive Live Wedding Painting experience to your wedding, please take a look at our packages and enquire about Daria’s availability here.
Much love,
Daria x
Supplier love:
Live Wedding Painting Enquiry
Stationery Enquiry
or send us an email to
hello@wedding-artwork.co.uk
Photography credit: Bernadeta Kupiec | Dominic Williams
