THE UNEXPECTED RED THEORY
Truth be told, I do NOT gravitate towards red.
I really don’t gravitate towards red.
When my florist first suggested adding red peonies to the pink flowers I envisioned for my wedding, my immediate thought was, There’s no way this will look good. But OMG, did he have a vision. Walking into the venue on the day of the walkthrough, I realized how brilliantly unexpected the addition of red was. The contrast made the flowers pop in a way I never could have imagined.
This “Unexpected Red Theory” stuck with me. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected elements—the bold choices and intentional details—that make a wedding truly memorable.
Weddings Are All About Personalization
As I read through Vogue’s In and Out list for 2024, the biggest takeaway for me was the emphasis on customization. Everything from attire to florals to the guest experience is getting a personal, thoughtful touch.
Jung Lee, the founder of FÊTE, summed it up perfectly:
“It’s always been about the guest experience and really taking care of the guest and being super duper thoughtful from beginning to end.”
For couples planning luxury weddings, this level of attention to detail isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. And that’s where the Unexpected Red Theory comes into play: it’s about weaving in moments that surprise and delight, making your day stand out in ways your guests will talk about for years to come.
Guest experience makes or breaks luxury weddings
Live Wedding Painting: The Ultimate Guest Experience
I see the Unexpected Red Theory at work in my own craft. Live wedding painting is often a surprise for guests, and their reactions are always incredible. Watching a scene from your wedding day come to life in real-time is something they’ve likely never experienced before.
As one bride, Molly, shared:
“Guests were floored! The way Courtney captured our ceremony was so spot on! The love was there—in every stroke. I can’t wait for our future children to look back and truly experience our wedding day!”
Live painting isn’t just about the final artwork; it’s about the moments unfolding throughout the day. Guests stop by my easel to watch, comment, and connect, turning what might have been a simple detail into a standout moment.
This wedding I painted features a beautiful (and unexpected!) red wedding dress — one I will always be obsessed with. (Image) “They’re not just looking to host destination weddings,” Laesser-Keck echoed. “They’re looking to host vacations for all their guests.” (Article)
Why Live Wedding Painting Is Different
The artistry of live wedding painting goes beyond capturing what happened—it captures how it felt. The way the sunlight streamed through the trees during your vows, the subtle glance your partner gave you during the first dance, or the energy of the room as toasts were given—these details are impossible to replicate.
For couples looking for an elevated guest experience, live painting is a perfect choice. It’s personal, meaningful, and unexpected. And when your guests see a painter at work, it shows them you’ve gone the extra mile to create something truly special.
Testimonials from Real Brides
If you’re wondering what makes this experience so unique, here’s what my couples have said:
“You truly are incredible!! You have such a beautiful presence which radiates sunshine! Both pieces are proudly on display in our home and our family’s homes, and everyone I know has framed their personal portraits.” — Molly, Bride
“What impressed me most was that you feel right back at this place. Getting so emotional when looking at the painting. This is a forever memory, so dreamy, it brings you tears of joy.” — Nadja, Bride
“You really made the experience so special. The phone calls leading up to the wedding and the emails were such a special touch. I received so many comments about how sweet you were at the wedding and what a great addition it was.” — Gillian, Bride
Embrace the Unexpected
The Unexpected Red Theory reminds us that the most memorable moments are often the ones we didn’t plan for. Whether it’s a pop of color in your florals, a bold choice like a red wedding dress, or an experience like live painting, these unexpected details make your wedding stand out.
So if you’re ready to create an unforgettable guest experience and a keepsake that will outlast the day, let’s make it happen. I’d love to bring the magic of live painting—or a custom commission—to your wedding.
Ready to create your own extraordinary experience? Let’s paint your wedding.
Let’s Chat →
And if you’re ready to have an extraordinary guest experience? Let’s paint your wedding.
