A Day in My Life as a Live Wedding Painter

“GIVE ME A STORY *IDEA*”

I typed into ChatGPT.

I’m mortified I did it, I know, but I just couldn’t BEAR starting this blogpost with something other than a story. I mean, is that even a Courtney Kibby blog without a STORY?! Nope, it’s not.

And the story ideas? Aliens. Cowboys. Robots. Spaceships.

Chat GPT absolutely, without a doubt, did NOT understand the assignment.

Maybe I’m to blame because my prompt wasn’t specific enough, but seriously?!

BTW I was NOT looking for ideas about writing a story about aliens or dragons, I just needed to *get out of my head* which seems to be spinning constantly, so I could write a story that would actually entertain you and get you to WANT to read this post.

BUT CHAT GPT UTTERLY FAILING MADE ME THINK…

It’s a good thing I know what the heck I’m doing when I’m painting a wedding.

Because I (unlike ChatGPT) understand the assignment, and will always make sure you get the *perfect* painting so you get reactions like this one:

“A forever memory, so dreamy, it brings you tears of joy.

This wedding painting is the best thing ever. Could not ask for a better one. Most beautiful memory of our wedding. Our friends and family were speechless and overwhelmed like me. “

– NADJA FRICK, BRIDE

So you know that I know what I’m doing, let’s walk through a day in the life of a live wedding painter (me).

Your wedding day is CRAZY BUSY, and as you’re experiencing it, I stand with my paintbrush in hand, absolutely ready to create the perfect piece of art you’ll treasure forever. If you’ve found your way to my little corner of the Internet, you know that if it’s not art WE DON’T WANT IT.

It can be pretty busy being a live wedding artist —

Get ready for a day filled with creativity, unexpected surprises, and the pure delight of transforming weddings into timeless art pieces!

Morning Preparations: Ready, Set, Paint!

Coffee, always.

4 AM Coffee is a daily ritual at my house (because whether my kids wake me up at home or I’m traveling, I like to get my day started EARLY).

Getting *ready* to paint your wedding means clearing my mind — which generally includes some quiet time reading the Daily Offices, praying, going on a quick/brisk morning walk (getting outside and in the sun and all that good stuff to start my circadian rhythm), maybe some grounding by walking barefoot in the grass, doing a DI from TBM, and (all the while) fielding snack requests from my 4 littles.

Journaling is something I DESPERATELY want to add into my morning routine, but as my 1 year old is currently in a stage where he snatches my pen with the force of a thousand ninjas whenever he sees me with it, my journaling *basically* only happens in my head.

Live Wedding Painter Essentials

Ever since my FIRST EVER WEDDING where I *gasp* forgot a pencil, I take GREAT PAINS to make sure I have eveerything prepared. Usually I do this a few nights before and go through my checklist the day of the wedding (check, check, and recheck, always). After painting over 100 weddings painted, I know what I need, and it’s safe to say I’ll make sure I have everything I need and more to make your wedding painting jaw-dropping art you can’t wait to see everyday.

GRAND SCALE LIVE PAINTING TOOLS INCLUDE:

✅Easel

✅Watercolor Paper + Sturdy Board

✅Tape

✅Pencils

✅Watercolor Palette

✅Brushes

✅Water Cups (at least two)

✅Easel light

Each item is *absolutely essential* to the painting process, and helps me make sure your wedding painting is perfect.

Jamming out to NSYNC (likely It’s Gonna Be Me) or some other 90s jam, is typical for a drive out to each wedding venue. EVERY TIME I get in the car to head to a venue, I cant belive this is real life, and I get to be part of your amazing wedding celebration.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

– Thomas Merton

Setting Up at the Venue: The Calm Before the Creative Storm

Getting your Live Painting Started

Arriving at the venue is a moment of quiet anticipation. It’s a blank *canvas* awaiting the brushstrokes of love and laughter that will define the day—ripe with the promise of cherished memories.

Selecting the right spot for the painting is crucial—it’s a good thing I’ve scouted out the location beforehand.

For me; it’s less about *where I stand* while I paint (BTW I do not paint the ceremony while the ceremony is happening. It’s too sacred to even have the possibility of interrupting.) — and the moment that is painted.

Capturing the Vibes as a Live Wedding Painter

Selecting the right spot and composition is about capturing the feeling and essence of the day. I scout, looking angles that will frame the couple’s story authentically and with heartfelt emotion, and will capture the aesthetic they were after.

For example, at a recent wedding, the couple was going for an Italian villa-style vibe, so I made sure to include the tall trees and architecture that gave the nod to the Italian vibes.

It might sound cheesy…

Meeting the couple in person, their sweet families, and their guests is a highlight of my day. I love hearing how the guests know the couple, hearing the laughter, shared stories, and tender moments that inspire each stroke, which sounds cheesy to say but it’s absolutely true.

The Painting Process: Live Wedding Painter Bringing the Moment to Life

With a gentle touch, I sketch out the painting—the grace of the ceremony, the joy of the first dance, and the intimate exchanges that speak volumes. Whatever moment you want captured, I’ll make it happen. Each stroke captures a fleeting moment in time.

Live painting is a dance between spontaneity and technique. I immerse myself in the celebration, translating stolen glances and heartfelt embraces into a whimsical work of art that tells the feeling of your day. As a live wedding painter, it’s like watching a modern Monet in action — live and in person.

Focus as a live wedding painter

Focus is EVERYTHING. I have LOTS of practice since I wrangle 4 children daily, manage 2638383 snack times, homeschool assignments, art lessons, tennis lessons, and so much more. Focus on your painting is about balancing creativity with the rhythm of the event, engaging with the guests (which is so much fun), and ensuring every brushstroke shows the emotions and energy around me.

The Grand Reveal: Presenting the Finished Masterpiece

Finalizing the Live Painting

As the day draws to a close, I add the final touches for the evening—each brushstroke infused with the emotions witnessed throughout, knowing I’ll take this sacred piece home to erase unnecessary pencil marks, add final details, and get it ready for framing. It’s a labor of love, culminating in a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of the wedding into real art you can’t wait to see everyday.

Revealing the Live Painting

The moment the couple sees their painting is pure magic. It’s a blend of anticipation and emotion as they relive their special day through my live painting interpretation of their love story, captured forever on canvas.

“We will cherish this wedding painting forever. Courtney’s attention to detail and overall artistic vision is truly one of a kind. I am blown away by the wedding picture she painted for us. It truly brings us back to the exact moment. “

– RILEY KIM, BRIDE

SO MUCH GRATITUDE

Reflecting on the day fills me with SO MUCH gratitude. Each wedding is an incredible honor to be part of—a watercolor piece painted with stories, laughter, and the promise of forever. It’s an honor to create art that becomes a treasured heirloom.

Being a live wedding painter isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about immortalizing the essence of love in every brushstroke. Here’s to more unforgettable weddings and the joy of painting love stories.


Follow along on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and wedding inspirations.

Interested in having your wedding painted live? Contact me to discuss how I can transform your special day into a timeless masterpiece.