Mazel Tov to newlyweds Mimi and Chad! What a pleasure it was to live paint guest portraits during their summer wedding at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
A rabbi from Temple Israel married my husband and I years ago, so it was a special experience for us to work the wedding together (he was my assistant for the evening). Conveniently, the temple is just a few minutes from my home/studio so we arrived extra early—which turned out to be a blessing!
"We loved working with you so so so much! What a wonderful addition to our wedding! THANK YOU!"
The original plan was for my painting table to be set up inside, so I could start illustrating guests as they enjoyed cocktail hour. But as often happens with weddings, plans changed last minute. Cocktail hour was moved outside and, unexpectedly, so was I! Luckily, the weather was gorgeous and we came prepared with extension cords and lots of patience.
We quickly set up my relocated painting table as the couple signed their ketubah and the wedding party lined up outdoors for the ceremony, including their adorable dog Charlie.
As the gorgeous ceremony concluded and "Kiss Me" played, a steady stream of eager guests immediately lined up for cocktails and swirled around my art table ready to pose for their portrait paintings.
Each guest was more complimentary of my artwork than the next and they all especially loved the engagement portrait I painted of the newlyweds that was prominently on display. I'll never forget the groom picking up the portrait to admire it and excitedly asking me, "Do we get to keep it?!" to which the bride exclaimed, "Yes, it's for us!"
I chatted with several guests about my art as they watched me sketch. And various servers stopped by to try and feed me with delicious-looking appetizers, but I was far too focused to stop and eat. So many guests to paint, so little time!
The sun was still brightly shining that evening so we did our best to snap a few (overexposed) photos of the finished artwork and individually wrapped each portrait for guests to take home as keepsake favors.
Thank you again Mimi and Chad for including Jenny Paints By Hand in your special day!
Interested in hiring Jenny to live paint guest portraits at your next event? Please fill out the event inquiry form
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