A Grand Surprise: Live Wedding Painting My Largest Canvas at Southern Dream Wedding Venue in Gibson, NC
The setup before the ceremony began
Painting throughout the night
There are some wedding days that feel like a dream, and this one, for Annette and Dwight, nestled in the dreamy countryside of Southern Dream Wedding Venue in Gibson, North Carolina, will stay with me forever.
Not only was this the largest live wedding painting I’ve ever created (a bold and beautiful 3 feet by 4 feet!), but it was also a complete surprise from the bride to her groom during their first look. And wow… what an honor it was to help bring that moment to life.
A Gift From the Heart
The groom is an avid art collector and was even a personal friend of the beloved artist Thomas Kinkade. Oil paintings hold a deeply personal place in his heart. So when the bride shared her idea of gifting him a live painting, my heart melted. Capturing their love story in this way instantly felt meaningful, monumental, and so perfect for them.
Watching his emotional reaction as he walked up to see the canvas already filled with the beautiful beginnings of their moment was one of those moments that really struck me; this is why I do what I do. Art is emotional. Art is connection. Art is love made visible.
Music That Painted the Atmosphere
Live music played a huge role throughout their day. It wasn’t just background ambiance; it was an important thread of their story. From string melodies filling the ceremony to the saxophone and the live band, music moved through every moment.
Even the bride’s great-niece shared her stunning voice during the ceremony, and I knew instantly she needed to be painted into the scene. Weddings are full of tiny details that make the moment unforgettable, and this one was no exception. If it fuels the emotion of the day, it belongs in the art.
Making the Perfect Choice… Even Live
One of the joys (and thrills!) of live painting is the constant decision-making. Brushstrokes come fast, guided by instinct. And while I love that challenge, I also believe the painting should reflect the couple’s story with absolute intention.
Halfway through the painting, I stepped back and realized that the pose I initially chose didn’t fully express their connection. So I made a bold move and changed it. That’s the beauty of oils and the beauty of live art. I’m not afraid to rework and refine until it feels just right.
Because love deserves accuracy.
Love deserves care.
Love deserves a masterpiece.
A Painting as Grand as Their Love
By the time the reception lights dimmed and the canvas glowed under the venue’s enchanting chandeliers, the final piece radiated everything they hoped for joy, romance, music, beauty, and the sacred quiet of a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
This 3’x4’ painting wasn’t just a keepsake.
It was a legacy piece.
Something to honor their love story forever, the perfect gift from one heart to another.
Planning a Wedding in North Carolina?
Southern Dream Wedding Venue was a gorgeous backdrop with its open fields, soft breezes, and a ceremony space drenched in romance. This wedding was full of some really incredible vendors. Light-drenched photos by Molly Tobias Photography and videography full of stories by Tiberius Greene were some of the best! And the florist and cooridnator, Will, with Hillside Florist was wonderful to work with.
If you’re getting married anywhere in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia or beyond, I would love to create a painting that captures the heartbeat of your day — live as it happens.
Because your love is art — and it deserves to be seen.
The final painting
