A Lakehouse Celebration | Live Wedding Painting in Virginia Beach

Painting wedding guests live is such a special experience

This Virginia Beach wedding at a private lakehouse was one of the most joyful events I have ever painted at. The couple chose the perfect setting on the water, with a spacious backyard that made the whole celebration feel relaxed and welcoming while still being absolutely stunning. With about 130 guests in attendance, the day was full of life, energy, and so much love.

Instead of creating one live painting of the ceremony or reception, I focused on doing guest portraits throughout the evening. From the moment I set up my easel, people were curious and excited to watch the portraits come to life. Guests gathered around, laughed while finding each others portraits, and eagerly waited their turn. I worked quickly and nonstop the entire time, determined to capture as many people as possible before the night was over. The best part was seeing each guest’s face light up when they saw their finished portrait, it became a beautiful keepsake that they could take home as a reminder of the day.

One of the most special parts of this wedding was how connected I felt to the couple and their loved ones. The bride and groom and I instantly bonded over the fact that we had all lived in Hawaii. Several of their guests had also flown in from Hawaii, and the shared stories and “aloha spirit” brought such warmth to the evening. It felt like the wedding was a gathering of friends from all over the world. Many guests had traveled from North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and DC, even the Pacific Northwest and Europe! It all added to the sense of togetherness and celebration.

By the end of the night, the guest portrait station had become a central gathering place. It was more than just art, it was an experience that brought people together and gave them something to talk about, laugh over, and cherish. The bride and groom loved watching their friends and family interact with the portraits, and I left feeling really grateful to have contributed something so personal and memorable to their day.

This Virginia Beach lakehouse wedding stood out as an event that reminded me of why I really love offering guest portraits. They are a way to capture not just the couple’s love story but also the spirit of their community. Every face, every smile, every little detail of personality is part of the celebration, and I get to preserve that in a way that guests can take home with them. It is often many peoples first piece of original art, and it was created just for them. It helps them feel so connected with the couple and the wedding day. It was such an honor to be part of a wedding that celebrated love, connection, and joy in such a vibrant and unforgettable way.

A couple of the wedding guest portraits painted live in Virginia Beach.