Avignon: How to live paint a wedding cocktail reception?
My job as a live painter allows me to discover exceptional reception venues for weddings and events (often castles, I must admit!).
But I also get to meet people, talented vendors, and couples, and this time I have to tell you more about my bride and groom!
Ugo, the groom, contacted me because he was looking for a live painter for his wedding near Avignon.
He’s originally from Cannes, and he works with his family (for four generations!) at the restaurant Aux Bons Enfants! If you don’t know it, I highly recommend to taste traditional flavors, with fresh local produce, and a touch of modernity ! 😉
Château Martinay in Carpentras, near Avignon
Here I am in Carpentras, not far from Avignon, where I’m discovering Château Martinay; it’s absolutely stunning! Its architecture is so beautiful that the groom had a hard time choosing which facade I would depict in the live wedding painting (and actually, it was the castle’s back courtyard that I painted!).
Live wedding painting: the cocktail hour
They chose the cocktail hour, with a selection of their family and friends to be included in this live wedding painting near Avignon. I arrived well before the guests to begin my sketch.
The secular ceremony took place in the castle gardens. Once the ceremony was over, the guests headed to the castle’s back courtyard, where I was waiting with my easel.
And that’s when the photo shoot began to capture all the guests I needed to include in the live painting! (If you’re wondering how I recognized them: the groom had sent me a photo of each guest I was to paint ;-)) Okay, I’ve got everyone, and I’m working on creating a solid composition. All that’s left is to add the newlyweds’ kiss!
The evening; live wedding painting with colors
After the cocktail hour, the guests headed to the front of the château where the tables were set for dinner. The decorations were black and white, chic, understated, and splendid.
I was missing an important element from my composition, or rather, an important person: Alix, a childhood friend of Ugo’s, who is a professional singer. She would perform several songs during the second part of the evening. I added her to my painting. My sketch was finished, and I could start on the colors!
It was time for dinner for me too.
It was a real gastronomic break for the vendors; with a groom who is a restaurant chef, the meal was bound to be delicious! I met, among others, the wedding planner Hélène Houles from the agency hhcreations. It’s always a great moment to be able to share our experiences as vendors!
Back to live painting. The evening continued, the newlyweds opened the dance floor, and the guests joined them. I chatted with the art-loving guests.
Little by little, my eyes were getting tired; it was time to stop before I made a mess! Watercolor is tricky; there’s no room for error! So I packed up my supplies and tiptoed out of the party.
And here’s the finished painting in my studio:
And you, what moment from your wedding would you like to have painted?
