About Me

Ookie, so I didn’t always plan to be an artist. I actually set out to become a Combat Medic. I got a degree in biology, trained hard, and poured myself into that goal — until the door slammed shut. I didn’t meet the Army’s BMI standards, but…it wasn’t like I wasn’t active. I was getting up at O Dark Thirty for Army PT 5 days a week and then 2-3 hrs of Rugby practice 6 days a week. 

I had no idea how to fix the BMI issue. I would starve myself, running in trash bags to sweat, not carbs, no sugar. At the time, I felt like a failure. But now? I see that what I considered a failure, was actually God's hand redirecting everything.

But you clicked her to get the full story, right?

I worked odd jobs — daycare, admin, restaurant gigs, sales. I painted gifts when I couldn’t afford to buy them, and every “random” job actually had one thing in common. They each gave me a skill I now use every day in my business. Attention to detail, communicating clearly, and improvising under pressure. All of it mattered. All of it prepared me.

Then, in 2020, during lockdown with nothing to do, I stumbled across live wedding painting while scrolling through TikTok. What a cool job. I was then hit with the idea “ I can make my own job”. I pondered on it for the next few years because, yeah, it was still the pandemic, and stepping out on your own as an entrepreneur is SCARY.

But the idea would not leave me alone. So when I got laid off in Jan of 2022, Something clicked in my soul, like God was whispering, “This is it, Virginia. This is what I created you for!”

And so, with shaky hands, a lot of prayer, I "stepped in my own Jordan River", I said “Yes” to becoming a Live Wedding Painter. I put a post on a Connecticut Bridal Facebook page saying “I want to try this, painting at a wedding. Would anyone be interested, for a few hundred dollars, in letting me attend their wedding to paint it?” I received 18 replies.

I started this business with my own two hands, a heart full of joy, and the kind of ADHD creativity that can’t help but chase color wherever it shows up. It’s taken me to new places, new stages to teach on, talking on a few podcasts, new friends, and somehow threw me into being head of the largest group for creative entrepreneurs in Connecticut - Rising Tide.

I still can’t believe I get to wake up and create art that helps people feel seen. I get to live out my calling. And I get to share the gift I never thought I’d be brave enough to use.

It really &*%$# hurts and wasn't my choice. But it takes two to get married and only one to get divorced. After my FIL passed away, my husband, in his grief, pushed everyone away. And even in my depression and anger in this process, I forgive him. I really loved being married and a wife. And as crazy as it is, I would do it all over again. His parents loved me as their own. My MIL is one of the most incredible women I know. I love you Brenda <3

I learned a lot in this marriage, and God is using this situation for bigger and better things. But He is also healing me. The first wedding after learning we were divorcing.... that was tough. But since then, I have gotten through several with a spirit of Joy. That can ONLY be God. What I do... isn't about me. The ability to paint such a special moment for a couple and the joy it brings, I am just so grateful to be a part of that
that it overshadows my own grief. 

But, I share my story, because the things in my life that once were a source of shame, God has used them for pivotal moments in my life, bigger and better things. If I could travel back in time and embrace 21-year-old Virginia, I would remind her of her incredible strength and resilience. I would tell her that I had truly given it my all and that at 21, I was a powerhouse of strength and agility. Healing this part of myself required years of prayer, tears, and the support of my community. And its going through situations like that , that enable me to get through my current season.

Through this process, God revealed who HE created me to be. NOT what the world or the Army said I was. By learning to forgive myself and extend grace, I became ready to embrace the next chapter of my life – stepping into my role as a beautiful, creative, talented, and strong full-time artist. I truly believe that’s how I developed my artist eye, the ability to see what others don’t. And I feel blessed every day, even the hard ones, to be in this position.

I'm a Live Wedding Painter

My family from
Marcies Angels Cat Cafe

Gary introduced me to Entrepeneurship and helped me get started

My Highschool youth Group Kids

Fellow Live Wedding Painters & Firends based out of Florida

Fun Fact:
 
I got my motorcycles License when i was 17

I am the oldest of 3 siblings. I'm in pink with my younger siblings being twins

Special shout-out to my Dad, Burton Bruce. My Dad has always supported me. In my victories and failures. Saturday morning bagel Runs that turned into sushi Dates when I got older. The person I can always count on to laugh at a good cat video, or call at 2 am to cry to <3