Hand-painted keepsakes your guests will treasure forever — perfect for weddings, galas, showers, and more.
I offer live watercolor guest portraits for weddings and events across Connecticut and beyond — a bold, interactive alternative to photo booths or favors that get left behind. Live guest portraits add a personalized touch to your event, and a whole lot of interactive entertainment. As I paint, guests gather around to watch the process unfold live on-screen. Some gasp. Some laugh. Some tear up. It’s a moment of connection, curiosity, and joy — and they get to take that memory home.
The Experience
They Get To Take Home
With a friendly assistant to manage the flow and guest experience, the entire setup runs smoothly from start to finish. Most portraits are created from a quick photo, so your guests can relax, enjoy the event, and still go home with a custom 5x7 keepsake. (But of course, they can stay and watch if they’d like!)
It’s interactive, elegant, and designed for weddings, parties, and events where the little details matter. The perfect surprise detail for Monica Geller-level hosts and planners who love art, a little flair, and a whole lot of “wow” at their parties.
How It Works On-Site
My portraits aren’t about speed, perfection, or capturing a perfect likeness. They’re quick, stylish outlines — head to knees — sketched in watercolor and ink, with just enough shape and movement to capture someone’s vibe. A great outfit. A confident stance. A little sassy hip movement in their posture.
This isn’t just a party trick. It’s personal, heartfelt, and way more fun than handing out the same favors everyone else does. I paint what makes someone feel seen. And somehow, it always ends in a smile.
Your Live Guest Portrait Artist And Unofficial Hype Woman For The Evening
Hiya, I’m Virginia!
Basically, anywhere people are dressed up and want to feel fabulous.
Guest portraits aren’t just party favors — they’re the kind of experience people remember. Whether you’re planning a wedding, shower, gala, or brand event, this is how you add personal flair and thoughtful entertainment to your celebration.
Wedding Guest Favors
Corporate Events & Conferences
Conventions & Expos
Nonprofit Fundraisers & Galas
Luxury Brand Activations
Bridal & Baby Showers
Welcome Dinners
Private Dinners or Birthday Soirées
Just a few of the events where live guest portraits shine:
Where
Art
Meets Atmosphere
Whether you’re throwing an intimate gathering or a grand wedding in the French countryside, every event includes the same high-touch experience and attention to detail:
- Communication and coordination leading up to your event
- 1 live event painter (that’s me!)
- Up to 6 hours of live watercolor sketching onsite
- An on-site assistant to manage flow, guest experience, and delivery
- Optional monitor and camera setup that lets the guests see their portrait coming to life
- Portraits drawn live in 5x7 format, featuring 1–3 guests per piece
- Outlined in fine black ink for an elegant finish
- High-quality 5x7 cold-press watercolor paper + protective plastic sleeves
- 7–9 portraits per hour
- A custom keepsake portrait just for you (my treat!)
- Travel within Connecticut
- Up to 1 hour of in-studio prep before the event
- Early arrival + setup (up to 45 minutes)
- All supplies and equipment included for up to 75 guests
Live Guest Portrait Packages & Pricing
let’s talk details
$2500
Need more than 75 guest portraits?
Want To Make Things Extra Special? Upgrade To
Up to 50 Guests
$1000
Up to 75 Guests
$1500
The Grand Affair
Whether you want it painted live or painted in my studio, you can have a special memento for you and your guests.
Add A Wedding Portrait
Book for events and weddings outside Connecticut or international destinations (travel rates apply)
For Events & Weddings Outside CT
The Signature Soirée
For special VIPs or those who couldn’t get their portrait done, send one after the event (painted from photos)
Send Portraits To VIPs Or Guests
Up to 100 Guests
$2000
The Full Fête
Up to 25 Guests
$500
The Petite Party
Planning a gala, fundraiser, or a special gift to your future in-laws? You can gift watercolor guest portraits after the event for special guests. This is ideal for:
VIP donors
Keynote speakers
Clients or team members
Bridal parties or family
Parents of the Bride(s)/Groom(s)
Guests who missed their turn during the event
I’ll paint from a photo and mail it in a protective sleeve. Same level of quality. Same amount of joy. None of the lines.
VIP donors
Keynote speakers
Clients or team members
Bridal parties or family
Parents of the Bride(s)/Groom(s)
Guests who missed their turn during the event
I’ll paint from a photo and mail it in a protective sleeve. Same level of quality. Same amount of joy. None of the lines.
Send a Watercolor Portrait After the Event
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I typically complete 7–9 portraits per hour, perfect for giving 40-50+ guests a keepsake over a 4–6 hour event. For larger crowds, I can bring on an additional professional artist or recommend a post-event option.
How many guest portraits can you create during my event?
No one gets left behind at my events! I get FOMO too. I offer a post-event portrait add-on, painted from a photo taken at the event and mailed in a protective sleeve — perfect for VIPs or anyone who didn’t get in line. These make great follow-up gifts or thank-you surprises.
What if a guest misses their chance to get a portrait during the event?
Not at all! In fact, I prefer them to stand because it lets me capture more of their outfits! Guests can step aside for a quick photo and continue enjoying the event or stand there and watch their watercolor come to life. They can come back in 20 minutes once the ink has dried to retrieve their finished portrait, wrapped in a protective plastic sleeve.
Do guests have to sit for their portrait?
Each portrait is a 5×7 watercolor/sketch printed on luxe cold-press paper and delivered in a protective plastic sleeve — a frame-worthy keepsake they can take home immediately.
What size are the portraits?
For larger gatherings, I can add extra artists, extend painting hours, or paint from polaroids after the event and give them to you to send in your thank you cards (or send them direct) — just let me know your guest count and vibe, and I’ll make it work.
What if my event has 50+ guests?
Part of offering an incredible experience is making sure your guests feel seen and get to interact with us. But the truth is, in order to get as many guests sketched as possible, I have to draw, draw, draw. That’s why my assistant is trained — to greet guests, explain what I’m doing (many have never had their portrait sketched before), answer questions, joke around, manage any lines, take photos of guests who don’t want to wait around for their turn, and help hand-deliver the finished portraits to guests as they come back to the table.
Like I said, this is a full, interactive experience! And I’m here to make sure your guests have a great time.
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Why do you have an assistant if they don’t draw?
Of course, but I’ll need a little help from my friends! If you want both a live painting and guest portraits, I can call up any of my professional artist contacts and add a second or third artist to handle guest portraits. (Just one of the blessings I’ve found from leading the largest creative artist and entrepreneur group in Connecticut!)
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Can I Add Guest Portraits to My Live Wedding Painting Booking?
If you have a small event (50 people or fewer) I just need about 4 weeks' notice to order supplies and coordinate with you and my assistant. If you have a larger event (100+) or want multiple artists, I suggest booking 3-4 months in advance so I can ensure everyone gets it on the calendar. (And if your event/wedding’s sooner — ask anyway! I might have wiggle room, and I’m a huge believer in ‘it never hurts to ask’.)
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How far in advance do I need to book?
Yes! I’m based in Connecticut, and travel is available nationwide and internationally (Italy, NY, FL, etc.). Travel fees apply (flight + hotel + $150/day food + transport). Just say the word!
Do you travel for weddings and events?
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