Live painting
weddings | galas | retreats | milestone events
Elevate your event.
Every gathering is a tapestry woven with the experiences each person brings with them, creating a fleeting yet impressive moment in time that deserves to be remembered in its wholeness. The grandeur, the simplicity, the adoration, the joy, the dancing - all of these ingredients help me create renditions of your event in paint, charcoal, pastel, and graphite. Dazzle your guests with an entirely unique form of entertainment as the painting is completed live.
As a live painter, I tune into the energy of the event and use that to guide what I create so that you may remember your special day, whether it be a wedding, a workshop, a gathering, or whatever else you believe deserves to be remembered in art.
My goal? To not only document your special day but elevate it—through expressive brushwork, live interaction, and heirloom-quality paintings that become part of your family’s legacy.
a painting done by Carly Wanner-Hyde of a couple embracing in the water. reference photo taken by Amy Mellow Panucci (lovesundayphoto.com)
How it works
1. Choose Your Package
Browse curated packages for every type of celebration. From romantic vignettes to full-scene masterpieces, there’s a creative option to suit your story.
2. Consult & Customize
We’ll discuss your venue, vision, color palette, painting size, and key moments you want to preserve. We will configure the compositions and detailing of the spaces and places you'd like painted. Available canvas sizes are:
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12x16 in
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16x20 in
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18x24 in
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24x30 in
3. Live Painting at the Event
This is where the magic happens. You and your guests get to watch as the canvas comes alive in real time. I love to engage with guests and support your vision for their experience as I paint. I arrive with the painting about 50-60% complete and bring the painting to almost full completion while at the event.
4. Finishing Touches & Delivery
Paintings and sketches are refined in-studio and delivered with care. The final painting is completed within one two weeks of the event. The canvas is framed in a wood floating frame and vignettes are delivered unframed. Additional and custom framing may be added.
a painting done by Carly Wanner-Hyde of a woman embracing ease and relaxation during an event.
packages
Keepsake Collection
Starting at $2,250 | For a curated gallery telling the story of your event.
Includes:
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One Live Event Painting
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One Studio Honeymoon Painting (from the couple's photos)
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Three color vignettes and two graphite vignettes from the ceremony, event, dance, reception, etc.
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Digital Reproduction of art (these make for wonderful 'thank you' cards!)
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Custom Consultation & Delivery
Signature Collection
Starting at $1,650 | Our most popular storytelling package.
Includes:
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One Live Event Painting
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Three color or graphite vignettes from the ceremony, event, dance, reception, etc.
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Digital Reproduction of art (these make for wonderful 'thank you' cards!)
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Custom Consultation & Delivery
Vignette Collection
$1,200 | Intimate sketches full of color and charm.
Includes:
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Five color vignettes (6x8 in)
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Three graphite vignettes (6x8 in)
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Ideal for venue details, floral studies, fleeting moments, and reflecting the energy of the event
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Digital Reproduction of art (these make for wonderful 'thank you' cards!)
Glimpses Collection
$500 | Perfect for elopements, micro-weddings, and as a gift. Done in-studio rather than onsite.
Includes:
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Three color vignettes (6x8in) created post-event from photos
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Ideal for venue details, floral studies, fleeting moments, and reflecting the energy of the event
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Digital Reproduction of art (these make for wonderful 'thank you' cards!)
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A heartfelt keepsake that fits smaller budgets or as a gift to the couple.
Optional Add-Ons
These can be configured to ensure that your creative vision is fulfilled.
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Additional Vignettes - $125 each for color, $75 for graphite
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Custom Canvas Framing - from $300
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Vignette Framing - from $100
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Custom Illustrations for cocktail napkins, guest favors, menus, and invitations - from $250
Frequently asked questions
When should I book?
We recommend 6-12 months in advance for live-painting packages, especially if booking for summer and fall weddings. Shorter timelines may be accommodated based on schedule availability.
Can you work from photographs instead of attending the event?
Yes. If you'd rather not have a live artist present (or are planning a destination wedding), I can create a beautiful studio painting from professional photos.
Do you travel?
Absolutely! I am based in Connecticut, but I love attending weddings just about anywhere in the world. Travel fees apply for travel beyond 50 miles of Hartford, CT and are based on distance, accommodations, and set-up time.
How long does the painting take?
Live paintings typically span between 2-4 hours and are finalized in-studio before delivery. I discuss timelines and event itineraries with couples to ensure that each session fits the event's needs.
Can we choose what's painted?
Of course! We discuss moments that are important to you and the aesthetic (romantic, candid, editorial) you're looking for during our consultation.
What if my venue has restrictions?
I bring a compact, self-contained setup that’s easy to position without disrupting your event. I’m happy to coordinate with your planner or venue manager to meet any space or fire code requirements.
Can guests interact with you while you paint?
Definitely! Many guests love watching the process, asking questions, or taking photos. I find interacting and engaging with guests to be a wonderful part of live painting.
What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
A 50% deposit is required to hold your date. Cancellations more than 120 days out may receive a partial refund. Within 120 days, the deposit is non-refundable due to limited availability. Reschedules are accommodated when possible.
What do you wear?
I dress to the code of your event. I am more than happy to discuss wardrobe choices to ensure I add to the event's aesthetic.