Planning a micro wedding? You’re in for something intimate, intentional, and incredibly special. This post explores why live art activations like watercolor guest portraits, calligraphy, and engraving are perfect for micro weddings.

I debuted my live wine watercolor guest portraits at the stunning L’Angolo Estate in Newberg, Oregon. In collaboration with Benable, this intimate brand activation brought together 50 of Portland’s top influencers for an evening of wine, bites, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Over the course of three hours, I created 50 portraits—each painted using L’Angolo’s Reserve Pinot Noir.

On May 10, I had the absolute pleasure of working with Sun Dreams Productions for a special Mother’s Day activation at Nordstrom, featuring House of Creed. Shoppers who purchased a fragrance were treated to a live watercolor experience where I hand-painted florals directly on their gift boxes—and let me tell you, it was such a fun, fast-paced, and feel-good day.

When planning live entertainment or guest favors at weddings or upscale events, it’s easy to confuse fashion illustration with caricature art—but they’re actually very different experiences. While both involve drawing your guests live, the style, tone, and end result can vary a lot depending on which you choose.

Okay, real talk: once the big-ticket wedding items are locked in (venue, catering, DJ, photographer, videographer, glam team, and of course—the outfit), some couples are surprised to find they have a little wiggle room left in the budget. If that’s you, first of all, YAY! But now you might be wondering... where should that extra cash go?

This one was something special, my friends. On April 29, 2025, I packed up my brushes and joined an insanely fun styled shoot at The Venue at Pelican Brewing in Pacific City, Oregon. The theme? Orchard in Bloom. Think rainbow fruit, breezy florals, and a splash of coastal charm—all inspired by those colorful Lenox plates you might've seen on your grandma’s fancy shelf (but make it modern wedding).

March 9th was one for the books—a wedding filled with love, laughter, and live artistry as I had the absolute joy of painting live watercolor guest portraits for Julia and Jesse’s big day. Their venue? The breathtaking Epping Forest Yacht Club in Jacksonville, a place so enchanting it felt like a cross between a fairy tale castle and The Princess Diaries mansion.

Amanda and Jessica’s wedding on November 11, 2023, at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando was a beautiful reminder of exactly why I do what I do. It was a modern, candlelit celebration filled with intentional calligraphy touches and an energy that radiated love and trust from start to finish.

I’d be a really sucky gay if I wasn’t an LGBT-friendly vendor who supports my own community’s rights. I’m happily married to my husband, Josh. We’re a Tinder success story, but for the record, I swiped right first. On our first date at a Starbucks, he asked a follow up question, “What church do you go to?” That was the moment I knew he was someone special.

The event was a volunteer recognition night hosted by ASPET (American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics) in Portland’s Pearl District. I had my little watercolor station all set up at Hunt & Gather Catering, ready to create portraits.

Weddings are about love, celebration, and—let’s be real—making unforgettable memories. But beyond the gorgeous florals and delicious food, what makes a wedding truly stand out? The experience. Couples today aren’t just looking for a beautiful event; they want their guests to have a unique, interactive, and meaningful time. That’s where live art and personalization come in.

Let’s be real—your brand’s visual identity matters a lot. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, a branding photoshoot is one of the best ways (I think) to bring your personality and values to life.