A Magical Night at Epping Forest Yacht Club
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. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be a wedding to remember.
Joined by my incredible assistant Sarah from Gro By Love Events, we made the journey from Orlando to Jacksonville, ready to bring a creative and personal touch to their wedding day. Rain or shine (and trust me, there was rain), we were about to give guests an unforgettable experience—one they could take home and cherish forever.
The Journey to Jacksonville
The adventure kicked off with a road trip to Jacksonville, heading toward the historic Epping Forest Yacht Club . Nestled along the St. Johns River, this venue had serious old-world charm—think ornate architecture, waterfront views, and a vibe straight out of a classic romance movie. Even with the drizzle in the air, the atmosphere was pure magic.
Julia and Jesse, being the absolute troopers they are, didn’t let a little rain stop them. They snagged their wedding portraits before the storm rolled in (a genius move, by the way) and managed to keep their ceremony exactly as planned. And honestly? A little rain only added to the cozy, intimate feel of the evening.
Setting the Stage for Creativity
Upon arriving at the venue, we scouted the perfect spot for our watercolor station. The goal? A setup that allowed guests to interact without being overwhelmed by the music and dance floor energy. We landed on a prime second-floor location, close enough to the action but far enough from the speakers to take part in som equality conversation.
With the weather keeping cocktail hour mostly indoors, Sarah played MVP by heading out to capture the guests in their wedding-day best. Meanwhile, I prepped my paints and got ready for what would soon become a night full of artistic magic. I was able to snag a photo of the bride and groom from the portraits earlier on, create their portrait, and start on some of the guests.
One of the things I love most about weddings is the mix of people it brings together. Julia and Jesse’s wedding was no exception. Friends and family from all over the world were there, including guests from New Jersey (where I’m originally from!), as well as Poland.
It was a beautiful reminder of what weddings are all about—not just the couple, but the community that surrounds them. A coming together of past, present, and future.
The Art of Live Watercolor Guest Portraits
Wedding Couple’s Watercolor Portrait
There’s always that moment at a wedding when guests realize what’s happening. The moment they see the paintbrushes, the colors, and the works-in-progress—and suddenly, they can’t wait to have their own portrait.
Sarah did an incredible job engaging with guests, explaining the process, and getting people hyped about their personalized keepsakes. And let me tell you, the reactions never get old—watching someone’s face light up when they see themselves in watercolor? Priceless.
With about 150 guests, it was a lively evening, and while I wish I could have painted everyone that night, time only allowed for so many portraits. But no worries—any guest who didn’t get one live at the event? I finished their portraits back in my studio and sent them to Julia and Jesse for distribution later.
I love this part of the process because it keeps the excitement going even after the wedding day. Guests get a beautiful surprise in the mail, a final memento that ties back to an unforgettable night.
Special Surprises for the Newlyweds
Julia and Jesse, the true stars of the night, were so excited to see their portrait! But here’s the fun twist—they had an outfit change during the reception, swapping their ceremony looks for something a little more party-ready.
Naturally, I had to capture both moments. As a surprise gift, I created a second portrait of them in their reception attire, giving them a two-piece watercolor memory of their wedding day.
Because let’s be honest—if you’re going to have multiple wedding looks, you absolutely deserve multiple portraits.
Let’s Give Your Wedding That Final Bowtie Touch!
Reflecting on Julia and Jesse’s wedding, I’m filled with gratitude. This night was a perfect blend of art, love, and meaningful moments—the exact kind of experience I strive to bring to every wedding.
Live art isn’t just about creating portraits—it’s about capturing emotions, preserving memories, and creating something that guests will treasure forever.
If you’re looking for a way to make your wedding truly unique and unforgettable, let’s chat. Whether it’s live watercolor guest portraits or calligraphy and engraving, I’d love to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to your special day.
Inquire today, and let’s create magic together!
