What do Wedding Illustrators Do on The Day?

Zoe Parker Wedding Illustration, in action at a wedding reception. The surroundings are idyllic! It’s the beautiful conservatory at the Bourne and Hollingsworth Building in Clerkenwell, London.

If you’ve ever wondered what wedding illustrators do, here’s how my day starts:

I don’t need much stuff. For this event I brought my desk easel, my ProMarker pens, some card, cello bags, a fine-liner and a very fine liner and some gold, silver and white gel pens. I didn’t bring my own lights because I knew the conservatory would be well lit! I did bring a powerpack to keep my phone charged though.

Oh yes, and some sequinned shoes.

I like to use watercolour for weddings, but it depends on the stipulations of the venue.

My case containing minimal equipment for the job as I’m travelling by public transport today.

On this occasion I was invited to illustrate the beautiful wedding reception of Daniela and Alex. This took place at the gorgeous Bourne and Hollingworth Building in Clerkenwell, London. I arrived about 45 minutes before the party arrived, so that I could set up and figure out how to discreetly photograph the guests and then where to find them later on to give them their drawings.

The staff were amazing, providing me with drinks and showing me around. They were super-helpful and attentive throughout the event.

Video contains 365degree view of the conservatory and lounge area of the Bourne and Hollingworth Building. The close-up shot is of the floral posey decorating a table. Lucky I got the memo to wear deep orange!

I knew in advance which of the guests I must prioritise for drawing, and I knew who to liaise with so as not to disturb the happy couple on their special day. Though as it turned out, everyone was extremely friendly and keen to be involved in seeing how the drawings were created.

It’s easy to fit a Live Wedding Illustrator into your day, and it provides extra amusement too. I’m more than happy for people to watch me drawing. I love the compliments they give me too, it makes for such a happy atmosphere.

Mother of the Bride holding my illustration of her. The video shows the Mums of the Bride and Groom reacting to their illustrations.

I took photographs of the guests to draw from, which took about 5 to 10 minutes. I don’t need a very detailed photo- just one that can give me the essence of someone’s character. I like to incorporate their expressions and individual style in my drawings. Each drawing takes about 6-10 minutes, though if there are a few people in a group in can take more like 15 minutes.

The wedding photographers, who were travelling with the guests continued to take candid shots whilst I retreated to the conservatory to draw.

I enjoy working alongside the photographers, it’s inspiring to see how they work so calmly and discreetly, milling through the guests and honing in on interesting details and moments. As an illustrator I can do this too, preserving memories in a unique way with images that are ready on the day.

As soon as each drawing was finished, I popped it into a cello bag to protect it, ready for handing out.

Here are some of my pictures from this joyful day.

I had already arranged with the Bride that the illustrations would be distributed just after the wedding breakfast and before the speeches. This was a perfect time, as everyone was relaxed and content, yet eager to see the drawings.

I wasn’t able to draw every single person in the allotted time, that is rarely possible. I was really happy with the quality and quantity of the drawings that I did manage to produce. (By prior arrangement, I can ensure I draw everyone by building in some extra studio time when we are chatting about the requirements of your wedding.)

The afternoon went so fast and I left in such a joyful mood, knowing that I had made a difference to a special day (and I had switched my sequinned heels back to trainers!)

If you would like to engage my services as Live Wedding Illustrator for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, do get in touch. I offer three different price packages, as well as an hourly rate if you would just like me to pop in and illustrate a few people. You can email me here zoe@thegleefuldabbler.com

A watercolour portrait commission of a newly-wed couple.

I also offer a Watercolour Portrait Commission Service, like the example above which was created as a gift from a wedding guest.

Watercolour Portrait Commissions are perfect as wedding or anniversary gifts. Have a look at the options here Watercolour Portrait Commissions

I hope you have enjoyed having a brief look into my work as a Live Wedding Illustrator. I would love to hear from you if you would like to know more.