I’ve been an event and wedding illustrator for over a year now, so I thought it would be the perfect time to reflect on some of the wonderful weddings I’ve painted at in 2023.
Devon wedding artist
As a Devon-based wedding illustrator, I’ve attended some beautiful venues across the county!
One of the most spectacular weddings I was booked for was that of Murphy and Sam at Mount Folly Farm in the South Hams. Set atop a hill, overlooking Burgh Island and Bigbury, the view couldn’t have been more impressive. It was one of the hottest days of the year – the groom and his groomsmen even took a pre-ceremony dip in the sea!
For me, as a Devon wedding painter, the panoramic backdrop to the ceremony was a dream to paint – the colours of the water and the flowers worked so well together. I was set up right at the heart of the action, which is the best place to be! I painted guests all day, and completed the couple’s ceremony painting during the meal. After that, it was back to guest portraits, and the cool evening air was a welcome tonic while the guests danced into the night.
“We can’t thank Clare enough. Our guests were so happy with the gorgeous paintings and we were even happier with ours. What a way to capture the day. Would absolutely encourage anyone planning a wedding or event to have Clare there!”
Murphy
At the other end of the weather spectrum was Jasmine and Stephen’s wedding at Ashbarton Estate in North Devon. But despite the rain, nothing was going to dampen this lovely couple’s spirits, and the vibrancy and energy of the wedding party alone was enough to make it the most fabulous day (I mean, the bridal parties pyjamas were bright pink and they were sporting white sunglasses and matching water bottles – the fact the new Barbie film was released that week was just a happy coincidence!).
I loved being there for the whole day, starting the morning sketching both the bridal party and the groomsmen, then attending the ceremony, painting oodles of guest portraits, and working on the couple’s confetti illustration while guests ate.
The day made the most of the fantastic indoor spaces at Ashbarton Estate, with guests flowing between the old chapel, the threshing barn and ending up in the Big Barn for the meal and party… and party they did, late into the night! One thing I love about painting at weddings is chatting to everyone! Having spent so long with the couple and their guests, they felt like old friends.
“You are absolutely incredible, the guests loved you! Thank you so much for joining our wedding and sharing your talent with us, you captured our day perfectly, even better than I could have imagined!”
Jasmine
UK wedding artist
I only have capacity to attend a few weddings a year outside of the South West of England, but when I have done, they’ve been phenomenal!
The furthest wedding I attended this year was Olivia and Brad’s big day at Baddow Park House in Essex, five hours from my North Devon home. My parents came along for the ride and we stayed in a cute little Airbnb for a couple of nights either side of the wedding.
The venue is absolutely stunning, and it was a surprisingly warm and sunny day for October, making the beautiful grounds the perfect spot for the ceremony. I was booked for the whole day, during which I painted the confetti throwing for the couple, and portraits of over 60 guests – more than I’ve ever painted before!
Olivia and Brad were so gracious and kind, it was a real treat to be a part of their day.
Event illustrator
I’ve had a blast at all the other lovely weddings I’ve painted at in 2023, and in addition to weddings, I’ve had the pleasure of painting at some brilliant events too! I was Artist in Residence at the renowned Appledore Book Festival for 10 days in September – I’ll go into more detail in another blog post, but it’s safe to say it was an exhaustingly busy but amazingly rewarding sprint.
“This is genuinely one of the most wonderful things that’s ever happened to me at an event! I’m blown away by how brilliant you are!”
Author Lisa Jewell, about my live painting
I’ve also been a live portrait painter at a number of other Devon events, including Bideford Water Festival and Appledore Family Fun Day.
What’s next for me as a wedding artist?
I am super excited about heading into 2024 as an experienced Devon wedding painter, and can’t wait to head out with my easel across the South West to be a part of more couples’ special days. It has been so lovely to experience such gratitude from my couples this year, and the feeling I get from seeing people’s faces light up when I give them my portraits makes it well worth all the hard work!
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for yesterday! I had so many compliments saying how amazing your work is! I absolutely loved the picture of Andy and I, it’s incredible!”
Helen
Looking for a wedding artist in Devon, Cornwall or Somerset?
As a South West-based wedding artist, I’ve travelled to some of the most stunning venues in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset in the past year, and I can’t wait to paint at even more in the new year!
My 2024 dates are booking up very quickly and I’m already at capacity for some months. If you’re looking for a wedding artist in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset or further afield, please get in touch to secure your date as soon as possible. I am now also starting to take bookings for 2025, which is crazy to think!
I fit in my wedding painting business around my family, and my very supportive partner has been solo parenting more so I can say yes to as many couples as possible. My youngest daughter started school this year, which has allowed me to paint at weekday weddings too and expand other areas of my art business.
Book me as your wedding painter
Please get in touch via my contact form today – all enquiries are very welcome – keep your questions coming!