Live Event Illustration

Watercolour hand-painted guest portraits, created live at your wedding in Ireland.

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A wedding gift your guests will never forget

Your guests dressed up, showed up, and made your day. Imagine them leaving with a hand-painted illustration of themselves — created right there on the day, just for them.

I'm Tanya, a watercolour illustrator based in Dublin. I set up at your drinks reception and spend the evening turning your guests into beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art. No waiting around, no posing — just a quick photo and they can get back to the celebration while I get to work.

It's the wedding favour nobody expects and everyone talks about.

HOW IT WORKS

1. It's simpler than you think

I arrive before your guests, set up a compact station, and blend into your day. Guests pop over for a quick photo, then I create their illustration while they enjoy the evening. Each finished piece is ready to take home that night.

No one has to stand still. No one gets left out of the party. They just get a beautiful little piece of it to keep.

2. WHAT YOU GET

Each illustration is hand-painted in watercolour on A5 (148×210mm) 300gsm watercolour paper. Every one is unique. Every one is personal.

On average I complete 8–10 single portraits or 4–5 couples per hour. For larger weddings, I'm happy to chat about what works best for your day.

3. WHY LIVE ILLUSTRATION

Most wedding favours end up in a drawer. This one ends up on a wall.

Live illustration is one of those touches that photographs brilliantly, gets guests talking, and gives your wedding a personality that's entirely your own. It's entertainment, art, and a keepsake all in one.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. I take a quick photo at my station and guests go straight back to the party. They come back later to a finished portrait — most people don't even realise they've been painted until they see it.
  • It depends on the number of guests and hours booked. I focus on painting as many as possible, and couples often choose who gets priority — the wedding party, parents, or guests who travelled far. Every portrait becomes someone's keepsake from your day.
  • Not at all. Photos capture the day; a hand-painted portrait is something a guest takes home in their hands, made just for them, while the party is still going. The two work beautifully together.
  • Both — that's the point. Guests love watching the portraits appear, and instead of a favour that gets left on the table, they leave with an original watercolour of themselves.
  • No. I set up quietly during the drinks reception or evening party and work around your timeline. There are no announcements needed — guests find me naturally.
  • A large table, two chairs, good lighting, and access to a plug socket. Outdoors — a shaded area. I bring everything else.
  • Yes, I travel across Ireland. For destination weddings outside Dublin area, just get in touch.
  • Each portrait is hand-painted in watercolour on A5 (148×210mm) 300gsm watercolour paper — a size guests can easily frame at home.
  • As early as you can — I take one event per date, so popular dates go first. If your date is soon, still get in touch: it may be free.
  • With a 50% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due 7 days before your wedding.

Enquire about your date

2026 and 2027 dates are filling up. I'd love to hear about your day.
Minimum booking: 3 hours

Live Wedding Guest Illustration Packages

Select the service that best fits your creative needs

Reception Drink Package

3 Hours
30 individual guests (15 couples)
Popular

Half Day Package

4,5 Hours
45 individual guests (23 couples)
best value

Full Day Package

6 Hours
60 individual guests (30 couples) and more

Reception Drink Package

What's included:

• Live illustrating for 3 hours

• A5 size (6 × 8 in) illustrations on high-quality paper

• High-quality art materials

• Protective sleeves for each artwork

• Custom wording printed on each illustration (names, date, venue)

• One A5 sketch of the newlywed couple, painted live during the event and presented framed as a keepsake gift

• Travel within the Dublin area included (travel outside Dublin area €0.60/km)

• Up to 30 individual guests or 15 couples illustrated live during the event

• Price €600

Half Day Package

What's included:

• Live illustrating for 4,5 hours

• A5 size (6 × 8 in) illustrations on high-quality paper

• High-quality art materials

• Protective sleeves for each artwork

• Custom wording printed on each illustration

• One A5 sketch of the couple, painted live and presented framed as a gift

• Travel within the Dublin area included

• First 50 km outside Dublin travel free, then €0.60/km

• Up to 45 individual guests or 23 couples illustrated live during the event

• Price €870

Full Day Package

What's included:

• Live illustrating for 6 hours

• A5 size (6 × 8 in) illustrations on high-quality paper

• High-quality art materials

• Protective sleeves for each artwork

• Custom wording printed on each illustration

• One A5 sketch of the couple, painted live and presented framed as a gift

• One A4 detailed illustration of the couple, painted in studio after the wedding, delivered framed within 2–3 weeks (worth €100)

• Print-ready digital copy of the A4 illustration included

• Travel within the Dublin area included

• First 100 km outside Dublin travel free, then €0.60/km

• Up to 60 individual guests or 30 couples illustrated live during the event

• Price €1250