Emily Alyssa Photography
It’s possible portraiture was a dying art, before By Brittany Branson came around and decided to capture couples en plein air, in all their nuptial glory.
How did you get your start with live wedding painting? My husband is a pilot, and soon after we got married I realized my job in arts legislation and administration wasn't going to fit our new joint lifestyle. Since his schedule would constantly change, there was no guarantee he'd ever receive weekends off. I realized I needed to create a career for myself that offered a certain amount of flexibility. We had a wonderful live artist at our own wedding back in 2015. That painting is precious to us, and I knew I had some talent I could offer to couples to ensure they, too, received precious heirlooms. With the knowledge I had learned through a few years in arts advocacy and administration, I jumped into becoming a live wedding painter full-time.
How would you describe your style as an artist? I would say my art contains elements of Expressionism, Impressionism, and Realism. Actually, the biggest compliment I’ve received is that my work reminds people of Disney concept art. As a not-so-crazy Disney adult, I’ll take it!
What’s your process like on the day of the wedding? Actually, I would say the critical parts of my process occur long before the wedding. Though every artist is different, I thrive on cultivating a relationship with my clients. Our dialogue often reveals key things they want to include, such as the portrait of a deceased loved one or, my personal favorite, pets!
On the big day, I usually arrive two hours before the start of the ceremony to set up and begin the background. Then, it’s go-time! I paint through the entirety of the reception to wow guests with a non-musical entertainment. Depending on the complexity of the painting, I often take the piece home for touch-ups.
What is your most requested scene? In the past, first dances were definitely the most popular. Nowadays, the majority of my couples are requesting “walking up the aisle” moments. I think this is because photographers [have started] encouraging couples to pause at the end of the aisle after they're pronounced married to share a kiss. This moment —with guests in view celebrating—translates really well in a painting.
Do you ever embellish your paintings, or do you stick to the literal scene before you? I’m not necessarily attending the wedding to capture reality; I thrive on creating the painting and moment that my couples want to remember. More than likely, they’ve invested in fabulous photography or videography teams to handle “reality.” The painting is where we can have a bit of fun; for example, combining settings, like their ceremony and reception space, into one composition, or placing a scene in a different setting, like a first dance with the ceremony backdrop.
It’s a part of my business mission to donate a portion of the proceeds from every live wedding painting experience to the local animal rescue from which my husband and I adopted our two dogs. And so, adding in pet portraits is always complimentary, even if they can’t physically attend my couple’s big day!
Christa Rae Photography
When Brittany showed up to paint Alexis and Zach’s Chesapeake Bay Beach Club wedding, the florals by Blue Vanda Designs blew her away; she know she’d have to feature them prominently. “And once Zach dipped his bride during their first kiss, I knew I had my pose!” she says. The couple’s only request for their live artist was to include their pups, who couldn’t attend the wedding. Brittany painted Boomer and Bauer into the foreground, like they were ready to welcome their parents as soon as they finished recessing.
When do you suggest couples get in touch with you? The vast majority of my clients book me six to nine months out, but I always encourage couples to secure their live artist as soon as possible. There are so few of us, and our styles are so unique to what we can produce onsite and under pressure. Every couple deserves to invest in the artist whose style they love and personality they vibe with and not just the only vendor available or someone who is “within budget.” Your artwork will be one of (if not the only) tangible heirloom item created on your wedding day that survives forever after.
What size canvas do you paint on? I offer three canvas options: 24x30”, 24x36”, and 30x40”. These are all “above the fireplace” sizes. They’re also great for onsite entertainment, meaning they’re large enough for guests to watch the painting come to life over my shoulders.
