Artisanal Affairs

Custom art and decor can create memorable experiences and set your wedding apart

Your wedding day should be unique to you as a couple. It should speak to your styles and personalities. Mementos of the occasion should elicit the exact emotions felt in the moment you said, “I do” or the joy in the sway of your first dance.

Commissioning the work of local artisans ensures that your wedding style is exactly your own. Custom wedding invitations, guest favors, paintings of the event or the bride and groom and statement decor can add unique elements that will wow your guests and make your event stand out, setting trends for others.

Live Paintings

Emerald Coast area artist Maxine Orange works locally and regionally, creating live day-of wedding scene portraits, utilizing the abstract to elicit emotions of the moment.

“I pride myself on doing it my own way with my abstract style and focusing primarily on celebrating the energy in the connection of the couple,” said Orange.

During the reception, a captured moment will be used as the scene of the painting. The majority of the painting is done live at the event, with final touches to be applied afterward. The bride and groom can offer direction on color palettes and event elements to be included. Paintings are typically ready for pickup, delivery or shipping within two to six weeks after the event.

Tallahassee-based Works of Harte owner and artist Alison Fairbrother also offers live-scene day-of portraits locally and regionally, capturing moments such as the ceremony, first dance and first kiss. Live-scene portraits can be done in watercolor or acrylic.

“My goal is to always create a finished piece that reflects the couple, as well as myself as an artist,” said Fairbrother. “The moment that the finished product is revealed has become one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”

Additionally, Fairbrother offers the option of live-guest portraits, creating memorable favors for your guests to take home the day of your event. Live-guest portraits are done in watercolor on 5-by-7-inch cold-press paper and completed within five to 15 minutes for guests to take with them. Pricing for guest portraits varies depending on the number of guests attending your wedding.

Decor and Backdrops

Mosshound Designs owner and fiber artisan Nicole Hemmerly, based out of the Emerald Coast area, handcrafts her macrame and woven artwork designs, creating intricate yet delicate statement pieces that are ideal for weddings. Her macrame chandeliers — knotted in a classically modern yet slightly bohemian pattern — can create a magical setting when hung throughout the reception space. The incorporation of her woven wall hangings and macrame backdrops at ceremonies creates a dreamlike setting for saying, “I do.”

Hemmerly also makes hand-dyed table runners and napkins, lending a pop of natural color at dinner reception tables, calling them “stunning” and “an invaluable way to add visual interest to your tablescape.”

Her pieces are all created using organic and sustainably sourced materials and come in a number of tasteful earth-toned shades. Pricing varies depending on sizing and number of pieces requested. Most orders should be placed one week in advance, with larger orders requiring a longer turnaround time.

Signage and Stationery

Working for 20 years as a digital and print product designer and fine artist, Laura Patrick, owner of Lello Co. in Tallahassee, creates custom elements for weddings.

“Working with brides to personalize their wedding vision and create meaningful, tangible pieces for such a life changing event is so very rewarding,” said Patrick, who works closely with couples to develop designs.

She offers wedding signage such as watercolor crests and event maps — and can even create pet portraits to incorporate furry family on your special day. Too, she creates custom personalizations for favors such as koozies, bags, playing cards and matches.

Works of Harte artist Fairbrother creates whimsically designed invitations and day-of signage in addition to her live paintings. Using watercolor and ink as mediums, Fairbrother offers her custom artistic expertise in design elements and handwritten calligraphy. For a full invitation suite, couples should plan for several weeks or more turnaround, all depending on specific needs and number of invitations requested.

Feature photo courtesy of Pure 7 Studios