An Unforgettable Guest Experience: Live Wedding Sketching

Looking for a wedding favour your guests will actually treasure? Montreal-based artist Stephanie Anne brings a unique, heartfelt twist to wedding entertainment with her live guest sketching. Blending the elegance of fashion illustration with the warmth of personal keepsakes, Stephanie captures your loved ones in whimsical watercolour portraits—right there, on the spot. In this guest post, she shares how this interactive experience adds a creative spark to your celebration and leaves guests with a memento they’ll never forget.

When planning a wedding, creating a memorable experience for your guests is just as important as your own experience of the day. You want them to feel engaged, appreciated, and to leave with something special. Live guest sketching offers an interactive and truly one-of-a-kind way to bring both entertainment and meaningful keepsakes to your celebration. Guests experience the excitement as they watch me work and see themselves brought to life as a whimsical illustration—a keepsake like no other. It’s a beautiful way to thank your loved ones for taking the time to celebrate with you, sending them home with a personal and heartfelt memento of the day.

Meet the Artist

I’m Stephanie Anne, a watercolour and live sketch artist based in Montreal, Quebec. My journey with live sketching began in the world of fashion illustration, where quick, expressive sketches have long been a tradition at runway shows. I honed my skills sketching at fashion weeks and working with luxury fashion brands at exclusive events. In 2017, I had the opportunity to sketch at my first wedding—and I immediately saw how perfectly the artworks resonated with guests as something handcrafted and truly personal. Since then, I’ve been honoured to bring this experience to hundreds of events, creating beautiful, personalized mementos in real time.

A One-of-a-Kind Experience for You and Your Guests

Live guest sketching is more than an artistic service—it’s an interactive experience that delights and captivates a crowd. As I paint, guests are drawn into the creative process, watching as these charming, graceful illustrations take shape. They’re mesmerized by the process, often saying, “You make it look so easy—this would take me hours to do!”

My little artistic edits—straightening a bow, buttoning a jacket, or touching up a hairstyle—always bring a smile to guests. Couples who’ve been married for years often laugh about how young and vibrant they look in the sketches, while young mothers tear up seeing their little family all dressed up and perfectly put together—something that’s not always captured in real life with kids running around. It’s the little details that add personality to each portrait, making them feel intentional and unique.

As the display of sketches grows throughout the evening, guests love to come by, admire the artwork, and identify who’s who, adding more fun to the experience. After the event, many couples share how guests adore their sketches and proudly display them in their homes. I often receive messages years later from guests telling me how much they still cherish their piece. It’s not just a favour—it’s a lasting memory of a special day.

How It Works

The process is seamless and designed to enhance the flow of your wedding day:

Starting the Evening – Upon arriving at cocktail hour, guests can approach me to have their photo taken, which I’ll use as a reference. This allows me to capture everyone in a relaxed and natural moment without requiring them to wait in line or sit still for long periods.
Sketching Through the Reception – Throughout dinner, speeches, and dancing, I work through the requests made earlier or take photos of any guests who missed out during cocktail hour. Guests can check in throughout the evening to see the progress or pick up their finished portraits.
Tailored to Your Guest List – A standard booking lasts between four to six hours, during which I can sketch anywhere from 50 to 80 guests. For larger weddings, I ensure that every guest is included by completing additional sketches in my studio after the event. These final portraits are then mailed to you and make a beautiful addition to your thank-you cards.

Tips for Incorporating Live Sketching Into Your Wedding Day

If you’re considering live sketching for your wedding, here are a few tips to make the most of the experience:

Plan for the Best Timing – Cocktail hour is an ideal time to begin sketching, as guests are mingling, relaxed, and ready for something fun.
Create a Dedicated Space – A well-lit, easily accessible area ensures guests know where to check in and collect their sketches.
Communicate with Your Guests – Let your guests know about the live sketching in advance so they can look forward to this special experience. While some guests may be a little shy at first, your most enthusiastic family members will help get things started—and soon, everyone will be eager to have their portrait done.
Consider Your Guest List Size – If your wedding is on the larger side, opting for a combination of live and post-event studio sketches ensures everyone gets a keepsake.

The Perfect Keepsake

Unlike traditional wedding favours, live guest sketches are deeply personal and meaningful. They capture the essence of each guest in a way that photographs simply can’t replicate. In today’s digital world, it’s rare to receive an original piece of artwork, which is what makes this experience so unique. Whether framed as a reminder of the celebration or tucked into a wedding album, these bespoke illustrations become lasting mementos.

If you’re looking to add a refined and artistic touch to your wedding, live guest sketching could be the perfect fit. It’s always an honour to share my talent and help make your celebrations even more memorable. For inquiries and bookings, feel free to reach out!