Blog #1
This is the start of our weekly blog! For a while now, Jaison and I have been trying to find ways to present ourselves online authentically without being tied to our stupid phones all the time. We want our couples and clients to know who we are, but we also want to live our life in the moment, goshdarnit :]
We don't fit in with the fast-paced nature that is social media these days. Blogging is slower and intentional.. way more our speed.
In our line of work, the lines between art and life are blurred. As traveling artists.. every trip, every painting, and every couple energizes us. It's all potential ideas for our paintings. Documenting and writing down our travels and experiences in blog form inspires us and gives you some insight into our world and creative process! Win, win.
This past Saturday was my first live portrait this year for Olivia and Jerry's wedding at The Lake House Inn in Perkasie, Pa. You don't have to be a Birds fan to get married there, but I'm noticing a trend.
I drove 5 hours and stayed 2 nights in a cute cottage in New Hope, Pa. Staying two nights is crucial when the venue is a far drive from our studio. Painting a full day can be physically and mentally exhausting. It's best if we are close to your venue the night before your wedding and feeling rested for your big day.
We always try to add a bit of whimsy to our trips by turning it into a little vaca. For this particular trip, New Hope was about an hour out of my way but I've always wanted to visit. It's a busy, artsy town and home to one of our favorite bands, Ween. :) So naturally, my first pit stop was Ween's ‘headquarters,’ a vintage, punk clothing store, called 'God Save The Qweens.' The owner wants the store to stay somewhat mysterious & only lets 1 person in at a time...so I won't divulge anything else. I just implore anyone who loves music (and great taste in boots) to go visit. There are also so many cute restaurants in town (I loaded up on carbs for lunch- I can never have enough garlic bread, lol). Thank God I keep mints in my easel.
Wedding time! I arrived about 2 hours before Jerry and Olivia's ceremony to set-up my easel. I took my time taking photos of the lake and sketching ideas for the composition. There was a slight chill in the air, but the clouds and the colors in the sky were every painters dream. There were a few sailboats in the distance as well so yea... I will definitely be adding one or two to the painting.
For a portrait painting, I would normally get photos with the couple before or after the ceremony, but I was lucky enough to get the perfect photo of the couple right as they were walking back down the aisle after their I dos. The way they looked at each other with knowing, heartfelt smiles- that was the moment I had to paint, hands down. My favorite part of any wedding is the ceremony. We really get an intimate perspective of the couple and their love which directly effects their painting.
Olivia and Jerry have known each other since 5th grade! When college came knocking, Like many young couples do, they went their seperate ways for a bit. They went to college, traveled, achieved their goals, lived their lives, but ultimately, they made their way back home to each other. They attended their 10th high school reunion together as a couple :D Now their married!
I can't wait to keep working on this painting. I was really happy with my progress by the end of the night. I had some lively conversations with guests during the reception and honestly, a few of them gave me some really great feedback. A few family members even added a few brush strokes :)
Shout out to the staff at The Lake House Inn. They have their shit 👏together👏
Congrats to Jerry & Olivia!
Artist: Stephanie Cassidy Schafer
Venue: The Lake House Inn
