Capturing Love in watercolours: My First Live Wedding Painting Experience at Raasay Distillery, Isle of Skye
As an artist, there are moments that last forever and this was absolutely true of my first experience as a live wedding painter, at Raasay Distillery on the Isle of Raasay just off Skye . My wedding colleague Penny and her lovely bride and groom Jessica and Rowan asked me along to live paint their ceremony. The couple had travelled from Canada with their close family.
Raasay is a beautiful island and any wedding day that starts with a trip on a ferry is an utter bonus to the joy of working in the landscapes around Skye. Jessica and Rowan had chosen to have a short photography coverage of their wedding so I was to paint the ceremony itself live – no time for photographs – only time for watercolour sketching directly to the paper! I had around 15 minutes prior to the ceremony to sketch in some background details. Throughout the day, the staff at Raasay Distillery went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, ensuring that I had everything I needed. Their warmth and hospitality were a testament to the genuine sense of community that permeates the Scottish Highlands, adding an extra layer of joy to the occasion.
After the ceremony the couple took some photos with their guests and this glorious highland cow (photo Penny Hardie) before a whistle-stop tour of the the distillery’s bond and a scenic view point on the island – we all had the best time being chaffeured around by the distillery staff.
Looking back on my first live wedding painting experience at Raasay Distillery, I am filled with gratitude – for the opportunity to witness such a beautiful celebration of love, for the kindness of the Canadian couple who entrusted me with capturing their special day, and for the hospitality of the staff who made me feel like part of the family.
