What is live illustration?

Live illustration (also known as live event painting or live guest portrait painting) is a unique event experience that blends fine art, interactive entertainment, and meaningful keepsakes.

During your event, Lauren paints guests on site in real time, capturing their likeness, personality, and outfits in a soft watercolor style similar to fashion illustration. Each portrait is thoughtfully created to feel elevated and frame-worthy, a custom, hand-painted favor that feels personal and artful tailored to each guest.

Couples, event planners and family seeking a local New Jersey or Philadelphia wedding guest portrait artist choose Lauren for her professionalism, artistic expertise, and ability to create an unforgettable guest experience. The result is more than entertainment, it’s a lasting work of art that keeps the memories of your celebration alive for years to come.

Learn more

  • Lauren (and team if applicable) will arrive an hour before the contracted start time. Set up needs include a 6 foot table and chairs near an outlet.

    During cocktail hour, Lauren will go around and take some photos of guests and will start painting. With a priority of the wedding party and guests of honor.

    Lauren will continue to paint the rest of the night and can usually complete around 60 guests paintings. Any additional paintings will be done after the event and sent to the bride (or designated person) as determined previously in the contract

  • Rates depend on the number of guests, travel time and need for additional team members.

    Please fill out the inquiry form on the bottom of this page to get an accurate quote of services.

    If you have a tight budget, let me know and we can work around it!

  • Lauren can paint around 50-60 people during each event.

    If you have 150+ or more guests in your contract, Lauren will bring on extra team members to help take photos to maximize painting time.

    Not everyone will make their way over to the booth and that’s ok! We always recommend that we contract for around 50 less guests than your total guest list. For example if you are expecting 200 guests- we recommend a contract of 125-150.

  • Anyone who comes up to the table can get their painting done! You can get painted by yourself, with another guest, or in a group up to 8 people.

    Guests get one painting per person.

  • Yes! Contact Lauren ahead of time and you can talk about additional designs. You’ll receive a proof of the final design for approval.

    The most common design is the names of the couple and date on the back, but it’s up to you! Let your creativity reign free!

  • Lauren needs at least 1 6-foot table and two chairs near an outlet. I will bring a portable light and all other materials.

    Location in the venue is also important, please make sure you account for crowds coming up to the table and a steady stream of guests during the event.

  • Please fill out the below inquiry form and I will get back to you within 24 hours. Please note that spots can only be held for 48 hours after receiving the inquiry.

Have a more custom experience in mind?

I offer all sorts of ways to customize art for your and your loved ones. Message me if you have an idea that you would like to discuss! Below are some common ways that I can customize your art.

Need more than one artist?

Let’s talk! I have artists that I collaborate with often and can add on to your custom event package. Many clients like this option if you want more guests to take away paintings on the night of.

Custom portraits

Not having an event but need a painting? Send me a message! I love working with you to create a custom piece of art, whether it’s for a hoilday card, a friend/family member who just got married.

Illustrations for stationary

Need graphics for your invitations or thank you cards? Let’s talk about the imagery you would like to use for your stationary.

Let's Work Together

Interested in live guest portraits for your wedding or special event? Inquire below for a complimentary quote and learn how Lauren can create a truly one-of-a-kind painting experience for you and your guests. Let’s make your celebration unforgettable.

About the artist

Lauren Meyer is a Philadelphia–based live wedding and event illustrator specializing in elegant, hand-painted watercolor guest portraits for weddings, corporate events, brand activations, and private celebrations across New Jersey, New York City, Delaware and the surrounding tri-state area.

With over 15 years of professional experience in fine art and design, Lauren brings a refined, classically trained background to every event. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art and is known for her timeless watercolors and colorful ceramics.

As a sought-after live wedding painter in New Jersey and NYC, Lauren creates custom guest portraits that double as both live entertainment and personalized wedding favors. Her live illustration services are perfect for luxury weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate holiday parties, nonprofit galas, brand activations, influencer events, and milestone celebrations.