a magical lakeside wedding at lilly creek farm: live watercolor portraits in north georgia

Jan 17

As a Marietta-based artist, I love traveling to the hidden gems across our state. As evening approached on a crisp late October day, I made my way to a secluded-feeling venue tucked away in North Georgia: Lilly Creek Farm. The first thing I saw was soft light twinkling and rippling across the lake—the perfect setting for Tiffany and Russell’s long-awaited day!

Every detail was meticulously curated. I was greeted by Haley of Haley Bee Weddings (a joy to work with!) and we quickly coordinated the best spot for my setup. We decided to move my table under cover to ensure the lighting was perfect for painting. Being placed in the cocktail space provided a lovely view of the ceremony and allowed me to engage with guests from the very first toast.

The Personal Touch: Tiffany and I had been collaborating for nine months. She is the definition of a "Fig and Font" bride—thoughtful, intentional, and focused on the experience. We decided on two bespoke details to elevate her live watercolor guest portraits:

Custom Embossing: A subtle, refined seal featuring the couple’s names and wedding date.
Handlettered Names: Adding a personal touch of calligraphy to every piece of artwork.

From the grazing table and sushi bar to the miniature framed photos on her bouquet, Tiffany’s wedding was a masterclass in guest hospitality.

Why Two Artists? To ensure their guests felt truly cherished, Tiffany and Russell opted for two live artists for five hours of painting time. This is a wonderful option for larger North Georgia weddings where you want to maximize the number of keepsakes produced. By the end of the night, we had completed nearly every portrait. For the few we weren’t able to get to, I hand-painted them in my studio afterward and shipped them to the couple to include in their thank-you notes—a seamless way to end their wedding journey.

If I had to put into words things that brought a lot of joy to T + R’s wedding, it would be two things. First, Tiffany always had a huge smile on her face. She was radiating joy. It was obvious to me that she is the type of person who doesn’t take for granted the ones that she loves and the times they have together. That is key number one to enjoying your wedding day and creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. And secondly, Tiffany and Russell put So Much Care into treating their guests well. Their family and friends were SO thrilled upon seeing their finished portraits. Honestly, it was a magical evening, and I wish T + R a lifetime of happiness together!

Planning Your North Georgia Wedding? If you are looking for a unique wedding favor that doubles as live entertainment for your 2026 or 2027 celebration, I would love to chat. Inquire here to see if your date is available!