a southern surprise: live guest portraits & cake pulls at lake oconee bistro
The Joy of the Intimate Event // There is a specific kind of magic that happens during an intimate bridal luncheon. This week, I had the pleasure of traveling to a local favorite, Lake Oconee Bistro, for a morning filled with laughter, brunch, and watercolor.
I truly love these smaller gatherings of about 25 guests. It allows me to breathe, engage with the hosts, and—most importantly—ensure that every single guest leaves with a finished portrait in hand. There is no better feeling than seeing a "full house" of happy faces, rather than having to turn anyone away due to the time constraints of a massive wedding reception. Even when the bride is aware that my capacity is limited, guests do not always have the same understanding and I hate to see them disappointed when they realize that I won’t get to theirs in time!
A Surprise in the Making // This event was a beautiful collaboration of family love. While Macy (our stunning bride-to-be) was the guest of honor, the luncheon was hosted by the groom’s grandmother, Mimi. Mimi is the personification of "aging with grace"—she’s in her 80s, loves to travel, and has made it her mission to host these luncheons for every granddaughter in her family. It keeps her young, she told me.
The best part? My presence was a total surprise! One of Macy’s other aunts had arranged for Fig and Font to be there as a gift for the bride and the guests. The room was already festive with colorful fascinators at every place setting, but the addition of live art took the "thoughtfulness" to a whole new level.
Southern Traditions: Charms & Cake Pulls // Painting in this space was a treat for the senses. While I captured the vibrant, flowery dresses of the guests, I got to witness some beautiful Southern traditions unfold at the thoughtful hands of the family matriarchs. Mimi had a cake delivered from a local bakery for a "Cake Pull." For those who haven't seen this Victorian-era tradition, charms on ribbons are tucked under the cake. Each guest pulls a ribbon to reveal a charm with a special meaning. From a fleur-de-lis representing a creative life to a heart for marrying your one true love, it was a moment of pure intentionality as Mimi read aloud the meaning of each charm to the table of ladies.
The Heart of the Work // There were several tearful moments during the morning. Both the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom teared up when I asked for their photos, struck by the gravity of their new titles. They had me tearing up at the thought of it because I have 5 kiddos of my own that I envision one day “giving away”! These meaningful connections are exactly why I do what I do.
By the end of the 2.5-hour luncheon, I was in a "flow state," finishing the final portrait just as the ladies were mingling and heading to their cars. Hearing the guests say, "I am definitely framing this!" is the ultimate compliment for my work.
The Trek Home // I headed back to Marietta feeling reinvigorated by the love this family showed one another. Of course, being a Friday afternoon, the 1.5-hour drive back through Atlanta traffic turned into a 3-hour journey—but with a heart full of stories and the success of another event, I didn't mind the crawl one bit and was relieved to head into my own weekend with another meaningful, joy-filled experience created and my own gaggle of babies waiting for me at home to share a frozen pizza and Movie Night with. Heart full.
Planning an intimate bridal shower or luncheon in Lake Oconee or North Georgia? Let's add a touch of watercolor magic to your day. Inquire here!
