A talented artist surprises couples with bespoke paintings that she paints live whilst attending their special day.

Libby Rule, 24, shares her incredible gift with couples as she creates an entirely unique memory of their special day.

From hours before they arrive to long after the guests have gone, Libby spends her days perfecting the painting from a moment in time.

Based in and around the Midwest United States, Libby is currently transitioning from her position in Digital Media to a full time Live Wedding Painter.

After meeting a community of artists online, Libby was inspired to pursue live painting.

She said: “I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember - anywhere I went I had a sketchbook. I’ve also been on social media for years and have always shared what I’ve created.

“During the COVID lockdowns, I started taking on more freelance work and making art content for TikTok. Painting has always felt like my comfort zone and I've been doing professional paint work since I was 15.

"I was introduced to the idea of live painting by another creator and I was instantly interested - to convey such a beautiful moment as it’s happening would be an experience I’d cherish forever.

“I actually had a friend who was about to get married so I began there. Since then, it’s absolutely taken off!”

Many of the couples know she’s going to be there, but for some of them she’s been brought in as a surprise gift:

“Usually once I get to the venue, I’ll speak with the coordinator and map out the venue, working out where they’ll be at what moment and the point we’d like to capture. The surprise ones are a lot more difficult as I have to sneak around whilst trying to get the perfect picture. Most of those days are spent hanging around in the bathroom!

“I was contacted once by the bride’s brother as she mentioned to him that she’d love a live painter but there were none in the area, little did she know...

“Another time I was brought in by the matron of honour - we had so many close calls that day! I’d set up my easel and the bride would somehow be heading over so I’d have to run and hide again.

“I have such a small window of time to capture the moment and often we start losing light when I’m still perfecting it.

"The final reaction, the smiles and hugs, always makes the stress worth it.”

Social media is a massive part of Libby’s job. The potential to appear on a customer’s timeline means that she has to post content as creative and unique as the art she makes. She emphasised that it can be difficult to juggle everything in one day.

“It can be hard to capture every element of the wedding into a TikTok or Reel. I watch in awe of those whose job it is to make everything perfect but also the guests who have an incredible amount of love for the couple.

“Sometimes they sneak up on me so I don’t get the reaction video I’d hoped for. I always try to showcase the venue and it’s little details, the process of painting and the finished painting itself, and of course, the love between the couple themselves.”

She laughed: “I want to paint a picture of the whole day!”

Although she is bound by a short time frame, Libby strives to encapsulate what she calls ‘the most beautiful moment in space and time’ for each couple.

“So much planning goes into weddings so I always try to do the same. I’m a huge advocate for working from reference so I take lots of pictures and videos so I can frame and fill the background as soon as possible - that’s the peaceful part!

“Live painting doesn’t give you time for realism, but I like to chat with family members who give me bits and pieces of the couple’s story that allow me to portray them as accurately as I can. I’ve also worked with the photographers to make sure I have a clear image of the best moment.”

Libby’s job allows her to do what she loves and she leaves with an immense sense of accomplishment (as well as some cake).

“Honestly, the best part about my job is just being there. Sometimes it’s the reactions to my work but mostly I enjoy seeing all the different weddings and ways people celebrate!

“It is never lost on me what a gift it is that I get to witness the promises these people are making to each other.

“As the artist, I’m taking in everything I see and translating it into something tangible. Once I start, it’s very much ‘no thoughts, only speed’. But I like to take it all in and enjoy the process.”

“I’m very happy that I can provide people with a version of the most incredible moment of their lives that they can just take home and hang up.”