Capturing Love: A Spotlight on a North Carolina Wedding Painter, Emily Duncan
I’m a wedding planner based out of the Triad in North Carolina, and I love to meet and talk to local vendors to get the scoop on their work. This helps me to recommend the best vendors in the area to my clients!
Today, I’m talking about Emily Duncan, an incredibly skilled live wedding painter, and the owner of Studio Tails. She and her small business are located in Saxapahaw, North Carolina. (See IG: @dolceart64 and @studiotails)
Emily Duncan with one of her finished paintings. Photo Credit: Emily Duncan
My journey with Emily began in December 2023 when I stumbled upon her business, Studio Tails, where she paints pet portraits (the way she paints eyes is like -ahh!- adorable!).
Her pet portraits are cute, but her wedding paintings are stunning.
I was lucky enough to see her art in-person at the Feb 3rd 2024 Carolina Weddings Show in Greensboro, NC.
Painting live during an event is no easy feat, yet Emily effortlessly captured the essence of each couple with her indisputable talent. I personally love how she captures the sweetness and love in a moment.
Emily Duncan in action. Photo Credit: Dan Beckman
I just had to interview her. I met with her in February over at Maxi B’s in Greensboro to get to know her over a little cake (and to ask her some questions!).
She told me a bit about her process:
“The first thing we do once your date is booked is discover the moment you would like captured in your painting. It could be the first look, the kiss, a spin in your first dance or even just a fun dip in your favorite spot at your venue. I love all the ideas that couples can come up with. This helps when deciding when I will arrive on the big day, but likely it is a few hours before the ceremony.
“I love coming early to get an overall feel for the entire day. The atmosphere, the weather, the colors and the flowers all contribute to the color palette and my artistic process.
“Then I start painting! The first thing I paint is the background, this is what guests will see as they enter into the ceremony. After the ceremony, I typically have gotten my photo and I get to start adding you into the portrait.
“This is so fun for guests as they begin to see you two during cocktail hour! And then I paint throughout the entire night. At the end of the night, we get the big reveal and then I bring the portrait home for some touch ups.
“I love the even bigger reveal when we meet at delivery.”
Photo credit: Emily Duncan
How amazing is that?! Honestly, that sounds really romantic to me, but also really fun while being deeply personal. Her art is the kind of timeless keepsake that will be on the wall for many, many years to come (has anyone else inherited art like that from their parents? My parents have art like that from their great grandparents! Truly timeless).
I wanted to know what she loved most about live painting at weddings, and this is what she told me:
“I love the freedom I have to tell a story of what may not have been seen.
“This means I have the artistic liberties to add small touches. Like adding the bouquet during the first kiss, or taking out the officiant.
“My favorite is a rainy day wedding: One of the things I can offer is painting where the couple originally intended to get married, but couldn't due to the rain, and I paint them in that space.
“Some other additions I have done are adding loved ones that have passed away or a sweet fur baby. The possibilities are endless with paint.”
Photo credit: Emily Duncan
It’s undeniable: Emily brings value to the easel.
Emily's dedication to her craft is truly inspiring, and her genuine passion shines through in every brushstroke. It's no surprise that I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking meaningful art that beautifully captures their wedding day.
Ready to talk to her yourself? Visit her website here to get in touch about live wedding painting, and be sure to check out her Etsy shop here.
If you’re looking for a planner to help you find amazing, unique vendors like Emily Duncan, let’s chat!
With love,
Katie
