If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be a live wedding painter, I would have never believed you. But here I am—living that dream as a live wedding painter in Lancaster, PA, and beyond.

My journey into this unique world didn’t begin with a grand plan. It started, like most meaningful things in life, with a deep love for art.

The Heart Behind My Art

I’ve always been a sentimental person. I keep every birthday card, take too many family photos, and believe that preserving memories is one of the most powerful things we can do. That instinct—to capture fleeting moments—naturally led me to creating visuals that keep those moments frozen in time.

Before weddings ever entered the picture, I was creating custom artwork for families and individuals, often focused on memory-keeping: homes, heirlooms, portraits. It wasn’t just about making something pretty—it was about holding on to something real.

Before Live Painting

My dirty little secret… is that I’ve never wanted to work. A traditional 9-5 has never been appealing to me. But that’s just what you do, so I went that route.

Similarly to many of my colleagues, I began in the world of Art Education. I have a bachelor’s degree in Art K-12 from Penn State University and I worked in the education field for a few years. I’ve spent several summers as an Art counselor for local summer camps while subbing in various school districts during the school years. I finally landed a full time teaching job in 2023 but it wasn’t what I thought it would be. By this time I had already gotten a taste of live painting, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind.

My First Wedding Painter Experience

My first live wedding painting happened almost by accident. I had seen Emma Miller on Tik Tok in late 2022 and became instantly intrigued by live wedding painting. A friend was getting married in spring of 2023 and I asked if she’d let me paint at her wedding – without ever having done one before. She enthusiastically agreed, and by that point it was too late to back out. I was nervous but so excited. What better way to combine my love of storytelling, art, and celebration than by capturing a couple’s best day in real time?

That first event was magic (click here to check it out!). The energy, the elegance, the presence of God—it lit a fire in me. I painted while guests came over to watch – all of whom happened to be my friends, so it was extra enjoyable. After watching my friends see their painting for the first time and having the best reaction, I was hooked.

Afterwards

From there, my husband and I built a website and I got to work asking more friends if they’d let me indulge in painting their weddings. I did a total of 4 live paintings that year before getting my first paid job. Inquiries were slow until I added guest portraits to my services, then things ramped up quickly! Now, I do a perfect mix of live paintings and guest portraits every year, and I enjoy my job so much. I can proudly say I help support my family with the talents God gave me, which has always been my goal.

Why I Do This Work

Live wedding painting lets me tell a love story on canvas, unfolding in real time. It’s a mix of intuition, preparation, and creativity. No two weddings are the same, and no two paintings are the same either. Each one expresses couple’s vibe, style, and story.

It’s not just a painting—it’s a keepsake. A living, breathing memory made by hand, on the very day it was made to remember. All of my work is made with the goal of keeping memories alive for people.

From Then to Now

Since that first wedding, I’ve painted at countless venues across Lancaster County, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. Every time I set up my easel, I’m reminded why I started: to bring beauty and joy into people’s lives through art.

Hire me as your Live Wedding Painter!

Whether you’re newly engaged or just stumbled across the idea, I’d love to chat with you. I offer live wedding paintings, guest portraits, and even in-studio options if you’ve already tied the knot. You can learn more or get in touch right here.

Thanks for being part of my story—and maybe, I’ll get to help capture yours.

— Hannah Brauckmann Art | Live Wedding Painter in Lancaster, PA