LIVE WEDDING PAINTING

Realistic Portraiture Meets Fairytale Impressionism

Serving Virginia, North Carolina - Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Richmond, Charlottesville, Washington D.C., the DMV, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Raleigh, Outer Banks, the Eastern Shore

-Or wherever love takes me!-

Imagine walking into your reception and seeing your love story coming to life on canvas, in real time. Guests are mesmerized, you get a front-row seat to the magic, and by the end of the night, you have the start of a painting that will live in your home forever.

I’m Abby Stachnik, a live wedding oil painter based in Coastal Virginia. My love of wedding painting began with my own love story - when I painted a portrait of my husband and myself for our wedding. Now, every time we see it, we’re transported right back to the joy and romance of that day. I create that same emotional keepsake for couples who want more than just photos, they want art that tells their story.

What sets my work apart:

Realism meets Impressionism My style focuses on creating realistic and lifelike portraits that capture your likeness, set against soft painterly backdrops.
Lively guest experience Guests love watching the painting unfold and often say it’s a favorite part of the night. I love laughing and engaging with all of the people that I meet, and sharing my passion with them.
Fine art + storytelling I don’t just capture what it looked like—I capture how it felt.

Click Here to View My Wedding Portfolio

Or scroll on for more information and pricing details!

How it Works

1. Reach Out

Once you’ve looked through my work here (and on Instagram!), send a message through the contact form below. I’ll follow up so we can talk about your wedding, style, and vision.

2. Secure Your Date

If we’re a great fit, you’ll answer a few planning questions and place a deposit to officially book. Yay!

3. Pre-Wedding Check-In

Before the big day, we’ll chat by phone to confirm the scene, colors, key moment, and any special details (like heirlooms, décor, or pets!).

Day-Of Experience

I’ll arrive early to set up my easel and get started on the background. Once I have a reference photo of you and your partner - either during your first look or after the ceremony - I begin painting the focal moment.

As the celebration flows into your reception, I move with the event and continue painting live. Guests love to peek in, ask questions, and watch the artwork evolve before their eyes!

Before I pack up for the night, I’ll bring you both over for a special reveal moment, a sweet pause in the day that gives you something tangible to remember it by.

After your wedding, I take the painting back to my studio for final touches and varnishing. When it’s complete, I’ll send photos and deliver or ship it to you safely.

PRICING

THE IVORY PACKAGE

STARTING AT $1800

16X20” PAINTING ON A GALLERY WRAPPED CANVAS
LIVE PAINTING AT EVENT
IN-STUDIO TOUCH-UPS

THE SILVER PACKAGE

STARTING AT $2450

18X24” PAINTING ON A GALLERY WRAPPED CANVAS
LIVE PAINTING AT EVENT
IN-STUDIO TOUCH-UPS

THE GOLD PACKAGE

STARTING AT $3500

22X28” PAINTING ON A GALLERY WRAPPED CANVAS
LIVE PAINTING AT EVENT
IN-STUDIO TOUCH-UPS

THE PLATINUM PACKAGE

STARTING AT $4000

24X30” PAINTING ON A GALLERY WRAPPED CANVAS
LIVE PAINTING AT EVENT
IN-STUDIO TOUCH-UPS
INCLUDES FRAME OF YOUR CHOICE

ADD-ONS

ADD ON A BEAUTIFUL FRAME FOR $200

INCLUDE A PET OR MULTIPLE PETS FOR $150 EACH

INCLUDE PEOPLE OTHER THAN THE COUPLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL PRICE THAT WE CAN DISCUSS AT TIME OF BOOKING

Travel Note: For travel beyond 60 miles of my home, there will be a fee of $1/mile. An additional fee of $50 will be charged for 3+ hours of travel, and $100 beyond 4+ hours.

Ask about custom watercolor paintings of your wedding venue for gifts, stationary, or more

FAQ

Absolutey! For an event outside of the Hampton Roads area I would be more than happy to discuss logistics of making it work!
Of course! Let’s talk!
Most likely just a small area to set up my equipment, I will bring everything with me. If there is inclement weather I will require a covered area to work. Oil and water do not mix well!
I would love to! I can paint from your wedding photo in-studio starting at $600.

“I cannot recommend Abby enough for all art and wedding painting! We had Abby paint our wedding in June of this year and I am so so thankful that we were able to have her there! We had a bunch of changes the month of our wedding and she was SO flexible and worked with us for everything! Not only all of these things above, but she is so extremely talented!! Our painting is truly incredible and captured everything I wanted about our first kiss! I am still shocked every time I look at it that it is us and this is our painting! It is something I will cherish and will remain a part of our home forever!“

Holly P.
“We absolutely loved our live painting- it was such a highlight of the event, and such a wonderful piece of art we will treasure forever! We cannot recommend Abby more highly!”

Molly R.
“If you choose Abby as your wedding painter you will NOT be disappointed. She painted a wonderful scene of me and my husband’s first kiss and it turned out amazing! She is super kind and gets back to inquiries very quickly. Everyone at my wedding was mesmerized by her work. Many people told me it was their favorite part of the wedding! If you’re looking for a wedding painter local to the Hampton Roads, I highly recommend Abby!”

Annie W.
“Abby is incredible! Her work speaks for itself and you will just want to keep getting more from her! the work she does is simply incredible“

Jenn D.

LIVE WEDDING PAINTING

LIVE WEDDING PAINTING

Realistic Portraiture Meets Fairytale Impressionism

How it Works

Day-Of Experience