A live wedding painting by Yang Songran. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Imagine watching a painter bring your late family members to life on canvas — standing beside you at your wedding ceremony. That's where wedding painters make a difference, turning fleeting moments into lasting emotional memories.
One of these artists is Yang Songran, a part-time painter and a graduate student in Sculpture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. She is among the pioneers of this niche service in China.
"I stumbled into this field when I sketched a live painting at my friend's wedding," Yang recalled. "Their joyful tears touched me deeply and inspired me to pursue this profession."
A live wedding painting by Yang Songran. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Yang customizes her work based on each couple's wedding style — blending ink wash and watercolor techniques for traditional Chinese weddings and using acrylics or oils for Western-style ceremonies like outdoor or lawn weddings.
"Every wedding is unique," Yang said. "It deserves to be remembered in a unique way."
She often arrives early to coordinate with wedding planners and selects outfits that harmonize with the event's aesthetic.
A live wedding painting by Yang Songran. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Her distinctive style and attention to detail have attracted couples seeking something more personal than standard photography. Many of her clients are moved to tears when they see their finished paintings because they capture the emotions of the day.
One of her most memorable assignments was painting the groom's late father into the wedding scene, fulfilling the bride's dream.
Yang is not alone. As demand grows, more artists are embracing this emerging trend. From bustling cities like Beijing to smaller towns, live wedding painting is becoming popular among young couples looking to add a personalized, meaningful touch to their special day.
A live wedding painting by Yang Songran. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Jiang Yiwei, another young wedding painter, is helping expand the profession in Handan, Hebei province. Beyond offering live painting services, she has established a studio and launched professional training courses for aspiring wedding artists.
In just a few months, over fifty students have completed her program and started taking commissions.
"Whether in big cities or small towns, couples want more than just standard photos," Jiang explained. "They want memories filled with warmth and meaning to mark their once-in-a-lifetime moments."
