One bride and groom can look closely at one of their wedding mementos, to find brushstrokes from people they love most, and the memory of taking their first steps as husband and wife reflected on canvas.
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Whilst the couple gathered with their families and said vows to one another at Bendooley Estate, one woman had her easel perched on the grass, and worked away with her paintbrush.
Artist Teresa Small was entrusted by Matt James and Valentina Nikiforova from Coogee, to paint the moment they officially became spouses surrounded by guests.
Although the pair tied the knot on January 14, 2021, looking at the painting makes the day feel like yesterday.
"I absolutely loved it - it was perfect, it took me straight back to the day," Mrs Nikiforova said.
Ms Small, a Sydney and Hornsby based painter, is the owner of Live Wedding Paintings - a business that paints couple's love stories as they unfold.
Mrs Nikiforova said the wedding, which was rescheduled three times, was the first time both families came together in a long time.
She wanted everyone to interact with one another, and chose the painting package where guests could contribute.
Loved ones were guided by Ms Small to add different elements such as blades of grass, and could write a congratulatory note for the back of the canvas.
"Even... the figures in people at a distance, you could still see who's who," the former bride said.
"It was great to record their wedding day," Ms Small said.
"The setting was really gorgeous, it was a beautiful spot."
The painter took photos of the venue to keep as a reference whilst she developed the romantic masterpiece.
Whilst she honed in on the artwork during the ceremony and reception, and had contributions, it was finished in her studio.
She also spoke with the former bride about the style and techniques in the painting.
"It was wonderful how much engagement I had with the guests as well," the artist said.
It was then gifted to the pair about four weeks later, and has had a permanent space on their wall ever since.
The business owner was in awe of the couple's connection, and also her surroundings.
The venue in Berrima was the first place Mr James and Mrs Nikiforova visited and fell in love with the "interior and exterior".
"Even in the rain, it was the most magical place and we knew it was the place," Mrs Nikiforova said.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
