Live Guest Portraits, Explained

Live guest portraits are a simple idea, but they add something really special to a wedding or event.

During the day, I sit and sketch your guests live, creating quick portraits they can take home with them there and then. It becomes both a moment and a keepsake — something personal that people don’t expect.

Many couples describe it as a wedding favour that actually gets taken home.

When I first started, I spent time developing a sketch style that could be done quickly, while still capturing each person in a way that feels recognisable. It’s not about every detail — it’s about the essence. The outline, the posture, the hair, the little things that make someone them.

People often wonder how a faceless drawing can still look like them. But once you know the person, it’s surprisingly clear. It’s a reminder that we’re often defined by the simplest details.

Each portrait also includes an extra touch. On the back, there’s a sketch of your wedding venue, along with the couple’s names and the date. It ties everything together, so guests always remember where they were and whose day they were part of.

It turns a quick sketch into something that brings people back to that moment, even long after the day has passed.

And recently, I’ve introduced a new version — live guest baubles.

The idea stays the same, but instead of paper, each sketch is drawn onto a bauble. It adds a slightly different feel, especially for winter weddings or festive events, and gives guests something they can bring out again year after year.

If you’re planning a wedding or event and want to include something a little more personal, you can get in touch below and I’ll talk you through how it works.

The Story Behind Sealed by You

A small idea on a spring walk turned into something much bigger — a look at how Sealed by You came to life and where it’s led since.

Live Guest Portraits, Explained

A closer look at how live guest portraits work, why they’ve become so loved at weddings, and what makes them feel so personal.

Why Live Wedding Portraits Are Becoming So Popular in Northern Ireland

Not just a sketch, but a moment your guests take home — here’s why live wedding portraits are quietly changing weddings in Northern Ireland.

Illustration, thoughtfully done

© Sealed by you 2026.

All rights reserved

designed by

vadym obremskyi

Illustration, thoughtfully done

© Sealed by you 2026.

All rights reserved

designed by

vadym obremskyi