Frequently asked questions

Whatever matters most to you — the ceremony, the first dance, a particular view of the room. You'll talk it through together on your call, and Heather paints toward that.

Heather arrives before the celebration begins, giving herself time to settle into the space, take in the light, and set up quietly.

Heather typically paints for approximately 6–8 hours on your wedding day, depending on the collection you choose and the flow of your celebration. Your painting timeline is thoughtfully planned around the moment being captured, allowing guests to watch the piece come to life throughout the day.

Yes. Heather paints from within the celebration itself, while also thoughtfully gathering reference images throughout the day to support the finishing work back in the studio.

Absolutely. Heather is happy to coordinate with your photographer when helpful, ensuring both the painting and photography unfold seamlessly without disrupting the natural flow of your day.

Your painting will take shape live throughout your celebration, with the couple's likeness captured before the end of the evening so you can see yourselves within the piece that night.

After the wedding, Heather brings the painting back to the studio to refine the final details, add finishing touches, and varnish the piece before it's ready to come home to you.

Absolutely — that's part of the experience. Heather loves chatting with guests as they stop by to watch the painting come to life, answer questions, and share in their excitement as the piece develops throughout the celebration. You may even catch her inviting a few guests to add a brushstroke or two, making the experience — and the painting — that much more memorable.

Heather brings your painting back to the studio, completes its finishing touches, varnishes it, and prepares it for its journey home to you.

Not much! Heather arrives with everything she needs to create your painting. All she asks for is a small space to set up and access to a nearby power outlet for lighting.

For outdoor painting, a shaded and weather-protected area — such as a tent or umbrella — is required to protect both the artwork and materials from direct sun or rain.

Yes. In addition to weddings, Heather is available for select private events, brand activations, launches, and creative collaborations. Live painting can be tailored to the setting — whether creating an original piece inspired by the event or offering guests an interactive art experience.

For brand and event inquiries, get in touch with your date, location, and vision to explore what's possible.

As early as you know you'd love to have a live painter there. Heather accepts a limited number of weddings each year so every celebration receives the time and attention it deserves.

2026 and 2027 dates are currently open for booking. If you have a date in mind, you're always welcome to inquire about availability.

Your date is officially reserved once your signed agreement and 20% retainer are received. From there, Heather will guide you through everything you need leading up to your wedding day.

Yes! Heather is based in Nova Scotia and is available for weddings across Canada and beyond. Travel is quoted individually based on your celebration and location — simply share the details in your inquiry, and Heather will take it from there.

Travel and accommodation within the Halifax Regional Municipality is included in your collection. For celebrations beyond HRM, travel and accommodation are quoted based on your wedding location. Any additional costs will always be clearly outlined before you book — no surprises.

Reach out as soon as you know. Heather will work with you directly on the details.

Yes! Heather is available for select destination weddings across Canada and internationally. Share your date, location, and celebration details in your inquiry, and she'll create a custom travel quote for your wedding.

Heather paints with professional, artist-quality acrylics on a 1.5-inch gallery-wrapped canvas, using materials chosen for their quality, longevity, and beautiful finish. Each piece is created to be displayed and treasured for years to come.

For Live Wedding Paintings, three sizes are available: 18 × 24" Petite, 24 × 30" Signature, and 30 × 40" Heirloom.

For the Milestone Collection, choose from 12 × 16" Keepsake, 18 × 24" Chapter, and 24 × 30" Legacy.

Each size offers a different sense of scale and presence, allowing you to choose the piece that feels most at home in your space.

Absolutely. Your input is an important part of creating a painting that feels like yours. For commissioned pieces, there are opportunities for thoughtful feedback at key stages of the process.

Live paintings are created in real time during your celebration, with final details refined in the studio afterward. Heather welcomes reasonable requests during the finishing process while preserving the artistic style and integrity of the original piece.

Live wedding paintings are typically completed in the studio within 4–6 weeks following your celebration. This time allows Heather to thoughtfully refine the details, complete the finishing touches, and varnish your painting before it's ready to come home to you.

Timelines may vary slightly depending on the piece and season, and Heather will always keep you updated along the way.

Once your painting is complete, Heather will coordinate its journey home with you directly. Within the Halifax Regional Municipality, your piece can be personally delivered or picked up from the studio. For paintings travelling farther, your artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped directly to you, with applicable shipping costs quoted separately.

Every painting is carefully varnished before it leaves the studio, helping to protect the surface and preserve your artwork for years to come. Your Certificate of Authenticity includes care instructions specific to your piece, so you'll know how to display and care for your painting once it's home.

Absolutely, although your painting is designed to be beautiful without one. Each piece is created on a 1.5-inch gallery-wrapped canvas with finished, painted edges, giving it a polished, framed-like presence that's ready to display as is.

If you prefer the look of a traditional or floating frame, framing can be arranged separately. Heather is happy to discuss options with you.

Absolutely. Fine-art prints of your original painting are available exclusively to you and make beautiful keepsakes for parents, family, or another space in your home.

Prints begin at $65 CAD, with a selection of sizes available upon request. Heather can help you choose the perfect size once your original painting is complete.

A clear photograph with good lighting and visible details is always helpful, but it doesn't need to be professionally taken or technically perfect. What matters most is the moment it holds.

Choose an image that feels meaningful to you — one that captures the people, connection, or memory you want preserved. Heather can also work from multiple reference photographs when needed to thoughtfully bring your painting together.

Yes. A commissioned painting doesn't have to be an exact copy of a single photograph. Heather can thoughtfully add, remove, or adjust certain elements to create a composition that feels true to the memory you want to preserve.

Every piece is considered individually, and you'll discuss any meaningful changes with Heather before she begins.

In many cases, yes. Heather can work from multiple reference photographs to thoughtfully include someone who wasn't present in the original image, creating a composition that still feels natural and true to the moment.

Because every painting is unique, these requests are considered individually based on the reference photographs available and the vision for your piece.

The number of people that can be beautifully included depends on the size and composition of your painting. Each Milestone Collection piece includes up to two people, with additional figures available at an additional cost.

Heather will help you choose the right canvas size and composition to ensure everyone feels thoughtfully represented without overcrowding the piece.

Milestone Collection paintings are typically completed within 6–8 weeks from the start of your commission. Timelines may vary depending on the size and complexity of your piece and the season.

Have a meaningful date in mind? Rush commissions may be available for an additional fee, making it possible to have your painting ready for an anniversary, wedding, birthday, or special gift. Rush availability is limited, so be sure to include your desired date when you inquire.

Of course! A Milestone painting makes an incredibly meaningful gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, new baby, or another moment worth remembering.

Heather can work with you to create the piece as a surprise, using photographs and details you provide to turn a meaningful memory into an original work of art made just for them.