Let me set the scene. It is late summer in Palisade, Colorado. The days are hot, but not scorching. Sunset is right at 6:49pm, though your personal experience will be determined by how close you are to the mountains. Palisade is known as the wine country of Colorado. As you exit HWY 70, you will hit the quaint downtown, whose streets are likely lined with trucks loaded with muddy mountain bikes, adventurers enjoying a beer or glass of wine outside, and locals happily greeting each other. Luckily, early October is the tail end of peach season and tents beside the road are stocked with large, juicy Palisade Peaches.
This particular wedding painting led me out of the town center along winding roads lined with peach orchards and waterways leading to each family farm. There are modest homes tucked among modern mansions. The pavement ends and I fork to the right along a dirt road. Painted wooden signs let me know that I am indeed heading toward the wedding of Brad & Leslie. I park on the grass and I am greeted by a couple of dogs as I hop out.
These details; they aren't trivial. This particular wedding venue happens to be the bride's grandparent's home. As I journeyed to their wedding and soaked in all of the beautiful sights, scents, and sounds, I couldn't help but consider how meaningful this place must be to the family. I haven't even been here and already I am falling in love.
Throughout the wedding, I found myself drinking up the simplicity of the day. A family friend as wedding planner and florist, the closest loved ones in attendance, children playing a game of football at the reception, homemade food (family recipes no doubt), and a breathtaking view that must have felt like an old friend to everyone who grew up here.
I completed the painting in time for golden hour, which is absolutely unheard of. After snapping some of my favorite photos of a completed wedding painting to date, I admired the view. A few family members came over to chat with the photographer and I. We had an easy, authentic conversation that led to them taking me into the family home. It was then that it all came full circle for me.
I knew that the grandmother was a painter, but I hadn't exactly grasped the full meaning of this. On every wall, in every room, were her paintings. (Note: I did not take any photos within the home.) Oil paintings of birds and other native animals as well as intricate crafts such as gourd paintings and bead work decorated every surface. We took the stairs down to her studio and it was precisely how she left it. I didn't gather when she passed, but the studio was a beautiful memory of her. It was as if she could walk down at any moment to finish the paintings she had left behind.
My presence at the wedding, it was a tribute to her. Leslie's family grew up with a deep appreciation of art and whether or not they would capture her day on canvas was never up for debate.
I left the completed painting in the house among her grandmother's pieces. To say this was an honor is an understatement.
The sun had gone behind the mountains by the time I left and the glow of the day kept the beautiful orchards in view as I drove back to the highway. Windows down and music quiet, I reminisced on the experience. Each and every wedding painting tells a story. It tells the story of a new couple and their unique day. It also tells the story of the generations before who brought them to that moment.
In my opinion, the why behind this piece will outlive the painting itself.
So what is the most important thing? The big takeaway?
That has to be the importance of figuring out the why behind each painting as I talk with my couples. Missing out on this information can leave gaps in the piece, missed opportunities to capture what is truly important. Not every couple sees the importance in adding original artwork to their wedding day, or even to their home - ever. But those that do, they have a reason.
Dig deep and find that reason, the painting will thank you and your
couples deserve it.
Kelsey Shields is a live wedding and event painter based outside of Denver, CO. Her work captures stunning mountain vistas and couples experiencing life within them.
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