An Essex Wedding - Page number 86 - November/December 2021 (Issue 101)

86 FACT FILE: SEE EMILY PAINT Emily info@seeemilypaint.com | 0 7980 524 946 www.seeemilypaint.com Emily says... How did you get into your profession? I’ve always loved painting people and trying to convey their personality in a likeness. After gaining a BA(Hons) degree in Fine Art and selling my paintings through London-based galleries and at art fairs, I taught art to all ages, from three to 83, which enabled me to share my passion with others. A while ago I ran into an old friend who, since I’d last seen her, had been painting at weddings and seemed very happy! After chatting to her about it and accompanying her to a wedding, I knew this was the job for me. It amalgamates my interests in people and painting, plus I get to live vicariously through others, celebrating love! Describe your wedding services: I offer a bespoke wedding portrait service, including a full consultation to learn what you would like to include in your painting, in terms of colour palette, people, poses, background, etc – though I’m also happy to use my own creative vision if you are unsure. I’ll travel to your venue to paint you and your guests in the setting you have created and I’m always happy to chat to your guests and entertain any questions or interest. To meet the needs of my clients (be they the happy couple or a generous guest) I offer a range of different packages. Options include a choice of canvas size and whether you would like a personal couple portrait or to also include guests in the composition. I use top quality art materials for longevity, as this personalised work of art will be something to keep forever and pass down to future generations. Has there been a favourite wedding you’ve worked? I usually have a video consultation with the couple to get to know them – everyone always seems so excited about their wedding – I couldn’t possibly choose favourites between these lovely, happy people. The best thing about what I do is that no two weddings are the same, every wedding is unique and amazing in its own way. And the way I will interpret it into paint will depend on many other variables too, namely the personalities of the bride and groom. If you look at my paintings, you couldn’t compare two, even if they were both based at the same old church in Rayleigh. What song will get you up on the dancefloor? If I wasn’t busy working, I’d be on that dancefloor! (Probably for the best that I remain professional, as I doubt my dance moves would be gratefully received). I really love listening to music while I’m painting at weddings, especially if it’s live. Have you got a top tip for couples? Yes, get a wedding painter! A painting can illustrate the magic at a celebration. It may be high-end but a unique work of art is something that can be enjoyed forever and by future generations. FACT FILE: SOLE BAY STRINGS Josephine Taylor hello@solebaystrings.co.uk www.solebaystrings.co.uk Josephine says... How did you get in to your profession? All of us studied at music colleges in London and were astonished that we managed to work professionally afterwards. It’s a tough business! We’ve also always played quartets as part of our musical careers. Describe your wedding services? We offer the melting sound of the beautiful string instrument family to provide music for one of the most memorable days in anyone’s life. We have a truly vast selection to choose from and if we don’t have your favourite song, we can arrange it for you. We provide music for the ceremony, drinks reception and/or the wedding breakfast. Has there been a favourite wedding you’ve worked? Yes, we played in a church recently and the vicar was exceptional, being warm, funny and putting everyone at ease. The guests even sang the hymns with gusto with his encouragement. He came back to say some very lovely things about our playing but we managed to compliment him first. What song will get you up on the dancefloor? Mr Brightside by The Killers. Have you got a top tip for couples? Enjoy it!