She really doesn’t want chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
She wants art.
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Two years ago, I received one of the sweetest emails. A bride reached out, looking for a unique way to thank her father. She wanted to surprise him with a gift that captured one of the most meaningful moments they’d ever shared—a black-and-white watercolor of them walking down the aisle together at her wedding.
“This is one of my favorite photos,” she wrote. “It’s us, just before I said, ‘I do.’ I want him to know how much that moment meant to me.”
I could feel the love and intention in her words, and I was immediately drawn into her story. As I worked on the portrait, I thought about the gravity of that moment for them both—the nerves, the joy, the overwhelming love. It wasn’t just a picture to paint. It was a memory to preserve.
That request reminded me why I create these little treasures: to turn fleeting moments into something tangible and lasting, to capture not just the image but the heart behind it.
I’d been painting weddings, and commissioning pieces, but wanted to create a more accessible option so more people could enjoy special pieces that they’ll love in their homes.
Two Ways to Capture Your Memories
When it comes to creating a mini portrait, you have two options:
This option focuses solely on the people you love. No background distractions, just the connection and emotion that make the memory so special. It’s timeless and clean—perfect for a meaningful moment like a couple on a date night, friends at a party (below)or grandparents dancing in the backyard.
Sometimes, the setting is just as important as the people. Maybe it’s the wedding venue where you celebrated one of the best days of your life, or the cozy living room where your family gathers every holiday. With this option, I paint the entire scene, creating a piece that brings the full story to life.
You can explore both options here.
Why Portraits Work
Here’s the magic of these *mini commissions* —they may be smaller in size, but they hold big memories. Whether it’s a moment as grand as walking down the aisle or as intimate as the way your partner looks at you, these tiny paintings capture life’s most personal details.
They’re also incredibly versatile:
• Easy to gift. Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, *ahem, Valentine’s Day* or birthdays.
• Easy to display. Whether it’s part of a gallery wall or framed on a desk, they fit beautifully wherever you place them.
My Process
Every portrait begins with your story. You send me your favorite photo, and I dive into the details—the expressions, the light, the moment’s mood. Maybe it’s the way the bride’s veil caught the sunlight or the proud smile on her dad’s face.
From there, I lightly sketch the image and then bring it to life with watercolors. I don’t aim to copy the photo exactly but to capture the heart of the memory—the little spark that makes it special to you.
Why I Love These Little Paintings
When the bride received the portrait of her and her father, she told me how emotional it made him. “Oh my god this is absolutely stunning!!!!!!!! I am beyond obsessed. It’s so beautiful. I cannot wait to frame it!!! Thank you again this really means so much to me.” she wrote, “It is going to be the most special gift. I am so excited.”
That’s what I love about these mini portraits. They take moments that might otherwise stay tucked away in a photo album and turn them into something tangible, something you can hold in your hands and revisit every day.
Let’s Create Something Together
If you have a moment you’d love to preserve—a father-daughter walk, a quiet family memory, or even the chaotic joy of your kids playing together—I’d love to help. Whether it’s a classic portrait of just the people or a full painting of the entire scene, I’ll create something that’s as unique as the memory itself.
You can order your custom portrait here, and I’ll take care of the rest.
OR you can simply subscribe on Substack as a Founding Member and you get a painting as my gift to you. ❤️
Stories I Only Tell My Friends is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
So, what memory would you love to see brought to life as a mini commission? And yes, these examples are mostly wedding related, but I do all sorts of commissions! Let’s make it happen.
