🎨 Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like to Be a Live Event Artist at Luxury Weddings Around the World

From candlelit villas in Lake Como to rooftop celebrations in Beverly Hills, one thing is true across every destination wedding: couples want their day to be unforgettable. And in the world of personalised, high-end celebrations, live illustration is fast becoming one of the most sought-after wedding experiences.

As an international live event artist and fashion illustrator, I’ve captured hundreds of love stories and luxury moments in real-time — from Sydney to Santorini — blending timeless artistry with the magic of live sketching. Book here

✈️ A Passport-Ready Artist: Why I Travel for Love

I believe every love story is a work of art — and I’ll travel anywhere to help tell it. Whether you're hosting a private villa wedding on the Amalfi Coast, a fashion-forward elopement in New York, or a celebrity-studded celebration in LA, I’ll be there, brush pens in hand.

Live illustration adds something rare: emotion, elegance and entertainment, all wrapped into one experience your guests will never forget.

🖌 What It’s Like to Work With a Live Illustrator

1. Chic, Seamless Setup

At your wedding or luxury event, I create an elegant, minimal setup — a styled table or corner where guests can sit and be sketched in real time. I blend in with the event’s aesthetic, often working near a champagne bar, lounge area or outdoor terrace.

Guests love watching each illustration come to life — and they walk away with a custom keepsake, beautifully hand-drawn and ready to frame.

2. The Process: Fast, Fashion-Inspired, Flattering

Each portrait is drawn in under 10 minutes — a balance of speed and style, inspired by fashion illustration with a touch of personality. Think Vogue-meets-wedding-magic. It's a live experience, but it’s also high art.

🌍 Destinations I Work In (and Love!)

• Lake Como & Amalfi Coast – Romantic backdrops meet old-world glamour

• Beverly Hills & Los Angeles – For the modern, fashion-forward couple

• Paris & the South of France – Where fashion and fairy-tale weddings meet

• New York & Miami – Stylish city weddings with an edge

• Bali, Queenstown & beyond – Destination weddings with personality and beauty

If you're working with a planner, I’ll liaise directly with your team to coordinate timing, logistics, and location. I’ve worked with international venues and luxury event planners to make the creative side effortless. Book here

💌 Why International Couples Love This Experience

• Entertaining + Elegant: A chic alternative to photo booths or favours

• Truly Bespoke: Every sketch is original and tailored to the guest

• Memorable Takeaways: Artworks guests keep, frame, and talk about

• Instagram-Worthy: Guests love sharing their portraits online

• Luxury Feel: Elevates the tone of your wedding with creative flair

Whether it’s capturing the bride and groom, guests in glamorous looks, or candid cocktail-hour moments, live illustration brings storytelling and soul to your celebration.

Book here

📍 Booking an International Live Event Artist

Working internationally means I plan ahead — from flights to visas, accommodation, materials and timing. You’ll get a seamless booking experience from the first enquiry to the last sketch of the night.

If you're a couple, planner or luxury brand looking for an unforgettable detail, I’d love to be part of your vision — wherever in the world it takes place.

📩 Book here or email: info@madsfrancis.com to check availability for international events, or email me directly to discuss your destination wedding.