Live wedding guest portraits
For couples who’ve found me through Aidan
If you’re here, you’ve likely already felt something in Aidan’s work that leans thoughtful, relaxed, and quietly design-led. The live portraits are very much in that spirit too — a gentle guest experience that adds atmosphere, conversation, and meaningful keepsakes on the day itself.
This page is just for Aidan’s couples. It gives you a simple overview of how the live portrait side of things works, a feel for the collections, and an easy way to either enquire or book a short call.
Hi, I’m Caleb – I’ll be the artist sketching your guests on the day.
I’m an illustrator based just outside Canterbury. For the last fifteen‑plus years I’ve worked with animation and design studios, publishers and theatre companies, but what I enjoy most is drawing real people in real spaces and sending them home with something that didn’t exist before. A lot of my work now happens live, in the same room as the people I’m drawing.
So I’m not a total stranger: I’m married to a clown and singer‑songwriter, dad to two small kids, and I escape to the mountains whenever I can. Outside of weddings I collaborate with theatre companies and on illustration for books and brands – so I’m very at home in slightly hectic, emotional rooms.
You’re seeing this because you’ve already booked Aidan, and this live portrait offer is something I’m opening up to a small number of couples as I shape this part of my work. You’re effectively getting in early, while I keep the quality high and refine the service around real weddings.
How it Works
Arrival
I arrive in good time, check in with the venue / coordinator, and set up a small base where finished drawings can be left and collected.
During the reception
I’m mostly on my feet rather than in one fixed spot.
I move through the room with a clipboard, usually near natural gathering points like the bar, and invite guests for quick portraits.
As I draw one person, people watching often ask to be next.
The portraits
Each portrait takes a few minutes.
I start with overall shape and posture, then add details.
The aim is a flattering likeness, not a comedy cartoon – people should feel good when they see themselves.
Shaping it around your day
We can keep things roaming, create more of a seated area later on, or mix the two – it depends what suits your timings and space.
I’m happy to collaborate on the shape of things so it feels natural alongside everything else you’ve planned.
Exclusive 50% saving for Aidan’s couples
Collections
Glow
1 moment, up to 3 hours
A gentle live portrait thread for one key part of the day, such as drinks reception or early evening.
£700 £350
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Live A5 charcoal-and-ink guest portraits.
Up to 3 continuous drawing hours during one social window.
Typically around 20–30 portraits, depending on flow and groups.
Mostly roaming, with a simple portrait spot if helpful.
Standard fine art paper and envelopes for guests to take home.
Light VIP handling for a few quietly prioritised guests.
Simple email check-in to confirm timings and key people.
Circle
1 moment, up to 4 hours
A gentle live portrait thread for one key part of the day, such as the drinks reception or early evening.
£950 £475
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Live A5 charcoal-and-ink guest portraits.
Up to 4 continuous drawing hours in one main portrait window.
Typically around 30–40 portraits, depending on flow and groups.
Roaming plus a simple portrait station to keep the queue comfortable.
Standard fine art paper and envelopes for guests to take home.
One planning call to shape timings, Inner Circle and portrait locations.
Presence
2 moments, up to 5 hours
A gentle live portrait thread for two key parts of the day, such as the drinks reception or early evening.
££1,250 £625
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Live A5 charcoal-and-ink guest portraits.
Up to 5 continuous drawing hours across your main social stretch.
Typically around 35–50 portraits, depending on flow and groups.
Roaming and a dedicated portrait station as standard.
Premium or weightier paper with tactile envelopes.Names and wedding date printed on your portrait stationery.
One planning call to map timings, layout and portrait flow.
Residence
2 moments, up to 6 hours
The richest day-into-evening version, with room for portraits to sit as a gentle thread through the day and evening.
£1,650 £825
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Live A5 charcoal-and-ink guest portraits plus one hero artwork.
5–6 hours of coverage shaped across two key moments.
Portrait count similar to Presence, tailored to timings and flow.
Flexible mix of roaming and station across both moments.
Premium guest portrait materials with names and date printed.
One framed hero illustration finished in the studio and posted.
One planning call and a short post-wedding hero-illustration briefing.