Wedding Painter, Julia Dordoni

The wedding industry is vastly unique. It is an institution that breeds perpetual creativity. Many people make contributions, and it gives us great satisfaction to be able to share their efforts with you.

One such creative is Julia Dordoni. Julia is a local artist who has lived in New York, Maui, and now Boulder. She is an art teacher, as well as a yoga instructor, and is a valued member of the Boulder community for her contributions in both crafts to youth outreach programs.

She was featured at the Four Seasons in Maui as a “Wedding Painter.” Craving the Colorado lifestyle, she decided to move back to Boulder and took her expertise with her. We sat down with Julia to better understand her background in the business and why hiring a wedding painter is a wise and unique investment.

I began wedding painting in 2007 when a couple posted an ad on craigslist for an artist competition. Artists were to submit samples of their paintings, and the couple would choose their favorite artist to fly him or her to New Orleans to paint their wedding! They chose me!

Unfortunately, I missed the wedding! I got sick and was in the hospital for 2 weeks, but the couple sent me wedding photos to work from. They loved the finished product, and that was my first wedding painting.

Later on, I went to Maui to visit a friend. I was painting on the beach in front of the Four Seasons, when a couple walked out in front of me to get married. Without them knowing, I painted them into the scene, then marketed the painting at the major resorts. A week later, I got a phone call from the wedding department at the Four Seasons saying they would be delighted to represent me as a wedding painter. One week later, my daughter and I moved to Maui!

The Fairmont Kea Lani offered me a two year contract where I was able to make and sell paintings on their property. I painted views of the beach and hotel, and typically painted family members into the scenes to personalize them as family vacation portraits.

Depending on the size of the painting, it usually takes 3-6 hours. I start a few hours prior to the wedding, so most of it is finished by the time the wedding happens. Guests love watching the process of the painting while waiting for the couple  to arrive, and also during the reception. It’s a source of entertainment! For smaller paintings, they can be displayed beside the wedding cake during the reception. I use professional grade acrylic paint, which has vivid colors like oil, but dries quickly.

Prior to the wedding, I have a conversation with the bride and groom about what they would like to have captured in their painting. Do they want the scene to be their vows, or the reception, etc. I will also visit the site before the wedding to see which angles would capture a good composition. I discuss this with the couple and wedding coordinator – to make sure that my location will be appropriate for the wedding.

Paintings are a truly unique way to commemorate your special day! Not to mention, having a live artist is a source of entertainment. The painting can also serve as a commemoration of your day by making it into prints or thank you notes. It also can be passed down from generation to generation. My style is unique in that I use bright, happy feeling colors, and a painting adds a beautiful touch to your home!

For more on Julia and her services, visit her website here!