Meet the artist
Hadden is the owner and artist behind Gilded Palms Creative Studio. She was born and raised in Birmingham, AL, and earned an MBA at the University of Alabama. She has lived all across the country, and currently splits her time between Corpus Christi, TX and Los Angeles.
Hadden specializes in watercolor illustration and nature realism. She has been a full-time artist for over five years, and is motivated by the smiles a finished illustration brings to her clients faces.
You can find her studio work on her website, and in galleries and retailers across the country.
What are live guest portraits?
Live guest portraits are personalized mementos your guests can take home to remember your wedding, birthday party, corporate event (or almost any event you can imagine). These are unique experiences/favors for your guests to enjoy long after the event has passed.
What materials do you use?
Hadden uses professional-grade watercolor paint and fine-line markers on Italian cold press watercolor paper. This ensures the quality and longevity of each painting for years to come. Each illustration is placed in a protective cellophane sleeve for your guests to take home. Paper size is 5x7", so recipients can easily find a frame for their new original artwork.
Gallery
How does it work?
Hadden arrives to your event 45 minutes to 1 hour early to set up her painting station. For most events she brings an assistant to take guest reference photos and help with the flow of the painting process. During the event, Hadden will use the guest reference photos to paint quick 8-12 min. watercolor sketches on 5x7" paper.
After we have captured a photo of your guest, they are free to party while Hadden paints. Guests can pick up their illustration as it is completed or at the end of the event.
What if you don't finish all of the guest portraits by the end of the event?
Hadden can complete a two-person illustration in 8-12 min. We gather guest names and contact information to let them know when their portrait it ready.
Any remaining unfinished portraits at the end of the event will be completed during Hadden's studio hours. Up to 8 additional studio hours are included in the investment.
Portraits completed during the post-event studio hours will be delivered either to the event planner or host within 7 business days after the event.
“ Guest portraits that are completed during studio hours make the perfect addition to thank you cards, and will delight your guests all over again! "-Hadden
The Investment
The investment for live guest portraits starts at $1,200 for 3 hours of on-site illustration.
Additional hours may be added to extend coverage: $400/hour
This package includes:
- Up to 8 additional studio hours post-event to complete remaining portraits
- An on-site assistant to help with photos and flow during most events
- Pre-event Coordination to align on guest count, timeline and overall flow
- Thoughtfully designed illustration setup that integrates seamlessly with your event aesthetic
- Premium, archival-quality materials
- Delivery of remaining portraits within 7 business days
There is a 3 hour minimum and a 6 hour maximum for booking.
Add ons
Optional bespoke additions to your base illustration package.
Click the drop down boxes to see details.
Embellished Paper refers to hand-painted custom elements such as florals, architecture, or personal motifs. Each design is thoughtfully integrated into each guest portrait to reflect the aesthetic and story of your special event.
This offering is designed to transform each piece into a cohesive, keepsake that tells the story of your event.
Custom elements are prepared before the event and hand painted on each illustration.
If choosing this option, you can share any ideas, photos or inspiration with Hadden, and she will create a few concepts to choose from.
This is an exciting bespoke offering that guests rave over, and often added to the the illustration package.
Pricing for embellished paper add-on is a $350 flat fee.
A refined, hand-painted portrait of the couple, created after the wedding using carefully selected reference imagery. Designed as a timeless piece for the home, this artwork is a more detailed an intentional creation compared to the live illustration style.
1. Petite Keepsake
A hand-painted 8x10" watercolor portrait of the couple, created in the studio using carefully selected reference imagery from your wedding day. This piece captures your likeness with softness and elegance, offering a beautiful, personal memento designed for smaller spaces or gifting.
Pricing: $275
2. Signature Heirloom Portrait
A fully realized, hand-painted 11x14" watercolor portrait of the couple, created with enhanced detail, depth, and presence. This larger format allows for greater refinement in expression, attire, and florals.
Pricing: $375
A hand-painted 11x14" watercolor portrait of your bridal bouquet, created in the studio with a focus on realism, movement, and natural detail.
Designed to preserve the florals from your wedding day at their peak, this piece captures the texture, color, and composition of your bouquet in a refined, painterly style.
Both delicate and enduring, it serves as a lasting reminder of one of the most fleeting and meaningful elements of your celebration.
Created post-wedding from reference imagery.
Pricing: $450
How to I book you for my event?
Fill out the form below, and Hadden will be in touch with you shortly. Please note that there will be a priority booking fee applied to your investment if your event is within the next 3 weeks of the day you reach out.
Where are you located?
Hadden offers live guest portraits with no travel fee within 40 miles Woodland Hills, CA.
If you are located outside of this location a travel fee will be included in your quote.