Alexandra Gravely
Cover Photo By: Matthew Gravely
Photos and videos are no longer the only way to memorialize standout moments from one’s wedding day; live wedding painting is an increasingly popular practice that not only commits these moments to memory in a tangible way, but also adds a dynamic performance element to event proceedings. The art of live wedding painting extends beyond the art itself—it’s an intimate experience in which the artist shares their gift and imbues a highly personal and carefully curated event with even more emotion and artistry.
Alexandra Gravely, owner of Rose Fine Arts, is a Pulaski-based portraitist whose talent in and passion for painting live wedding portraits make her a sought-after vendor in and around Southwest Virginia.
Before doing her first live wedding painting on September 16, 2023, Gravely went to school for graphic design and built a following by sharing her paintings online. She now paints at weddings frequently, and she notes that her approach has evolved from an emphasis on setting to an emphasis on a couple’s characteristics and expressions.
“When I first started, I focused heavily on capturing the scenery and backgrounds of each venue,” she remarked. “Over time, I’ve shifted toward a closer, more intimate view of the couple. This allows me to bring more detail, emotion, and expression into the portrait.”
Gravely uses professional-grade and quick-drying acrylics on high-quality canvases to produce heirloom portraits within an impressive timeframe—she completes most paintings within seven hours. Her pricing varies based on the location of the event and canvas size, and she welcomes opportunities to paint on canvases of different shapes, sizes, and even compositions.
“I’m always open to creative ideas with canvas sizes and shapes,” she said. “Ovals have become a favorite lately, and I’ve even painted a wedding portrait on a vinyl record. I love when couples request something unexpected!”
According to Gravely, most couples choose to memorialize their first kiss as a married couple or their recessional, which she calls “moments full of energy, emotion, and movement.” Although she enjoys and excels at painting any wedding moment during any season, she does have personal favorites.
“I love painting a dip pose [because] it really lets me highlight the details of the dress and the movement of the moment,” she noted. “I also love fall weddings. The warm colors, the changing leaves, and the mountains in the distance make every background feel magical.”
With her distinct blend of realism and soft romanticism and her dedication to her craft and her clients, Gravely is undoubtedly a vendor worth booking for your 2026 wedding.
“The most rewarding part [of painting live wedding portraits] is knowing that my work becomes a meaningful keepsake for couples,” she said. “I love meeting families and creating something that becomes part of their story.”
For more information about Rose Fine Arts, visit rose-fine-arts.com, search “Rose Fine Arts” on Facebook, or search @rosepuggle on Instagram.
