If you've never commissioned artwork before, the process can feel intimidating. How do you choose a photo? What should you expect? How much input do you have? And how do you find the right artist? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

A custom wedding painting allows couples to transform a meaningful photograph into a one-of-a-kind piece of fine art. But does that make it better than photography? Absolutely not! The truth is that wedding photos and wedding portrait paintings serve very different purposes. Let's talk about why.

As a professional artist who has spent over a decade creating commissioned artwork for clients across the country, I'd like to pull back the curtain a bit and walk you through the process. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what to expect when commissioning a custom portrait painting—and hopefully feel excited rather than overwhelmed.

Learn more about my journey to becoming a professional artist.