Live Guest Portrait Artist
As a Columbus, Ohio-based artist, I bring a unique and interactive experience to weddings and special events by creating live guest portraits in my signature marker style. I am currently booking events throughout Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and beyond.
Here’s how the process works: I typically bring an assistant who photographs guests while I illustrate, allowing the experience to run seamlessly. I can complete a portrait of a couple in approximately 5-10 minutes and also offer off-site illustration packages, making it possible for even more guests to be included.
These custom portraits serve as both live entertainment and meaningful keepsakes and are personalized favors your friends and family will truly treasure long after the event ends. I can't wait to draw everyone!
"We had Jes at our wedding and it was the best decision ever! Our guests loved her so much and they got to take home their drawings at the end of the night as their keepsake. If you have space in your budget, this is an absolute must. I can't imagine my wedding without her now, and I am so excited to get our portrait!"
- Claire G. | The Club at Corazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book you for my wedding?
To get started, simply fill out my inquiry form. If your wedding date is available, I'll respond with a custom quote tailored to your event.
Once you're ready to move forward, you'll receive a contract to review and sign, along with an invoice. A 50% non-refundable retainer is required to secure your date and is due upon signing the contract. The remaining balance is due one month prior to your event.
What does the couple need to provide?
I provide all art supplies, lighting, and signage needed for the live guest portrait experience.
To accommodate my setup, I ask that you provide one 6 foot rectangular table and two chairs. You're welcome to decorate the table to match your event aesthetic. Please note that circular tables are not suitable for my setup.
If your cocktail hour and reception take place in separate locations, I require a table and two chairs in each location.
For the best guest experience, I recommend being positioned in a highly visible area during cocktail hour or at the start of your event. This allows my assistant to efficiently capture guest photos, ensuring I can continue illustrating portraits throughout dinner and speeches.
Do guests need to stay at your table while you draw them?
No, they do not. However, guests are welcome to hang around while I draw their portrait live! Once a guest approaches my table, my assistant will take their photo so they can get back out on the dance floor and enjoy the night.
Guests are welcome to take their artwork once it is complete or pick it up at the end of the night.
Will you travel?
I am located in Columbus, Ohio, but I am willing to travel. I typically serve clients in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. I also travel to Pittsburgh & Florida, as I have family there.
For travel events, I charge a travel fee that covers my time and expenses, including hotel, ground transportation, flights, and food for myself and my assistant.
What type of art medium do you use?
I use professional-quality ink brush-tip markers. This creates a look very similar to paint, without the dry time.
How many hours should I book you for?
I am available to attend your event for 2–5 hours. Typically, I will be drawing during the cocktail hour and continuing into the reception.
How many portraits can you complete in one event?
I typically draw a couple in 5-10 minutes. Depending on your wedding guest list size, some guests may not get drawn. I offer off-site add-on packages, which can be either guest- or client-paid, that allow additional portraits to be completed after your wedding if desired. Please keep in mind that not everyone will request a portrait. Some guests simply enjoy watching!
The off-site package is a great way to ensure more guests are drawn, and you can include the finished drawings in thank-you cards after the wedding.
How do guests know what to do?
For most events, I have an assistant who joins me. My assistant is in charge of taking guests’ photos for me to draw from, as well as answering any guest questions about the process. I highly suggest placing my table near the entrance of the cocktail hour, or near the food or bar so I am easily seen. I also have a table sign. Having your DJ announce the station is always an awesome idea as well.
Will you draw the couple?
As part of booking with me, I gift the couple an 8x10-inch portrait. This drawing is delivered after the wedding, allowing the couple to stay fully present and engaged with their guests on their wedding day. Simply stop by my table so my assistant can take your photo.
"When it came to our wedding we knew we wanted something very different and unique for our guests. Jes was just that. She is one of the best investments we invested in when it came to our wedding. Our guests are still raving about their custom drawings that they got to take home and keep forever. Jes was so professional! Her setup was quick and very easy to work with. If you're looking for something different to wow not only yourself, but also your guest I can't recommend her enough! She is incredible! Her talent is beautiful and hard to find! 10/10 recommend!"
- Jessica and Ty K. | Soli-Tree Farms
MEET THE ARTIST
Hi! I'm Jes, the owner and artist behind JesMarried. I'm a marker artist, wife, mom to one beautiful daughter, and dog mom to two pups.
I've been in business for over 10 years, with the last five years dedicated to creating live guest portraits at weddings and events.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, I absolutely love serving couples throughout the area and beyond. I can't wait to create meaningful keepsakes for your friends and family on your special day!
Jes McGinley
Owner and Artist
"Jes did live Illustrations for our wedding and she was absolutely amazing! The guests loved having it there as entertainment and having something to take home and it was a great way to capture the evening. Jes was so responsive and easy to coordinate with and even took pictures of our guests to draw during times when guests weren’t able to come to her table (during dinner and speeches). I highly highly recommend her for live illustrations in addition to all the wonderful items she offers!"
- Emily E. | Le Meridien
