1) What happens on our wedding day?

Mark arrives about 1.5 to 2 hours before the wedding to set up his painting station and begin the background of your chosen scene. When you and your guests arrive, he adds the two of you and keeps painting through the celebration — your guests watch a blank canvas turn into a fine-art oil painting.

 

2) Can we take the painting home that night?

No — and for a good reason. Mark works exclusively in oil paint, which (unlike fast-drying acrylic) needs time to dry. By the end of the evening, you'll see the painting about 80% complete. Mark then brings it to his Barrington studio and fine-tunes the details with you by email until you give final approval.

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3) How and when do we receive the finished painting?

About 10–12 weeks after the wedding, once you've approved the final version. You can pick it up at the Barrington studio, or have it shipped to you.

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4) Do you ship the painting?

Yes — UPS with professional packaging, fully insured ($160).

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5) What do we need to provide for Mark?

Just a vendor meal. He brings all his own equipment and paints standing — no chair needed.

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6) Can our guests talk to Mark while he paints?

Of course — that's his favorite part. Mark loves talking with guests while he works; watching the painting come to life is part of the fun.

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7) How do we book our date?

A 50% retainer reserves it; the balance is due on the wedding day.

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8) What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, checks, Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.

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9) We can't decide which moment to paint — can Mark choose?

Absolutely. With 17+ years and 600+ paintings, Mark finds the composition that fits your venue best. He's very flexible and happy to decide.

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10) Can Mark add extra people to our painting, and is there an extra charge?

Generally, no extra charge. But remember, this is a painting — not photo-realism: Mark focuses on the bride and groom, and other people in the scene are recognizable by body shape, hairstyle, and dress rather than detailed faces. A bigger canvas lets Mark include more people — on the smallest 16x20 size, we recommend no more than 10 people total, including the bride and groom. Feel free to browse the Gallery page to see Mark's artwork in different sizes.

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11) Can Mark add people later, while he finishes the painting in the studio?

Yes — if you'd like someone included who wasn't in the scene on the day, Mark can add them afterward while he finishes the painting in his studio.

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12) Can Mark include a pet, or a loved one who has passed away?

Yes — this is one of the most beautiful parts of what Mark does. Working from your photos, he can paint in a beloved pet who couldn't be there, or a family member who has passed away, so they're with you in the painting. Whatever you have in mind, Mark can turn it into fine art that lasts for generations.

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13) How early can we book Mark?

Up to two years in advance. Mark paints one wedding per date, so if your wedding date is set, book as early as you can.

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14) Do you travel?

Yes — based in Barrington, RI, Mark paints across Rhode Island and New England (Boston, Cape Cod, Connecticut, and beyond). Travel fees follow the price-list policy and are confirmed before you book.

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15) Our wedding already happened — can Mark still paint it?

Yes. Send Mark a favorite photo, and he can create a painting from it in his studio. Paintings from photos are 40% off the live price list.

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16) Can we book Mark as a gift for the couple?

Yes — family and friends often reserve Mark as a surprise gift. Let us know the couple's wedding date and venue, and we'll keep it under wraps.

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