Case Study: Shirley & Cong’s Intimate Wedding at Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club — Featuring Live Illustration by Grace Choi
’m so excited to share the heartwarming celebration of Shirley and Cong, a creative and thoughtful couple whose wedding was filled with personality, love, and meaningful moments. As their live wedding illustrator, I had the absolute joy of being part of a truly intimate day — and it was nothing short of magical.
With only their closest loved ones in attendance, the celebration felt deeply personal. The weather was perfect, the surroundings breathtaking, and the atmosphere full of genuine connection.
A Hidden Gem in Nature: Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club
Shirley and Cong chose the stunning Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club in Cottage Point, tucked within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and overlooking the peaceful waterways of Coal and Candle Creek. Just 35 minutes from Manly and under an hour from Sydney CBD, this venue is a true escape into nature — making it ideal for small, intimate weddings near Sydney.
With its relaxed elegance and natural beauty, the venue created a calm and romantic setting that paired perfectly with the timeless touch of live wedding illustration.
Live Illustration: A Creative & Personal Touch for Small Weddings
Shirley, a wonderfully creative soul herself, loved the idea of having live illustration as part of her wedding — and it turned out to be the perfect addition.
Because the celebration was small, I had the rare gift of really connecting with everyone there. As guests mingled around my illustration table, we chatted, laughed, and shared stories. I was able to talk about what I do as a Sydney-based live illustrator, and people were genuinely curious and excited to learn more.
Guests gathered to watch their portraits come to life in real time, each sketch capturing a special moment or a spark of personality. It was such a joy to see how delighted everyone was — especially Shirley and Cong’s parents, who were incredibly supportive and moved by the experience.
Thoughtful Details & Lasting Memories
One of the most heartwarming details of the day was Shirley’s handmade touch: she crocheted ten tiny gnomes and secretly placed them around the venue. To my complete surprise, one of them was a live illustrator gnome 👩🎨 — and yes, she’s now proudly living on my desk 🫰❤️.
It’s these beautifully personal details that make weddings like this so meaningful — and it’s why I love what I do.
Vendor Dream Team
This unforgettable day was brought to life with help from a talented group of creatives:
- Venue: Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club
- Photographer & Videographer: Alanis K Photography
- Planning, Styling & Coordination: Cloud 9 Events
- Live Illustrator: Grace Choi Artist
- Stationery/Signage: Vea & Snachea Design
- Catering: Simone K Catering
- Celebrant: Sydney Celebrant Services
- Hair: Sophia Lau Makeup
- Make-up: Cathy Lau Makeup
- Florist: Wild Lotus Florist
- Jazz Musicians: Sydney Jazz Collective
- Tables and Chairs: Event Hire Syd
Let’s Bring Your Story to Life — One Sketch at a Time
If you’re planning an intimate wedding and want something truly personal and creative, live wedding illustration could be the perfect touch. It’s interactive, meaningful, and gives your guests a one-of-a-kind keepsake they’ll treasure.
Whether your celebration is small and soulful or big and bold, I’d love to help bring your day to life through art. Let’s create something beautiful, together.
📩 Contact me here.
🎨 Serving weddings in Sydney, the Southern Highlands, the Blue Mountains and beyond.
