Live Illustration at the Hoxton Hotel in London. Videography by Chris Milbourne at Heart Shaped Films

Live Wedding and Event Illustration

Helen Ridley is an illustrator, watercolour artist and creative workshop host.

Illustrating joy and connection, she creates hand painted live illustrations and artwork for weddings, events and brands.

She hosts mindful watercolour and illustration workshops and retreats to create community and connection, whilst encouraging creativity.

Photo of live illustrator with sign and example illustration at a desk in the Hoxton Hotel, Holborn, London

Live Portraits for Weddings and Events

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Testimonials

  • We booked Helen for our London wedding last weekend. We were blown away by how awesome she was, everyone loved the idea and said how unique it was. It really added an element of magic to our day. Our guests took the illustrations home as favours and we had so many beautiful comments. Helen was a pleasure to work with, friendly & professional from start to finish and super accommodating on the day with getting as many illustrations of our guests done as possible, maybe even a few more which we really appreciated. We really loved her set up, it was gorgeous.

    Natalie and Robert

  • I recently worked with Helen at a wedding where she was painting live portraits of the guests. Her friendly , welcoming nature and creativity was such a lovely part of the wedding day. And I heard and saw how excited the guests were about getting a take away of a live portrait done. Helen is always so lovely to work with and she is incredibly passionate about what she does! Its always a joy to work with her and see her beautiful artwork :)

    Rosie Bowers - Wedding Photographer

  • Helen was one of my favourite suppliers I booked for our wedding! All of our guests raved out her, and what a unique addition the portraits were to our day! Helen was speedy with each portrait, and captured all of the gorgeous bright colourful outfits perfectly! I would recommend Helen to anyone planning their wedding, such a special takeaway for your guests and you!

    Robyn

  • We booked Helen for our wedding and she was a star, I had guest singing her praises throughout the day. We would definitely recommend her for anyone looking to add something unique to their wedding.

    Stuart and Claire

Join The Flow and Flourish Retreat in Spring 2025

After a sellout event in Autumn 2024 the Flow And Flourish Retreat will be returning in Spring 2025...

Flow And Flourish Retreats are hosted by Helen Ridley Illustration and Jodie Rose Calligraphy who will be hosting a full day event in Surrey with 3 workshops:

  • Watercolour Spring Florals by Helen Ridley Illustration

  • Dip Pen Calligraphy by Jodie Rose Calligraphy

  • Mindful Breathing Workshop

All tickets will include a goody bag, welcome drinks, and a delicious buffet lunch.

Discover the joy of creating art while surrounded by like-minded individuals in a serene and inspiring setting.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of watercolour painting and calligraphy. This in-person event is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.

“A gorgeous retreat. Helen and Jodie thought of every last detail. From the immaculately put together personalised box with everything we needed for the day, to the delicious lunch and yummy cookies for afternoon pick me up. It was such a special way to take time for myself and lose myself in creativity. Gorgeous venue too. 5 stars, smashed it, thank you ladies!”
— Sarah

Testimonials for the Flow and Flourish Retreat

  • "Gorgeous retreat. Helen and Jodie thought of every last detail. From the immaculately put together personalised box with everything we needed for the day, to the delicious lunch and yummy cookies for afternoon pick me up. It was such a special way to take time for myself and lose myself in creativity. Gorgeous venue too. 5 stars, smashed it, thank you ladies!"

    Sarah

  • "Brilliant time at the art retreat by Jodie and Helen. The communication before the retreat was excellent, I knew exactly what to expect. The retreat was superb. So well thought out, led and hosted. The two workshops - watercolour florals and dip pen calligraphy were really well thought out to work together and we ended up with finished pieces. Both Jodie and Helen are excellent teachers. Lunch was delicious and we were well fuelled with tea, coffee and drinks throughout the day. We also each got a box with all the supplies needed, beautifully laid out and presented. The venue was lovely too and so nicely decorated. Would highly recommend. Thanks so much for a very lovely day!"

    Roche

  • "A truly wonderful day, Helen, Jodie and Jodie’s mum hosted an excellent event. It was well organised, welcoming and very creative in a lovely setting. Both Helen and Jodie ran excellent workshops that were easy to follow and resulted in some lovely art created by every one who attended. The box of supplies was excellent quality and a delight to receive. I would definitely recommend future events."

    Jennifer

  • "A wonderful day which was well organised and very enjoyable. We were treated to some lovely food and drink too. Thank you for spending so much time putting it all together."

    Kathryn

Latest Blog Posts

Featured
My 2024 Year In Review
My 2024 Year In Review

Sharing highlights from my best year so far in my illustration business. Including live illustration, hosting a retreat, winning an award and marketing my business.

Christmas Paw-Traits at John Lewis and Partners
Christmas Paw-Traits at John Lewis and Partners

Join me for live dog portraits at John Lewis and Partners stores in Oxford, Brent Cross, Welwyn Garden City, Chichester, High Wycombe, Reading and Oxford Street and White City in London.

I’m A Finalist for the Quirky Wedding Awards 2024
I’m A Finalist for the Quirky Wedding Awards 2024

I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been shortlisted as a finalist for the Quirky Wedding Awards 2024 in the ‘Most Unique Finishing Touch’ Category

Live Pet Portaits at 1 Hotel Mayfair
Live Pet Portaits at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Creating live dog portraits for 1 Hotel Mayfair in August 2024

5 Things I’ve Learnt from My 100 Rejections Challenge
5 Things I’ve Learnt from My 100 Rejections Challenge

5 things I’ve learnt from my 100 rejections challenge. From doing you r research, to following up, to getting organised.

Last few dates for Festive Paw-Traits @johnlewis this December! I will be doing live dog portraits in store at 4 more branches this month. I'll be at each branch from 12-4 each day. Let me know if you can join me in the comments 👇 🐕 7th Decembe
Throwback to when I created live portraits in store @johnlewis for International Women's Day 2024 ✨ I loved seeing the reactions of each customer when they had their portraits created - swipe to see lots of happy faces! If you'd like to book me for
Have you ever seen a creative retreat that combines Watercolour and Calligraphy? Well, look no further, because you can join us at the next @flowandflourishretreat in Farnham Surrey on 6th April 2025! You can book your space via our website (link

To book me for your wedding or event, or to discuss a commission,

get in touch or book a virtual coffee and chat!

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