The first wedding that included an overnight stay provided me with invaluable insights. For this particular event, I arrived the morning before the ceremony and departed the following day. Given the distance and the scale of the wedding, traveling back and forth on the same day was not an option. However, I completely underestimated how many additional benefits an on-site stay would bring to the entire process.
Arriving early allowed me to check into my room and store my equipment safely. This gave me the freedom to walk through the outdoor and indoor areas with the venue manager without carrying heavy luggage. Together, we clarified all the details regarding infrastructure, positioning, and setup. Later, I returned to set up my workspace in total tranquility. Having a private room also meant I could change into my formal attire shortly before the ceremony started, allowing me to handle the heavy lifting and setup in more practical clothing. The entire afternoon felt calm, organised, and remarkably stress-free.
The most significant difference, however, was my availability and the valuable buffer time it provided. Because I did not have to worry about a long drive home late at night, I was able to stay and illustrate much longer, drawing on site until 00:30.
Afterwards, the hotel room served as my late-night creative retreat. Instead of handing the portraits out during the event, I kept them overnight. This allowed me to use the quiet hours of the night to finish any remaining illustrations that I could not complete during the day due to the unpredictable weather. It also gave me the opportunity to document and take photos of every single artwork. By the next morning, a complete, beautifully illustrated guest society was ready to be presented to the best man.
In short, an overnight stay ensures:
- Extended availability to draw on site until late, for example until 00:30
- Crucial late-night buffer time in your room to complete any remaining portraits
- A calm and professional workflow from arrival to departure
- The opportunity to photograph and document every single artwork before delivery
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Kurhaus Bergün for their wonderful hospitality and the flawless coordination. My heartfelt thanks also go to the bride and groom for allowing me and my assistant to be part of their beautiful celebration.