Cait Courneya fell in love with fashion illustration during her studies at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, and discovered her passion for bridal while working at Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier. Since relocating to Minnesota, she’s bringing her talents to local brides.
Courneya creates original illustrations of wedding gowns, engagement photos or bridesmaid attire, for a unique keepsake work of art. “I love to include additional details, like flowers and a veil. It’s not an exact portrait, but I pull out certain characteristics to make it more personal,” says Courneya.
She works primarily with Prismacolor illustration pens and ink, but frequently uses watercolors too. You receive the original illustration and the option to add note cards to use for all those thank-you notes. Many of her clients order her illustrations as gifts. She’s worked with mothers of the bride, sisters, fiancés and friends to surprise brides with the prints, a fabulous way to remember the gown and the way they looked on their big day.
“I’ve worked in the bridal industry for eight years, and I love working with brides. It’s a really special time in a woman’s life, and I love being able to give them a cool and unique memento,” says Courneya. “Everyone appreciates something tangible like this.”
