Chang Jie still remembers the emotional pull of painting her first live wedding scenes. The touching love stories and heartfelt moments she witnessed inspired her to pursue a part-time career as a live wedding painter.

"Their love stories really touched me," she said. "Every wedding ceremony has its own emotional highlights."

A graduate in environmental design, the 25-year-old has a full-time job at a local gallery in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. But after discovering the trend of live wedding painting on social media several years ago, she began exploring it as a side venture.

While most wedding painting services cater to major cities, Chang saw an opportunity in her city. "This niche market in smaller cities like Yinchuan is growing," she explained. "Young couples want personalized experiences, and art can offer that."

Partnering with local wedding studios, Chang paints on weekends or during her spare time. Her work has attracted growing attention on Chinese social media, drawing couples who want to tailor a memorial for their precious life moments.

"Every couple has a different story," she said. "Their ceremonies deserve to be remembered in a meaningful way."

For her, the paintings are more than decoration; they are an instant tool to capture the moments and immortalize the feelings. To prepare, Chang consults with the couple ahead of the event to understand the wedding's tone, setting and theme. She then selects the medium — acrylic, watercolor or oil — based on the style of the wedding, whether it's a Western garden ceremony or a traditional Chinese one.

Oil paintings, she noted, are particularly popular for their rich texture. On the wedding day, it takes her three to four hours to paint live at the venue, capturing the emotions of the couples and those who witness their happiness. The finished painting is often presented to the couple during the celebration, adding a personal and surprising touch to the event.

The most impressive ones come when the couple's late family members or beloved pets are included. Tears or thanks are rewarding to her.

Despite the emotional highs, live painting comes with its challenges. Working under time constraints, adapting to unexpected changes in lighting or weather, and dealing with shifting wedding schedules all demand flexibility and quick thinking. Over time, Chang has refined her technique and adjusted her tools to work more efficiently under pressure.

Chang is not alone. As demand grows across the country, more artists are tapping into this emerging industry. From metropolises such as Beijing to small towns and counties, live wedding painting is gaining momentum for its personalized and unique touch.

In Handan, Hebei province, 27-year-old Jiang Yiwei is helping to expand the field.

A wedding painter herself, she launched her own studio and training program last year. Her courses have drawn students from across the country, from the south to the northeast. Many of her trainees have since started their own businesses, gaining creative fulfillment and satisfying incomes.

"Couples want more than just standard photos," Jiang observed. "They're drawn to how brushstrokes capture the fleeting emotions in a lasting way."

As demand rises, so do calls for innovation. Chang acknowledges that many services in the market currently offer similar styles. "There's still room for growth and originality," she said. "We're working to push creative boundaries and deliver more refined, high-quality work."