Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Casey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been creative, but for most of my life, that came through music and theatre. I played the flute, performed on stage, and loved anything artistic. For years, my drawing was limited to pencil sketches. I didn’t actually start painting until 2022, when I took a “paint your pet” class just for fun. I fell in love with it immediately and haven’t stopped since.
Around that same time, I was planning my own wedding and came across a live wedding painter online. I showed my now husband how amazing it was and said how much I’d love to have one at our wedding. He looked at me and said, “You could do that.” And honestly, that moment changed everything.
I started EMC Create later that year and have been painting live at weddings ever since. Capturing couples’ love stories on canvas as they unfold. While my main focus is live wedding painting, I also create custom commissions of all kinds, from portraits to memorial pieces. It’s been such a rewarding journey turning something I love into a career that celebrates life’s most meaningful moments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’ve faced the usual challenges that come with starting a creative business, but one of the biggest hurdles for me has been managing my anxiety. Painting live in front of a crowd can feel intimidating, especially when all eyes are on you. In the beginning, I doubted myself a lot and worried about making mistakes in front of people.
Over time, I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety in a way that allows me to focus on the joy of what I’m doing instead of the fear. Each wedding has helped me build more confidence, and now I truly enjoy the energy of painting live. It’s rewarding to look back and see how far I’ve come, not just in my art, but in learning to believe in myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a live wedding painter based in Nashville, and I specialize in capturing a couple’s love story on canvas as their day unfolds. I set up at the wedding and paint the couple’s chosen moment right there in front of their guests, turning that fleeting memory into something tangible they can keep forever.
I’m known for creating pieces that really reflect the emotion of the day. Every brushstroke is about more than just the scene itself; it’s about the atmosphere, the love, and the joy surrounding it. Along with weddings, I also offer custom commissions like portraits and pet paintings that hold personal meaning for my clients.
What sets me apart is how personal my work is. I take time to connect with each couple so their painting feels uniquely theirs, not just a pretty picture. I’m proud that my art has become something couples treasure long after their wedding day. A piece that reminds them of how it felt to be surrounded by love.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve found that investing in education and guidance has made such a difference for me. Working with both a marketing coach and an SEO coach has completely changed how I approach the business side of my art. It’s helped me learn how to reach the right couples and grow my business with more purpose and confidence.
I also find a lot of inspiration from other artists on Instagram. Seeing them share their process, talk about their experiences, and be open about the business side of art keeps me motivated. It’s a reminder that we’re all learning and growing as we go, and it’s encouraging to see the creative community supporting one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emccreate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emc_create/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/EMC-Create-100089346150457/
