Emily Casey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Emily, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Painting. I get so lost in each brushstroke. I never even realize how long I’ve been working on a painting, then all of a sudden it’s 6 hours later.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Emily, the artist behind EMC Create, a Nashville-based live wedding painting business. I specialize in capturing couples’ love stories in real time on their wedding day, turning one of life’s biggest moments into a lasting keepsake. I also offer custom commissions for portraits, pets, and other meaningful pieces outside of weddings.
What makes my work unique is how personal it is. Every painting is created with care to reflect the emotion and atmosphere of the day. Even my brand has a personal touch; my color palette was inspired by my dog Truman’s collar, which he’s had since the day I adopted him. Right now, I’m in the midst of wedding season, creating heirloom pieces couples can treasure forever.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was 17, I was honored to be selected for the Kentucky Ambassadors of Music program, where a select group of musicians from across the state traveled through seven countries in Europe to perform for audiences abroad. We spent two and a half weeks sharing music in places I’d only ever dreamed of visiting, and it was truly life changing.
What stood out most to me was how music allowed us to connect with people even when we didn’t share a language. Those moments showed me how powerful art can be in bringing people together — a belief that’s carried over into my painting today. I think that experience shaped how I see the world and how I approach my art — as something that transcends words and creates genuine connection.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I’ve always struggled with anxiety, and for a long time, it held me back from stepping into situations that felt unpredictable or high-pressure. The idea of painting live in front of 100+ guests would have once felt impossible. But over time, I’ve learned how to manage it in a way that allows me to fully show up for my couples and enjoy what I do.
Now, instead of letting fear control me, I channel that energy into creating. Each wedding reminds me how far I’ve come. Something that once felt terrifying has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life and career.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies in the wedding industry is that “bigger is better.” There’s so much pressure for couples to have extravagant celebrations, but I’ve seen firsthand that the most meaningful weddings are the ones that stay true to who they are.
Each couple is different, and as long as their day includes the elements that matter most to them — whether that’s an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration — it’s perfect. The beauty of a wedding comes from the love being celebrated, not the size or scale of it.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m finally doing what I was born to do. I actually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. All through school, teachers and administrators made it sound so simple — go to college, get a degree, and you’ll land a good job.
But once I graduated and entered the job market, reality hit hard. I was applying for job after job and never hearing back. That’s when I realized that what I’d been told to do wasn’t necessarily the right path for me. It took that experience to push me toward what I was truly meant to do — creating art and building a business that brings joy to others and fulfillment to me.
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/
