Diyanah & Elliot.
This detailed black-and-white illustration captures a breathtaking moment from Diyanah and Elliot’s wedding day, the moment they both said I do. It’s a snapshot of love, commitment, and the start of a beautiful journey together. Two little bubbas and countless memories later, their love continues to grow stronger with every passing year. True love like theirs is rare, and I feel incredibly grateful to have witnessed it firsthand.
What makes this piece even more special is the connection I’ve formed with Diyanah. I’m honoured that she reached out to me to create this artwork as a gift for Elliot to celebrate their wedding anniversary. It’s been a privilege to see their love story unfold, and I’ve cherished every moment of working with Diyanah, who has become such a dear friend. One of the highlights was watching Elliot’s recorded reaction during the unveiling of the piece, his genuine surprise and emotion were priceless, and it truly made all the hours of work feel so rewarding. It’s moments like these that make being an artist so fulfilling, knowing that my work is part of such meaningful milestones in people’s lives.
Progression.
Drawn from an image, frozen in time, perfectly showcasing the love and joy of their union. The progression of this illustration began with closely studying the original photograph, paying attention to the subtle details that made this embrace so powerful: the closeness of their bodies, the emotion in their expressions, and the details in Diyanah’s stunning wedding dress.
Starting with a loose sketch, I carefully outlined the couple's forms, aiming to capture the soft curves and intimate nature of their embrace. As the illustration took shape, I gradually added layers of detail, paying special attention to their facial features and the flow of their clothing.
Finishing touches.
The entire process took about 45 hours to complete, each hour dedicated to adding more precision, more life to the image. The delicate balance between light and shadow was key to making the piece stand out. As the final touches were made, the illustration not only mirrored the photograph but also became something more—a timeless, artistic representation of their love on their wedding day, one that could now be cherished forever.
