, AYA Illustration
Music and entertainment · United Kingdom

AYA Illustration

AYA Illustration is a live event illustration service based in Devon, run by Zhanna, an illustrator with a degree in Illustration from Falmouth University.

5.03 reviews
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AYA Illustration

AYA Illustration offers live illustration for weddings, with hand-drawn portraits made while the celebration is under way. The service is based in Devon and was founded by Zhanna, a live event artist and illustrator who has drawn since childhood and holds a BA in Illustration from Falmouth University.

Each portrait aims to reflect the guest, the outfit and the mood of the day, drawn in a flattering and personal style. Nothing is made from a template, and no piece is repeated, so every drawing is created from scratch.

Guests do not need to sit for the artist. Zhanna, or an assistant, takes quick reference photographs discreetly, which leaves everyone free to enjoy the day while the drawings are completed.

As the party continues, guests return to a pop-up gallery of finished work and collect their own portraits. The drawings serve as an icebreaker during the event and as a keepsake afterwards.

At a glance
Based in
United Kingdom
Destinations served
Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wales
How they work

From the first message to the day itself

  1. 01Reference photographs

    The artist or an assistant quietly takes quick photographs of guests during the celebration, so nobody has to pose or sit still.

  2. 02Drawing during the event

    Portraits are drawn by hand as the day unfolds, each one made from scratch with no templates.

  3. 03The pop-up gallery

    Guests return to a curated display of finished work and collect their own portraits to take home.

AYA Illustration

Gallery

20 photographs
, AYA Illustration+20View Gallery , AYA Illustration

Images courtesy of AYA Illustration

Reviews

What couples say

5.0 3 reviews
Verified wedding

Blown away by the artwork

We were completely blown away by Zhanna's artwork on our wedding day. I found Zhanna after a long search through illustrators and loved the art style. Our guests were so impressed by their portraits and we've had so many compliments so far. Zhanna was also incredibly lovely throughout the whole process and was a true credit to our day.

Jamie & Georgina AitchisonSeptember 2026 · Google
More reviews
Verified wedding

A joy to work with

I had the absolute pleasure of working alongside Zhanna at a wedding, and she was such a joy to work with. She is incredibly kind, sweet and hardworking, and her talent is truly amazing. Zhanna has such a beautiful ability to capture the atmosphere and special moments of a wedding through her illustrations. Her work is incredibly detailed and artistic, and what impressed me most was how quickly she was able to create such beautiful images while working live. She brings such a lovely energy to the day and is an absolute professional from start to finish. It was wonderful seeing guests light up when they saw their illustrations, and you can really see the care and passion she puts into every single piece. I would highly recommend Zhanna to any couple looking for something truly special and memorable for their wedding day.

Natalie HargreavesSeptember 2026 · Google
Verified wedding

Such a unique idea

We had the absolute pleasure of having this lovely lady do live illustrations at our wedding yesterday. I first contacted AYA Illustrations last year and booked her for our special day after the first few emails. Communication along the way was fantastic and the service we received yesterday was outstanding. Everyone loved their wedding favours (drawings) which were presented on beautiful embossed card with our initials and wedding date. Such a unique idea. Zhanna, you are such a talented beautiful soul and I'm so glad we found you. You made our day even more perfect. 100% recommend this lovely lady. Thank you so much.

Claire & Graeme DurrantJune 2026 · Facebook
Where they work

Based in United Kingdom, serving Devon, Cornwall, Somerset

  • Their base
  • Venues nearby
What they do

Services and fees

Live portraits

  • Hand-drawn portraits in A5 format on watercolour paper
  • Original drawings with no templates or repeats
  • Signed and embossed with the artist's seal

Presentation

  • Pop-up gallery for guests to collect their portraits
  • Envelopes or mounts included in the Platinum package

Approach

  • Discreet reference photographs taken by the artist or an assistant
  • Portraits that reflect each guest, their outfit and the mood of the day
Fees

Fees on request

They quote for each wedding, from your date, guest numbers and plans.

Ask for a proposal
Questions couples ask

Before you write to them

Do guests have to sit still for their portrait?

No. The artist or an assistant takes quick reference photographs without interrupting the celebration, and the drawings are completed while guests enjoy the day.

What size and format are the portraits?

Portraits are drawn by hand in A5 format on watercolour paper. Each is an original, signed and embossed with the artist's seal.

How do guests receive their portraits?

Finished drawings are displayed in a pop-up gallery during the event, and guests collect their own from it.

Are envelopes or mounts included?

Envelopes or mounts are included in the Platinum package.

Is every portrait unique?

Yes. Each piece is drawn from scratch, with no templates and no repeats.

Where is AYA Illustration based?

The studio is in Devon, in the south west of England.

Check your date

Is your date free with AYA Illustration?

Your message goes straight to Zhanna, with your date, guests and the kind of wedding you have in mind.

I would love…

Official website

Please mention 5 Star Wedding Directory when contacting AYA Illustration.

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