GIBSONVILLE - Michael Castronova has been a fashion illustrator for Ralph Lauren, a professional boxer, and a merchandiser, but his most treasured occupation is recreating life's little moments, through black-and-white drawings.
Castronova fashions a photograph into a detailed portrait, one that captures stages of life like weddings, anniversaries, graduations and retirements.
"The first time they see it, they cry," he said. "It's such an emotional thing. It's something they'll hand down to other family members or put in their will."
Portraits of young couples, from birth to their wedding day, have become a popular wedding gift for the couples' parents or to each other.
Brides, grooms and others in the wedding party can peruse Castronova's keepsake drawings from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, during the Burke Manor Inn's wedding show, at the bed and breakfast's location in downtown Gibsonville. It is in cooperation with the Times-News and is the second show that's been held at the inn this year.
The first event was in late April and featured vendors from the Triad and beyond, ranging from caterers to travel agencies. Like the first show, this one will feature two of each category, so brides can plan their weddings accordingly.
A fashion show by Elite Boutique of Burlington, featuring bridal attire, has also been added to the schedule.
Vernon and Lynn Brady, the inn's owners, handpick each of the 58 vendors. They found out about the keepsake drawings when Castronova and his new wife were married at the inn just a week and a half ago.
"I had never seen anything like it," Vernon Brady said. "We thought it would make a great addition to the show."
Castronova, who now lives in Raleigh, has been doing this for seven years. It's still a part-time job, but he hopes to make it a fulltime career. He averages two drawings a week; each individual portrait takes up to 16 hours.
"I want it to look perfect," he said. "I want it to move people."
Vernon Brady said that attendees are probably going to be moved by the portraits and other displays, including a mock wedding with a dove release at the end.
"No matter what your price range is, we'll have some ideas for you," he said. "Brides can find everything they need for the wedding here."
Admission is free for brides and $5 for all others. For more information, or to pre-register, call 449-6266.