Stephanie + John
The Salamander Resort + Spa
Middleburg, Virginia
24 x 30 in. | Oil on Canvas

The first connection I (Jen) have with a client is everything.  As Ben pours so much of his creativity and heart into each painting, it’s important that we connect with our couples and commissioners.  And oh did we connect with bride Stephanie and her sweet mom.  A connection so strong that, if I may say, Stephanie chose her wedding date based on Ben’s availability!  For over a year we planned and counted down the days to their Spring wedding at The Salamander.  Stephanie and John’s wedding day was one of the most creative and unique receptions in which they set the tone with their first dance: a classical Viennese Waltz!  This was the moment Stephanie and John requested Ben to capture for their live painting.  Their first dance was like something from the Cinderella movie – elegant and just oh-so-romantic!  This sweet couple is no doubt, so in love!  Following their first dance, guests were also invited after a seated dinner to join them in an evening of waltzing.  Accompanied by the President’s Orchestra Band (… yes, President Obama’s orchestra!) and one of the most acclaimed Waltz instructors from Austria, it was truly one of the most elegant, old-world evenings you could imagine … and truly one of the most unique receptions we’ve ever seen!  Following the reception, Ben brought the painting back to our studio here in Charleston for finishing touches.  Once the painting was complete, Stephanie and John decided to make a special trip down from Washington, DC to pick up their painting!  We clinked champagne and unveiled their finished piece and celebrated afterwards with dinner.  We had so much fun hearing more about their wedding day and getting to know them, and quite honestly, found ourselves wishing they lived in Charleston!  I share these details as it reminded us that Wed on Canvas is FAR MORE than JUST a job … it’s about connecting with couples and creating a painting that speaks so much to their heart … AND ours!  For Ben, there’s just something so rewarding, and dare I even say, Sacred, when it comes to creating a piece of art that means so much to our couples.  Words just can’t express how dear our client’s are to us – and Stephanie and John will forever hold a special place in our hearts!  Cheers to this amazing couple!  What an absolute honor to capture their reception with a live wedding painting.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Salamander Resort + Spa, Middleburg, Virginia || Florist: Holly Chapel || Live Wedding Painter: Ben Keys of Wed on Canvas