Ben’s first live painting ever, was a Brooklyn Arts Center wedding in Wilmingon, NC. This venue forever holds such a special place in our hearts! And we can hardly believe that was TEN years ago! We are still connected with that couple today and love seeing their family grow. (Ben painted for their siblings, too!) Though Ben’s work has certainly evolved since then, we still love this painting so, so much: check it out here! Needless to say, when Savannah and JD reached out about their own wedding planned for the Brooklyn Arts Center, we were over the moon excited!

Though Ben has painted this venue many times over the years, each painting is still unique and painted from a different perspective. Savannah and JD’s live wedding painting was the first time Ben captured a more close up/zoomed in perspective. Of course, we will always love the bird’s eye view/zoomed out perspective like this painting linked here … but Savannah’s request highlighted their venue in a different way!

A live wedding painting at the Brooklyn Arts Center is all about light

In the same way that photographers are always chasing light … in a different way, painters are always looking for light and shadow. We love how the light comes through the drapes along the floor to ceiling windows of the Brooklyn Arts Center. The light is so soft and dreamy! Ben has been so lucky to paint at many venues across the country, but Wilmington truly holds a gem with this unique architecture and space!

And of course, working alongside Social Butterfly Events again was such a treat! And we always know that florals from Design Perfection are going to make a great painting!! Ben had no shortage of inspiration from the design Savannah and JD chose for their reception. We also love how Savannah’s gorgeous train contrasted so beautifully against the historic wood floors … her gown was stunning! And oh my goodness, how we love when the cake gets to have a moment in the live painting, too!

Needless to say, we are so excited to share Savannah and JD’s finished live wedding painting from their Brooklyn Arts Center wedding.

Creative Team:
Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center, Wilmington, NC • Planner: Social Butterfly Events • Photography: Heart First Weddings • Florals: Design Perfection • Hair and Makeup: Alice Lawson Salon • Rentals: DP etc • Live Wedding Painter:  Ben Keys Fine Art