Carolina Yacht Club | Live Wedding Painting

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Each of these paintings have a special story, and this one is extra special!  The story starts one gorgeous afternoon in Charleston as I {Jen} was preparing for my next bridal appointment at Modern Trousseau. As I was hanging up the gowns from the previous appointment, in comes a mother-of-the-bride and her son who were admiring the gown in the window. As it turned out, her daughter had just said “Yes!” to a dress with a similar keyhole back. The part of me that loves all-things-bridal couldn’t help but want to hear more about the wedding and of course the gown she chose. At some point she mentioned being from Wilmington, NC and I of course had to mention that my fiance recently moved to Charleston from Wilmington. When I said the name, “Ben Keys,” she replied, “Oh my word! I have known Ben Keys for over 10 years.” I immediately recognized I was talking to Tina.  

Tina has been a long time family friend and one of Ben’s first collectors in Wilmington, NC! She has believed in Ben’s work since the beginning, and even hosted an art show at T.Williamson Interiors.  As a professional designer {and having studied studio art herself}, her support has meant a lot over the years.

Just WAIT!  The story’s not over.  Fast forward to a few months later.  I received an email from a sweet bride, inquiring about surprising her mother by commissioning a wedding painting as a gift to her mother “who has been a fan of Ben Keys for years!”  We were all in, and so excited to be part of this surprise!  On the morning of the wedding, the bride (also named Tina!) unveiled the surprise by having Tina play a little game of Hang Man.  As she guessed each letter of B-E-N_K-E-Y-S_A-R-T!

Tina’s wedding turned out to be so lovely at the Carolina Yacht Club.  We just loved her dusty palette and event design by Salt Harbor Designs.  Enjoy these photos below by the ever-talented Julia of Julia Wade Photography!  Cheers to Tina and Alex – we were so blessed to be part of your wedding day!  

Photography || Julia Wade Photography
Wedding Planner || Salt Harbor Designs
Reception || Carolina Yacht Club, Wilmington, NC
Gown || Monique Lhuillier