It all started when Elle was shopping for her wedding dress!
We are so excited to share Elle and Benton’s live wedding painting from The River Room at St. Paul’s Church! I (Jennifer) will never forget meeting Elle and her mom, Sheila. At the time Elle was shopping for her bridal gown, I was the director at the Modern Trousseau flagship on King Street here in Charleston. The three of us had the best appointment, and Elle found a few gowns she loved, but none of them were THE one! So the girls continued on to shop at a few other bridal stores. Mid-way through the day, I received a call from Elle asking if there was any way to come back and try on the favorites. When they arrived, I could tell they were exhausted – trying on 50 gowns in one day can be SO overwhelming! I pulled Elle’s favorites back into her dressing room and she began trying them on in hopes that she might feel different about them. She was nearly finished, and still no luck. As I was scanning the inventory, and trying to look one last time – I realized we had missed the Nila gown! I will never forget Elle standing on the block when she saw this gown. She was so excited saying, “Jen – HOW did we miss this gown!” At this point, I think we all knew the Nila gown was hers, before she even tried it on! When you know, you just know. Elle then called her Dad and was so excited to tell him, “I found the gown!”
The best part about Elle and Benton’s live painting: it was a complete surprise!!
This was the beginning of my very sweet friendship with Elle and her family. I immediately felt as though they were second family – my mom is also named Sheila! At the time, Ben and I were also engaged, and of course Sheila and Elle were so interested in what Ben does with painting live at weddings. A few weeks later, Ben said he received an email from Sheila, and they were IN for a Wed on Canvas painting at Elle’s wedding. The best part … Elle didn’t know! Keeping this a secret was NOT easy! Elle even emailed us to inquire about having a painting at her wedding!
Fast forward to Elle and Benton’s wedding day. All of the guests had arrived to the reception held at the beautiful River Room of Saint Paul’s Church in Augusta, Georgia … awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom. Ben be set up so that the painting is the first thing guests would see as they entered the reception hall. As they were announced, Mr. and Mrs., and stepped into the ballroom – Elle’s face was PRICELESS! She was speechless!!! She ran over and gave us a big hug! Surprise accomplished!!!!!
The River Room at St. Paul’s Church in Augusta, GA was so beauitful!
The reception was simply stunning. Elle wore the Nila gown with such sophistication and grace. And I must add, Sheila looked fabulous, too! The music, the food, the flowers, the view of the river – it was a perfect evening! And the guests loved watching Ben paint live throughout the event.
Last night, Elle and Benton invited us over for dinner at there home here in Charleston. Nothing compares to delivering a finished painting in person. Being able to see where they will style their painting was so special. It’s moments like these that make this job so meaningful. It’s our hope that the painting will be a blessing to their home and family for years and years to come. We had such a great time last night – Chef B’s fine pizza and wine. We enjoyed laughing and sharing our favorite European train-ride stories. Live Painting deliveries just doesn’t get any better.
Elle and Benton – Cheers to newlywed life together! From the gown, to the painting, we cherish being able to be part of your wedding day!
Elle & Benton
The River Room at St. Paul’s Church
Augusta, Georgia
24 x 36 in. Live Wedding Painting
Creative Team:
Photography | H + D Photo
Reception | The River Room at St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, GA
Gown | Modern Trousseau
Makeup | Zack Lee
Band | Grapevine Band
Live Painter | Ben Keys Fine Art Studio
Flowers | Opus Florals
