The truth is … we celebrate with our couples … and sometimes, we cry with them, too.
Summer and John’s finished live wedding painting from their Charleston wedding at the Dewberry Hotel has been in our queue to post for so, so long and the truth is: The words fall short in trying to share just how special this couple and painting have become to us. We typically try to keep posts upbeat and always positive, but the reality is that sometimes … and more often than we hope … our couples are walking through unimaginably hard times as they plan for their wedding. As difficult as this is to put into words, it’s times like these that also remind us of the intangible, emotional value that each of these live paintings hold for our couples. We always say that a painting was never meant to be a photo … the beauty of a painting is that we can include loved ones that have gone too soon.
After having to postpone their wedding due to covid, we were absolutely devastated to hear that Summer’s father passed a before the wedding. In what should be the happiest time of your life … it can also surface some of the most unimaginable grief. We love that these wedding paintings can bend reality, and capture those that are with us physically and in spirit and heart. Unfortunately, one of the most common questions we receive is: Can we include loved ones that have passed into our live wedding painting?
It’s moments like these that bring us back to our why.
We realize it’s details like these that are the very reason why these wedding paintings are so special to our couples. As Ben paints, he’s capturing the heart and soul of a day. His brush captures the incredible joy of the moment and in the same brushstroke, must carry the immense pain of loss.
Summer and John … thank you for trusting us to create this treasure with and for you. Ben is so proud of how your painting came together: capturing this Charleston skyline view from The Dewberry rooftop, surrounded by your nearest and dearest.
Their wedding day was truly beautiful and overflowing with heart in every detail. The Dewberry Hotel is such an incredible setting to host a Charleston wedding. There’s nothing like the sunset view during cocktail hour from the rooftop in the heart of downtown Charleston. (Seriously though, click their link to see just how amazing this hotel is from the lobby to the restaurant!) The Dewberry Hotel is truly one of our favorite hotel Charleston wedding venues. The beautiful courtyard is perfect for ceremonies and alfresco dining. The ballroom has one of our favorite chandeliers … like, ever! And the rooftop bar is hands down one of the best skyline views of Charleston with the Ravenel Bridge!
Creative Team:
Venue: The Dewberry Hotel, Charleston, SC • Photographer: Divine Images • Planner: Spellbound Events • Florals: Roadside Blooms • Videographer: Ruby Riot Creatives • Live Painter: Ben Keys Fine Art (Formerly Wed on Canvas) • Gown: Loveliest Bridal • Stationery: Atwater Graphics • Hair and Makeup: Lashes and Lace • Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Nashville
