The Gadsden House, Live Wedding Painter, Ben Keys

The Gadsden House • Charleston Wedding

Live Wedding Painting

January 8, 2024

Why We Love The Gadsden House

The Gadsden House is hands down one of our absolute favorite wedding venues in downtown Charleston! With its timeless charm and vibrant Southern atmosphere, it’s no wonder Ben has been lucky enough to paint here numerous times over the years. Each time, the venue feels like it’s brimming with fresh inspiration—there’s just something about it that never gets old!

A Dreamy Alfresco Dining Experience in Downtown Charleston

Picture this: you’re dining alfresco with your loved ones as the sun begins to set over Charleston, casting that dreamy golden-hour glow. There’s nothing quite like it, and it’s moments like these that Ben loves to capture in his live wedding paintings.

Savanna and Nick’s First Dance Live Painting

When it came to Savanna and Nick’s wedding, Ben was beyond excited to create their live painting, with their first dance chosen as the focal point. There’s something so personal about that moment—the intimacy, the joy, the movement—and Ben truly thrives on capturing those emotional details in his work. He also made sure to highlight the stunning Southern architecture of The Gadsden House, weaving it into the background as a beautiful testament to Charleston’s history. And, of course, Savanna’s gown was front and center—because let’s be honest, the gown always gets its star moment in Ben’s paintings!

It’s All in the Details: The Wedding Gown

Speaking of gowns, I have to gush for a minute. Having worked for a bridal designer, I (Jen) am obsessed with Ben’s ability to capture all the intricate details of a wedding gown. His eye for design, texture, and flow is impeccable. And when a bride’s gown is as much of a statement piece as Savanna’s? Pure magic! Her dress was such a perfect blend of classic Southern elegance with a fresh, modern twist. It stood out in all the right ways and was absolutely made for a wedding at The Gadsden House!

Wedding Day Tip: Have a Beautiful Rain Plan

One tip for brides planning a wedding here: the outdoor courtyard makes for a picture-perfect ceremony or cocktail hour space, but don’t forget about the indoor options too! Charleston weather can be unpredictable, so always have a rain plan that’s just as beautiful as your sunshine dream. The Gadsden House’s interiors are every bit as charming, with those large windows and bright, airy rooms offering the ideal backdrop no matter what.

When it comes to Ben’s Live Wedding Paintings, we always plan for rain, too! Part of our Creative Call before each wedding is to walk through the overall Rain Plan. From there we talk about how that would impact the painting. For some couples, it means keeping with the original plan, and for others, it means a different moment! Either way, we want to be sure we have a plan in the event of rain!

So, whether you’re drawn to the venue’s historic charm, the breathtaking sunset moments, or the dreamy Southern architecture, The Gadsden House is always a win. And we couldn’t be more thrilled to share Savanna and Nick’s finished live painting from their stunning wedding here.

If you’re considering a Live Wedding Painter for your Charleston wedding, we would absolutely love to chat more! Send us a note here to check on your wedding date and Ben’s availability!