Live Wedding Painting | Charleston, SC

March 23, 2020

Marissa + Mario
Cotton Dock, Boone Hall Plantation
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
24 x 30 in. Canvas

As a Charleston Live Wedding Painter, the Boone Hall Cotton Dock is a backdrop Ben has always wanted to paint! And we were soo excited that’s just what Marissa and Mario chose for their live painting!

There just aren’t words to describe how much we enjoyed getting to know Marissa and Mario throughout the wedding planning process. Rather than hosting a 300+ formal wedding up in New Jersey, they opted for a destination micro wedding here in Charleston! And what’s the beauty of limiting their guests to just family and very close friends? They were able to go all out on the details and guest experience!

We were so happy to hear that the live painting was at the top of their “must-haves” for their wedding day. From beginning to end, their wedding day was perfect. Marissa and the girls got ready at downtown Charleston’s luxe Lashes and Lace. Mario met Marissa downtown and the two shared their First Look along the cobblestone streets. The prettiest vintage bus picked everyone up to ride out to Boone Hall Plantation.

There’s nothing like a sunset ceremony overlooking the marsh from the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall

Having a smaller guest count meant that Marissa and Mario were able to use the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation as their ceremony location! Overlooking a cotton-candy sunset over the marsh, Ben painted as they said their vows.

Guests enjoyed Sweet Lulus signature smoked Manhattan’s during cocktail hour and enjoyed the most beautiful family style dinner. Rather than having multiple tables throughout the Cotton Dock, they chose the drama of having one … very long … and beautifully styled table covered with flowers and candelabras!

They danced the night away and of course, enjoyed watching Ben’s live painting come together. They chose to have their ceremony captured … and to be honest, we’ve been sooooo looking forward to capturing a ceremony there on the Cotton Dock with the gorgeous marsh view from Boone Hall Plantation!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes a …

2020 Update: When we shared the final painting with Marissa and Mario, they shared some very exciting news with us! They are expecting a baby BOY! Our hearts are so full knowing that this sweet baby gets to grow up around their live painting styled in their home. The love between these two was such a blessing to see and capture!

2023 Update: We are SO excited that Ben was asked to paint Mario’s sister’s wedding up in New Jersey! We can’t wait to share their finished painting soon!!

Charleston Live Wedding Painter, Ben Keys, captured Marissa and Mario’s ceremony on the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.
Charleston Live Wedding Painter, Ben Keys, captured Marissa and Mario’s ceremony on the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.

Ceremony + Reception Location: Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant, SC || Planning: Anna, Ooh! Events || Officiant: Kristen Barner || Photographer: Natasha Coyle Photography || Videography: Wandering Hues || Catering: Salthouse Catering || Bar + Sweets: Sweet Lulu’s || Entertainment: Bob Williams Duo || Wedding Florist: Out of the Garden || Rentals: Ooh! Events || Hair + Makeup: Lashes & Lace || Transportation: Lowcountry Valet || Live Wedding Painter: Ben Keys, Wed on Canvas || Bridal Dresser: Cacky’s Bridal Aid