A Beautiful Night- Dark And Moody Wedding At Savannah Bottleworks: Matt & Elise

Immediately Hooked

Almost a year ago (what feels like mere weeks), I received a message on Instagram inquiring about a live wedding painter. After initial introductions and information, Elise told me she and her fiance Matt were planning a dark and moody wedding at Savannah Bottleworks, GA. When she mentioned she was even thinking about wearing a black wedding dress, I was instantly in.

Ideas swirled in my head of capturing rich colors in the folds of the black gown. Candles and greens all over the black table cloths with matching flatware. The venue was booked: Savannah Bottleworks, a 100-year old bottle factory that owners, Nelson and Luis, have converted into a beautiful venue space. Exposed and worn bricks, metal, and old wooden floors mixed with soft lights and wispy curtains. I had previously only been to Savannah twice, but as it is referred to Charleston’s “sister city”, I could already imagine the magic of this downtown gem. Excitement grew.

First Look

In the weeks leading up to the wedding I coordinated with their wedding planner, From This Moment owner, Danielle. Elise had requested that I paint the first dance. Luckily for me as a portrait artist, Matt and Elise wanted a “first look”. Therefore, I could snap some reference shots of them together.

I had a relaxing two hour drive down to Savannah. Highway 17 is such a beautiful drive following the marsh of South Carolina’s coast. Navigating downtown Savannah was fine and finally, the moment had arrived when I pulled up to Savannah Bottleworks. When I walked in, Danielle, Nelson, and Luis met me and were so kind and helpful throughout the evening. Soon the photographers arrived, Amber and Tyler of Joy + Everette. They were adorable and more than willing to help me capture my reference shots.

Tyler and I went outside with the groom and waited for Amber to bring the bride down. The sky was a lovely February overcast, perfect for the first look photographs. Not so perfect for an artist (who needs shadows). I would have to get very creative for this piece.

Standing as far out of the way as possible, I was so honored that I was about to be able to witness a first look! Here came the bride with Amber and she told Matt to turn around, seeing his beautiful bride for the first time. They exchanged love letters. It was very sweet. I started capturing pictures of the stunning black gown Elise wore.

I was so wrapped up in moment with the four of them when I suddenly remembered why I was there. Laughing I introduced myself. Elise and Matt were so happy I to finally meet me. I asked them for a quick dance pose then hurried back inside to get started.

Choosing the Star

Generally, my paintings, portrait or landscapes, have an area of dark with a striking place of light. Also known as the focal point. I knew coming into it, I would not have that bright white light, since the bride’s dress was black. I had to get creative with my values. The spot I was set in faced the dance floor. But, it also faced a window. The window had a nice soft light coming in with soft curtains. I knew this would be my focal point, backlighting the dancing couple.

The star of my painting? Of course, it would be the dramatic and embellished train of Elise’s dress. In our initial consultation, I imaged capturing moody purples with the black. But, to my surprise her dress gave off hints of greens. This worked out perfectly because there was this fabulous red up-lighting throughout out the venue and on either sides of the window. I wanted to add in wisps of red to play off the greens I was picking up in the dress.

The Wedding at Savannah Bottleworks

The ceremony was about to start. The venue hall was filled with the anticipating wedding party, awaiting their cue to walk across the porch to the ceremony hall. The bustling conversations slowly dissipated until all that was left was me, silently watching Elise, her father, and Danielle helping with the train, standing outside the door. I waited a few moments before following behind. Nelson and Luis motioned me inside. I snapped a few pictures of bride and groom, then quietly exited.

Before picking my paintbrush back up, I had some moments to walk around and take in the moody room. Along with black, Elise picked out a gorgeous shade of deep maroon. The table settings were rustic and elegant. I was impressed that each guests’ seat was labeled with a hand written letter. Above the cake and its candles, a neon sign buzzing “‘Til Death”

Elise and Matt are avid coffee drinkers, so they included a coffee bar to go with their cocktail hour. How unique! Origin Coffee Bar served up hot or cold coffee the whole evening including Matt and Elise’s special Strawberry Mocha. It had the whole place smelling magical.

Showtime

The ceremony ended and the guests came in for cocktails, coffee, and popcorn. I finished my under-painting and had started blocking out my darkest darks. Soon, it was time for the DJ, Jordan of EYN Entertainment, to announce the bride and groom. Then, the first dance, dancing to Flora Cash “Soulmate”. I got a great reference during the dance. My plan for the back lighting from the window looked great. Movement inspired me for how I wanted the hair and dress to fall. I could not wait to add in the red lights with the hints of green in the gown.

I enjoyed painting the rest of the evening. The bride and groom went above and beyond, making sure I was fed. My dinner was this creamy, delicious mushroom pasta, I wish I could have more! Also, I got a chilled strawberry mocha (decaf of course). Let me tell you, besides the fresh coffee in Peru, this was a close second to the best coffee I ever had. It was incredible.

After showing Matt and Elise what I had produced for the evening, I said my goodbyes and packed up, heading back to my hotel. I would work on the piece over the next week in my studio back in Charleston.

Although the color palette was dark and moody, the climate of the room that night in Savannah was anything but. From the kindness of all the workers, to the smiles of the guest, to the warm love between Elise and Matt. I will never forget this black and maroon, strawberry mocha scented, love filled February wedding night.