A Thoughtful Charlotte Wedding at the Ballantyne Hotel

Oct 12

A sketch of a bride in a v-neck white gown and a groom in a black three-piece suit

When it comes to weddings, the most meaningful celebrations aren’t just the most beautiful. They’re the ones that feel intentional, personal, and caring. And I don’t think there are any words that can better describe Jenna and Adam’s Charlotte wedding at the Ballantyne Hotel.

As a live event illustrator, I’m often one of the last vendors booked for a wedding. But Jenna reached out to me a year before her event and told me I was the first vendor she booked after her planner (the incredible Hospitality Butler) and venue. I was honored to be among the first chosen for this incredible wedding, and Jenna’s choices showed me just how deeply she and Adam prioritized their guest experience on their wedding day.

Understated Elegance in Every Detail

Jenna and Adam were aware of how sweltering Charlotte can be in the summer, so they intentionally chose a venue that could host every event indoors. They wanted their wedding to feel clean and upscale, creating a simple design with only black, white, and minimal greenery to accentuate the white roses that formed the bulk of the decor.

They were married in the Atrium Staircase, hosted cocktail hour in the Fairway Foyer, and moved the reception into the Fairway Ballroom. A black pipe and drape setup along with a champagne gold open bar provided a wow moment during the reception, inviting guests to soak in the atmosphere. My personal favorite touch was the gold and black fringed lamps that lined each table! They provided warm, ambient lighting and made the entire event feel homey and luxurious simultaneously.

An Intimate Celebration for the People They Love Most

The couple opted for a small celebration with only 63 people. This smaller number allowed them to invest in a truly one-of-a-kind celebration. First, they hired me for five hours of on-site sketching and ten overtime hours, making sure everyone who wanted a sketch could get one. They even specially requested a sketch for their planner, Matt!

They also worked with a local mobile espresso bar to highlight their love of coffee and supporting local coffee shops. Hors d'oeuvres were passed throughout cocktail hour, dinner was a seated affair, and the bar was open all night long. Jenna and Adam even provided childcare services to be on-site so parents could celebrate worry-free while checking on their little ones whenever they felt like it.

Elevating Guest Experience Through Live Illustration

The level of thoughtfulness, paired with the simple elegance of the Ballantyne Hotel, is what made this Charlotte wedding so memorable. Guests were able to be fully present and enjoy every detail the couple had pulled together for them, especially the live illustrations! Everyone raved about their sketch, and one guest even told me I was the best part of the wedding! I was thrilled to offer such a unique experience to Jenna and Matt’s favorite people.

If you want your guests to feel as valued as Jenna and Matt’s did, I would love to provide custom illustrations for your celebration! Learn more about the process here, and inquire to secure your date.