live guest painting at the whitlock inn in spring: a historic marietta square wedding

Jan 21

The Setting: Historic Charm in the Heart of Marietta The dogwoods were in bloom and the air was crisp as I made my way just down the street to the breathtaking and historic Whitlock Inn. Only steps away from the Marietta Square, the heart of our city, this venue is surrounded by shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, theaters, and historic charm - everything that makes our community so vibrant.

The Experience: Painting on the Porch Avery, the fantastic in-house planner for this sweet venue, led me and my team of artists to one of the home’s classic porches. Cocooned amongst large magnolia trees, it was the perfect "secret garden" spot for us to paint - accessible to guests as they entered, but private too with enough quiet space to focus on the artwork. While it turned into a chilly Georgia evening, the atmosphere was unbeatable. Pro-tip for Spring Brides: While I always prefer painting outside in the Georgia air, it got a bit chilly that night! My fingers were nearly too cold to move, but the energy of the guests kept us going. It was a great reminder for my future brides; If you’re planning a spring or fall date, the outdoor spaces at the Whitlock Inn are stunning, but don’t forget to have a pashmina or heaters nearby for your guests to keep the cozy vibes flowing.

The "Watercolor Guestbook" Feature: Hannah, our beautiful bride, had a brilliant idea to incorporate live art into their day. Before the ceremony, I painted a Custom Couple’s Portrait of the two of them. They then framed and displayed this at the venue entrance, allowing guests to sign the matting which surrounded the painting as they arrived. This is such a wonderful alternative to a traditional guestbook, which can just end up sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Instead, Hannah and Matt now owned a finished piece of fine art that they can hang in their home immediately, surrounded by the handwritten well-wishes of their favorite people.

Whimsical Details & Five-Hour Coverage: The vibe was high-energy, with whimsical, bright florals that perfectly matched the watercolor style. We provided five hours of live guest painting, staying all the way through the sparkler send-off. Watching guests cheer and shout well-wishes as Hannah and Matt drove away from the Whitlock Inn in a vintage automobile was the perfect ending to a truly sweet celebration.

Planning a Marietta Wedding? As a Marietta local, I have a special place in my heart for venues on or near the Square. Most of them have their own history to tell. If you’re looking for a live wedding artist in Cobb County for your 2026 or 2027 date, I’d love to bring my watercolor setup to your celebration. Contact Fig and Font to check your date!