Ever since she can remember, art has been the center of Kate Mullin Williford’s (@katemullinart, www.katemullinart.com) world. In college, after participating in a group show teeming with florals, she knew she’d found her muse. “The shape and textures of flowers are all unique,” she says. “I love studying each petal.”
After graduation, she moved to Charleston, managed a Broad Street gallery, and rubbed elbows with other up-and-comers while renting studio space in Redux Contemporary Art Center. In August 2017, she had her first solo exhibition (fittingly paired with a floral workshop by Branch Design Studio).
Today, Kate paints full-time from a studio in Shem Creek. And while the bulk of her work (mostly florals, animals, and houses that fall in the $400-$2,600 range) stems from her own pet projects, she also takes commissions, like bridal bouquet “portraits.” Working from wedding photos or even a trip to see a client’s bouquet in the making, Kate embraces the encaustic style of painting that melds hot wax and paint together for a 3D look. Known for bold, funky colors and representations that tow the line between abstractism and realism, her creations pop off the canvas with feminine strength and verve—just the thing for a bride’s Big Day memento.
The Wedding Row: Tell us about how you met.
Rachel: It was in Nashville, and Shaun was there on weekend trip for a University of Georgia-Vandy football game. I was there on a whim, on an impromptu...
Ryan and Paxton chose Charleston for their engagement photos because the city holds a special place in the heart—if he hadn’t been a Citadel cadet, the two may never have met. Here’s how they came to...
Allison and Josh met at a two-stepping bar, so we would expect nothing less than a seriously Southern wedding from the two, and as you can tell from the photos, they did not disappoint. After Josh...
North Carolina natives Taylor and Bennett met when the two were sophomores at N.C. State. Five years after they had become an item, they were in Manhattan where, says Bennett, “The ring was burning a...
After going to the same high school in Spring Lake, New Jersey, Carly and Chris’s paths finally intersected long after graduation at a mutual friend’s house. “Late nights drinking and playing games...
Trust us when we say that you won’t find a more low-key pair than these two. Nashville, Tennessee couple Emily and Daniel wanted an intimate, family-only wedding for their Big Day, and they chose to...
OK, prepare yourselves—this is a sweet one. It began when Stephanie was working at the front desk of a chiropractor’s office in the Philadelphia area, one that Bryan’s father frequented. Bryan’s dad...
You really can’t beat Charleston’s sunset views over the water, and Katie and Zane’s nuptials at Harborside East took full advantage of just that with the gorgeous harbor as their backdrop. The...
As lace makes a bigger statement in bridal couture, Jean Brueser, owner of Jean-Paul’s Creative Cakes, artfully incorporated the intricate, delicate, and oh-so-feminine embellishments to these inspired confections.
From a welcome party aboard The Carolina Girl to the send-off with Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits, the mother of the bride planned a flawless wedding weekend
In October 2015, it was the 1,000-year flood. This year, it was Hurricane Matthew. Bummer for Big Days? We think not. See how this couple—one of many—proves love trumps any storm that rolls into Charleston