In Living Watercolor: A Bridal Portrait Service at Neatly Nested
Artwork courtesy of Beth Briggs
Every outfit tells a story—especially your wedding gown. And fashion illustrator Beth Briggs wants to help you tell that story.
Once upon a time (back in January), South Boston’s Neatly Nested design and home decor shop partnered with artist Briggs to sketch and paint brides, creating whimsical watercolor tales from their big day.
Backing up Briggs’s creative illustrations is an impressive list of credentials: She’s armed with a degree in studio art and art history from Wellesley College (’86), plus courses in fashion design, fashion illustration, and children’s book illustration at RISD, Parsons School of Design, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
“We partnered with Beth after a casual conversation with her stepdaughter, who showed me her work,” says Danielle McClure, Neatly Nested owner. “We have multiple matted prints in the shop alongside literature about the bridal sketch service, and we also sell copies of some of Beth’s other illustrations in the shop.”
“Her work is amazing and such a great, personalized wedding gift idea,” she continues. “Or even for the bride herself to capture really special details and moments of her wedding.”
Artwork courtesy of Beth Briggs
When customers order a sketch, Neatly Nested promptly connects them with Briggs. “She works directly with the client on the custom painting directly from an emailed photograph,” says McClure. And, according to McClure, Briggs has more than fashion in her bridal-sketch repertoire: “Beth has done bridal portraits, bridal detail shots of flowers, bridesmaids, fashion sketches, and dogs!”
“I strive to capture a feeling and a special moment rather than an exact likeness of the bride,” explains Briggs. For this reason, she always recommends a three-quarter pose of a bride holding her bouquet—or even a back view of a bride depicting the beautiful lines of her dress and gorgeous updo—rather than a head-on front view.
Neatly Nested is now offering two sizes: 5-by-7-inch portraits for $100 and 8-by-10-inch portraits for $150, which include matting. The artist also offers a 20 percent discount for four or more illustrations. In other words, these would be great bridesmaids’ gifts. Just tell Briggs about each lady’s style and personality, and she’ll make it happen in just three weeks from receipt of all images and materials. She’ll even send along in-progress sketches—making for a very happy ending.
What stories do you want to see in Boston Weddings? Send us tips at weddings@bostonmagazine.com.
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