Photographing the 2026 Telfair Ball, A Legacy in Motion, was one of those evenings that stays with you. It brought together history, community, and purpose in a way that felt both meaningful and effortless. Events like this are a reminder of how powerful it is when people gather for something bigger than themselves.
This year’s ball marked two incredible milestones for Telfair Museums: the 140th anniversary of the Telfair Academy and the 20th anniversary of the Jepson Center. As shared during the evening, “this year’s celebration marked two important milestones… while bringing together supporters of the arts for an unforgettable evening.” You could feel that throughout the night, not just in the setting, but in the people who showed up to support it.
The Telfair Ball is the museum’s most significant annual fundraiser. “Proceeds from the 2026 ball directly benefit the museum’s education programs,” which continue to serve thousands of students each year. In 2025 alone, more than 8,000 students were impacted. That includes the longest-running free admission school program for all fourth-grade students in the Savannah–Chatham County area.
That purpose shifts the way you see the entire evening. It is not just about the design or the celebration. It is about impact, access to the arts, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and guests whose generosity makes this work possible.” And honestly, that gratitude was felt in every part of the night. From the conversations to the energy in the room, it was clear this event matters.
For me, photographing the 2026 Telfair Ball was about more than what it looked like. It was about preserving a night that represents legacy, generosity, and a community that continues to show up for the arts in a real way.
Stationery Art by Bob Christian
The stationery for the 2026 Telfair Ball, original artwork by Bob Christian and produced by Courtland & Co. and Lollipop Letterpress, set the tone for the entire evening. Soft lavender envelopes paired with fresh greens and warm citrus tones created a palette that felt both refined and inviting. Floral elements and delicate calligraphy tied everything together, making each piece feel intentional and layered. It was the kind of design that not only welcomed guests but also gave a glimpse into the creativity they would experience throughout the night.
The Cocktail Hour Tent Design
The cocktail tent design felt like stepping into a completely different world. From the outside, the structure was clean and simple. But inside, it opened into a soft, all-white space that felt elevated and calm. I was especially drawn to the layered textures, from the draping to the marble bar and the plush lounge seating.
Overhead, the cloud-like installations added depth and movement while still keeping the space light and airy. Paired with the oversized floral arrangements, every detail worked together to create a setting that felt modern and intentional.
2026 Telfair Ball Cocktail Hour Event
Cocktail hour felt like a seamless continuation of the design – elevated, and effortlessly social. Guests gathered in the all-white tent, dressed in classic white tie, while trays of beautifully presented hors d’oeuvres made their way through the crowd. I loved the attention to detail in the food. From the delicate bite-sized canapés to the sculptural dessert displays set on layered white pedestals.
One of my favorite moments was watching Hampton Watts, a talented live painter at work – it added such a thoughtful, artistic layer to the experience. Between the signature cocktails, the soft movement of the crowd, and the curated details throughout, the entire hour felt both relaxed and incredibly refined.
Dinner Tent Design
Walking into the dinner tent felt like stepping into a fully immersive design moment. The patterned draping overhead brought in a soft, botanical texture that immediately set the tone, while the green lantern-style fixtures added structure and a subtle architectural element.
Long tables lined the space, layered with printed linens, delicate china, and embroidered napkins that echoed the stationery details. The table linens were designed with art by Bob Christian, who is a big-time artist in Savannah, and his wife.
The florals were a standout – lush arrangements in shades of coral, peach, and soft pink ran the length of the tables, glowing alongside candlelight. Every element, from the green chairs to the custom textiles, worked together to create a space that felt vibrant, cohesive, and incredibly thoughtful.
2026 Telfair Ball Live Auction and Dinner
As dinner began, the energy in the tent shifted in the best way. Guests settled into their seats, surrounded by candlelight and layered florals, while the evening’s program unfolded seamlessly. Dinner itself was just as thoughtful.
One of the most memorable parts of the auction was the artwork and the vacations. Guests could bid for vacations to Barbados, week-long stays at The Hamptons, etc.
From where I stood, it was one of those moments that remind me why I love photographing events like this. You could feel the energy in the room. People were engaged, present, and genuinely invested in what was happening.
By the time dessert was served, the room felt warm and connected. It was the kind of evening where design and purpose came together, and you could see it in every interaction.
Telfair Ball After Party
After dinner and the auction wrapped up, the night shifted back into the cocktail tent, and it completely transformed. The space took on a new energy with soft lounge seating, colorful lighting, and a packed dance floor that kept growing as the night went on.
This is always one of my favorite parts of an event to photograph. The structure of the evening fades a bit, and people just enjoy themselves. The DJ kept the momentum going, and it felt like no one wanted the night to end.
Late-night bites made their way through the crowd, and they were just as thoughtfully done as everything earlier in the evening. From passed snacks to drinks in hand, guests were relaxed, laughing, and fully in it.
The lighting overhead added so much to the atmosphere. Balloon installations and glowing fixtures gave the space a completely different feel from the cocktail hour earlier in the day. It felt elevated but still fun!
By the end of the night, the dance floor was full, shoes were probably off somewhere, and the energy was exactly what you hope for after an event like this. It was the perfect way to close out the evening, and one I won’t forget photographing anytime soon.
2026 Telfair Ball Vendors
Planning & Design: Tara Skinner Events / @taraskinnerevents
2026 Telfair Ball Chair + Custom Linens: Courtland Stevens, Courtland & Co. / @courtlandandco
Custom Artwork: Bob Christian / @bobchristiandecorativeart and Julia Christian Art / @juliachristianart
Organization: Telfair Museums / @telfairmuseums
Photography: Hunter Hennes / @hunter.hennes
Videography: The Summer Films / @thesummerfilms
Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals / @amazingeventrentals and Curated Events
/ @curatedeventscharleston
Florals: August Design / @augustdesign
Draping: LIT Charleston / @lit_charleston
Lighting + AV: Advanced AV / @advanced_av
Custom Clouds: Floatie Kings / @floatiekingscustom
Catering: Cru Catering / @crucatering
Bar Service: Daniel Reed Hospitality / @danielreedhospitality
Cello Player: Wayne Bucknor Jr / @ wbucknorjr
DJ: W. Smith Music / @w.smith.music
Paper Styling: Courtland & Co. / @courtlandandco and Lollipop Letterpress / @lollipopletterpress
Desserts: Vanilla & the Bean / @vanillaandthebean
Venue: Eastern Wharf / @easternwharfsavannah @theparkateasternwharf
Linens: Courtland & Co. / @courtlandandco and BBJ La Tavola Linens / @bbjlatavola
