When we caught sight of the photos and recap from The Wedding Artists Collective + 42 North from this year’s Collective Gathering our eyes opened a little wider with each image scrolled. Inspired by bold color and spring in New York, this year’s event included tablescapes adorned in ombré from pinks to greens to blues, sweet conversation starters, and tasty bites that were works of art on their own. Blown away is an understatement, so we consider ourselves pretty darn lucky to have the deets on every aspect of this sweet spring soiree in honor of some of the industries top talent.
Francie + Britt of 42 North explain, This Collective Gathering was designed with special attention to the beauty of Spring. We are New Englanders and after a long, unrelenting Winter, we were eagerly anticipating a celebration to usher in a new season. Working with a diverse set of creative partners was paramount—both our floral designer and calligrapher/paper goods artist are based just outside Boston and fit seamlessly with each local partner from New York. Likewise, we envisioned gathering not only planners together but all kinds of creatives in the events industry for this celebration. We wanted our guests to feel incredibly well taken care of, which is at the core of our planning approach. And because of the gracious contributions of our partners, each guest felt that and so much more. New friendships were born and past connections were reunited during this festive evening as we all toasted to the busy season ahead.
Ombre flowers and napkins and velvet ombre chairs, even? Patina furniture collection is UNREAL.
Fun note about the vellum place cards Paperweight created: the back of each contained a little-known fact about the guest to their right to inspire conversation and connection in a casual, organic way.
Conceptually, we were drawn to the artistic vision of fashion icon, Iris Apfel. It’s not only the artisanal and eclectic clothing that she so proudly dons, but her trailblazing attitude we’ve always admired. We wanted to bring that essence to this Collective Gathering, and knew that only a bold display of color would suffice. The Greenhouse at The Foundry was the perfect setting for our vision.
Lillibet lined the long tables in their rich ombre design with gradients ranging from pinks to greens, blues and violet.
Naturally favors had to include Accidental Icon!
The evening began in the Courtyard, on a perfect Spring evening, as guests mingled with fruity cocktails and enjoyed the sounds of contemporary favorites played by Elan Artists. Lounge vignettes were perfectly styled by our friends Patina with bohemian rugs, rattan chairs and inviting couches set around the open fire pit. From the first bite of Nuhma New York’s incredible food, guests were in awe. Each dish – from the delicate Vietnamese Ravioli to the Coconut Tapioca Pudding—was flawlessly prepared without an ounce of pretension, and enjoyed by every guest until the last bite.
Colorful fare to match the spring mood, check.
The WAC Gatherings have been a way for me to work intimately with creative planners who I admire and also as a way to connect in an intimate setting with other industry leaders. Our very first gathering took place four years ago at The Wythe and since then we’ve been to Palm Springs, Baja, Upstate New York—it felt so fitting to bring the celebration back to the city. With every gathering I partner with a planner who builds his/her team to bring their unique creative vision to life. They will assemble a team of artists who will produce each thoughtful element of the event and I admire witnessing each “do their thing” as things unfold. This occasion was a fantastic marriage of talent from New England and New York, with a diverse group of creatives that brought a real soulfulness to the event. And as for the next Collective Gathering, I’m already eagerly hatching plans for future gatherings, so stay tuned!” – Lisa Ashley, owner and manager of The Wedding Artists Co.
Congratulations to Lisa and the crew below on another gorgeous Collective Gathering!
Hosts, Photography & Video: The Wedding Artists Collective / Hosts, Event Design & Planning: 42 North / Venue: The Foundry / Florals: Lillibet / Hair & Makeup: Beautini / Catering: Nuhma NYC / Paper: Paperweight / Rental Furniture: Patina / Tabletop Rentals: borrowedBLU / Gifts: Vessel Brooklyn / Entertainment: Elan Artists / PR: In Good Company PR
