The Art of the Welcome Bag
It’s often the smallest details that leave the biggest impression. A welcome bag is a wonderful opportunity to share your story, your style, and a bit of fun—just as Hillary and Brandon did so thoughtfully. Each element of their bag was designed to reflect who they are and to make guests feel genuinely welcomed.
The bride’s love of doodling inspired a custom coloring book that told their love story. Every page was hand-illustrated, turning their journey into a playful, personal keepsake. Colored pencils were included, along with a welcome note and the weekend itinerary—making it both charming and useful.
Because they love games, their watercolor save-the-date was turned into a custom jigsaw puzzle, and to keep the playful spirit going, we included a custom deck of cards for some lighthearted fun.
And of course, no welcome bag is complete without snacks and a few essentials to stay hydrated.
All of it came neatly packed in a custom-designed tote, waiting in each guest’s hotel room—a warm and personal start to a weekend full of celebration.
Gifting + Branding @ladyjcreative
Welcome Bags • Rehearsal Dinner Stationery • After Party Branding + Give Aways
Wedding Stationery Suite @impanemapress
Save-the-Dates • Invitations • Programs • Place Cards • Table Numbers • Escort Cards • Menus • Drink signage
Photography by @iralippkestudios
#customized #welcomebags #weddingweekend #personaltouches #weddingstationary #gifting #branding #specialtouches #weddingday
The Rehearsal Dinner
Was held at 87 Sussex, the bride’s family-owned restaurant that just opened this summer in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City. Nestled along the Hudson River waterfront, Paulus Hook is a charming community situated just one mile across the river from Manhattan.
The bride wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown, complete with a beautiful train that set the perfect tone for the festivities. We began the evening with an intimate rehearsal dinner for 64 guests on the upstairs balcony, followed by a welcoming party at 8 p.m. The atmosphere was festive, with guests mingling on the patio, savoring the warmth of the fire pits, and indulging in s’mores. To maximize space, our creative partner, Julie Manheimer of Lady J Creative, designed a seating chart that harmonized with the restaurant’s color palette. Rather than occupying floor space, the seating arrangement was elegantly projected onto the venue’s screen, later transitioning into a captivating loop of moments featuring the couple. A lovely evening that was the kickoff to a beautiful wedding weekend.
It’s hard to believe a week ago today we were kicking off Hilary + Brandon’s wedding weekend. To catch the rest of this spectacular celebration, check out our reels for a stunning video recap.
▫️Planner: @lesliemastinvents
▫️Venue @87sussex
Special shout out to General Manager Amanda Maloney, and Executive Chef Brian Walters and their culinary team
▫️Photography @iralippkestudios
▫️Video @dcfilmco
▫️Hilary’s dress by @moniquelhuiliier
▫️Stationery & Graphic Design by @ladyjcreative
menus / cocktail napkins / place cards
▫️Customized S’mores Kits @kmb_cookieco
▫️Transportation @friendlyride
▫️Bride @hhugz
#weddingrehearsal #rehearsaldinner #weddingday #destinationweddings #vows #weddingceremony #weddingvows #vowbook #ceremonyplanning #lovestory #marriagevows #bridetobe #luxuryweddings #vowexchange #weddingtools #bride #groom #weddingideas #futuremrandmrs #weddingplanning #destinationwedding
Last weekend, our travels took us to the Mill Reef Club in Antigua for the dreamiest wedding! The vibe for the weekend? "Curiosity cabinet meets a shipwreck dripping in pearls with a little White Lotus.”
Prior to guests’ arrival, digital itineraries were sent to all their guests outlining the details of the weekend.
"Look Hot, Not Burned” sunscreen kits and custom maps of the property awaited guests in each of their rooms.
As senior associate for Lucy Jordon Fashion Buying, our bride was on point with her looks. Her request for guests' attire for the wedding? Bring the fashion and the drama; try to upstage the bride!
Thursday night was the rehearsal dinner. Our stylish couple and guests took a 10-minute boat trip to Green Island and dined at the Reef Restaurant.
Friday night was the welcome dinner party. Guests enjoyed the club’s famous rum punch, beachfront tiki lounges, stilt walkers, Iron Band, fire eaters, and the Groom stepped into DJ.
The ceremony was full of lovely tributes. The groom’s father, a classically trained guitarist, played for the ceremony, including a composed piece for Catherine and her dad to walk down the aisle. The wedding was officiated by the groom’s uncle. Lace from Catherine's mother's wedding gown was wrapped around a bouquet and placed on a chair in memory of the bride’s mother, as well as used to wrap around the bouquet she carried down the aisle.
After their I Dos, an Antiguan Army band surprised guests, leading them to cocktail hour. For dinner, the dining room was decorated with beautiful tablescapes: sculptures of shells and sea fans borrowed from an artist club member and intertwined with native botanicals. Round die-cut gold-edged menus with shell motif had each guest's name on the front and were placed in the center of the chargers.
After dinner, guests danced to the sounds of local band Itchy Feet. As the band wound down, everyone was invited to the Bodmer Terrace for the cake-cutting. The club's famous coconut cake was decorated by celebrity pastry chef Sam Cade. Followed by a fireworks display. DJ Purist took over and dancing went into the wee hours of the morning.
Last weekend, our travels took us to Antigua for the dreamiest wedding! The vibe for the weekend? "Curiosity cabinet meets a shipwreck dripping in pearls with a little White Lotus.”
Prior to guests’ arrival, digital itineraries were sent to all their guests outlining the details of the weekend.
"Look Hot, Not Burned” sunscreen kits and custom maps of the property awaited guests in each of their rooms.
As senior associate for Lucie Jordon Fashion Buying, our bride was on point with her looks. Her request for guests' attire for the wedding? Bring the fashion and the drama; try to upstage the bride!
Thursday night was the rehearsal dinner. Our stylish couple and guests took a 10-minute boat trip to Green Island and dined at the Reef Restaurant.
Friday night was the welcome dinner party. Guests enjoyed the club’s famous rum punch, beachfront tiki lounges, stilt walkers, Iron Band, fire eaters, and the Groom stepped into DJ.
The ceremony was full of lovely tributes. The groom’s father, a classically trained guitarist, played for the ceremony, including a composed piece for Catherine and her dad to walk down the aisle. The wedding was officiated by the groom’s uncle. Lace from Catherine's mother's wedding gown was wrapped around a bouquet and placed on a chair in memory of the bride’s mother, as well as used to wrap around the bouquet she carried down the aisle.
After their I Dos, an Antiguan Army band surprised guests, leading them to cocktail hour. For dinner, the dining room was decorated with beautiful tablescapes: sculptures of shells and sea fans borrowed from an artist club member and intertwined with native botanicals. Round die-cut gold-edged menus with shell motif had each guest's name on the front and were placed in the center of the chargers.
After dinner, guests danced to the sounds of local band Itchy Feet. As the band wound down, everyone was invited to the Bodmer Terrace for the cake-cutting. The club's famous coconut cake was decorated by celebrity pastry chef and bridesmaid Sam Cade. Followed by a surprise fireworks display. DJ Purist took over, and dancing happened into the wee hours of the morning.
My absolute, all-time fave. Ever. Ever. // Sage and natural cabana stripe crocheted raffia totes filled with all of the best goodies, including custom monogram candies by @puresugarcandy , gummy Florida gators, a custom wooden puzzle with a @happymenocalstudio illustration and @louloubaker_ playing cards. // @jzevents@alexandra.zelman@jzelman 🌴 🏖
#weddingwelcomegifts #weddingwelcomebags #welcomebags #palmbeachwedding #graphicdesigner #eventdesigner #design #details #ladyjcreative
Add a little kick to that fall palette //🦵🏻 🍁 🎨
#fall #falldecor #autumnvibes #floraldesign #eventprofs #eventdecor #eventdesign #balloongarland #design #details #ladyjcreative
