Winter in NYC was long, hard and bleak so once spring began to take hold of the city, celebration was in order. Creatives all around New York and Boston began planning the next Collective Gathering to bring together thought leaders in the planning industry for an intimate night of conversation, inspiration and a shared meal. Committed to providing a bespoke, immersive experience, the partners behind this stunning soiree gave it their all. Using The Foundry to bring spring to the city, the evening was accompanied by special touches like fluttering butterflies, gradient spring blooms and fresh yet comforting dishes. Inspired by Iris Apfel's trailblazing attitude, the evening was bold, fun and a little unexpected.  

Hear from Francie Dorman and Britt Cole, co-founders of 42 North as well as Lisa Ashley, owner and founder of The Wedding Artist Co. about the design, detail and minds that went into this colorful party. 





Francie Dorman and Britt Cole: "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." 





Francie and Britt: "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, our exclusive floral designer, using nearly every spring flower imaginable, lined the long tables in a rich gradient from vibrant pinks to greens to blues and violet. Velvet seating followed suit, and each seat played a distinct part in the makeup of the entire design. Borrowed Blu added crystal vintage tumblers, modern marbled plates and mid-century flatware for a crisp white, multi-dimensional tabletop." 





Francie and Britt: "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." 





Francie and Britt: "Giving our guests the space to be truly present and feel connected with the ones around them was behind every design consideration. Paperweight created a small vellum card that adorned each place setting, with a little known fact about the person sitting to their right. It inspired fun, free-spirited conversations while helping welcome new friends to our community in an organic way. As guests departed, Vessel Brooklyn sent each home with a bespoke gift box as a token of our thanks for joining us. Inside was chocolates, bath salts, a festive cocktail shaker and a copy of Iris Apfel's autobiography 'Accidental Icon' and the paper butterfly that whimsically fluttered out of the book!" 





Lisa Ashley, owner and manager of The Wedding Artists Co: “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!” 

Hosts, Event Design & Planning: 42 North | Hosts, Photography & Video: The Wedding Artists Co. | Venue: The Foundry | Catering: Nuhma NYC | Paper: Paperweight | Florals: Lillibet | Rental furniture: Patina | Rental tabletop: Borrowed Blu | Gifts: Vessel Brooklyn | Entertainment: Elan Artists | Hair & Makeup: Beautini | PR: In Good Company PR | Event: @WACgatherings & #WACGATHERINGS