The Venue

The welcome dinner we designed and planned for Darren and Jenn at Lilia Brooklyn was the perfect playful and food focused welcome dinner at Lilia. The event was an extraordinary blend of culinary excellence, creativity, and playful design. The evening, hosted in one of Brooklyn's most beloved restaurants, showcased the incredible food crafted by Chef Missy Robbins, setting the tone for a food-centric celebration. Lilia, located in the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, is renowned for its expertly crafted Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. Helmed by Chef Missy Robbins, the restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the simplicity and freshness of Italian ingredients, with a particular focus on handmade pasta and wood-fired dishes. The sleek, modern design of Lilia features an open kitchen, allowing diners to witness the culinary artistry in action, while large windows provide ample natural light, creating an airy, welcoming space. With its combination of exceptional food, thoughtful design, and a lively ambiance, Lilia has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors, making it an ideal backdrop for Darren + Jenn’s welcome dinner. The vibrant hues were woven into every detail, from the bubbly, playful floral arrangements by Mimosa Floral creating a cohesive and joyful atmosphere. The ambiance was warm and inviting, perfectly complemented by a lively color palette of pinks, yellows, oranges, and greens. The vibrant hues were woven into every detail, from the bubbly, playful floral arrangements by Mimosa Floral creating a cohesive and joyful atmosphere.

The Food

Lilia's food is a celebration of Italian culinary traditions, meticulously crafted with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef Missy Robbins, known for her passion for handmade pasta, brings a creative touch to classic dishes, making each plate a unique experience. The menu features an array of offerings, from delicate, rich pastas tossed in vibrant sauces to expertly grilled meats and seasonal vegetables, all cooked with a wood-fired flair. Signature dishes like the famed ricotta cavatelli and the smoky, tender eggplant have garnered acclaim, showcasing a balance of flavors and textures that are both comforting and refined. Lilia’s commitment to sourcing the best local produce shines through in every dish, creating an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. Whether dining in the chic interior or enjoying a meal al fresco, guests are treated to an exceptional culinary journey that leaves a lasting impression.

The Flowers

One of the standout design elements was the inclusion of colorful glasses in fun, bubble-like shapes, which added a whimsical touch to the table settings. These vases, paired with napkins featuring playful pasta drawings, reinforced the lighthearted, food-loving vibe of the evening. The decor alone created a sense of celebration and fun. Each piece felt thoughtfully selected, enhancing the experience without overwhelming the guests, allowing them to fully enjoy Lilia’s culinary delights in a vibrant, yet relaxed setting.

The decor extended beyond the tables and into the architecture of Lilia Brooklyn, where stunning florals were hung in strands over the restaurant’s industrial-style windows and bookshelves. These delicate floral arrangements, featuring the pink, yellow, orange, and sage palette, added a touch of softness and organic beauty to the otherwise sleek, modern space. The cascading flowers brought the outdoors in, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that felt fresh and dynamic. The strands of flowers were draped drawing the eye and adding an additional layer of visual interest, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic of the dinner. This thoughtful detail not only elevated the décor but also tied the entire room together, creating a seamless blend of nature and design.

The Paper Goods

The modern black and white paper goods designed by Emily Baird added a sophisticated contrast to the vibrant color palette of the welcome dinner, seamlessly tying into the overarching theme of the wedding celebrations throughout the weekend. With clean lines and elegant typography, these paper elements—such as invitations, place cards, and menus—offered a chic and timeless touch that balanced the playful floral arrangements and colorful decor. As guests transitioned from the welcome dinner to the main events, the continuity of design provided a cohesive visual narrative, ensuring that every detail felt interconnected. This harmonious blend of modern elegance and festive flair not only enhanced the overall aesthetic but also set the tone for a weekend filled with love, joy, and celebration.

The Entertainment

Adding to the charm of the evening was a live drawer, an unexpected and interactive element that brought an artistic flair to the celebration. The live artist sketched custom illustrations for guests, capturing moments from the dinner or creating unique pieces inspired by the theme. This personal touch not only entertained but also provided guests with a memorable keepsake, reinforcing the creativity and attention to detail that made Darren and Jenn's welcome dinner so special. The live drawings, in harmony with the playful decor, helped make the evening a truly one-of-a-kind experience.