A Hospitality-Forward Dinner Party in the Hudson Valley

Real Weddings

Nov 10

Linen bar sign topped with an arrangement of lemons

In June of 2025, I had the privilege of designing some day-of stationery for Fiona and Billy, alongside their planner Kelcey. The entire weekend took place in Hudson, a place that became a restful escape from the city life while they were dating. It only made sense to start their marriage in such a special location. The entire weekend was rooted in a hospitality-first mindset. They wanted each guest to feel personally welcomed, cared for, and comfortable throughout their events. It emulated the feeling of a cozy dinner party, set in a gorgeous landscape of the Hudson Valley. Along with this hospitality focus, the design inspiration was that of a French market. Woven market bags, subtle elegance, and citrus fruits were elements woven throughout.

Starting with their welcome party, Fiona and Billy hosted their guests at Wylde to kick off the weekend. Excellent food and drinks were a must for the weekend, and the welcome party also served a market-style experience. Fiona is a talented ceramicist and hand made plates for each and every guest. Gift bags were provided with treats to enjoy at the party and to take home for later. Guests enjoyed spritzes and gelato as the perfect way to ease into the weekend.

The wedding day was held at Southwood Estate, a stunning historic property overlooking the Hudson River. Not only does it offer rich character, but also scenic views of the river and Catskills. The serenity of the location was felt through the design of their reception tent. A clean color palette, cozy lighting, and a mix of table shapes were some of the highlights. Hospitality remained a focus through their wedding day. Parasols were provided during the ceremony, providing both a practical and beautiful touch to the experience. In the reception, guests began by ‘checking in’ at a station that resembled a host stand. Here they were provided with a welcome booklet and guided to their tables. The welcome booklet was carefully thought out, including the history of the property, a heartfelt note from Fiona and Billy, and the menu for the evening. Bold and clean typography was used throughout their day-of paper, from the flowing linen bar signs to the square, double-thick table numbers.