Ink & Press Co.

I remember the first time I stepped into a press shop. I was there to meet with a longtime printer to better understand antique presses, paper weights, stock varieties, and foil. He showed me a current project: business cards in sleek black foil on smooth black paper. I was captivated. The quiet, almost imperceptible contrast felt effortless.

Over the years, I’ve proposed a black-on-black palette for more modern projects, but have yet to have a client take me up on it. I’m delighted to say, nearly eight years later, it finally found its place with the gala.

It was an honor to create these interactive, multi-layered menus with this stunning black-on-black combination in mind. The front panel featured black foil pressed into black cotton cardstock following the organic curves of a custom die-cut, reminiscent of rippling water. Framed within is a two-image lenticular print, shifting side to side between a black fungi composition and delicate, inky, tattoo-inspired foliage. On the reverse, silver foil reveals the evening’s menu against black velvet, continuing the atmospheric, almost cinematic tone of the night.

It was all proof that some combinations stay with you for a reason 🖤



PREMIER SPONSORS
Creative Direction, Event & Floral Design:
Venue: .philly
Conservatory Tent:
Catering:
Entertainment: +
AV Event Production:
Stationery & Event Branding:
Event Draping:
Presenting Sponsor:

I’ll be rolling out gala content for a bit, but I can’t let any more time pass without properly thanking the visionary behind it all, 🖤

Last year’s gala was the first in-person industry event I had ever attended, and I left with a very clear feeling that I wanted to be part of it. I joke that I basically campaigned for a year to be the stationery partner, and when Liz stepped in as the designer, it only made me want it more.

At a minimum, I wanted to contribute the paper. But Liz invited me into something much bigger. She brought me in as a true creative collaborator.

Looking back on those months of designing, it’s all just warm, nostalgic energy. So many moments of bouncing ideas back and forth, with Liz leading the vision and me jumping in with “wait wait, I have the perfect woodgrain paper for that moiré moment,” or “if we’re going chrome, let’s commit. Mirrored silver acrylic everywhere.”

As Ink & Press has grown, and as I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve gotten clearer on the kind of work I want to be doing. Not just paper, but full event branding. The kind that quietly shapes how something is felt and experienced. This gala was exactly that.

In true event branding form - no surface was left untouched. From ceiling panels to custom rugs, vinyl bar decals, stage wraps, digital graphics, and every layer of paperie throughout. Liz trusted me to help bring all of it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of what was created.

So to Liz - being in your orbit was incredibly special. Thank you for building such a beautiful world, and for inviting me into it. 🖤

There’s an insane amount of detail to share from this velvet boxed invitation with . But, taking a moment to first highlight the tri-fold details booklet with playful verbiage and subtle ticket shape as a nod to the iconic Fillmore Theatre in Detroit where the wedding celebration took place. Wrapped in camel velvet with a leather stud closure, and a combo of white foil press and debossing on the interior. Layers and layers of beauty! 🤎