NYLUX Events is a full service, luxury event planning and production firm founded in 2010. Our events are designed around you. We develop a long-lasting relationship with each client, by listening and putting them at the center of our planning process. Whether it’s a milestone, wedding, mitzvah or corporate event, we learn our client’s priorities. Our mission is to curate a one-of-a-kind experience where each story and style are front and center. Creating an extraordinary celebration takes skill and experience to execute properly. We take the lead in making your event one to remember. Let us make you a guest at your own event.
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
One trend I’m excited by is the continuous evolution in the culinary world over the last years. I love how creative and interactive food presentations have become, how open clients are to serve interesting flavor profiles and how food from different cultures is accessible and easily incorporated into our events.
The second trend I love is also food-based. The world of desserts and sweets has come alive with exciting options. We love all of our specialty dessert vendors – from gorgeous cookies to neon cotton candy to crazy fun cakes!
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
All our events are team projects and our vendors are an integral part of the team, and everyone on the team is treated with respect. I believe it is very important to pair vendors well with each client – taking into account vision, personality, budget. That is how we assemble a dream team for each event and take care of both our clients’ needs and our vendors too.
What advice would you give someone who needs to plan a fundraiser but isn’t sure where to start?
People are looking for experiences so I always start by trying to find an interactive aspect for each fundraiser. Finding a way to engage guests so they can really understand the goal of the non-profit is the goal.
Currently, I’m working on a fundraiser for an incredible organization called Art-Bridge, which allows for the installation of art on construction areas around New York. We are hosting their fundraiser across the street from an installation, bringing in the artists who painted the artwork and will then auction parts of the installation. The winning bidders will then walk out with the artists and choose the part of the artwork they would like. Guests at the fundraiser will see the artwork installed, speak to the artists, and learn about the organization. If you can design the fundraiser so that guests have an experience they could not normally have, you have the makings of a successful event.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
I’m very excited that I’ve been asked to plan and produce Carnegie Hall’s Dream Wedding giveaway this coming April. One lucky couple will win the opportunity to host their wedding at Carnegie Hall for free. I’ve brought in the best vendors in the business and am looking forward to meeting the winning couple and working with them. Carnegie Hall is one of my favorite venues in the city, and Constellation Culinary does incredible food. The view from the terrace is a gem in New York and the rooms are filled with Carnegie Hall’s history. Its a very special place and I’m honored to be planning the wedding.
What inspired you to launch your own company in the event industry? How long did it take from initially having the idea of setting up and starting to attract a client base?
My fate as an event planner seemed pre-determined. I took all of my passions: entertaining, cooking, inviting people into my home — everything that represented who I really was — added in my strong set of organizational skills and aesthetics, and harnessed them into the business of event planning. I grew up in a household that valued proper entertaining and spent the beginning of my career at Saks Fifth Avenue. Soon after having children, a friend convinced me to work with him “here and there” in his event planning company. Eventually, I went to work with another wonderful event planner, partnering on some of New York City’s most creative and glamorous social occasions. In 2010, I went out on my own and formed NYLUX Events. Looking back, I feel as if I have found my calling.
