Dempsey & Carroll’s Austin Ackles sat down with event planner Andrea Adelstein of NYLUX Events to talk about her favorite venues and more. 

Austin: Invitations were a family business when you were growing up. How has the wedding invitation changed since then?

Andrea: I believe invitations set the tone for the party. The wedding invitation has changed quite a lot over the past 30+ years. When I was growing up the choices were fewer and everything was a version of the same basic standard. Now couples can do almost anything: logos, craft paper, multiple colors and fonts. Brides and grooms can have their collective personalities shine through their invitation. I do caution couples to not go too outrageous, as I want them to love their invitation 10, 20 and 30 years from now. And a classic engraved or letterpress invitation is always gorgeous.

Austin: What venue do you love because it never fails to inspire you?

Andrea: I love Tribeca Rooftop for weddings. The light shining through the glass ceiling at dusk is gorgeous; the staircase for the bride or couple to descend makes for both incredible photographs and a dramatic entrance. As a planner, I can be creative in so many ways there. The kitchen is incredibly accommodating and the food always delicious.

Austin: You’ve designed an event for Hillary Clinton. When you know there’s going to be a lot of security involved, what extra preparations are required?

Andrea: When dealing with a celebrity, the biggest item to plan for is extra time! Time for security to do their job, for arrivals, for approvals. Planning needs to start earlier and you need to build more time into the overall schedule for everything.

Pictured: NoMad Hotel Rooftop