A New York-Inspired Graduation Party
Private Home | Andover, MA
NYU Dreams & NYC-Inspired Details
A Celebration That Danced Through the Rain
As a native New Yorker who began an acting career in the city before founding Slope To Coast Events, designing this graduation celebration felt especially meaningful to me. When a talented young dancer was preparing to head off to NYU, her family wanted a party as unique as she was.
While a torrential rainstorm arrived almost on cue the day of the event, it didn't slow the celebration for a moment. Guests flowed effortlessly between the home's inviting interior and the tented outdoor spaces, creating an energetic atmosphere that felt vibrant from beginning to end. The result was a memorable and highly personalized celebration worthy of an exciting next chapter in New York City.
Inspired by Dance & New York City
The event design celebrated both the graduate's love of dance and her future at NYU, blending contemporary styling with playful New York-inspired details. Whimsical alliums appeared to dance throughout the space, while flowing ribbons subtly referenced ballet pointe shoes. One of my favorite design elements was a contemporary sculptural face vase with vibrant purple alliums emerging from the top—a playful and artistic nod to NYU's signature color.
Inside the home, lounge spaces featured NYU logo pillows and rich purple accents, creating inviting gathering spots that connected seamlessly with the celebration outdoors. In fact, an existing family portrait hanging in the living room featured everyone dressed in shades of purple—a detail that felt almost like foreshadowing and inspired us to weave additional purple accents throughout the space.
Beyond the tent, dramatic balloon installations transformed the grand staircase and entrance with pizza slices, yellow taxi cabs, the Statue of Liberty, and plenty of NYU purple. Bringing touches of the city I grew up loving into this celebration made the design process especially fun.
Interactive Experiences & Big Apple-Inspired Bites
Guests moved seamlessly between the home's indoor gathering spaces and the tented celebration outdoors, enjoying New York-inspired food and flavors, purple cocktails and mocktails, and a branded pretzel cart designed especially for the graduate. The menu featured iconic city favorites including Little Italy-inspired cuisine, cannoli finished with purple sprinkles, New York cheesecake, and Waldorf salad—giving guests a true taste of the Big Apple.
One of the evening's biggest hits was The Pop Shop Patch Bar, where guests customized tote bags with colorful patches and personalized designs. The activation was especially popular with the teens, who enthusiastically created one-of-a-kind bags reflecting their personalities. A few adults joined in too, proving that creative experiences have a way of bringing out the kid in all of us. The station buzzed with energy all evening and quickly became a favorite part of the celebration.
A Night to Remember
Live music from two Berklee graduates, meaningful personal details, and plenty of surprises made this celebration unforgettable. Rain may have been in the forecast, but it couldn't stop this joyful and highly personalized sendoff as one remarkable young woman headed off to NYU.
Planner + Designer: Slope to Coast Events
Signage: Slope to Coast Events
Tote Patch Bar: The Pop Shop of Slope to Coast Events
Caterer: Catering by Erin McMahon
Bar: Bartending by Tucker
Florist: Rococo
Dessert: Sharon’s Sweets
Photographer: Isabella Luksha
Balloons: Polished Balloons
Rentals: Peak
Tent: Peak
