Inspired: Décor and details - An Amalfi Coast themed bridal shower

Design is in the details and this bridal shower was laden with meticulously curated details! Guests were visually swept away to the Mediterranean coast the moment they entered this space. The venue was adorned in lemon yellow hues and Capri blues for the occasion. A vibrant welcome sign greeted guests at the door and the color story continued through out the space, from the delicate place settings, down to the table seating cards which were composed of beautiful white roses, each in their own glass vase with the guests’ names and table numbers attached.

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

The event was designed and planned by Party with Sol and they definitely brought the ‘sol’ to this vibrant bridal shower!

The Maritime Parc, set inside Jersey City’s Liberty State Park was the perfect venue for this intimate brunch. The large windows brought in natural lighting and the room had plenty of space for with space for mingling as well as table seating.

Guests were treated to live acoustic music by Lawrence Trailer and live fashion illustrations by Deanna Kei (~ that’s me!)

The sketches were a hit! Guests were invited to be turned into fashion illustration versions of themselves and each walked away with a special keepsake from the day! Since it was a sit down event, guests posed for a quick photo at the sketching station and were able to return to their seats while their drawings were being created on the spot. Then they were able to pick up their sketches at their leisure.

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography - Illustration: Deanna Kei

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography - Illustration: Deanna Kei

The bride-to-be wore a beautiful white sundress with a corseted bodice and a full skirt.

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography - Illustration: Deanna Kei

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

There was a gorgeous back drop set out for people to take selfies and photos in front of. It was the perfect spot for the cake cutting!

The event was photographed by Walter Wall Photography. The breathtaking images in this post are credit to Walter Wall Photography.

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

Each of the guests were dressed for the occasion. Here are some more illustrations of their looks!:

Credit: Walter Wall Photography - Illustration: Deanna Kei

Credit: Walter Wall Photography - Illustration: Deanna Kei

*Photo - Deanna Kei , phone pic

Credit: Walter Wall Photography

*Photo - Deanna Kei , phone pic

Here are some of the vendors who made the event such a success:

Venue: The Maritime Parc , Jersey City, New Jersey USA

Event Planner: Party With Sol

Music: Lawrence Trailer - Trailer Entertainment

Photographer: Walter Wall Photography

Live Fashion Art: Deanna Kei

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events. She’s available to book for live events, and for custom illustration projects *Contact deannakei@gmail.com

Live Bag Painting for Activations and Events

Looking for even more creative ways to bring excitement to your events? Live bag painting is quickly becoming a favorite! I’ll share some details below on what Live bag painting is and how you can book a session for your next event!

What is live event bag painting?: A fun and creative way to customize your guests’ experience and give them a gift they can carry with them (in addition to the memories)!

How does it work?: I’ll create custom illustrated tote bags for your guests live. To get started I’ll chat with each guest about their preferences, favorite colors, and any ideas they have while suggesting some of my own ideas. Then I’ll create their very own bag design based on their likes. The fabric markers I use dry instantly so there’s no wait time.

What are some popular designs?: The NYC skyline, taxis, flowers, and fashion illustrations (of the guest) are some of my most requested designs.

What kind of totes do you use?: I can draw on most light colored types of canvas/fabric bags and can supply plain totes or work with your existing branded totes. *Tote size varies by availability at the time of booking.

Are the illustrated bags waterproof?: I use pre-tested waterproof fabric markers so the bags can safely get wet without the colors running.

How long does it take? That will depend on the tote size selected for your event and the types of designs requested. We’ll work out the details together at the time of booking.

To get more information about booking for your own event fill out the form below!

To see more photos of totes I’ve illustrated live at past events scroll to the bottom of this page!

Two shoppers with their matching totes by Deanna Kei commemorating their twins trip to NYC for the holidays!

Customized shoppers tote for Bergdorf Goodman event

Customized shoppers tote for Bergdorf Goodman event

Here are some photos of totes I illustrated live for Bergdorf Goodman in their NYC store at a past event.

Deanna Kei creating live tote illustrations at Bergdorf Goodman NYC

A shopper holding her custom tote by Deanna Kei inside Bergdorf Goodman

Two shoppers with their custom totes by Deanna Kei at Bergdorf Goodman

Should you have live art at your next event?

Want to give your guests a fun little gift that compliments their personal style and makes them feel like a runway model? Having live art is a creative way to keep your guests entertained during your event, and the best part is that they can take theirs with them as a favor when the night ends!

Each sketch takes between 6-8 minutes per person and guests have fun chatting while watching each other’s drawings come to life. My sketches are done in inks and markers in full color. They can be branded with the event name and date, and are the perfect take home pieces!

Guests put so much thought into their outfits for events, so the offer to draw them in their look is usually met with excitement. I often hear things like “This is so cool! I’m going to frame this when I get home!”

Live sketching works well for private events like bridal showers and weddings, and retail events like collection launches alike! This season I’ve worked with a ton of different brands, clients, couples, and event planners. Check out some photos below!

Want to get a price quote for your event? Submit your event request here!

Here are photos from some of the beautiful weddings, store events, birthday parties, and bridal showers I’ve sketched at during the first half of 2022!

Joy & Alex’s Wedding - The Ryland Inn - Whitehouse Station, NJ

Laura Ann and John’s Wedding - June - Westport, Conneticut

Samantha’s Bridal Shower - June - Farmingdale, NY

Lance and Berniece’s Wedding - June - Art Factory - Patterson, NJ

Cassie and Dave’s Wedding - July - Sheraton - Eatontown, NJ

Sydney & Randy’s Wedding - The Foundry - Long Island City, Queens

Jessie’s Bridal Shower - June - Trattoria Diane - Long Island, NY

Alice + Olivia - Mother’s Day Event - Madison Ave, NYC

Group M,The Upfronts - May Event - Nobu - NYC

Mavi Jeans - June Event - Gallow Green - NYC

*Digital Ipad sketches were requested for this event

4th and 41st Birthday Party - May - Time Out Rooftop - Brooklyn, NY

Jenna’s Bridal Shower - May - Quaker Ridge Golf Club - Scarsdale, NY

Shenika and Matthew’s Wedding - July - 501 Union - Brooklyn, NY

Alice + Olivia - July Event - Madison Ave, NYC

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events. She’s available to book for both live and virtual events. *To commission illustrations for your brand contact deannakei@gmail.com