A first date. A favorite restaurant. A hotel from a trip neither of you will ever forget. A matchbook can bring you right back to a place and everything it meant.
On August 22, hamptonBRIDE welcomed engaged couples to The Shoals in Southold for a matchbook workshop with Matthew Perlman of ArtisHouse NYC. The afternoon invited couples to tell their love stories through matchbooks, creating museum-worthy shadow boxes to display in their homes.
Our host, The Shoals, provided an incredible spread, signature cocktails and local wine. With its waterfront views and relaxed North Fork charm, the property is a beautiful setting for welcome drinks, a wedding weekend gathering or an intimate wedding, and a wonderful setting for A Perfect Match.
Among hundreds of matchbooks, couples found little pieces of their own history. A restaurant they loved, a hotel they remembered, a destination that meant something to them. Each discovery sparked a conversation, and hearing the stories behind their choices was one of the loveliest parts of the afternoon.
With Matthew’s guidance, those individual discoveries came together as thoughtfully composed works of art. Color, typography and imagery gave each arrangement its character, while the stories behind the matchbooks made it personal. A few pieces of memorabilia added another layer, but the matchbooks remained at the heart of each shadow box.
Matt also brought his engraving machine, giving guests another keepsake to take home. A brass matchbook, a lighter cover or a beautiful compact became a signature trinket from the afternoon, engraved on the spot.
In the midst of planning their next chapter, couples enjoyed a little time together celebrating the story so far.
The finishing touch? A swag bag of dreams.
Each couple received a beautiful bouquet from Bloom of the Hamptons, North Fork napkins from Oyster & Arrow, a miniature three-tier wedding cake from Veg on Board, a candle from Scentille, The Shoals’ signature bandana and hamptonBRIDE merch. Bloom also provided the gorgeous centerpieces that elevated the waterfront setting.
From the matchbooks to the thoughtful gifts, the day was a dream date.
Trend Alert: We’re Calling It
For a bach celebration, bridal shower, engagement party, welcome drinks or the wedding itself, ArtisHouse NYC brings something special to the celebration. It’s an experience that gets guests talking and a keepsake they’ll want to hold on to. Be the first in your circle to bring ArtisHouse NYC to the celebration. Your friends will be taking notes.
And Matt’s artistry extends well beyond the celebration. Send him the pieces you saved from your wedding day, from your invitation and cocktail coasters to custom matchbooks and other personal details, and he’ll compose a gorgeous shadow box that deserves a place on your wall.
Based in NYC, Matt welcomes visitors to his new showroom at 18 West 23rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY. To bring ArtisHouse NYC to your next celebration, explore his hamptonBRIDE profile.
There’s more to come from hamptonBRIDE. Stay tuned for upcoming events that introduce you to the people, places and ideas worth knowing as you plan your East End wedding.
