New Website and Blog, all in one

I am SO EXCITED to announce today the release of the new Engaging Events by Ali Website! The blog has also been incorporated into the site so please go there for your one stop shop on Great Chicago Weddings!

Click here to see the new Engaging Events by Ali Website and Blog!!!

Ali Phillips Presents at Weddings with Wow in Indianapolis

On Wednesday, January 20th, I was asked to be the Speaker for ISES/ABC Weddings with Wow Luncheon in Indianapolis. I felt so welcomed by my host, Lee Johnson of Chair Covers. Inc. The luncheon was so gorgeous I really did say WOW! when I walked into the room. Different designers and florists designed tabletops which were so impressive. I did a presentation on the Top Weddings Trends for 2009, supported by many pictures of past events I have done. It was a lively discussion and people had some great questions following my presentation. Below are some pictures from that event. I have to remember next time to have someone snap a picture of me when I am presenting.

Lee Johnson of Chair Covers, Inc.
Gorgeous table done by Gene Huddleson at Details and Design








Here was a nice note about my presentation from Gloria Boyden, the Association of Bridal Consultants State Coordinator in Indiana.
"Today we had the joint ISES/ABC wedding Wow lunch and it was a Wow. Besides beautiful tables designed by planners, caterers and florists, we had a fabulous meal. Then the piece de resistance was the wonderful presentation by Ali Phillips. Her presentation was timely (some photos from Jan. 20), she was engaging and so enthusiastic, and had great command of her subject matter." Gloria Boyden.

Ali Phillips in Chicago Tribune

I was so excited to see the article I was interviewed for by Emilie Le Beau for the Chicago Tribune this past Sunday in their Smart Section! We had talked about the best things to have in an emergency kit for any mishaps on the wedding day.

Click Here to see the article.

Flower Monday

I LOVED the vibrant fall colors of Jenn and Kelly's wedding in September. I wanted to share the lovely flower details with you today!

Pictures by Michael Scarpelli.

Flower Monday

I LOVE these centerpieces from Sarah and Craig's Wedding at The Rookery Building this past August 31st, 2009! Very colorful and elegant with the blue and the pops of orange, green and purple. Her wedding cake was a classic white three-tiered wedding cake with blues and green flowers. When the bridesmaids arrived to the reception we placed their bouquets at the cake table to give it an added touch!

Thanks to Glen Abog for sending me these pictures!

Ali Phillips Speaking today at ISES/ABC Weddings That Wow! in Indianapolis

I am in Indianapolis today to speak at the Weddings That Wow International Special Events Society and Association of Bridal Consultants luncheon. I will be sharing some GREAT Chicago weddings I have done and the new trends for weddings in 2009.

I look forward to sharing my insight with my fellow colleagues and thank Lee Johnson, Monika Richard and Dee Haddad for inviting me to speak today.

"Glamorous" Celebrity Bride

Fergie, who made Glamorous, well, "Glamorous", and Josh Duhamel tied the knot last Saturday. I LOVED their wedding invites which they handed out at the end of the night done by Lehr and Black, based out of Los Angeles.

But what I especially loved was the caricature they handed out to guests as they departed the wedding, some guests partying until 2am. What a FUN idea for a favor!

White Chicago Offering 10% off Veils

Still looking for the perfect veil for your wedding day? White Chicago is offering 10% off veils in the month of January!

Located at 222 West Huron in Chicago, White Chicago offers wedding dresses at 30%-70% off retail costs by offering new, sample and once wed designer wedding gowns.

Call Ursula or Stacy today to set up an appointment, 312-397-1571.

Engage 09!

If you remember back in October, I attended the amazing Engage!08 The Encore in Orlando; a high-impact wedding symposium for the best of the best in the wedding industry. I am so excited that the women of Engaging Concepts have announced the date and website for their Engage!09, Something Blue, at the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman from June 21st-June 24th. This will be a conference I would NOT miss and am so excited to see my old friends I made and meet new friends as well.

Featuring an A-List of wedding professional as speakers, attendees will be "engaged" for three amazing days of education, networking and well, FUN!

Check out the amazing website to read more about this incredible event.

Flower Monday

I LOVE this Aisle from a wedding I did on October 25th, 2008 at The Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel. These are just my pictures I snapped with my camera. We did a double width white aisle runner and used the tall centerpieces at the back of the aisle and up on the fabric covered stage to frame out the ceremony area. Amy Crum from Blumen Designs created the gorgeous aisle and lined the sides of the runner with elevated glass boxes, candlelight and floating flowers. The room was so romantic and when guests walked in the room it took their breath away.


Amy Crum from Blumen Design in the aisle


Close up of the high centerpiece placed on a pillar to frame the back of the aisl


Candlelight framing the aisle runner

My Favorite Spot in Chicago for All Things Facial and Makeup

Top Chicago makeup artist, Sonia Roselli, opened THE MOST adorable Beauty Boutique in Chicago called Estethique, located at 7363 North Greenview Avenue. I like to call it the "Mecca for Beauty". And Sonia is "The Goddess" of makeup, facials and eyebrows.

From the moment you set foot in the door you feel gorgeous and Sonia greats you with her adorable Southern accent with either a "Hey Kitten" or a big hug.


I have a standing facial appointment with Sonia to make sure that my skin stays hydrated and fresh. And ANY special occasion I have, Sonia is the first person I call to confirm my makeup appointment. And she will hand make a special lip gloss for me while I wait for touch-ups throughout the evening at her "gloss bar".

Her facials are relaxing but also productive at the same time. She works with you to design a program for your skin and keep your face looking fabulous!


Brides, call Sonia today to set up your trial makeup appointment. Sonia offers on site makeup for you and your bridesmaids on they day of your wedding at your hotel suite or at home where you are getting ready. She can also start working with you in the months leading up to your wedding day by scheduling regular facials and eyebrow waxing. Or need a healthy glow on your wedding day? Sonia offer airbrush tanning in her salon as well.

Her awesome blog is a MUST read as Sonia offers advice on makeup, bridal style and even just cool fashion she sees and loves.

RUN, don't walk to Esthetique today! Please remember to call Sonia first to set up an appointment today, 773-465-7363!

Bridal Events in Chicago This Week

It is not too late to get your ticket to the Ritz-Carlton Chicago's Bridal Luncheon! It will be held Sunday, January 18th from 12pm-2pm and will feature a three-course luncheon. All brides to be will have the opportunity to win a five night honeymoon at the Four Season's Resort Lanai'i Manele Bay. Tickets can be purchased for $40 so grab your Mom or your Maid of Honor and call today to book your ticket, 312-573-5180.

Bride Wars Debuts Today

I don't know about you, but I love a "wedding movie". ANY movie related to weddings I always want to run out and see right away. I already have the time and movie theater picked out for tonight. (Have bribed my husband with going out for ribs after the movie). Looks like a fun movie and I can't wait to see it tonight.

Check your theater listings today at Fandango.

Be Prepared

Every smart girl needs to be prepared for an emergency while out and about shopping for wedding dresses or having lunch with her bridesmaids. Why not get a Swiss Army Knife for your purse? I know, I know, sounds very manly and boring but check out these cute Miss A Knife Kit. It comes in 12 different colors, to match your purse or pick your favorite color!



Chipped a nail? No worries, the Miss A Knife kit has a nail file. Snagged a hem? No worries, the Miss A Knife kit has a needle and thread. Need to open a bottle of wine in the park but don't have a corkscrew? No worries, your knife has a corkscrew. I purchased some for our wedding emergency kits we carry on the wedding day.

This adorable and very useful gadget can be purchased at the following link:
Click Here to Purchase.

FLOWER Monday

Hello all my readers! Thanks for stopping by the Engaging Events blog on your first day back at work in 2009.

2009 is going to bring many changes to the blog and the website. The blog will soon be appearing on the website directly rather than here at blogger. Don't worry, you will still be able to subscribe to the blog in an email or RSS feed. As well, you will have an option to choose to follow me on twitter and become a fan on our Facebook Page.

We are changing Bouquet Monday to be Flower Monday and it will feature REAL flowers from REAL weddings I have done over the years. In this feature, we will not only show bridal bouquets but also bridesmaids bouquets, church flower and decor ideas and centerpieces. This is very exciting and I have had fun looking through all the past weddings I have done. So check back EVERY Monday to see gorgeous flowers and decor that Engaging Events has done over the years.

Have a great day and once the website is done, I will announce it here!

Today's Flowers are "Mothers" Flowers. Gone are the days of the wrist corsage with the elastic band. Mothers are choosing to carry little bouquets which match either the brides bouquet or the colors of the bridesmaids bouquets. Here is a cute little "posy" bouquet held by Patty Thompson whose daughter got married this past July 19th, 2008.





Picture by Sarah Alair.

Chicago Trunk Shows This Week

Belle Vie Sample Sale
January 7th
34 East Oak Street
Chicago
312-751-2222
50% to 80% off sample dresses at Belle Vie.

Atelier Aimee Trunk Show
January 9th and 10th
Dimitra's Couture
1011 N Rush Street
Chicago
312-787-0290
Trunk Show at Dimitra's Bridal


Caroline DeVillo Sample Sale
January 10th 10am-2pm
Caroline DeVillo
1616 N Damen Ave
Chicago
773-342-0096
Sample Sale of local designer's couture collection at
Caroline DeVillo's salon.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone! Wishing everyone all the best this evening as you reflect on 2008 and look forward to a wonderful 2009! Happy New Year!


Picture by Jeremy Bustos at Studio This Is.

Fun Picture

No bouquet today, I had to post this, so fun!! Alie (Harmon) Johnson, who was married on November 1st, sent me this picture from her wedding day. Each and every bride gets an Engaging Events by Ali Lands End bag when they sign up as a client and Alie used her bag on her wedding day with all her items she needed with her on her wedding day! How cute!



Thanks you Ana Miyares for doing such an amazing job photographing this wedding!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas to everyone today and Happy Holidays. May today bring you close to your family and friends as you celebrate this Holiday Season. I am just back from a lovely trip to Jamaica (9 whole days of golf, sun bathing and relaxing)!

Looking forward to sharing with you in 2009 fabulous weddings from the summer and fall and some great ideas for your upcoming wedding!



(Ali and Jon Rafting on the Rio Grande)

Bouqet Monday

On this COLD, COLD winter morning in Chicago I thought I would post a FUN and springy bouquet! Spring is only four and a half months away! This bouquet features peonies, sweet pea, and tulips!