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!

Bouquet Monday

I really do like purple and purple flowers. There are not a huge variety of purple flowers but this is really a striking bouquet. This is vanda orchids and privet berries. What a statement! Maybe you could even wear purple shoes on your wedding day!


source

Bouquet Monday/Tuesday

I LOVE peonies. What a classic bouquet for a classic bride!



Source

Lovely Wreaths

These lovely wreaths would be perfect hung from the doors of your ceremony or reception location. Or, just to hang on your front door with your new last name's initials.

Click here to find these adorable wreaths

Bouquet Monday

I am feeling all "Holiday"-like today and thought I would feature a bouquet that reminded me of the Holidays. This bouquet features roses and red hypericum berries, perfect for a December bride.

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Trunk Show This Week

Don't miss Dimitra's Sample Sale on Sunday, December 7th at Dimitra's at 1011 North Rush Street, 3rd floor. The sale will take place from 10am-3pm.

The annual sample clearance sale will offer 50% off for dresses from designers such as Ines Di Santo, Pronovias, San Patrick and more.

For more information or to set up an appointment, you can visit their website.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I just want to say thank you for being a client, a reader, a vendor or a friend!! Enjoy your day with your family and friends and stop to remember what you have to be thankful for.

I just got an email from Chicago Social Bride (What a great magazine! Look for an Ali Phillips feature in the new issue that will be in the newstands soon), and Ultimate Bride will be having a sample sale tomorrow, Friday, November 28th from 12pm-6pm. They are offering great reductions on dresses from Monique Lhullier, and many others!

They are located at 106 East Oak Street in Chicago. I would recommend to call in the morning to get an appointment. Phone is 312-337-6300. Read more here on Ultimate Bride's Website.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

I had the opportunity to meet Laura Marcusse the other day from Adorn Brides. They rent fine jewelry for brides to be! What a great concept for a bride to be able to be "red carpet" ready on her wedding day! And what a fun idea for mothers of the bride or groom or even for the maid of honor (it could even be a fun gift from the bride).

You will get lost in their picture gallery featuring their products. I am trying to think of a special occasion for myself to rent something fabulous!

The Business of Brides-Part 1

The Assocation of Bridal Consultants Annual conference held in Newport Beach, California was one of the highlights of the fall! I had a great time connecting with old friends and making some new friends. The Fairmont Hotel was the site for the event and they did a fabulous job keeping everyone well fed and happy.

Sunday was a day for Sandals training, the trade show and a party that evening complete with a photo booth!



Sandals Trade Show Booth


Here I am with my Coordinators Corner Friends, a website just for wedding consultants to chat and share ideas!

Monday started off with the Assocation Business and a breakfast with my friends Mark Kingsdorf of Queen of Hearts Weddings in Philadelphiaand Joanne and John Woodward of Schwartz and Woodward, in Houston, Texas.





The amazing Barbara Wallace was our keynote speaker. She shared practical information about brides looking their best in their pictures on their wedding day. Stylist Annie Withers and fashion and wedding photographer, Lars Wanberg have written a book with Barbara, Camera Couture, A Beautiful Bride from Every Angle and they shared wonderful images from this book.


Me with my good friend and keynote speaker, Barbara Wallace

The luncheon was just gorgeous, here are some snaps on the design and decor. The ladies of Orange County who produced the luncheon did an excellent job!







Check back soon for Part II of this amazing conference

Bouquet Monday

What an adorable bouquet of hot pink gerbers, spray roses and green kermit mums. We have a long way until spring in Chicago but this made me think about awesome spring weddings!