So fun to be a part of the Martha Stewart Spring Wedding To Do's article today! Read all the tips here on Martha Stewart Weddings!
I had so much fun writing about my business for The Estate Blog and being asked to contribute as one of their preferred creative partners. I got to answer some fun questions for them about me, my business and my love of the City of Chicago! Here are some excerpts below of that article. You can read the full article on The Estate Blog.
Get out the heart sweater and chill the champagne, it is Valentine's Weekend!! A chilly weekend is predicted in Chicago and here are my top picks for having a wonderful Valentine's weekend with your loved one!
In September, I was honored to be asked to speak by Sarah and Andrea from Cherry Berry Events at Camp Wedding at the Camp Wandewega, located in Wisconsin. This was their inaugural wedding retreat and I was looking forward to meeting some new friends in the wedding industry. I attend a couple of event conferences a year and I was intrigued by the concept of Camp Wedding, with wedding professionals being in a camp environment.
Want to learn about the event industry from one of the best wedding planners in Chicago? Ali Phillips of Engaging Events is looking for a great intern for the winter season. Intern should be available one business day a week and available on some weekends. Please send resume, 2 references and cover letter to info@engagingeventsbyali.com.
The Chicago Board of Wish Upon a Wedding is honored to announce the 2014 Shining Star Recipients. These three people noted below are some of the most inspirational, motivational and giving event professionals in Chicago. This is our way to thank and pay tribute to those professionals who inspire others to engage in volunteer service by their demonstrated commitment and example.
Brrrrr, it is cold out there in Chicago today but not to worry, spring is around the corner and will be here in 72 days. Today I am happy to share this dreamy engagement picture session by YazyJo of our clients Chinnu and Ed who tied the knot last year. ( I can't wait to share their wedding pictures with you soon). So grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy these gorgeous summer engagement session pictures at Chicago Botanic Gardens and know that warm weather is right around the corner. You can also find great engagement photo tips on our blog!
On Thursday, January 17th in Chicago, I am co-chairing The Wedding Event at Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for The Special Event Show that is coming to town from January 15th-18th. Seven hundred event professionals from all over the world will be attending to enjoy inspiration, amazing design and hear the always amazing Sasha Souza showcase her "Sahsa's Favorite Things".
I am a member of the Step Up Women's Network and we are needing about 20 more mentors this Saturday at a great event! Would you please consider coming to be a mentor for the day? Please give one day to make a difference in the life of a college-bound teen girl. Please email me at ali@engagingeventsbyali.com and I can get you all signed up. To read more about Step Up visit their website of their Facebook page.
Brrrrr, it is cold out there in Chicago today. I went out for a dog walk this morning and found myself running back into the house for a heavier jacket. Even Grohe our dog, looked at me with that, oh no, "another 6 months of this?" look?! But, once I get the heat rolling in the house (which I put on for the first time in six months last night) and get used to the cold again, I have to admit I do love winter. Today I find myself working from the home office and craving something hot and sweet and found this amazing recipe online for Mexican Hot Chocolate. What a perfect afternoon I have planned of sipping yummy hot chocolate and dreaming about snow falling and the holidays approaching.
I love this idea I saw on Martha Stewart and had to share it with my readers. For your wedding guest book you can place an annual calendar and guests would sign on their birthday date. That way you always have a record of when their birthday is and you can send all of your wedding guests a card in the coming year wishing them a Happy Birthday!
Today we are LOVING these pictures by Jaclyn Simpson of Emily and Maurico's engagement session at Montrose Harbor. Emily and Mauricio will say "I Do" in September. These high school sweethearts are the kindest couple and have been so much fun to work with. Can't wait for their wedding at South Shore Cultural Center!
There is a new car company in town and it is making lives way easier! Uber was launched six months ago in Chicago and people are loving using it. It will be great on the weekend of your wedding if you need a quick pick up for one to four people when leaving your hair salon and going back to the hotel or for parent’s who rode with you to the ceremony site but now need a ride back to the hotel or reception. Or use it for your bachelorette party as you zip around to different spots in Chicago. Have to move your groom to the church and don't want his tuxedo to get dirty and to have him arrive in style? Uber is your choice for all of your wedding VIP's.
I am so excited to introduce you to Kate Molter, Engaging Events new wedding planning assistant. I receive lots of resumes and emails from people inquiring about jobs but something really stood out in Kate's resume and her emails to me. Once I met her, I knew instantly I wanted this amazing woman on my team. I can go on an on about her and how great she is, but will let Kate tell you a little bit more about herself!
I was SO excited when Blair and Christy called me from Junebug Weddings to tell me I had been selected to be a part of their World's Best Wedding Planners & Designers they unveiled last week and I am so thankful to be included. The best of the best are on this list and I am flattered to be a part of it.
I am an admitted Twilight fan! I was so excited to see the new Breaking Dawn Part I movie this past weekend. Not only because I love the books, but also the first twenty minutes of the movie focused on the wedding of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Below are some beautiful details and information about the wedding and how you can get Bella and Edward's wedding look.
I am super excited to let everyone know that tickets are now on sale for the Blissful Wishes Ball for Wish Upon a Wedding. This Black Tie Welcome event will be held on Monday, November 1st at 6pm at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel. We would like to invite everyone to attend this wonderful Gala event to raise critical funds for Wish Upon a Wedding.
