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.... read more »

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... read more »

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... read more »

Tags: bouquets

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!... read more »

Tags: bouquets

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... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE peonies. What a classic bouquet for a classic bride!Source... read more »

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... read more »

Tags: bouquets

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.Source... read more »

Tags: trunk shows

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... read more »

Tags: events

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.... read more »

I had the opportunity to meet Laura Marcusse the other day from... read more »

Tags: events

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... read more »

Tags: bouquets

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!... read more »

Tags: events

Can not wait to share my blog about my AMAZING time at the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference that I attended from November 9th-12th. Check back on Tuesday for a full blog of my couple days at the amazing... read more »

Tags: trunk shows

Judd Waddell Truck Show at Macys Bridal SalonNov 28th-30thMacys Bridal Salon111 N State Street312-781-3545Offering 10% off! Please call to set up an appointmentSource... read more »

If you are a girl who hates heels and having troubles finding a shoe that looks and feels good try to find a Cinderella Slipper. Kate Spade, Vera Wang, Frech Sole, and Source, J. Crew... read more »

Make sure you put the Flip video on your wish list for the honeymoon. The Flip is the size of a camera and is just as easy to use. The Flip allows you to hold at least two hours of... read more »

Tags: events

Carolina Herrera Trunk Show November 21-22ndat Nieman Marcus in Oak Brook, Illinois this week. Their address is 6 Oakbrook Center Mall, Bridal Salon on the Upper Level. source... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I am loving fall and this bouquet scream fall to me! Garden roses, cymbidium orchids and gloriosa lilies is combined with orange pin cushions, fern curls and billy balls.Source... read more »

Everybody loves a little bite of chocolate! This is by far one of the best favors to give your wedding guests. Godiva Chocolates recently partnered with wedding cake diva, Sylvia Weinstock (who I just met, See Engage 08! Blog) and... read more »

Meet Jaclyn Goris After graduating from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN, Jaclyn moved to Chicago. Jaclyn joined the Engaging Events by Ali, Inc. team and was Ali’s “right hand executive assistant”, from May to September. She currently works in Convention... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE this orchid bouquet for bridesmaids or even a bride. What a wonderful splash of color and the leaf wrap so delicately finishes off the spray of orchids. Source... read more »

Tags: events

I am off in California at the Assocation of Bridal Consultants convention in Newport Beach, California. I am so excited to see all my wedding consultant friends from all over the country and learn new things about weddings. And Check... read more »

I am so exited to in the next couple of weeks introduce you to the Engaging Events By Ali, Inc team!Meet Erin Dahl A Kalamazoo, Michigan native and University of Michigan graduate, Erin joined the Engaging Events team in January... read more »

Tags: events

Happy Election Day! Get out and vote today and show how proud you are to be an American!Fun "Red, White and Blue" ideas for weddings I found online!Source... read more »

Tags: bouquets

This bouquet is very romantic and sexy. It is so different and bold to walk down the ideal with a hand full of deep red roses. Don’t get me wrong I love the all white look, but the red is... read more »

Tags: events

Boutique Sample SaleNovember 5th View the latest couture bridal fashions from top bridal designers and enjoy markdowns on all your favorite styles. Elizabeth Fillmore Trunk ShowMeet bridal gown designer, Elizabeth Fillmore at a special cocktail event at Belle Vie Bridal... read more »

Tags: events

read more »

Where can you go for a great rehearsal dinner in Chicago? Look no further than Carnivale. Here you can spice up your party by renting one of their private rooms for you and your guest. They have rooms for all... read more »

Alyssa and Jeff tied the knot at The Newberry Library. It was a gorgeous day in October for pictures around Chicago, which they did before the ceremony with their wedding party. The ceremony at 6pm was officiated by Jim Rehnberg... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I picked this bouquet because it says fall!! I really like how couples decide to use flowers that are in season. It not only goes along with a seasonal wedding but it is more affordable. The texture of this bouquet... read more »

Tags: events

Happy Sunday Brides. I just wanted to keep you posted on the trunk shows this week!... read more »

I adored my bride Alyssa last Saturday. She and Jeff got married at Newberry Library. Stay tuned for pictures of their amazing wedding which I will post next week. You HAVE to see her bridal shoes. (Think Carrie in Sex... read more »

Tags: trends

Brides and grooms often ask me what and who they should include in their ceremony wedding program. There are many different ways of doing this, both formal and informal. But the basic reason for being used is to be sure... read more »

Check this great website out!... read more »

Paradise is the word that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii. The exotic tropical flowers give the breeze a wonderful scent as the banyan trees surround the area. The local food is fresh and wonderful. You can get... read more »

Tags: events

Last week I attended a High-Impact Wedding Symposium for Wedding Professionals in Orlando. Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of The next presentation was from a very amazing man, Simon T. Bailey, who recently wrote and published The Following our lovely... read more »

Tags: weddings

I LOVE my job!!!!!! I am so excited to post these pictures today that Glen Abog sent me of my wedding with him and his team on June 14th, 2008. The marriage and celebration of Nicolle and Paul Marinec. SUCH... read more »

If you are looking for lavish tent décor look no further than Raj Tents. Raj tents are best known for their Moroccan and Indian themed tenting and décor. This is best for client that want an extravagant look. They offer... read more »

Tags: weddings

Cortney and Anthony's wedding was so chic! They said their "I Do's" at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the early afternoon. Their doggie even showed up for pictures following the ceremony in the garden. The wonderful photographer, Kurt Gerber... read more »

Cortney and Anthony's wedding was so chic! They said their "I Do's" at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the early afternoon. Their doggie even showed up for pictures following the ceremony in the garden. The wonderful photographer, Kurt Gerber,... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I love this bouquet! There is something about this bouquet that stands out more than the rest. The flowers almost speak to you. The roundness and softness of the delicate bouquet makes it look romantic. A peony bouquet would be... read more »

I LOVE the cookies you can get on Eleni's website. Check out the cute cookies you could have on pretty silver trays on the table at your bridesmaid luncheon! Or what a cute gift for a hostess for your wedding... read more »

The... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE this bouquet that has three kinds of lilies—water, cobra and calla—form an alliance with dendrobium orchids, ink berries, coleus and white velvet leaves!Seen on Modern Bride's website... read more »

If you really wanted to try and wear that gorgeous wedding gown your mother wore on her day, but it doesn’t fit you right. Don’t worry, go dress shopping with your mom and get your own. After a perfect day... read more »

Do something different for your guest sign in table. Pick a signature platter at Say Anything Ceramics instead of a guest book for your guests to sign. How fun to add to your new kitchen collection and remember all those... read more »

Whether you want to plan it yourself or have an all-inclusive stay at Sandals, St. Lucia is the place to go. There are so many things to do on this beautiful island. Begin your trip with a fabulous Caribbean Rum... read more »

Wondering how to keep your ceremony looking traditional yet add some flare to your reception? Think no harder, try using your mother’s veil that she wore on her wedding day or having your own one specially made. When it comes... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE this gerber daisy bouquet. How FUN!See at theknot.com... read more »

If you are not sure what to piece of jewelry to give your bridesmaids for your wedding day, why not finish off a simple sleek dress with Pear Drop Chandelier earrings? This is a really cool vintage look for not... read more »

For a super pleasure-seeking honeymoon check you and your loved one into the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. From the moment you arrive at the Ritz-Carlton, guests are treated with some serious pampering. The Seven Mile Beach is marked with large lounge... read more »

Tags: bouquets

Kate Nierengarten's bouquet was a classic bouquet of white callas lillies. There is something about this classic bouquet that just screams "BRIDAL" to me!... read more »

Tags: bouquets

What a FUN bouquet of yellow cymbidium orchids! I love this against the gray bridesmaid dress!... read more »

This is Jaclyn's pick for a post. She LOVES this cake she found on theknot.com's website. She loves how classic and pretty it is!Jaclyn works for Engaging Events by Ali as a wedding consultant assistant!... read more »

Rachel and Noah did NOT let the rain get in their way of having an amazing time on their wedding day last Saturday!Click here to see the photo montage of their fabulous wedding day!Ingredients for a perfect wedding day:Glen Abog... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I just loved Kaley's bridal bouquet. It was a BIG bouquet of cymbidium orchids, mango calla lillies, cream roses and of all things, ostrich feathers! It was such a fun bouquet for such a fun bride!Picture by Studio This Is... read more »

Tags: weddings

As Rachel said when the weather report came in for her wedding day which forecasted record rains, "Well, I did marry a guy named Noah...". This couple did not let a little rain (well, more like a LOT of rain)... read more »

Here is a sneak peek at Kate and Michael's Wonderful July Wedding. Check back next week for their story and wedding pictures!... read more »

What a great idea from... read more »

On the coast of Anguilla, you will find a beautiful resort,... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I have autumn on my mind today as I sit here and type with a little sweatshirt on and the breeze blowing into my office. Here is a gorgeous bouquet that reminds me of autumn!Flowers are sunflowers, calla lillies, roses,... read more »

I LOVED this wedding that Belen from Gerber and Scarpelli shot for me on July 19th! What a fun group and WHAT a party!Enjoy the fun slideshow!Click here to see the slideshow!... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I thought I would switch it up a bit and post a cute bridesmaids bouquet from last fall! Cymbidium orchids and red hypericum berries are featured in this bouquet!... read more »

Tags: events

Just a quick "shout out" to my husband Jon thanking him for six wonderful years of marriage today!!!!... read more »

For a local United States honeymoon, South Beach, Miami, is the hippest spot in the USA. South Beach is both an exciting and beautiful location. Miami is a great metropolitan city that has a lot to offer. Located in the... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE this bouquet of Dawn Wald's wedding from last year! It was so soft and romantic!The flowers are peonies, roses, freesia and lisianthus!Thanks Sarah Alair for sending me these lovely pictures!... read more »

Tags: events

I just LOVE engagement pictures. Here is Lori and Todd's favorite they will use for their save the date card to their wedding guests. Picture by Glen Abog... read more »

I LOVE these wedding gift boxes from Place on your gift table and you can make your envelope box appear almost like a gift! You can also work with Estilo to create custom wedding gift boxes but they also have... read more »

Bora Bora is both a romantic and exotic honeymoon destination. The fabulous ,Bora Bora Nui Resort is an experience in itself. The resort is located in a sacred cove of white sand and lava rock. The over water suites are... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE this bouquet of Kristin Petersen's. It features green hydrangea and green roses and very interesting fall foliage! Kristin's wedding was last September in Lake Forest! Thanks... read more »

Looking for a fun idea to add some "bling" to your wedding cake and customize it with a monogram? Toppers with Glitz is a great website to check out! They create custom designed cake topper initials for your wedding cake.... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I just love this bouquet of Andrea's from last summer. It is a mixture of gerber daisies, roses, celosia, lisianthus, stock and seeded eucalyptus.Photography by Sarah Alair. To view her wonderful portfolio, click this link.... read more »

I am so incredibly proud of this gorgeous wedding! Alexandra and George were married on July 12th at Queen of All Saints Basilica. Their classy reception was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Special thanks to Glen... read more »

This might be an obvious choice for a honeymoon, as it is called the “city of love”, but it is true to the saying. Walking through the streets of Paris with your new husband you’ll find romance in everything that... read more »

A friend recommended Turks and Caicos for a hot honeymoon spot, and I can’t say I disagree. The ocean is clear and seems to be endless. The... read more »

Tags: bouquets

What a lovely and delicate bouquet of roses, lisianthus, cymbidium orchids, hellebores and lilacs. There is something about a classic white bouquet that I just love!Picture found on Brides.com!... read more »

FIGI!!!!If you want to have an exotic honeymoon getaway, Fiji would be a perfect location. There are hundreds of Fiji islands for you and your new spouse to visit, and lots of activities to enjoy. The Likuliku Lagoon Resortis located... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVE this bouquet of Kyla Huber's! She was married last October 6th, 2007. Her bouquet is a delicate cascade of phalaenopsis orchids.Thank you Rosalind Van Tuyl for this amazing picture!... read more »

Tags: testimonials

As soon as JT proposed, the wedding planning began in my mind, and I immediately realized, yikes, we need help to ensure we have the wedding of our dreams! JT and I knew that Ali would make this happen during... read more »

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is extraordinary honeymoon location. Located on the Baja peninsula, “Cabo” has become a leading upscale vacation destination.... read more »

Tags: bouquets

Monday is officially Bouquet Day!Come back every Monday to see wonderful bouquets that I love!This weeks bouquet is on orange and redish bouquet of parrot tulips, glorioso lillies, and gomphrene and vollata leaves.You can see this bouquet and many more... read more »

Tags: weddings

I am so incredibly proud of this gorgeous wedding! Alexandra and George were married on July 12th at Queen of All Saints Basilica. Their classy reception was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. The music of Standing... read more »

If you’re a bride and groom who don’t want to spend a fortune on their honeymoon and deal with long flights, there is no need to go out of the United States in order to enjoy a romantic honeymoon. San... read more »

Alexandra and George will be married this week at Queen of All Saint's Basilica and a reception following at the Museum of Contemporary Art. We are so excited about this event and just adore working with Alexandra, George and Alexandra's... read more »

It is always so exciting when "one of our own" gets married. Colleen, a consultant for Engaging Events, married Matt this weekend. The wedding was so lovely and my husband and I got to be guests at the wedding. (Well,... read more »

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Holiday!... read more »

This amazing picture was sent to me today by the famous and wonderful, Jai Girard. This is a picture of our bride on June 15th, Sharon Kim. Sharon had so much fun in her photo session with Jai and Jai... read more »

Quebec City is a remarkable area that is rich in European background, and a historical landmark. It is the second oldest European settlement in Canada. The city is divided into two areas of Upper, which includes the Old Quarter, and... read more »

Tags: testimonials

We knew of Ali's work a few years prior to our wedding through a friend that got married in Chicago. She was very highly recommended and we could understand why when we met with Ali. Ali is very personable and... read more »

Tags: testimonials

Hands down, hiring Ali Phillips as our wedding consultant was the best decision we could have made. Ali’s professionalism was evident from our first point of contact and never once wavered throughout the course of our engagement. She had answers... read more »

I LOVE these customized lucite trays from Iomoi. How neat to have the trays personalized and your hors d'houevres butler passed on them during cocktails. Or even have the signture drinks passed on them!You can see their many designs and... read more »

I LOVE my job!!!!!! I am so excited to post these pictures today that Glen Abog sent me. Here is my wedding from last Saturday; the marriage of Nicolle and Paul Marinec. SUCH an adorable couple and so in love.... read more »

I often get questions about where the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom should shop! And here is a great Trunk Show to help them pick that perfect dress!Mother of the Wedding Trunk ShowJune 20th – 28th... read more »

This starts off my NEW Blog Posts, "Honeymoon Wednesdays". Every Wednesday I am going to post a new location for honeymoons! So come back every Wednesday to learn about the amazing locations in the world you and your new husband... read more »

Becky Hill (one of my favorite photographers in Chicago) posted some pictures of a wedding we recently did together on May 10th, 2009. The ceremony was at Holy Family in Chicago followed by a "rocking" reception at Maggiano's which was... read more »

I LOVE engagement pictures!!! You have a ring on your finger and the man of your dreams on your arm. So what is next besides finding a location and hiring a photographer? The engagement photo session! If planned well it... read more »

Tags: press

I was recently interviewed for Fine Living online's article about pairing wine with your wedding meal. Wine is one of my favorite things to talk about (other than weddings that is). But what better than talking about wine AND weddings!!!!... read more »

I was recently interviewed for Fine Living online's article about pairing wine with your wedding meal. Wine is one of my favorite things to talk about (other than weddings that is). But what better than talking about wine AND weddings!!!!Click... read more »

How cute! Martha Stewart had this on her "craft of the day" and I think it is SUCH a cute way to add color to your specialty drinks at cocktail hour. And a great way to weave your "wedding colors"... read more »

Tags: press

This is such exciting news! I was most recently asked to be on the NBC Chicago news last Sunday morning, May 25th at 6:24am on NBC Channel 5 Chicago. They did a wedding rules and wedding guest tips section and... read more »

This is such exciting news! I was most recently asked to be on the NBC Chicago news last Sunday morning, May 25th at 6:24am on NBC Channel 5 Chicago. It was so exciting! Alex Perez and Elle Pai Hong are... read more »

I had nothing to do with this wedding but I loved Jenna Bush and Henry Hager's wedding day! It was so cute, so down to earth and her wedding dress was so perfect for the setting! Oscar De La Renta... read more »

Well, I don't love the picture of me but here is a picture from Rick Aguilar from a wedding we shot on April 26th together at Old St Pat's Church.He called it the "Ali In Action" shot!Thanks Rick for sending!... read more »

Tags: weddings

I know this section is for weddings but I could not resist sharing Emily and Corey's beautiful engagement pictures with everyone! The wonderful photographer, Glen Abog, went down to the Chicago lakefront this past Monday for an engagement session with... read more »

Tags: trends

From the moment you get engaged until you are back from your honeymoon, there will be many reasons to write thank you notes to everyone. Nothing says "Thank You", like a hand written thank you note for anything from a... read more »

Tags: testimonials

We are thrilled to recommend Ali to anyone who is looking for a wedding coordinator! Ali was absolutely great to work with and she struck the perfect balance between professionalism and humor. She is extremely organized and diligent in her... read more »

Tags: weddings

I can hardly wait to post these pictures! Not even 24 hours later, Kurt and Nick Gerber have put together this BEAUTIFUL photo montage of Katie and Johnny's wedding last night. This wedding has such special meaning to me because... read more »

Tags: events

A good friend of mine and wonderful photographer Dennis Lee is having a day for doggies and caring.Just wanted to post a quick reminder for the Click to Cure Photo Day for Cancer event. May 3, 2008. 9:00AM - 7:00... read more »

I am so excited to tell everyone this, I could hardly wait to post this. I have signed a lease for an office space today! It is SO CUTE! It is in Bucktown in Chicago. The address is 2045 West... read more »

Rihanna sings it for us on the radio,"Now that it's raining more than everKnow that we'll still have each otherYou can stand under my umbrellaYou can stand under my umbrella"A great company, Bella Umbrella, offers an amazing variety of umbrellas... read more »

I LOVE this store I saw in a magazine. What a cute idea! You can CUSTOM make your bridesmaids jewelry gifts online in their custom-maid jewelry area! SO CUTE! You MUST check this out today! You can even shop based... read more »

What a great new idea from the ever innovative company, Pampered Chef. One of the trained kitchen consultants in your area could be available to meet you at your house and recommend the things you will need to have a... read more »

Tags: news

The Daily Bride is a new wedding TV show that was recently launched in Chicago. And, I am so excited as I have been asked to be the "resident" expert on the new and amazing wedding tv show, The Daily... read more »

I have recently be asked to be the "resident" expert on the new and amazing wedding tv show, .The Daily Bride. It is Chicago's first online wedding show and a great place for new brides and grooms to look for... read more »

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! What a wonderful day to stop and tell your special loved ones how much you really love and appreciate them!! Have a wonderful day!... read more »

Tags: press

I am so proud to announce that Eric and Dawn's wedding was recently featured in the Spring 2008 wedding magazine, The Knot Chicago. I am flattered to have this wedding featured in such a prestigious magazine. Click here to see... read more »

I LOVED working with Katie and Mike Cunningham on their November 3rd Wedding at St Joseph's Church and the Renaissance Ballroom at the Intercontiental Hotel. Everything about Katie and Mike's wedding was wonderfully elegant and sophisicated. Katie chose a black... read more »

There are so many fun new ideas on how to wear your hair on your wedding day. Here are some of my favorites from Theknot.com! Brides are opting to add "bling" to their traditional up do's by adding a brooch,... read more »

Okay, I LOVE M&Ms. They are just enough chocolate to appease a chocolate attack! NOW, you can customize your M&M's with you and your new husband's name and custom order them in your wedding colors. They can be ordered in... read more »

Want to look adorable when you are getting ready on your wedding day and be ALMOST a Mrs? Sweatsedo's cute tops and bottoms are perfect and comfortable outfits for getting ready at the salon, hotel room or even at your... read more »

Nothing says Thank You, like a hand written thank you note for anything from a gift, to just a thank you to say, "thanks for calling" or thank you for being my friend! Here are some recent tips I found... read more »