Tags: Chicago weddings, fall weddings, Sarah Alair Photography, weddings

Last week we looked at the video for Amber and TJ's Fall themed wedding that Poetic Productions sent to us. Today I wanted to show you the gorgeous details and fall pictures that photographer, Sarah Alair took.  Amber and TJ... read more »

Tags: Chicago events, Chicago style, holiday parties, Holidays

Like many of us, I am currently wondering what to do on New Year's Eve. We typically pick the more mellow route of dinner at home or maybe out at our favorite local place, Piazza Bella, located in Roscoe Village.... read more »

Tags: holiday parties, Holidays, home entertaining, Wedding traditions, Wedding trends

 We love the Holiday Season and are wishing you and your family and friends a wonderful Holiday! If you are traveling near or far be safe as it looks like we will have a White Christmas in Chicago.Today I wanted... read more »

Tags: Chicago style, Chicago weddings, fall weddings, Poetic Productions, Wedding cakes, Wedding ideas, Wedding videos, weddings

This morning, I was excited to share this gorgeous video by Poetic Productions from Amber and TJ's October wedding. I planned Amber's sister's wedding years ago and when she got engaged we naturally knew we would love to work together.... read more »

Tags: pantone colors, Wedding advice, Wedding colors, Wedding tips, Wedding trends

  Last week we talked about the color of 2011 from Pantone which was Honeysuckle Pink. But, another Pantone Color announced last week that will also be popular in 2011 is Beeswax.  So today, we are talking beeswax. That yummy honey... read more »

Tags: holiday parties, Holidays, home entertaining

This week I mailed my company Holiday card and our personal card to friends, family and business friends. Every year I work with Jenna at Clementine Ink to do my cards and every year we wrack our brains for a... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, photography, press, The Wit, Wedding Creativo Photography

One of my favorite things as a Chicago wedding planner happened this morning! I opened up the NEW Issue of CS Brides that is on news stands now and I have a lovely July wedding I planned for Lisa and... read more »

Tags: groom advice, press, Wedding advice

Staggered USA has arrived to the United States and wow do they have some great advice for Grooms. This is something all grooms should for sure add to their blog roll or google reader. Staggered USA brings grooms everything they need... read more »

Tags: pink, pink wedding, Wedding advice, Wedding colors

 Yesterday, Pantone announced the color of 2011, which is Honeysuckle Pink! I LOVE PINK! Love it. What a fun and happy color. While this is officially the fashion color for spring we will see it quickly start appearing in wedding... read more »

Tags: holiday parties, Holidays, home entertaining, Wedding advice

I found these and I had to share them with my readers. What cute ideas to help celebrate the Holidays.I saw this candle at the Farmers Center in Chicago on Elston. I was there picking out our Christmas tree on... read more »

I was very excited to get asked back to speak at Eventology 2011 by Katasha Butler. This year is the second year I am a speaker and the third time I have attended the conference. The conference takes place in... read more »

Tags: processional, Wedding advice, weddings

On Wednesday, we went thru a processional for a Christian wedding. Today we are talking about processionals for a Jewish Wedding. Here is a sample of a Jewish wedding processional. There are many variations, so please speak with your Rabbi and... read more »

Tags: About Ali, personal thoughts, Wedding advice

 This week has been a hard week for me. I have seen people I love and care deeply about have losses in their family. Today I am reminded to stop and breathe and take time to live every day to... read more »

Tags: processional, Wedding advice, Wedding ceremonies

 A question I get asked a lot as a wedding consultant is what should the order of the processional be? It is a great idea to think about this in advance of your wedding rehearsal. While rehearsals are for that,... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, receiving lines, Wedding advice, weddings

 As a wedding planner in Chicago, I get asked many questions by my clients. This was one I received last week that I waned to share with all the readers on my blog. "What is the correct order of a... read more »

Tags: Chicago style, Chicago weddings, shopping, weddings

American Express started a movement called Small Business Saturday for this Saturday, November 27th. To encourage people to shop small businesses they ask everyone to shop at your local small businesses on Saturday. I myself will be heading out for... read more »

Tags: Chicago style, Holidays, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I love to cook and will be cooking for about twelve people on Thursday. But is wedding planning keeping you so busy that you don't want to cook? No... read more »

Tags: Chicago style, Chicago weddings, weddings

 I am a Chicago girl, born and raised. I graduated from DePaul University right here in Lincoln Park. Nothing tastes better to me than a Chicago-Style Hot Dog to me. And why not embrace your hometown and where your wedding... read more »

Tags: engagement pictures, engagements, weddings

  The Holiday Season is upon us and this Saturday is the 19th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago. What better way to kick off the holiday season and come down and celebrate the lighting of the trees on the "Mag... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, engagements, Wedding rings, weddings

   The engagements of Kate Middelton and Prince William and Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson has the internet buzzing. Katie was proposed to by Prince William with his mother, the late Lady Diana's sapphire and diamond engagement ring and Jessica is wearing a diamond and... read more »

Tags: charities we support, Chicago weddings, weddings, Wish Upon a Wedding

  Blissful Wishes from I Do Films on Vimeo. I am "tickled turquoise about the Wish Upon a Wedding Blissful Wishes Ball that took place in Chicago on Monday, November 1st at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel. The Chicago Board of... read more »

Tags: About Ali, Engaging Events Team, weddings

This past Saturday was our last events of the Engaging Events 2010 Chicago Wedding Season. We had three weddings on Saturday and tons of moving parts and the Engaging Events Team did an amazing job. It has been a long... read more »

Tags: About Ali, destination weddings, flowers, Martha Stewart, news, weddings

I was at Bridal Market in New York earlier this week. If you don't know what Bridal Market is, it is the time of year that the Bridal designers show their new collections. (Blog to follow next week of some... read more »

Tags: charities we support, weddings, Wish Upon a Wedding

 Nick and Bahar are the Chicago Chapter of Wish Upon a Weddings third wish recipient and they were married yesterday at the gorgeous Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. I would like to thank all of our Wish Granters who without them, this... read more »

Tags: About Ali, Aspiring wedding planners, Chicago weddings, news

I just got to Washington, DC for a destination wedding I have there but I had to take some time before I head over to my tent installation to write a bit about the Engage!10 Wedding Symposium I just attended.... read more »

Tags: About Ali, news, press

I am off today to The Breakers in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday to speak and attend the Engage!10 Luxury Wedding Business Summit. I have attended all of the Engage conferences and this is the second conference I am... read more »

Tags: Aspiring wedding planners, Chicago weddings, news, Wedding advice, weddings

 Last night I spoke at  Purdue University to the Purdue Event Planning Society. (PEPS)  Purdue has one of the top Hospitality and Tourism Management programs in the country. The "PEPS" organization is headed up by Morgan White, who was my intern... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, Wedding advice, Wedding fitness, weddings

 You want to look the best on the wedding day (duh, of course) and I have found a new tool that helps you slim down and shape up leading up to your wedding. The Gym Coach is a great four week... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Wish Upon a Wedding

  Yesterday in Chicago was a very special day for Debbi and Wally. Debbi and Wally renewed their marriage vows and are the second Chicago Wish Upon a Wedding wish recipient. Debbi and Wally's story is very inspiring and Debbi and... read more »

Tags: Wedding ideas, Wedding tips, weddings

  Everyone hates it when you put on deodorant in a rush and then throw on your black dress or bridesmaids put on their dresses and get those stubborn white stains from their deodorant on the arm area of the dress.... read more »

Tags: destination weddings, honeymoons, news, outdoor weddings, weddings

Last week we talked about the gorgeous Martha Stewart weddings at Sandals and Beaches resorts you can now have. Today we are looking at one of their gorgeous themes, Beautiful Beginnings. This is for an intimate celebration for just the... read more »

Tags: Becky Hill Photography, Chicago weddings, Flowers, Wedding cakes, Wedding ceremonies, Wedding ideas, weddings

On Monday we got to see the gorgeous feature in Get Married magazine of Nicole and Aubrey's wedding at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.  Today, I wanted to share some more gorgeous pictures of the wedding with you. Nicole and Aubrey's wedding... read more »

Tags: Becky Hill Photography, Chicago wedding photography, Chicago weddings, press, weddings

  I LOVE Get Married Magazine and TV show and imagine my delight when they featured the wedding of Nicole and Aubrey, whose wedding I planned, at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.  Special thanks goes out to Becky Hill Photography for the gorgeous... read more »

Tags: destination weddings, honeymoons, outdoor weddings, weddings

Did you know that you can have a Martha Stewart wedding? And, that it can be on the edge of the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean? Sandals and Beaches have recently announced Sandals weddings by Martha Stewart.... read more »

Tags: bridesmaids, Chicago weddings, Wedding dresses, Wedding ideas, Wedding planning, weddings

  Today on the blog I thought I would write a Quick Tip for all the wonderful Maids and Matrons of Honors out there in "wedding land".  Or brides, please pass this to your matrons or maids of honors!Some quick tips... read more »

Tags: around Chicago, Chicago events

I woke up this morning and it feels like fall a little bit, but this quick cool weather will be replaced Sunday with warm and sunny yet again for the Labor Day Weekend in Chicago. Needs ideas for what to... read more »

Tags: About Ali, Chicago weddings, flowers, Wedding ideas, Wedding planning

Today is my eighth wedding anniversary with my husband.  We were married in a morning wedding ceremony at our church, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and had a luncheon reception at Salvatore's in Chicago. It was the best day of my life... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, outdoor weddings, Wedding ideas, Wedding planning, Wedding receptions

This past  year I have had a bunch of clients have outdoor ceremonies and weddings.  And as we know in Chicago, the weather can not always be so predictable.  The Weather Channel has a great little area on their website... read more »

Tags: About Ali, Aspiring wedding planners, Wedding planning

  I met Michelle Loretta at Eventology in Indianapolis, Indiana this past April. She writes a very insightful blog called Sage Wedding Pros and is a wise wedding-biz woman.  She also offers workshops for wedding business professionals on business plan writing,... read more »

Tags: bridesmaids, Chicago bachelorette party, Chicago spas, Chicago weddings, Wedding ideas

 What better way to thank your bridal party and your Mom and mother-in-law "to be" than having them to your house for a Spa Party. I ran across a company, Sparty,  at Biz Bash in Chicago yesterday and boy do... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Chicago events, Wish Upon a Wedding

  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... read more »

Tags: About Ali, press

Melissa Margarita De-Stefano of MasterPiece Weddings writes a wonderful blog, Be a Planner and also offers a course for those interested in becoming a wedding planner.  The other day she asked me to stop by the blog and offer advice... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, photobooths, Wedding favors, Wedding ideas, Wedding trends

 I just love Photo Booths at weddings and events!  It allows guests the opportunity to have a fun take home from your wedding but also gives you an opportunity to have the fun memories placed in a book that your... read more »

We have been hearing A LOT about Chelsea Clinton's wedding but I saw this today and thought it was a hoot. And who does not LOVE Ozzy Osborne!! Walk down the aisle at OZZFEST in Chicago on Thursday, August 19th!From... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Wish Upon a Wedding

  Six-month old nonprofit organization Wish Upon a Wedding announced last week that it will broaden its scope of services, in order to assist more couples in need. Although its primary focus continues to provide weddings for terminally ill individuals regardless... read more »

Tags: Blumgarten, Chicago weddings, ethnic wedding traditions, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Rosalind Weddings, Sofitel Chicago, Wedding traditions, weddings

 Being a wedding consultant in Chicago brings about opportunities to work with so many wonderful wedding couples that are reflecting who they are as part of their wedding by doing ethnic traditions that involve their families, wedding party and guests.... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Wish Upon a Wedding

I am the Chicago President for Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization started last year in the San Francisco Bay Area which by January 2011 will boast 25 chapters Nationwide. Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings... read more »

Tags: engagement pictures, photography

Margo and Skip tied the knot this weekend at The Wit Hotel in Chicago. I can not wait to share the images from their wedding with you soon. Today I wanted to share their engagement pictures they took with their... read more »

Tags: About Ali, news

As my followers of the blog know, I was in Cayman Islands two weeks ago attending (and speaking) at the Engage!10 a Luxury Wedding Business Summit. This was the fifth time I have attended the conference and would never miss this... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Chicago events, events, news

We are at it again! The Midwest Wedding & Event Professionals AND their clients Second Annual Golf Outing date is announced.  Come join Chicago's wedding and event professionals as we host a fun golf outing and barbeque. Please join us on... read more »

Tags: About Ali, news

  Save The Date of Monday, November 1st for the Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago Chapter Gala at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel.The black-tie event will be from 6pm-11pm and guests will enjoy a lovely seated dinner and a fun night of... read more »

Tags: About Ali, news

Today my husband and I are finishing packing up our house to move to a new house in the city, not too far from our current house. It is bigger, has a deck and has a big office for me... read more »

Tags: news

If you have been following the blog for some time you know that I attend many wedding and event industry conferences to continue learning about new trends but also to learn about good business practices and how to run a... read more »

Tags: About Ali, news

Most people know me as a wedding consultant in Chicago. Yes, that is for sure my career and my passion and my love. I love events, love working with brides and grooms and their family and friends and LOVE the... read more »

Tags: after party, flowers, weddings

Last week I showed some gorgeous pictures of Jessica and Ryan's wedding. Today we will look at their wonderful reception at The Palmer House Hilton.  The design and decor was so carefully created by Erin McDonald from Heffernan Morgan Designs and... read more »

Tags: Chicago wedding photography, Chicago weddings, Millennium Park, Wedding planning, weddings

 We talked about Jessica and Ryan's ceremony on Monday.  Today, we look at the gorgeous pictures they did with their wedding party around Chicago.   As a Chicago wedding planner I get asked many questions by my brides and grooms. One question... read more »

Tags: Becky Hill Photography, Chicago Social Brides, Chicago weddings, Old St Patrick's Church, Wedding ceremonies, weddings

I love my job as a wedding planner in Chicago and working with clients like Jessica and Ryan make it that much better!  Jessica and Ryan were married on July 11th, 2009 at Old St Patrick's church in Chicago.  Old... read more »

Tags: news, press

Yesterday, I had a FIRST in my career as a wedding consultant in Chicago. I did my first photo shoot for a magazine. Chicago Style Weddings asked me to create two unique tablecapes for their issue coming out in July. Chicago Style Weddings... read more »

Tags: Becky Hill Photography, Chicago Social Brides, Chicago weddings, Frost Lighting, Heffernan Morgan, Larry King Orchestra, news, Old St Patrick's Church, Palmer House Hilton, press, summer weddings

 Palumbo Wedding in CS Brides Magazine.pdfI am so happy to share the wonderful feature of a Chicago Wedding we did that was just featured in Chicago Social Brides Magazine. The wedding of Jessica and Ryan was in July this past... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, news, weddings, Wish Upon a Wedding

Two very special people got married on Sunday, April 18th. Beth and Nick were Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago Chapter's first wedding wish recipient. Beth is currently battling urachal adenocarcinoma. But she and Nick still wanted to get married and... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, news, weddings, Wish Upon a Wedding

This week a wonderful wedding will happen in Chicago on Sunday, April 18th for Beth and Nick. Beth and Nick are Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago Chapter's first wedding wish recipient. Wish Upon a Wedding is America's first wedding wish... read more »

Tags: news, press

 I was so excited when writer Natasha Gerber called me to interview me about Hotel Weddings for Special Events Magazine. I have been a long time reader of this magazine and look forward to its arrival in my mail box... read more »

Tags: news, Wedding industry

On Sunday, March 21st, fifty event professionals gathered at the Hyatt at the Arch in St Louis, Missouri for the Association of Bridal Consultant Regional Education meeting. I was asked to speak this year and was so honored. The event... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Chicago events, news, Wish Upon a Wedding

  Last week, on Wednesday, March 24th, 250 event professionals gathered together at the Ravenswood Event Center for a party to Celebrate the Launch of Wish Upon a Wedding in Chicago. Wish Upon a Wedding is America's first nonprofit wedding wish... read more »

Tags: About Ali, Aspiring wedding planners, weddings

I work closely with my clients on how to make their wedding original and unique and a reflection of who they are. I ask them to bring me pictures and send me websites and links to wedding blogs of things... read more »

Tags: news

 I am off to San Francisco, California this weekend to attend Wedding 360, The Academy for Planners and Designers conference at the St Regis Hotel. Created for wedding planners, weddings designers and floral designers, The Academy will provide in-depth and... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, Chicago events, news, Wish Upon a Wedding

Please join us at our Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago Chapter Launch Party on Wednesday, March 24th, at 6pm at Ravenswood Event Center. Chicago is fortunate to have some of the best wedding professionals in the country and some of the... read more »

Tags: news, press

  I am looking forward to being a keynote speaker at the Association of Bridal Consultants Regional meeting on March 20th and 21st in St Louis, Missouri. I will be joined by Liene Stevens of Think Splendid and Xochitl Gonzalez of... read more »

Tags: Chicago weddings, Clementine Ink and Paper, destination weddings, Wedding guests, Wedding ideas, Wedding invitations, Wedding planning

 Save The Dates have become very popular for brides and grooms to communicate and create excitement for their upcoming wedding. It gives the couple a way to let their guests know their wedding date and accommodation and travel information for... read more »

Tags: Chicago events, ideas

It is four days before Valentine's Day, fresh snow on the ground in Chicago and the internet is all-abuzz with Valentine's Day tips and ideas on what do give or do with your loved one. Here are some fun ideas... read more »

Tags: charities we support, charity, news, weddings, Wish Upon a Wedding

 I am very honored to share with my loyal readers information about a new organization I have become a part of.  It is called Wish Upon a Wedding and is America's only wedding wish granting organization. Wish Upon a Wedding produces weddings and... read more »

Tags: news, press

   The Knot recently released their The Knot Best of Weddings 2010. We are proud to announce that Engaging Events by Ali, Inc has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Pick in the Wedding... read more »

Tags: news, press

I love being one of Chicago's Wedding Planners, but today, I am channeling my inner Barbara Walters and announcing the people I found the Most Fascinating in the Wedding Industry in 2009. These are the people that really raise the... read more »