A Wild Week of Contrasts: Engage!09: The Encore Recap II

While on vacation or any experience outside of the studio my husband always asks “why must you be painting and drawing all the time, just take a break!”    The truth is painting and sketching is how I experience my world.  Much like taking a hike or tasting new food, painting for me is a way to interact and experience.

During the last Engage event in Grand Cayman I began to sketch.  Being entirely inspired by all the fab shoes, styles and personalities I needed a way to record the experiences on paper.  My sketches become a way to not only capture images but the emotion and personality of  each speaker.

Pictured here; Rebecca and Kathryn and a detail from the lovely floral arrangements in our session room!

The attire at Engage this time around exemplified clean lines and neutral colors which provided lovely contrast to the poppy and cement decor palette of the event; not to mention the dazzling reds present throughout the Encore Casino (more on that later).

Photos 2 and 3 via Garret Nudd Photography, check out his recap here.

Pictured here: Simon and Marcy with detail sketches of the so fun accessories worn by the ladies at registration!

Daniela from Bella Events created these lovely corsages for all attendees to sport during the first evening’s cocktail party held at the jaw-dropping Encore Spa.

There are more sketches to come…  Todd-Avery Lenehan was one of my favorites to capture in sketch – his personality really popped on paper and in person!

A Wild Week of Contrasts: Engage!09: The Encore Recap I

This was my third time attending one of the fabulous Engage events visioned and designed by the super smart and kind Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce.  I am a BIG fan on these two gals, to say the least.  Razor sharp insight into the wedding industry, down to earth personalities and a passion like none I have seen before are just some of the qualities that make these two women so very praiseworthy.   Engage is a haven for the luxury wedding professional; a breeding ground for big ideas and forward thinking.  While each Engage event has differed from it’s predecessor, I can honestly say my business and my perspective on the wedding industry and my place within it has been completely transformed.  Now listen, I am not saying that attending an Engage is a magic pill to fix any business, BUT I will say if you listen hard and engage mindfully, your attendance WILL be a trans formative experience.

Held at the lush Encore Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Engage! 09: The Encore boasted a speaker list built by demand.  Rebecca Grinnals, Kathryn Arce,  Simon T. Bailey, Marcy Blum, Sean Low among others stood before an intimate yet talent packed room of attendees,  captivating us with every word.   I must mention also Tracey Kumer-Moore, from Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, who was instrumental in making Engage come to life in what she called “her city”.  I had the pleasure of spending some time with Tracey and was so grateful for her insights and fabulous recommendations for thoroughly enjoying Las Vegas!

From left to right, Rebecca and Kathryn, Tracey, and Simon!

I am quite the visual gal, big surprise, right?  The color palette for this event can be seen throughout from napkins and linens, to chairs and personal style statements (check out Simon’s cuff links!)  No detail was left to chance.

From left to right:
Impeccable style and  infectious humor are just two of  Marcy Blum‘s enviable qualities.  I find myself wanting to hear more from her each time she speaks.  Thanks Marcy for yet another dose of honest wedding industry advice!     Sean Low has fast become one of my favorites in the industry for his dedication to the creative business owner.   JT wines, experts in custom wine production offered each attendee an exclusive label Engage! 09: The Encore Wine – how fun!   Last but not least was our time with Todd-Avery Lenahan designer of the Wynn and Encore Hotels in Las Vegas.  I was especially moved to hear details about the Encore Spa design.   I spent some time each day walking slowly through the Wynn and Encore spaces – snapping photographs and sketching.  Check back soon as I share my favorite details!

Remember my sketches from the last Engage in Grand Cayman? Well, I was still sketching in Vegas so check back soon for more!

A Wild Week of Contrast: From Vegas to Zion and back!

Today is my first day back in the studio from a whirlwind 8 days out west.  As most of you know the hubby and I are big travelers.  One of our most beloved places on earth (besides home) is Utah, namely Zion National Park.  When I heard of the location for Engage 09!: The Encore we knew a trip to Zion was imminent.   What better timing as we are amidst the plans for our renewal ceremony there next May!

Today is just a little teaser of the blogging to come over the next few weeks chronicling my travels and inspirations from Vegas to Utah and back!  Be sure to keep an eye out for several Inspired Ink posts derived from the fabulous hotel and Casino design of the Wynn and Encore Casinos – wow, my head is still spinning!

Gorgeous mosaic work en route to Wynn Las Vegas via Encore Las Vegas, a fun shot of yours truly and Randi Fenoli from  TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and lastly a bit of Momental stationery from the Engage Luncheon last Tuesday!

Painting daily was my goal in Zion National Park in addition to choosing the perfect ceremony location for our renewal vows next May.  Say hello to the hubby, Adam!