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!

Engage 09: Something Blue, Something Amazing – Part III

So it has come to my third and final recap (See Part I and II) post of Engage 09!  Sadly the event has passed but perhaps what I am left cherishing most are the connections made during the three days in Grand Cayman.  Of course  the stylish events and invigorating speakers were all priceless and will resonate in my mind  for years to come BUT the personal connections, might I say “Inspired Networking” will, I believe, prove to be the most impacting.

From top right, Lindsey from Fresh Lime Events, Ciara from Firefly Ocassions, Sara from Bella Notte Events,  Donna from DVB Photo,  Presont Bailey
and Karen from Karen Tran Florals.

We had a blast creating these Sculpted Bloom seating cards and Table Tents for the Dine Around Events held throughout Caymans.  A huge thank you to so many of you who shared such wonderful compliments.

I’ll close with this fun shot I took quickly while packing to return home…Engage10 here I come!

Engage 09: Something Blue, Something Amazing Part II

Laura Hooper created the most darling map and itinerary for the event.  I was excited to pull it out each time I needed a reminder of my schedule!   Michelle Rago’s perfect beachside party favor was an unexpected end to the beach celebration highlighted here.

Rebecca’s famous swag certainly was a hit (check out the swag from Engage08: The Encore).  My bag is now much lighter after sharing the goods with The Momental Girls.  The patent leather white polka dot bag was stuffed with everything from rum cake and aqua pashminas to stunning handcrafted earrings and Cayman native glass sculptures to make us all feel like celebrities!   It was a blast to see the bold polka dot bags scattered throughout the airports as everyone returned home…

I sketched a bit during the speaker sessions.  I take fewer photos but find sketching helps me connect with the information and better remember personalities.  One of my favorite sketches was of Darcy – her presence was super stylish and charming.  I quickly scribbled down a bit of her planning advice for brides ; “Focus on what feels like you verses what you should do.”  Love that!

Marcy Blum is hilarious but also very sharp and bursting with ideas.  Check out her fab yellow shoes in my sketch below!

Iconic cake artist and all around savvy lady Sylvia Weinstock told the inspiring story of how her business began.

Millie Martini-Bratten, Editor in Chief of Brides Magazine presented a compelling look at Brides, past, present and future.

From top left, Millie Martini-Bratten, Sylvia Weinstock, Marcy Blum, Rebecca Grinnals

Some Engage news from around the blogosphere:

Marley, aka The Party Goddess was a blast and always ready with pointed questions for each speaker.  Read here for more about her question for Darcy Miller…

Darcy Miller from The Bride’s Guide shared her favorite highlights!

Karen Tran shared just how excited she was to meet Preston Bailey plus much more…

Bee Kim was busy live blogging throughout the event

Trisha Hay from Black White Bliss blog offered up the perfect 2 part recap.

Alison Hotchkiss member of the fabulous Destination Wedding Panel was busy blogging here…

Thayer Gowdy captuired stunning shots of a quieter Cayman not to be missed!

Donna Von Bruening’s slideshow is the perfect finish….

Believe it or not there is still more to come!  Check in next week for a look at the final Engage 09 celebration!

Engage 09 Something Blue, Something Amazing Part I

I arrived in Cayman last Friday 2 days ahead of the much anticipated start to Engage09: Something Blue.  Last October Engage08:The Encore was an exciting taste of all the luxury wedding industry has to offer and needless to say I was hooked!   Amazingly smart individuals, big ideas and savvy networking are all reasons I just had to return for Engaging Concepts 3rd smash event.

My time in Cayman began with a day and a half to enjoy the silky white sand and crystal blue waters.   The cool touch of the ocean water let me know instantly I was in for the time of my life.  The staff at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman made every moment delicious.  My time during the first two days was not all play however as I was prepping for the Something Blue television interview on Sunday.  Poolside work however is much more palatable I must say…

After my interview on Sunday (which I had a blast with, more to come on that) I had drinks by the pool with about 12 ladies.  Excitement filled the air as countless boxes of orchids, trays of food and wine passed by on the way to the beach.  We could hardly wait!

The official launch of the three day event with a spectacular beachside celebration designed by Michelle Rago.  A Manzanita tree dripping with white orchids was the centerpiece to a stylish evening.  I just loved the lanterns scattered in the sand as well as the live Ragaae band playing from a boat bouncing in the ocean.

Thanks to The Bride’s Guide for the bottom right photos of tables.

The mood was spirited, textured and warm.  Dark wood tables and woven seats were sprinkled across the sand for effortless chats and the enjoyment of good food and drink.  Linen covered cushions and scattered pattern pillows mimicked the silky white sands and crystal blue waters.  I loved how the lights of the evening spilled over the sand to create a rich orchestra of shadows and textures.

I had the chance to chat with so many interesting individuals.  It was exciting to finally meet Karen from Karen Tran Florals and chat about our wedding stationery collaboration last month.   Danielle from Octupus Events had great insight regarding the warm Cayman climate and the beautiful events she orchestrates.   Hearing insights from planners across the nation was great fun for me and the ladies pictured below were never short of inspiration.

From left, Sara from Bella Note,  Renee from It’s Eventful,  Daniela from Bella Signature Design,  me,  Vicky from Event Accomplished LLC

So much more to come!