Engage!10 Recap Part I – The Stationery and Sylvia!

What I love most about this industry are the people and dynamic nature of the business….we create new, beautiful and meaningful everyday (or at least strive to) and for this I feel grateful to even be a part.  Over the next week I will share my view of the life changing time I experienced at Engage 10 in Grand Cayman; from the striking style and paper goodness to the innovative people and ideas all captured through my eyes and pen.

With inspiring paper from Envelopments we created the main session stationery including these oversized placecards.  Jasmine Star grabbed this gorgeous shot complete with the clean morning sunlight trickling in.   I was completely overwhelmed as word got around that these lovelies were in fact individually hand painted.  Thank you everyone for your kind words and sincere appreciation for the hard work that went into crafting these pieces.

Coordinating agendas and stunning folders by my friends at Envelopments.  Folder shot by Donna!

Feeling a bit start struck in the room you can imagine my shock when Sylvia Weinstock headed over to chat and compliment the stationery.  This gal just about fell over, but not before I asked good friend Donna Von Bruening to capture the moment!  I was thrilled to have the chance to thank Sylvia for my treasured Renewal cake in person!

During hour 1 at Engage a little sketch of Envelopments Brocade pattern turned into a collage of ideas….

I think in images, color and often find my written notes evolving into sketches.  Since my first Engage experience I felt compelled to sketch and this time around my hand could not seem to keep up with my ideas.  The Engage Symposiums are all about people.  I felt this time, the room was taking a collective, much needed breath.  Conversation was electric, the energy was palpable and sincerity and kindness seemed to be the thread that brought us all together.  Egos were checked at the door and we got right down to living and learning in this live, raw and real moment that became for me the single-most energizing experience of my career to date.

After a few days to simmer and turn notes into actions these words stay at the top of my mind:

Value, Move, Define, Share, Listen, Curate

Check back tomorrow for more …sketches of Colin Cowie, Marcy Blum and more!

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 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!