Blog

Ali Phillips, Wedding Consultant in Chicago, attends Engage 09, Luxury Wedding Business Intensive

2009-11-03T11:00:56Z

Last week I attended the Engage!09 The Encore, Luxury Wedding Business Intensive in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Wynn Encore. The amazing ladies, Rebecca Grinnals and Kathyrn Arce of Engaging Concepts hosted their fourth luxury wedding conference. I have been lucky enough to be an attendee at all four conferences and this one was just as outstanding as all of them.

The two day event was filled with incredible parties at the Encore's Luxury spa and Blush Nightclub. But, the education is what I went for and Rebecca and Kathryn did not disappoint. The day was filled with insight from industry leaders like, Sean Low of The Business of Being Creative (you may know him, he was the President of Preston Bailey Designs), Marcy Blum (eventista extraordinaire), and interior designer and designer of the Wynn Encore, Todd Avery-Lenahan. Attendees were also treated to an inspiring presenation by Simon T Bailey about "Releasing your Brilliance". Simon's books are not to be missed and can be purchased here on his website. He is someone that wakes up every morning and helps people like myself become more brilliant every day. Whatever you do for work, his book will inspire and motivate you.

Me with Simon T Bailey

I find it is so important as a wedding consultant in Chicago to attend wedding industry events and always be learning more about the wedding and events industry. The networking and connections I have made at the Engage events has made me as a better business woman and industry leader. I have met many people at these events and keep in touch with them on twitter and facebook. I look forward to making new friends and seeing old friends at the Engage 10 conference at the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman in June of 2010.

Me with Stephanie from Couture Parties

You can follow me on twitter @AliPhillips.

Engagement Pictures

2009-10-28T00:06:14Z

I posted this last June but with engagement picture season upon us with the gorgeous leaves changing in Chicago, I thought I would post it again for all my new clients planing on their engagement pictures this fall. Thank you Glen Abog for this lovely picture of Lori and Todd.

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 can be a fantastic way to kick off your wedding planning in style. Engagement photos are sort of a sneak-peak at what is to come, a moment in time that is full of excitement and joy. I know, I know, you are probably thinking that you have a million other things on your to-do list, but engagement photos are something you will never regret.

Not sure how you will wear your hair or normally never wear eye-shadow but are thinking about doing so on your wedding day? What better way to see what works and what does not work? Think of this as your beauty test-drive and do a trial with a person you have been talking to about your professional hair and makeup for your wedding day. I recommend the team at Sonia Roselli for hair and makeup.

You may have a fiancé who is not too keen on having his picture taken. Remind him that he can use the photos to get those relatives to stop bugging him about getting a picture taken for the newspaper. Even if you ultimately decide not to submit your images to the newspaper, at the very least your families will love to have a professional picture of the two of you. Or use the picture as a cute save the date for your wedding guests! You could also display a few of the pictures next to your guest book at your wedding; or better yet put one of them in the center of a large white matte and ask all of your guests to sign the matte instead of signing a guest book (in a guest book people usually only sign their names, but on a matte they usually write sweet or cute messages). Then after your wedding, exchange the engagement photo for one of your favorite wedding photos. Voila, you will have a beautiful wedding photo signed by your friends and family - instant artwork for your new home.

Enough said about why to do an engagement photo session, now here is how to go about doing it. First, find a photographer who fits your style. Ideally this will be the photographer who is shooting your wedding or one you are considering hiring. Then discuss shooting at two or three locations. Maybe a field near your house, the lakefront where you learned to water ski or the streets of the local downtown area where the two of you went on your first date. If you are struggling between wanting formal studio portraits vs. casual shots, ask your photographer what they prefer and if they are willing to do both in one session. Oftentimes, photographers will want to do two locations and will include the session for free if you have already booked them for your wedding. Second, pick your outfits wisely and when in doubt bring two. For example, a guy can wear a shirt and jeans for some of the shots and then add a sweater or jacket. For the girl, she can wear jeans and a cute top, and later throw on a snazzy jacket or fun dress. Also, a change in jewelry can be all the props you need. If it is an overcast day, take a colorful umbrella to add instant romance and a punch of color. Lastly, keep it simple. A great location and a fun attitude can make all the difference in the world, both are contagious and will shine through in your images.

So what are you waiting for, book an engagement photo session now. You have nothing to loose. Not to mention that you will discover whether smokey-grey is your shade of eye-shadow and your fiancé will learn how to relax and have fun in front of the camera long before he tries on his tuxedo.

The Knot Chicago Party

2009-10-23T12:06:15Z

The Knot.com invited Chicago wedding industry consultants and professionals to gather together on Wednesday night at the cool event location, Salvage One, to celebrate. I have not done an event at Salvage One, but what a unique location to host a corporate event or a wedding. It is a two floor raw and lofty space with an outdoor garden that could be used for cocktails or even a ceremony. Located in West Town, parking should be easy for your guests on the night of your event. Not to worry though at this event, VIP Valet was a sponsor at the event and quickly whisked my car away. The ladies at Big City Bride and Botanicals Chicago really did a great job creating a fun and gorgeous event for industry professionals. We sampled great food from Berghoff Catering, danced to the tunes spun by Delta Disc Jockeys, and visited the fun photo booth by Shutterbooth.

Please enjoy the great pictures here by Gina DeConti from Imaginiative Studios, who so graciously shared them with me. I look forward to seeing Gina at the wedding that I am planning on Sunday. Thanks Gina!

And thanks to The Knot.com women for hosting such a great night and providing useful information about the Chicago Bride in your presentation. We can't wait for next year's party.

Ali Phillips Speaks at Purdue University About Wedding Planning in Chicago

2009-10-02T13:58:40Z

Last week my assistant, Kristin Weis, and I traveled to her hometown and alma mater, West Lafayette, Indiana to Purdue University. I was asked to present at the Purdue Event Planning Society which is an organization that students started two years ago. There were fifty people in attendance and I had a great time sharing stories about Engaging Events weddings, my background and how to succeed in the event planning world.

Special thank you to Stephanie Portey and Morgan White from the executive board for inviting me to speak and also for the cool Purdue glasses they sent me home with as a thank you.

As an established wedding planner in Chicago, I feel it is so important to give back to the industry and help those interested in event planning. I hope the attendees were inspired by my presentation.

Sixtieth Birthday Party Chicago Style

2009-09-10T09:52:58Z

As a wedding consultant in Chicago, I often get asked to plan the birthdays and anniversaries of past clients of parents of past clients. The sixtieth birthday party that I was asked to plan was absolutely one of my favorite parties to plan. The party was a total surprise to the birthday girl. At the same time we were planning their daughter's wedding so the father of the bride and I would have secret meetings to talk about decor and the entertainment. Brian Culbertson, a famous jazz musician from Chicago, was one of the birthday girl's favorite performers. The father of the bride tasked me with planning an amazing party and booking Brian Culberston and his band for a snowy evening in February. We called the event "Club Joy', the birthday girl's nickname and boy was there a lot of joy in the room.

The venue, Chicago Illuminating Company, was the perfect spot for this excellent birthday celebration and Kehoe Designs transformed the space with their furniture and created a "Club Joy" evening their guests will never forget. The food by Blue Plate was fitting with Chicago fare. Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Chicago Style Pizza and also an awesome chocolate cake by Portillos., which is the Birthday Girl's favorite dessert.

Thanks goes out to Kurt Gerber for his awesome pictures of the birthday celebration.

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-31T06:19:33Z

As a wedding planner in Chicago, my job is to plan the most magical, wonderful and organized wedding day for my clients. Well, when the client is yourself the same things happen. Today I want to wish my husband a Happy 7th Anniversary. Seven years ago today I stood in a church with my husband and said our wedding vows. Afterwards we celebrated our love with family and friends. Five years later we renewed our vows (just the two of us) in Healsburg, California.

Please enjoy the photos from that amazing day that we renewed our vows. Special thanks goes out to Sasha Souza for her help in planning our renewal and the amazing florals. And thank you Sarah Alair for taking the most amazing pictures.

Midwest Wedding & Event Professionals First Annual Charity Golf Outing, Swing for a Cure!

2009-07-27T10:05:58Z

Please join us on Monday, August 17th, 2009 at Crane's Landing Golf Course in Lincolnshire, Illinois at our Midwest Wedding & Event Professionals First Annual Charity Golf Outing. Register here NOW and join in the FUN!

Proceeds this year will benefit the Pink Initiative. Pink Initiative is a collection of wedding industry professionals and private donors dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer.

Please come and support this great cause, play some golf, win some prizes, have a bbq and network with other wedding and event professionals in the Midwest!

Schedule:

12:30pm Shotgun Start Tee Times. Please arrive and be ready to play by 12:30pm.

Following golf will be at BBQ, presentation of prizes and music by the Larry King Orchestra at Crane's Landing Golf Course

Don't forget to WEAR YOUR PINK in support of Breast Cancer. (rumour has it the best Pink Outfit will receive a great prize)!

Currently our Sponsors are Larry King Orchestra, Classic Party Rentals, Engaging Events by Ali, and Gerber + Scarpelli Weddings. For hole sponsor and sponsorship information, please contact Ali Phillips at 773-777-2299 or Kurt Gerber at 312-455-1144.

Please Note: Refunds will only be given if Crane's Landing determines the golf course is closed due to severe weather.

This Event is produced by Engaging Events by Ali and Gerber + Scarpelli Weddings.

Logo created by Pulp + Ink!

Filene's Basement HUGE Bridal Gown Sale

2009-07-21T13:15:08Z

This Friday at Filene’s Basement is the annual Running of the Bride’s from 8am-9pm at the Chicago Store at The Finlene’s Basement at One North State Street. Filene’s Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to luggage, but perhaps the store is most famous for its annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns.

The sale is held in selected Filene’s Basement stores once a year. News reports so often compare it to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain that the event is now officially called the “Running of the Brides^®.”

The day of the sale, brides-to-be and their helpers line up early. When the doors open, they run full speed towards the racks. You can snag an amazing wedding dress from $249-$699. For tips on how to best “tackle” this fun event, email pat.boudrot@filenesbasement.com.

Dennis Lee Click to Cure Photo Day

2009-07-07T10:00:35Z

It's that time of the year again! Come on out to support Dennis Lee’s Annual Click to Cure event for cancer research! This year, he is raising money for the Cancer Research Foundation in Chicago. It was started by the Goldblatt family of the Goldblatt stores. They support new and innovative research that often large organizations or governments overlook. Yet it's often this new research that leads to great leaps in science.

On July 12th, he will be shooting portrait sessions for a minimum donation of $100 to the Cancer Research Foundation. Bring your family, friends, dogs, cats, anything you want photographed in the name of a great cause!

Here are the details:
Studio 415
415 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL
July 12. 10:00AM - 6:00PM

There are no reservation times. Walk in, he'll spend about 15 minutes taking photos, and you'll leave with a disc of all the images. He'll have food, music, and a lot of fun. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to the Cancer Research Foundation. What a great cause and what a wonderful thing for Dennis to do!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-02T11:00:03Z

Happy 4^th of July!! This is one of my favorite times of the year. I will probably spend it out on the lake with good friends, good food and a good bottle of wine. I was looking for some fun party favors and snacks when I came across these really cool patriotic cupcakes on Martha Stewart! What a cute and adorable centerpiece. Enjoy the wonderful festivities, be safe and god bless America.

Hitched or Ditched Chicago Wedding at The Drake Hotel

2009-06-24T10:50:50Z

As one of Chicago's top wedding consultants, I get asked to plan many amazing and interesting events. This was hands down the most "different" Chicago wedding planning experience I have ever had!

When The CW came to Chicago in February, they called and asked me to help plan Erica and Paul's perfect dream wedding, all in ONE WEEK! I could not have been more excited to help them plan the wedding and meet the couple. The catch? Erica and Paul must decide in one week if they are going to say I DO and they decide at the altar.

Well, Congratulations to Erica and Paul who last night said I DO on THE CW's new show, Hitched or Ditched at The Drake Hotel's Gold Coast Room in Chicago!

After I sent Erica down the aisle we all waited to hear the outcome of what their decision would be. The results! YAY! Erica and Paul were married and they celebrated in the French Room of The Drake Hotel with dinner, dancing and an AMAZING wedding cake by Amy Beck Cake Design.

Rick Aguilar captured the amazing photos on the night of the wedding. Erin McDonald from Heffernan Morgan did the INCREDIBLE decor. Classic Party Rental provided the wonderful rentals and Fun Times DJ and Belle Music provided our music. Thanks so all my amazing vendors!

It was a glorious night to be happy and celebrate!

Thank you to Be Inspired PR for recommending Engaging Events by Ali to the producers of the show.

Grand Cayman Luxury Wedding Business Summit

2009-06-16T15:39:55Z

I am so excited to be at the Engage 09 Luxury Wedding Business Summit in Grand Cayman from Sunday to Wednesday. Rebecca Grinnals of Engaging Concepts is bringing together many of the 'best of the best' in the wedding industry - from speakers to attendees - engage seeks to offer something not found in other conferences. Careful attention is paid to creating an atmosphere of effortless networking allowing for an open exchange of ideas, information, inspiration and candid discussions of the issues and opportunities facing everyone in today's luxury wedding industry.

I can not wait to see old friends and make new friends in Grand Cayman!

Raise the Cake

2009-06-15T11:06:01Z

I saw this company online called Raise the Cake and I had to share it with my readers. Wow, what a great idea to make your wedding cake that much more special! I love the design and the name of the company. I see so many cakes at weddings that are pretty but just on a white or ivory board with a ribbon flanking it. After seeing these amazing stands I must say I can’t wait to use one of these at one of my client’s wedding. It is the perfect way to design your own stand and dazzle it up however you want. You can use it not only for your wedding cake but also they make one to use for a “cupcake wedding cake” as well. The best part is the clean up, it’s a one time use, just make sure to keep your gems and toss the rest! I think it’s a great way to use your imagination and add the finishing touches to your cake yourself!

Museum of Contemporary Art Wedding of Emily and Ben

2009-06-10T14:05:59Z

What incredible pictures by Jeremy Bustos at Studio This Is. Here is a sneak peak he sent from from last Saturday's wedding at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Fourth Presbyterian Church. More to come! Enjoy

Hollywood Fashion Tape

2009-06-08T14:10:26Z

Many of my readers know me well and know I am not a "dress wearer". I am most times found in either a suit on a wedding day, a cute sweater set with slacks or a skirt during the week, or a golf skirt and spikes on the days I can play golf. Recently, I was invited to an industry dinner (more on that later next week in a blog) and wore a pretty black dress I own. The v-shape of the neckline makes it a bit tricky in covering everything up. Not that I was pulling out the famous J-Lo green cascading dress neckline, but I needed a little help and did not want a safety pin showing. BEHOLD, I found this amazing tape called Hollywood Fashion Tape. It is a great product and I am sure many a bride and bridesmaid will find this tape useful. The pre-cut disposable strips have a removable backing on each side. All you need to do is peel back the backing, stick and press on your skin or fabric and remove the backing to secure the item. So easy! And it does not hurt when you peel it off your skin and did not leave any odd residue on my skin.

It can be used for: Hiding bra straps, fixing hemlines, securing revealing necklines, closing wrap skirts, or to hold up strapless tops. Every wedding consultant, bride and bridesmaid will find this product useful to have in their emergency kit.

You can order online or purchase at this local Chicago shops.