Blog

The Vow Movie, Filmed in Chicago Premieres February 10th

2012-02-07T11:09:30Z

We love movies about love! The new movie, premiering this week is The Vow. Filmed in Chicago, this movie with Chatum Tanning and Rachel McAdams is a story of a newlywed couple who is recovering from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again.

Wanting to see the movie early? Check out the flyer and RSVP for two free tickets to the advance screening on Wednesday, Feb 8th.

Passes are limited and on a first come, first serve basis.

BHLDN Opens in Chicago on Valentine's Day

2012-02-01T13:12:27Z

We are less than two weeks away from the much anticipated February 14th opening of the BHLDN Store in Chicago, Anthropologie's answer to all things bridal. We fell in love with BHLDN when they launched last year on Valentine's Day online and how appropriate that the Windy City gets their own store for brides, grooms and party planners alike one year later on the same holiday, (one that celebrates love); Valentine's Day.

It will be located directly across the street from the Elysian Hotel (soon to be named the Waldorf Astoria Chicago) at 8 East Walton Street and will boast two floors of gorgoues wedding dresses, accessories and decor touches. I can't wait for this shop to open to see all the goodies in person at the new store in Chicago.

Party-Ready, by BHLDN from BHLDN on Vimeo.

Golden Globe Hairstyles for your Wedding Day

2012-01-24T13:00:54Z

Yeah! It is awards season! That time of year that the stars hit the red carpet and we get to ohhh and ahhhh over the gorgeous dresses and fashion. This years Golden Globes did not dissapoint! I was loving seeing all the gorgeous hairstyles and I definately see them trending over into bridal styles this year.

Looking very bridal with her hairstyle this year was Charlize Theron. She looked like a blusing bride with her hair losely fashioned with a gorgeous diamond headband. It was almost like she was on the "red aisle" not the red carpet. And did you see that gorgeous sparkler on her finger? WOW!

A tigher and more clean look was Angelina Jolie with her gorgeous updo and red lips!

Dianna Agron from Glee looked amazing with her hair up in a soft fasion and also sported red lips!

And I loved Shailene Woodley's large bun with a little height at the top

And one of my all time favorites on the red carpet, Reese Witherspoon's loose locks that would be perfect for a second reception look following the wedding ceremony.

I can't wait to see what the other awards shows bring for fashion and beauty culminating with the Oscars on February 26th

All pictures from US Magazine

Speaking at Event Solutions Idea Factory in February

2012-01-23T15:30:56Z

I am looking forward to speaking at Event Solutions Idea Factory this year in Las Vegas that takes place from Feb 26th thru the 29th. I will be speaking on Destination Weddings on Monday at 7:30am. Please add this to your calendar if you are attending and come and see me speak about all things destination weddings and how to create a Sense of Place. Having planned weddings as far away as South Africa and as close as Lake Geneva, Wisconin and Iowa, we will have an honest discussion about embracing your locale and working best with vendors you may not have worked with before. And how do you market to the destination wedding market? Come and hear at my session and come away with some new ideas and tactics in your tool kit of knowledge.

Conference Session Information: Monday, Feb 27th at 7:30am!

Destination weddings have grown at an incredible pace of 84 percent in the past five years and with no end of growth in sight. As you prepare for your client's destination wedding, start with your packing list. Then fill your suitcase with such valuable information such as: how to market to the bride, what you need to know regarding logistics, and how to weave a consistent theme throughout all the activities. This session is your passport into the exotic world of destination weddings – a journey that you can’t afford to miss!
DELIVERABLES:
• Describe how to capture the attention of destination wedding couples in your marketing efforts.
• Discover how to infuse a destination wedding and its extended activities with a flavor of that culture, customs, cuisine and history.
• Identify tactics and tips when working with new vendors and new destinations.

Also speaking will be industry friends Liene Stevens, Marcy Blum, Sean Low, Preston Bailey and Erin McDonald.

And please visit the WIPA booth and Wish Upon a Wedding Booth on the tradeshow floor!

If you have not yet registered it is not too late and this conference is not to be missed!

A New Year a New Look

2012-01-11T00:47:06Z

I am so excited to be close to signing off on our new website designed by Neoteric Design. I also have a new logo to share with our readers designed by Jenna Plonka of Clementine Ink. I am so excited to show you it!

So drumroll please...........................

I can not wait to share the new website with you that will not only continue to highlight the gorgeous weddings I have been planning in Chicago for ten years but also the wonderful destination weddings we have planned. Please come back in February to see the new look!

Until then, I am off to Costa Rica in t he morning for a destination wedding and La Pura Vida!

A Look Back at 2011 Chicago Weddings

2011-12-30T20:27:35Z

2011 was a wonderful year! We thank the wonderful couples who welcomed us into their lives as we helped them plan their weddings. Thank you to all those brides and grooms who selected Engaging Events by Ali as their wedding planner. Here is just a tiny little peek into our amazing 2011 year! And thank you to all the amazing photographers who provide the beautiful moments from the wedding days for our clients.

We have a new website to share with you in January and I can't wait for you to see it! Happy New Year!

Above by Rich Chapman. This wedding was featured on the blog, Landlocked Bride. See more pictures here.

Gorgeous moment above on the church steps above captured by Jeffery & Julia Woods

Katie and Ken (above) by Robin Sloan at Riverbend Studio, Inc.

Traveling out of Chicago, (above) we worked with Blue Glass Photography for Debi and Vivek's tropical and colorful wedding at Caneel Bay in St John USVI.

Above Chicago Firehouse Picture by Kevin Weinstein

Nicole and Brian celebrated their wedding at the new JW Marriott. Lovely moment in Nicole's second wedding dress by Andre LaCour. (above) This wedding was featured in the CS Brides Magazine and you can see more details here.

Lakefront moment above captured by Yazy Jo.

One of the Elevage Events Ladies who works with me also was married this year! Picture below of Jaclyn and Chris. Picture by Jeremy Bustos at Studio This Is.

Holy Name Cathedral exit (above) captured by Becky Hill.

Picture above by Andre LaCour. This wedding was featured in Wedding Guide Chicago. See the feature here.

Pictures below by Peter Coombs

How to Clean your Diamond Engagement Ring

2011-12-27T17:51:48Z

It is "engagement season"! That time of year where many couple are getting engaged while they celebrate the holidays with their family and friends. For many people, this may be the first time they have worn diamonds or a fine gemstone. Their ring is all sparkly, new and gorgeous. But as time goes on, your ring needs to be cleaned. What is the best way to clean a diamond? Diamond experts agree that running a little warm water in a small bowl with a little mild liquid detergent and allowing your diamond engagement ring to soak for three to four minutes and using a soft brush will get lose debris and oils off your diamonds. And it is a good idea every year to get your rings polished and cleaned and for your jeweler to check for any lose prongs.

Real Simple also has a great video tutorial on cleaning your rings!

Looking for a great jeweller in Chicago? I recommend Paul Schmelzle of Ted Schmelzle & Sons at 29 East Madison in Chicago, 312-782-7230.

Photos from Tiffany

Holiday Ornament Tradition

2011-12-22T11:40:42Z

If you are engaged or just in your first year of marriage and wanting to create a fun Christmas tradition for your Christmas tree, think about buying a ornament every year that reminds you of that year in your lives.

Are you getting married this year? Christopher Radko has a gorgeous wedding line you can purchase an ornament from.

Are you travelingl to St Lucia for your honeymoon? Buy an ornament when you are there or buy an ornament that reminds you of the beach and place on your tree. Or did you take a big trip to South Africa this year? Get something there you can commemorate on your tree and remember that amazing trip every year. Try and pick something locally up or think about your year in review. This year I bought a fun ornament in St. John that reminds me of my birthday celebration there.

You can easily with a colored pen or nailpolish put the year on the bottom of the ornament or a cute little tag with the year on it. That way, 30 years from now, you have 30 ornaments to look back on your marriage together and take a stroll down memory lane!

Things to do in Chicago This Weekend

2011-12-09T23:23:41Z

There was a little snow on the ground this morning and I can't say that I was not a little excited. The Holidays are upon us and I just love this time of year.

Looking for something fun to do in Chicago this weekend? Below are two of my favorite things to do during the Holidays in Chicago and leading up to Christmas.

Handel's Messiah at St Clement Church

Every other year the St Clement Church performs Handels Messiah and I gone every other year for the last 15 years. Performances are Saturday at 5:30pm and Sunday at 3pm. This is a wonderful performance of the Messiah. You can purchase tickets online.

Zoo Lights

The Lincoln Park Zoo really knows how to light up the lakefront with their amazing Zoo Lights. It is FREE to anyone and is a spectacular site. From 5pm-9pm you will see one of the most amazing light shows in Chicago! Sponsored by ComEd, this is a must do every year. Follow up with a yummy burger at R.J Grunts or a lovely and warm french dinner at Mon Ami Gabi.

Holiday Food Drive Benefitting Greater Chicago Food Depository

2011-12-07T12:00:00Z

I have teamed up this holiday season with fellow wedding planner friends Heather Vickery and Beth Bernstein and local wedding shops in Chicago and the suburbs to help those in need this Holiday Season.

Please help bring joy to those in need by bring non-perishable items to the below drop off locations from December 15t through December 18th. On the 19th, we will pick up these items and bring to The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The Left Bank, 1155 West Webster in Chicago

Bleeding Heart Bakery, 1955 West Belmont in Chicago

Magnificent Milestones, 472 West Erie in Chicago

Fleur, 3149 West Logan Boulevard in Chicago

Smitten Boutique, 1041 West Madison in Chicago

and in the suburbs, Bella Bianca 17W527 Roosevelt Road in Oak Brook Terrace

The Greater Food Depository in Chicago has a list of "most needed" items and some of those are beans, canned fruit and vegetables, tuna, pasta sauces, pasta, peanut butter, soup, rice and macaroni and cheese.

The amazing retailers that are taking part in this food drive will offer a 10%-15% discount if you are dropping items off.

Special thanks to Peggy of Erickson Design who created the gorgeous flier!

Holiday Candle-Ali's Favorite Things

2011-12-05T14:57:48Z

I love the Holidays! And one of my favorite things is taking out the Frasier Fir scented candle from Thymes and listening to the music of the season while I work. I originally posted about this last year but have to include it this year in my favorite finds!

I saw this candle at the Farmers Center in Chicago on Elston. We also get out Christmas tree there every year. Originally, I thought it was maybe a bit expensive for a candle but all the ladies in there assured me it was going to be the best candle I have ever purchased. And were they right! What a fabulous bridesmaids gift for a winter wedding or a great gift for friends and family this Holiday Season. They have a decent sized parking lot you can park in. Also, our tree we got from them is amazing. It smells so wonderful in our house. If you are an out of town reader, you can purchase the candle here at the Thymes link.

Originally posted on December 8th, 2010

Ali Phillips Named Junebug's World's Best Wedding Planners & Designers

2011-12-01T01:39:52Z

I was SO excited when Blair and Christy called me from Junebug Weddings to tell me I had been selected to be a part of their World's Best Wedding Planners & Designers they unveiled last week and I am so thankful to be included. The best of the best are on this list and I am flattered to be a part of it.

Junebug Weddigns is all about inspiring couples to express their personal style and they have an amazing blog where they share all things wedding and beauty. Make sure to add this blog to your MUST read every day!

Thank you Blair and Christy for selecting me for this esteemed honor. You can read the announcement here on their blog.

Breaking Dawn Part I Wedding Details

2011-11-28T15:04:04Z

I am an admitted Twilight fan! I was so excited to see the new Breaking Dawn Part I movie this past weekend. Not only because I love the books, but also the first twenty minutes of the movie focused on the wedding of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Below are some beautiful details and information about the wedding and how you can get Bella and Edward's wedding look.

Let's start with the wedding invitation, as that is the first way your guests get to experience and see the "style" and look and feel of your wedding. Bella and Edward's invitation was classic and traditional and had a back layer of silver, which I felt gave it a rich and elegant feel. Designed by Connor Fine Engraver & Stationer in New York, the wedding invitation was engraved and printed on 100% cotton paper.

Bella's wedding dress was magical and looked elegant in the outdoorsy and "Midnight Summer's Dream" wedding details. Designed by Caroline Herrera for the movie, you can now purchase her dress from Alfred Angelo.

And OH those SHOES that her sister-in-law Alice picked for her. They are designed by Caroline Herrera for Manolo Blahnik and can be purchased at Neiman Marcus. This shoe, named The Swan, is a gorgeous shoe with a little bling and fun detail for pictures. I LOVE this shoe and may have to buy the black version or pink version this year for holiday parties.

Bella's gorgeous hair clip, which was given to her by her parents, can be purchased at Hot Topics. I loved that it was her "old" and "blue".

The wedding ceremony scene was out of a dream. What a magical and gorgeous palette of white with the green of the moss-covered stumps that lined the aisle which came to life as she proceeded down the aisle.

The wedding reception was as magical as the wedding ceremony with lots of candlelight, green linens and branch centerpieces with taper candles. The flowers used were wisteria, delphinium, sweet pea, vibirnum, different mosses, fern and ranunculus. The centerpieces almost felt like they came to life on the tables. Terry Polastek was the floral designer for the wedding and she did an amazing job of setting a gorgeous scene.

And my final picture is of the amazing and very large wedding cake. Much like a little wedding in April of Kate and William back in April, the wedding cake was a large statement piece.

The wedding was a beautiful part of the book and for me it was so much fun to see the details of the book come to life on the big screen!

See my Twilight inspired photo shoot I did last year on the blog.

Floral pictures above from Casa Sugar

Engage!11 Cayman Islands, living, learning and loving it!

2011-11-22T20:48:34Z

On this day when I see Thanksgiving blog posts of tables with pumpkins and gourds and fall decor in pictures I feel that I am going to change things up a bit. Today, I am giving thanks and thanking THE Rebecca and Kathryn for giving the wedding industry the Engage Conference.Today I share with you some amazing pictures of the most wonderful and exciting conference that I just returned from.

I just got back from a week on Grand Cayman Islands from the Engage!11 Luxury Wedding Business Summit. This is my eighth Engage conference I have attended. I had heard of the organizers, Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts (check out their new gorgeous website) and heard of their first conference back in 2008 and had to check it out. I was officially hooked when I got back! This powerhouse conference is full of amazing industry leaders speaking and networking and sharing and caring. Some of my good friends that I met at this conference are people I keep in touch with even after I am back from the conferences and my bags are unpacked and there is no sand between my toes.

It is hard to put into words what the Engage conferences mean to me as I write this blog post. It has pushed me to think differently about my business, my client's weddings, my family and my friends. It has challenged me in ways that no other conference I have attended ever has. (Probably why this is my eighth one)! Rebecca and Kathryn have provided a place for wedding industry elite to get together, meet the most amazing people and learn and share with each other on how our businesses run, how we design and plan and how we just plain have fun while doing it! The speaker roster is one of the best things about the conference (well and the parties) and I continually learn so much from each person on the stage.

This pictures below from David Wolfe sums up the friendships that have been made and continue to grow. It is these and many other friendships that I have made that I am also so thankful for. And Rebecca and Kathryn have provided us with this magical place that that all happens.

Below are some amazing videos of the conference by Elysium Productions. I even make a little appearance in the video! Thanks Julie Hill from Elysium Productions for including me!

engage! 11 Grand Cayman // Part One from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

engage!11 Grand Cayman // Day 2 & 3 recap film from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

The time spent in the classrooms at Engage!11 Cayman was amazing but then also in the "classrooms" on the beach and boat cruise were invaluable at this conference. Thank you also to Harmony, Michelle, Stephanie, Trisha, Julie, Lacy, Marcy, Aimee, Lori, Matt, Kasey, Lindsey, Anthony and Rusty and Michael who spent hours in the ocean floating, laughing and sharing a chunky monkey drink!

As I brine my turkey and get ready for family to arrive I just want to say THANK YOU Rebecca and Kathryn for bringing me and so many others the most magical and "engaged" experience in this industry! You continue to amaze us and my bags are already packed for Engage!12 in Las Vegas!

Next week I will share some more amazing pictures of the details and parties so please check back.

Pictures by David Wolfe

Twilight Inspired Photo Shoot for Halloween

2011-10-31T13:00:41Z

BOO!!! Happy Halloween! Today I wanted to share a great styled shoot I did for Chicago Style Weddings last year that appeared in their magazine. Please enjoy these pictures today with a flair for Halloween!

You can see the magazine feature here!

Thanks to the vendors that made this shoot possible:

Photography Credit: Duron Studio

Flowers: Topiarius

Rentals: Classic Party Rental

Cake: Tipsy Cake

Linens: Modern Event Rental

Sealed with a J