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As many of you know, last week Lara and I had the privilege of attending Engage!10 at The Breakers in Palm Beach.  She’ll be sharing her perspective on her blog soon, but asked me to recap the fabulous festivities here.  It was a delightful experience through and through, and I’m happy to do so!

Engage is a luxury wedding conference, and I could think of no better place to hold it than at The Breakers.  From the minute I stepped out of a cab from the airport to the moment I was hailed a cab to return to the airport, the service was impeccable — warm and friendly, knowledgeable, attentive without being pushy or stuffy.  A+++ to their entire staff.

I was immediately whisked right into a ballroom for the opening sessions.  Rebecca and Kathryn, the masterminds behind Engage! and Engaging Concepts, said a few words and then turned the mic over to Harmony Walton of the Bridal Bar, Ali Phillips of Engaging Events by Ali, Lienne Stevens of Think Splendid Communications, and Donna VonBruening of DBV Photographers — all six-time attendees sharing their accumulated wisdom as to how to get the most from the conference.  Simon T. Bailey, motivational speaker extraordinaire, spoke next, and he was, as always, a hit with the crowd. 

We then had a mini breakout/introduction session, where I had the pleasure of meeting Amy Zaroff, Amy Atlas, and Heather Burge.  After much mingling, I was able to pick up my swag bag on the way back to my room, something I was very much looking forward to!  With goodies from The Artcraft Company, Ashley Brooke Designs, Blue Magpie, CECI New York, Checkerboard, Christopher Confero, Engaging Concepts, Fuz, Gifts for the Good Life, GO! Tie the Knot kit, Laura Hooper Calligraphy, liveBooks, Louella Press, Mindy Weiss for Two’s Company, Momental Designs, OPI, Personal Wine, Ring Finger Studio, Sandals Resorts Flip Outs, Savannah Wedding Professionals, Simply You Creations, Superfine Bakery, The Breakers, The Sugar Suite, TullaBelles, WED by Caroline Long, and Wedding Cake Pedestals, it did not disappoint.  Whew!

On to the photos, you say?  Okay!

Pictured above :: Lara, me, and Ceci Johnson of CECI New York

After refreshing in our rooms, Lara and I headed to a special cocktail party hosted in The Breaker’s beautiful Imperial Suite.  There, I was thrilled (and a little geeked out) to meet Abby and Tait Larson of Style Me Pretty, Michelle Rago, Ellen of Lehr & Black, Mindy Weiss, Susan of Destination Weddings Magazine, Marilyn from Inside Weddings Magazine, and Todd Fiscus, Texas’ hilarious and highly-talented event designer.  It was also lovely to catch up with SW fave Randy Fenoli, who NEVER disappoints!

After about an hour we headed down to the official welcome party, which was styled in Engage!10 : The Breakers offical colors of Palm Beach, pink and green.  It was a Lilly-lover’s paradise!  Throughout the few days we were there the food was delicious and deliciously styled, and the welcome reception was no exception. The mojito granitas were a particular hit, though my favorite app had to be the mini bites of spaghetti and meatballs piled on a spoon.  Truth: my mouth just watered when I typed that sentence.

Pictured below :: Harmony and Randy; Josh, Sara, and Todd of todd.events; and me, Todd, Lara, Randy, Laurie Arons, and Jeff from The Breakers.

I’ll be back with more from day 2 soon!

P.S. Like my outfit?  It’s a design from Caroline Long, who was so kind as to send it for my wearing pleasure! Check out her lovely line here — perfect for bridesmaids!

All photos courtesy of Mel Barlow and Allan Zepeda, DVB Photographers, Lara’s camera, or our iPhones!

emily Written with love by Emily
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  1. avatar Engage!11 :: Cayman Islands « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] don’t you think?) You can read a little more about my first trip to an Engage! conference here, here, and here. Save Facebook it Tweet […]

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Southern Stems: Gardenias

by in Inspirations, Main on

With the promise of a sweet Southern spring around the corner, we thought it was time to dust off our Southern Stems column! So far we’ve covered south of the Mason-Dixon Line favorites camellias, wisterias, and Texas blue bonnets, and today, it’s the gardenia’s turn.

Though I have many loves, gardenias are without a doubt my favorite Southern flower. Aside from their gorgeous looks, their smell is absolutely divine. (Strong, but divine.) I also love how something so precious is at the same time so common, at least in the South. Almost every house in my neighborhood has a bush, and I snapped this perfect bloom — one of many we passed! — on a walk one evening last June.

Elizabeth Messina via Mindy Weiss, Martha Stewart Weddings, Beaux Arts Photographie

The most common variety of gardenias, gardenia jasminoides, is native to Southern China and Japan, but has found a happy home in the American South. No surprise, since they are a majorly heat-loving plant! Gardenias are also known as Cape Jasmine.

Elizabeth Scott Photography via Southern Weddings, Eric Kelley via Wedding Chicks

Another reason gardenias are perfect for the South? They represent grace and hospitality — perfect for planting beside your front porch! Gardenias are actually a species of evergreen, so they keep their gorgeous glossy dark green leaves all winter. The leaves are beautiful to include in wedding arrangements, too!

Kallie Brynn via Southern Weddings, Kate Harrison via Style Me Pretty, Simple Color via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Brookelyn Photography via The Bride’s Cafe

Gardenias were particularly popular in weddings in the ’60s and ’70s, and are still a favorite with classic brides today. A few tips if you’re planning on using them in your own celebration: Make sure you like the smell! As noted above, gardenias have a strong scent, so even one bloom in a bouquet can make an impact.

Ashley McCormick via Southern Weddings, Eclectic Images, Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty, Laura Gordon via Southern Weddings

Also, while gardenias’ petals are delightfully creamy, they’re also exceptionally fragile, and too much handling can cause the petals to turn brown quickly. If you’re planning to pin a bloom in your hair, reserve two blossoms with your florist — that way, you can change it out post-ceremony to keep things fresh for the reception. Or, opt for a faux version — DK Designs makes a clay beauty we love!

Nancy Ray via Southern Weddings, White Loft Photographie via Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings

Speaking of faux gardenias, sugar flowers are a perfect option on a wedding cake!

A Bryan Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings and unknown

Do you love gardenias as much as I do? Anyone out there who can’t stand the smell? Will y’all incorporate them into your wedding? I’d love to hear!

Nancy Ray is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

emily Written with love by Emily
5 Comments
  1. avatar Kristyn M reply

    I love Gardenias! We always had them in the yard growing up and the smell instantly brings me back to my grandmothers yard! I plan on using them in my wedding but not too much because I’m sure not everyone loves the smell like I do!

  2. avatar Jessica B reply

    Gardenias and magnolias both will having starring roles at my wedding! They are so undeniably Southern. Delicate looking, elegant, but both make an impact! Gardenias with their smell and magnolias with their size.

  3. avatar anna reply

    Love the idea of handwritten notes for family members at their seats!

  4. avatar Mexico Wedding Expert » Gardenias! reply

    […] Bride in Veil […]

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Every day on my way to the baseball field, I pass an authentic vintage truck with the bed full of baskets of fresh peaches. I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve never stopped! BUT that could change soon, because now, a visit is officially on my summer (and #southerndoin) to do list. Nothing could be more appropriate, actually, because August is National Peach Month! Yum – just another reason to love August! In honor of this juicy fruit, we’re rounding up our favorite sweet as a peach finds for you. Keep an eye out for a few more peach-centric posts throughout the month!

A. Keep cool on hot summer night with this Peach Tea dress from ModCloth. This softer shade of Nicole’s favorite color is sure to have you looking sweet.

B. Peachy-colored invitations definitely make for a fun twist on the classic ecru. We love this modern square style.

C. We can’t help but include this Serendipity Romper from our friends at Love Ophelia. Even Emily’s favorite, the former Bachelorette, Ms. Maynard, is a fan!

D. After seeing this shade of Essie on my girl Ashley Brooke, I can’t help but be obsessed with this peach polish called Tart Deco.

E. Poms are one of my favorite easy-peasy decorations for summer soirées!

F. I think adding these adorable stripe straws to sweet tea at a bridal shower or bridesmaids’ luncheon would be the perfect detail to any peach party!

G. This cult classic Georgia Peach blush from Benefit may be my secret weapon for bright summer skin! It gives the ultimate peachy-keen sheen on cheeks without being overpowering!

H. Looking for a unique hostess gift? This waterproof vessel combines the ombre trend with a soft pop of peach color sure to brighten her day!

Have you seen our past posts? You’ll never want the summer to end!
A Day at the Lake
A Weekend Barbecue
Summer Essentials from A Southern Lady
Beach Getaway Essentials
Summer Escapes
Watermelon Wonder

marissa Written with love by Marissa
5 Comments
  1. avatar Ashley S. reply

    Cute post Marissa! I’m loving peach and coral right now and I’m wearing that color nail polish as I type this! LOVE. :)

  2. avatar Stephanie Creekmur reply

    I am loving peach this summer as well! I love all your peach finds & can’t wait to see the rest! Love these Summer in the South posts! :)

  3. avatar shelby reply

    You better stop by quick! Those are probably the last of the season!!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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