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!
I have been following your time at the conference on Instagram since Sunday, and it looks like it was such a rewarding experience! I would have loved to be there to hear you share your story and wisdom, and I hope to attend one of these conferences in the future!
You got no idea how much you inspire me! I used to save a photo that I liked. But now it became an obsession. I want to memorize EVERYTHING I see on your page!