Engage '09 Symposium

Last month I flew to the Cayman Islands where I was invited to speak at Engage '09, a bridal symposium called "Something Blue". This 3 day event is for professionals from the bridal industry to come together, meet, network, and get inspired. There were almost 200 attendees that came from 9 countries and 26 states to hear leaders and innovators from the bridal industry share their advice and knowledge. Some of the speakers included: Antonia van der Meer of Modern Bride and Elegant Bride, Carly Roney of The Knot, Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings, Marcy Blum of Marcy Blum Events, Millie Martini Bratten of Brides, Preston Bailey of Preston Bailey Design, and Sylvia Weinstock of Sylvia Weinstock Cakes.

Engage '09 is the brainchild of my dearest friend in the whole world, Rebecca Grinnals of Engaging Concepts. Rebecca and her assistant, Kathryn Arce, another one of my dearest friends, held an event so spectacular and ingenious, that to put it into words is almost impossible, but to quote Bee Kim from Weddingbee, it was LEGENDARY!

It was also informative, fun, and for me it was truly LIFE CHANGING! Below are some photos from Engage '09 that I would like to share with you.


Here are the two "SUPERSTARS", Kathryn Arce and Rebecca Grinnals.


Everyone stayed at the glamorous Ritz Carlton Hotel and as you can see in these photos, the name "Something Blue" was synonymous with the glorious blue skies and crystal blue waters.


On the first night was the "Beach Soiree", where the festivities began with everyone walking down a blue carpet to the party, which was beautifully decorated by event planner Michelle Rago of Michelle Rago ltd..


Me, Rebecca, and Michael Landry of Gucci photographed on the "Blue Carpet".


With Ben and Sylvia Weinstock, Michael Landry, and Bee Kim in front of the picturesque sunset.


The presentations were held inside the truly Grand Ballroom at the Ritz Carlton.

At the end of the first day, the speakers hosted "Dine Arounds" at various restaurants on the island.


Sylvia, me, and Rebecca all dressed up to host our dinners.

It looks like we all "got the memo" on what to wear for the "Dine Around".


Antonia van der Meer and me.


With Laura Casey, Southern Weddings Magazine.


I hosted dinner at the quaint restaurant Hemmingway's, with my new group of fabulous friends!


Having fun on the bus, returning from the restaurant. Maybe they served us a little too much wine! After dinner we all gathered poolside for a scrumptious "Dessert Party".


The glamorous Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, and me at the "Dessert Party".

On the second day of Engage ’09 there were break out sessions, where attendees gathered in small groups to listen to speakers in more intimate settings.


The lovely Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty, the very talented Michelle Rago, and I spoke on a panel together about "Innovating with Style".


Laura Casey spoke on a panel about Social Networking. Here we are between sessions. Again, we got the fashion memo on what to wear, "note our matching shoes"!


With Laura Marcuss of Adorn Brides.

On the final night we all came together in a chic "club like" lounge party, where we danced the night away. To see a hilarious video clip of Sylvia Weinstock and I dirty dancing, you simply must Click here.


Kathryn Arce, celebrity event planner Marcy Blum of Marcy Blum Events, and me on the "Blue Carpet".


With my beautiful girls from Get Married, Becca Brett Leish, Jill Meister, and Stacie Francombe.

The night after Engage '09, Rochelle LaMontagne, who helped coordinate "Something Blue", and I cooked dinner for Rebecca, Kathryn, and a few other very close friends and family.


Rochelle and me being silly in the kitchen.


After a luxurious dinner of Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola sauce, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, and a flambéed Bananas Foster over Vanilla Ice Cream, Rebecca, Kathryn, and I toasted with a glass of Champagne.


Rebecca and Kathryn basking in the sunset of a job well done!