Engage!14 Recap

Lucky is all I can say! 

This post is certainly LONG overdue but I am still day dreaming of the wonderful trip I was so lucky to take to the The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado last month for the most incredible few days at the elite, luxury wedding summit: Engage!14.  I have been so fortunate to attend for three years now and they just keep getting better and better.  Not to mention, allow me to travel to some fabulous places like the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, and a new favorite spot on earth the Ritz at Bachelor Gulch, Colorado.  Wow -what a beauty!

While I am sure you can only imagine how spectacular a business conference is for the luxury wedding industry.  I am here to tell you it is certainly unlike anything else- below you will catch a glimpse of my favorite images, details, and new friends I was privileged to meet! I must first introduce you to two ladies who are the master minds, leaders, and together taking this industry to a whole new level, Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce.  They are truly just as warm and welcoming as their pretty smiles and their vision is hard to beat! Kudos y'all and thank you for your hard work!

Engage! is now in it's 12th year, and hosts an intimate group of leading professionals in the wedding industry from around the world.  Attendees consist of wedding designers and planners, artists, bloggers, photographers, videographers, paper specialists, hotel and venue specialists, and dozens of more in the wedding industry, these professionals come together for a four day experience to learn, grow and network.  

The weekend was full of delicious and artful eating, and a great opportunity for casual socializing! So fun!

Key note speakers such as Colin Cowie, Todd Fiscus, Randi Fenoli, and dozens more inspired us through their presentations, insights and casually mingling from event to event. I loved meeting fellow Indiana girl, Trista Sutter! What a doll.  Debbie Geller was also a real highlight for me!

Wolfgang Puck was such a pleasant surprise and shared some great stories about weddings and events he has been a part of!

The details, swag, presentation, and food displays are one of my most anticipated parts of the conference! Fabulous ideas I can't wait to share in the Lowcountry! I always pack an empty bag just to bring home all of my goodies. From the moment we arrived at the airport we were greeted by the most charming and friendly staff, handed a darling polka dot backpack packed tight with goodies for our 2 hour journey up to the mountains for a summer camp like no other! (Not to mention the best darn popcorn you ever did eat!) 

Flowers, Music, and Cocktails oh my! The evenings at Camp Engage were just divine.  I loved being able to visit, meet, and connect with your new friends in a welcoming non-competitive environment.  Below are some of my favorite pictures from the evening events! 

Such a great time! I loved meeting new friends, spending extra time with these fun gals, and getting inspired by best in the business!  Looking forward to putting my lessons learned to good use and an exciting future for Spencer Special Events!  

Until next year, Engage! Thank you to all the wonderful people who made this event possible. A full list of credits below. What talented folks in the industry that made this event possible! 

Event CREDITS:   OFFICIAL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS • CARLA TEN EYCK, JOHN CAIN SARGENT, TAMMY SWALES, SOFIA NEGRON, LAURA DECARLO, CUSTOM PRESENTATION BOXES FOR WELCOME PARTY, HANGOVER & FUN KITS • TAYLOR’D FAVORS || REGISTRATION: REGISTRATION DESIGN & DECOR • DESIGNWORKS,  LINEN • NUAGE DESIGNS, OXYGEN BAR • VIE EVENTS  || OPENING SESSION: STAGE DESIGN & DECOR,DESIGNWORKS, OPENING SESSION CUSTOM LINEN • NUAGE DESIGNS || WESTERN WINE & CHEESE BREAK: FLORAL & DECOR, DESIGNWORKS, LINEN • NUAGE DESIGNS, GRAPHIC DESIGN, EVENT BRANDING & ON-SITE SHOW DIRECTOR • TRISHA HAY DESIGN, TRISHA HAY, BRANDED GIFTING & ACCESSORIES • CONCEPTED, DESIGNED & CREATED BY GIFTS FOR THE GOOD LIFE, NAMETAGS, ITINERARIES & AGENDAS, DESIGN & PRINTING • TWO PAPERDOLLS, PLANNING SUPPORT • MOUNTAIN OCCASIONS & TROPICAL OCCASIONS, DESIGN & DECOR • DESIGN WORKS BY DAVE & MIKE (REGISTRATION, GENERAL SESSION, BREAKS GIFTING LOUNGE & GALA, SPRING FLOWERS THROUGHOUT RESORT GROUNDS •NEWBERRY BROTHERS, AUDIO VISUAL • PSAV FOR RITZ-CARLTON BACHELOR GULCH