be engaged

We have teamed up with our dear friend Christine Toner from Stonington Design + Paperie to create a series of events called Be Engaged. This series will feature conversations and book signings with some of the wedding industries top experts. Here are a few experts from the Chic by the shore blog (the blog that we share with Stonington Design+Paperie) that discuss the two events that we have held to date. Stay tuned for our next Be Engaged event to take place this fall.

be engaged | march 22nd | michelle rago

The evening wound down with an intimate dinner for the event contributors at the Bee and Thistle Inn & Spa. Innkeeper Linnea Rufo hosted the group in front of a roaring fire while Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral Design and Boutique and Allison Salvati of Something Blue Special Events added more spark to our dinner conversation, not to mention lots of help putting the event together. Accommodations for our guests were generously provided by the Bee and Thistle Inn & Spa while Jennie Fresa treated us all to complimentary makeup sessions the next morning.

That Sunday morning 40 guests gathered in the newly renovated salon space at The White Dress by the shore for an intimate conversation with Michelle Rago, Anne Chertoff, Beth and Christine. Brides had the opportunity to ask the experts their event planning questions, and the conversation flowed as Michelle and Anne were so refreshing and approachable. A range of topics were covered—from wedding gown shopping tips to sending your save the dates to choosing the perfect venue. After the panel discussion, several lucky guests won giveaways sponsored by Crate and Barrel and Hana Floral Design and Boutique. Everyone then enjoyed tea and cheese from Savvy Tea while Michelle and Anne signed their most recent books. Guests were also treated to delicious wedding cake from Ana Parzych in our chic by the shore studio.

We thank Michelle, Anne and all our event contributors from the bottom of our hearts for sharing their talents and wisdom with us!

Stay tuned for the 3rd event being planned for the fall. . .and enjoy these pictures below from Rick Scanlan.

be engaged | march 1st | karen bussen

simple and stunning. . .those are two words that come to mind when we think of the lovely and enormously talented karen bussen. she's a celebrated nyc event planner and author who took the time to come visit us on the connecticut shoreline this past weekend. how lucky are we?

we started the weekend off at the amazing bee and thistle inn and spa with gracious owner and vocal artist, linnea rufo. the stunning ann nyberg of wtnh 8 joined our dinner and moderated the panel with such genuine grace -- we are forever grateful. the talented photography duo justin and mary marantz added a warmth that only newlyweds can exude. plus the fabulous allison salvati was once again kind enough to be a part of our planning team.

but wait there is more. . .

the genius of hana floral design and boutique, yumiko fletcher, brought karen bussen's designs to life. jennie fresa treated us all to her signature services and new makeup line. [how lucky are we?] bloomingdale's showered our guests with lavish giveaways while the generous talents at metro catering poured karen bussen's prosseco punch and designed the delicious delectables. we were also fortunate to have the help of rj julia–the booksellers extraordinaire–to coordinate the signing.

and we had the loveliest of brides, sisters, mothers in our audience mingling with some of the wedding industry's most talented.

again we say, thank you, thank you, thank you to all that helped bring this event to life. hope you'll join us for our next conversation on march 22nd. .

xoxo TWD