Trying to find the perfect location is one of the first steps in planning a wedding. CCE was recently offered the task of finding our new clients a desirable destination for their upcoming nuptials, and we took many steps to book the ideal spot. They wanted to pin down a place that was both luxurious and romantic; two essential qualities to make sharing their love for eachother among family and friends special. After a few suggestions and conversations, we thought, where better to find romantic and regal accommodations than Florence, Italy? The views of the Tuscan valley and the old world charm that it offers in unparallel to the other locations they considered. Just one trip is all it took for them to fall in love with this sensational city. Next, was narrowing down the specific venue to celebrate their nuptials. Selecting from 15 villas; some modern Italian, others with rustic roots, they had many options to help discover what they were looking for. The one that stole their hearts is a romantic Neo-Renaissance Villa that has been refined into a 5-star luxury resort. The exquisite structure holds an exclusive panoramic position near Piazzale Michelangelo,not far from Ponte Vecchio; a breathtaking view of the city center. It is surrounded by an Italian garden and a large ancient park that slopes down close to the Arno shores. Villa La Vedetta is an authentic “Urban Resort” with a unique position in Florence. And, they chose a date in September, prime harvest season for grapes. The best spot in the world for wine country, one that greatly rivals ones in the states. A perfect mix of views, vino and culture, CCE is excited to work with local vendors to bring this dream wedding come true. Trusting in Italian experts, we know that each

Fruit cake as wedding cake? A royal tradition! Our monarchical rulers have celebrated milestone events with a time honored tradition of including fruit cake as the main dessert. Cutting the cake had a whole new meaning once upon a time and recently played a large role in the Duke and Duchess’ wedding in England. Originally made with brandy, the alcohol preserves the fruit well, making it the best option for cake prior to long standing cooling methods, (like our modern day refrigerators). To respect their relatives’ cultural practices, William and Kate debuted this flavored cake on their big day, with months of preparation to get just the right tang and texture. The elaborately decorated multi-tired fruit cake display at William & Kate’s wedding CCE respects the cultures of our clients and their destinations’ practices, therefore, we’ll work closely with a local caterer in presenting a fruit cake at our couples’ upcoming Tuscany wedding. Keeping with European tradition and baking expertise, we anticipate a epic display for wedding guests! With style,

We often get asked how to stage the perfect proposal.  And, our advice is simple…hire professionals! CCE ladies enjoy the beginning process for a journey of marriage planning. Adding to our collection of events, we recently orchestrated the most romantic proposal! Best part, the young man we assisted, has been a long time client of CCE! We staged all the romantic details from the oversized floral bouquet, champagne, entertainment, and personalized signaged for the couple and their family members. The gemstone exhibit at the Field Museum was premier placement for the perfect proposal. We added the personalized notecard, (which included “Will You Marry Me?) and placed it inside a gemstone case at the museum’s iconic Gem Hall with the gorgeous engagement ring. Sitting among ancient gems worth millions, sat the diamond ring purchased through CCE’s long time partner and jeweler, in Barrington. CCE worked closely with the security team at the Field Museum to ensure the safety of the display until the couple arrival. When the young bride-to-be noticed the special sign and engagement ring, our client got down on one knee to officially ask for her hand. After she said yes, our newly engaged couple was serenaded by a past CCE client/wedding couple with a few love songs and bubbles! The one-of-a kind event was impressive and memorable. CCE believes that planning a proper proposal sets the tone for a couple’s future celebrations. Excited to take on a potential bridal shower and future nuptials, we can’t wait to continue on this journey with the charming pair!    

Does your morning routine involve the phrase, ‘I have nothing to wear?’ Maybe it’s not what you don’t have, but it’s how it’s presented to you. An organized closet and or home provides an organized and stress-free life. An admirable partner of ours, Posh Services, LLC., is a premier business offering individualized consultation in organization, design, and personal services. Founder, Sue Foley’s expertise in planning and executing the perfect layout for your home or office helps put your mind at ease with projects and errands. She’s a personal concierge who understands client’s needs and exceeds their expectations. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or need a hand with an everyday hassle, Sue will ensure that every detail is taken care of. From moving items and furniture placement, to decoration design and details, Posh Services does it all. So the next time you open your cabinet or closet and feel overwhelmed, call Sue to alleviate your concerns! With style,

Worried about making reservations? Trying to plan the perfect night out? CCE encourages you to stay in this Valentine’s Day and treat your sweetheart to a romantic date at home. Sweet surprises can be incorporated into the evening that will make going out seem conventional and boring. Start the memorable date with a flower delivery early in the day- a fun and flirty gesture to set the tone for the night. Make the meal meaningful by ordering food from your loved one’s favorite restaurant or caterer. Even better, cooking a meal for your sweetheart is endearing and thoughtful.  Set the table and mood for your date with an intimate display of candles, pretty napkins and petite desserts. Dedicate your date to details, and show him or her how much you care. CCE’s specialty is personalized place-settings; reach out to us for ideas or help with organizing the whole affair. No matter what you present, or how it’s put together, know that an intimate date night ‘in’ will make your Valentine feel extra special and loved at the holiday. With style,

Romantic, creative, purely magical; key elements in presenting an engagement ring to your significant other. Elaborate wedding proposals are memorable and special for the couple- to- be. Planning a show stopping event that is just as much a surprise as it is unique to the individual is tricky. And, CCE is here to help! We encourage the proposer to consider hobbies or special interests that relate to both or one of the pair to have the event set up accordingly. Choose a location that is meaningful, but also a natural spot to visit so no clue is revealed. Find the right occasion so he or she is dressed well, in case there’s a staged photographer, and they’re camera ready. We love to put together clever signage to make the intention clear, followed with an evening affair to celebrate the joyous occasion. If your partner is close with family and friends, include them in the festivities. They can assist with the set-up, be involved with the reveal, or merely meet up later to create the ultimate surprise. Whether it’s a ten person production, or simply involves the two of you, finding the right way to ask, ‘Will You Marry Me?’ involves thoughtful planning and careful consideration. With the ring being the centerpiece of the event, CCE will help capture the moment of one of the most important surprises of a lifetime. With style,

The quaint Irish village of Adare is home to lively pubs, antique shops and charming thatched roof cottages. CCE recently had the pleasure of touring these local watering holes and browsing through the stores during their visit to the Ireland. The ladies home for their conference was none other than the infamous Adare Manor.  Built in the mid-19th century, the Manor provided labor for distraught villagers affected by the devastating  potato famine that took over the Irish town. The timeless castle was constructed with the highest of standards; representing a calendar with 365 leaded windows, 52 ornate chimneys, 7 stone pillars and 4 towers to mark the annual tally of days, weeks, and seasons in a year. The exquisite interior and handcrafted rooms held the intellectual seminars,  panels and motivational lectures given by international experts of the luxury event world. CCE’s experiences were nothing short of extraordinary. Being enveloped in the rich history of the Adare Manor and its surrounding 840 acres; CCE enjoyed festivities in the fairy gardens (very integral creatures in Irish mythology), escorted to meals by traditional hunting hounds (honoring a favorite pastime of royals), and danced through the renowned space, The Gallery, for the final gala send- off. Introduced to modern techniques, understanding current technologies and marketing tactics, CCE was honored to be among the best of the best in the industry while learning the rich culture of one of the leading hotels in the world! With Style,

Interactive dessert stations are a fun and fancy way to entertain guests, and the perfect way to end a meal. Not only do they fare well at weddings, but these enlightening stations are great for corporate events too! From wall art installations to elaborate displays, couples and companies are thinking outside the box when it comes to their sweet tables. The new hype adds character to decor and can be representative of the person or organization by personalizing each treat. Guests are sure to get a giggle out of the creative concoctions while satisfying their sweet tooth. They foster interaction among guests and impress any employee. Signature signage is widely seen on these exhibits, allowing companies an opportunity for positive brand awareness. If presented at a conference for example, it’s a win-win for the company and amused onlookers. Couples offer their namesake on these carefully designed displays as a symbol of their future journey together. CCE recommends offering a variety of options to be both aesthetically and palate pleasing. These one-of-a kind experiences are memorable and mesmerizing and we hope to see them at your next big event! With style,

Over the past few months I have had the privilege of writing social media and blog posts for Christina Currie Events. About half way through the summer, Christina asked me if I would like to help out with a wedding in mid-September at the Field Museum. I couldn’t say yes fast enough! I’ve always dreamed about what it would be like to be a wedding planner, and now I would have the chance to find out. So, a few weeks ago, I got to experience my first “behind the scenes” wedding. It was everything I’d imagined. Everything from the detail in the table settings to the calmness and patience that CCE exhibited throughout the day was seamless. From the second I arrived until the second I left, everyone worked together as a team to ensure that everyone involved with the wedding was exactly where they needed to be. Everything was extremely planned out and precise. Even if small issues arose, it was no problem for CCE. The team acted swiftly and it was like nothing had gone wrong. Not that I needed to be reassured, but I knew the wedding was a success when multiple wedding guests and members of the wedding party approached CCE to say how impressed they were with the entire day. I couldn’t agree more. I  was absolutely blown away by the wedding CCE put on at the Field Museum! Hailey Pugh