New Years ‘25 Edit
New York Celebrations, Los Cabos Escapes & New Year Inspiration
As one year comes to a close and another begins, there's something special about the quiet days between Christmas and New Year's. It's a time to reflect on meaningful moments, celebrate milestones, and look ahead with fresh inspiration.
From a timeless New York City wedding to a luxurious escape in Los Cabos, plus a few wellness favorites we're bringing into the new year, here's what has been inspiring the Alison Events team.
A Timeless New York City Wedding
Some love stories are simply meant to be.
Kathryn and Ricky first met in second grade before life took them in different directions. Years later, they reunited in New York City after college, eventually returning to the city that brought them back together to celebrate their wedding.
The weekend began with an intimate ceremony at The Lady Chapel in St. Patrick's Cathedral, a meaningful location where Kathryn's grandparents were married in 1963. Family history and modern romance intertwined beautifully before guests gathered for a rehearsal dinner at The Bowery Hotel, complete with unforgettable cacio e pepe.
The celebration culminated with an elegant reception at the New York Public Library, where hundreds of candles transformed Astor Hall into an unforgettable setting.
Fashion That Told a Story
Every look throughout the weekend reflected Kathryn's timeless style.
She wore a vintage Chanel Resort 2014 dress, sourced with the help of vintage expert Anny Choi, for the ceremony. For the rehearsal dinner, she changed into a vintage Valentino dress from Tab Vintage paired with Valentino platform heels.
Her ceremony entrance into Astor Hall was nothing short of cinematic, wearing a Danielle Frankel gown as she descended the library's grand limestone staircase with her father while Grow as We Go by Ben Platt echoed throughout the space.
Thoughtful Details Throughout the Weekend
Every celebration was layered with personal touches.
Hundreds of candles illuminated the library's historic architecture, while cocktail hour featured custom monogrammed ice cubes served alongside Ricky's signature Old Fashioned.
Later in the evening, Kathryn changed into a crystal-embellished party look as espresso martinis energized the dance floor. Guests enjoyed slices from Joe's Pizza passed straight from the box, and the celebration ended fittingly with New York, New York.
It was a wedding that captured everything we love about celebrating in New York City—classic, personal, and unmistakably iconic.
Congratulations, Kathryn and Ricky!
Discovering Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos
When we're not planning celebrations, we're always searching for destinations that inspire future events.
One recent favorite was Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos, where dramatic desert landscapes meet the Sea of Cortez.
Dining at Las Ventanas is an experience unto itself, with multiple restaurants serving everything from local flavors to global cuisine (our fave was the tequila and ceviche bar!).
The property effortlessly combines luxurious accommodations with exceptional hospitality, making it an incredible destination for milestone celebrations, destination weddings, or simply an unforgettable getaway.
Dining & Cocktails Worth Traveling For
Every restaurant offered something memorable, but one experience stood above the rest: La Botica.
Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, guests are welcomed by a vintage typewriter before discovering the resort's speakeasy-style piano bar.
Inside, vintage apothecary-inspired interiors set the stage for handcrafted cocktails, talented mixologists, live music, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and unforgettable.
Some places are simply better experienced than explained—and La Botica is certainly one of them.
The Reviews are In!
We've been incredibly grateful for the wonderful response to Gorgeous Gatherings. Readers have described it as:
"A love letter to luxury, details and design."
"The storytelling behind these events is just as captivating as the visuals."
We're excited to continue celebrating with readers during upcoming book tour events and look forward to meeting many of you along the way. We’ll see you in the following cities in the first part of 2025:
February 25, 2025: Los Angeles, CA
February 26, 2025: San Diego, CA
April 2, 2025: Charlotte, NC
April 3, 2025: Charleston, SC
Do come! We look forward to giving you a squeeze! Follow along on Instagram.
The AE Five: New Year Wellness Favorites
A new year always inspires us to refresh our routines. Here are a few wellness essentials the Alison Events team is loving this season.
Embark EPIC at Las Ventanas with florals by Pina Cate. Photo by Eric Kelley.
Alison's Picks
Insight Timer for meditation, sleep, and white noise while traveling
Half of this Sparkling Pear for a refreshing alcohol-free evening ritual
A favorite nourishing eye cream for tired travel days
Lauren's Picks
Ghia with adaptogens
Move with Heart podcast by Melissa Wood
Cozy Pilates socks
Morning ice facial plunges
Danielle's Picks
An everyday electric kettle for tea rituals
Brooke's Picks
Overnight jaw support wrap
Infrared sauna blanket
Daily wellness supplements mixed over ice (a mix of this and this is her current fave)
Team Favorite
One travel essential every member of the Alison Events team packs before heading somewhere sunny? A favorite hat of course and collectively we’re loving these.
Looking Ahead
As we step into a new year, we're carrying with us the celebrations, destinations, and experiences that inspired us most.
Whether we're designing a candlelit wedding in New York City, discovering hidden gems in Los Cabos, or simply embracing small daily rituals that help us recharge, we're excited for everything the coming year will bring.
Here's to new adventures, beautiful celebrations, and gathering together in meaningful ways.