Our Summer ‘25 Edit
Better Together: Creative Partnerships, Honest Conversations & a Meaningful Finale
The best events are never created by one person alone.
They come to life through collaboration—when planners, photographers, florists, musicians, designers, and creative partners share a vision and trust one another to do their best work. We've always believed that exceptional celebrations are built by exceptional teams, and this season reminded us why.
From a beautiful wedding at California's Santa Lucia Preserve to launching a new educational series and celebrating the final stop of our Gorgeous Gatherings book tour, collaboration has been at the heart of everything we've been creating.
A Wedding Built on Creative Partnership
Some collaborations simply click.
We recently had the pleasure of working alongside our longtime friends at Lynden Lane on a stunning wedding at the Santa Lucia Preserve in California. It was one of those projects where the trust was there from day one, communication felt effortless, and every creative decision was made with a shared vision in mind.
Those are the weddings we love most. When every member of the creative team is aligned, the planning process becomes more joyful, the experience feels seamless for our clients, and every detail is elevated.
It's a reminder that the best luxury weddings aren't created by individual vendors—they're created by teams who truly enjoy working together.
Photography - Norman & Blake
Introducing The Planner Perspective, Unfiltered
That spirit of collaboration inspired our newest project:
The Planner Perspective, Unfiltered.
We traded our usual walks and coffee chats for microphones and cameras, sitting down with Barbi from Lynden Lane to have the conversations our industry has been needing.
Together, we're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to work at the highest level of luxury events. From vendor relationships and communication to trust, expectations, and behind-the-scenes dynamics, we're sharing honest conversations without the polish—or the fluff.
For too long, creative partners have been left guessing what planners want and how we prefer to work. We believe transparency creates stronger relationships, smoother events, and ultimately a better experience for everyone involved.
To help shape these conversations, we partnered with Sean Thomas to gather the questions photographers are actually asking, while Peyton Frank beautifully documented the series on film.
Whether you're building your creative team, refining your process, or simply looking for fresh perspective, we hope this series offers practical insights and meaningful conversation.
As a thank-you to our newsletter community, enjoy 10% off with the code alisonevents10.
Closing the Gorgeous Gatherings Book Tour
Every good story deserves a memorable final chapter.
We wrapped the Gorgeous Gatherings book tour with a luncheon for more than 120 women, and it couldn't have been a more fitting conclusion. The room was filled with warmth, generosity, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of community—a beautiful reminder of why we wrote this book in the first place.
When we first imagined this tour, there wasn't a roadmap to follow. We simply wanted to connect with fellow creatives, share the heart behind Gorgeous Gatherings, and celebrate the beauty of gathering with intention.
What followed was far more meaningful than we could have imagined.
From coast to coast, we had the privilege of meeting longtime collaborators, forming new friendships, and celebrating alongside an incredible community of planners, designers, photographers, florists, and hospitality professionals.
To everyone who attended a tour stop, shared a kind word, raised a glass with us, or supported the journey along the way—thank you. Your encouragement made this experience one we'll never forget.
And who knows? Maybe book number four is already beginning to take shape.
Thank You to Our Creative Partners
Our final luncheon in Short Hills was made possible by an incredible team of creative partners whose artistry elevated every detail.
A Heartfelt thanks to:
AhmetZe Photography for beautifully capturing every meaningful moment.
Elan Artists for creating an unforgettable soundtrack for the afternoon.
Brave Floral for florals that left us speechless.
Fordan for paper goods that perfectly set the tone.
Taylor and Tessier for stunning jewelry.
Jaime + Justin for helping everyone look and feel their very best.
Stradley Davidson for the dreamiest green linens.
We're endlessly grateful to every creative partner who helped bring this celebration—and so many others throughout the tour—to life.
Because at the end of the day, it's always better together.
The AE Five: Summer Travel Inspiration
Amy Soper here—Alison Events' Luxury Travel + Experience Advisor—sharing where we're headed this summer and a little inspiration for your next getaway. From tropical islands to countryside escapes, these destinations are inspiring our travels (and maybe your next vacation, too).
Six Senses Malolo Island in Fiji
1. Fiji
We're all in on Fiji this summer.
My family escaped to Six Senses Malolo Island while one of our clients experienced both Kokomo Private Island and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Days began with sunrise walks along the beach, surfing at Swimming Pools and Cloudbreak, and afternoons filled with plenty of passion fruit sorbet.
It's the kind of destination where screen time disappears and saltwater takes over
2. New Zealand
While many travelers chase the sunshine, one adventurous family embraced winter in New Zealand.
Their itinerary includes Rosewood Matakauriand Flock Hill Lodge, where dramatic mountain landscapes, cozy fireplaces, and unforgettable farm-to-table dining create the perfect cold-weather retreat.
We're not jealous at all... okay, maybe just a little.
3. Tuscany, Italy
One of our clients is spending the summer celebrating in a 15th-century villa once owned by the Medici family.
Their days are filled with wine tastings, exploring Siena, and relaxing at the villa's spa. Evenings bring pasta-making classes, chef-prepared dinners, and long meals beneath the Tuscan sky.
It's everything we imagine when we think of la dolce vita.
. Sublime Comporta in Grandola, Portugal
4. Carmel Valley Ranch
For a quick Northern California escape, another client headed to Carmel Valley Ranch for a mother-daughter weekend.
Between scenic hikes, farmers' market strolls, and evenings spent around the fire enjoying s'mores, it's one of our favorite easy getaways from the Bay Area—equal parts relaxing, luxurious, and approachable.
5. Comporta, Portugal
Lauren and Alison are heading to Sublime Comporta for a little inspiration before an upcoming site visit.
Think chilled rosé, afternoons at Praia do Carvalhal, and slow evenings at one of Portugal's most beautiful beach clubs. It's the perfect blend of relaxed luxury and coastal charm.
Amy's Summer Travel Tip
To celebrate a new decade, I decided to splurge on something unexpected—a personal stylist.
One of the biggest benefits has been completely rethinking how I pack for trips. Instead of packing individual pieces, I'm packing complete outfits, which means lighter luggage, easier mornings, and a wardrobe that feels effortlessly pulled together from start to finish.
It's a small investment that's made every trip feel a little more enjoyable.
Current Summer MVPs
These are a few travel essentials I never leave home without:
Khaite Lotus Raffia Bag — the bag that truly goes with everything.
JMM sunnies — instant cool factor.
Toteme two-piece — endlessly versatile and easy to mix and match.
Rimowa Classic — beautifully organized and, as a bonus, doubles as my son's airport scooter.
Supergoop Glowscreen — my favorite for that effortless, dewy summer glow.