Hello London, Day 1
What. A. Week.
London, you did not disappoint — and neither did Engage!25. From sky-high welcome parties to secret garden lunches and a wild, unforgettable finale at Camden Town’s coolest club, this summit was packed with all the sparkle, soul, and creativity that makes Engage! unlike anything else.
Photo by Kate Jackson
This was our 7th Engage! (yep, we’re officially hooked), and we were proud to be part of the official photo team once again. Here’s our little photo diary-style recap of how it all went down over three incredible days.
Photos above by Jenny Fu, Daniel Colvin, Jaymo James
We kicked things off in true Engage! style—registration in the morning was smooth, warm, and already buzzing with excitement. And then came the gifting experience—next level, even by Engage! standards. Guests were treated to beautifully curated luxury gifts from some of London’s most iconic stores: Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, and more. From teas and treats to keepsakes you actually want to keep, it was London luxury at its finest and a pretty dreamy way to start the day.
Then came the First-Time Attendee Session hosted by the always-welcoming Bob Conti. It’s the perfect way for newcomers to ease in, meet each other, and get a feel for what Engage! is all about. Whether you’ve been to one summit or ten, Bob has a way of making everyone feel like they belong here.
Next, we headed into the official opening session—held in the iconic Claridge’s Ballroom. Talk about an entrance. With chandeliers sparkling above and soft light pouring in from tall windows, the setting was pure London elegance. Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, the powerhouse duo behind Engage Summits, welcomed everyone with their signature mix of grace, passion, and purpose. As always, their words reminded us why we were all there—to grow, to collaborate, and to be inspired.
And let’s talk about the design details. Every single printed piece, from the welcome booklets to the seating cards, was beautifully created by the incredibly talented team at TPD Design House. Their paper goods and design touches brought the visual identity of the event to life in such an intentional and stylish way—it all felt perfectly Engage! with a strong London twist.
None of this magic happens by accident. The entire summit—every moment, every transition, every floral arrangement and lighting cue—was planned and produced by the dream team at Engage! Summits and London’s own Bruce Russell Events. Flawless logistics, bold design, and a warm, welcoming flow from start to finish. It was masterfully done.
And then—a true “pinch-me” moment—Vera Wang herself casually walked into the ballroom just to say hello. Yes, the Vera Wang. One of the most iconic bridal designers in the world, popping in to greet a room full of wedding professionals. It was unexpected, effortless, and so, so cool. Cameras were down for a second (okay, a very quick second), as everyone took in the moment.
Then, in true London fashion—transport to the evening event came in the form of bright red double-decker buses. Yes, seriously! All the attendees were picked up from their hotels and swept across the city in classic London style, turning heads all the way to the Sky Garden.
The Welcome Party at the Sky Garden capped off the day perfectly. Golden hour light poured through the glass dome, tropical greenery framed every corner, and sweeping skyline views gave everyone that “we’ve arrived” feeling. It was elegant, vibrant, and relaxed—a perfect opening night.
Day 2, Engage25 London
Day Two was packed with inspiration from some incredible industry leaders. We kicked off the day with talks from Michelle Rago (Michelle Rago), who shared her design philosophy, Cindy Novotny (Cindy Novotny), who gave us insights on leadership and selling, Rishi (Rishi Design), who talked about blending classic and contemporary design, and Marcy Blum (Marcy Blum), who inspired us with her approach to personal connections and creative event planning.
Also speaking on the day were Bruce Russell of Bruce Russell Events, who spoke about the behind-the-scenes process of creating the beautiful event in London, and David Stark of David Stark Design, who shared his insights on innovative event design and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.
In between sessions, attendees enjoyed a luxurious lunch at Claridge’s, the ultimate setting for conversation and connection. The elegant surroundings made for an intimate atmosphere where ideas were exchanged over delicious food, all set within the iconic Claridge’s dining room.
Photo by Ashley Ludaescher
My colleagues and wedding industry professionals Aurelie from Claridges’, Aurelien from Airelles Gordes,and me Aurelijus Varna from Varna Studios
The evening’s dining experience was equally unforgettable—guests were treated to dinner at six of Mayfair’s top restaurants, including Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley. The venues were chosen to showcase the best of London’s culinary scene, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to explore the city’s finest dining options in the company of friends and colleagues.
The night then took a magical turn with the dessert party at The Berkeley’s Emory London, The Berkeley Restaurant. Guests indulged in decadent sweets, surrounded by lush decor, and were treated to a mesmerizing swimming show that made for a truly unforgettable experience, with performers swimming gracefully in pools of light.
Photo by Kate Jackson, Jaymo Jaymes
Day 3, Engage25, London
