| welcome to the shoreline |

we are excited to host an invitation-only cocktail party on saturday evening to welcome both michelle rago, new york event designer and anne chertoff, senior editor of brides.com to the store in two weeks. we look forward to introducing them to all the talented wedding experts we have right in our backyard. and we are grateful to the generosity of a thyme to cook who is sponsoring the event with us.

read below for more of the exciting details for sunday's conversation and book signing with these celebrity experts and authors. sunday's event is complimentary. bring a client and rsvp early, as seating is limited.

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| be engaged: march 22nd conversation |

Are you asking any of the following questions - How do I select a venue? When should I order my wedding gown? How far in advance of the wedding should my save the dates go out? Let us help you answer these questions and more at the second event in our be engaged series - Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding.

The event is taking place on March 22nd from 1:00-3:00 PM and features Michelle Rago, acclaimed event designer and author of 'Signature Weddings, Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own.' The day will begin with a panel discussion moderated by Brides.com senior editor and author Anne Chertoff. Beth Chapman and Christine Toner will also join the conversation to talk about Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding. The discussion will last about an hour and give brides the opportunity to ask the experts their own questions regarding their wedding plans. It will be followed by a book signing, featuring both Michelle's Signature Weddings book and Anne's wedding organizer from Russell+Hazel. We will also have exciting giveaways including gifts from our sponsor Crate & Barrel.


Seating is limited, so kindly rsvp. Reservations can be made by calling 860.669.4596. Books may be purchased at the event.

Hope to see you there!

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| be engaged: march 1st conversation |

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. . .

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photos courtesy of Justin & Mary Marantz Photography