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It has been a long journey to release my new book, "Life of the Party Girl: A Memoir of Celebration and Trauma". What originally started as a form of therapy, turned into a dream project and manifesto. I have been passionate about advocating for many topics that are reflected throughout this book, and now the stories behind those beliefs and passions are now available for all to consume.


The book is not a tell all, but a collection of stories intertwining my experiences with celebrations with the traumas I have experienced throughout my life. Celebration and Trauma are both important to our lives and this book has motivated me to share these stories and start conversations about their meaning. I want



to share a sneak peak to highlight how we should approach the idea of "Celebrating Trauma, as embracing our failures, sorrows, heartbreak, and trauma, to ensure that we grow as individuals.


"I do not think that trauma is a bad thing. Pain and failure are amazing elements of life, and they can oftentimes teach us much more than joy and success. Those who pick themselves up after their hardships and figure out a way to move forward, develop vitality. Those who share their pain with others learn how to communicate their emotions. They can navigate vulnerabilities.

Just like we all have to find ways to celebrate joy, we also have to figure out how to celebrate pain. We must appreciate the trauma and the growth that stems from it. We learn from missing marks and getting thrown into unfortunate circumstances. People who don’t experience trauma or pain are less likely to know how to deal with it. We idealize charmed lives without any failures or pain, but that’s not realistic. I want my children to experience loss, pain, struggle, because it will make them stronger, if they choose to be present and recognize the pain they are going through.  Maybe not right in that moment, but at some point, we all have to look in the mirror and face that pain."


To purchase the book or to connect to review it, please go to www.lifeofthepartygirl.com


  • Megan Estrada



Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the catastrophe in Southwest Florida, but particularly to our event industry colleagues. Just as our Industry was turning the corner on the debilitating effects of the pandemic, this area of the country now has to recover from the complete devastation of hurricane Ian. Not only have business opportunities been lost, but many venues, products and services have been completely destroyed rather than simply being delayed.

Understandably, many people are concerned about their upcoming weddings and events planned in Southwest Florida. The event industry not only understands but also shares your concerns. However, this disaster has physically destroyed the local infrastructure and many company’s buildings, inventory, communication systems.

For example, while there is no doubt that your venue would love to host your event, they may no longer have a building safe for you to use. Your florist may have lost all of their equipment and delivery vans, and your caterer may not even be able to get the food delivered or staff onsite to produce an event. Natural disasters have a ripple effect on everything they touch, but for complex projects like special events that require multiple layers of products and services, it can be a messier web to untangle.

While the national events community is organizing larger scale relief efforts, as a first step, we recommend that Southwest Florida event industry professionals attempt to communicate with their immediate clients about the reality of their current situation and manage expectations for future communication and responsiveness.

Clients will need to be patient, as such large scale recovery will take significant time. For many vendors there will not be exact answers for the foreseeable future. If you are a client and are waiting for communication from a vendor, please remember that they may not currently have access to power, internet or any kind of support system to weather this storm.

To connect with organizations working on relief efforts in Southwest Florida, please reach out to the listed websites.


The events community is a strong one, and together we will help lift up our partners and vendors in Florida. After all, coming together is what we do best.





Chicago Botanic Garden Rose Terrace  Wedding Ceremony
Olivia Leigh Photographie

As summer wraps up, also does Chicago's outdoor wedding season. We love our summers for putting up tents and pronouncing vows under lush trees. As we begin to head back inside, we wanted to share some of our favorite Chicagoland outdoor wedding venues and think about next year's outdoor events.


1. Chicago Botanic Garden

Garden wedding vibes? Check. Magical photo ops? Check. On-site tent or indoor spaces for inclement weather? Double check. We love designing weddings at the CBG for the incredible views and scenery everywhere you look. Bonus? You get a lot of extra floral for your décor with no effort on your part: the staff gardeners have your back! The breathtaking CBG is not only a romantic spot to host your big day, it’s also conveniently located in Glencoe- just a quick uber or shuttle ride from the city for your guests.


2. Elawa Farms

If you want a more rustic feel with the convenience of all the big city has to offer, Elawa Farms is the perfect option for your wedding. Located in the nearby suburb of Lake Forest, you and your guests can escape the hubbub of the city without driving too far. Rural and romantic, this beautiful restored farm and garden venue can accommodate up to 150 guests. They’ll enjoy strolling under the stars through the mix of manicured landscape and tall grass savannah on-site, and then dance the night away under the beautiful tent available for wedding receptions. Weddings (elawafarm.org)


3. Rooftop Terrace at Millennium Park

You can’t choose a more iconic Chicago venue for your wedding than Millennium Park itself! The Rooftop Terrace offers endless flexibility for larger events and the sky is the limit when it comes to creating the décor and ambiance of your wedding. Set in the center of the city, your guests will feel as if the city of Chicago itself is the event venue, and the convenient location allows for easy access to all local hotels and transportation. Not to mention, any after party night life you and your guests may want to enjoy is only steps away! Millennium Park Private Events Brochure (chicago.gov)


4. Chicago Illuminating Company

Located in the trendy Motor Row district in the South Loop, Chicago Illuminating Company is a unique indoor/outdoor venue. A permanent clear-top tent elevates any and every event, and provides endless opportunities for spectacular event design. Originally this space served as a power plant warehouse, but now it makes a modern statement with lots of character and ivy walls in the courtyard to soften the urban backdrop. What a fun way to incorporate a piece of Chicago’s history while bringing it into the future with your wedding! Chicago Illuminating Company | Chicago Venue Group

5. Armour House

Lush gardens and grounds surround the turn of the century Italian style villa listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Armour House is an outdoor venue that offers old world elegance for the couple seeking a romantic getaway. Instead of feeling like you are in the heart of suburban Chicago, walking the Armour House grounds give the impression of wandering into the Italian countryside. Reflecting pools, fountains, and immaculate gardens are around every corner providing endless photo ops and delights for you and your guests. Weddings | Armour House Catering (sodexomyway.com)


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