Aboard Engage! Retreat's First Ever Luxury Wedding Planning Event at Sea: All the Details (Exclusive)
Aboard Engage! Retreat's First Ever Luxury Wedding Planning Event at Sea: All the Details (Exclusive)
Emily StrohmThu, April 9, 2026 at 7:39 PM UTC
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Aboard Engage! Retreat's First Ever Luxury Wedding Planning Event at SeaCredit: Daniel Colvin Photography; Allen Zepeda Photo
Since 2008, Engage! founders Kathryn Arce and Rebecca Grinnals have gathered the wedding industry's top innovators and thought-leaders for inclusive and immersive experiences that "spark connection, creativity and collaboration." As the "original masterclass" of the global wedding and event industry, Engage! is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together planners, photographers, videographers, vendors, designers, producers, luxury properties among others for the highest level of inspiration.
For the first time in 18 years, Arce and Grinnals took Engage! to sea, as 150 attendees including high-profile planners Jennifer Zabinski, Lynn Easton, Michelle Rago, Todd Fiscus, Bryan Rafanelli and Sarah Haywood boarded The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Evrima, in March for an immersive retreat. During the three-day sail which stopped at St. Barths and Anguilla, attendees shared ideas, heard from industry experts and attended peer-led discussions.
"We are always looking for innovative, unique luxury experiences to offer, Arce and Grinnals tell PEOPLE. "Each one of our 53 events to date has been truly unique — not only for the over-the-top, bucket list destinations, but at the heart of each one are the amazingly talented people that come together."
Related: Lifting the Veil on Engage! Summits: Where the World’s Best Wedding Industry Pros Gather for Inspiration
Reflecting on nearly two decades of Engage!, Arce and Grinnals say the attendees are what continues to makes each event so special. "Every person who attends Engage! inspires us. They are at the top of their respective game in the wedding and event industry. They come together to elevate their businesses and seek ways to refine their service. They truly want to be the best they can be for their discerning clients. And the phrase, 'party people love to party' is certainly true at our events!"
Below, see inside the luxury wedding planning event at sea.
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Industry Experts
Credit: Daniel Colvin Photography
From left, planners Todd Fiscus, Sarah Haywood and Lynn Easton take part in a panel discussion.
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Making Magic
Harold Torres, Vice President, Global Charter and Group Sales The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with Arce and GrinnalsCredit: Jacqui Cole
“Evrima offers a distinctive setting for celebrations, where the journey itself becomes part of the experience, paired with thoughtful design and personalized service to create something truly memorable at sea," says Harold Torres, Vice President, Global Charter and Group Sales The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with Arce and Grinnals. "It was a pleasure to welcome Kathryn Arce, Rebecca Grinnals, and the Engage community of exceptional planners shaping the future of luxury events.”
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Comeback Queen
Hayley PaigeCredit: Jacqui Cole
During a Q&A, Bridal Designer Hayley Paige opens up about her legal battle with a former employer, where she lost the rights to design wedding dresses under her own name and control of her social media accounts. Paige testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs in July 2024 to advocate for banning non-compete agreements. The designer, who has appeared on Say Yes to the Dress, has since reclaimed her name and relaunched her brand in Sept. 2025. She debuted her latest collection, REIN, at New York Bridal Fashion Week in March 2026. Paige has dressed more than 10,000 brides and celebrities, including Carrie Underwood, Dove Cameron and Kelsea Ballerini.
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Thoughtful Discussions
Credit: Daniel Colvin Photography
Luxury planner Lynn Easton of Easton Events, leads a small group discussion. Easton Events is regularly found on "best of" top planner lists by Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Martha Stewart Weddings and Easton Events' discreet client list includes individuals on Forbes 100 list, Grammy and Oscar winners and lifestyle influencers.
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Setting Sail
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
Attendees kick off the retreat with a sail away welcome party on the observation terrace.
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All Aboard
Credit: Jacqui Cole
Bob Conti, partner at Ed Libby Events, boards the yacht. Ed Libby Events A-list clients include Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, Beyonce, Kimora Lee Simmons, Naomi Campbell, Usher, Robert DeNiro, Giuseppe Cipriani, Tyra Banks and Sting.
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Red Party
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
Attendees dance the night away on the ship's observation lounge.
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Oceanside Lunch
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
During a stop at St. Barths, tenders transported attendees ashore for intimate small group lunches at Eden Rock, Le Toiny, Cheval Blanc, Le Barthelemy, Le Sereno, Le Guanahani, Fouquet's and The Tropical.
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Gourmet Menu
Eden RockCredit: Corbin Gurkin
Lunch is served at Eden Rock.
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Stunning Scenery
Evrima YachtCredit: Ben Finch
The bow of Evrima is the perfect setting for sunset cocktails
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Meaningful Connections
Michelle RagoCredit: Corbin Gurkin
Michelle Rago, founder of Michelle Rago Destinations, is known for producing luxury weddings and events for billionaires, professional athletes and celebrities including Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz.
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PEOPLE & VOGUE
Emily Strohm, Alexandra MaconCredit: Jacqui Cole
PEOPLE's Weddings Director Emily Strohm (left) with VOGUE's Wedding Editor and Over the Moon founder Alexandra Macon, were both featured speakers at the retreat.
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Golden Evening
Engage! AttendeesCredit: Jacqui Cole
Attendees get decked out for gold-themed cocktails, comedy and cabaret.
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All-Inclusive Voyages
Evrima YachtCredit: Ben Finch
The Evrima, named for a word of Greek origin meaning “discovery” is equipped with 149 suites, each with a private terrace, plus five restaurants and six lounges offer culinary experiences ranging from casual poolside cocktails to elegant fine dining, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa®.
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Let's Get Into It
Alexandra Macon, Anja WinikkaCredit: Jacqui Cole
Macon shares the stage with FREEDA Founder Anja Winikka, who led the retreat's discussions.
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