259. A Day of Celebration & Healing with Christina Currie Events

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4 mins read
Layal Dairi, Christina Currie, Hala Dairi, and Nawal Dairi ready to entertain.

Hala Dairi had never worked with an event planner before she met Christina Currie, and hired her to plan a mother/daughter brunch. Now, she’ll never work with another one: Christina is her one and only.

Layal Dairi, Christina Currie, Hala Dairi, and Nawal Dairi ready to entertain.
Layal Dairi, Christina Currie, Hala Dairi, and Nawal Dairi, ready to entertain – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

Hala, a North Barrington resident, hadn’t entertained on a large scale in her new home since it was built in 2006. In the intervening years, she attended many events at friends’ homes, but never hosted herself. “With moving and working, it was a really busy time,” Hala recalls. A mother of three, she also manages her husband, pulmonologist Dr. Firas Dairi’s, area medical office. But as her second child approached college age, she felt it was time to reach out to her friends with a warm invitation.

Invitation to Mother/Daughter Brunch, courtesy of Christina Pawlak
Invitation to Mother/Daughter Brunch – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

When Hala drew up her guest list, it totaled close to 80—an intimidating number.  “I thought, I cannot do it myself.”

Christina Currie
Christina Currie

She found Christina Currie Events on the internet, and felt an immediate connection.

“I liked her because she’s from Barrington, and would know what I was looking for.”

Christina, who is known for giving her undivided attention to clients, met with Hala at her home.

The first meeting took about an hour, during which she learned Hala’s vision for her event—and noticed many details about her personal style.

“I took cues from their home, which is filled with linens and soft, round lights,” Christina says.

This vision, coupled with her knowledge of Hala’s preferences, were enough to set the experienced event planner’s wheels in motion.

Hala, who is of Syrian descent, wanted her friends and family to feel uniquely cared for in the midst of turmoil. She also wanted to celebrate her two daughters, Layal (18) and Nawal (14). “It [the conflict in Syria] stopped everyone from enjoying life. We’re always talking, thinking about it,” Hala laments. “My kids are fed up—we’re not going out. But kids grow up. You cannot stop living. I wanted everybody to come and just enjoy each other.”

Hala Dairi with Daughters Nawal & Layal - Photographed by Christina Pawlak
Hala Dairi with Daughters Nawal & Layal – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

Christina immediately understood the significance of the event…

“Hala asked me to please make sure her friends feel special. I took extra care to work with the caterers and service providers to ensure that everything was of the absolute highest quality.” Brittany Ferrin and Vaido Karsokas, chefs and owners of Truffleberry Market, knew the importance of mastering the art of Syrian-inspired cuisine. “They researched for weeks,” Christina recalls.

Christina Currie with Truffleberry Market chef Brittany Karsokas - Photographed by Christina Pawlak
Christina Currie with Truffleberry Market chef Brittany Karsokas – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

The date was set, the invitations were sent, and the details were decided: the mother/daughter brunch would be a beautiful fall celebration. Richly hued linens in red, amber and yellow would drape the outdoor tables, mirroring the changing leaves that surrounded the tent. Piano music would provide a calming musical backdrop, and encourage intimate conversation. Vivid floral centerpieces would provide pops of color on round tables. Mothers and daughters would gather, breathe, and relax in each other’s company.

Warm table settings complement the perfect fall day. Photographed by Christina Pawlak
Warm table settings complement the perfect fall day – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

As the September 29th event approached, the possibility of the United States invading Syria strengthened. Hala considered calling off the event. It just didn’t seem appropriate to celebrate. Already, Hala and her family found themselves supporting 10 orphaned nieces and nephews, who fled to Jordan after two of Firas’s first cousins were killed in the same attack. But soon, a path toward cooperation seemed more likely. With frayed nerves, Hala chose to proceed.

A welcoming brunch buffet. Photographed by Christina Pawlak
Photographed by Christina Pawlak

When the party day arrived, the weather was glorious.

Christina and her team had everything in place long before 11 a.m., when the event was set to begin.

Valet parking attendants awaited guests’ arrival; renowned jazz musician Rose Colella played the grand piano, which Christina says is a purposeful touch.

“I like to capture all senses upon guest arrival; hearing, smelling, seeing, and touching. I accomplish this with a cocktail drink, live music, and smell of enticing food.”

Nearly 80 mothers and daughters celebrated with Hala and her family. “It was the first party I’ve hosted in my life where I could sit and have food with friends,” Hala says. “Christina made me sit and enjoy my guests.”

Her guests were very impressed with the fare, which was a triumph for both Hala and Christina. Working with Truffleberry Market was a new experience for both Hala and her friends who raved about the menu.

“The food was delicious, and the dessert was gone in ten minutes.”

The delectable dessert. Photographed by Christina Pawlak
The delectable dessert – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

As the event unfolded, Christina says tension seemed to melt away. “Three hours into the alcohol-free event, the women were dancing in the kitchen.  They took off their scarves and literally let their hair down.”

When the afternoon drew to a close, Hala and her daughters sent guests off with a personal favor: a cherry pie on a stick, complete with a calligraphed tag that read “Mothers and daughters are life’s sweetest gifts.”  Dear friends left with full hearts, lightened moods, and renewed perspectives.

A sweet favor to thank friends for sharing the day. Photographed by Christina Pawlak
A sweet favor to thank friends for sharing the day – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

As the party ended, Hala decided to share plates of food with her husband and son. “They could not believe how good it was.  My husband said, ‘I want the same party over again, but for men only.’”

For Christina, repeat business is the ultimate compliment. She has a devoted follower in Hala: “From now on, Christina’s going to do everything!”

Christina Currie of Christina Currie Events - Photographed by Christina Pawlak
Christina Currie of Christina Currie Events – Photographed by Christina Pawlak

Christina says she would love to help you to plan your next event.  Now is the perfect time to start thinking about holiday parties and Christina is well known for creating memorable events of all sizes and in all seasons!

Christina can be reached at 224.558.1764 or by email at christina@christinacurrieevents.com and you’ll find her website at ChristinaCurrieEvents.com.

We are pleased to welcome Christina Currie Events as the latest member to join the Barrington Online Marketplace here at 365Barrington.com.

CLICK HERE to find the Christina Currie Events feature page we just published in our Marketplace.  To peruse all of our existing Marketplace member features, visit 365Barrington.com/Marketplace. To follow the latest members to join our Marketplace, visit 365Barrington.com/Buzz. And if you’d like to become a featured member of our Marketplace, visit 365Barrington.com/advertise.

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