Taking Up Space: Reflections on Summer and Stepping Into Fall

Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography

The Season of Transition

Somehow, summer always feels like it’s just beginning—and then suddenly, you’re looking at your calendar and realizing it’s almost over. This summer was no exception. Between planning beautiful celebrations, traveling to new places, styling unforgettable tables, and carving out moments for my own self-care, the days flew by faster than I could catch them.

Yet, as we stand at the threshold of a new season, I’m reminded that these seasonal shifts are also invitations—moments to pause, reflect, and realign.

A Season of Self-Reflection

For me, this reflection isn’t just about my work as an event designer and lifestyle creator. It’s about my journey as a woman, an entrepreneur, a friend, a mentor, and simply as a human navigating this beautiful, complicated thing called life.

The theme pressing most on my heart right now is taking up space—boldly, unapologetically, and without waiting for permission.

Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography

Taking Up Space

I’m learning that taking up space is more than just being seen. It’s about fully inhabiting your life, your gifts, and your voice—without shrinking to fit into the comfort zones of others. It’s about saying yes to the things that fuel you with joy and purpose, and doing so with the utmost authenticity and kindness.

This also means silencing the noise of other people’s opinions and judgments. Because the truth is, when you live in alignment with your best self, you inspire others to do the same.

Photo by Hannah Schweiss Photography

Moving Into Fall with Intention

Fall is often a season of grounding—slower rhythms, deeper conversations, and intentional choices. As I step into this new season, I want to bring with me the lessons of summer: to create, to connect, to celebrate, and to never shy away from the fullness of who I am.

To anyone reading this—your best self is not something you have to ask permission to be. Step into it now. Take up space. Live your truth. And do it with grace, courage, and kindness.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you plan to take up space this fall? Share it with me in the comments or DM me on Instagram @keshevents

Akeshi Akinseye

Akeshi Akinseye is the founder and CEO of Kesh Events and is the leading expert in the wedding and event industry on all things celebrations.

She is widely regarded as One of the best Wedding planners in America by Brides, Top 5 wedding vendors in the world by WEDLUXE, top wedding planner in Chicago by PartySlate and more. 

Her insights and work have been featured in national publications like Brides, PartySlate, Modern Luxury Weddings, Inside Weddings, Yahoo, ESPN, New York Times etc and she appears regularly in media outlets like ABC, The Tribune and more.

She is the author of the best-selling book, The Art of Floral And Event Design” and founder and editor of celebrations and lifestyle magazine, The Art of Celebrating. Her creativity, keen eye, attention to detail and knack for perfection is what her clients love about her. She brings the art of creativity and personalization to every single event making her the best at what she does. Akeshi honors the individual styles of her clients and she continually strives to make every experience one to remember.

http://www.akeshiakinseye.com
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