A Love Letter to July: Celebrating the Season of Joy, Connection, and Intentional Gatherings

July 1st isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a soulful reminder to pause, reflect, and choose joy. From beachside brunches to rooftop soirées, this season is all about meaningful connection, heartfelt celebration, and embracing the beauty of life—outdoors and in full bloom.

Hannah Schweiss Photography

There’s something about July 1st.

Maybe it’s the quiet nudge that half the year has already passed (cue the momentary panic). But more than that, it’s a beautiful reminder that we’re still in it—still writing the story, still curating moments, still choosing to show up for joy.

To me, July marks celebration. A shift in energy. A slower, warmer rhythm that invites long dinners under the stars, barefoot mornings, spontaneous beach days, and everything in between.

As a global event designer, it also means outdoor celebrations are in full swing—and let me just say, not having to schlep boxes through snow? A celebration all on its own.

But more than aesthetics or seasonal ease, this month reminds me of something deeper: the art of meaningful connection

Photography by Koman Photography

Celebrating life in all its forms.

Whether it’s an intimate brunch with friends, a backyard birthday gathering, or a full-on destination event, every moment is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, considered, and celebrated. That’s the magic of what we do—it’s not about perfection; it’s about presence.

We curate not just pretty moments, but purposeful ones. Spaces where guests feel thought of. Experiences that echo long after the event ends.

And this July, as I launch the cover and pre-order for my latest book, The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings, I’m reminded that this work—this life—is about creating spaces where connection can thrive.

So this month, I celebrate you.

I celebrate the way you show up for others. The way you infuse intention into your gatherings, whether you’re hosting two people or two hundred. I celebrate your creativity, your warmth, and your commitment to making life feel just a little more special—for yourself and everyone around you.

Let’s spend this season leaning into joy.
Unapologetically.
Unforgettably.
Together.

Soak it up. Celebrate often. And don’t forget to make space for meaningful connection.
Ready to elevate your own gatherings? Pre-order my new book The Art of Celebrating—a guide to making every moment matter, from everyday dinners to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

P.S.
The cover for The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings is officially out, and pre-orders are live! Grab your copy here and let’s celebrate the season—beautifully, intentionally, and with heart.

Book cover flatlay – “The Art of Celebrating by Akeshi Akinseye

Cover Photography by Amy Anaiz Photography

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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The Art of Celebrating by Akeshi Akinseye – Now Available for Pre-Order