This vs That, Wedding Decisions with Kelly McWilliams: Recent Episodes
Kelly A McWilliams
An award winning wedding planning podcast hosted by expert planner-designer Kelly McWilliams. In each episode Kelly and her wedding professional co-host will help engaged couples navigate planning by weighing the pros and cons, "This vs That", of each decision they'll need to make from engagement to honeymoon and everything in between. Kelly is a 19 year veteran of the wedding industry and is a 2020 Martha Stewart Weddings Best in Class: The Top Wedding Planners and Event Designers. This vs That has been recognized as a top podcast by BRIDES.com and WeddingWire.com!
How does a brand evolves from producing just 12 dresses to becoming an industry leader, shaping the bridal world with a multitude of diverse collections? Join us as we delve into the awe-inspiring journey of Morilee, celebrating their 70th anniversary, with none other than Terry Eagle, the CEO, and Madeline Gardner, the Chief Design and Creative Officer. Together, they reveal how they've shifted from major department stores to independent retailers and navigated the evolving landscape of the bridal industry.
Madeline Gardner, a woman acclaimed for her dedication and deep understanding of the bridal domain, shares fascinating insights into the design process of Morilee. She highlights the significance of fit, fashion, and the unique 13-point boning construction in her designs. You'll also get an exclusive peek into a remarkable partnership resulting in a breathtaking couture collection!
We also navigate through the eclectic Morilee collections, from the core collection, the Blue, the plus-sized Giulietta, to the modern minimalist Amy and Eve.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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After graduating from the Fashion Institute of New York City, Madeline Gardner's dreams of becoming a true Designer took shape and she has been the Chief Design + Creative Director at the NY-based bridal label, Morilee, for the last 25 years. With the studio in the heart of bustling New York City, Madeline Gardner continues to seek influences from all the latest fashions. While her style is always evolving, her designs continue to transcend time.
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/morileeofficial/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
This bridal fashion designer has spun magic with her 25-piece timeless line, blending in contemporary fashion, and we can't wait to share her inspiring journey with you!
In her lively chat with us, Weilu takes you back to her humble beginnings, sewing alongside her grandmother and her evolution into a renowned designer - from attending fashion school in China to working with the celebrated Monique Lhuillier in Canada. We walk you through her awe-inspiring studio, a wonderland where brides can add personal touches to their dresses. Moreover, we explore the perennial allure of detachable sleeve trend and how it ties in with the timeless elegance of bridal fashion
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weilufresolone_atelier/
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever dreamt of the perfect bridal gown sketched in your school books? Ever wondered what it takes to transform those dreams into a global couture bridal brand? Meet our guest, Moira Hughes, who will take you on her journey from such dreams to reality. Moira, a world-renowned bridal designer, shares her fascinating journey and how she filled a gap in the Australian bridal market with her elegant and sophisticated designs. Hear her share her inspiration behind her collections, and get a sneak peek into her latest transformable pieces that have been wowing brides for their versatility.
Moira made her mark in the industry with her innovative approach to bridal fashion and her groundbreaking work with Melange Blanc and Coded Agency. She will share her experiences from creating a collection for London Fashion Week to meeting the changing demands in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Raised in London by Irish parents, Moira designed for brides around the world and eventually settled in Sydney, Australia to open her flagship boutique. Moira quickly built a name for designing 'Australia's most romantic wedding gowns.' They are known for being incredibly light and comfortable. Often made with the Australian summer and international travel in mind.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moirahughescouture/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever dreamt of a budget-friendly, sustainable, and no-hassle solution for your wedding flowers? Meet our guest Lauren, the co-founder and CEO of Something Borrowed Blooms, a game-changer in the wedding industry. They've brought the revolutionary concept of renting wedding flowers to life, saving couples up to 70% on their floral arrangements.
This concept is a GAME CHANGER for our industry and such a budget-friendly way to have a gorgeous day. And so great for your other wedding celebrations too (Really! It's not just about weddings, their service can be utilized for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, engagement parties and more).
Something Borrowed Blooms has already been a part of over 25,000 weddings. From bridal bouquets to corsages, centerpieces and decor, they offer an assortment of over 17 different collections, all delivered to your doorstep three days before the event. Plus, with prepaid shipping labels, all you need to do is pack it back in the box and ship it back after your big day.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency____
Something Borrowed Blooms was founded in 2015 with a mission to revolutionize the wedding flower industry. Recently married, we knew how expensive and complicated the fresh flower market could be. Since then, we’ve been dedicated to providing the highest quality and on-trend floral designs and decor to couples from coast to coast . With our rent-and-return system, you’re guaranteed to have the flowers you love without the high price tag of traditional wedding flowers. Our constantly expanding rental options include bouquets, boutonnieres, garlands, flower combs and crowns, centerpieces, aisle markers, and so much more for your special day.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbblooms/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Imagine searching for the wedding dress of your dreams, only to realize that it doesn't exist. That's exactly what happened to our guest, Corina’s from Zoe Rowyn Bridal, inspiring her to take matters into her own hands and start her own bridal brand. She shares her amazing journey with us, from the moment she realized that her dream dress was waiting to be created, to the launch of her brand just days before her own wedding. Listen in as she shares the thrill of pulling off a campaign shoot for her line on the eve of her nuptials in scenic Portugal.
This episode is packed with gems, including Corina’s unique approach to design and the importance she places on creating a joyful experience for brides. We also touch upon her invaluable tips for navigating wedding planning without losing your sanity.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Founded in 2019 by Corina Culeva- a long time fashion industry actor, Zoe Rowyn was, like all great businesses, triggered by a personal need. Having always been distinguished by a strong personal style, Corina decided to make her own wedding dress, tailored to her needs and desires of a stylish modern bride. In the process, she discovered that she had much more to offer to the modern bridal market. An entire collection of minimalist yet sophisticated bridal gowns followed. The collection expresses the designer’s admiration for sensual simplicity, contrasting with whimsical details. Corina created a brand for the chic, bold, and sophisticated brides like herself.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoerowynbridal/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever wondered how bridal gowns land in your favorite wedding magazines or how they end up being showcased in bridal shops? Let's unravel the mystery with our guest, Kate Walters from Coded Agency, a full-service marketing agency with a significant influence in the bridal industry. She discusses how influential marketing strategies help designers make a mark and sell their gowns -shedding light on the power of media relations, influencer marketing, and event services in getting those awe-inspiring dresses discovered on social media and placed in bridal shops.
We also take a detour into the realm of bridal media outlets, focusing on the process of getting wedding gowns and weddings featured on esteemed platforms like The Knot, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Over the Moon.
Kate also shares her invaluable advice for brides looking to get their weddings highlighted on these platforms.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Coded Agency has over 10 years of experience with New York Bridal Fashion Week ranging from runway shows, press presentations, to designer-hosted dinners and one-on-one media market appointments. Our agency expertise far exceeds the traditional agency understanding of the bridal industry and our representation has consisted of global bridal brands to boutique designers and everything in-between.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Unveiling the intricate process behind wedding dress design, we're thrilled to bring you an in-depth conversation with the insightful Danica Hazard from Evergreen Bridal Collection. Together with her business partner, Kay, their dynamism has brought to life their debut line of 22 gorgeous bridal gowns, all in a span of just six months. Get an insider's peek into their collaborative journey - from sketching initial concepts, curating mood boards, selecting the finest fabrics, to fiercely negotiating modifications with their manufacturer to perfect each masterpiece.
We also delve into Danica's personal experiences in wedding planning, her dedication to simplifying this overwhelming process for brides, and her expert tips that may well save you a sleepless night or two.
https://www.evergreenbridalstudio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/evergreenbridalstudio/
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever imagined the story behind those dreamy bridal gowns that become an unforgettable part of the most memorable day of your life? This episode uncovers just that, as we host the distinguished bridal designer, Francesca Miranda. Born in Columbia, Francesca shines a spotlight on her rich journey into the world of wedding design. The passion and thought that goes into each of her magnificent creations are truly inspiring. Francesca chats about how she tailors a unique world within each of her gowns, in line with the bride's personal vision.
Our discussion unravels the delicate differences between lace and embroidery too- such great insight for a bride!
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Francesca Miranda is a Latin American designer based in Barranquilla, Colombia. Drawing inspiration from authentic craft, compelling ethnical legacies, and current design, Francesca creates collections with a captivating sense of style and inimitable creativity. The DNA of the brand is based on an interpretation of Francesca’s Latin American and Caribbean influence, an effortless approach to femininity, and an intimate understanding of contemporary art and culture
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescamiranda_/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Katharine takes us on her journey, moving from fashion school in Los Angeles to working with Badgley Mishka, and eventually launching her uniquely inclusive bridal line. In a world enamored with size zero, Katharine’s commitment to offering gowns from size zero to 30 plus, is a breath of fresh air.
Katharine shares her insights about the role buyers play in deciding what graces the bridal stores and how she decides when a collection is ready.
If you appreciate a designer that accommodates all sizes AND If you love the story behind a business name, you’re going to want to listen to this episode!
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency____
Katharine Polk, a Los Angeles native received a degree in Fashion Design from FIDM in Downtown LA before being offered a position at Badgley Mischka Couture in New York City as Assistant Designer to Mark Badgley and James Mischka. Polk, worked closely with over 25 licensees to ensure brand cohesiveness from runway to the store floor. Polk went on to become a fashion editor and stylist freelancing at a London based publication and covered New York Fashion Week.
Est. in 2011, Polk Founded and was the Creative Director of Houghton NYC. Breaking boundaries in the bridal industry as the first brand to create Ready
to Wear for the bride and bring a fresh outlook to traditional bridal designs, Katharine lead the brigade with her brand Houghton.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houghtonnyc/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
What happens when two creative minds come together amidst a global pandemic and decide to rewrite the rules of the bridal industry? Hear the story of Christina + Kimberly, who birthed Melange de Blanc, a tailored bridal market that started as a mini-market show during COVID. This episode takes you on a journey through their creation, a community-driven marketplace that celebrates a medley of cultures, from Italy to Israel, with designers offering diverse price points. Discover the heart of this market, a place where collaboration thrives and boutique owners find their perfect match in designers and dresses.
Then, we shift gears to talk about the essence of community support. As we discuss the This Versus That Wedding Podcast, we highlight how every review, every shout-out, contributes to our growth and shapes our content. Just as every wedding is a celebration of people coming together, so is our podcast a space for collective sharing of experiences, questions, and insights about everything bridal. Whether you're planning your own wedding or just fascinated by the industry, this episode promises a peek behind the industry's curtain, an insight into the changing dynamics of the bridal market in the post-COVID era.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Melange De Blanc is a premier destination for bridal fashion, with two prime locations in NYC and Palm Beach. From its roots as a pop-up market, it has evolved into a permanent fixture, bringing exceptional brands from around the world to the United States through international collaborations. With a focus on luxury and immersion, our well-curated selection offers "something for everyone," allowing buyers to find everything they need across various categories.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melangedeblanc
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Imagine creating a wedding dress for a virtual wedding! Trish shares the captivating story of designing a friend's wedding dress amid a pandemic and offers a peek into her design process.
Trish's talent for crafting custom-made wedding dresses has not only stirred the bridal industry but also won hearts globally. Listen in to learn how her unique background and commitment to timeless elegance have poured life into her brand's success.
We also discuss the often daunting wedding planning process and how Trish's expertise can make it not just manageable but downright enjoyable. Hear her tips and tricks and learn how you, too, can have an unforgettable wedding experience.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Trish Peng is a luxury wedding dress designer born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. She caters to clientele from around the world, creating custom made masterpieces.
From the age of 7 she knew she wanted to be a Fashion Designer. Teaching herself how to sew at an early age and enrolling into Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design. Her gowns are feminine and effortlessly elegant, handcrafted in Auckland.
Follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/trishpeng/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever wondered how a wedding dress transitions from a simple fabric to an exquisite masterpiece? Tune in as we navigate this spellbinding journey with Sydney Watters, a luminary figure in the world of bridal designs. This episode will give you an inside look into the creative process, the importance of color and fabric selection, and the thrilling journey of turning a simple fabric into a bridal gown.
Sydney, who is currently planning her own wedding, gives us a raw account of wedding planning, underlining the importance of trusting professionals in the field. We also touch on the evolution of the boho and destination bride trend. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, not just for brides-to-be, but for anyone fascinated by the artistry behind wedding designs and planning.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Literally growing up with the company, Style Director, Sydney Watters Dunbar, has an innate sense of the brand. She's got the pulse of her generation's style, not to mention being kind of a nut for fashion herself. Working elbow-to-elbow with the design team, she helps shape the creative direction for each collection.
Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watters/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
We sat down with the remarkable Evgenia Shimanov from Studio Levana, an Israel-based bridal boutique that isn't just sizing up gowns but designing specifically for the plus-size bride. Our curvy brides are going to love her designs and inspiration! They've been making waves in the bridal industry for 14 years with their unique approach to creating stunning plus size wedding gowns. Evgenia gives us a peek behind the curtain, revealing her intricate design process and discusses Studio Lovanna’s unique corsets that are the secret ingredient in each of their dresses. Not only do these corsets offer support, but they are also meticulously crafted to flatter the curves of a plus-size bride.
And if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between the bridal industry in the US and Israel, Eugenia opens up the conversation, sharing how these differences have influenced Studio Levana's approach to designing gowns. She emphasizes the importance of having options for every bride, regardless of size.
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiolevana/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
From studying fashion in Australia to establishing her bridal company in the US, Callie shares how she crafted her brand and the evolution of her design process. We also delved into the expansion of the Australian wedding industry, and Callie’s inspiring tenure with Mariana Hardwick that ignited her love for bridal designs.
In the second part of our conversation, we got the scoop on the meticulous manufacturing process behind Modern Trousseau's stunning gowns. We get an in-depth look at how the choice of fabric often shapes her designs and the lengths she and her team go to, ensuring every dress is a finished masterpiece.
Another fun fact you’ll learn in this episode is how Modern Trousseau got its name!
Special series season in partnership with Coded Agency
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Launched in 1986, Modern Trousseau is well-established as the preferred design house for brides worldwide. As the hallmark of the Modern Trousseau label, owner Callie Tein’s designs center around luxury laces and fine French and Italian fabrics. Her distinctive designs have been featured in many top print and online publications, including Vogue, Inside Weddings, People Magazine, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty and countless more.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderntrousseau/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Are you ready to discover the insider secrets of romance travel? This exciting episode features Pamela from Wedaways, a luxury travel agency that specializes in crafting unique travel experiences for couples seeking something beyond the traditional honeymoon. She peels back the curtain to reveal what truly defines 'romance travel' and walks us through the meticulous process of planning a honeymoon with a travel agency. If you're dreaming about a post-wedding escape that's perfectly tailored to your desires, Pamela's insights are a must-hear!
Ever wondered how a professional travel advisor could level up your travel experience? Well, Pamela demystifies it all! From firsthand knowledge of global destinations to personalizing your journey, she highlights the multitude of benefits that come with working with an expert. Worried about breaking the bank? She unpacks the commission and fees, reassuring you that premium service doesn't always mean extravagant costs.
Lastly, get ready for a deep dive into planning budget-friendly safaris and honeymoons without skimping on the luxury. Pamela serves up some invaluable tips and tricks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open budget when planning your honeymoon. She generously shares her wealth of knowledge to ensure your journey is nothing short of a dream. So, tune in to uncover the hidden gems of the travel industry and embark on the perfect path to your dream honeymoon!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Get ready for a cutting-edge discussion with Michelle Martinez, host of the Big Wedding Planning Podcast, where we plunge headfirst into the futuristic world of AI and its application in wedding planning. Ever wondered how AI can streamline the communication process with vendors, family, and friends during wedding planning? Or, how it can save you significant time without stripping away the all-important human touch? We've got you covered!
We dive into the creative applications of AI in wedding planning, from crafting personalized scripts to generating eloquent wording for your invitations using chat GPT. We also chat about an exciting free tool, Destinations AI, that could revolutionize your travel planning process. However, it's not all rosy; we also venture into the ethical considerations involved, especially the potential for AI to misrepresent a professional's work.
We wrap up with a lively discussion about Michelle's innovative, budget-friendly three-month coaching program that offers a personalized journey to your dream wedding. We also evaluate and share our favourite AI tools that can help simplify your wedding planning process. But we're not naive about its potential drawbacks, so we also caution against the risk of AI creating a false impression of a professional wedding planner. This episode is your golden ticket to leveraging AI in your wedding planning journey. Tune in to unlock all these insights and much more!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
How well-prepared are you for your big day? We're inviting you to kick back and listen in as Renee Dalo and I divulge the unspoken truths and strategies for a smooth wedding morning. We'll guide you through setting boundaries, preserving your peace, and keeping everyone on the same schedule with digital itineraries. We also stress the importance of nourishment and hydration, so you're not running on empty when it's time to walk down the aisle.
But our conversation doesn't end at just wedding mornings. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences too! Leave us a review or give us a shoutout on your social media. And if you have burning wedding-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Who knows? You might just be the star guest on our next episode. Get ready to laugh, learn, and love this journey. Let's conquer your wedding morning together, no stress attached.
Follow Renee on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/moxiebrightevents/
Website:
https://moxiebrightevents.com/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Have you ever found yourself in the awkward dance of tipping and gifting at weddings, not knowing the etiquette or expectations? Well, you're not alone. We've brought in wedding industry experts Megan Noll and John C to shed some light on this complex etiquette. They're sharing their personal experiences, the standards in the industry, and even revealing the results of an Instagram poll on what wedding vendors typically receive.
Navigating the landscape of gratitude in the wedding industry can be tricky. Megan and Jon discuss how social media presence and personal relationships can influence gift giving. They also touch on the somewhat uncomfortable but necessary subject of inflation and its impact on the tipping range. They emphasize the importance of being explicit about tipping instructions. But it's not just about money. They share heartwarming stories of clients expressing their appreciation in unique and thoughtful ways. From the Brooklyn client who sent a deluxe package of bagels and cream cheese to the necklace that was so 'Megan', these gifts convey appreciation in a memorable way.
Let's not forget about the unsung heroes of the wedding industry – the vendors. Megan and John underline the value of client testimonials and feedback. They discuss the creation of an effective feedback form and how to share reviews across platforms to maximise their impact. Even after the wedding bells have stopped ringing, they stress the importance of recognising the hard work of vendors. So sit back and listen in, whether you're a vendor or a client, there's something valuable to learn for everyone.
Follow Megan and John on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/johncweddings/ https://www.instagram.com/megannollphotography/
Find them online:
https://www.johncweddings.com/
https://megannollphotography.com/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever wondered about the secret sauce behind unforgettable wedding photos? The answer lies in the tug of war between shot list and candid photography. We walk you through this intricate conversation, with our special guest, destination wedding photographer and educator, Kelley Williams. Her expertise and practical insights on balancing both styles promises to leave you with plenty of food for thought.
As we unpick the delicate fabric of wedding photography, we reveal how the photographer's approach—be it adhering to a shot list or exploring the boundaries of creativity—can shape the outcome. The episode explores the diversity and richness that can be achieved with candid shots, but also acknowledges the satisfaction a well-executed shot list can bring. Beyond this, we emphasize the magic that clear communication can conjure. We discuss how discussing expectations, planning the day's timeline effectively, and allowing enough time for those special, unscripted moments can elevate your album from good to great.
We round off our discussion by underlining the importance of building a genuine connection with your photographer. After all, the more comfortable and authentic you are, the more your photos will reflect that. We also delve into the potential of Pinterest boards as a tool for communicating your vision and wrap up with tips on nurturing your photographer relationship. And of course, we couldn't forget the power of social media shoutouts and reviews. So tune in as we navigate the nuances of wedding photography with our incredible guest, Kelley Williams, and equip you with the knowledge to make your wedding photos a true reflection of your special day.
Follow Kelley on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kelleywphotos
Find her online:
www.kelleywphotos.com
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Imagine planning the happiest day of your life, only to be struck by a personal tragedy. It's a scenario we wouldn't wish on anyone, yet it's a reality some of us have to face. Join me, Kelly McWilliams, and my co-host, Leah, as we wade through this difficult territory together. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools to face adversity head on, to make decisions amidst turmoil and to handle any unforeseen circumstances with grace and sensitivity.
Have you ever considered the role of your vendors and wedding insurance during a crisis? Our discussion shines light on the importance of vendor communication, relying on their experience and seeking their advice during testing times. We also touch upon the importance of wedding insurance, a safety net that many couples overlook. Whether it's a family member falling ill or a tragic loss, lean on us as we tackle these difficult decisions and offer guidance every step of the way.
We also talk about communicating wedding cancellations or rescheduling your wedding to your guests and vendors. Whether it's a local ceremony or a destination wedding, the changes can be overwhelming. We provide detailed guidance on delegating this task to your emergency contact, ensuring that the news is delivered with utmost compassion and sincerity.
Share your journey with us, ask questions and remember, we're in this together. In times of adversity, you're not alone - we're here to help you navigate through the storm.
Find Leah on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/theleahweinberg/
https://www.instagram.com/oduberglaw/
https://www.instagram.com/legallyset/
Online at:
https://legallyset.com/
https://www.oduberg.com/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever felt like planning a wedding is a Herculean task with social media throwing inspiration from every corner? Well, worry no more because we've got Julie Smith, an authority on social media and SEO, walking you through the maze of ideas flooding platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. Julie shares why having a plan is imperative and how to avoid being overwhelmed by chaotic inspiration.
We also unravel the potency of Pinterest in wedding planning, even if you're just a sporadic user. Julie decodes how this platform can aid in picturing your dream wedding and communicating your vision to vendors. We're sharing tips for how to better collaborate with your vendor team and staying on track.
Finally, we spotlight the significance of reading wedding website articles (or watching YouTube videos) and the wealth of knowledge they hold.
Your engagement and wedding planning can be a journey full of joy and less stress!
Follow Julie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gartergirl
Website:
https://thegartergirl.com
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Unpopular opinion alert! We need to talk about pre-nups! So, this week we're shifting gears this week from flowers and wedding cakes to the more contentious topic of prenuptial agreements. Our guest, Leah Weinberg, is a seasoned wedding planner turned attorney who has learned one thing or two about the controversy surrounding prenups. Leah's unique journey from creating fairy-tale nuptials to drafting legally binding contracts offers a fresh perspective on the importance of discussing financial matters before tying the knot.
We're dissecting the intricacies of prenuptial agreements and debunking a few myths along the way. From assets allocation to infidelity clauses, nothing is off the table in our candid conversation. We'll also discuss why both parties should have separate attorneys when drafting a prenup and the potential implications if they don't.
Leah will guide us through the emotional side of getting a prenuptial agreement and how to start open and honest talks about money, religion, and future children. Planner's tip: listen to this episode with your partner if you can! It will help make the subject feel a bit less taboo & touchy).
Lastly, Leah brings in her decade-long experience in the wedding industry to discuss the potential roadblocks couples may face when deciding on a prenuptial agreement. Drawing from her vast experience, Leah offers practical advice on how to navigate these sensitive topics with grace and understanding. It's a must-listen episode packed with valuable insights that will undoubtedly be beneficial for couples planning not just their big day, but their future together.
Find Leah on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/theleahweinberg/
https://www.instagram.com/oduberglaw/
https://www.instagram.com/legallyset/
Online at:
https://legallyset.com/
https://www.oduberg.com/
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Ever wondered how to preserve your cherished wedding bouquet for a lifetime? Meet Judi Guevara, a flower preservation expert, who takes us on a journey to explore the captivating world of bouquet preservation. We dive into fascinating techniques, ranging from resin and pressed flowers to freeze-drying and fabric dyeing. Judy shares precious insights on how the bouquet handling process post-wedding can impact the preservation outcome and helps us understand how to choose the perfect preservation method.
We then take a closer look at the intricacies of drying and preserving flowers for resin. How do the colors of flowers change post-drying and how can we safeguard their original beauty? Judy unveils the backstage of her work, revealing how her team ensures the colors match as closely as possible to the original bouquet. We also discuss the price differences between pressed flowers and resin flowers, offering you the complete bouquet preservation guide.
Follow Judi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bloomsake/
Visit the website:
bloomsake.com
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?**The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)**Download the Wedding Spending Plan
...
Get ready to transform the way you view wedding artistry! Picture your favorite wedding moment captured on canvas, or your guests immortalized in personalized illustrations. Our guest, Brittany Branson, an accomplished live wedding painter, takes us behind-the-scenes, unfolding the unique world of live wedding painting and guest illustrations. She dives into the rich details of these two distinct styles, guiding us on the nuances and drawing comparisons between the two. Brittany illuminates how couples can select the best option to suit their preferences, considering elements such as canvas size, choice of an artist, and the entertainment value each brings.
Brittany's expertise and personal experiences offer an enlightening perspective on the intricate process of live wedding painting. She sheds light on how she collaborates with couples to decide on the wedding moment to eternalize on canvas. We also delve into the varying sizes of canvases available, and how to choose the right artist to meet your needs. Brittany underscores the benefits of having a live painter at your wedding, turning precious moments into lasting memories.
Providing memorable and unique experiences for your wedding guests is the icing on the cake, and Brittany's invaluable advice on this will leave you inspired. She offers tips on how to find the perfect live wedding painter, what to keep an eye out for, and how to create a personalized and efficient experience for couples with a large number of guests. Whether your heart desires a large-scale canvas painting or smaller guest illustrations, Brittany's insights will undoubtedly pave your way towards a memorable wedding that speaks volumes of artistry.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
Lance's Site & Insta: https://www.mydfwdj.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. His focus is telling a couple's love story in music.
This week we (SW Florida) took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian. Let me say that it was the scariest day of my life. But we made it. Our local wedding community is strong and we will rebuild. I had to wait to get internet back in order to be able to drop this episode and the next few will most likely be delayed. Please stick with me though because we have so many good episodes to come.
Are you at the point where you are determining what formality of wedding you'll be having? By formality I mean, White Tie, Black Tie, Black Tie invited or optional, Formal, Cocktail, Resort or Beach Casual, or Casual? In this episode Kristy and I will be explaining the differences in maximalist and minimalist black tie. This topic is intriguing is because day in and day out couples steer away from Black Tie because they're concerned it will be too stuffy or over the top when in actuality it can be the exact opposite.
KRISTY’S WORK, LIKE HER PERSONALITY, is at times difficult to pin down. Her brushstrokes can ebb and flow from highly detailed and meticulous to free-flowing and boundless, all the while remaining captivating and unmistakable. For the last 19 years, Kristy’s obsession with paint and paper has evolved into the innovative and wildly recognized brand, Momental Designs. Kristy has transformed event stationery into a persuasive and compelling medium that garners global attention from media, celebrities and some of the world’s most creative individuals. Widely regarded as an industry tastemaker, Kristy’s styling, painting and stationery innovations have been featured in creative editorials and installations in some of the world’s most famed publications. Kristy’s work has been credited in People Magazine, Good Morning America, New York Live, The Knot, Inside Weddings and Brides Magazines, Vanity Fair, Martha Stewart Weddings. She is also a 9-time author.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
Lance's Site & Insta: https://www.mydfwdj.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
About Kelly:
Hundreds of weddings and 21 years in the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. She creates from scratch & believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & nationally While most of Kellys weddings take place in Naples, Sanibel or Captiva Island, she travels internationally for destination weddings abroad. She's been recognized as a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SW Florida with hubby Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. He's the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings".
You're definitely having a wedding ceremony so that means you have a few decisions to make while planning this part of your wedding day. Once you've decided who's going to take part in the ceremony, you'll have to decide how you'll have them walk into your ceremony (the processional), where you'll want everyone to stand or sit. Some wedding ceremonies will have traditions and protocols depending on culture, religion or venue (church or synagogue), but these days there are so many options you could consider and far less rules. I hope that you love this episode and that it gives you some thought into making your wedding ceremony one that feels best to you.
Brandee Gaar is a luxury Event Planner, Thought Leader, Educational Speaker and Host of The Wedding Pro CEO Podcast. As a lifelong lover of all things events, Brandee spent 7 years as a corporate event planner with the prestigious Gaylord Hotels brand before opening her own event consulting firm. Blush by Brandee Gaar and Eleven Events by Blush have quickly become known for their over the top events and high touch standard of customer service.
Brandee is passionate about teaching wedding industry entrepreneurs her exact strategies in growing two 6-figure event businesses (while still being a present mom and wife!). She provides expert tools for those who are ready to ditch the overwhelm and build the profitable business they’ve always dreamed of!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Site & Insta: https://www.mydfwdj.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
About Kelly:
Hundreds of weddings and 21 years in the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. She creates from scratch & believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & nationally While most of Kellys weddings take place in Naples, Sanibel or Captiva Island, she travels internationally for destination weddings abroad. She's been recognized as a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SW Florida with hubby Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. He's the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings".
Get out your tissues because this one is going to have tears rolling down your face. In this ceremony planning episode, Greg and I discuss honoring the long standing tradition of the father of the bride giving his daughter to the groom versus presenting her to him. Once we discussed why or why not, Greg offered the actual script he did for his daughters weddings that were, oh my gosh, beyond heartfelt. I was BALLING! Oh but it gets better. Greg also wrote a song for their father daughter dance as a surprise. You'll get to hear it at the end of the episode. You can swipe Gregs script and listen to the song here. Absolutely let us know if you plan on incorporating either - we'd love to know!
Greg Stielstra is a husband, father of three, author of two business books, behavioral scientist, marketing guy, Packers fan, songwriter, and Nashville's worst guitarist. He worked as a wedding reception DJ for 27 years and has personally entertained at 1200 wedding receptions. He's also someone who believes fathers should NOT give their daughters away on their wedding day but should "present them for marriage" instead.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Site & Insta: https://www.mydfwdj.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
About Kelly:
Hundreds of weddings and 21 years in the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. She creates from scratch & believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & nationally While most of Kellys weddings take place in Naples, Sanibel or Captiva Island, she travels internationally for destination weddings abroad. She's been recognized as a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SW Florida with hubby Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. He's the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings".
The Manifesting Formula
Welcome to The Manifesting Formula Podcast, I’m Christine Rizzo, Master Certified...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
You and your fiance know that you need help on your wedding day and you've decided you do not want your family or friends to have to work at your wedding. They are there to see you get married and you want them to enjoy your celebration . Not all, but most wedding planning companies offer several types of services including day-of coordination (sometimes called Event Management) or full service planning with or without design. In this episode we guide you through the tasks and responsibilities a coordinator is limited to versus the full scope of guidance and advocacy that a full service planner provides.
About todays co-host : Kehrin Hassan is an international planner-designer who founded Jet Set Wed, a Wedding and Event Design company based in South West Florida’s Gulf Coast. As a multi published designer, her extensive experience is not inhibited by her effortless understated and organic designs that last the test of time. Her talents lie in discovering a clients style and recreating it in a celebratory space in a way that is absolutely their own. In her over 15 years of event experience she has designed large scale International corporate events for a Fortune 500 company, assisted in executing celebrity weddings abroad as well as designed over 600 weddings and events from coast to coast. She works closely with her equally talented husband, Jason Teeters of Jet Set State who builds entrepreneurs from the ground up and is the mom to her toddlers Marra & Kesh, named after the location in Morocco the two were married.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Site & Insta: https://www.mydfwdj.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
About Kelly:
Hundreds of weddings and 21 years in the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. She creates from scratch & believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & nationally recognized including as a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with hubby Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. He's the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings".
Smells Like Humans
Like spending time with funny friends talking about curious human behavior.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Every decision you make for your wedding you'll have the opportunity to decide if you want to have a professionals help or if you want to tackle the task on your own. DIY you're potentially giving up guidance & advocacy with a service or the quality build of a product. However this doesn't mean that it can't or shouldn't be done. In this episode Chanda & I discuss a litany of things you could do DIY or hire a pro for with the pros & cons and a few great stories.
RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE NATION’S LEADING LGBTQ+ WEDDING EXPERTS, Chanda Daniels Planning + Design and founder of A Monique Affair, a leading event planning company in the San Francisco Bay area. A natural at designing and planning events, her years of design experience have established her as an expert in her field. Combining her skills with her passion for creating events, she founded A Monique Affair and in 2018 founded Chanda Daniels, Planning + Design which focuses on refined fine art wedding weekends.
Chanda believes in celebrating milestone events with class, style, and richness. Her weddings have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Munaluchi Bride, The Knot, and Today’s Bride, and named Top Wedding Planner by Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings & BRIDES.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Site & Insta: https://www.mydfwdj.com/ / https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
About Kelly:
21 years in the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. She creates from scratch & believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & nationally recognized including as a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with hubby Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. He's the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings".
TMAC Fitness. 20 Minute Home Workouts
Beginner and Advanced Workouts. No equipment. Each Workout Ends with a Meditation.
Brand OVERCOME THE OVERWHELM & THRIVE with this hard-hitting, heartfelt podcast for busy women.
Sharing expert advice & proven strategies to live with more confidence, energy, and joy.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Did you go shopping for your wedding dress yet? If you're in the process of going to find the dress of your dreams, this episode will hopefully help you to decide on whether you'd like to shop solo or with your bestie or all of your gang. With great stories and tips from Kennedy, you're going to get the inside scoop on the pros and cons of shopping with your friends and family.
About today's co-host: Kennedy, better known as Gown Eyed Girl, is a bridal influencer in her native city, Los Angeles. She started Gown Eyed Girl as a way to spotlight the diversity of the bridal industry as well as up and coming indie designers. She spends her days creating fun content like "Wedding Dresses inspired by Abba Songs" or "Wedding Dresses She'd Wear in a Period Piece" and other videos breaking down celebrity weddings and bridal history. You can find Kennedy on instagram and Tik Tok as @GownEyedGirl.
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
21 years in the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. She creates from scratch & believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & nationally recognized including as a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in musi
Smells Like Humans
Like spending time with funny friends talking about curious human behavior.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Smart Passive Income Podcast
Weekly interviews, strategy, and advice for building your online business the smart way.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Who is going to do all the talking at your wedding? Default seems to most often be your wedding DJ or Band Leader. Another option we see sometimes is a friend or family member who's "good on the mic". But did you know that you could also have a Professional Emcee? Artem and I talk about the pros and cons to the decision that you make here. Let me tell you - there are some considerable notes that come up during this episode that I didn't even think of with 20 years of weddings behind me. My eyes are wide open after this episode.
Find Artem here
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
This one is for the can't dancers. I can't dance. Kelly James (my husband) can't either. But that doesn't keep us off the dance floor. Luckily for you, I learned about BetterSway online dance studios and you never have to worry about your 1st dance ever again. In this eye opening episode, Christy, Allen and I discussed everything there is to know about the decision to take dance classes in person or MAGICALLY learn how to look better on the dance floor right in your living room.
Find BetterSway here
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
Have you started booking or interviewing your wedding vendors and creative partners? Have you received quotes, proposals or agreements? Have you followed up with everyone who you've reached out to? That's what we are talking about today. Your decision to "Ghost", offer feedback, offer your decision or return for more questions. This is a touchy subject; but one that we in the wedding industry would love for you to put some thought into.
Today, we are joined by Ivan Wognin of Ivan Amssan Photography Co. This 2021 Top 5 Red River Valley Photographer, leads a wedding photography and education collective serving in Fargo, North Dakota, and worldwide! Being a true extrovert and lover of people, Ivan believes in serving others from an intentional and relationally driven place. Most days, you can find him doing two things: providing newly engaged couples with valuable tips for a laid-back and present-filled day, and helping photographers build a brand on social media. When he's not serving in his business, he is likely getting a bowl of zeppoles from Olive Garden!
Find Ivan here
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
If there's 1 thing that the last few years have taught us in the wedding world its that anything and everything is now up for discussion. What once was traditional is open to interpretation. Including the kind of wedding that you are contemplating. In this episode Gretchen of Rocket Science events and I talk about what to expect and to put into consideration when it comes to making the decision to have what used to be considered a traditional wedding vs a mini wedding or eloping.
Gretchen Culver is the creative mind behind Minneapolis’ go-to design and planning firm,
Rocket Science Events, but her business prowess doesn’t stop there. In 2020, she opened the
doors to Minne Weddings, a brand that provides stylish and affordable micro-weddings, as a
way to meet her clients’ evolving demands for small-but-significant celebrations. Her knack for identifying client pain points and solving problems has propelled Minne Weddings to the top of her market.
Named one of the “30 Under 40 to Watch” by Special Events and recognized as a top planner by BRIDES and Martha Stewart Weddings, Gretchen’s award-winning work has been featured in magazines, online, and on television.
Find Gretchen here
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
If you haven't listened to part ONE yet, be sure to do so - it is packed with insight!
Derek and Maighdlin are getting married in February 2022 and we could not be more excited to have them as "wedding guests" on the podcast. "As we anticipate our big day, we have had the opportunity to help celebrate with our favorite people at their weddings. During this season we have also learned what we like, love, and would do differently to celebrate our big day. While attending weddings and simultaneously planning our own, we have the exciting perspective of sharing things that couples might not think about while they’re drowning in decision fatigue. We could not be more excited to share and help other engaged couples make decisions about the details of their day they may have scooted past. We are getting married on Captiva Island on February 26th 2022. Kelly is OBVIOUSLY our planner. We have participated in so many weddings, and specifically this summer we have either been guests, a bridesmaid, the officiant, or the best man in a wedding."
Lance and I took total advantage and asked all the questions we were dying to know and they gave up all the goods!
Maighdlin & Derek: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Also, co-host for these 2 bonus episodes...everyone's favorite co-host LANCE IS BACK!
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to our rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
Derek and Maighdlin are getting married in February 2022 and we could not be more excited to have them as "wedding guests" on the podcast. "As we anticipate our big day, we have had the opportunity to help celebrate with our favorite people at their weddings. During this season we have also learned what we like, love, and would do differently to celebrate our big day. While attending weddings and simultaneously planning our own, we have the exciting perspective of sharing things that couples might not think about while they’re drowning in decision fatigue. We could not be more excited to share and help other engaged couples make decisions about the details of their day they may have scooted past. We are getting married on Captiva Island on February 26th 2022. Kelly is OBVIOUSLY our planner. We have participated in so many weddings, and specifically this summer we have either been guests, a bridesmaid, the officiant, or the best man in a wedding."
Lance and I took total advantage and asked all the questions we were dying to know and they gave up all the goods!
Maighdlin & Derek: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Also, co-host for these 2 bonus episodes...everyone's favorite co-host LANCE IS BACK!
Listen to all your podcasts & leave a 5 star review on SPOTIFY
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
When you hire your photographer and videographer you'll likely have to decide on the number of hours you would like covered. You don't necessarily have to cover your entire day start to finish, but you'll want to decide if you want coverage early in the day while you are getting ready or if you'd like coverage until you exit for the evening. In this episode, photographer Lynne Reznick and I discuss the pros and cons of both.
Lynne is an educator-turned-photographer whose own love story and marriage inspires her to document the love of other soulmates. She's a hybrid photographer who supports couples throughout the planning process and artfully captures each wedding day in timeless imagery. Named ILEA Boston's Top Photographer in 2020, she has been featured in Wedding Sparrow, Rangefinder Magazine, Boston Weddings Magazine, and more. Always an educator at heart, Lynne is committed to building opportunities for connection and learning within the wedding industry and beyond. She enjoys leading in-person workshops and recently launched her first online course, The Wedding Client Experience Academy, to help industry creatives deliver impeccable service to their couples.
Listen to all your podcasts &leave a 5 star review is the GOODPODS app
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
If you're going to tell your guests where to sit at your wedding reception, you have to let them know what table to go to and maybe what seat to sit in at the table. I had the pleasure of talking to Jordan about ways you can turn a tedious task into a genuine gesture. It's a chance to be creative, unique and elevate your guests experience. We'll also remind you of the different kinds of cards: place cards, escort cards, seating charts, etc
A USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER BY TRADE, JORDAN’S BACKGROUND IN ART AND DESIGN ISN’T JUST PROFESSIONAL—it’s been a deep-seated passion for as long as he can remember. After years in the advertising industry working in web design and user experience with major brands like Pepsi, Visa, Toyota, and Mercedes, Jordan knew it was time he took his creativity offline so he could get his hands dirty. Out of that realization, he launched a custom brooch business which, ultimately, evolved into wedding stationery, perfectly marrying his experience in digital design with his love for crafting.
Thus, his boutique design firm, A Good Day, was born to serve planners and their couples eclectic, one-of-a-kind stationery that establishes a unique brand for each event. From save-the-dates and invitations to day-of signage and menus, Jordan draws inspiration from his diverse array of interests spanning fashion, architecture, interior design, and film to curate an aesthetic that perfectly matches each clients’ vision for their celebration.
Listen to all your podcasts &leave a 5 star review is the GOODPODS app
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
A couple weeks ago, a soon to be maid of honor asked me to do an episode on speeches and toasts. Oh boy did the memories terrible and fabulous moments come flooding in. Next call was to Lance, "Lance. Someone needs our help. We need to give the good bad and ugly of wedding toasts and speeches." Here's the thing, Between us we have over 45 years of wedding receptions. We have seen and heard it all. From dad's who break out a guitar and sing, to drunken uncles who never should have had the mic, to sisters who gave the most epic rap performance I have ever seen.
This episode will you help you decide who to ask to speak at your wedding, how long they should speak, what should and should not be included, and much more. And if you're going to be giving a toast or speech - we have insight for you too!
175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
82.985% of the answers Brian and I receive when we ask, "What do you think you'd like for your wedding?" is, "I would like ____________and greenery. It's almost like someone told you that the only way to go North and South is via the highway. Well guess what folks, there's all kinds of cool back roads with small towns and great views you're missing out on when you take the highway!
Often when we try to get to the root of why its for 1 of 2 reasons:
- Its expected to be cheaper (listen to the episode for the answer on this one)
- It's what you're seeing everywhere (do you want to do what everyone else did?)
Brian Watson co-owns Myrtie Blue - a floral-focused event design studio that services clients along Florida's Emerald Coast and beyond. His experience in flowers and design started 30 years ago after college where he studied studio arts and digital and imaging arts.
Brian created Myrtie Blue with his husband 11 years ago and has seen fads come and go with couples from nearly every background. Brian and his team create weddings and events for clientele that LOVE and enjoy flowers and want them to be a standout.
Want to see a wedding Brian & I did together? You do. It's on Style Me Pretty ; click here
175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
When you got engaged one of the 1st things you did was start looking for a venue. Chances Your venue also gave you a list of vendors they love or VENDORS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO ARE PAYING THEM. But, don't tell anyone I told you that. Just kidding, we encourage you to ask your venue how they vet their lists, most are transparent about it.
Anyway, just as you found your venue on your own, you can also find your vendors and creative partners on your own via online research, recommendations from friends and referrals from vendors you have booked. There can be risk in this and there can also be reward and that is exactly why Jordan and I covered this hot and spicy topic of wedding planning.
Jordan Oliveira-Heller is the owner of Suncoast Wedding & Event Leaders, otherwise known as SWEL. SWEL is a professional association increasing the networking and education opportunities for wedding and event professionals in the region, with the goal of building a stronger community that directly benefits the client. CLICK HERE to learn all about the fantastic SWEL members you could put on your radar. Jordan created SWEL after many years in the industry as both a caterer and in wedding venue sales. Before starting SWEL, his most recent post in the wedding industry was at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a world class museum and wedding venue.
175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
The list of items that you can upgrade or add to your wedding is endless. What comes standard or included at your wedding venue is not so much. In fact, its limited. To make things a little harder for you, often you don't realize what isn't included that you need! Ugh; I know. In this episode, Kehrin and I tackle as many items as we could think of so that you know the pros and cons of using what comes with your wedding package and how to plan accordingly for what doesn't or what is below "standard" considering the wedding design that you want to put into place. How to plan your wedding and how to design your wedding are hard enough, I'm glad to share some of this insight.
About the co-host: Kehrin Hassan is an international planner and designer who founded Jet Set Wed, a Wedding and Event Design company based in South West Florida’s Gulf Coast. As a multi published designer, her extensive experience is not inhibited by her effortless understated and organic designs that will last the test of time. Her talents lie in discovering a clients style and recreating it in a celebratory space in a way that is absolutely their own. In her over 15 years of event experience she has designed large scale International corporate events for a Fortune 500 company, assisted in executing celebrity weddings abroad as well as designed over 600 weddings and events from coast to coast.
175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thanks to my rockstar editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
Did you even know that you could rent your wedding jewelry? Yeah, me either. I mean, I knew that you could rent all your wedding attire from places like Rent the Runway. But DIAMONDS? Yes please. Give me all the earrings, bracelets and necklace's. Bring.the.Bling. In this episode Lauren and I talk about why you should consider renting vs buying costume or real jewelry. One of the biggest reasons is that because its your wedding day and if ever you're going to want to drip in diamonds and its actually very acceptable to, its this one day. However your spending plan may be saying, "Yeah, $26,000 in fabulous jewlery isn't fitting on this line item. Imagine the opportunity to be like a celebrity on the red carpet and wear 40 carats in diamonds. I am just seeing all the times the lighting hits your wrist, neck and ears and that your photographer and videographer will catch. If you have any questions about renting jewelry, check out this FAQ.
PS - this totally hits the Something Borrowed category!
About my co-host Lauren Grunstein : Lauren is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Verstolo Fine Jewelry, which specializes in custom diamond jewelry and fine jewelry rentals for brides. She started her career in public relations where she worked with a number of CPG bands and start-ups in fashion and beauty. Her passion for diamonds and entrepreneurship took her to Verstolo where she works to help brides and clients transform into their best selves on the most important day of their lives.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Listen to all the previous episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thank you to my rockstar Podcast Editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance Panton has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings" and my podcast "This vs. That". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
Whether you are having alcohol or not, there are decisions to make when it comes to beverages at your wedding. The kinds of bars we touch on are:
- Hourly per person (open or limited bar) - by the hour or a package rate
- Hourly per person (open or limited bar)
- Hosted bars aka Consumption Bars (open or limited bar)
- Cash Bar (open or limited bar)
- Signature or specialty drink Bar (can be by the gallon or per pour)
- Wine Service
We also tackle the questions that you should be asking your caterer, bar service or venue food & beverage manager.
About my co-host Renee Sabo: Renée's lifelong love affair with weddings started out as a high school dream that quickly evolved as she pursued a career in the industry throughout college and beyond. From rentals to planning to catering, her diverse experience has touched every corner of the industry and has led to her role as a multifaceted thought leader for event professionals everywhere.
Inspired to start her own business, Renée received her MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship and quickly put her degree to work when she launched Urban Soirée® in 2017. Today, her award-winning company delivers elevated and romantic celebrations through full-service wedding planning and design for couples on the East Coast and destinations worldwide. Renée’s success with Urban Soirée® has earned her and her company numerous accolades, including being named as the Best of Boston® 2020 – Best IRL Wedding Planner by Boston Magazine. She was also recognized as ILEA Boston’s Top Planner in 2019 and has ranked in WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years since opening her doors.
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Previous Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thank you to my rockstar Podcast Editor: Lance Panton
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance Panton has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings" and my podcast "This vs. That". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
THIS IS PART 2!
If you ever wanted to know how to royally screw up your wedding ignore this episode. We had to split into part 1 and part 2 because there was that much to cover. Part 1 is about your timing, this is about where you place everything in your spaces.
The only people who are typically at a reception start to finish are the planner/coordinator, the banquet captain and the DJ. So who did I turn to for this episode? This vs That editor Lance Panton. Between Lance and I, we have probably a thousand weddings to spill the goods on.
In this one you'll hear about and about 80 other things:
- Your ceremony, where should musicians or the DJ be located (and the speakers)
- What is a sound engineer and do you need one?
- Your reception, does the DJ or band need to be central to the dance floor?
- Do you need additional lighting and is there enough power for it when you add in what the DJ or band is using?
- What will be in the lines of site for toasts, photography and video and what you can do to enhance them
- Spacing between tables for guest comfort and the servers
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance Panton has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings" and my podcast "This vs. That". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
My Wedding Spending Plan. Here is the link . Make the most out of your wedding budget, most likely save you money & take out the stress of wedding spending. This multi page digital workbook shows you how to make a spending plan that keeps you in check and without money stress. Listen to this episode for more.
Brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A wedding planning workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Previous Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thank you to my rockstar Podcast Editor: Lance Panton
Y'all. WEDDING PLANNING IS HARD. There are 4,654,643,842 wedding planning resources (wedding planning tools, checklists, and budgets) available for free on the web. 4,654,643,826 are wrong. LIES! #fakenews. The best example, google "wedding budget". You're going to get 12k arbitrary budgets, none of which have I found to be correct. Why? Because every wedding is different. Depending on where you are getting married in the world, the number of guests you are having, your priorities, etc. these are the things that actually influence your budget. That budget you found at planmyweddingbudgetperfectly.com doesn't know or take these things into consideration.
We also chat about why sometimes its best to hire an amazing, well seasoned day-of coordinator vs a low quality inexperienced full service wedding planner.
In this episode Michelle and Christy are going to tell you about their new wedding planning masterclass. They created it for those who are planning on their own. They created to give you a sigh of relief.
Michelle Martinez and Christy Matthews are the creators, producers and hosts of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast, a show for anyone involved with planning a wedding. Since 2016, and with over 245 episodes, Michelle and Christy have brought heart, humor, and honesty to a diverse community in the midst of planning their weddings.
Their message and mission? Inclusivity is key. Perfection is a myth. Wedding Planning for ALL!
Your bonus: The Big Wedding Planning Masterclass discount code is THISVSTHAT . Here's the link: https://www.thebigweddingplanningmasterclass.com/
My Wedding Spending Plan. Here is the link . Make the most out of your wedding budget, most likely save you money & take out the stress of wedding spending. This multi page digital workbook shows you how to make a spending plan that keeps you in check and without money stress. Listen to this episode for more.
Brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A wedding planning workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcast/
Previous Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thank you to my rockstar Podcast Editor: Lance Panton
If you ever wanted to know how to royally screw up your wedding reception just ignore this episode. In this episode, we had to split into part 1 and part 2 because there was that much to cover. The only people who are typically at a reception from start to finish are the planner/coordinator, the banquet captain and the DJ. So who did I turn to for this episode? This vs That editor Lance Panton. Between Lance and I, we have probably a thousand weddings to spill the goods on. Lance is a premier DJ in Dallas, TX.
In this one you'll hear about:
- having a friend or family member coordinate your wedding.
- pre-wedding communication with your wedding team
- reception timeline from the introductions to the , 1st dance, toasts, cake cutting to the exit.
- The cake break songs (DJ vs Cake)
- When to schedule your fireworks (and how I synchronize music to the show) and how your reception is like a fireworks show.
Your bonus: Lance's Cake Break Playlist on Spotify
With his professional start as a DJ at 17, Lance Panton has possessed a love of music since birth. is the owner and sole DJ for MY DFW DJ - Weddings & Events. A personalized DJ service focused on telling a couple's love story in music. No genre is too challenging to meet this goal. Lance is also the editor for the podcasts "This Week In Weddings" and my podcast "This vs. That". He also serves as the co-director of membership for The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of The National Association of Catering & Events. When Lance is not behind the booth, he's in the kitchen fulfilling his passion for the culinary arts, creating meals for his wife.
My Wedding Spending Plan. Here is the link . Make the most out of your wedding budget, most likely save you money & take out the stress of wedding spending. This multi page digital workbook shows you how to make a spending plan that keeps you in check and without money stress. Listen to this episode for more.
Brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A wedding planning workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/
Previous Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thank you to my rockstar Podcast Editor: Lance Panton
You just don't know what you don't know. This podcast is to make sure that you know so that you can ask ? with knowledge.
Photographer Sarah Roshan and I uncover when its ok to have 1 photographer at your wedding and when it benefits you to have your photographer bring an associate (or 2), the differences between a photography assistant and an assistant photographer (yes, these are 2 VERY different jobs). The decision affects your gallery of images, your end cost & the timeline / flow of your day.
Sarah Roshan is a wedding and elopement photographer specializing in romantic destination weddings for carefree couples. She is based in the gorgeous Colorado Rocky Mountains where she was born and raised. She is known for her adventurous spirit, gracious personality, and laid-back approach to the wedding day. She currently serves at Director of Community Outreach on the International Board for WIPA, co-owns She Will Thrive (dedicated to empowering women through collaboration and conversation), and owns a local wedding co-op and networking group in Denver, Trulife Studios.
Previous photography episodes to listen to:
- S 1 Ep 3: 1st Glance vs At the Altar
- S 1 Ep 19: Engagement vs Anniversary Shoot
- S 2 Ep 8: Film vs Digital Photography
- S 2 Ep 6: Digital Images vs Prints
My Wedding Spending Plan. Here is the link . Make the most out of your wedding budget, most likely save you money & take out the stress of wedding spending. This multi page digital workbook shows you how to make a spending plan that keeps you in check and without money stress. Listen to this episode for more.
Brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A wedding planning workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:
Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://sarahroshan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahroshanphoto/
Previous Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
About Kelly:
A vet of the wedding industry, Kelly knows how incredible a wedding can be. She creates from scratch and believes every moment counts and every decision plays a part in what makes your event magnificent. She believes in making events beautiful AND fun. Published & recognized locally, nationally and globally including Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner, Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast. Home is in SWFL with husband Kelly J , mom to Maddy & Emily and dogs Reau & Olive.
Thank you to my rockstar Podcast Editor: Lance Panton
Wait? What's this, a decision that you don't HAVE to make? Yep. This is the one where its you can make it or skip it because chances are that you didn't even know that its a question you could ask. However, because there really is something to be said for film photography, Liz Banfield and I wanted to make sure that you were knowledgeable about the differences between this classic format vs the digital that came onto the wedding scene in the early 2000's.
I googled it for the sake of simplicity. That way you can skip right to the heart of perspective during this episode:
"Digital photography replicates the process of traditional film photography, but it uses an electronic sensor, rather than film, to capture images. These digital photographs are stored on a memory card, and their resolution is measured in megapixels."
A 20+ year veteran in the industry, photographer Liz Banfield pioneered the documentary style that has become standard in wedding day coverage. She is known for capturing authentic, genuine moments while making sure everyone has a great time doing it. Her cinematic style attracts sophisticated couples looking for highly personalized coverage of their weddings. Liz is recognized as one of the best photographers in the world according to Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, and BRIDES magazine.
On Sale Now! My Wedding Spending Plan. Here is the link . Create a plan to make the most out of your wedding budget, most likely save you money AND take out the stress of wedding spending.
This episode is brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. The ultimate Q&A wedding planning checklist. On sale now!
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.lizbanfield.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbanfieldwed/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Nope. Not the fun episode. But if you listen, absorb and take our tips - you'll find that you're going to have a FAR less stressful engagement and planning season. The cool thing is that Leah just released her new book, "The Wedding Rollercoaster" and its a great companion to this episode. I posted a link below. The real deal is, that by taking the opportunity in the beginning to talk openly with your "team" (anyone who holds a stake in your wedding), you will avoid some of the stresses brought on surrounding wedding spending. The biggest factors when making the contribution decision:
- Who has control
- Guilt (It's real and we recognize this)
- Final decision makers
- Does having the wedding of your dreams weigh more than the potential stress of contributors
In this episode we'll break down the benefits, pros and cons of paying for the wedding yourself or having contributors. Oh, and in this episode there's a shout out to Kimberly of Hitched Events and her episode about having a short or long engagement. Click here to listen to this related episode.
Here is the link to order The Wedding Rollercoaster on kindle or paperback
On Sale Now! My Wedding Spending Plan. Here is the link . Create a plan to make the most out of your wedding budget, most likely save you money AND take out the stress of wedding spending.
This episode is brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. The ultimate Q&A wedding planning checklist. On sale now!
Leah Weinberg is the Owner & Creative Director of Color Pop Events -- a New York City-based wedding planning company that lives in the logistics, providing an unmatched focus on event details for clients.
Celebrating seven years of business, Leah continues to leverage the organization skills, calm communication style, and ability to multi-task she initially developed as a commercial real estate lawyer in her previous career.
Her colorful work and party planning tips have been published online and in print with Vogue, the New York Times, People, CNBC, Bravo, Martha Stewart, and The Knot, among others.
Recently, Leah has been recognized as a 20 on the Rise winner by Honeybook and the Rising Tide Society, one of the 25 Young Event Pros to Watch by Special Events Magazine, and one of BizBash's Top 500 Event Pros in the US.
A 2021 WeddingPro Educator with The Knot + WeddingWire, Leah travels throughout the country sharing insight with her peers regionally, as well as at national conferences such as ALT Summit, NACE Experience, and The Special Event.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.colorpopevents.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorpopevents/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
If you listened to Season 2 episode 5 about Budgets vs Spending Plans, you know that planning a wedding takes great financial planning too.
I’m ecstatic to let you know that our newest resource, My Wedding Spending Plan Workbook is available for you in Pre-Sale!
The workbook is comprised of 5 detailed worksheets that guide you through prioritization, research, spending plan, tracking and payments.
The first step to creating your wedding spending plan is to prioritize which aspects of your wedding are the most important to you.
- What do you care about the most?
- What is most important when remembering your wedding in 20 years?
- What do you want your guests to say about your wedding?
- What do you want your planning and wedding weekend experience to be like?
Depending on where you live and even the date or time may change the costs of your wedding. It is best to research reasonable costs before booking any vendors. This will allow you to see what kind of budget you should prepare for.
If you've ever kept a budget for home or on a work project, you know that planning in advance is a very important step to staying on track. If you miss a line item, your entire budget can be thrown off.
Our sheet accounts for allocating your budget for the important items of the day and allows you to add in extras that may be specific to your wedding plans.
Once you've set your line item allowances, use this sheet to track quotes, actual costs and deposits made. You'll have confidence in seeing your dollars spent and what is remaining to pay.
Finally, the payment sheet rounds out the workbook to make sure that you know where you money is going and to whom.
The line items allow for more detailed information on your payments in and out, including addresses, payment types, who is responsible for that payment, due dates, balances, gratuity and notes.
This week we are launching our new product My Wedding Spending Plan. To get the My Spending Plan Workbook, at the PRE-SALE rate of $79 (the regular price will be $249), send us your email address before 11:59pm April 3rd, 2021.
This episode is brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. The ultimate Q&A wedding planning checklist. On sale now!
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
I can not tell you how strongly I feel about actually getting your wedding images printed. After listening to this episode with Manda and I, I would bet that you will feel the same. Here's the thing, yes. You will 100% look at your wedding pictures on your phone (or stream them onto your tv) a thousand times. But there is a very different feeling and reaction that you will have when you see your favorite ones on your fridge, on your desk or framed on the wall in your home. The best though? When someone comes over and picks up your album from the coffee table and looks through it. Trust me, they will. Oh it is so good!
This week we are launching our new product My Wedding Spending Plan. To get the My Spending Plan Workbook, at the PRE-SALE rate of $79 (the regular price will be $249), send us your email address before 11:59pm April 3rd, 2021.
This episode is brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. The ultimate Q&A wedding planning checklist. On sale now!
Did you listen to last weeks episode with Renee Sabo about wedding your wedding spending plan? It's a good one. Here's a link to it.
Manda Weaver is a hybrid Wedding and Editorial photographer based in the Mid-Atlantic. She has been creating iconic artwork for couples, designers, and artists for more than twelve years across the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. Manda's photography has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Forbes Magazine among others.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: Manda Weaver Wedding Photography
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mandaweaver/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
You better listen to this episode. Maybe listen twice. I know, believe me I know - there isn't anything fun about talking about how much a wedding costs. However you will be able to plan the rest of your wedding without the fear of going over budget or stressing out.
I want you to "Listen Linda" as Mateo explained to his mom about how not to burn your butt.
In this episode Renee and I will hopefully help you to make the decision to start with a wedding spending plan vs flying by with a budget. We'll explain how a budget can leave you in a constant state of compromise or worse, over budget and how implementing a spending plan can make your wedding planning less stressful and stretching your dollars.
Next week we will be launching our new product My Wedding Spending Plan. To be informed on the sale of the pending plan, send us your email address.
This episode is brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. The ultimate Q&A wedding planning checklist. On sale now!
Did you listen to last weeks episode with Saundra Hadley about wedding your wedding ceremony? It's a good one. Here's a link to it.
About Renee Sabo:
Renée's lifelong love affair with weddings started out as a high school dream that quickly evolved as she pursued a career in the industry throughout college and beyond. From rentals to planning to catering, her diverse experience has touched every corner of the industry and has led to her role as a multifaceted thought leader for event professionals everywhere.
Inspired to start her own business, Renée received her MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship and quickly put her degree to work when she launched Urban Soirée® in 2017. Today, her award-winning company delivers elevated and romantic celebrations through full-service wedding planning and design for couples on the East Coast and destinations worldwide. Renée’s success with Urban Soirée® has earned her and her company numerous accolades, including being named as the Best of Boston® 2020 – Best IRL Wedding Planner by Boston Magazine. She was also recognized as ILEA Boston’s Top Planner in 2019 and has ranked in WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years since opening her doors.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: Urban Soiree
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/urban_soiree/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
If you haven’t decided whether to write your own vows or to include special traditions in your ceremony this is the perfect episode for you. Or maybe you already did decide, and this episode will help you to determine that you’d like to make a little change. There’s definitely something to be said for making your wedding ceremony personal, unique and memorable not only for you and your spouse but for all of the people who have gathered around you to see you begin your lives together. In this episode Saundra Hadley and I talk about all of the things that we have seen done in our together over 40 years of wedding ceremonies. Sometimes you’re going to be restricted because of where you having your ceremony. For example, If you’re in a church or synagogue or any other place of worship you may have to follow their traditions or rules. On the other hand, you may be at a location where you can do truly anything that you want! Including having a friend or family member to marry you or maybe not even have anyone marry you at all maybe you just marry each other. We have seen it all are excited to share all of it with you.
This episode is brought to you by 175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. The ultimate Q&A wedding planning checklist. On sale now!
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams@thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: planningforever.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/planningforever/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Marriage or Mortgage, Dream Wedding vs Dream Home
In this bonus episode I had the opportunity to interview Nashville wedding planner and the star of the new Netflix series Marriage or Mortgage. I hope you will never have to decide between the 2, but in this episode its all about the fun of reality tv.
I was able to preview episodes before they premiered on Netflix today (March 10, 2021) and I will tell you this. I could not tell at all who would choose what. I was VERY tempted to fast forward to the end to see what each couple would choose and was shocked by some of the results. Watch a few episodes today and let me know what you think!
I do love that there is a new wedding television show for all of us who are engaged or professionals in the wedding industry; there can never be too many right?
Huge congrats to fellow wedding planner Sara Miller on her new status as Celebrity Wedding Planner!
Before I forget! Here's your link to a resource I created just for you! 175questions you'll need answers to to make sure you're prepared for your wedding day. $17 through March 17, $25 starting March 11th!
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: Sara Miller, Southern Vine & Co. https://southernvineco.com/
Instagram: Southern Vine & Co. https://www.instagram.com/southernvineco/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Watch Marriage or Mortgage on Netflix: http://www.netflix.com/marriageormortgage
Read more about the series in these articles:
Today Show article
Wall Street Journal article
Washington Post article
House Beautiful article
Daily Beast article
Republic World article
People.com article
Pinterest is great. Etsy is great. So are Homegoods, Hobby Lobby and everyone's favorite, Amazon. Often, we come across things that we think will be perfect for somewhere at our wedding. Wonderful! You're thinking, "this will be great! I can save money and make my wedding more unique!"
Let this episode be your guide before you make that buy. There's so much to think about and we are going to get into it big time so that you can make a great decision between buying items or renting items for your wedding decor.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plithosrentals/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
It's a Pop Up Wedding! Are you tired of waiting for Covid-19 to come to an end? Did you have to cancel or postpone your wedding because of Corona for months or even a year? What if you didn't have to wait anymore? Are you ready to elope? What if you could just show up to your wedding ceremony fully planned and designed for you and up to 30 wedding guests, without any of the stress? What if you could have this spectacular luxury wedding valued at over $11,000 for you and your fiance for an all inclusive price of $3,500?
What if your wedding included all of this?:
- Ceremony Floral Design, wedding bouquet and boutonniere by Isn't She Lovely Florals
- Wedding Cake by celebrity cake artist Sweetified Bakery
- Wedding Planning & Design by Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner Kelly McWilliams
- Wedding Photography by Stella Paschall Photo
- Wedding Film by Gabriel Rosario
- Wedding Officiated by Dr Dan Lamey or Pastor Russ Winn
- Ceremony & Cocktail Furniture by Plithos Event Rentals
- Photoback drop and foliage by Niche Event Rentals
- Ceremony & Cocktail music by Curate Entertainment
- Moonlight Garden Rooftop venue by Luminary hotel
This is for ONE weekend only and limited to just 3 couples.
The March 6th wedding date has 3 available ceremony times for you to choose from:
10:00am-12:00pm
12:45pm-2:45pm
3:30pm-5:30pm
Book now here or Contact me at Kelly@KellyMcWilliams.com or 239-540-9029 for more information
Give me cake with filling, skip the icing. That is my order. But if I had an option... I would go for creme brulee or a key lime tart. Baker friends, please don't disown me. After +19 years of planning weddings I have seen wedding cakes go from being the main attraction to disappearing with the trend of a candy or cookie table. Once that trend died it went to cupcakes. And then Megan & Harry got married and the 3 cake wedding cake was all the rage. But do you know what we're seeing now? Statement wedding cakes are back on the rise but they're not standing alone. Enter the mini desserts!
So in this episode we not only do this vs that but we also talk about:
- Why cakes cost more than you think
- How you could display your cake in the room (the size of the table) and NOT SHOVE IT IN A CORNER OR AGAINST AN UGLY WALL NEXT TO THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- Alternative options for desserts
- Who should decorate the cake when there are fresh flowers to be added
- When you should reach out to cake bakers/artists
- Learn what makes a cake. The difference between a tier, a layer, a filling and an icing.
- Buttercream, Fondant, Ganache, Whipped Cream - these are the outsides that you'll learn about.
Lexie loves cake! She grew up baking with her grandma and fell in love with the art and design that goes into custom cakes. She graduated top of her class from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, and then went on to study art, sculpture, jewelry, and floral design; which all play a crucial component in her ability to create anything out of sugar! She opened Sweetified in Southwest Florida in 2015 and has been featured on television competitions and even won the prize of making celebrity chef Cat Cora's wedding cake!
For more about wedding cakes, check out my blog post on 4 ways to serve your wedding cake!
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: sweetified.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetified.cakes/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Everyone has a sparkler exit story right? In this episode we laugh SO much about how sparkler exits have created some crazy memories. But most importantly, how to make sure that you actually think about how you want the last moments of your wedding to be. What do you want your last memory of the best day ever to be? Do you imagine on the dance floor with just your new spouse or with all your guests or a grand exit photo moment.
Renee Dalo is a Wedding Planner, Educator, Public Speaker & Podcast Host. With over thirteen years of experience in the wedding industry and eight years running Moxie Bright Events, Renée turned her knowledge towards the advancement of the industry as a whole and launched her top-notch educational resources for event pros. In addition to her self-guided Wedding Management e-course, Renée is also the founder and host of the popular B2B podcast, Talk with Renee Dalo. Currently, Renee serves as the President of WIPA So Cal, and she is recognized across the industry, having earned a coveted spot on Honeybook’s 20 On The Rise list.
Also, in the episode I mention the evacuation of the hotel. To clarify, that's the rule, however the fire department arrived quickly and didn't require the hundreds of guests to leave their rooms. We did have to evacuate the ballroom.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: moxiebrightevents.com
Instagram: instagram.com/moxiebrightevents/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Wait what? Season 1 is over? Yes it is! 25 episodes. THANK YOU for listening, for subscribing, for sharing, for your reviews and for your 5 stars!
On this episode the TVT editor in chief, Lance Panton (aka DJ LP of mydfwdj.com ) and TVT wedding guest, Ashlee Nicole (aka lead wedding photographer ashleenicolephoto.com) chat with me about our favorite moments, surprises and what we learned throughout this inaugural season.
I also want to take this moment to thank all the co-hosts who made this jump into wedding podcasting so fun for me and who gave so many incredible tips and tricks for wedding planning. When I started this podcast I had no idea how much expertise we would be able to share and how we really could make an impact for you while you plan.
Season 2 is going to be just as awesome, and I hope even better. You can look forward to the season starting with a bang on Tuesday February 2nd and a new episode every Tuesday in February & March.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Instagram: @ashleenicolephotography
Instagram: @mydfwdj
There are 88,345 reasons to have a wedding in your hometown. There are 88,345 reasons to have a destination wedding literally anywhere else in the world. The great thing is that Kehrin and I can pretty much list them all out for you in this one talk. Grab a pen and notebook. There are so many benefits to each that you might even consider a bit of both (which Kehrin and I are both here for). In this episode as usual, we will talk through all the things we've learned while planning over a thousand between us! No matter where you get married, your experience can be great and it should be at the forefront what feels best to you and be decided when considering what is most important to you and your fiance.
Kehrin Hassan is an international planner and designer who founded Jet Set Wed, a Wedding and Event Design company based in South West Florida’s Gulf Coast. As a multi published designer, her extensive experience is not inhibited by her effortless understated and organic designs that will last the test of time. Her talents lie in discovering a clients style and recreating it in a celebratory space in a way that is absolutely their own. In her over 15 years of event experience she has designed large scale International corporate events for a Fortune 500 company, assisted in executing celebrity weddings abroad as well as designed over 600 weddings and events from coast to coast. She works closely with her equally talented husband, Jason Teeters of Jet Set State who builds entrepreneurs from the ground up as well as homeschools her two toddlers Marra & Kesh, named after the location in Morocco the two were married.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://jetsetwed.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsetwed/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
At the time of this recording we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Which meant many engaged couples are re-examining their guest lists to accomodate what was safe and/or allowed. But even outside of this pandemic, this decision and topic is important. In this episode Sara and I are determined to share with you all the wonderful things that make a small or intimate guest list great, but also the pitfalls and stresses of it. The great thing is that there is the alternative; hosting a celebration for your full guest list. That doesn't mean that there are any less or more pitfalls and stresses that come with tying the knot with every single person you hold near and dear. Basically, we know that BOTH options are great, and this is a topic that you really do have to sit down and think of the pros and cons.
As a logistics expert who’s also a creative, Sara brings a rare combination of skills and savvy to wedding planning. After growing up surrounded by weddings as the daughter of a minister, Sara founded Bella Notte in 2004. She quickly found her passion for planning the kinds of weddings that modern couples in Washington, DC were looking for; stylish and sophisticated while also being creative, quirky, edgy and fun.
In her 18 year career, Sara has worked with all varieties of clientele in the DC area, where she has consistently been named one of Washington’s Best Wedding Planners. Her work has been featured in countless news outlets, including Martha Stewart Weddings, People, & Vanity Fair.
Of her career, Sara says, “I’m most proud of the fact that I approach every wedding I design as a distinct reflection of my clients’ personalities. I love getting to know each couple and creating an event more personal, and more fun, than they ever could have envisioned!”
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.bellanottedc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellanottedc/
Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Also mentioned: Assigned vs Open Seating and Making or Breaking Traditions
There are a litany of pros and cons for all of the below stationery opportunities. Before selecting the style of printing you should consider its important to decide on the style of invitation or the design you're most drawn to. Other factors... paper weight, edges and borders. We also talk about pricing, time frames for processes and even some of the etiquette when it comes to your ultimate choice. What I can say for sure - if you have never ordered printed invitations before you NEED to listen to this episode!
- Digital or Flat
- Letterpress
- Foil
- Engraved
- Embossed
- Hand sculpted Embossed
- Blind Embossed
- Laser engraving
- Laser cutting
- Embroidered
Emily founded Emily Baird Design in 2011 to create pretty things for wonderful people. She is passionate about custom stationery and design. We've been nationally recognized in the top bridal magazines and blogs for offering exceptional service and beautiful work including Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and more! If you're looking to tell your love story through beautiful paper or want show-stopping event branding she is here to help.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.emilybaird.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilybairddesign/
Also mentioned: 5x7 Designs (episode 13), Swell Press
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
To veil or not to veil. Or maybe even yes veil, but what style? I knew from the get go that I didn't have a depth of knowledge on choosing a veil because there are so many lengths and styles to choose from. In this episode Nhi gives all the goods of bridal looks and I give up the logistics of what may go down at your wedding when wearing one. Truth: I asked a bajillion questions, and that's always a good thing for you. Nhi gives some great insight on when to say no to wearing a veil. Did you know that its okay to go to a bridal salon separately from where you purchased your dress to get your veil? Did you also know that you can and should look into a custom length veil if you're planning a chapel or cathedral length? Yes. its true. Some lengths and veil types we discuss:
- Birdcage
- Juliet cap
- Blusher
- Fingertip
- Chapel
- Cathedral
- Mantilla
Nhi Hoang is a marketing expert, social media manager and editor with more than 8 years of experience in the bridal industry. After receiving a journalism degree from the University of Florida, she began her career as a luxury weddings editor before moving into the social media space. Since then, she's been exposed to all facets of the bridal world, from working directly with brides on the sales floor to writing real wedding stories to helping bridal brands develop and hone their marketing strategies. When she's not working, she is happiest spending time with her husband Blake and their new dog, Archie. Want to see a sneek peek of Nhi's wedding dress and the veil she chose?
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.carol-hannah.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolhannahbridal/
Also mentioned (from episode 4): https://bethchapmanstyling.com/ and (from episode 20) The Garter Girl
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
9 out of 10 brides ask which one and that's exactly why Dani and I got in depth into this topic of traditional liquid makeup or airbrush. As it turns out, there's another type of makeup to be introduced during this episode, aerosol foundation makeup. Luckily Dani takes the time to fully explain the differences and the pros and cons to all. Including why your skin type makes all the difference. You can expect to walk away from this episode with the timing differences, the sustainability differences how to prep for both and the cost differences.
Duality Artistry®…is a premier makeup artistry company based in, but not limited to, Southwest Florida. The founder and makeup artist, Dani Taverna, developed her passion for art and fashion while studying in Florence, Italy, and her talent for makeup artistry followed. Dani Taverna, along with the Duality Artistry® team, stays on the cutting edge of makeup and fashion and specializes in fashion, TV, editorial, special occasion and wedding makeup. Duality Artistry® is associated with and doing makeup for New York Fashion Week, Miami Beach International Fashion Week, Gulfshore Life, Gulfshore Business, Uptowner magazines and DMA® cosmetics, just to name a few.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://dualityartistry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dualityartistry/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Did you know that you can do a destination engagement or anniversary shoot? Yeah, neither did I and I am HERE FOR IT. In this episode Shauna and I unpacked all that there is to offer with engagement and anniversary shoots including destination (please hire me to help plan and style this...I am now addicted to the opportunity). Topics we also chat about in this episode:
- lifestyle photography
- the costs of these shoots and when if they are "included" in your photography package
- timing your shoot (especially for save the dates)
- why having an engagement shoot is important to getting the best wedding day photos
Shauna and Jordon are a husband and wife destination photography duo with a passion for turning wedding days into an art form for their clients. As formally trained educators, they have an uncanny ability to communicate with their clients, creating authentic and romantic imagery. It is though their communication that they create comfort and clarity that enables their clients to enjoy their wedding day and the photographs and their wedding album that remain beyond it.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://shaunaandjordon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunaandjordonphotography/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Endless traditions. Every time I think I know of all of them I hear about a new one. Depending or how or where you were raised or your culture, ethnicity or religion you are contemplating on what traditions you want to uphold, new ones you want to make and which you are thinking, "not happening at our wedding under any circumstance." Traditions are what make your wedding a wedding and not just a ceremony and a party. By the time you finish this episode you will empowered in making your wedding experience uniquely yours.
Julianne Smith is the owner of The Garter Girl where she handmake wedding heirlooms that brides are known to love forever. She started this business in 2004 after she couldn't find a wedding garter as stylish as her best friend.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://thegartergirl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gartergirl/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Not everyone has had the opportunity to experience every style of reception so we used this episode to get you acquainted with all of them. Making the decision of the style of service should be at least considered at the very beginning of your planning because of the varied costs, the space and time limitations and the formality of your event.
Here are the styles of service:
- Plated (Signature or choice of entree)
- Buffet
- Stations
- Cocktail Style
- Alternative (Small Plate and hybrid)
- Family Style
Greg Shapiro, owner and Executive Chef of Tastebuds Custom Catering is a culinary professional for over 20 years, Greg is dedicated to creating incredible experiences and custom menus for every event. His passion, commitment to innovative flavors and love of challenges are an integral to who he is as a chef.
As the owner of a custom catering company, he understands wedding catering specifically does not benefit from a one size fits all approach and delights at working with clients to bring their vision to life for their big day. He brings a unique perspective on wedding catering based on his many years of experience and the close relationships he builds with his clients.
Outside the kitchen, Greg enjoys attending and educating at catering seminars and conferences, sharing with others in the industry and learning about new trends. He also loves Land Rovers and is proud to be an Overland junkie. In fact, his bucket list includes conquering the Trans America Trail in one.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://tastebudscustomcatering.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastebuds/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Dreaming of a crystal chandelier ballroom wedding or a ceremony under a grand oak tree? Fancy downtown loft or Mountain views? Museum or toes in the sand? What are you thinking for your wedding? Well before you decide listen to this episode where Kemari and I talk about the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor weddings.
6 of the 60,398* points and considerations we came up with:
- Why guys should have 2 shirts
- What to plan for when it comes to plan B from DAY ONE
- The effects of outdoor weddings when it comes to your hair & makeup
- Which is best if you don't deal with stress from lack of ultimate control
- The significant cost differences between indoor and outdoor
- Noise Ordinances, permits, timing restrictions and legal limitations
*exaggeration
Kemari is a Florida girl born and raised. Most days you can find her editing wedding films, playing with her rescue dogs, gardening, or drawing. Kemari is a formally trained filmmaker with a BFA in Motion Picture Arts Production from one of the top film schools in the nation and she's the lead videographer of Kemari Lyn Films. Kemari married her college sweetheart, Jacob, and that same year they became a husband and wife videography team that crafts timeless, intimate, and story driven wedding films for the joyful and wildly in love couple.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.kemarilynfilms.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemarilynfilms/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Its become more and more common to have a friend or family member preside over wedding ceremonies over the last few years so I thought it would be great to have an episode talking through the pros and cons of having a traditional spiritual leader (pastor, priest, rabbi, etc), judge, notary, friend or family member. Its a personal decision and a big decision.
During this chat Cinnamon and I chat about experiences we've had at our hundreds of weddings and lay out all the things that you should consider. Most importantly we discuss putting the type of ceremony you want to have ahead of deciding who should deliver it. I think one of the best things that came from this episode though is that you'll leave knowing that there are options and that traditional doesn't fit the bill for everyone and perhaps you'll be excited about the new ideas we present.
Cinnamon is a wedding filmmaker in Southwest Florida. She believes that each couple she gets to work with is totally unique and she is passionate about creating one-of-a-kind films that tell these couples' one-of-a-kind stories. This year (2020) Cinnamon celebrated her five year wedding anniversary with her husband, Mike, who works alongside her on wedding days. In their free time Mike and Cinnamon enjoy traveling to new places, eating great food, and relaxing at home with their two doggos.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: www.KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.alohafilmworks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alohafilmworks/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
What kind of reception are you considering for your wedding? Cocktail Style? Plated with options? Signature plates? Buffet? Stations? Did you know that the type of service you choose should also influence the kind of seating you'll have at your wedding?
In this episode we uncover all the things you'll want to consider and weigh the pros and cons on when making the decision of having open vs assigned seating. From the costs for each to the level party or formality and atmosphere that they offer to the work involved for you as the host. But the biggest take away is the experience each offers to your guests.
If you haven't already, absolutely have a listen to episode 7 with Planning Forever's Saundra Hadley where we discuss escort cards ve seating charts. These 2 topics go hand in hand with this episode.
As a multi published designer, her extensive experience is not inhibited by her effortless understated and organic designs that will last the test of time. Her talents lie in discovering a clients style and recreating it in a celebratory space in a way that is absolutely their own. In her over 15 years of event experience she has designed large scale International corporate events for a Fortune 500 company, assisted in executing celebrity weddings abroad as well as designed over 600 weddings and events from coast to coast. She works closely with her equally talented husband, Jason Teeters of Jet Set State who builds entrepreneurs from the ground up as well as homeschools her two toddlers Marra & Kesh, named after the location in Morocco the two were married.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://jetsetwed.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsetwed/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
While you may have imagined your entire lifetime where you would get married, sometimes there are circumstances that are now swaying you in another direction. In this episode Janice and I uncover and talk through all the pros and cons of the the different types of wedding venues that there are. And there are more than what I put in the episode title:
- Boutique Inns
- Lodges
- B&Bs
- Hotels
- Parks and gardens
- Historic Venues
- Private Halls
- Golf and Country Clubs
- Resorts
- Museums
- Lofts
- Estates
- Villas
- Your home (or a family home)
There are benefits and negatives for each of these depending on the wedding you are planning. Look to this episode to give you insight in what you can and should look out for for the time you'll have to invest into your planning, the costs involved and the features and flexibilities vs the limitations and restrictions of all of the above.
Janice Carnevale (car-neh-VALLEY) has been a wedding professional in the Washington DC area since 2002, and in 2006 she founded Bellwether Events to help modern, professional couples plan a wedding with purpose so that it stays with their family and friends for a lifetime. Bellwether Events has been a part of over 200 weddings to date. Janice works primarily in the DC metro area, but has traveled to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Napa California, and Edinburgh Scotland for her clients. In 2013, Janice published The Elegant At-Home wedding, a free ebook detailing how best to plan a wedding at your home. The book can be downloaded, again for free, from her website. Janice lives in Falls Church with her husband Larry and 2 rescue dogs, Luna and Sparkles. When she isn't working, you can find her in section 309 Row C seat 17 at Nationals games from April to October.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: www.bellwetherevents.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellwetherevent/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Confession: I wasn't fully aware of what a minimoon was defined as until we recorded this episode. While I have always suggested a getaway to clients prior to their big honeymoon, I didn't realize there was a name for it. If you don't know, don't worry you will after this.
Another great thing about this episode, Oniki drops some great tips about how to take advantage of being a newlywed for these getaways. So be sure to listen through the whole episode to the scoop.
Oniki Hardtman is the Founder & Creative Director of Oh Niki Occasions and Petite Palm Beach Weddings. She specializes in Destination Wedding Planning & Elegant Event Design from “Head to Toe, Start to Finish!” As a graduate of NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology, Oniki has a 20+ year career background in the fashion industry where she was fortunate to travel the globe as a designer for several notable corporations, but with a desire to create on a more intimate level, she founded Oh Niki Occasions to lend her keen eye for design to multi-cultural clientele across the globe. Whether it’s a destination wedding or simply destination-inspired, Oniki and her team are passport-ready and excited to create an unforgettable experience for you! While gorgeous weddings in South Florida and the Caribbean are what she is known for, Oh Niki Occasions has created honeymoon & group travel experiences from Africa to Italy, Bermuda to Costa Rica & many islands in between as a Certified Sandals Specialist & Certified Destination Expert in some of her favorite locales!
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: www.ohnikioccasions.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohnikioccasions/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
While your wedding day is ultimately the highlight of your wedding weekend, a rehearsal dinner or welcome party can be a great start to your celebration. In this episode Curtis and I discuss what the differences are between a rehearsal dinner or welcome party (or welcome reception or dinner), what happens at each (and what should not happen), how to come up with the best guest list for each and the price differences you can expect. We also talk about the benefits of hosting these events, including guest experience.
Curtis Kennedy prides himself on creating heirloom wedding films that are visually stunning and emotionally captivating. His timeless approach to wedding filmmaking has been sought after by his clients around the country. Curtis has been filming weddings since 2013. He currently resides outside of Minneapolis, MN with his wife (and business partner) and their 7 year old son. While they are based in MN, they never turn down the opportunity to escape the cold winter to film weddings in sunny Southwest FL, their second home.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: http://www.curtiskennedyfilms.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtiskennedyfilms/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
I confess. I didn't have a great knowledge of the differences between Push Play Weddings DJ, Club DJs and Wedding DJs who mix. After this episode, you will be fully educated on what to ask and what to expect from DJs. We also make the case that a mix DJ might come at a validly higher price point because there is the additional skill that they have to offer. Be sure to listen to the end if you're of the mindset that you want a "club dj". My favorite line from Malike in this episode was, "I'm going to give you a tasteful turn-up"
Adebola Malike Adigun was born in Queens New York and moved to Cape Coral at the age of 10 in is his now passed mothers attempt to escape an environment that was pulling him down
academically and behaviorally. Since then he has broken many socio-economic barriers. He
received his Bachelors in Education from FGCU, has taught 6th grade World History, started a creative media company that has gained high cultural importance and influence in SWFL and has elevated different artist and creators. He has spent the last 5 years advocating for mental health awareness through social and multimedia platforms. He gives back by going into public school systems and conducting school assemblies based on bullying and suicide. Malike has found a way in every stage of his life to channel the energy that as a kid was seen as negative and put that into successful business and creative ventures. Malike has provided large amounts of entrepreneurs and creative that ability to earn a living and help the local economy grown.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.curateentertainment.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curate_entertainment/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Mentions: DJ Jason Jani https://www.sceeventgroup.com/jasonjani-sce-dj-nj
If you don't know what type of invitation you are looking to have or maybe you don't even know what your options are, this episode is for you. We get into all the details of the elements of your wedding stationery and will help you understand enough so that you can make a great decision. From save the dates to cocktail hour napkins. Things to look forward to in this episode:
- Stationery vs Stationary, let's clear these 2 words up real quick
- What is a template or semi-custom invitation and what are the limits to going that route
- What can you get from a custom stationer or custom designer
- How to save within your stationery budget
- Do you need a save the date?
- When to send out your invitations (heads up: Annie, Peggy Post and I do not agree on this)
Annie Roche is the owner of 5 by 7 designs, a boutique invitation studio located in Dallas, Texas. A Dallas native and USC grad, Annie left her life destined for law school when she fell in love with paper while working at a little stationery store. Annie followed the paper trail to become the art direction for an event company in 2007. She left the company in 2012 to start 5 by 7 designs.
When Annie is not designing custom invitation suites for clients around the globe, you can find her co-hosting This Week in Weddings Podcast, a podcast for wedding industry entrepreneurs.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: http://5by7designs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5by7designs/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Minted Invitations: Semi-Custom (Template)
The decision almost nobody wants to make and it never seems to be an easy one. Let's face it, kids are so stinkin cute, but a wedding can be hard on little ones and those who are responsible for them throughout the day. In this episode we tackle all things nobody wants to say out loud. When it comes down to it, the decision is a personal one. In this episode Beth and I will tell you how to prepare if the decision is yes.
After nearly a decade working at Chicago’s top advertising agencies followed by several years planning non-profit, Beth Bernstein founded SQN Events in May 2009, added Essential I Dos in 2020, and is a founding member of the Small Wedding Society. Beth’s work has been featured in numerous publications and blogs and SQN Events was named one of the Top 50 Wedding Planners by PartySlate in 2018. Beth has spoken at several industry events, including Engage! and WeddingWire World. She currently serves as Secretary for WIPA International and is the immediate Past-President of the Chicago chapter, which won the “Chapter of the Year” award for 2019. A recipient of Wish Upon a Wedding’s Shining Star Award, Beth is well-respected amongst her peers as a leader in the industry, taking strong stands on topics such as transparency with clients, community over competition, and mental health awareness.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.sqnevents.com/about-us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqnevents/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Elegant Event Sitters: https://www.facebook.com/Wedding.Sitting.Event.ChildCare/
This is one of those wedding decisions that I find most couples are most set on from the get go but perhaps shouldn't be because there's so much to consider for both! Here's the thing, it only takes one bad DJ or one great band to completely influence your decision. Truth is that there are so many reasons to consider both before making a decision:
- Price difference (yes, its striking)
- Variety of music and the limitations on both
- Ambiance and vibe
- Size and scale (of the room)
- Number of guests
- Length of your wedding
Clint and I also talk about things to look out for once you've made a decision when it comes to choosing your DJ or band.
Clint Wiley began performing at private events and weddings in 2008. He created the company after seeing how difficult it was to find a fresh, high-energy band that could get everyone on the dance floor, while still being reliable and professional on and off-stage. He has learned the importance of giving clients options and versatility, which includes the award-winning band, None Other, and Stereophonic DJs. Over the past ten years, Clint Wiley has put together an entertainment experience that touches lives from literally all around the world. With over 2,000 events and counting, Clint looks forward to continually raising the bar.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.wileyentertainment.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wileyentertainment/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
While your ceremony and reception are no doubt the peak of your wedding celebration, you may be considering having events to start off and end the weekend. For example, rehearsal dinner, welcome reception, bridal luncheon, grooms gathering, after party or a farewell brunch.
In this episode Erin and I talk about all the reasons why you could choose to host an after party or not and the same for a farewell brunch. Factors we considered were:
- budget & spending plan
- guest experience
- how long your wedding day is
Erin McLean is the owner of McLean Events, a wedding production + planning company in North Carolina and beyond. She founded the company in 2008 and most recently has launched 12 Weeks to I Do: Your Guide to Stress Free wedding Planning. Here she guides couples as their virtual wedding planner to plan their wedding.
Erin is known for her innovative and fresh ideas, her devotion to detail and her sophisticated décor accents. Erin's charismatic, fun personality and cool, calm, demeanor set her clients at ease as she helps them create the wedding of their dreams or the event of a lifetime.
She lives at home with her two daughters McKenna and Juliet, her husband Tom, and her puppy Beau.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.mclean-events.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcleanevents/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Escort cards, seating charts, and place cards. These are of the utmost importance to ensure your guests will know where to sit at your wedding reception. How to communicate your guests table assignment and what place setting is theirs can be a nightmare or a delight! In this episode Saundra and I talk about:
- What a place card is
- What a seating chart is
- What an escort card is
- The benefits of each and the cons of each
- Some neat ideas that we've implemented in the past and ones we hope will never happen again.
- And we are very clear about some things you absolutely should not do for the sake of your guests experience.
My co host on this episode is Saundra Hadley, the owner of planning forever events, an event planning business based in Evansville, Indiana. That’s in the Midwest for you geographically challenged listeners. For the last 17 years, she is known to create and design weddings and celebrations that become treasured memories forever, usually, with large liquor and bar tabs. You can also catch her producing and delivering wedding tips and on a local ABC morning lifestyle show. AND, she has a four-year-old Australian labradoodle, which you can follow on instagram @captaindoodlehead who has almost completed his training to be a therapy dog to bring joy to sick people at hospitals or nursing homes.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.planningforever.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planningforever/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Guess what? You don't have to take exactly a year to plan your wedding. You could do it in 3 weeks or over plan it over 2 years. In this episode, Kimberly and I talk about all the reasons, benefits, pros and cons to having a short engagement vs a long engagement.
In this episode we'll chat about how:
- your personality is something you need to consider when deciding
- money can play a part, both with saving and spending more
- venue and vendor availability
- you should consider your guests and how much time they'll need to prepare (especially for destination weddings)
With more than 20 years of event planning experience, ranging from corporate conferences to non-profit galas, Kimberly Rhodes found her love for weddings while planning her own. Now in its tenth year, her award-winning event planning company Hitched Events focuses on beautifully-detailed weddings and other celebratory events in the Dallas area. Kimberly is passionate about creating events that are just as stunning as they are seamlessly executed, and she is fueled by both complicated event logistics and gorgeous design aesthetics. In 2016, Kimberly launched This Week in Weddings, one of the first wedding industry podcasts for entrepreneurs, now enjoyed by event professionals all over the world. She also serves as the Immediate Past President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the National Association of Catering & Events. When she's not planning and designing fabulous weddings or co-hosting a podcast, you can find her watching a reality show on Bravo, cuddled up with her husband, dog, and a glass of wine, or digging into chips and queso on a sunny patio.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://hitched-events.com/
Instagram: @hitchedevents
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
This is a bonus episode because not only do we discuss whether the gentlemen in your wedding should wear boutonnieres or pocket squares or even both; but Beth also takes the time to explain what a bridal stylist (also referred to as a dresser).
In this episode you'll learn:
- what a pocket square is
- how the pocket square can level up the mens attire
- things to consider about wearing flowers (this goes for ladies hair flowers as well)
- how to prepare for wearing a boutonniere and wear to place it
- the benefits of having a professional stylist or dresser for the entire wedding party
BETH LINDSAY CHAPMAN is a veteran of the fashion industry and is known for her work
as a bridal boutique owner, stylist, mentor, author, and wedding fashion consultant. After her tenure as a Vice President of Merchandising for Ann Taylor, her love of bridal fashion, and sincere desire to create a memorable shopping experience for brides, compelled her to launch The White Dress by the shore, a Connecticut based luxury bridal boutique, in 2004. Beth is also the founder of Beth Chapman Styling + Consulting. In the consulting arm of her business, she mentors other bridal store owners and wedding pros on elevating their brand and increasing their sales and business profitability.
Education is a passion for Beth. She is an educator for Wedding Pro (a division of The Knot and Wedding Wire) and she empowers and educates fellow bridal store owners and wedding pros through her educational courses- The Series 2.0 and Simplified Selling for Wedding Pros.
Beth is also a sought-after stylist. Through the styling arm of her business, she not only assists brides in selecting fashion for their wedding and provides day of wedding dressing services, but she works with publications and brands on styled editorial shoots. Beth’s fashion artistry has allowed her to style editorial shoots throughout the world and her words and work have been featured in countless bridal publications. She has also authored two books, The White Dress in Color, and The White Dress Destinations.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://bethchapmanstyling.com/
Instagram: @bethchapmanstyling
Custom Suits, Tuxes and accessories: Darby Dashery @darbydashery
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Warning, there is crying in this episode.
Hopefully it doesn't bring you to tears like it did Ashtyn and I, but does give you some insight into what to expect with different sized wedding parties. Here's what you can expect to hear about in this half hour of fun to help you make the decision on the size of wedding party you want to have:
- How the size of your wedding party can influence the "mood in the room" while you're getting ready for the ceremony and celebration
- the costs involved: transportation, hair & makeup, getting ready food & beverage, gifts, etc.
- the guilt (or lack of) choosing the people to stand by you on your wedding day
- why you don't have to do what everyone else did
- how the number of people influences your timeline
- the emotional factors
Ashtyn Brooke is a wedding photographer and business educator. She is passionate about delivering a client experience that goes beyond quality and long lasting images. Ashtyn is currently photographing weddings and elopements in southwest Florida and happily travels worldwide doing her dream job, serving her dream couples, and helping other photographers do the same.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: http://ashtynbrookephoto.com/
Instagram: @ashtynbrooke
Deciding to see your fiance before the ceremony or for the 1st time at the altar is a big and personal decision. In this episode, destination wedding photographers Tiffany, Cody and I talk through all the things to consider when deciding if a first look (also referred to as a 1st glance or reveal) is a good decision for you and your wedding. A few of the topics we brought up during this episode are:
- what 1st look and 1st glance are
- timing for a 1st look
- cost considerations
- the emotional factors
- alternatives to 1st looks / glances
Cody Hunter and Tiffany Ryan are an award-winning and nationally published husband and wife destination wedding photography team. Their work has most prominently been featured on Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot. Having captured over 400 weddings in their career, the heart behind their lens is to serve their clients through every detail of their wedding day, help cultivate genuine joy & preserve the legacy of their story - for generations. While they love traveling the world for their couples...their favorite place to be is at home in sunny Southwest Florida sitting on their front porch swing drinking coffee together.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @hunterryanphoto
Website: HunterRyanPhoto.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
In this episode Katelyn McCullough and I will guide you through the options, good bad and otherwise when it comes to making the decision on whether you and the ladies in your wedding should wear hair down or have an up-do hair style. We talk about:
- Why your dress and the style of your wedding should influence your hairstyle decision
- the difference in cost between up-do styles and hair down styles
- how weather plays an important factor in determining what is best
- how your veil or hair accessories can influence your decision
- why its important to consider what will make you feel most confident and comfortable on your wedding day
- how to prepare to for your trial or consultation with your hair & makeup artists or beauty concierge
Katelyn also takes a few minutes to explain what a beauty concierge is and how you can benefit from having one.
About this episodes co-host: Katelyn founded Elwynn + Cass after finding the search for reliable hair and makeup artists for special events to be stressful and time consuming. Rather than having to search hours on end through Google, Social Media, etc. she thought there must be an easier way, so she founded Elwynn + Cass as the solution. A beauty concierge service, where they pair you with and coordinate exceptional hair and makeup artists, so that each client can have a personalized, hands-free experience anywhere in the world. Her clients have gotten married in Las Vegas, Colorado, Mexico, SoCal, Napa, NYC, Baltimore, and more.
Places to go and People to see:
Instagram : @elwynnandcass
Website: elwnnandcass.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Welcome to the This vs That Wedding Podcast! I’m your host, Kelly McWilliams and I could not be more excited to start this new wedding planning adventure with you. My hope is that with each episode my co-host and I will help you to make all your wedding decisions by hearing the pros and cons. We’ll cover topics such as
· having your wedding in your hometown vs hosting a destination wedding weekend
· having Buffet dinner vs a plated dinner
· having a 1st glance vs seeing each other at the altar for the 1st time on your wedding day
· Inviting kids vs an adult only wedding
· Veil vs no veil and Hair up vs hair down
With as many decisions as you’ll be making for your wedding, our episode topics are endless. If you have a topic you’d like us to cover let me know!
With 19 years of planning weddings here in Florida and around the globe and having episode co-hosts who are also experts in the wedding industry we’ll be able to answer all the questions that maybe you didn’t even know you had. We’ll talk about our experiences with each topic and give you insight into what you should consider and know about before making your decision.
On some episodes we will also have TVT Wedding guests, and that is where you come in! I’d love to invite you to reach out to me if you are engaged and in the midst of planning wedding (or if you are planning your son or daughter’s wedding for that matter). Have you gotten married in the last few years and want to share what your experience was like as a bride, groom, mother, father or member of the wedding party? I’d love to hear from you too. This is what I am most excited about and what will make this podcast different from the rest.
I guess that’s about it for this short introduction. Hopefully I’ve peeked your interest and you’ll hit subscribe or follow on your podcast feed. It would mean so much to me! And by all means, tell everyone you know. The best way to reach me is thru Instagram @thisvsthatweddingpodcast or email to podcast@KellyMcWilliams.com. Congratulations on your engagement and thank you for inviting me to be a part of this incredibly special part of your life. I hope that this podcast will be a huge help for you. Until next time, take care and Here’s to another great wedding!