Chosen Stories

Joy Smith, Co-founder of Joy Organics, mother, grandmother, missionary, and my sister, walks us through her perspective on life,  on being of service, living in grace and showing up for herself as deeply and fully as she does for her friends, family and her community.

In the deepest part of us, we all want to be seen and heard. This is most evident during life transitions. Meredith Bryan of Unveil Coaching offers this service to couples on the brink of marriage. Listen in to hear Meredith's heart, drive and dedication, and learn how you can benefit from the space she holds for her couples. 

Whether you're an introvert who likes to sing into your hairbrush in front of your bathroom mirror or a performer who would give P!nk a run for her money, Katie Fletcher will make you feel comfortable, playful and free to express your essence. This is the mark of a compassionate connector and an engaging photographer. Listen in to this episode of Chosen Stories to learn more about Katie.

Vistas that make your jaw drop, gorgeous beasts, flexible, accommodating staff and vendor connections that can't be beat are all what you get when you choose to host your event at the Broken Antler Ranch in Colorado. Alexa Johnson will paint an even prettier picture for you on this episode of Chosen Stories.

On your wedding day, your focus is each other. In order to ensure that this is so, your wedding planner will take all the details and cares away so that all you have to do is say "I do!" Michele Venter of Urban Events ensures that this happens. Listen in to this episode of Chosen Stories to find out more.

Olivia Nicoletti of Olive Fine Weddings and Events discusses what led her on her journey to create her own business. Offering equity and compassion to everyone she connects with is her mission. Learn more in this episode of Chosen Stories.

This episode of Chosen Stories is dedicated to my Gram, my grandmother. She taught me the comfort of baked goods, how to love any child who comes before you, how to get lost in the movies, and how to wear anyone out with a quick walk to the grocery store.

What is the best wedding gift you could give or receive? Find out on this episode of Chosen Stories with Financial Planner Roderick Givens.

Daniel Diamonds boasts some of the most beautiful pieces in Colorado. Featured this episode is Kellie Alkayam of Daniel Diamonds, who will share what makes her customers so proud of wearing pieces designed at her shop.

Octavia Reese, explores, investigates, creates, and channels herself and her interests through a multitude of pathways. Find out more about her and finally answer that nagging question, "What are Hibouleans?"

Want to hear about confections as beautiful as they are tasty? Listen in to Tarra Pigg of Cherry On Top Bakery who discusses how she perfected her craft. You'll want to find out how to get some of that goodness in your belly for weddings, birthdays and breakfast!

Her creations elicit a visceral reaction - her colors are deep, her materials surprising, and her desire to connect is real. Find out what draws people in to Sky Armstrong's work in this episode of Chosen Stories.

Kindness pours out of Zach effortlessly. This may just be the key to his success. Find out more about Zach Tomkins of Iconic Imaging in this episode of Chosen Stories.

Evan Davis of MixandShoot Beverage Services of Colorado brings the energy and fun to this episode. Find out what keeps his clients happy and his crew pumped in this episode of Chosen Stories.

Tiffany Johnson facilitates conversations around death and dying in her role as a death doula. Find out how this integral conversation can be a precious gift for you and your family in this episode of Chosen Stories.

Wellness coach, massage therapist, album creator, mother, caregiver, Niashani brings her light to the world. Listen in to hear how Niashani enlivens the lives of herself, her children, her family, and her clients in this episode of Chosen Stories.

Desireé Dent is an educator/planner/motivator and an inspiration. Listen in to hear how she is bringing the celebration and paying it forward.

Amber Sanders of Events with Ambiance shares how her gifts for listening and hospitality transform her clients' vision into memorable events.

Jeff Stitely of Stitely Entertainment shares about entertaining audiences at the iconic Green Mill in Chicago and in wedding and corporate events throughout the country. Listen in to learn about what makes Jeff and his band members so sought after in the event industry.

Misha Newgren of Nouvelle Events discusses the secrets to her success as an event planner.

In this episode, Lisa Nigro describes herself as a “hurricane” with a fire that burns within her on the daily. Find out how that shows up in every aspect of her life.

Jaysin Osterkamp of NightOwls Media will delight you with his desire to guide couples on how to best navigate the wedding industry.

Hilda Burke of Angel Eyes Photography chats about the tricks she’s learned along the way to hone her craft along with how she partners with people to help them feel empowered.

Anita Vaughan of AnitaWeds chats about the wedding industry, her creative shifts for 2020 and her firsts in the industry.

Courtney Bollettino of Bollo Hollow Weddings cares for her couples with detailed, loving professionalism and it shows through in each of her events. Tune in to hear what drives her and how she might help you truly experience your special day while leaving the planning to her!

The Beastie Boys, calm blue water and the beauty of personal connection weave this episode together. Cara and Scott discuss their 30 year partnership in marriage and business and what makes them continue to deepen their connection.

In this episode, Alicia and Dana share about what a blast we had creating their ceremony and celebrating at Firehouse Chicago.

In this episode, Janet and Tommaso discuss the things we do to impress a love interest, finding common ground in family traditions and making sure everyone present feels seen and celebrated. 

In this episode, luxury makeup artist, Aga Rhodes, beams along with her husband, Auctioneer Ron, as they retell their love story, which began at the well known Chicago bar, Exit. They were engaged at a landmark location and love their time together in their Bucktown loft with their Husky loves.  

In this episode, shocking secrets are revealed as we reminisce about the unique details of Annie and Ryan's wedding. We recount the magic that was captured by Ryan Moore of Ryan Moore Photography at Chicago's Osteria Via Stato. 

In this episode, Caitlin and Ben relive their Chicago History Museum wedding under the expert eye of Planner Misha Newgren, of Nouvelle Events. 

In this episode, Jen and Eric share the essentials of their vow renewal ceremony, along with what keeps them turning back to each other again and again after 23 years of marriage.  

Blake and Tristan chat about the distracting elements of planning and participating in your own wedding. 

Victoria and Michael share their adventures with love, marriage and traveling the globe while navigating visa applications and a worldwide pandemic. 

In this episode, Jessica and Gage discuss the raw and real parts of their love story, including how Jessica reacted to Gage's proposal and how they have navigated rescheduling their wedding. 

Briana and David share how seamlessly they blended traditions from their different faith backgrounds in their wedding. They have welcomed their son, Levi, and share what new parenthood has been like during the 2020 pandemic. Picnics, kayaking and barbecues laid the foundation of their early relationship. Parenthood and togetherness solidifies their time together now. 

In this episode, Kristin and Ryan share what is essential for them in marriage. Rocky, the wonder dog, weighs in as well.

Pete and Allison share their love story as they deepen their connection during a pandemic. Hear what really matters when all else is stripped away ... when what is left is each other.

In Chosen Stories 1st episode, we hear Sonia and Rick's story. You'll hear about dancing down the aisle, wandering senior dogs, and friends who weaved a wedding that made Dorothy's words in The Wizard of Oz true, "There's no place like home."