Dream Day Radio : Wedding Planning Podcast

Our guest in this episode Patricia Jackson from ​​Ruban Bleu Weddings and Events in Dallas, Texas. Patricia loves seeing and making people happy. She's a true believer in love and enjoys hearing other people's love stories, which is what inspired her to get into the wedding industry. Patricia emphasizes the importance of taking room to breathe during the wedding planning process. She has seen so many couples forget to do just that. Her greatest piece of advice is to take it one day at a time rather than trying to accomplish everything at once. It can be helpful to make lists and give yourself plenty of time to check off what needs to be done. When you work with ​​Ruban Bleu, they act as your personal secretary. You let them know what you want, and they will follow up and find the right venue for you. They don't add pressure or encourage making rash decisions. It's your wedding, and Patricia ensures you take the time you deserve and choose wisely. Patricia is only a phone call away for her clients. She's a planner, a people-pleaser, and strives to think outside of the box to find solutions. As a wedding planner, it's her job to breathe with the client when they are stressed and help them create the wedding day of their dreams. While doing so, she also helps you stay on budget so you can plan a wedding within your means. A man contacted Ruban Bleu out of Louisiana, and although they are out of town, he really wanted to work with them. He had a vision of proposing to his partner outside, having the venue situated like a restaurant. They were able to find the perfect spot to bring this vision to life. She walked him through it every step of the way, including mirroring getting on one knee so he wouldn't forget. It was one of the most memorable experiences of Patricia's career.

What are common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding? That's what we'll discuss today. While there are many parts of a wedding that have the potential to go sideways, there are three common mistakes couples tend to make when planning their wedding ​​— especially when they don't hire a wedding planner. One major mistake is not realizing that when you don't hire a wedding planner, you'll have to do a lot of planning and coordinating on the day-of. If you really want to have more time to sit back and enjoy your big day, don't try to do it all on your own. You should always ask for help from family and friends or hire a planner. Another big mistake is booking your venue before you have a clear vision for your wedding day. The aesthetic of your venue will determine a lot about your wedding, so knowing what's really important to you before you decide on a venue is a must. It will also influence the number of people you can invite. You should also make sure the wedding venue you choose keeps you aligned with your budget. The third common mistake is feeling like your wedding has to follow certain traditions. As a couple, it helps to understand the flow of a typical wedding day. That said, you can always customize and tweak it in a way that feels more aligned with you. Intentional thinking and questioning, like those found in the Your Pocket Wedding Planner, can help you gain clarity on your priorities. Use this tool to figure out what you want as an individual, and then come together with your partner to see what you agree on and where you'll need to meet in the middle. https://yourpocketweddingplanner.com/free-7-days-trial

On today's episode of Dream Day Radio we're joined by Brian Elliot, co-founder of Wove. Wove is on a mission to help you create the world's best engagement ring by bringing you a personal, customizable experience. Couples can get a one-of-a-kind replica to try out their design before they buy. This high-touch experience between couples and designers is collaborative and fun. While individuals are encouraged to shop with Wove, there is a growing trend for couples to go through the design process together. There's flexibility, so you can approach the ring design and purchase whatever way works best for you. The number-one mistake couples make when choosing an engagement ring is not bringing a team effort. This can cause unwanted stress on both sides. It's important to lean into working together, not just on the ring design, but also as they move forward in life. An interesting benefit of working with Wove is that you get to keep the replica you're provided to test drive your ring style. This is perfect for bringing when you travel or in any other situation where you may want to keep your more expensive ring at home. Their bespoke engagement rings are similarly priced to brick-and-mortar stores. They accomplish this by offering made-to-order rings rather than holding inventory. Ethical sourcing is the most important pillar of Wove as a business. Everything has to go through a rigid set of standards to ensure they meet fair labor and ethical requirements. Every step of creating these hand-crafted rings is fairly compensated for. It's an old school notion that a single individual needs to choose the ring alone. Elliot loves watching the stress roll off of couples as they realize they can design their ring together. https://yourpocketweddingplanner.com/free-7-days-trial https://wovemade.com/?rfsn=6686686.403153&fbclid=IwAR03uNkHA1IWkYs20DaQyeteKRbiyXtIPuOAS3GeBJLRYiZ6bRuAjfmKlLE&fs=e&s=cl

In this episode you're going to learn how to plan your wedding like a professional. You'll discover three tips gathered over several years of watching over a hundred couples go through the process of getting married. Planning can be exciting at first, but can easily become overwhelming if you don't have the right strategies in place. The first tip is to get a clear vision on what you want before you start planning for your wedding day. You have to know what you want before you can get what you want. It's important to define your dreams for the big day as clearly as possible, especially when it comes to your priorities. This should include effort by both partners to ensure you both get what you want. Secondly, weddings are often the biggest financial commitment a couple makes together. This is all the more reason to stay very organized and on budget. If nothing else, create a separate checking account where all of your wedding purchases come out of. This will help you track every single expense related to your wedding. Lastly, if you really want to plan your wedding like a pro, you need to start networking. Knowing the right people with the right experience will help you avoid mistakes along the way. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask your vendors tons of questions. If you've never planned a wedding before, it's helpful to have as much support as you can along the way. Planning a wedding can be intimidating, but with the right strategies, it can be made much easier and more fun. https://yourpocketweddingplanner.com/free-7-days-trial

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we're joined by “The Vow Whisperer” ​​Tanya Pushkine. Tanya has been helping couples deliver amazing vows for years and began pursuing this as a business professionally three years ago. She claimed the url and quit her corporate job to start her own business in the wedding industry. The number one mistake Tanya sees couples make when planning their wedding is not thinking about their ceremony until the last minute. The ceremony is the reason why everyone is truly there, so it needs to be a priority. That said, ceremonies should be 30 minutes or less​​⁠—30 minutes of magical, memorable moments. A fear of public speaking is very common, and this can make creating and reciting your vows really tough. Tanya works with her clients closely in writing and practicing their vows. She helps her clients cultivate confidence in speaking their own written words. This allows her clients to clearly convey their love and emotions during their ceremony. Reciting vows is about so much more than what is simply written on a piece of paper. How you say the words matter too. You want to annunciate, avoid mumbling, project your voice, and stand tall. Tanya doesn't just work with couples. She also officiates, works with other officiants, and also supports family members and friends who have an upcoming speech for a wedding. Ultimately, the couple should always have the final say and maintain control of planning their ceremony. Tanya emphasizes planning as much ahead as possible for a blissful wedding. There are important details you don't want to overlook, especially when it comes to your ceremony. To cap off the episode, Tanya shares one of her most memorable experiences working with a couple⁠—one that ended in a shocking twist. It's a story you have to hear to believe. www.thevowwhisperer.com https://yourpocketweddingplanner.com/free-7-days-trial/

Looking for ways to save on your wedding day? If so, this episode is for you. The wedding industry does not necessarily emphasize planning within a budget, but if you know the best places to save, you can definitely find a way to create your dream wedding without going overboard on expenses. One of the most important steps you should take in the beginning is determining your priorities as a couple. This may be different for each partner, and that's okay. You can each honor what one another needs and wants. Being intentional will help you stay on track and plan the wedding you truly want. Another tip is to book vendors for their smallest package. You can always upgrade if it's absolutely necessary, whereas it's more difficult to downgrade later down the road. By booking their smallest package, you know the vendor is yours and you can tailor your package from there. When possible, choose companies that send you DIY kits. Taking on some of the work yourself can save you quite a bit of money. Stationery is another wedding must-have that can either cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Instead, try using Canva customizable templates. If you were to order customized stationary, it would cost you thousands of dollars. Designing and printing your own in Canva, using templates and printing them, only costs a couple hundred dollars. Lastly, keep track of all of your expenses. You can even create a bank account specifically for wedding funds. Every transaction will be recorded in this account, so you can see exactly how much money is being spent and on what. Making your wedding money work for you is what it's all about.

Find out on this episode of Dream Day Radio why I am so obsessed with weddings. I'm getting personal and deep about why they are my passion. Spoiler alert: it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I didn't even realize the answer to this question until I dug into the subconscious layers of my brain. It took another business owner, photographer Stephanie Zakas, to help me unravel my why. Although it's been a while since we've spoken, I can say that every time I talk to her, I learn something new about myself. Talking with her has helped me explore my childhood and how I felt isolated during it. I craved connection and close relationships, but ultimately, felt like I never fit in. My mother died in a car accident when I was six-years-old. Her death was very traumatic and changed the course of my life forever. I had no confidence in myself and who I was, and I was terrified to talk to people. Even though my father remarried my first stepmom when I was young, I never felt like I wasn't given the parental guidance I needed in childhood. I eventually moved in with my grandparents and resolved to start over. At 20-years-old, I got married to someone I was not compatible with. It lasted for three years until I filed for divorce. Once I filed, I felt like I could breathe again. I wanted to believe in love, and I knew in my heart and soul there was someone out there who God created for me. I wouldn't settle until I found that person. I may have made some mistakes along the way, but I'm grateful for where I am now. I prayed it would be obvious when I met my person, and it was. My love for weddings stemmed from my loneliness as a child. I only ever wanted to feel seen and understood. Weddings remind me that love is good. When I can witness a couple's heart at their wedding, I feel honored. It truly is a gift.

How should you create your guest list? Listen in as I discuss the essential starting point for assembling your guest list and keeping the stress out of the process. It's important before you book your venue to know the approximate size of your wedding and the number of guests. It can help you to put a lot of different things in order right from the beginning. To start, brain dump every single guest you can think of that could be there. Write it all down in a document, using Google Docs or a similar service. Handwriting out everyone's information is fine too, but using a computer program is going to make editing and copying that list a lot easier and clearer down the road. Next up create categories for your guests. Groups like friends, family, and co-workers can help you visualize how big both sides of the wedding will be. This isn't narrowing down the list, this is just so you can see how big both your and your partner's guest lists are. The third step is to imagine that you absolutely have to cut your existing list in half. Who would you keep on that list? You can even go further and restrict it to 40 people. This will help you to put into perspective who are the most important people at your wedding. Now go through the list by category and ask yourself some questions. Have you spoken to this person in the last year? Do you see them outside of the workplace? Ask yourself these questions to get clarity on just how important they are to your wedding. Instagram: @yourpocketweddingplanner

On this episode of Dream Day Radio, we're talking with Melissa from WedBrilliant, a unique wedding planning service that helps you connect online with vendors. Melissa was inspired to create WedBrilliant after she struggled to find vendors for her out-of-state wedding. Not being there to vet or meet vendors was an obstacle, and WedBrilliant was created to bridge this gap. Melissa describes WedBrilliant as a matchmaking service for wedding vendors and couples who are looking to plan their wedding. The goal of the service is to connect couples with vendors easily to make wedding planning as easy as possible. Once you know your date and your budget, you can begin finding the right vendors for you. So many couples get engaged without realizing how much different vendors may cost. Melissa recommends staying within budget and allocating your funds based on where your priorities are as a couple. Book with vendors who understand your vision and share your goals for your wedding. Avoid giving into pressure or fear that vendors will book up, because it may lead you to book with vendors who are not well-suited to you. The vendors on WedBrilliant are crowd-vetted and reviewed by real couples. When you get bids based on the service you're looking for, you have the opportunity to check them out and decide if they are right for you. A sign of a great vendor is keeping the conversation focused on you, the couple (instead of focusing on themselves). Melissa believes the secret to wedding planning bliss is sharing the burden. You shouldn't feel like you have to take it all on by yourself. Asking for help from family, friends, and vendors is a normal part of the process, so don't be afraid to delegate. When you take the stress out of wedding planning, you get to enjoy your engagement that much more.

Have you ever wondered what the secret is to making a solid, impactful speech? Today's guest, Eddie Rice, can show you how. Eddie Rice is the author of Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact, which is all about writing speeches that won't bore or tire your audience. There is a fine art to crafting an amazing speech, and Eddie has tips to help you craft one. About ten years ago, Eddie entered a humor speech competition. In the second round, Eddie bombed on stage. He felt deflated and defeated, but his mentor was there to encourage him. Despite this challenge, he kept going to Toastmasters, honing his public speaking skills, and slowly getting better. If you want to be a great speaker, you have to learn to turn these obstacles into positive experiences. The number one mistake guests make during their wedding speech is turning their toast into a roast. Remember: it's a wedding, not your stand-up debut. Don't tell stories you shouldn't or try to embarrass anyone. If you want to make your speech unique and memorable, find a book or song that's unique to the couple and quote that at the end. A great wedding speech starts with a simple outline. Eddie recommends using the one-story structure. All you have to do is introduce yourself, explain how you know who you're toasting, say one great story to honor them, give some heartfelt advice, and then close with your personalized quote. It's that easy. When making a speech, keep it short, use stories, and put effort into your structure. Don't forget to rehearse in advance for the best outcome. If you want to learn more about making a great speech, you can find Eddie's book on Amazon and other online retailers.

In today's show, you'll learn tips for being more comfortable in front of the camera. So many people feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially if they've never had professional photos done before. The idea of having your photo taken can be intimidating, but there are things you can do to increase your confidence in front of the camera. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident is one of the best ways to prepare for your photoshoot. If you're not sure what that should be, you can always lean on Pinterest to get ideas. For example, if you're booking an engagement session, you can search for “engagement photoshoot outfit” and consider which looks you like. Remember that during your photoshoot, the photographer will be directing you and having you move around in different poses and locations. Staying busy will help you loosen up and feel much less awkward in front of the camera. When posing, think about making angles and avoiding facing the camera straight on. If you're still feeling nervous, you can always practice taking photos with your partner. This practice will help you get to know what poses make you feel and look good. Getting to know your photographer a little better may also put you at ease. Try to approach the shoot focusing on the fun and the experience rather than how your photos may turn out. Your photographer should be able to assure you, direct you, and put you at ease. Outside of that, you can plan a great outfit, practice taking photos in advance, and use your angles when posing. Be sure to hire a trusted photographer who will prioritize your comfort and help you relax the day of your session.

Are you in the midst of planning a wedding but not making the progress you want to? On this episode of Dream Day Radio, you'll learn all about the guide that can help you with that. Wedding planning is tough, especially if you have a vision but you're not sure how to bring it to life. The planning process would be so much easier if you had an accessible resource to help guide the way. Imagine having a community of wedding planners⁠—experts⁠—who can help you plan your big day. That's why Your Pocket Wedding Planner was created. It meets your wedding planning needs without all the stress and late nights scrolling through Pinterest. This resource is going to make crossing tasks off your list that much easier and help you ditch the feeling of overwhelm. No couple wants to look back on their big day and remember how stressful the planning process was. Your Pocket Wedding Planner is a tool that helps to ensure nothing gets missed in the process. It's an online guide that has how-to videos and step-by-step guides to get you through the wedding planning process with ease. Your Pocket Wedding Planner also gives you access to an exclusive online community where you can find even more support and resources, including wedding planners to help answer your questions. Between the guide and the group, you'll have everything you need in your pocket to plan your wedding. Connecting with experts and people planning a wedding at the same time as you is going to be so beneficial. You deserve to have the wedding day you really want, and it starts by ironing out the details of your guest list, budgets, boundaries, unique details, and more. Get Your Pocket Wedding Planner to plan your dream wedding with zero regrets.

We're joined by Hannah's husband Cameron today as the couple take us through their wedding story. It begins when, a few weeks before their wedding, Hannah was on her way to the spa and got into an accident. Cameron was in shock when he got the call. He got in the car and drove as fast as he could to the hospital, arriving so fast he even beat the ambulance there. Thankfully, although hurt, Hannah was going to be okay. She was home from the hospital a few days later to recover. Their wedding day was fast approaching, and they were already very well prepared. Hannah was grateful for this because it gave her the chance to figure out some of the new obstacles she was facing, like being able to get around on her casted legs. Hannah rented a suite in a boutique hotel the night before her wedding, which was perfect for when hair and makeup arrived for her bridesmaids the next day. When it came to getting their photos done, Hannah was less than impressed. She didn't agree with all the photographer's choices, but does acknowledge that she herself was physically limited at the time. Thirty minutes before the ceremony, Hannah's Dad called and said he was lost. Knowing he was going to be walking her down the aisle soon, this was pretty stressful. That aside, the ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Hannah loved their pastor, and the church and service were stunning. One thing Cameron and Hannah regret is the wedding food they chose. They wish they would have picked something that wasn't made in bulk and that they had tried more samples. Overall, Cameron and Hannah have some great memories from their wedding day. That said, they look forward to planning an amazing vow renewal to redeem some of the aspects they wish they handled differently.

This time we are joined by travel agent Stacey Bauer who is here to talk about all things honeymoon planning and budgeting. Stacey owns Travel B Travel Agency where she works with 15 agents to book honeymoons, vacations, or any travel you might need. Honeymoon couples tend to look for some downtime after the big day, so Stacey works with them and their budget to find a quiet location that works for them. With the pandemic, Florida has become a much more popular destination, but people are looking to travel again. Also recommended are cruises. First-time cruises are often budget-friendly and a great way to see the world and relax. Booking ahead in these times can be daunting, but you can purchase trip insurance that can help negate the effects of possible cancellations. Each individual case is different and you should always look into your options when booking your trip. Travel consultants can help you navigate the waters when it comes to unexpected delays, illnesses, or reschedules. Having an expert in your corner can really lighten the load and decrease stress. Weddings don't need to be any more stressful than they already are, and getting expert help from the get-go will minimize it. When it comes to travel hacks, Stacey has some ideas. Look to be flexible in your dates for pricing, and look ahead to anniversary dates in the future and how that will impact pricing. Travel advisors also help to save you time and money and work within your budget. Since 2020, travel has changed, but it is beginning to return to normal. A lot more restrictions and regulations are in place and constantly changing, so a travel advisor can help. Travel B: www.mytravelb.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Travel-B-100502457991980/

Clinical psychologist Dr. Morgan Anderson joins as a guest on this episode of Dream Day Radio. We'll be talking about attachment style, relationships, family, and boundaries. Dr. Anderson has her own podcast and coaching program directed at helping women go from an anxious-avoidant attachment to embodying a securely attached, confident woman who can have great relationships. Dr. Anderson breaks down the different types of attachment styles and dives into how these influence your adult relationship functioning. Many women spend decades stuck in unhealthy attachment styles. Dr. Anderson loves the program she's created because it helps women reach secure attachment in just eight weeks. One thing so many couples struggle with is boundaries, and this can impact the wedding planning process. The fear of abandonment and the desire to people please can be strong. What Dr. Anderson wants people to remember is this: boundaries are a good thing. They don't hurt relationships; they actually help relationships by preserving them for the long-term. Before you can set your boundaries, you need to know what those boundaries are. This requires trust and a strong foundation within yourself. You can start by asking yourself what you're feeling and what you need to feel supported throughout the day. If you're planning your wedding and you find family members or friends are overstepping your boundaries, check in with yourself. Give yourself credit for realizing that you have to express your needs. Approach the conversation using “I” statements and don't be afraid to let the other person know what you need. It may be difficult at first, but over time, enforcing your boundaries will become a natural part of your relationships.

We're talking about wedding etiquette with wedding planner Merrill on this episode of Dream Day Radio. Merrill has been in the wedding industry for almost six years. Her journey into the industry actually got started in high school, at which time she was teaching cotillion classes. Merrill emphasizes that the goal of learning cotillion is not to be polite, but actually to ensure others feel more comfortable. The number one mistake couples make in their wedding day etiquette is forgetting that the whole day is a party and an event that you're hosting. The more comfortable your guests are, the more comfortable you will be. Hiring a wedding planner to help you manage the needs of others by anticipating them ahead of time can take a lot of pressure off on the big day. Incorporating your story as a couple into your wedding day can make your wedding feel that much more special. Merrill remembers one couple who got engaged on a boat, and they used that story in various ways during the wedding to make it more personalized. Merrill encourages couples to write down everything they love individually and as a couple, and then bringing that into their wedding planning process. Merrill is getting married in November and is excited for her moment to walk down the aisle. Aside from having clear expectations, she recommends following the 80/20 rule: 80% classic and 20% unique and fun. That way, you don't get caught up on trendy aspects that might be out of style in the next couple of years. This also reduces the overwhelm some couples feel with all the options they have in the planning process. If Merrill had a magic wand, she would wish that couples would give themselves more time to enjoy the experience. She would love to see more extended weddings or wedding weekends. Adding in other events such as a welcome brunch or a more involved rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to make even more memories around your wedding.

Relationship expert and coach Erika is with us today. She discusses how to improve the communication in your relationship, how to support and fulfill the needs of your partner, and her tips for couples who are planning their wedding. Erika has been a coach for two years now, and she previously worked as a therapist. She helps couples explore the beliefs and learned behaviors that influence their relationships. The number-one issue that comes up for the couples that Erika works with are those rooted in communication. Knowing and understanding your communication styles and the experiences that impact your thoughts and feelings can improve your relationship. The importance of taking a pause and creating space to thoughtfully respond is something Erika emphasizes. This increased awareness can help you be less reactive when you feel triggered. Objectively assessing your thoughts in the moment is really helpful and allows you to choose a response instead of acting out your knee-jerk reaction. Humans have needs in their romantic relationships, both physical and emotional. Physical needs include things like intimacy, touch, and attunement. Emotional needs include respect, autonomy, safety, encouragement, and room to be your authentic self without shame. In relationships we need to be seen, heard, and understood. If you and your partner are in the midst of planning your wedding, the most important thing you can do when problems come up is address problems together. Work on setting clear boundaries around guests and other aspects of the wedding. Don't feel like you need to please others on your wedding day—continue holding true to what you want as a couple. Your Relationship Reset: https://www.yourrelationshipreset.com/

  We've got Sarah of Lily and Loam with us today to talk about what you can do with your beautiful bouquets once your wedding is over. Lily and Loam offers flower preservation so you can keep your flowers as a tangible reminder of your big day. Sarah specializes in functional, wearable, and decorative art, creating pieces that fit perfectly into your life. This includes framed pieces, resin pieces, and even jewelry. She started this business in 2017 working part-time, primarily on her friends' bouquets. Then, she quickly realized just how much she could do with resin. In 2021, the boss at her full-time job gave her an ultimatum to come in during lockdown or be let go. In hindsight, this was a blessing because it provided an opportunity to follow her passion. Sarah was doing homeschool by day and creating keepsakes at night. For her, it's been so worth it for the connections she's made and the ability to create pieces she loves. The service Sarah offers is one so many newlyweds wish they would have known about in hindsight. Sarah If you're not close enough to drop the flowers off, you can ship them right over. From there, it takes about 6-8 weeks to finish the process, and then she sends them back for her customers to enjoy. Prices start at $300, but they may be higher depending on what the couple is looking for. Resin is amazing at preserving, so if you want to maintain the colors of your flowers, choose a resin product over a frame. Your photos are no longer the only thing that could last past your wedding day—with Lily and Loam, you can now enjoy your flowers for years to come too.

  We're joined this time by Alyssa Napier. She is the founder of Alyssa Napier Design, a stationary template studio that aims to empower couples and event planners to create beautiful invitations and signage at an affordable price point. She was inspired to start this business after creating and designing invitations for her own wedding. Alyssa loves weddings, so making the move to work in the industry felt natural to her. She creates invitations, signage, day-of stationary, and offers a wedding bundle. The price point overall is much lower than industry standard for custom designs, which is about $1,000. You do have options for printing when working with Alyssa as well, and you can simply buy a template for $7.50. Planning a wedding is overwhelming, so having one less decision to make can be really helpful for couples. Not only do couples end up saving money by working with Alyssa, but they get a more custom, personalized feel. Couples have the option to choose a template they love and make small tweaks based on the details of their wedding. When Alyssa was planning her wedding, she really valued that her venue provided a day-of coordinator. Having someone help make her life easier during the big day was incredibly helpful and, based on her experience, she recommends every couple gets one whether they are provided by the venue or not. Alyssa wants to remind couples that the wedding is all about you, so don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings. It's not a production for everyone else—it's for you. If you're looking for the perfect wedding stationary, you can find semi-custom options at Alyssa Napier Design.

  In today's episode we're talking about your engagement photoshoot session. We'll get into when you should book it, what location you should choose, what to wear (and what not to wear), the benefits of a makeup trial, and how to get comfortable posing during your shoot. When you decide to book your engagement session may depend on a few different factors such as when your wedding date is, how much time you have between your engagement and your wedding, and what kind of weather you'll be dealing with at the time of your shoot (unless you plan on having your photos done inside). Choose a location that reflects who you are as a couple. If you love enjoying the outdoors together or you met outdoors, then having your engagement photos taken outside makes perfect sense. If you do decide to go this route, the best time to start your session is an hour before sunset. Wondering what to wear for your engagement session? Having the time and location planned out will help you decide on your outfits, but you should also consider the style or aesthetic you want for the session. Pinterest can be a great resource for accumulating ideas. Bold colors are great, but for the most part you want to stay away from overdoing it with patterns. Your engagement session is the perfect excuse to splurge on professional hair and makeup. Photos soften the look of makeup, so don't be too concerned if your makeup comes across strong when your makeup is done. If there are parts of yourself you don't want to highlight, let your photographer know. The most important thing you can do is enter the shoot in a healthy mental state so you get the final images you truly want.

  Planning the wedding day guest list is one of the top complaints couples have around their wedding because it can be so difficult. Narrowing it down isn't easy, especially if you have a lot of people in your life that you love. If you want to set yourself up for success, always make a digital guest list so you have a way to stay organized. Don't feel like you have to narrow it down right off the bat. Start by writing down every name you can think of and go from there. It can also be helpful to categorize people into groups like family, friends, coworkers, friends of family, etc. When it comes to kids, never feel bad for making the decision to not have children at your wedding. Every guest you invite comes at a cost, so you always need to consider that. Plus, if needed, not including children can drastically reduce your list. Just clarify when it comes to newborns, because excluding them may exclude their mothers as well. You may also want to consider crossing off family and friends you haven't seen in several years, or even unruly friends and family. You can invite your coworkers, but consider whether or not you have or even will see this person outside of the workplace. Also, don't feel pressured to invite someone to your wedding just because they invited you. It can be difficult to narrow down the guest list when you don't want to disappoint the people that you love. Trust your gut and don't overthink it. Ultimately, you are the person paying for your wedding. You have the right to say yes and no to whoever you want to.

  On this episode we're joined by Susan Stow, owner of Chapman Hill Weddings and Events. Originally, she and her husband Don were looking to build a space from scratch before finding this business for sale. They have now owned this space for a year and a half, with the business itself running for over six years now. Before couples book a venue, Susan suggests couples consider if the space really feels suitable and authentic to them. Of course, there are logistic details to consider too; for instance, if the venue is suitable for the amount of guests you will have. While they're not planners, Susan and her team are there to help guide their clients in the planning process. The key to an effective planning process is knowing what you want while at the same time being flexible. One thing they include at Chapman Hill Wedding and Events is covering tables, chairs, linens, decor, and managing services like bathrooms and garbage disposal. It's critical to have a wedding venue who has your back and knows what they're doing. Susan has seen a lot of unique weddings at Chapman Hill, so she's an expert in the small experiences that make the day extra special. She recommends that the bride and groom take a few minutes to themselves before they exit for their sparkler send off. That gives couples a chance to regroup and soak up the moment before the night comes to an end. When you're planning your wedding, remember that Pinterest isn't your only option for ideas. While there may be great ideas there, not all of them work as well in real life. Sometimes the smallest touches, like a table of ready-to-grab stemless champagne glasses for your guests, can make the biggest difference.

  We are welcoming Jordan Hulsey, who just married in October of 2021. Jordan had an amazing wedding day, and she's on the episode today to talk about her wedding planning journey, the challenges she faced during the planning phase, the one thing she would have changed, and the highlights of her big day. Jordan met her partner Jared in elementary school. They were great friends, and then in high school they became best friends. Eventually, the feelings they shared came to the surface and it became more than friendship. This friendship has laid the foundation for their strong relationship. Jordan's parents played a significant role in helping her plan her wedding, which allowed her to focus on school. Her family contacted vendors, got quotes, and discussed everything with Jordan so she could make the final decisions. Being able to let go of control and trust family members to step in made for a stress-free experience. There are a few things Jordan wishes she knew before planning her wedding, which she shares during the episode. Creating her guest list became one of the more stressful parts of her wedding because many guests wanted to invite people she and Jared had never met. What helped the most in dealing with this situation was setting boundaries and sticking to what was most important to her. Jordan's one piece of advice when it comes to planning a wedding is not to lose sight of your vision by accommodating what your guests want. Take a step back, regroup, and don't feel like you need to explain yourself or what you want. She also emphasizes investing in great photography and videography because those are the things you keep with you forever.

Pay special attention to this episode if you just got engaged or if your big day is coming up soon, because this episode is about how to make it special. First and foremost, you should focus on what you and your partner want, rather than family expectations. Family expectations can sway you from doing what's right for you as a couple, so stay intentional and silence the noise on what other people think you should do. If you ask for advice, that's a whole different story. If you're opening up the conversation, you're likely to get opinions about your wedding plan. Another really helpful tip is to not work in the week leading up to your wedding. During that week, do things that relieve stress and keep you grounded. Don't worry about last minute coordinating and planning. If you need something to keep your mind occupied, book a massage and do your best to relax. Another tip may be an unpopular opinion, but go with comfort over style on your wedding day. While stylish components like long veils look great, they are heavy and hard to wear throughout the day. Consider alternatives that can give you a bridal look without the discomfort. A great person to consult about this is your wedding hairstylist, who is there to help you bring your look together in a way that looks and feels good. There are tons of other ways you can get the most out of your wedding day, such as adding flexibility into your timeline, wearing your wedding shoes in advance, including time in the day for just you and your partner, not turning your entire wedding day into one long photoshoot, and hiring vendors you trust. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

In this episode, we're welcoming Anna from Pine Trail Films. At Pine Trail Films, Anna and her boyfriend Antonio work together to create authentic wedding films. During the episode, Anna shares how she got into filmmaking as a career and her secret to capturing weddings in a unique way. When Anna was a kid, she used to love making music videos. In school, she did the video announcements and video yearbooks, so this has always been in her realm of interest. As an adult, friends started reaching out asking her to capture their wedding. This interest spread through word of mouth and would eventually lead to the creation of Pine Trail Films. Anna loves sharing stories specific to the couples she works with. She has had so many highlight moments in her work to date, including a bride and groom who exited their wedding via Slip N' Slide and another couple who eloped with their cat. If you want to really own your wedding day and make it unique, Anna recommends not being afraid to make it personal to who you are. You can bring your interests as a couple into your wedding. Another tip is to expand your online search into birthdays and home decor when you're looking for inspiration for your wedding. For a couple to really enjoy their wedding day and keep stress down, they should schedule in some breathing room. Create the time you need on your wedding day to step back, be in the moment, and soak up the celebration with your spouse. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

Let's talk about happy couples, but more specifically, what happy couples do on their wedding day. After seeing so many happy couples who enjoy themselves and keep a smile on all day long, it's easy to see the common denominators. The number-one thing happy couples do is step away from decorating and coordinating on the day of their wedding. This doesn't mean that they weren't involved in the planning process, but just that they've handed off those final touches to someone they trust. Another thing that promotes happiness for couples on their wedding day is a complete lack of awareness about any hiccups that are happening during the day. Mistakes happen, but great coordinators are able to handle and put out the fires without the need to let you know about them. If this sounds great to you, outline this as an expectation for your wedding day. Focusing on the purpose of the day, rather than stressing over everything being “Pinterest worthy,” is another secret to a happy wedding day. Your union isn't about the flowers, or the table setting, or anything else. You've done all you can up to this point, and now it's time to focus on this happy occasion between you and your partner. Another tip is to not hire vendors you don't trust. This will keep you from feeling like you need to micromanage your vendors and help you let go of control. Lastly, leave yourself some wiggle room in the timeline. Too much structure can be stressful, whereas building in moments to breathe and relax will help you step back and enjoy the day. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

What steps can you take once you're engaged. An engagement is such an exciting experience to celebrate, but then you may be thinking “now what?” The first step is to enjoy the excitement of your engagement. You've found your partner for life, and you should enjoy the opportunity to just take it all in. Next, prepare for the never-ending wedding boom. Unfortunately, a lot of vendors didn't make it through the pandemic. Now, there are just as many weddings, but less available professionals. You may have thought about this day many times up until this point, and now it's time to define your expectations and what is most important to you. Making a list of priorities can be really helpful, so know the specific aspects that will make this day complete for you. Before you go any further than this, book your venue first. Your location influences just about every other aspect of your wedding, so it's important to narrow this down first. If you're looking for inspiration, try searching hashtags on Instagram to find different venues in close proximity. Different photographers with varying styles may capture spaces differently, so keep an open mind. If you want to save money on your venue, book during the off-season. The off-season is usually in the months where the weather is less comfortable (too hot or too cold). You could also book your wedding during the week, which can not only save you money, but also help you secure a spot in some of the most popular and booked-up venues. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

Rachel Rozanski is an incredibly talented hair and makeup stylist who helps brides and members of the bridal party look their best on the big day. While joining us today, Rachel shares tips you can do right after you get engaged to prepare yourself for great makeup and hair on your wedding day. Rachel started doing hair and makeup professionally in 2009. When she started, social media was barely on the radar, and Pinterest didn't even exist. She learned hair and makeup the old-fashioned way by going to school for aesthetics and learning from books. Rachel's advice for brides is to prepare their skin for their wedding day by getting into a consistent habit or routine to care for their skin. If you're not sure where to start, you can contact an esthetician. Your skin's texture can really influence how the makeup looks, so ensure your skin is healthy and hydrated. If you want a specific treatment that will make your skin look amazing before your wedding, Rachel recommends a HydraFacial because the results are nearly immediate. The type of service you should avoid before your wedding is waxing because it tends to leave you with brand new skin which makeup doesn't easily adhere to. Don't be afraid to tell your hair and makeup artists what you do or don't like in great detail. If you've never had your hair or makeup done professionally, you can bring pictures and inspiration to articulate your vision. As always, hire a professional you can trust so you know that you're in good hands and will look amazing, no matter what comes your way on your wedding day. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

This episode of Dream Day Radio is all about what Hannah would have done differently if she could go back and redo her own wedding. The main thing is that she wishes she would have chosen a photographer based on different values than she did, and relied less on popularity and more on skill. Hannah's photographer was “Instagram famous,” and initially that drew her in. Yet when it came down to it, this professional wasn't equipped to capture her wedding in a candid way. Since Hannah broke her leg six days before her wedding, she needed someone to capture the genuine uniqueness of her wedding day. There are a lot of beautiful moments that happen between posed photos, and if documenting those memories is important to you, you should have a photographer that's able capture them. If she had asked her photographer to view full galleries before making the choice to hire, she would have been equipped with the right information. Secondly, Hannah wishes she had a more accessible reception, especially for the more mature attendees. Hannah had some other hurdles helping her grandparents attend her wedding, so she recommends helping them find a ride and figure out logistics so that they don't have to figure it out on their own. Lastly, she wishes she felt less pressure to match the number of bridesmaids to groomsmen. At the end of the day, no one really cares about the symmetry between parties. When it comes to your wedding, sometimes the things you think matter don't, while the things you don't consider up front end up being more important to you later. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

Fred, Owner of MixPro Events based in Atlanta, is our guest in today's episode. MixPro provides DJ services, production, and entertainment for varying events. He's on the show to share his perspectives and suggestions regarding wedding planning. He also shares his tips for hiring the best DJ for your wedding. Fred begins by sharing a little bit about his background and how he got into the event industry. What sets his services apart from competitors is that he doesn't play the typical wedding reception music. Instead, MixPro Events prides themselves on keeping up with the hits. Fred also talks about some common wedding planning mistakes that happen often. One is assuming that all DJs are the same despite what they charge. Keep in mind that DJs who have five-star reviews may not always offer the same services. Couples should feel welcomed to ask questions of their DJ during the initial planning stages. If you go with MixPro Events, you can customize your music experience, which so many couples appreciate. Not all wedding events provide the couple with flexible wedding options. Fred also gives us some money-saving tips for your wedding, from how you can save on food to setting your priorities in advance. Music makes a huge difference to the wedding atmosphere, which means your DJ can make or break your party. Be sure to hire a DJ that delivers what you want out of your wedding and creates an environment your friends and family will thoroughly enjoy celebrating your union in. www.mixproatl.com www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

  Ashton is a public speaker, coach, author of The Enneagram for Relationships, and our guest in today's episode. Ashton has always been interested in psychology and behavior, and even has her master's degree in psychology. During this episode, she dives into how understanding your enneagram can help you understand your motivations and how you can use it as a tool to become a better version of yourself. The enneagram is an ancient typing system that introduces 9 perspectives or different ways of viewing the world. What makes the enneagram different from other personality typing is that it focuses on our motivations, biggest fears, and greatest desires. Ashton helps individuals go beyond a simple test to discover their own enneagram type. Ashton explains what wings are and common misconceptions about them. She also shares how learning the enneagrams of those closest to you can improve your relationships. During the episode, she also shares more about her book and what the reader will learn from it. Are you born with an enneagram type? Can difficult life experiences influence your type? Enneagrams are thought to be something we are born with. Negative life experiences and trauma can make it difficult for you to figure out your type because your coping mechanisms can influence your thoughts and behaviors. Ashton emphasizes that couples shouldn't use the enneagram to find a partner. Partner compatibility is flexible, and it's more about navigating your differences no matter which enneagram each of you may be. You can find out more by checking out Ashton on Instagram. Ashton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enneagramashton/ https://enneagramashton.com/

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we're joined by Florist Julia Blair. She owns Julia Blair Floral Design and has a true passion for working in the wedding and events industry. This career comes naturally to Julia, who has always loved flowers and plants since she was young. Eventually, friends and family began asking her to do the florals for their weddings, and the rest is history. Julia shares the ideal time to start reaching out to a florist for your wedding. Generally, you can never book too far out. Don't wait to book your biggest vendors until the last minute. Keep in mind that the good ones book up quickly. Florists can work on multiple weddings in the same day, but Julia chooses to work only one wedding per day so she can give each event her full attention. She takes her work seriously and enjoys getting to know the couples she works with. Julia also reveals her tips for getting cost-effective wedding florals. Buying in-season is a great way to save, and so is being flexible on cheaper swaps with a similar look to what you want. Your florist can help you stay within your budget. The average that couples spend on florals is between $3,000 and $6,000. When you hire a florist, you hire them for their creativity, experience, and vision. It plays into the overall aesthetic of your wedding and ties everything together. Once you book your date and event space, the next step is to hire a florist who can help bring your wedding vision to life. https://juliablairfloraldesign.squarespace.com/ www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

Today we are welcoming wedding vendor Sarah Copeland. Sarah owns and operates Lovely Day Weddings and Events with business partner Paige. Sarah is now in her eighth year working in the wedding industry, with the past two years under the umbrella of Lovely Day Weddings and Events, a name she adopted after bringing Paige on board. Sara has always loved weddings and basically got into the industry because she wanted to go to more of them. Sara also has a background in the food and beverage industry, making the transition to weddings easy. We hear about Sarah's dos and don'ts at weddings. Starting with the don'ts, Sarah wants to let you know that you don't have to do something at your wedding because you are ‘supposed' to. It's your day – think outside the box and make it your own. Also, don't feel pressured to invite everyone. If you wouldn't give them a $100 bill, don't invite them. Guest count impacts a lot of budgetary aspects, and it's okay to leave people off the list. The number one thing to do when planning your wedding is to make lists. Lists on top of lists to keep track of every spend and everything that is done or needs doing. You need to keep track of that budget. Next up is hiring vendors who are going to really care and invest in you and your guests' good time. Look at their response times, personal touches, and if they are interested in getting to know more about you. The final do that Sarah shares is asking the officiant to make an ‘unplug' announcement. Advocate for presence and keeping the phones away in bags. Finally, ask your officiant to step out of the kiss photograph. No one wants a floating head behind the couple! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahcopelandweddings Website: https://www.lovelyday.live

What are some tips for great wedding etiquette? This is a topic not everyone is well-versed in, and that's okay. Today's shared tips will cover what to do when you get engaged, respecting your wedding party, where to put your registry information, the importance of greeting all of your guests, why you absolutely must feed your vendors, and more.   Once you get engaged, what's the first thing you want to do? Probably post it on social media and share it with the world. But wait! Don't do that before you talk to your friends and family. You don't want the people closest to you to find out that you got engaged from an Instagram post.   Should you put your registry information on the invitation? Perhaps not. Doing this can come across as forward, and there are better places you can share that information. If you include it on your invitation, it may emphasize that this is a higher priority than you intend for it to be.   A hot topic in the wedding industry lately is leaving your wedding vendors hungry. Remember, you've got to feed your people. Most couples do this, but you would be surprised at the amount of people who don't. Some couples even go above and beyond by asking their vendors about allergies in advance.   If you're a guest, here's an important tip: don't hold up your phone to take pictures and video throughout the ceremony. Chances are that the couple has already hired a photographer or videographer to capture the event. It's understandable as to why people choose to do this, but it's still better to be present and leave recording the ceremony to the pros. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com

On this episode of Dream Day Radio, we're talking about wedding day timelines. Excitement builds as your wedding day approaches, and you want to make sure it all goes off without a hitch. This is where your timeline comes in. Your wedding day timeline dictates the wedding flow and ensures that your big day goes smoothly.   One important thing you can do to help with the timeline is communicate with your wedding coordinator about what you want your wedding day to feel like. Be open and honest about your desires. If you don't, you could run the risk of a marathon day that leaves you feeling exhausted.   There's a process to creating a couple's wedding timeline, and a few things the couple needs to know to get started. You should consider what takes up the most time to make sure those can fit in. Photographers can work within your timeline by getting some of the detail shots while you're getting ready.   Planning for your first look and doing it how you want is something you shouldn't waiver on, but the way you go about it is totally up to you. You can do a first look with any member of your family, including a parent or grandparent. This is definitely something you want to have on your timeline in advance so your photographer can capture it just the way you want them to.   Also remember to give yourself some time to get photos before sunset – it's always nice to have natural light photos as opposed to only flash photos. That way you can be confident you've captured some of your most important photos so all that's left at the reception are the quicker, easier ones with your other guests. www.yourpocketweddingplanner.com    

In this episode we're joined by Stevi Moultrie, who is also known as “Enneagram Stevi.” Stevi began studying enneagrams about five years ago, and the more she discovered about enneagram types, the more she wanted to keep learning. She has since become an enneagram coach and now helps others feel seen and validated using her expertise.   Stevi starts by discussing what an enneagram is and what makes it unique from the other personality typing systems out there. She also shares why it's important to learn not only your own type, but also your partner's enneagram type.   Enneagram types 1, 2, and 3 are great at planning and thinking through details, which can be really beneficial when you have a wedding coming up. While some types are great at focusing on the fun aspects of a wedding, they may not be as detail-oriented. At the end of the day, each enneagram will have their own strength when it comes to wedding planning.   Stevi dives deeper into each enneagram, as well as their particular motivations and what makes them tick. She also talks about stances, of which there are three among all the types. There are ways you can use what you discover about your own enneagram to handle the stress of your upcoming wedding.   An enneagram test is the best starting point for figuring out which enneagram you are. If you're looking for guidance or to explore your type further, Stevi offers a few different kinds of coaching packages, such as typing sessions, one-on-one coaching sessions, and life-coaching oriented sessions as well.     Stevi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enneagramandstevi/      

Kelli Jones, a virtual lawyer for entrepreneurs and small business owners, is our guest this time. Her work is primarily focused on trademarks, contracts, and early business consulting. She's on the show to discuss the recent Glasser Images lawsuit and how couples can avoid being in a similar situation.   To begin, Kelli dives into why contracts are important, especially when working with wedding vendors. Contracts outline expectations, but they also provide protection. It is also an important way of communicating specific details with your vendors. When hiring someone for your wedding, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement, but you don't want to forget to cover your bases legally.   Kelli discusses the Glasser Images lawsuit and the situation as she understands it to this point. One thing that really struck Kelli is that a few couples had already paid in full right up to the day that the company announced they were going out of business. She notes there is a lot about this situation that seems odd or simply doesn't make sense.   No couple wants to find themselves in the same situation, and Kelli shares what they should do to avoid it. There are some things in particular you should review in your contract, especially in terms of what's refundable and what's not. She also touches on what you should do if your contract is breached.   When working with vendors for your wedding, make sure there is a contract in place and always review it fully so you know the agreements for scheduling, cancellations, and refunds. Setting boundaries and expectations ahead of time will support you through the process, even if things happen that are out of your control.   Kelli's Website: https://www.kellijoneslaw.com/ Kelli's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerkelli_ Kelli's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerkelli    

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we're joined by Megan Harris, Co-Founder and CEO of Marmaros Productions, which is an Atlanta-based wedding coordinating business. Megan shares how she got into wedding planning and what drew her to this career.   Since starting Marmaros productions, both Megan and the business have grown a lot. Megan shares what she would go back and change about her own wedding if she could. There are actually a few different things she would have done differently in retrospect, and one of them is having both of her parents walk her down the aisle.   Couples who want to bring their personalities into their wedding day are some of Megan's favorite clients. When Megan meets couples for the first time, the first thing she asks is how they met. Before the couple can employ their services, they need to have a venue and a date for their wedding solidified, primarily because some venues offer in-house services for weddings.   Megan shares what makes her approach unique, and how hiring a wedding coordinator can help relieve a lot of the stress that comes with planning a wedding. Every single wedding day gets its own in-depth blog post filled with significant details, and these posts are also accompanied by lots of photos.   If Megan could make anything disappear from the wedding industry, she would get rid of overbearing mothers who step on brides. Moms get a lot of love at Marmaros Productions, but when mom and bride don't agree on something, Megan is truly there for the bride. Lastly, Megan shares a funny story and the reason why she doesn't put sparklers out at receptions anymore.     Marmaros Productions website: https://www.marmarosproductions.com/ Marmaros Productions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marmarosproductions/  

Danielle, owner of Serendipity Bridal Shop in ​​Marietta, Georgia, is with us today. Her career actually started in corporate recruitment, but once she began planning her own wedding, she realized what her true passion is. She decided to put a plan in motion to open her own bridal dress shop.   Danielle dives into what the process of following her dream looked like and when she finally opened the doors of her business. She also shares how she is navigating working with designers during the pandemic.   Serendipity Bridal Shop brings together an eclectic selection of dresses including classic, romantic, bohemian, and more. Danielle emphasizes how they really emphasize being able to cater to everyone. She explains a couple of current trends that have gained in popularity this year: capes and shoulder jewelry.   Hannah and Danielle discuss the process of dress buying, and what that looks like at Serendipity Bridal Shop. Danielle reveals her magic number of guests you should bring when coming into the store to shop for your dress and discusses the purchasing process, along with how to choose the best accessories.   Danielle talks about the ideal bride and how her team strategizes to take the most personalized approach they can with their brides. For the best experience, brides should have some idea about what they are looking for in a dress, at least generally. There are so many options for what you could wear on your wedding day, and Danielle encourages brides to choose whatever they feel best in.     Serendipity Bridal Shop website: https://www.serendipitybridalga.com/                    

We're welcoming Patrice Nash today, a wedding planner that Hannah has worked with in the past. Patrice's business, Perfect Perfections Events, is based in Atlanta but she also travels for work. She started doing corporate and family events, and eventually became a wedding planner.   Patrice shares the questions she asks couples when she first starts working with them and what helps her decide if a couple is a good fit for her. Generally, she tries to limit email conversations and prefers to talk over phone or text, which is much more effective when you're trying to understand someone's needs or personality.   Pinterest is a really important tool for wedding planners. However, Patrice doesn't require her clients to share their inspiration in any particular way — as long as they are real and raw, she can deliver. She's diligent in communicating with her clients because she knows how important this is for couples who are planning their wedding.   Patrice says that some of her clients struggle with budget and explains how she guides them through that. She emphasizes that it's not about sacrificing, but sometimes just a matter of tweaking. Keeping in mind what really matters can help couples stay within their budget.   If you are getting a family member to help you with your wedding, Patrice recommends you check their credentials. Even if it's delicious, your dad does not need to be frying chicken on your wedding day. Lastly, Patrice shares what she wishes would disappear from the wedding industry altogether.     Perfect Perfections Events website: https://www.perfectperfectionsevents.com/    

In this episode we've got Wes Brawner. He is the owner of Wes Brawner Events and Pennywhistle Creative, which are DJ and videography businesses, respectively. Wes has been in the wedding business for around 13 years now. Beginning as a DJ, Wes built his business on the back of his reputation and on having his own equipment. He went from doing 5 weddings a year to topping out at 95 in a year. He picked up videography in 2016, initially as a way to get promotional footage of himself, before stepping in to be videographer in an emergency. The business grew from there. When Wes meets with clients, he wants to know their story. Knowing more about the couple helps him connect with them and to tailor his services to them. When it comes to planning as a DJ, it's all about customization and invoking the couples' energy. It's also important for Wes to go to each table and connect with guests so they feel more comfortable coming up to make requests. Before you book with Wes, make sure that you have done your research. That goes for any vendor you book: make sure you know the kind of work they do to make sure you gel. Only book what you need for your day.  Don't overbook your vendor timewise, because it's money you don't need to spend. Budget is important in wedding planning. but it's more important to understand that not everything will be perfect. Always have a plan B. Wes also adds that he wants people to drop the take home gifts. It's more work and money for you that you don't need to spend.   Instagram: www.instagram.com/wesbrawner www.instagram.com/wesbrawnerevents www.instagram.com/pennywhistlecreative

Danae Smalley, owner of Danae Smalley Weddings in Atlanta, is our guest in this episode. Danae and her husband have been running their business together and offer photography and videography for your special day. Danae and her husband, Caleb, didn't have a wedding, which inspired them to start their business to help other couples get the day that they didn't. Working with people on such a personal level is what Danae loves about her work – she wants to know people and show them her authentic self as well. If you are looking at booking Danae, make sure you have your date and venue set and a back up day ready. Also, make sure to tell your photographer what time of day your wedding is. Outside photos at noon will look different compared to inside photos. Make sure you know how lighting will affect your shots. Danae goes on to share her tips for budgeting for a photographer and advises you to be up front about what you can spend. More often than not, people will be willing to work with you on pricing. It's also important to look at a photographer's full gallery to get a full picture of their skills and style. When it comes to wedding planning, be flexible. It's going to reduce stress and make it easer for everyone involved. Once your big day comes, enjoy it! If Danae could make one thing disappear about weddings, it would be the pressure to do things for other people.   Danae Smalley: https://danaesmalley.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danaesmalley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danaesmalleyphotography/

Our guest in this episode is Lauren Fici, CEO of In an Instant Events. Lauren has been wedding planning for about 5 years and loves what she does. Lauren explains how her mother inspired her to get into the event planning space. Ever since she can remember, her mother was part of a group called the Wedding Belles that would help organize each others' weddings. In 2019, Lauren's mother passed away but remains a huge influence and inspiration to her. When Lauren meets with clients, she wants to get to know them first. How did they meet? How long have they been together? Why did they pick their venue? All these questions help to shape an idea of the ceremony in Lauren's mind. To personalize events, Lauren has some ceremony staples in reserve to help out couples and save on budget. Lauren also likes to surprise her couple. For example, for one wedding she surprised the couple at their llama-themed wedding with two real llamas. It's the little personal touches that make a ceremony unique and memorable. Before your big day, it's important to know and understand your venues' COVID policy. Each venue may have different restrictions and policies to follow, so make sure you check ahead of time. Make sure to know about any rescheduling fees for venues, bands, etc. Remember that it's your day, so don't feel like you have to please everyone. Make sure you have open communication with your partner and that you both have input. Give yourself reasonable boundaries for not talking about the wedding too!    Website: https://inaninstantevents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaninstantevents/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InAnInstantEvents/  

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we're joined by Natalie, whose wedding Hannah shot this past May. Natalie and her husband, Luke, have been together for six years. He proposed in 2018, so they actually had quite a long engagement.    Natalie and Luke started dating in their senior year of high school. She shares when she realized that this relationship was it for them and how this influenced their decisions for college. She also shares how she went about the planning process and what the benefits were in planning her wedding date so far out.   Natalie dishes on her venue and how the amenities they offered made it that much more special. One unique feature was a shower in the men's dressing area. As a relaxed bride, she feels like she did a great job at getting the big tasks done, but she did miss the smaller pieces like a guestbook. Thank goodness her mother-in-law was able to step in and save the day!   She shares what she was looking for in a photographer and why she chose Hannah. Natalie believes it's really a matter of knowing what you like and hiring the photographer who shoots and edits in that style. You also want to be compatible with the photographer because, quite often, they will be spending the whole day with you.   Natalie spills on what was worth every penny and what she wishes she would have spent less on for her wedding. She says that her favorite part of the day was driving to and from the ceremony alone with her husband. At the end of the day, it's the little things that make all the difference on your big day.

Today we are welcoming Adam Pace, owner of Adam Pace Photography. He has been in the photography field since learning about film photography in college in 2008. Adam takes us through how he went from a Computer Science major to a Photography and Art student after discovering his passion in college. He also talks about the burnout he experienced after college and how he put his camera down until his son was born in 2015. The advent of social media is what drove his shift into starting his own business. When catering to individuals in-studio, Adam wants to know what is most important to them. It's about finding out who they are and determining a creative way to capture it. It's also important to listen to questions from your clients and let them give you some guidance. Adam goes on to explain that it is important to understand your prospective photographer's style and if it aligns with your vision of your wedding. It is so important to share the style, lighting, and effects that you love with your photographer to find out if they are a good fit. Understand that not everyone is right for you and has their own skills and style. If Adam could make one thing disappear about weddings, it's the concept of the Bridezilla. He's never encountered one. Another thing to ditch is the concept of the huge Disney Princess wedding. You don't need the bells and whistles; you just need your loved ones and each other.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adampacephotography/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamPacePhotography  

Macy Frazier is with us in this episode, whom I met when I was hired as the photographer for her wedding. Macy and her husband Peter got married earlier this year, and they had a very unique wedding - I was blown away. Macy is the perfect person to give tips to other couples looking to have a different, out-of-the-box sort of wedding. Macy starts by sharing a little bit about how she and Peter met and fell in love. They got engaged last September and married June 2021. Although she knew she wanted an outdoor wedding, once they got engaged, she didn't have any other details in mind. We hear how she went about planning her wedding and how she avoided decision fatigue. She shares what she wishes she would have known before she started planning her big day. One important thing to remember is that it's okay to ask for help, especially when someone is an expert in the area you need assistance with. Having amazing photos of your wedding day truly becomes priceless. It's important to find a photographer that can capture images you will love and do your wedding justice. Macy talks about what the most important parts of her wedding were and what she would have spent less money on looking back. Macy dives into some of the details of her wedding and reveals what was so unique about it. She shares her favorite part of the wedding day and the moments she enjoyed the most. Macy suggests investing in a good DJ who will keep your reception lively and upbeat - she's so glad she did. Venue:  RLM Affairs DJ: Reginald Sykes with Chief Rocka Entertainment Photographer: www.ritaweddingstudio.com

Today we are welcoming my friend Candice. She owns Bliss Formal Hair and also works for Bridal Beauty Authority out of Atlanta. Candice has been a Hair and Makeup Artist for weddings for the past eight years.   Candice takes us through what her typical process looks like in working with clients. She doesn't always meet her brides before the wedding unless they request a trial. She is always sure to ask questions of the bride beforehand to make sure she can meet their expectations on their big day.   We hear about what she feels the value of her service is on the client's wedding day. Above all else, trust and understanding are so important to cultivate between a stylist and the client. It's about collaborating and working together to come up with a vision and execute a look the client will be happy with. When you hire a stylist or makeup artist, you should expect a professional and comfortable experience.   Candice also shares her advice for planning a wedding, and how you can make the engagement and planning process more enjoyable. Interestingly enough, on Candice's own wedding day, she did her own hair as well as her bridesmaids' hair. For her, staying busy helped her manage the stress of the morning.   If Candice could make anything disappear from the wedding industry, she would give the answers most vendors do: the pandemic. Of course, this has had a major influence on weddings over the past year. So many brides are on their third wedding date and finally getting married. When she's not hard at work, Candice co-hosts a storytelling True Crime podcast called “No F*cking Way”.   Bliss Formal Hair Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissformalhair/ NFW Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfwpodcast   Today we are welcoming my friend Candice. She owns Bliss Formal Hair and also works for Bridal Beauty Authority out of Atlanta. Candice has been a Hair and Makeup Artist for weddings for the past eight years.   Candice takes us through what her typical process looks like in working with clients. She doesn't always meet her brides before the wedding unless they request a trial. She is always sure to ask questions of the bride beforehand to make sure she can meet their expectations on their big day.   We hear about what she feels the value of her service is on the client's wedding day. Above all else, trust and understanding are so important to cultivate between a stylist and the client. It's about collaborating and working together to come up with a vision and execute a look the client will be happy with. When you hire a stylist or makeup artist, you should expect a professional and comfortable experience.   Candice also shares her advice for planning a wedding, and how you can make the engagement and planning process more enjoyable. Interestingly enough, on Candice's own wedding day, she did her own hair as well as her bridesmaids' hair. For her, staying busy helped her manage the stress of the morning.   If Candice could make anything disappear from the wedding industry, she would give the answers most vendors do: the pandemic. Of course, this has had a major influence on weddings over the past year. So many brides are on their third wedding date and finally getting married. When she's not hard at work, Candice co-hosts a storytelling True Crime podcast called “No F*cking Way”.   Bliss Formal Hair Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissformalhair/ NFW Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfwpodcast    

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we're joined by Rachel Maglott. She owns Compass Films, a videography and photography business that she started with her husband, Caleb. Rachel does most of the photography, and Caleb primarily focuses on videography with the rest of their team. They capture the love story of their clients on the biggest day of their lives: their wedding day. One thing Rachel and Caleb have always had in common is their love for videography. Having friends in the wedding photography industry, they slowly started to help out on wedding days. Over time, they eventually made the leap into starting their own business. Rachel shares a little bit about how the process unfolds if you want to work with them. She breaks down the initial call and the questions she asks clients once they get started in working together. She also shares her advice on what couples should ask potential videographers and photographers. Cost is something that most couples consider closely when planning their wedding, and Rachel shares how clients can save on their services. You shouldn't be afraid to ask if a business offers any discounts. Rachel emphasizes what it takes to get a quality result and what kind of shots are most helpful in telling your love story through video. When it comes to your big day, being in the moment is the most important thing. Sometimes you have to let go of the little things and realize that the details don't matter. The wedding planning process is so much longer than the actual day, so it's important to enjoy it every step of the way. Compass Films: https://www.thecompassfilms.com/

Dream Day Radio's mission is to empower budget conscious couples to ENJOY planning their wedding day! The wedding industry can have unrealistic expectations for what couples can afford. Your dream wedding day doesn't have to have a giant price tag! I bring on wedding professionals to give you all the insider information so you can be prepared when diving into planning your wedding. You will also get advice from recently married couples on how to make wedding planning WAY less stressful and how to make it the day you have always dreamed of!