Nebraska Wedding Podcast

Have you been hoping for something to keep your mind off this whole Global Pandemic business? Well, then do we have something for you! For Episode 30 of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly sits down with Karly Jurgensen of Karlyn Music to discuss all of the unexpected ways music plays in to the big day.  Fun fact, “Karlyn” is actually Karly’s full name – which, of course, explains her business’ name.  She’s been playing the piano since she was 8 years old, and decided pretty early on she hoped to make a career of music. She attended Berkeley College of Music  in Boston, where she received a Bachelor of Music with a major in Songwriting. ( So YES – she totally knows what she’s doing.) After college she moved to NYC where she was part of the big city grind… until she met a Nebraska boy that swept her off her feet. The rest is history! (Some pretty cool history that includes a national TV appearance and subsequent musical career with Mannheim Steamroller (1:50) ) Once in Nebraska, Karly realized there was a legitimate lack of customized music in the wedding industry… one SHE wanted to fill. She now does 50 to 75 weddings in the Nebraska and Iowa areas per year. (2:50) Karly talks about the challenges of running a business while raising two very young children (8:00) and as we usually do around here, she reveals three things her clients may not know about her. (Her FIRST fact involves hanging out Billy Joel and Don Henley. Yeah, really.) Karly dives in to what questions she wishes brides and grooms were asking when booking her services, (11:49) as well as unique ways they can incorporate customized music into their big days. (15:40) She talks through some of the really cool stuff she can put together for both the reception and ceremony, and honestly, we’re shocked we haven’t heard more of this. It’s genius. (17:30) She also goes over what kind of music is best during which parts of your wedding, and how to determine what equipment is needed (because you want your guests to actually hear the vows you worked so hard on!) She also discusses some amazing ideas about incorporating your favorite songs in an entirely unique way you may not have ever thought of! You can find out more about Karly’s work, as well as listen to her absolutely stunning arrangements at Karlynmusic.com, on Instagram @Karlynmusic, or on Facebook.

For today’s episode, Kelly is joined by Stephanie Hile, general manager and co-owner of the Diamond Room in Omaha. The Diamond room is a wedding and events space, awesomely located almost exactly cattycorner from the Omaha ballpark, that bills itself as “industrial chic.” Think cool cement floors and garage doors – but make it fashion. Stefanie says couples love the space because it’s just so versatile – a cool and modern blank canvas. (2:30) Right out of college, Stephanie began a career in internet retail, (3:46) doing everything from social media, to SEO, and email marketing. She attributes this experience with giving her a solid base from which to begin her own business. Coming from the entrepreneurial family that she does, Stephanie’s dad and her sat down to draw a business plan for what later became the Diamond Room and began to look at spaces in 2008. (4:26)  After coming up empty handed for the perfect space, Stephanie moved on and continued working for internet retail for another 5 years.  One day her dad let her know that he had found the perfect place – and 3 months later she had the keys in hand. Today, Stephanie’s role primarily consists of assisting with tourism bookings and helping the clients through their planning process When it comes to weddings, she meets with couples at 60 days out, and then again at 30 days out to go over all concerns, questions and logistics – leaving nothing until the last minute – or worse – to chance. Stefanie likes getting couples into the venue space early on to truly visualize how everything is going to come together. A blank canvas can be overwhelming, but Stephanie guides couples throughout every step of the process. To walk couples through planning their perfect day, she begins by discussing what the couple is envisioning for centerpieces. (2:20) She then suggest table shapes and layouts, as well as head table options to create the look and feel they’re going for. In the past few years, Stefanie has definitely sensed a shift toward more unique, personalized weddings. While the first few weddings she did were all sort of the same as far as look and vendors, brides are now coming up with their own unique ideas and visions for what they want on their big day.(6:22) Kelly then asks Stefanie to share three things clients may not know about her. She shares a little about her fun role as a dance mom, her possible caffeine addiction, and her love of comparing her life to her favorite tv shows. (She’s a Charlotte, if you’re curious.) When it comes to things she wishes couples were asking, Stephanie reassures that they should feel comfortable asking anything and everything they want. There is no such thing as a dumb question, as we’re not all expected to be wedding pros. (That’s what the pros are for, after all!) She also wishes couples would really get into the weeds of their contracts with vendors as well as their venue. (12:00) Stephanie finally shares her advice on choosing vendors couples love (17:40) and prioritizing what is most important to them, as well as looking out for red flags that could lead to issues further along in the planning process. You can find out more about the Diamond room on Instagram @DiamondRoom605, or at www.diamondroomomaha.com  

Kelly is joined by Audra Pace, owner of Dream Big Events in Omaha. They chat about all things wedding planning and advice Audra has for couples. www.laceworkfilms.com https://www.dreambigevents.net/

On Episode 27 of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly sits down for a chat with Ashley from Ashley Nicole Photography to talk all things wedding photography! Ashley is a film and digital wedding photographer based out of Omaha. She focuses on offering a unique, personal connection with each couple to most genuinely capture natural, timeless images of their special day. (0:58) Ashley started photography in high school as part of the yearbook staff, but set it aside in college seeing it as more of a “hobby” than a full-time career. In 2008, after taking a corporate job, she came across a blog that reignited her interest and passion in the art. She decided to get her hands on a new camera and start her old interest back up. (2:24) Meanwhile, she continued to work full time. In In 2015, Ashley was unexpectedly laid off from her job, but she quickly saw the silver lining: this was her opportunity to fully dive into her passion for photography. (3:27) She has now been running her own photography business full-time for over 5 years. In this episode, Kelly and Ashley chat about photography, her other artistic mediums, her new studio space, and the beautiful family inspiration behind it. Ashley then speaks on what she wishes couples knew going in to their wedding day (10:00) and the importance of trusting the vendors they’ve hired. At the end of the day, the planning should be DONE by time the wedding day rolls around – and couples should relax and let the professionals do their jobs on the big day. (12:20) She highly recommends engagement sessions as an opportunity to get to know photographers and figure out if the couple “clicks” with the one they’ve chosen. Personality conflicts should be figured out before the big day – and this is the perfect way to gauge that compatibility.   Ashley also touches on how to figure out if a bride has found “the one.”  Nope! Not the right groom, but the right photographer! Because there IS a right photographer for each bride. (17:00) It’s all about knowing what aesthetic they’re really drawn towards, and keeping that in mind as they search. Ashley also touches on the new vlogging project she’s working on to help educate brides on what they’re going to need to know while planning their wedding. (23:00) She’ll include topics such as timelines, contracts from a bride’s standpoint, and advice for their wedding day as a whole. You can find more info on Ashley, as well as her gorgeous work at Ashley-Nicole.net or on Instagram @AshleyNicoleCreative

Join us as we interview Jessica Thompson from Embassy Suites Omaha Old Market! We talk all about their latest remodel, some questions that couples should be asking venues and the best things that the Embassy Suites can offer couples getting married! To contact Jessica directly email her here This episode is sponsored by Events Etcetera! Visit them here

Attitude on Food Website Attitude on Food Instagram The Engaged Brunch January 25, 2019 Scoular Ballroom   Episode Sponsor: 402 Event Services

For Episode 23 of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly is joined by Joel and Kate Rudloff of A Final Take Films and DJ.  Joel and Kate specialize in handcrafted commercial and wedding films, as well as provide premier sound entertainment and Emcee services for special events, parties, and weddings.

For Episode 22 of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly sits down with Jocelyn Robertshaw of Ready or Knot Weddings. Kelly and Jocelyn go way, WAY back. Why? Well, Kelly actually bought her own wedding dress at Ready or Knot almost seven years ago.  The rest is history, of course!  Before Ready or Knot, Jocelyn worked in corporate America, traveling constantly. She soon realized that lifestyle simply wasn’t for her. She was born to be an entrepreneur. In August of 2011, Ready or Knot was born. (2:00)  Jocelyn is originally from a teeny town one hour west of Lincoln – Aurora, Nebraska. From there, she moved to Kansas City, where she worked in the healthcare industry and sold hearing aids for years.  She’s been married for six years and has three children of her own. So while her life has changed quite drastically over the years, one thing has remained constant – her love for fashion and weddings. (5:00) As always, Kelly asks what three things we may not know about Jocelyn are – and they are indeed surprising! Let’s just say that’s not how you’d expect someone in the wedding industry to get married! (8:19) Jocelyn talks about things she’s run in to in the wedding industry that have turned her in to the pro she is today. Long story short: learn to READ a person’s Pinterest board.  (10:00) She also explains the things you need to know before you come in for your dress. (10:40) Figure out who you want to be on the day of your wedding – and make sure that person is ACTUALLY YOU! “Be the most beautiful version of yourself.” (11:30) In the era of “Say Yes to the Dress,” Jocelyn also explains that less is truly more when it comes to who you bring with you. This is all about the bride’s vision, and with more opinions comes way, way more complications. (13:40) Jocelyn makes recommendations for brides who are preparing to start the process of dress shopping, and they are SO helpful! (18:13) Believe us – she’s got some you didn’t think of. (And a warning against neon green underwear!) (27:20) Jocelyn chats about making a dress your own, and the ability to truly customize a gown way beyond what most brides expect. (32:30) She also talks trends, and we’re LOVING what we’re hearing (35:40) She also goes over the importance of what your fiancé wears – which SO often gets ignored! “Go make him try stuff on!”  Jocelyn talks bridesmaids! (41:00) You’re definitely going to want to hear this before you bring your girls in.  She reviews mother-of-the-bride and groom “rules” (or lack of them!) and finally, has some awesomely helpful advice when it comes to shoes. (49:00) All in all, Jocelyn is EXACTLY the kind of girl we want by our side when we’re picking out THE dress. You can read more about Jocelyn and her shop at http://readyorknotweddings.com/

Skin.  It’s something many brides don’t think about until it’s the week before their big day and GASP – they have a massive stress break out on their hands. (Or rather, on their faces. Yikes!)  On Episode 21 of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly talks to Caryn Grazier of Simply Skin Omaha about incorporating skin care into wedding planning. If, like us, you hadn’t thought of that yet… this episode is for you! Caryn is a licensed esthetician in Nebraska certified in holistic aesthetics, which is where her passion lies.  Through holistic skin care, Karen loves “helping people find what they want from their skin, helping them achieve their greatest goals, but doing so in a way that isn't harsh to the skin.” She finished up school and started at a Spa and retail space – she later transitioned into a med-spa, which was a huge learning experience for her, (7:50) she has now been on her own for five years, which is an achievement all on its own. Two years into working for herself, Karen went to a conference in Arizona where she learned about holistic skin care. (9:00) From there she chose to go through holistic skincare training and hasn’t looked back. Caryn explains what exactly what “holistic skincare” means, and lets us know why no one should shove you into a “skin care box!” (9:50) Caryn designs a specific treatment plan for each of her clients, striving to “really customize it to their needs, their wants, and their goals.” (10:50)  She also explains what “microcurrent” technology is, and Kelly even tries it for herself - She can already see results! (14:08). If you have time to plan before your big day – doing a series is ideal, “because it's like going to the gym for your face. So if you go to the gym once, you're not going to have a six pack. However, if you go to the gym multiple times, you're going to get that tone firmness that you want.”  A quick pick-me-up before the day of, however, is great too. Caryn then runs down the difference between a “red carpet lift,” a “frown free forehead” and “trout mouth” (HA!) treatments – as well as several other treatment programs. We’ve got three words: SIGN. US. UP. (19:10) Caryn shares her tips for brides wanting to start a treatment program (28:00) and suggests we should ALL be drinking a lot of water and wearing sunscreen! She also has a lot to share about spray tanning – and what to watch out for, (29:50) as well as awesome tips for your bachelorette weekend. (30:00) . You can read more about Caryn ’s practice (or even book an appointment with her!) at SimplySkinOmaha.com

Can you believe this is the twentieth episode of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast?  Neither could we, but time flies when you’re having fun! For this episode, Kelly gets together with Josh and Aubrey Leeker of The Leekers Photography. Josh and Aubrey Leeker are a husband and wife photography  team out of Lincoln, specializing in weddings and engagements. They’re going on their tenth year in the biz. Interestingly, they got their photography start while teaching English in South Korea, (1:45) which is definitely not the most “typical” way to get into the wedding industry! (Though something we’ve learned in these 20 episodes is there’s no such thing as “typical!” ) While there, they joined a photography club and covered events for a local magazine. Their hobby soon turned into a passion – which is when they decided to get serious and turn it into their full-time business. (2:41) Josh and Aubrey also chat about how they met – and let’s just say it’s summer-camp-teen-movie adorable. We’ll let you listen for yourselves, but yeah. It’s really stinkin’ cute. (4:30) In fact, their whole story is really stinkin’ cute. You’re going to want to hear it. In describing their style, the Leekers site a “journalistic” approach (10:00), honed in from their beginnings as event photographers. They now combine this attention to capturing the event  – and each intimate, important moment - with a love for classic portraiture. The results, as you could imagine, are stunning.   They discuss wedding photography trends, photographers moving away from “posed” images, and why they find timelines SO very important: “When you have guests who've traveled the world to come celebrate with you, it's our job to stay on top of that and not be frolicking a field while they're waiting for dinner.” (13:55)  As always, Kelly asks Josh and Aubrey to tell her three things their couples may not know about them.  Let’s just say the cute keeps on coming. The Leekers are #CoupleGoals, guys.  Speaking of which, they also share valuable advice for working with your spouse (18:30). Not too surprisingly, it all comes down to trust and communication.  When asked what they wish clients asked more often – the Leekers want to know what clients want to ultimately get out of the experience and what they think they need. (23:29) They describe what their own packages and deliverables look like, and why that works for them. (24:41) as well as how they narrowed down their business and found their niche. (28:00) You won’t want to miss this episode! You can see Josh and Aubrey’s stunning work, as well as learn more about them, at www.theleekers.com  

On Episode 18 of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly chats with Alissa Neu, General Manager of VIP Sedan and Limousine, and they talk about ALL things transportation! (Believe us – there’s SO much you didn’t think about that would make your day SO much smoother. You’ll be glad you listened to this one.) VIP has served the Omaha community for seventeen years, and from the very beginning has aimed to provide customers with a customized, fun, and SAFE experience. Alissa mentions that transportation is something most people don’t really think about, but having a plan is so incredibly beneficial. After talking to her about what that looks like, we entirely agree! Alissa’s background is in hospitality and nonprofits. (3:10) This background gave her a really interesting, people-focused perspective on what she does for VIP. Alissa goes over things customers may not know about VIP and the transportation industry in general (3:35), and the small, yet very important, details you probably have never considered. (Including chauffeur training. You don’t WANT your wedding chauffeur and a corporate chauffeur to act the exact same way, do you? VIP knows this.) Alissa talks about how unlike many other wedding service providers, most couples never meet with her face-to-face, (7:00) but couples are always invited to come see the vehicles before the big day. She does, however, carefully plan with each couple, whether it be in person or by phone. By talking to the couple, Alissa helps customize a transportation plan that truly meets their needs… whether they thought of them or not! Do you know how gramma and grandpa are getting home? You didn’t really think about that? No worries! Alissa is on it! She also shares specific planning details you may have not thought of yet, but will want to if you’re planning a wedding (9:50). You’ll be shocked you didn’t think of them before, but SO glad you did now. This episode gets us thinking about these, and so many day-of details we’re SO much better off for considering. They’re just another thing to tick off the list to make your wedding day THAT much smoother. We hope you learn as much as we did!

On today’s episode of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly talks to the awesome Brett Brooner of Brett Brooner Photography.   While Brett used to dabble in videography, and shoot everything and anything, he has now focused his energy entirely on wedding photography (2:10) with the occasional family shoot.  Brett talks about his close relationship with his family (2:40) and how it has influenced his career success and philosophy, and what he likes doing with his spare time (5:00) as well as his adventures as a newlywed and new homeowner. As we love doing around here, Brett tells us three things we don’t know about him (7:55).  I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but let’s just say the first thing involves eating nothing but apple juice and ensure for MONTHS. Kelly and Brett also chat about enneagram numbers, and their shared seven qualities (12:00) including starting projects… and dragging their feet on finishing them (14:45). As many who know him may be aware of, Brett notoriously sold a major Instagram account, and many have wondered what he sold it for. He reveals the big number (15:30) and HOLY SMOKES! Sign us up! He talks through what the world of Instagram business looks like, and shares a lot of really interesting information on how to leverage social media in the most effective way possible (17:00) as well as his very unique and interesting business experience when it comes to running and creating major social media accounts.  Brett talks about taking a risk in quitting his full-time job to pursue his passions (18:00) and it’s inspiring, to say the least. Let’s just say this episode will make you want to pack your bags and hit the open road!  Most of us may not be able to pack up the truck and go on a cross-country adventure. Fortunately, listening to Brett is the next best thing! Enjoy!

http://www.amandaleeartistry.com/ https://www.primbeautyparlour.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amandalee.artistry/

Today we welcome Carrie Dayton to the show. We discuss her LOVE of weddings and how she is a veteran in the wedding industry. She shares some tips on how to handle sticky family situations for newer planners as well as good advice for the planning couple! 

In this episode, Kelly chats with Ben Ramos -a wedding lifestyle and portrait photographer based out of Chicago, with an interesting Nebraska tie.   As in every episode, Ben chats about three things people don’t know about him, which is a CHALLENGE, seeing as he’s a totally open book!  Fortunately for us, his fun facts come with restaurant recommendations.  He also discusses major mistakes and lessons he’s learned along the road, including not letting pride in your artistry get in the way of making your customer happy. He also stresses that contracts are SO important (In fact, he says it TWICE) so learn from Ben, folks. Don’t skimp out on your contract! He gives a few specific examples of just how important that is.

This week, Kelly is joined by Nate Jensen of Nathaniel Jensen Photography to discuss his journey from music into photography. They also talk about the beginnings of the Creatives Collaborative movement and how it was Nate's low-key way of hanging with the photographers he wanted to learn from (kind of like this podcast!).  If you're a fan of the podcast, I'd love if you could rate it or leave a review!! Thank you!

Jen Mrsny of Cherry on Top Events by Jen joins Kelly to talk all about her love and passion for wedding planning. She shares about her tattoos, planning her own wedding and her love for the off-beat bride!

In this Episode of the Nebraska Wedding Podcast, Kelly sits down with Mara Bryan from ‘A Special Event DJ’ (ASE) to talk about events from a DJ’s perspective, and how her family began and grew their family events business.  

As a seasoned photo vet, Jessica shares valuable advice for any photographer who is just getting started in the field, including figuring what works for you, and not what works for other photographers (1:45). She boldly dives in to charging what you’re worth, figuring out what that looks like, and making sure you’re running a sustainable business, (3:20); the value of taking business and tax workshops as part of your continuing education (7:30); the importance of being choosy with your time (8:50); being smart about your overhead expenses (11:20); educational resources and workshops she recommends, and those which have disappointed her (13:50); pricing strategies within your market (19:00); and being smart about taxes! (Which absolutely no one likes doing, but are entirely unavoidable when running your own business.) (22:40)

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss Blex’s journey to where she is now, the struggles she has faced over the last nine years as a wedding photographer (including forgetting to take care of herself first, and how fitness and self-care completely turned that around!), the mistakes she has made and learned from (including a shattered hard drive and lost pictures. Everyone’s worst nightmare, right?) coping with creative burnout as a wedding professional, the immense value of ongoing education and learning from others in the field, her philosophy on a timeless aesthetic, her challenging transition into film, her gear, and fantastic advice on what is truly important on a couple’s wedding day.

Steven Finkle of 402 Event Services join Kelly LaFleur of Lacework Films as the first male guest on the Nebraska Wedding Podcast. Steven is a Certified Wedding Planner and has built a business based on his love for events. How he started in events is quite the story dating back to his college days and he talks about a few of the huge struggles he's faced along the way! He also gives some great tips for entrepreneurs to never stop learning!

In Episode 5, Cara Yates of CB Yates Photo, joins me to talk all about her passion for telling stories, how she HAS to print her photos and her secret passion in life! 

Alex and I sit and talk all about how she turned her passion for floral into a thriving business and some of the struggles along the way. Also, this was recorded Monday May 13, before the airing of The Bachelorette (as I mention at the end of the show!).

Meet Erin Dabbs...Photographer, SEO/marketing extraordinaire and fiancé! We talk about her love of photography, how she decided her wedding budget and tips and tricks she uses to make her couples comfortable!

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