The Smart Girl’s Guide

It's the final countdown! We are officially one week away from the wedding. And amidst all the last minute planning and honeymoon details, Nichole shares what she's been learning about mindfulness. It's important to stop and soak up this season to the fullest! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

"But how do you really feel?" Nichole talks through what to expect from premarital counseling and the best marriage advice she's gotten so far. Plus, what really makes a strong marriage and how to know if your love is "true love." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Money, money, money! We'd be lying if we didn't say this is the number one thing on everyone's mind when it comes to wedding planning. And it can be quite the tricky topic. In this episode, Nichole breaks down how much you can expect to spend on each part of your wedding budget, etiquette and traditions on who pays for what, and tips on how to make the money talk with your parents less awkward! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Okay, okay, but what will it look like? The moment of truth, will all the design concepts come together? From rentals to flora design to DIY projects that have cut Nichole‘s budget drastically, she finally feels ready to make this dream come to life! Amazon wedding must-haves: nicholelaurenphotography.com/blog Nichole's florist: Johanna from Simple Stems --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Bouquets, and bridals, and boudoir, oh my! Another *spicy* episode this week as Nichole talks all about her boudoir session as well as her bridal portraits. Both are a great idea but for different reasons. Listen to the episode, and then head to our instagram for all the behind-the-scenes on what was mentioned this week: instagram.com/smartgirlsguidepodcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Yee-haw! Things are getting WILD this week as Nichole spices things up with a recap of her amazing bachelorette weekend in Nashville, TN. She discusses Nash's must-see's and some important tips for those of you planning your own bachelorette. On the itinerary: Pure Sweat Sauna Studio: https://puresweatsaunastudio.com/ Bartaco: https://bartaco.com/ Amelia's Flower Truck: https://ameliasflowertruck.com/ White Limozeen Nash: https://www.graduatehotels.com/nashville/restaurant/white-limozeen/ Virgin Hotels Rooftop Pool: https://virginhotels.com/nashville/dine-and-drink/rooftop/ The Parthenon: https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx Opryland Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/ Hampton Social: https://www.thehamptonsocial.com/nashville Liberty Common: http://www.liberty-common.com/ Printer's Alley: https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/go/printers-alley Jason Aldean's: https://jasonaldeansnashville.com/ Biscuit Love: https://www.biscuitlove.com/ Nashville Murals: https://blushandcamo.com/2018/12/19/the-most-instagram-worthy-spots-in-nashville/ Amazon Wedding Finds: nicholelaurenphotography.com/blog --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Mixers and blenders and poppers, oh my! What could we be talking about this week other than wedding registries! Nichole breaks down the top items on her list plus why she chose to create a wedding website and some wedding updates like getting her dress in, more wedding nightmares, and much more! Nichole wedding registry: tgt.gifts/nicholeandhunter --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Nichole takes you through the most recent developments in her wedding planning process including their new wedding venue, wedding nightmares, groom's attire, wedding rings, and much more! Tune in this week to get up to date, and stay smart girls. Our new wedding venue: Green Valley Country Club Groomsmen Attire: https://tuxedo.menswearhouse.com/notch-lapel-tuxedo-black-vera-wang-id-5242?tof=1 Our Wedding Planner: Christiane Design Our Florist: Simple Stems Dolly Parton Restaurant: https://www.graduatehotels.com/nashville/restaurant/white-limozeen/ Gold Foil Invites: https://www.minted.com/product/foil-stamped-wedding-invitations/MIN-ZQ7-IFS/fields?color=A&shape=default Custom Wax Stamping Set: Artisaire --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Nichole started out expecting to spend at least $1k on her wedding invites. Listen this week to find out how she got her grand total to less than $200. Plus, she spills the tea all about how she is changing wedding venues and the stresses of DIY envelope printing. Our new wedding venue: Green Valley Country Club --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

This week we're talking all about how to prepare for an engagement session and everything you need to consider for it to run smoothly. Plus, in this episode, Nichole reacts to her engagement photos after seeing them for the first time! You can see more of the engagement session on our Instagram page @smartgirlsguidepodcast. View our engagement session on my blog: nicholelaurenphotography.com/blog Nichole engagement session outfits: Blue Deep-V Maxi: https://www.lulus.com/products/heavenly-hues-navy-blue-maxi-dress/370612.html Cream and blush Floral Maxi: https://www.lulus.com/products/elegantly-inclined-cream-floral-print-wrap-maxi-dress/398382.html Off the shoulder caramel Sweater: https://www.lulus.com/products/carmichael-light-brown-off-the-shoulder-knit-sweater/675622.html --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

This week is all about the ladies!! One of the most exciting parts of this process so far was Nichole deciding on her bride crew. Proposing to them, picking out their dresses, and starting their wedding group chat are all things she discusses in this week's episode. The people who will stand by you on your wedding day are some of the most important decisions you'll make, so choose wisely. She also gives some practical advice on how to choose dresses amidst a lot of opinions and tips on ultimately listening to yourself! The original bridesmaids dress Nichole loved from the beginning, and the one she ULTIMATELY picked in the end from Show Me Your MuMu: https://showmeyourmumu.com/products/faith-maxi-dress-champagne-luxe-satin The second bridesmaid dress she considered for a more "t-shirt" style: https://showmeyourmumu.com/products/rome-twist-gown-champagne-luxe-satin The dress from Revelry she initially decided on (when it came time to choose) but ULTIMATELY decided against in the end: https://shoprevelry.com/skye-satin-dress/ Items from Nichole's Bridesmaid Proposal Boxes! Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModParty Gold foil gift boxes: https://amzn.to/3sPrg60 Similar gold glitter frame: https://amzn.to/3c5ADrM Bridesmaid Ruffle Robes: https://www.etsy.com/listing/901499259/ruffled-bridesmaid-robes-for-bridal Yes way, Rose! mini bottle: https://www.target.com/p/yes-way-ros-233-wine-187ml-bottle/-/A-78136076 Flower Girl Robe: https://amzn.to/30fY38l --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Being a wedding photographer herself, picking her own wedding photo and video team was a big deal! She absolutely loves the people she chose, and she talks this week about why it's so important to choose this vendor EXTRA wisely. Nichole engagement session outfits: Blue Deep-V Maxi: https://www.lulus.com/products/heavenly-hues-navy-blue-maxi-dress/370612.html Cream and blush Floral Maxi: https://www.lulus.com/products/elegantly-inclined-cream-floral-print-wrap-maxi-dress/398382.html Off the shoulder caramel Sweater: https://www.lulus.com/products/carmichael-light-brown-off-the-shoulder-knit-sweater/675622.html Nichole's amazing photo and video vendors: Jacqueline & Laura Photography True Foundation Videography --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

It's the Smart Girl's Guide to planning your wedding! Nichole takes you along on her wedding planning process. Next up, venue picking! This was a tough decision, but Nichole thinks they've found the one. She talks all about her every venue they considered, what her deal-breakers were, and some tips to make sure you have the best experience while venue shopping! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Nichole takes you along on her wedding planning process. First stop, dress shopping! This is the first thing checked off on her list! She talks all about her expectations going into the process vs. what it was actually like plus all the tea on what her dress might look like.... WOO! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Nichole is engaged!!! She shares her sweet proposal story as well as a little update on the future of The Smart Girl's Guide. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

No one likes change. It usually brings along discomfort and a lot of unknowns. But as Nichole heads into this next chapter of her life, she wanted to have an honest convo with you about how moving on doesn't have to be such a scary thing. Join us for our season finale and the end of The Smart Girls Guide podcast for now. Thank you so much for your support and love this year. The book is actually called "Just Do Something," and you can purchase is here: https://amzn.to/35Fmpuw. Stay smart, girls!

You asked, we delivered! A couple months ago we did the girls questions episode. Today, we have the GUYS! They were actually really insightful and deep. We talk about what exactly a man card is, how much PDA is too much, and the biggest misconceptions girls have about guys. This is an episode you don't want to miss for sure! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

"Will you marry me?" is the one phrase most girls dream about! We are reading your submissions this week of these special moments for you. Nichole also shares a reddit rabbit hole she goes down with some of the WORST proposal stories on the internet currently! Listen this week for some laughs and some sweet moments. Stay smart, girls! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

A few months ago, brides were postponing their weddings left and right in hopes of a better situation in the Fall. Here we are, months later and still facing postponement and downsizing possibilities. It can be disheartening to go through such drastic changes to a day you want to be most special. Join in this week's talk as Nichole gives some encouragement to COVID brides from a vendor's perspective and also some ideas on how you can make your wedding more COVID-friendly while also making it the day you've always dreamt of! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Our inner narrative of negative self talk is a learned phenomenon that invades our everyday lives. That's why negative thinking so easily goes undetected while proves to be such a hard habit to break. This week, Nichole discusses why we gravitate more toward negative thoughts and lies we readily believe about ourselves. She also dives into why it's so important to take hold of our thoughts and purposely change them for the better. This week, let's take an inventory of the kind of things we're thinking and consciously turning our thoughts toward focusing on the good. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

It was her junior year of college, and Nichole started hanging handmade fliers around campus, just itching for someone to hire her. Needless to say, starting your own business is not always so glamorous. So today, Nichole shares her story of starting her own wedding photography business, some criticism she received over the years, and encouragement to following your passion. If you're thinking about pursuing something you love or just need a little extra encouragement to get your passion back, this episode is for you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Shhh! Nichole wanted to try her hand at a little ASMR. It's something she's used to calm down at night and help her fall asleep. However, this episode may be more creepy and/or hilarious rather than totally relaxing. Either way, enjoy whatever this ended up being! LOL! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

We're reading yours and some of the internets most unpopular opinions and reacting to them! We discuss everything from whether Beyonce or Taylor Swift have better voices to whether Ross and Rachel really were on a break. We're so excited to be back this week and sharing this episode with you. Enjoy and stay smart, girls (and guys)! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

We're reading your submissions! On your most important day, there are endless things that can go wrong. While it may not seem funny at the time, our listeners had the benefit of hindsight as they sent in their wedding disaster stories for us to read. From cake on the floor to guests being escorted out by the police these stories had us rolling and absolutely shocked. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Girls can be the more mysterious sex, and there are several age old questions guys never have seemed to get an answer to. This week, Nichole invites four of her closest friends to tackle these questions guys want answers to! We discuss everything from whether we like chest hair to what the phrase "I'm fine" truly means and everything in between. Your questions have been answered. You're welcome! ;) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

In this time of increased anxiety levels and stressors, it's easy to see why all of our sleep cycles are being disrupted. In this week's episode, Nichole shares her struggles with sleepwalking and nighttime panic attacks and how she's been able to overcome them with the implementation of a consistent nighttime routine. What you do before bed and getting a good night's rest can change your entire outlook and mood for the next day. So this is such an important and practical topic to discuss, especially right now. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

What do you do when the person you love isn't treating you the way you deserve? This is a universal truth: we have ALL experienced some type of hurtful relationship or hurtful aspect of a relationship, whether that be with a parent, friend, or significant other. This week we're sharing one girl's difficult story of manipulation and unthinkable heartbreak. But also one of restoration and hopefulness that we all need to hear! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Suddenly he stops texting back, and you wonder what you did wrong.... We've all been there, girl, and while we probably wish we hadn't, what can ya do? In today's episode, Nichole is joined by her BFF, Sarah Curfman. The girls discuss some pop culture updates, including a recap of Listen to Your Heart, plus some of their favorite recent memes (because who doesn't love a good meme??). Then, they dive into the different types of guys' profiles you see on dating apps. They also share their best ghosting stories and advice on what to do when you get ghosted. We hope this episode brought a smile to your face, and if so, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star rating and review telling everyone! See you next week, and stay smart, girls! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

WARNING: Juicy content ahead! From blowing chunks on an amusement park ride to not buying you food at a food festival, this week we're sharing YOUR submissions from your own WORST DATES. You guys really came through this week, and these stories are pure gold! They had us absolutely rolling and were so fun to read. We cannot wait to do another episode like this again soon. Listen till the end for exclusive content from Nichole's own worst date story...we can't believe she decided to share! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

We're all facing a strange time as we have been spending most of our time at home and isolated form the rest of society. This week we talk about reflections on what this time has felt like, what your responses to this season might be indicating, and some positive thoughts and encouragement moving forward. We will make it through, so it's important now more than ever that you stay smart, girls! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support

Growing up as a little redheaded girl, I always had my nose buried in the self-help books on everything from boy troubles to staying home alone to my changing body. I ate those books up! But being an adult is hard. We aren't allowed to ask for help because we're expected to have it all together. So consider this your guide, The Smart Girl's Guide. We'll talk relationships, work, and play, and we'll leave lots of room to figure it all out. Because what the world needs more than even right now is for you to stay smart, girls! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/smartgirls/support