Weddings 101

Creating your wedding photography shot list can quickly turn into a Pinterest rabbit hole of must-have photos, family combinations, and ideas you’re afraid you’ll regret missing. In this episode, I break down what a wedding photography shot list is actually for and how to focus on the people, relationships, details, and moments that matter most to you instead of trying to recreate every photo you’...

Planning a wedding with two venues can add another layer of logistics, especially when your ceremony is at a church and your reception is held at a separate reception venue. In this episode, I sit down with Marlee Euman to talk about how she planned her Baton Rouge wedding, with her Catholic Church ceremony followed by a reception at an all-inclusive reception venue. We talk about everything from...

Thinking about having an intimate wedding with 30 guests or less? A smaller guest list can give you more flexibility, but it also comes with its own set of decisions. In this episode, I take a high-level look at what couples should consider before and while planning a small wedding, from why you want a smaller celebration and how to approach your guest list to finding a venue that actually fits yo...

Planning a beautiful wedding on a smaller budget can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like every venue, vendor, and detail comes with another expense. In this episode, I break down practical budget wedding ideas that can help you create a wedding that feels intentional, meaningful, and beautiful without trying to recreate a high-budget wedding on a smaller budget. I walk through some of...

DIY wedding projects can be a great way to save money and add personal touches, but how do you know when DIY is actually worth it? In this episode, I discuss how to avoid DIY wedding burnout and decide which projects make sense to handle yourself, which are better left to a professional, and when simplifying may be the better choice altogether. I’ll walk through the three questions you should ask...

Wedding dress shopping can be exciting, but it can also get overwhelming quickly when you start seeing gowns that are far outside your budget. In this episode, I walk through how to set a realistic wedding dress budget, account for costs beyond the gown itself, and communicate your price range before you even start shopping. I also cover affordable wedding dress shopping options, including traditi...

If you’re three or four months out from your wedding and feeling like your to-do list is suddenly out of control, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m helping you step back from the overwhelm and figure out what actually needs your attention right now, without feeling like you have to tackle every wedding detail at once. I walk through the biggest things to check at this stage of wedding plannin...

Who is actually responsible for setting up your wedding, cleaning everything up, and handling questions on the wedding day? These details are easy to overlook, especially when couples assume the venue, planner, or someone else is taking care of them. In this episode, I break down who typically handles wedding setup, cleanup, and day-of coordination, including what your venue, coordinator, florist,...

Planning a wedding from another state comes with unique challenges, but Bailey's Minnesota wedding proves it can also be an incredible experience. In this episode, I sit down with Bailey to discuss what it was like planning her hometown wedding while living in North Carolina. From saying "I do" at Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery to celebrating with family and friends at her reception at The Cap...

Your wedding venue will likely be one of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget, but choosing a traditional wedding venue isn't your only option. In this episode, I cover non-traditional wedding venues that can help couples save thousands of dollars while still creating a beautiful and meaningful celebration. I discuss some of the most popular budget-friendly venue alternatives, including pub...

Planning your wedding isn't just about booking vendors. It's also about making sure everyone has the right information at the right time. Without a communication plan, it's easy to feel buried in emails, timelines, questions, and last-minute logistics, leaving you to feel like the project manager for your own wedding. In this episode, I walk through how to create a wedding vendor communication pla...

Creating a wedding seating chart sounds simple, until you're trying to balance family dynamics, friend groups, plus-ones, venue layouts, and last-minute RSVP changes. For many couples, table assignments become one of the most unexpectedly stressful parts of wedding planning. In this episode, I share practical strategies for creating a wedding seating chart that helps guests feel comfortable while...

Can you really plan a beautiful wedding and celebration for under $5,000? Megan did. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Megan, a bride who planned an intimate wedding at Chapel Dulcinea in Austin, Texas, followed by a separate after-party celebration with family and friends, all for less than $5,000. With just two months to plan before starting medical school, Megan and her husband f...

Planning pre-wedding events can feel exciting, but also confusing once you start wondering which celebrations you actually need, who plans them, who gets invited, and how much everything is supposed to cost. In this episode of Weddings 101, Kyleigh Grace walks through the most common pre-wedding celebrations including engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties t...

Trying to decide between hiring a wedding DJ or using a playlist for your reception? In this episode, I break down the real pros and cons of DIY wedding music versus hiring a professional DJ. From reception flow and dance floor energy to ceremony audio, microphones, and hidden logistics couples often overlook, I walk through what a wedding DJ actually does and when a playlist can realistically wor...

Should you do a first look before your wedding ceremony, or wait for the traditional aisle reveal? In this episode, I break down the emotional, practical, and logistical differences between first looks and traditional ceremony reveals so you can decide what truly fits your wedding day vision. This decision impacts far more than just your photos. It can affect your wedding timeline, photography sch...

Catering is one of the biggest expenses in wedding planning, and for many couples, it’s also one of the most surprising. If you’ve started getting quotes and are wondering why wedding food costs so much, you’re not alone. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down why catering is so expensive in the first place and, more importantly, how to save money without sacrificing your guest experience....

Wedding vendor contracts can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to reading legal language. But understanding your contracts is one of the most important steps in protecting your wedding experience and avoiding miscommunication. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down how to read and negotiate vendor contracts in a way that actually feels manageable. I walk you through the key d...

Wedding registries can feel confusing, especially when you’re not sure what you actually need or how to ask for gifts without feeling awkward. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down everything first-time brides need to know about wedding registry etiquette, including whether you need a registry, how to handle cash gifts and honeymoon funds, and how to create a system that works for both you...

Planning a wedding with out-of-town guests? Figuring out hotel blocks, transportation, and welcome gifts can feel overwhelming fast. In this episode, I walk you through how to coordinate guest travel in a way that’s simple, thoughtful, and budget-friendly. You’ll learn the difference between courtesy and contracted hotel blocks, how many hotel options to provide, and what to include on your weddin...

Creating a wedding website sounds simple until you start wondering what actually needs to go on it and when it should go live. In this episode, I walk through how to create a wedding website and FAQ page that truly helps your guests instead of leaving them confused or texting you for every detail. I break down the timeline for building your site so you know what information should be included befo...

Choosing your wedding music is about so much more than just picking a few songs. It’s about creating a feeling your guests will remember long after your wedding day is over. In this episode, I sit down with Durham-based wedding harpist, pianist, and vocalist Kara Taylor to break down everything couples need to know about planning their wedding music. From defining your overall vibe to choosing mea...

What does it really look like to plan a wedding that feels deeply personal while still being beautifully designed and seamlessly executed? In this episode, I sit down with Annie Nesbit to talk through her experience planning a whimsical mountain garden party wedding in Banner Elk, North Carolina. From the very beginning, her love for the mountains shaped every decision, creating a celebration that...

Wedding planning can bring out stress, conflict, and emotions you may not have experienced in your relationship before. But it can also be an opportunity to strengthen how you and your partner communicate and show up for each other. In this episode of Weddings 101, I’m joined by Monica Tanner, an RLT-trained relationship coach, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, and Amazon best-selling author...

Choosing your wedding food and drink options can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially when catering and bar service are some of the largest expenses in your wedding budget. Many couples start planning thinking they will simply choose between a buffet or plated dinner and decide whether they want an open bar, but quickly realize their venue rules, guest count, and budget all play a major role...