Weddings 101

In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with my friend Sarah to talk about her Long Island wedding at Westbury Manor. She shares how she compared venues across North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New York before choosing an all-inclusive venue that made planning easier and stress-free. From guest accommodations and catering to décor and day-of coordination, Sarah explains why going all-inclusiv...

Finalizing wedding details and logistics is what transforms months of planning into a smooth wedding day. In this episode, I cover seating charts, guest transportation, vendor schedules, hotel blocks, parking, permits, and how to build a complete wedding day timeline. Whether you’re preparing now or planning ahead, you’ll learn how to keep everything organized so your day feels seamless.

If you want a wedding day that feels calm, organized, and joy filled, not rushed or chaotic, your planning timeline is your secret weapon. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down exactly how to create and maintain a wedding planning timeline that keeps you on track from “yes” to “I do.” You’ll learn when to book vendors, send invitations, and make key decisions, plus how to break big goals i...

If you’ve never planned a wedding before, sending Save the Dates and invitations might seem simple, but there’s a lot more to consider than just telling people when and where to show up. In this episode, I walk you through when to send each piece of your wedding stationery, what to include, how to design them, and ways to clearly communicate who is invited. From traditional printed invites to digi...

In this episode, I dive into step 8 of the wedding planning process: developing your wedding design and decor plan. If you're feeling overwhelmed by Pinterest boards and inspiration overload this is where it all starts to come together. I break down how to create a wedding mood board, select a color palette that fits your venue and season, and decide what decor projects are worth doing yourself an...

You’ve booked your venue, photographer, and caterer. Now what? In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through exactly when to book every other wedding vendor on your list, from florists and rentals to hair and makeup, signage, transportation, and more. I'll cover common booking mistakes, what questions to ask, and the planning details most couples don’t find out until it’s too late. If you’re...

Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than just their portfolio. It’s about finding someone who understands your story, helps you feel completely at ease, and captures the moments that truly matter. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Raleigh-based wedding photographer Ivy Ren to unpack what couples should really consider before booking their wedding photographer. We talk abou...

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most memorable moments of the entire wedding planning process, but it can also bring questions, pressure, and unexpected stress. In this episode, I cover everything you need to know about choosing your wedding gown and coordinating the rest of your bridal party’s attire. From the ideal timeline to start dress shopping to tips on staying within budget, I walk th...

Looking for a meaningful, one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember your wedding day? In this episode of Weddings 101, I speak with Autumn Hunter, a live wedding portrait artist, about how she turns wedding moments into heirloom-quality oil paintings. Autumn shares everything brides need to know about what a live painting actually looks like on the wedding day, how she captures the emotion and essence of...

Planning your wedding look and searching for bridal hair and makeup that lets you look like you while highlighting your natural beauty? In this episode, I talk with Allyson Smith, the lead stylist and owner of Allyson’s Chair, about how to create a wedding day look that feels authentic, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. From when to book your beauty team to what to bring to your bridal trial,...

You’ve booked your venue and set the date, and now it’s time to hire your Big Three wedding vendors: your photographer or videographer, caterer, and officiant. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through everything you need to know to confidently find and book these essential professionals. From narrowing down photography styles to navigating catering options and understanding religious an...

Choosing your wedding venue and setting your date are two of the most important and exciting decisions you’ll make during the planning process. In this episode, I share how to approach these choices with clarity and confidence, even if you’ve never planned a wedding before. I’ll walk you through what to figure out before you start venue shopping, how to narrow down your options based on style and...

Building your wedding guest list can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of planning, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through how to approach creating your guest list. You’ll learn why your guest count impacts nearly every aspect of your wedding, how to start your list in layers, and ways to navigate tricky conversations around family expectations an...

In this episode of Weddings 101, we sit down with Makenzee Bettinger to unpack her unforgettable fall wedding in Jersey City, NJ. From locking in a dream venue with city skyline views to planning a surprise choreographed dance with her bridal crew, Makenzee shares advice from her wedding planning journey. We talk through vendor tips, budget strategy, choosing a bridal party, the power of personal...

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but it gets much easier when you start with a clear vision and a set of priorities. In this episode of Weddings 101, I’ll walk you through how to define what really matters to you and your partner before diving into the details. You’ll learn how to create a simple wedding mission statement, uncover your top priorities as a couple, and use those to make con...

Your wedding budget is the foundation for almost every decision you'll make during the planning process, so it's important to get it right from the start. In this episode of Weddings 101, I’m walking you through how to set a realistic and flexible budget, how to structure it around your priorities, and how to actually stick to it without feeling like you’re cutting out all the fun. We’ll talk abou...

Before diving into checklists and timelines, it's important to understand the big picture. In this solo episode, I walk you through the 12 key steps every couple should focus on when planning their wedding. From setting your vision and budget to choosing vendors and planning guest experiences, these steps will give you a strong foundation and help you feel more in control from the start. Whether y...

Been asked to be a Maid of Honor and not sure where to start? You’re not alone! In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about stepping into this important role with confidence. 🎀 From understanding expectations, bridal shower and bachelorette party planning, wedding day duties, and writing your speech, to handling stress and supporting the bride — I cover the most common questio...

Think your dream wedding has to cost $20K or more? Think again! In this inspiring episode, bride Juliet Rath shares how she planned a meaningful, elegant, and intimate wedding in Boone, North Carolina for under $3,000—all within five months and during the pandemic. From bartering with vendors and foraging flowers to crafting handmade details and building a supportive vendor network, Juliet proves...

Planning a magical winter or Christmas-themed wedding in Charlotte, NC? In this episode, Carina shares her experience creating a stunning yet budget-friendly celebration filled with elegant DIY details. She dives into vendor selection, managing a winter wedding budget, and incorporating seasonal touches that made her day extra special. If you're dreaming of a cozy, stylish, and personalized holida...

My sister joins me again to share the rest of her firsthand insights on planning a wedding, from creating a seamless timeline to choosing meaningful ceremony traditions, reception music, and must-capture photo moments. We also cover topics like bridal party selection, pre-wedding celebrations, and her best advice for future brides navigating their own big day. If you’re planning your wedding and w...

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but hearing from someone who’s been through it can make all the difference! In this episode, I sit down with my twin sister to chat about her wedding in Boone, NC—an intimate, 35-guest wedding in a modern barn-style venue. She shares how she chose her wedding date, theme, and color palette, along with the challenges of managing a guest list, selecting vend...