Bridechilla - Wedding Planning Podcast

Wedding planning can feel like a marathon — especially in a world flooded with picture-perfect trends and endless decision-making. Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events returns to share practical strategies for beating wedding planning fatigue. From balancing social media inspiration with your true vision to managing stress over long timelines, Jamie and Leah unpack how to stay inspired, intentional, a...

Dream wedding, not debt spiral 💸✨ From navigating rising costs to tuning out social media pressure, Leah sits down with wedding planner Michelle Elaine to get real about what truly matters on your big day. They break down smart budgeting tips, how to align your vision with your values, and the long-term impact of wedding debt. If you’re planning a celebration that’s meaningful and financially sa...

Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services joins Leah to break down everything couples need to know about wedding entertainment — from live bands vs. DJs to blending cultures and choosing unique experiences that wow your guests. They also explore why entertainment should be a key factor when choosing your venue, so your party flows seamlessly from “I do” to the last dance. Follow Kevin on Instag...

Grief doesn’t pause for life’s big moments. Leah sits down with Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events to talk about the realities of wedding planning while grieving. From finding space for your emotions to creative ways to include loved ones who’ve passed, this conversation offers comfort, perspective, and practical support.  Find Jamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangomuseevents Find Bride...

Ghosting a vendor after you’ve booked them? Not a good look. Leah sits down with photographer and videographer Craig Peterman to talk about what happens behind the scenes when couples disappear, why pricing transparency matters, and how to build strong, respectful vendor relationships. From awkward follow-ups to legal implications, we’re keeping it real about what’s at stake when communication bre...

It’s easy to fall in love with wedding ideas you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok — but how do you make them your own? Leah chats with Julian Ribinik, an award-winning NYC photographer and recent RSVP Club honoree, about transforming inspiration into authentic, one-of-a-kind celebrations. They explore how to balance trend-driven ideas with timeless storytelling, capture genuine emotion, and...

Let’s be real—bad wedding music kills the vibe. 💀 Luckily, musician Johnny Herbert is here with expert advice to save your dance floor. Leah gets the scoop on how to ditch the overplayed tracks, pick songs that scream you, and sneak in a few crowd-pleasers that’ll have Aunt Karen and your college crew dancing side by side. If you want your wedding playlist to be anything but basic, this is the ep...

Leah welcomes Natalia Zuk of Natalia Lilac Studios to explore how Polish and Ukrainian couples are blending centuries-old traditions with modern wedding trends. From family-centered customs like the symbolic vodka and salt ceremony to fresh, personalized twists, this episode shows how cultural heritage can make your celebration even more meaningful. Find Natalia on Instagram: https://www.instagram...

Whether you’re dreaming of a château in France or a rooftop in NYC, planning a destination wedding means balancing vision and logistics. Leah welcomes Rachel Urban and Beryl Beylot of Apricity Event Co. to share practical advice on choosing the right location, managing vendors abroad, and creating a celebration that feels like you—wherever in the world you say yes. Find Apricity Event Co. on Insta...

This week on Bridechilla, Leah chats with Sean Edwards—better known as The Balloon Guy—whose breathtaking creations prove balloons are anything but basic. What started as a childhood hobby has grown into a global sensation, with Sean bringing larger-than-life installations, whimsical details, and pure joy to weddings and celebrations around the world. From transforming spaces into unforgettable ex...

Leah sits down with Margaux Fraise, owner of Harmony Creative Studios and host of the Wedding Summit Series, to explore the intricate relationship between politics and weddings. From navigating family dynamics to choosing vendors that align with your values, Margaux shares her insights on how political and cultural factors influence modern weddings. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on planning...

This episode is sponsored by Going.  This week, Leah chats with Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert from Going, about the intersection of travel and weddings. Discover how Going helps travelers find affordable flights, the impact of pop culture on travel trends, and tips for planning destination weddings. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, this episode is p...

Join Leah as she welcomes back Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events to discuss the latest trends and influences in the wedding industry. rom the spectacle of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement to real AITA-style conflicts playing out among wedding guests and wedding parties, plus the serious ripple effects of ICE raids and military presence, they unpack how culture and current events are...

From dreamy bouquets to stunning ceremony arches, Bridechilla is here to help you make your wedding flowers unforgettable—without blowing your budget. This week, floral designer Michelle Maslowski of One of a Kind Events shares her favorite flower trends, tips for picking the perfect color palette, and smart ways to save on blooms. Whether you’re planning a romantic garden wedding or a sleek moder...

Planning a wedding that feels truly you? 💍 In this episode of Bridechilla, Leah chats with newlywed Jesse Richman-Reing about her one-of-a-kind celebration, featuring a drag queen MC, a craft mocktail bar, and cannabis-friendly “budtender” service. Jesse shares tips for incorporating personal style into your wedding day, navigating alcohol-free and cannabis options, and embracing modern wedding t...

Hayley Paige is BACK and writing her next chapter with purpose and sparkle! In this episode, Leah chats with the beloved bridal designer about her brand-new collection, Twice Upon a Time—a powerful symbol of reinvention, resilience, and reimagined creativity. From reclaiming her name and finding joy again in design, to embracing her love of music and planning a new kind of bridal tour, Hayley gets...

Planning your wedding day timeline doesn’t have to be overwhelming—promise! This week, Leah is joined in-studio by Gina Jokilehto of Shi Shi Events, a seasoned planner with 20 years of experience helping couples create smooth, stress-free wedding days. We dig into how to build a timeline that actually works (yes, including how long hair and makeup really take), how to avoid common scheduling pitfa...

In this episode of Bridechilla, Leah sits down with Farhan, founder of Wedding Erah, to talk about how couples can create a personalized, unforgettable wedding experience. From choosing the right venue and color palette to incorporating cultural elements and unique details, Farhan shares expert tips on how to craft a celebration that’s authentically you. Whether your vibe is modern, boho, or vinta...

Jenny Mac of Eloping is Fun is back on Bridechilla—and this time, she’s taking her magic from New York City to the bold, colorful energy of Mexico City! From street tacos and jaw-dropping architecture to chill vibes and heartfelt moments, Jenny shares why Mexico City is the next dream destination for couples ditching tradition in favor of fun, low-stress elopements. Whether you're considering a qu...

We’re collaborating with Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast this week to discuss intimacy tech, virtual reality ceremonies, and even hologram guests! Leah joins Gareth Mitchell, host of Somewhere on Earth in conversation with award-winning body-tech pioneer Professor Ghislaine Boddington. Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast is a weekly podcast that tells the untold and unloved tec...

The Bridechilla Nerd Club is back — and we’re throwing it back hard! Leah, Meghan Ely, and Kevin Dennis rewind to the glory days of butterfly clips, boy bands, and blockbuster rom-coms to spill the tea on how pop culture from the '90s and early 2000s has shaped weddings as we know them. From The Wedding Singer to Say Yes to the Dress, we’re serving fashion faux pas, iconic inspo, and plenty of “OM...

This week, we’re collaborating with Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast to discuss when (and when not) to use AI in planning your wedding. Leah joins Gareth Mitchell, host of Somewhere on Earth, to explore how to use AI assistants to streamline your planning, create usable lists of guests, and effortlessly create seating charts – without the stress!  Our guest, Jamie Coast of Cotton and Bo...

Wedding expert Nora Culley Tuck returns to Bridechilla to help bust one of the biggest myths in modern weddings: the idea that a “day-of coordinator” is all you need. We break down what planners, coordinators, and event managers really do—and how understanding the difference can save you major stress (and money). We also dive into one of the most emotional parts of wedding planning: handling paren...

Mary Kate Morrissey of MK Your Dream Day joins Leah to chat about shaking up wedding norms! They discuss the awesome perks of off-season dates, the beauty of intimate micro-weddings, and modern spins on old traditions. From smart budgeting and timeline tricks to navigating family drama and nailing your guest list. Whether you’re dreaming big or keeping it small, the episode has practical tips and...

Leah sits down with Brittny Drye, Editor-in-Chief of Love Inc. magazine, to celebrate 10 years of marriage equality—and 10 years of love—with cover stars Lance Bass and his husband Michael Turchin. They chat about what true inclusivity in the wedding world looks like for LGBTQ+ couples and beyond. From the return of '90s vibes at New York Bridal Fashion Week to navigating wedding planning during a...