Bridechilla - Wedding Planning Podcast

Looking for advice on writing (or helping someone else write) a wedding speech that will keep your guests engaged? Heidi Ellert-McDermott of Speechy is here with Leah to help you! Heidi and Leah talk about dealing with family dynamics, writing heartfelt and real speeches, and handling people who just assume they’re giving a speech at your wedding. Plus, you'll get tips to keep things running smoot...

Planning your second wedding? Leah is joined by wedding planner Jesse Reing of Events by Jesse for a heartfelt, myth-busting conversation about what it really means to celebrate love again. From rethinking guest lists and RSVPs to ditching outdated “rules” (yes, you can wear white and have a big wedding!), Jesse shares practical advice and emotional insights to help you create a wedding that feels...

What’s hot in weddings for 2025? Leah Haslage sits down with Pinterest’s Sydney Stanback to spill the tea on the biggest trends hitting the aisle—many of them driven by Gen Z’s bold, unapologetically personal style. Think 90s nostalgia with a modern twist, the unexpected elegance of brown, and nature-inspired glam that’s anything but basic. They’ll break down why vintage rings are making a comebac...

Shari Rivkind and Morgan Weil of Bridelawyer are back with more essential legal wisdom—this time focused on LGBTQIA+ couples! In this empowering and practical episode, Shari and Morgan break down what you need to know about getting legally hitched, from prenups and cohabitation agreements to family dynamics and beyond. Drawing from their new book “I’m Getting Married and I’m LGBTQIA+ — What Do I D...

Ever wonder how celeb weddings and your favorite movies sneak their way into your wedding plans? We're exploring the pop culture moments that have seriously shaped how we tie the knot – think Princess Diana's iconic style, the backyard bash vibes from "Father of the Bride," and the luxe details of "Crazy Rich Asians." We’re looking at how celebrities, movies and TV have changed the wedding industr...

Want to nail your wedding dance? Krista and Kelvin Ramirez from Your Night Choreo are sharing their tips on picking the perfect first dance song and fun wedding party dance numbers! They also discuss managing expectations, the importance of practice, and how this experience can strengthen your bond. Whether you're a dance pro or just want to avoid stepping on toes, this episode is packed with advi...

Andrew Hall, co-founder of No Story Lost, chats with Leah this week about the power of storytelling to preserve your most precious memories! Andrew shares the inspiration behind No Story Lost and why capturing authentic moments matters more than ever. Use the code “Bridechilla” at checkout at nostorylost.com for 2 free extra copies of your book to share with family and friends! Follow No Story Los...

Wedding planner and sustainability expert Jamie Chang is here to chat about planning eco-friendly weddings that don’t skimp on style! Leah and Jamie cover everything from sustainable attire to reducing food waste and supporting local vendors. Jamie, founder of Mango Muse Events, has practical tips for incorporating sustainable choices into your floral arrangements, catering, decor, and even pre-we...

This week, Sara Margulis, CEO and founder of Honeyfund, joins us to chat about how honeymoon registries came to become a popular choice, reflecting a shift towards experiences over stuff. Get practical tips on open communication when planning trips together and wedding financial planning. We touch on personalizing traditions, the joys of a good reception line dance, and why love and communication...

Janice Carnevale, founder of Bellwether Events is back to chat with Leah about hidden costs, affordable options, and common misconceptions about at-home weddings. Tune in for tips on prioritizing expenses, the realities of doing full DIY weddings, and wedding trend hot takes! Get Janice’s eBook of tips and practical advice, “The Elegant At-Home Wedding”, here: www.yourweddingathome.com Find Janice...

Janice Carnevale, founder of Bellwether Events, joins Leah to discuss the intricacies of planning at-home weddings! She shares her insights as a luxury home-wedding planner and highlights the importance of coordinating logistics and extra considerations to make sure your guests are taken care of, no matter your budget! Tune in next Monday for the rest of our conversation and trend hot-takes with J...

Brian Franklin, co-founder of Vows & Speeches, joins Leah to discuss his insights and advice on writing wedding vows and speeches. They highlight the common pitfalls in vow writing and how to avoid them, as well as the impact that generative AI, like ChatGPT, has on wedding speeches. Find Vows & Speeches on Instagram @vowsandspeeches Today’s Sponsor: BriteCo: Modern Insurance for Modern Milestones...

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Dustin Lemick, CEO of BriteCo, joins us this week to discuss the intricacies and importance of having wedding and jewelry insurance. Dustin and Leah chat about insurance offered by BriteCo, including wedding cancellation and liability, as well as the unique aspects of jewelry insurance! They also discuss the multifaceted world of wedding jewelry with Dustin’s...

Rebecca Somnitz and Patrice Catan talk with Leah this week about tips on choosing the perfect wedding gown, the true meaning of “couture”, and the realities of running a bridal salon. Tune in to hear their takes on trending styles, bustles, and much more! Rebecca Somnitz is the owner of Something White Bridal in Independence, Ohio. Find Rebecca on Instagram: @somethingwhitebridal Patrice Catan has...

Nora Culley Tuck, owner and creative director of Engaged with Nora, is with us this week to discuss the challenges couples face when planning weddings, her approach to defining wedding aesthetics, and ways to save money while still creating a memorable event. Find Nora on Instagram at @engagedwithnora Visit thebridechilla.com for all the latest news! BriteCo: Modern Insurance for Modern Milestone...

Deliece Knights-Barnett, founder and CEO of Dhalia Events, joins us this week to discuss the complexities of moving in together and blending families. Deliece and Leah chat about some essential considerations to make – including financial management, household maintenance styles, and the importance of communication and compromise. Find Deliece on Instagram at @dhaliaevents! Visit thebridechilla.co...

Want to ditch the big wedding and elope? This episode's for you! Jenny Mac, creator of New York City-based Eloping is Fun, joins us this week to chat about the next steps after deciding to elope, as well as the creative ways couples are balancing traditions with a more intimate elopement or micro-wedding. Find Eloping is Fun on Instagram at @elopingisfun and their website elopingisfun.com Visit th...

Wedding budgets are important – and can quickly become overwhelming. Chandai Raghunauth, founder of Chandai Events, shares her insights on how to make budgeting for your wedding manageable – as well as a few tips for budgets after the wedding. Find Chandai on Instagram @chandaievents and at https://chandaievents.com/ Visit thebridechilla.com for all the latest news! BriteCo: Modern Insurance for M...

Clay Dunn, CEO of VOW For Girls, joins us this week to discuss how couples can support nonprofits and causes via their wedding registries. VOW For Girls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending child marriage by supporting grassroots efforts by community organizations. Find more information about VOW For Girls here: https://www.vowforgirls.org/ Find VOW For Girls on Instagram: @vowforgirls...

Jamie Coast, founder of Cotton & Bow, gives us the rundown on all things wedding stationery! Jamie sheds light on the variety of design methods available (from solo DIY to full customization with a designer), shares insights on 2025 trends in stationery, and has advice for ensuring your invitations arrive at their destination! Visit their website at: https://cottonandbow.com/ Find Jaime on Instagr...

Michael Cassara and Lauren O'Brien of The Vendor Table Podcast are back to talk about finding comfort in front of the camera during photos, photography pricing, and share more hot takes when it comes to first looks, cake smashing, and how it's a wedding toast-- not a speech! Listen to The Vendor Table wherever you get your podcasts and on Youtube! Find Michael, Lauren, and The Vendor Table podcast...

Michael Cassara and Lauren O’Brien, hosts of The Vendor Table podcast, are here this week to share their advice as wedding full-time photographers and hot takes on wedding trends from behind the lens! Tune in this Friday for our next conversation with Michael and Lauren! Listen to The Vendor Table wherever you get your podcasts and on Youtube! Find Michael, Lauren, and The Vendor Table podcast on...

We return to finish our conversation with Shari Rivkind and Morgan Weil from Bridelawyer about the often daunting world of wedding contacts and legalities. In this episode, we cover communication with vendors, preparing for destination weddings, and considerations for the name change process for United States couples, and more! Follow Bridelawyer on Instagram! @bridelawyers Click to find their boo...

Shari Rivkind and Morgan Weil from Bridelawyer are a mother-daughter duo dedicated to helping couples navigate the (oftentimes) daunting world of wedding contracts and legalities. In this episode, we highlight the importance of reviewing vendor contracts thoroughly, ensuring verbal agreements are documented, and debunk myths about prenups! Tune in this Friday to hear the rest of our discussion! Fo...

This week we discuss the crucial details of food and catering on your wedding day with Chef Dante Boccuzzi and Event Manager Stephanie Petras at the renowned restaurant Dante in Cleveland, Ohio. We cover valuable tips on food portions, menu tastings, and finding caterers that will ensure your day runs smoothly. Find more information about Dante at https://danteboccuzzi.com/cleveland-private-event-...