Shoot the Vows

Your ceremony isn't just a formality, it's the actual heart of your wedding day. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Keri Klein of Flower City Ceremonies to talk all things wedding officiating. Keri shares how she custom writes every single ceremony from scratch, what makes a ceremony truly memorable, and why your wedding day is just a really expensive party without one. We're talk...

If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change? In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we are getting real about everything we wish we knew before planning our weddings — and what Kalee would do differently when her day finally comes, knowing everything she knows now from being in the industry. We're talking about: 📷 Why DIY weddings aren't always the budget-friendly option you...

Your wedding photos and video don't have to be a gamble — promise. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we are breaking down exactly what couples can do (and what to avoid) to make sure their wedding photos and video come out as good as possible. From lighting and location choices to getting ready spaces and timeline planning, they're sharing the real behind-the-scenes stuff your photographer and vi...

What happens when a musician shows up to a fairy-tale forest wedding and just... plays? You get the kind of ceremony that gives guests chills before the couple even reaches the altar. In this episode, we sit down with Kylie Brown, a multi-instrumentalist and wedding musician based in Ithaca, New York, to talk about why live music might be the most underrated thing missing from your wedding day. We...

What happens when a forgotten Baptist church sits empty for 30 years and someone finally says "yeah, let's turn this into a wedding venue"? You get The Mizpah — a gothic, moody, completely one-of-a-kind wine sanctuary and event space in the heart of downtown Syracuse, and we are obsessed. In this Venue Spotlight episode, we're sitting down with Mike Green and Jenna Ellis to talk about how they're...

Planning a wedding comes with approximately one million things to buy, book, rent, upgrade, personalize, and panic-Google at 11 p.m. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're talking through different wedding expenses and deciding what we think is worth the splurge and what you can probably save on without ruining the day. We go category by category and share our honest opinions on where your money...

Before you pin one more peony bouquet on Pinterest, listen to this. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Courtney Rapp from Westcott Florist to pull back the curtain on everything that goes into wedding florals — from the real vs. faux debate to why your flower budget might be higher than you expected (and what you're actually paying for). Whether you're overwhelmed by option...

This might be the most personal and unforgettable wedding gift you never thought of. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with bridal boudoir photographer Rae Taryn to talk about why boudoir sessions are having a major moment with brides right now — and why so many couples are calling it the best gift of the entire wedding experience. From what to expect during your session to cre...

Your engagement session doesn't have to be awkward — promise. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sharing all of our best tips for getting the most out of your engagement session, whether you're doing photos, video, or both. From what to wear and how to prep to what actually makes the difference between stiff, posed shots and images that feel like you — we're covering everything you need to k...

Your food choices affect way more than just your guests' plates. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Creative Caterers at Glendoveer in Rochester, NY to talk about what really goes into wedding catering — and what most couples don't realize until it's too late. From how your menu impacts your timeline and flow to the biggest planning mistakes that lead to unnecessary stress,...

"Just have your uncle shoot the wedding. He has a nice camera." 😳 In this episode of Shoot the Vows, Kalee and I are reacting to some of the worst wedding advice that's floating around the internet (and family group chats). From skipping vendors to cutting corners that will absolutely come back to haunt you, we're breaking down why this "advice" can actually ruin your wedding day — and what you s...

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of a flawless wedding day? Spoiler: it's never as "effortless" as it looks. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Eliza Jane from Eliza Jane Events — a luxury wedding planner and designer based in Rochester, NY — to talk about the invisible work that goes into pulling off a seamless celebration. From vendor management and timeline piv...

Thinking about popping the question? This one's for you. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're breaking down everything you need to know about planning the perfect proposal — from the big-picture logistics to the little details that make the moment truly unforgettable. We're talking about why hiring a photographer for your proposal is worth every penny, how to plan an engagement session, and al...

Nobody tells you that planning a wedding can feel like a second job that also makes you cry. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Ashley Statt from Statt Events to get real about why wedding planning is so overwhelming — and more importantly, how to actually get through it without losing your mind (or your relationship). From the mistakes couples make right after getting enga...

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with DJ Tori Vee, VP and DJ/MC at Washburn Entertainment, to talk all about MCs and why the right one can completely make or break your reception. We cover what an MC actually does (spoiler: it's way more than just a DJ who talks), why personality matters more than anything when picking one, and what separates a great MC from a cringey one. Tori break...

"I don't think I need a videographer." We hear it ALL the time. So in this episode, Caitlyn plays devil's advocate and puts Kalee in the hot seat. Budget concerns, the classic "am I even going to watch it?" debate, and every reason couples talk themselves out of wedding video... we break it all down. Whether you're on the fence or already convinced you're skipping video, this one might change your...

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're joined by Kristen DeBadts from New York Wedding Expos to talk all about wedding expos, what they are, why couples should attend them, and how to make the most of the experience. If you're newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed about where to start with planning, wedding expos can be one of the fastest ways to meet vendors, discover new ideas, and get a jump...

We're breaking down everything that happens after "I do," from grand entrances to last call on the dance floor. We're sharing tips on keeping your reception timeline smooth, your dance floor packed, and your guests happy, plus the common mistakes we see couples make and why you should never skip sunset photos. What We Cover: -Grand entrance and first dance tips -Toasts and speeches (keeping them s...

Nobody's planning their wedding thinking about insurance — but maybe they should be. In this episode, we sit down with local Allstate agent Jon Gruenewald to break down everything you need to know about event insurance. What does it actually cover? When should you get it? And what about insuring your ring? Jon clears up the most common misconceptions so you can protect your day (and your investmen...

Cocktail hour sounds simple enough — some appetizers, a signature drink, maybe a lawn game or two. But there's actually a lot going on behind the scenes (especially for the couple), and a few easy mistakes that can throw off the whole vibe. In this episode, we're breaking down everything cocktail hour — from how long it should actually be, to what you should be doing during it (hint: it's not just...

What would a couple actually change about their wedding if they could do it all over? In this episode, we sit down with past clients Sahra and Bill for an honest Q&A about their wedding experience—the stuff they loved, the things they regret, and the one disaster that almost derailed the day. We're covering: → What they wish they knew before planning → Regrets (and what they'd do differently) → Th...

Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, so let's make sure it feels right. In this episode, we're breaking down all the big ceremony decisions — from what you say to who's standing up there with you. What you'll learn: 💍 The pros and cons of sharing personal vows with guests vs. saving them for just the two of you ✍️ Tips for writing your own wedding vows (and when traditional vows might...

Trying to figure out when to start wedding dress shopping? Wondering what to expect at your first bridal appointment? In this episode, we sit down with Marie Adornato, owner of Spy Baby Bridal and Prom in Syracuse, NY and designer behind Adornato Couture, to get all her insider tips for brides navigating the gown shopping experience. In this episode, we cover: ⏰ The ideal shopping and shipping ti...

This week on Shoot the Vows, we're diving into some juicy Reddit wedding drama! From planning nightmares to guest dress code disasters, we're breaking down three viral stories and giving our honest takes. In this episode: 🔥 "What I wish I knew before planning a wedding" — the realities no one warns you about 🔥 "AITA for wanting to plan MY wedding?" — when family opinions go too far 🔥 "Wedding S...

Thinking about a barn or ranch wedding in Central New York? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Ridley from Nunda Ranch to talk about what couples really need to know before booking a rustic venue.   Nicole shares insider tips on what sets barn and ranch venues apart from traditional spaces, the questions you should be asking on every venue tour, and what's typically included versus what you'...