This Takes The Cake

This week on This Takes The Cake, Dallas sits down with Calista and Isabelle, the creative duo behind Grove Florals in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for their romantic, artistic floral installations, they share how they built their business, developed their signature style, and transformed weddings into immersive experiences. From floral trends and budgeting tips to entrepreneurship and creati...

In this episode, Sara sits down with Lauren and Jeffery to relive their June 30, 2012 wedding during one of the hottest weekends in South Carolina history. From sweating through khaki suits and editing sweat out of wedding photos to guests hiding in their cars for air conditioning, they share the hilarious reality of a record-breaking heat wave wedding. The conversation also goes beyond the big da...

In this episode of This Takes The Cake 🍰, Payton is joined by Faith—longtime assistant turned lead planner in our Myrtle Beach office—to break down the wedding video that unexpectedly went viral about Derby Day. What started as a fun, real behind-the-scenes moment quickly spiraled in the comments, proving just how wild the internet can get. They’re diving into what actually happened, how quickly...

In this episode of This Takes The Cake 🍰, Caroline from Tampa sits down with Michelle, founder of Guestlist, who built her app while planning her own destination wedding in Argentina. From how she met her husband to what it was really like planning an entire wedding weekend from afar, Michelle shares the behind-the-scenes of creating an unforgettable guest experience—and launching a business at t...

This week on This Takes The Cake, Sara sits down with Liza Roeser, founder and CEO of FiftyFlowers, to talk about how a Peace Corps assignment in Ecuador unexpectedly led her into the floral industry — and eventually to building one of the most recognizable flower companies in weddings. From shipping flowers farm-direct before online ordering was even normal, to helping thousands of couples create...

In this episode, we sit down with SEO expert Sara Dunn to break down how wedding pros can actually get found online—without the overwhelm. From understanding what SEO really is (in normal human terms) to fixing the most common mistakes vendors make, Sara shares actionable strategies that go beyond just “posting pretty blogs.” We dive into strategic blogging, showing up in local searches, and how A...

This week on Take the Cake, Dallas sits down with Faith, the powerhouse behind the newly launched Orlando office of Stunning & Brilliant Events. From how she first got her start with S&B to what it really looks like to open and lead a brand-new market, Faith shares the highs, the challenges, and the behind-the-scenes moments you don’t see on wedding day. It’s a candid conversation about gr...

What’s it really like planning a luxury wedding—from the groom’s perspective? 👀 In this episode, Jacque of Stunning & Brilliant Events sits down with Alex to break down every moment of his and Annie’s stunning Flagler Museum wedding, from how they found S&B to the behind-the-scenes decisions, unexpected challenges, and those “this takes the cake” memories. We’re talking groom POV (yes, th...

In this episode, Caroline and Alex break down one of the biggest wedding planning questions: where should you actually spend your money, and where can you save without anyone noticing? From the vendors that truly impact your wedding day—like photography, entertainment, and planning—to the details couples often overspend on, like favors, signage, and trendy décor, they share honest advice and real...

Ever wondered what it’s like planning an event for TV instead of a wedding or party? 🎬💐 Join Jacque and Chris and Madelyn from Heritage Floral Design as they spill the behind-the-scenes secrets of working with a production team. From timelines, calls, and emails to budgets, layouts, and florals that look perfect on camera, they share what it really takes to pull off a flawless event when the cam...

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at Stunning & Brilliant Events? 💍✨ They spill the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be part of a luxury, nationwide wedding company, how franchising works, and what it takes to collaborate with Sara and other franchises. Plus, get a peek into S&B’s fun team culture, including their unforgettable trip to St. Martin, and hear all about the adventur...

Pop culture meets wedding magic! 💍✨ Join Payton and Caroline as they dive into all the ways movies, TV shows, celebrity love stories, influencer events, and classic literature inspire today’s weddings. From Wuthering Heights–inspired gothic romance to Bridgerton garden-party vibes, onscreen weddings that steal our hearts, and influencer-inspired monograms and guest experiences, we’re breaking do...

Lauren, our Chicago owner, and her husband Randy are sharing their real-life wedding story —and yes, they’re original Stunning & Brilliant wedding clients! In this episode, they talk about planning their own wedding over 10 years ago, launching the S&B Chicago franchise in 2020, and what it’s really like being married to a wedding planner. They also chat about life with their daughter Scar...

In this episode, Sara sits down with Preston Lee, founder of The 30% Rule and hospitality expert, to talk all things guest experience. From how they first connected to what makes an experience truly memorable, Preston shares insights that are just as valuable for wedding and event vendors as they are for brides, grooms, and anyone looking to elevate how they show up for others. Whether it’s leader...

In this episode of our March Guest Experience series, we’re pulling back the curtain on the things we don’t do — and why that actually makes your wedding better. Yes, we care deeply about your guests and the overall experience, but we’re not babysitters, security guards, chauffeurs, therapists, or miracle workers. From hiding exes to flipping entire receptions mid-event (true story), we’re sharing...

Wedding weekends are officially having their moment — and honestly, one day just isn’t enough anymore. In this episode, Sara and Madison break down why full wedding weekend celebrations are becoming the new must-have, especially for destination weddings and couples with lots of out-of-town guests. From welcome parties and after-parties to farewell brunches and “take the cake” experiences they’ve s...

Join Alyssa, our Charleston owner, as she sits down at the Moxy Hotel Charleston with Deme from our S&B Charleston team to talk all things room blocks, bachelorettes, and creating an elevated guest hotel experience for your wedding weekend. From choosing the right property for your crew to maximizing amenities, planning seamless welcome vibes, and turning your hotel into part of the celebratio...

Photographer Paula and videographer David join Sara on this episode of our Love Stories series to share how their separate journeys into the wedding industry eventually became a shared creative career. They talk about what drew them to weddings, how they navigate working side by side as a married photo + video duo, and the challenges and joys of building a business together. Along the way, they ge...

On this Love Stories episode, Madison chats with The Davey Duo — the DJ + photographer husband-and-wife team who met and got married at Wedding MBA. They share how a vendor conference turned into a wedding venue, what it’s like working weddings as a couple, and the moments that make it all worth it. If you love unique meet-cutes and insider wedding stories, don’t skip this one. Follow us on all th...

As part of our February Love Stories series, we’re sitting down with Alyssa, our Charleston owner, and her husband Ben to talk about love, family, and building businesses side-by-side. They’re sharing how they met in college while Alyssa was launching her wedding planning career, how Ben ended up owning our sister mobile bar company Leon or Lime CHS, and what life looks like now with their one-yea...

This episode is part of our Love Stories Series for February, where we’re celebrating love in all its forms — including building a life and business side by side. 💍📸 Host Jacque (Palm Beach) sits down with Kristy & Vic, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo known for capturing joyful, timeless love stories while being the ultimate calm-meets-hype team on wedding days. From working toget...

In the final episode of our All Things New series, Jacque chats with Thomas Thorogood, a wedding special effects expert, about the latest innovations that can make your wedding unforgettable. From CO2 blasts to confetti and other modern “take the cake” moments, Thomas shares how couples can incorporate new trends to wow their guests and create Instagram-worthy experiences. Follow us on all the thi...

What’s next in weddings? We’re talking all things new for 2026. ✨Ashley P from our Charlotte office and Caroline from Tampa are sharing the trends they’re seeing emerge—from fresh design details to shifts in how couples are planning and celebrating. If you love being ahead of the curve (or just want to know what’s about to be everywhere), this episode is for you. Caroline Green & Ashley Pirig...

Nina and Alex break down how S&B is evolving with the times — staying on trend for our clients, using AI to save major planning hours, and still keeping every detail personal and intentional. From onboarding calls to new systems shaping how we work, this is your roadmap to planning smarter in 2026 without losing the magic. Nina Lerman & Alex Bradshaw Follow us on all the things! ⁠https://w...

In our first episode of 2026, Sara and Michelle are kicking off the year with all things NEW – starting with destination weddings! Michelle shares her wild Cabo wedding experience, from tricky weather and airport adventures to an unforgettable “this takes the cake” fire moment. Hear how she navigated planning a wedding somewhere she’d never been, the surprises along the way, and tips for planners...