Weddings Unscripted

There's more to wedding catering than just great food—and the real magic happens behind the scenes with people you'll never meet. In this episode, we sit down with Mary Margaret from Ridgewell's Catering , one of DC's most established catering companies (founded in 1928!), to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to execute flawless wedding catering. From warehouse managers to pantry staff...

From Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement to Sofia Richie's French fairytale, celebrity weddings always capture the spotlight—but they also quietly shape trends that trickle into everyday weddings. In this episode, we dive into the glitz, drama, and influence of high-profile "I dos," sharing what planners and couples can learn (and adapt) from the celebrity wedding playbook.   What we discus...

When you think "wedding cake," you probably think dry, flavorless, forgettable dessert. But what if it didn't have to be that way? In this episode, we sit down with Alison Friedman , founder of Liberty Bakery in Fairfax, Virginia, to talk about revolutionizing wedding cakes with her "birthday cake for your wedding" philosophy. From culinary school origins to pound cake pride, Alison shares how she...

There's a new vendor shaking up the wedding world—and it's not your planner, florist, or DJ. In this episode, Alexandra and Alison sit down with Lauren Ashley , founder of In the Moment Content Creators , to talk about the fast-growing role of wedding content creators. From raw, behind-the-scenes clips to TikTok-ready reels, Lauren shares how this new vendor category is changing the way couples, p...

Ready to dive into fall wedding season? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted , we share what's on our calendars for an exciting October lineup while discussing the art of helping clients discover their true wedding vision. From venues like River Farm and Stone Tower Winery to the International Spy Museum, we reveal how the best weddings happen when couples move beyond Pinterest inspiration to cr...

What happens when 130+ wedding vendors come together to discuss the real challenges facing the industry? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted , we share insights from our experience moderating a groundbreaking vendor roundtable at Stone Tower Winery. Hosted by Kate Denman of Floret and Vine and Lisa Harvard, this collaborative discussion tackled everything from client expectations and ghosting t...

There's no college degree for wedding planning—and even if there were, it wouldn't prepare you for some of the requests we have faced. In this episode, we share real-life stories from the trenches: the hilarious, the heartwarming, and the "are you kidding me?" moments that taught us how to adapt, set boundaries, and still deliver unforgettable celebrations. From rainy-day rescues to last-minute in...

Is your hair and makeup team just there to glam you up—or can they shape your entire wedding day experience? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted , we sit down with Amie Decker , one of D.C.'s top hair and makeup artists, to talk about the evolving role of bridal beauty. From airbrush myths and scheduling tips to emotional support and finding the right fit, Amie shares insights from over 20 year...

What really makes a wedding day flow seamlessly? In this dynamic episode of Weddings Unscripted , we sit down with Washington, D.C.-based wedding photographer Kir Tuben who brings nearly a decade of experience capturing unforgettable moments and navigating the ever-evolving world of weddings. Together, we unravel the secrets to successful vendor collaboration, from personality matching to balancin...

Are garter toss still a thing? What about mismatched bridesmaids? In this trend-forward episode of Weddings Unscripted , we break down which wedding trends have stood the test of time—and which ones need to quietly exit the chat. From signature cocktails and photo booths to mismatched décor and second looks, we share our insider perspectives from years of planning weddings and watching fads come a...

Ever wondered what wedding planners really think about guest behavior? In this laugh-out-loud and eye-opening episode of Weddings Unscripted , we down the most outrageous, frustrating, and just plain baffling things we've seen guests do at weddings—and what you should absolutely avoid if you're attending one. From surprise plus-ones and giant gift boxes to inappropriately sloshed uncles and childr...

What's it like to DJ 50+ weddings a year—and then plan your own? In this high-energy and heart-filled episode of Weddings Unscripted , we chat with Jake Sherman of Washington Talent , who brings decades of family history, professional experience, and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories to the mic. From DJing dance-floor-packed receptions to managing event logistics and literally helping relocate a...

What happens when a mother of the bride knows her limits—and hires a planner to save the day? In this heartfelt episode of Weddings Unscripted , Alex and Alison chat with Stephanie , whose daughter's Chesapeake Bay wedding went off without a hitch thanks to the help of a talented wedding planner. Stephanie shares what it was like helping plan a destination-inspired wedding in Maryland while the co...

Ever wonder what happens when planning your wedding leads to a whole new career path? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted , we're joined by past bride-turned-floral-designer Audrey Klein of Le Jardin Klein . From a Bridgerton-inspired wedding to her first big floral installation, Audrey shares how a magical experience with her wedding florist sparked a full-blown creative journey—and business....

Thinking of hosting your wedding at home or under a tent? This episode is your essential reality check. In this episode of  Weddings Unscripted , we're joined by expert planner and author Janice Carnavale of Bellwether Events , who shares hard-won wisdom from decades of producing elevated home weddings. From rain plans and power logistics to sentimental details and viral disasters, this episode pu...

In one of the sweetest surprises we've ever experienced, a family of ducklings waddled into a wedding ceremony—and straight into the hearts of everyone there. In this feel-good episode of  Weddings Unscripted , Alex is joined by Carlene from the Cherry Blossom Events team and Phoebe from Purple Onion Catering to relive the viral moment, now featured in People Magazine . What started as a beautiful...

This week, Alex and Ali are joined by the incredibly talented Andie Ingagliato from Costola Photography for a candid conversation about what it's really like behind the lens on a wedding day. From artistic inspiration to timeline strategy, Andie opens up about working with high-end clients, building trust with planners, and what makes for truly meaningful photos. You'll also hear about her experie...

Welcome back to Part 2 of our deep dive into one of the most creatively layered wedding weekends we've ever planned. In this episode, Alex and Ali break down the full design story behind a four-day luxury wedding—from a sparkle-themed boat arrival to a moody penthouse welcome party and a wedding ceremony dripping in baby's breath and architectural symbolism. We're taking you inside every design de...

Ever wondered what really goes into planning a wedding with a massive guest lists? In this episode, Alexandra and Alison pull back the curtain on one of the most logistically intense—and emotionally rewarding—weddings they've worked on. From coordinating multiple vendors to adapting on the fly when plans changed, the Cherry Blossom team shares the real behind-the-scenes scoop of what it's like man...

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted , Alex and Ali share real stories from behind the scenes—those unforgettable (and sometimes hilarious) moments when even the best-laid wedding plans needed some quick thinking and major teamwork. From battling unexpected weather disasters to sewing a bridesmaid's dress out of a table linen, Alex and Ali reveal what it truly takes to roll with the punches and...

When it comes to wedding planning, most couples focus on the big things—venue, dress, caterer, band. But what about the small stuff ? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted , we pull back the curtain on the hundreds (yes, hundreds ) of little decisions that go into creating a flawless event. From choosing the right napkin fold to finalizing your last dance song , we walk through the often-overlook...

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we speak with our good friend and vendor partner, Sarah Lusk from Design Cuisine, a leading catering company in Washington DC. Sarah discusses the history of Design Cuisine , the evolution of catering, the logistics and challenges of off-premise catering, and the importance of understanding venue rules.  We also explore current trends in catering, emphasizin...

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, host Alexandra Pare and Alison Golt interviews Kate Denman from Floret and Vine, exploring her journey in the floral design industry. They discuss the challenges and creativity involved in floral arrangements, the evolution of Kate's business, and the importance of teamwork in executing successful events. The conversation highlights the intricacies of floral...

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alexandra Pare and Alison discuss the intricacies of wedding budgeting. They explore how to determine a budget, the importance of understanding costs associated with various vendors, and the impact of family contributions. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication with clients about their expectations and the realities of wedding expenses....

In our second episode of Weddings Unscripted, Ali and I reflect on the wedding trends of the past year, diving into fashion, guest experiences, and the importance of personalization. We share our insights on how wedding fashion is evolving, the rise of mocktails, and why creating unique experiences for guests matters more than ever. We also discuss some unexpected challenges we've encountered in t...