📝 Episode Notes:

Today’s guest, Abby Kesecker, is a talented photographer, devoted mom of three, and someone who knows firsthand how complicated, emotional, and unexpectedly funny weddings can be. Married at just 18 to her high school sweetheart, Abby opens up about planning her big day solo, dealing with tense family dynamics, and why she would elope in a heartbeat if she had a do-over.

In this candid, heartwarming conversation, Abby shares the highs and lows of her wedding day—including a beer keg fiasco, the moment she got laughed out of Men’s Warehouse, and why she danced with a bottle of wine. Plus, now a wedding photographer herself, Abby reflects on what she wishes she’d known then, what every bride needs to hear, and the wildest “wedding red flags or power moves” she’s seen.

Whether you're a bride-to-be, wedding pro, or just love real, unfiltered love stories—you’re going to feel this one.

In this episode:

• The emotional toll of family drama on the wedding day

• Budget tips, regrets, and what she’d do differently

• The farmhouse/mason jar aesthetic: still cute or no?

• Pro photographer tips for brides-to-be

• A hilarious game of “Wedding Red Flag or Power Move?”

👉 Hit play and get ready for real talk, real laughs, and a fresh dose of wedding wisdom.

❤️ Why It Matters:

Weddings are often painted as picture-perfect fairytales—but the reality is far more layered. Abby’s story matters because it sheds light on the unseen side of wedding planning: the emotional weight of family tension, the pressure of perfection, and the courage it takes to honor your own voice amid expectations.

By opening up about her struggles and sharing the lessons she’s learned—from both sides of the camera—Abby gives other brides permission to embrace imperfection, choose what truly matters, and find joy even when things don’t go to plan. Her honesty reminds us that a beautiful wedding isn’t about how flawless it looks—it’s about how deeply it’s felt.

Let’s Connect:

If this episode spoke to you, send it to someone you love. And tag me when you do — I’d love to see your stories and celebrate your love too.

Abby's Info:

📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠@abbykphoto

👩🏼‍💻 Website: ⁠⁠www.abigailkeseckerphotography.com/

📸 Instagram: ⁠@bridal.confessions⁠

👩🏼‍💻 Website: ⁠www.laurencasephoto.com/bridalconfessions/⁠

My Info:

📸 Instagram: ⁠@laurencase.photo⁠

👩🏼‍💻 Website: ⁠www.laurencasephoto.com⁠

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it means the world!

🎙️ Episode Summary:

This one’s for the lovers, the dreamers, and anyone who's ever planned a wedding thinking it would be smooth sailing... and then life laughed. 😂 In today’s episode, I’m sharing the real, raw, and beautiful story of our wedding day — the good, the crazy, and the “how is this even happening right now?” moments.

From military schedules and COVID madness, to late-nights, DJ ditching, and a last-minute ceremony surprise — this day was anything but conventional. And yet, it was perfect. Because at the end of it, we were married. And that’s all that mattered.

Takeaways:

• The podcast aims to share love stories and provide wedding planning advice.
• Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it should be a joyful experience.
• Engaging in personal anecdotes can help others relate and find humor in their own experiences.
• Choosing the right vendors, especially photographers and DJs, is crucial for a successful wedding.
• Short engagements can be challenging but also lead to memorable experiences.
• It's important to communicate wedding details clearly with family to avoid misunderstandings.
• Smaller weddings can create more intimate and memorable experiences.
• DIY decor can be tricky; having a planner can alleviate stress.
• Honeymoons don't have to be extravagant to be enjoyable.
• Brides should focus on what reflects their love story rather than traditional expectations.

Why It Matters:

Our wedding didn’t go “as planned.” But it went exactly the way it was supposed to. This episode is a love letter to every bride (or groom) navigating expectations, change, and big feelings. It’s a reminder that weddings are about the marriage, not just the day.

Let’s Connect:

If this episode spoke to you, send it to someone you love. And tag me when you do — I’d love to see your stories and celebrate your love too.

📸 Instagram: @bridal.confessions

👩🏼‍💻 Website: www.laurencasephoto.com/bridalconfessions/

Vendor Info:

📸 Instagram: @laurencase.photo

👩🏼‍💻 Website: www.laurencasephoto.com

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it means the world!