Bridechilla - Wedding Planning Podcast

PR expert Meghan Ely joins the show to break down what’s happening in the wedding industry right now—from evolving trends and shifting client expectations to the growing role of transparency, social listening, and authentic marketing. She shares insights from recent industry conferences and what both couples and vendors need to know to navigate today’s wedding landscape with confidence.

In today’s sponsored segment, Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Director of Romance and Weddings at Sandals Resorts, shares why Caribbean destination weddings offer more than stunning scenery. From cultural connection and personalized experiences to sustainability and local flavor, discover how Sandals creates celebrations that feel meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours.

Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. You can also call 1-800-SANDALS or 1-800-BEACHES to learn more.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠

This episode is your go-to guide for the legal side of getting married and planning your future.

Leah is joined by Morgan and Shari of Bridelawyer to break down what couples need to know—from prenups and cohabitation agreements to maternity leave and workplace rights. They also share a preview of their upcoming podcast season and how they make complex legal topics more approachable through storytelling.

We cover:

Prenups, postnups, and why they matter

Engagement rings, cohabitation, and shared assets

Evolving family law around maternity leave and workplace protections

Modern family topics like surrogacy, embryo ownership, and LGBTQIA+ considerations

Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or thinking about starting a family, this episode will help you better understand your options and protect your future.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM 

What happens when a groom asks the questions everyone’s thinking?

Leah and Brittny Knight of Love, Inc. sit down with groom Jesse Nager for a candid Q&A on wedding traditions, destination planning, and how to balance family expectations with doing things your way.

Plus, the story of a proposal… that took eight tries in Ireland!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

Wedding invitations might look simple, but mailing them has gotten a lot more complicated.

From rising postage costs to counterfeit stamp scams and unexpected shipping delays, couples are running into problems they never anticipated. That’s why Leah sits down with Jamie Coast, founder of Cotton & Bow, to break down what you actually need to know before sending your save-the-dates and invitations.

Jamie shares practical tips to help couples avoid costly mistakes and create invitation suites that are beautiful, functional, and budget-smart.

In this episode, we cover:

• How recent USPS changes are affecting wedding invitations and save-the-dates

• Why buying stamps from third-party sellers can cause serious problems • What invitations really cost—from simple designs to luxury handmade paper

• How upgraded shipping and tracking can prevent mailing delays

• 2026 invitation trends including die-cut shapes, watercolor details, and AI-generated artwork

• Common DIY invitation mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Whether you're designing your invitations yourself or working with a stationery designer, this episode will help you mail your wedding invitations with confidence—and without unnecessary stress.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

Wedding speeches can go very right… or very wrong.

Brian Franklin, co-founder of Vows and Speeches, joins me to share the biggest mistakes, the horror stories you won’t believe, and how to actually nail your speech without overthinking it or making it awkward.

We get into what makes a speech land, what instantly loses a room, and how to strike the balance between heartfelt, funny, and memorable without rambling or oversharing.

In our sponsored segment, Wendy White, senior manager of training and development for celebrations at Sandals, joins us to share insights into planning unforgettable multi-generational weddings and honeymoons at Beaches Resorts, part of Sandals’ iconic family-friendly collection. Discover how these resorts cater to every age and interest, making family celebrations seamless and joyful.

Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. You can also call 1-800-SANDALS or 1-800-BEACHES to learn more.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

Step inside Seasons of Love, hosted at the historic The Elliot in Cleveland.

In this live episode, Leah is talking with vendors and brides in the middle of planning, sharing what they actually care about, what’s changing, and how to plan without the overwhelm.

From shifting priorities to real-time decision making, these conversations give you an inside look at what modern wedding planning actually feels like, beyond the Pinterest boards.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

Choosing a wedding venue can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, Leah sits down with Shannon Tarrant, founder of Wedding Venue Map, to break down what couples actually need to know before booking their venue. From budget realities and guest list logistics to hidden restrictions and key questions you should always ask, Shannon shares practical insights to help you avoid common planning pitfalls.

They also talk about how couples can balance personalization with practicality, and why the right venue can make the entire planning process smoother from the start.

Whether you're just starting your search or narrowing down options, this conversation will help you approach venue shopping with clarity and confidence.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

In this episode, Leah sits down with Ayla and Juliet from Lulus to break down the top bridal fashion trends for Spring 2026. From minimalist wedding dresses paired with bold details to statement accessories that transform a bridal look, they explore what’s resonating with modern couples right now.

The conversation covers emerging silhouettes, fabric choices, evolving color trends, and why versatility across wedding weekends matters more than ever. You’ll also hear how celebrity wedding style influences bridal fashion, why personal expression should always come before “rules,” and how to style a wedding look that feels confident, comfortable, and uniquely you.

Perfect for brides, stylists, and anyone obsessed with wedding fashion.

Shop with Lulus at lulus.com

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

Adrienne Gardner of The Gardner Effect returns to bust the biggest myths in modern wedding planning — from the infamous “wedding tax” to vendor referrals, commissions, and the always-confusing world of tipping.

Adrienne also shares unforgettable true stories from her years of planning to show how flexibility, transparency, and experience can make or break a smooth wedding day.

Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in planning mode, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and a whole lot of “oh wow, I never knew that!”

📲Follow Adrienne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardnereffect/

Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TGEcoach

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ 

Bridechilla listener and bride-to-be Sam joins Leah and planner Michelle Elaine for a candid bonus Q&A episode tackling some of the most frustrating parts of wedding planning.

Find Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleelaine/

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE!  ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠