Bridechilla - Wedding Planning Podcast

Bridechilla went LIVE at The Elliot in Tremont, and we tackled one of the biggest questions couples ask: what’s the real difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator?

Leah is joined on stage by founder Stephanie Ridgely (The Elliot) and wedding planner Brandi Fisher (All Events Planned) for a candid, clarity-packed conversation about roles, boundaries, expectations, and the myths that cause major planning confusion. Get ready for plenty of “Ohhh, NOW I get it!” moments as we break down:

Find the Elliot on Instagram: http://instagram.com/theelliotcle

Find Brandi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/alleventsplanned

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 

Join Leah and luxury event planner Keith Willard for a deep dive into the craft of unforgettable wedding planning. From organizing childhood penny drives to collaborating with industry icons like Colin Cowie and David Tutera, Keith shares how his journey shaped his signature, high-touch approach.

Together, they explore:

Plus, Keith shares behind-the-scenes details from Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck’s wedding—and what everyday couples can learn from high-profile events. This is a must-listen for couples, planners, and anyone who believes the experience is the event.

Find Keith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithwillard

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/.

This episode is also sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

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.

Whether you're dreaming of a towering classic cake or a chic minimalist masterpiece, this episode has you covered. 🍰✨ Leah chats with wedding cake designer Armana Christianson of A. Cakes Bakery to break down everything couples need to know — from cake tastings and flavor pairings to fondant vs. buttercream, budgeting, and what’s trending in wedding cakes right now.

Armana shares insider advice on:

Choosing your cake style & flavor (trust your taste buds!)

The truth about buttercream vs. fondant

Serving sizes, pricing & contracts (no surprise fees!)

Texture, color & décor ideas for your design

Dietary-friendly and allergy-safe options

Creative dessert alternatives and cutting cake ideas

From dramatic sugar art to modern minimalist textures and dessert-table pairings, we’re giving you the sweetest insider scoop to make your cake taste as good as it looks.

Find Armana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.cakesbakery.az/

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/.

This episode is also sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

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 

Your fur baby is part of the family — so naturally they deserve a moment in the wedding-day spotlight. Leah chats with Veronica Silghigian, CEO of Pawfect for You, about how to include your pets in your big day while keeping things joyful, safe, and stress-free (for you and your four-legged VIP).From ring-bearing pups to aisle-trotting cats and everything in between, we’re covering the adorable and the behind-the-scenes logistics.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to know if your pet is wedding-day ready

✅ Roles pets can play that match their personality

✅ Why a pet-attendant is a total sanity-saver

✅ Venue rules, guest allergies & etiquette tips

✅ Pet-safety must-haves — weather, hydration & insurance

✅ Backup plans for behavior, “oops,” and surprise chaos moments

Because your wedding should be full of love, laughs, and maybe one very good boi making an entrance. 🐶

We're also joined by Dustin Lemick, CEO and Founder of our sponsor, BriteCo, for a segment covering jewelry insurance and how best to protect your jewelry -- before, during, and after your wedding!

Find Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawfectforyou/

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/.

This episode is also sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

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.

 We adore moms… until they turn into honorary co-planners with Very Big Opinions™. This week, Leah chats with Gloweddings’ mother–daughter team Sarona Farrell and Alicia Sowa about balancing love, tradition, and boundaries when the mom-squad is a little too invested in your wedding vision. Whether it’s “Back in my day…” energy, “But I'm paying for this” vibes, or “I already booked a florist” levels of enthusiasm, we break down how to set loving, respectful boundaries, stay grounded in what matters, and keep the peace without losing yourself in the process.

Because your wedding shouldn’t feel like you’re starring in Everybody Loves Raymond: Bridal Edition. You can honor your family and honor your wedding. You don’t have to choose.

Follow Glow Weddings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloweddings/

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 https://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.

Wedding planning can feel like a marathon — especially in a world flooded with picture-perfect trends and endless decision-making. Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events returns to share practical strategies for beating wedding planning fatigue. From balancing social media inspiration with your true vision to managing stress over long timelines, Jamie and Leah unpack how to stay inspired, intentional, and excited about your big day.

Find Jamie on Instagram: @mangomuseevents

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 https://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.

Dream wedding, not debt spiral 💸✨ From navigating rising costs to tuning out social media pressure, Leah sits down with wedding planner Michelle Elaine to get real about what truly matters on your big day. They break down smart budgeting tips, how to align your vision with your values, and the long-term impact of wedding debt. If you’re planning a celebration that’s meaningful and financially sane, this episode is your wedding-planning reality check.

Find Michelle on Instagram: @michelleelaine

⁠Get tickets to the November 13th LIVE Bridechilla Show in Cleveland, Ohio!

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 https://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.

Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services joins Leah to break down everything couples need to know about wedding entertainment — from live bands vs. DJs to blending cultures and choosing unique experiences that wow your guests. They also explore why entertainment should be a key factor when choosing your venue, so your party flows seamlessly from “I do” to the last dance.

Follow Kevin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsesevents/

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 https://sandals.com/.

⁠Get tickets to the November 13th LIVE Bridechilla Show in Cleveland, Ohio!

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.

Grief doesn’t pause for life’s big moments. Leah sits down with Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events to talk about the realities of wedding planning while grieving. From finding space for your emotions to creative ways to include loved ones who’ve passed, this conversation offers comfort, perspective, and practical support. 

Find Jamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangomuseevents

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.

Ghosting a vendor after you’ve booked them? Not a good look. Leah sits down with photographer and videographer Craig Peterman to talk about what happens behind the scenes when couples disappear, why pricing transparency matters, and how to build strong, respectful vendor relationships. From awkward follow-ups to legal implications, we’re keeping it real about what’s at stake when communication breaks down.

Find Craig on Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/petermanphotoandvideo/

⁠Get tickets to the November 13th LIVE Bridechilla Show in Cleveland, Ohio!

Episodes Referenced:

From Social Media Inspiration to Signature Style with Julian Ribinik (Episode 480)

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.