We’re welcoming Patrice Nash today, a wedding planner that Hannah has worked with in the past. Patrice’s business, Perfect Perfections Events, is based in Atlanta but she also travels for work. She started doing corporate and family events, and eventually became a wedding planner.

Patrice shares the questions she asks couples when she first starts working with them and what helps her decide if a couple is a good fit for her. Generally, she tries to limit email conversations and prefers to talk over phone or text, which is much more effective when you’re trying to understand someone’s needs or personality.

Pinterest is a really important tool for wedding planners. However, Patrice doesn’t require her clients to share their inspiration in any particular way — as long as they are real and raw, she can deliver. She’s diligent in communicating with her clients because she knows how important this is for couples who are planning their wedding.

Patrice says that some of her clients struggle with budget and explains how she guides them through that. She emphasizes that it’s not about sacrificing, but sometimes just a matter of tweaking. Keeping in mind what really matters can help couples stay within their budget.

If you are getting a family member to help you with your wedding, Patrice recommends you check their credentials. Even if it’s delicious, your dad does not need to be frying chicken on your wedding day. Lastly, Patrice shares what she wishes would disappear from the wedding industry altogether.

Perfect Perfections Events website: https://www.perfectperfectionsevents.com/

In this episode we’ve got Wes Brawner. He is the owner of Wes Brawner Events and Pennywhistle Creative, which are DJ and videography businesses, respectively.

Wes has been in the wedding business for around 13 years now. Beginning as a DJ, Wes built his business on the back of his reputation and on having his own equipment. He went from doing 5 weddings a year to topping out at 95 in a year. He picked up videography in 2016, initially as a way to get promotional footage of himself, before stepping in to be videographer in an emergency. The business grew from there.

When Wes meets with clients, he wants to know their story. Knowing more about the couple helps him connect with them and to tailor his services to them. When it comes to planning as a DJ, it’s all about customization and invoking the couples’ energy. It’s also important for Wes to go to each table and connect with guests so they feel more comfortable coming up to make requests.

Before you book with Wes, make sure that you have done your research. That goes for any vendor you book: make sure you know the kind of work they do to make sure you gel. Only book what you need for your day.  Don’t overbook your vendor timewise, because it’s money you don’t need to spend. Budget is important in wedding planning. but it’s more important to understand that not everything will be perfect. Always have a plan B.

Wes also adds that he wants people to drop the take home gifts. It’s more work and money for you that you don’t need to spend.

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/wesbrawner

www.instagram.com/wesbrawnerevents

www.instagram.com/pennywhistlecreative

Danae Smalley, owner of Danae Smalley Weddings in Atlanta, is our guest in this episode. Danae and her husband have been running their business together and offer photography and videography for your special day.

Danae and her husband, Caleb, didn’t have a wedding, which inspired them to start their business to help other couples get the day that they didn’t. Working with people on such a personal level is what Danae loves about her work – she wants to know people and show them her authentic self as well.

If you are looking at booking Danae, make sure you have your date and venue set and a back up day ready. Also, make sure to tell your photographer what time of day your wedding is. Outside photos at noon will look different compared to inside photos. Make sure you know how lighting will affect your shots.

Danae goes on to share her tips for budgeting for a photographer and advises you to be up front about what you can spend. More often than not, people will be willing to work with you on pricing. It’s also important to look at a photographer’s full gallery to get a full picture of their skills and style.

When it comes to wedding planning, be flexible. It’s going to reduce stress and make it easer for everyone involved. Once your big day comes, enjoy it! If Danae could make one thing disappear about weddings, it would be the pressure to do things for other people.

Danae Smalley: https://danaesmalley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danaesmalley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danaesmalleyphotography/

Our guest in this episode is Lauren Fici, CEO of In an Instant Events. Lauren has been wedding planning for about 5 years and loves what she does.

Lauren explains how her mother inspired her to get into the event planning space. Ever since she can remember, her mother was part of a group called the Wedding Belles that would help organize each others’ weddings. In 2019, Lauren’s mother passed away but remains a huge influence and inspiration to her.

When Lauren meets with clients, she wants to get to know them first. How did they meet? How long have they been together? Why did they pick their venue? All these questions help to shape an idea of the ceremony in Lauren’s mind.

To personalize events, Lauren has some ceremony staples in reserve to help out couples and save on budget. Lauren also likes to surprise her couple. For example, for one wedding she surprised the couple at their llama-themed wedding with two real llamas. It’s the little personal touches that make a ceremony unique and memorable.

Before your big day, it’s important to know and understand your venues’ COVID policy. Each venue may have different restrictions and policies to follow, so make sure you check ahead of time. Make sure to know about any rescheduling fees for venues, bands, etc.

Remember that it’s your day, so don’t feel like you have to please everyone. Make sure you have open communication with your partner and that you both have input. Give yourself reasonable boundaries for not talking about the wedding too! 

Website: https://inaninstantevents.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaninstantevents/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InAnInstantEvents/

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we’re joined by Natalie, whose wedding Hannah shot this past May. Natalie and her husband, Luke, have been together for six years. He proposed in 2018, so they actually had quite a long engagement. 

Natalie and Luke started dating in their senior year of high school. She shares when she realized that this relationship was it for them and how this influenced their decisions for college. She also shares how she went about the planning process and what the benefits were in planning her wedding date so far out.

Natalie dishes on her venue and how the amenities they offered made it that much more special. One unique feature was a shower in the men’s dressing area. As a relaxed bride, she feels like she did a great job at getting the big tasks done, but she did miss the smaller pieces like a guestbook. Thank goodness her mother-in-law was able to step in and save the day!

She shares what she was looking for in a photographer and why she chose Hannah. Natalie believes it’s really a matter of knowing what you like and hiring the photographer who shoots and edits in that style. You also want to be compatible with the photographer because, quite often, they will be spending the whole day with you.

Natalie spills on what was worth every penny and what she wishes she would have spent less on for her wedding. She says that her favorite part of the day was driving to and from the ceremony alone with her husband. At the end of the day, it’s the little things that make all the difference on your big day.

Today we are welcoming Adam Pace, owner of Adam Pace Photography. He has been in the photography field since learning about film photography in college in 2008.

Adam takes us through how he went from a Computer Science major to a Photography and Art student after discovering his passion in college. He also talks about the burnout he experienced after college and how he put his camera down until his son was born in 2015. The advent of social media is what drove his shift into starting his own business.

When catering to individuals in-studio, Adam wants to know what is most important to them. It’s about finding out who they are and determining a creative way to capture it. It’s also important to listen to questions from your clients and let them give you some guidance.

Adam goes on to explain that it is important to understand your prospective photographer’s style and if it aligns with your vision of your wedding. It is so important to share the style, lighting, and effects that you love with your photographer to find out if they are a good fit. Understand that not everyone is right for you and has their own skills and style.

If Adam could make one thing disappear about weddings, it’s the concept of the Bridezilla. He’s never encountered one. Another thing to ditch is the concept of the huge Disney Princess wedding. You don’t need the bells and whistles; you just need your loved ones and each other.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adampacephotography/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamPacePhotography

Macy Frazier is with us in this episode, whom I met when I was hired as the photographer for her wedding. Macy and her husband Peter got married earlier this year, and they had a very unique wedding - I was blown away. Macy is the perfect person to give tips to other couples looking to have a different, out-of-the-box sort of wedding.

Macy starts by sharing a little bit about how she and Peter met and fell in love. They got engaged last September and married June 2021. Although she knew she wanted an outdoor wedding, once they got engaged, she didn’t have any other details in mind.

We hear how she went about planning her wedding and how she avoided decision fatigue. She shares what she wishes she would have known before she started planning her big day. One important thing to remember is that it’s okay to ask for help, especially when someone is an expert in the area you need assistance with.

Having amazing photos of your wedding day truly becomes priceless. It’s important to find a photographer that can capture images you will love and do your wedding justice. Macy talks about what the most important parts of her wedding were and what she would have spent less money on looking back.

Macy dives into some of the details of her wedding and reveals what was so unique about it. She shares her favorite part of the wedding day and the moments she enjoyed the most. Macy suggests investing in a good DJ who will keep your reception lively and upbeat - she’s so glad she did.

Venue:  RLM Affairs

DJ: Reginald Sykes with Chief Rocka Entertainment

Photographer: www.ritaweddingstudio.com

Today we are welcoming my friend Candice. She owns Bliss Formal Hair and also works for Bridal Beauty Authority out of Atlanta. Candice has been a Hair and Makeup Artist for weddings for the past eight years.

Candice takes us through what her typical process looks like in working with clients. She doesn’t always meet her brides before the wedding unless they request a trial. She is always sure to ask questions of the bride beforehand to make sure she can meet their expectations on their big day.

We hear about what she feels the value of her service is on the client’s wedding day. Above all else, trust and understanding are so important to cultivate between a stylist and the client. It’s about collaborating and working together to come up with a vision and execute a look the client will be happy with. When you hire a stylist or makeup artist, you should expect a professional and comfortable experience.

Candice also shares her advice for planning a wedding, and how you can make the engagement and planning process more enjoyable. Interestingly enough, on Candice’s own wedding day, she did her own hair as well as her bridesmaids’ hair. For her, staying busy helped her manage the stress of the morning.

If Candice could make anything disappear from the wedding industry, she would give the answers most vendors do: the pandemic. Of course, this has had a major influence on weddings over the past year. So many brides are on their third wedding date and finally getting married. When she’s not hard at work, Candice co-hosts a storytelling True Crime podcast called “No F*cking Way”.

Bliss Formal Hair Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissformalhair/

NFW Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfwpodcast

Today we are welcoming my friend Candice. She owns Bliss Formal Hair and also works for Bridal Beauty Authority out of Atlanta. Candice has been a Hair and Makeup Artist for weddings for the past eight years.

Candice takes us through what her typical process looks like in working with clients. She doesn’t always meet her brides before the wedding unless they request a trial. She is always sure to ask questions of the bride beforehand to make sure she can meet their expectations on their big day.

We hear about what she feels the value of her service is on the client’s wedding day. Above all else, trust and understanding are so important to cultivate between a stylist and the client. It’s about collaborating and working together to come up with a vision and execute a look the client will be happy with. When you hire a stylist or makeup artist, you should expect a professional and comfortable experience.

Candice also shares her advice for planning a wedding, and how you can make the engagement and planning process more enjoyable. Interestingly enough, on Candice’s own wedding day, she did her own hair as well as her bridesmaids’ hair. For her, staying busy helped her manage the stress of the morning.

If Candice could make anything disappear from the wedding industry, she would give the answers most vendors do: the pandemic. Of course, this has had a major influence on weddings over the past year. So many brides are on their third wedding date and finally getting married. When she’s not hard at work, Candice co-hosts a storytelling True Crime podcast called “No F*cking Way”.

Bliss Formal Hair Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissformalhair/

NFW Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfwpodcast

On this episode of Dream Day Radio we’re joined by Rachel Maglott. She owns Compass Films, a videography and photography business that she started with her husband, Caleb. Rachel does most of the photography, and Caleb primarily focuses on videography with the rest of their team. They capture the love story of their clients on the biggest day of their lives: their wedding day.

One thing Rachel and Caleb have always had in common is their love for videography. Having friends in the wedding photography industry, they slowly started to help out on wedding days. Over time, they eventually made the leap into starting their own business.

Rachel shares a little bit about how the process unfolds if you want to work with them. She breaks down the initial call and the questions she asks clients once they get started in working together. She also shares her advice on what couples should ask potential videographers and photographers.

Cost is something that most couples consider closely when planning their wedding, and Rachel shares how clients can save on their services. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask if a business offers any discounts. Rachel emphasizes what it takes to get a quality result and what kind of shots are most helpful in telling your love story through video.

When it comes to your big day, being in the moment is the most important thing. Sometimes you have to let go of the little things and realize that the details don’t matter. The wedding planning process is so much longer than the actual day, so it’s important to enjoy it every step of the way.

Compass Films: https://www.thecompassfilms.com/

Dream Day Radio's mission is to empower budget conscious couples to ENJOY planning their wedding day! The wedding industry can have unrealistic expectations for what couples can afford. Your dream wedding day doesn't have to have a giant price tag! I bring on wedding professionals to give you all the insider information so you can be prepared when diving into planning your wedding. You will also get advice from recently married couples on how to make wedding planning WAY less stressful and how to make it the day you have always dreamed of!