Planning a wedding and don’t know where to start? In this episode, Tess sits down with Brittney from Nuptial Collective; the creative team behind Tess and Shaun’s four-day Beverly Hills celebration, to share practical, actionable tips for planning the perfect wedding, no matter your budget or location.

Together they unpack the real steps of wedding planning: when to book suppliers, what a wedding planner actually does, how to choose your venue, how to build a guest experience people remember, and the small styling choices that make the biggest impact. They also break down destination wedding logistics, timelines, budgeting mistakes to avoid, and how to design a wedding aesthetic that feels timeless and true to you.

Whether you’re newly engaged, drowning in Pinterest boards, or trying to plan without a planner, this episode is filled with expert insights, emotional guidance, and behind-the-scenes detail from Tess’ own multi-day LA wedding.

Show notes:

• Tess chats with Brittney from Nuptial Collective about wedding planning, guest experience and how to bring a vision to life.
• What a wedding planner really handles — logistics, timelines, sourcing, styling, and full on-the-day execution.
• Why hiring a planner frees couples to enjoy the emotional moments instead of the admin.
• The importance of connection and trust between planner and couple.
• How Tess moved from a Byron wedding to Beverly Hills Hotel and why destination weddings can be magic.
• Planning an overseas wedding with a nine-month timeline and mixing Australian + LA suppliers effectively.
• Breakdown of Tess and Shaun's multi-day events: family dinner, rooftop welcome party, wedding day, and recovery pool party.
• Using touchpoints, stationery, gifting, and music to create a cohesive experience for guests.
• Designing an aesthetic based on lifestyle over trends and weaving storytelling through each event.
• Music as a design tool — from Sinatra-style live sets to disco & late-night high-energy moments.
• Practical planning order: book planner, venue, photographer/videographer, then celebrant.
• Ideal planning timeline, budgeting challenges, and using spreadsheets to stay organised.
• Why intentional elements matter more than trends or unnecessary décor.
• Small high-impact touchpoints: personalised notes, welcome gift bags, Polaroid guest book moments.
• Tess’ advice on staying grounded and present on the day, including meditation and going phone-free.
• How pre-planning logistics like touch-ups, handbags and run sheets prevent stress and help you stay in the moment.

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Vorfreude Stationary, timeless keepsakes and personalised gifts. Every piece made with love, care, and a deep passion for celebrating life’s most meaningful moments.

Discount code for listeners: 15% off storewide, use TESSTALKS15

Follow @thenuptialcollective

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.