Metropolitan Weddings Podcast

Do you ever wonder what it takes to create a cake that’s not just delicious, but also a stunning work of art? Join us as we welcome Charity Fent, the genius behind Charity Fent Cake Design, who has spent the last 15 years crafting thousands of custom cakes that delight the eyes and taste buds. Charity opens up about her journey, the challenges of running a bakery with ever-changing decor, and how she’s turned her whimsical space into a one-stop shop for all party essentials. From cookies and cupcakes to full-blown custom cakes, she’s done it all while keeping her magical bakery atmosphere Instagram-worthy and inviting.

Charity doesn’t just follow trends; she sets them. Tune in as we explore the world of dessert bars and cake trends with Charity, covering everything from palette knife cakes to semi-naked cakes, and even the revival of old-style piping inspired by celebrity weddings. Charity’s adaptability and meticulous attention to detail shine through, proving that each cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a personalized, edible piece of art. Learn how she manages to stay ahead of the trends and ensure every cake aligns with her clients' visions, even when it pushes her out of her comfort zone.

Practicality also has its place in the world of stunning cakes. Listen as we discuss the logistics of wedding cake choices and delivery with Charity, who shares invaluable advice on how to accommodate different budgets without compromising look or taste. We wrap up with a candid, light-hearted chat among the hosts, filled with humorous anecdotes and personal insights that you won’t want to miss. This episode is packed with creativity, passion, and expert tips from the queen of cakes herself, Charity Fent.

Ever dreamt of a wedding where every detail embodies perfection without the nightmare of post-event clutter and wallet woes? That's the vision Amanda from Eventful Rental brings to life as she walks us through the ins and outs of wedding rentals. On our show, Amanda opens up about the growth of her inventory, from thrift store gems to unique finds from going-out-of-business sales, all to ensure your special day is nothing short of magical. She passionately discusses the practicality and savings that come with renting, and the joy of helping couples realize their wedding day dreams without the burden of hefty price tags and one-time use items.

This episode isn't just about saying 'I do' to rentals for the big day; we're broadening the horizon to all kinds of events that need a splash of style and convenience. From the grandeur of over 200 linen colors to the necessity of luxe restroom trailers that redefine outdoor event elegance, Amanda covers it all. We'll whisk you away to a world where your event can be tailor-fit with everything from whimsical LED trees to practical temperature control solutions, ensuring your guests revel in comfort and style. And for those with a penchant for the unique, we reveal the quirky side of the rental biz with fake food displays and bouncy houses that promise to leave an indelible mark on your celebration. Join us for this fascinating trek through the wonders of event rentals, where Amanda's expertise shines a spotlight on the seamless blend of fun and functionality.

Step into the bright world of marquee magic with Ryan and Bethany, the new torchbearers of Alpha Lit Springfield, as they take us on an illuminating journey. Discover the electrifying charm of light-up letters that turn any event into a conversation piece. From the warmth of a wedding day to the whimsy of a surprise message, these two have mastered the craft of making moments shine.

Listen closely as we unravel the strings (and cords) of event décor, offering a peek into the meticulous organization and technical know-how required to bring these glowing characters to life. Whether it's ensuring each letter shines bright or sharing a laugh about potential marquee mischief, our chat with this entrepreneurial pair goes beyond the bulbs. It's a lesson in logistics, creativity, and the occasional light-hearted prank that keeps the business glowing.

Wrapping up with a spectrum of color, Ryan and Bethany shine a light on how choosing the right hue can set the stage for an unforgettable night. They emphasize the importance of planning ahead to snag these popular pieces, blending practical advice with vibrant storytelling that will have you seeing your special day in a whole new light. So get ready to be inspired, as this episode promises to brighten your perspective on event planning and decoration.

Today is a continuation of our earlier podcast A Metropolitan Love Story: Meet The Couple James and Sierra.  We sit down and chat with not only the planner of the event, Misty Willinger with Misty Willinger Events, we also get to chat with our very own Dawn, who happens to be the mother of the bride.  If you are looking for a true to life testimonial and behind the scenes anecdotes, this is for you.  A real life wedding planning experience from those involved.

Imagine stepping into a place where love stories are painted against the backdrop of stunning chandeliers and rustic industrial charm; that's The Veranda, as told by co-owner Tammy Lucas. With a personal touch Tammy guides us through the venue's remarkable transformation from a diesel shop to a dream wedding destination. Her narration is a tapestry of family, determination, and an unwavering belief in love's power to triumph over adversity – even when that means renovating a venue amid the pandemic. 

Tammy unveils the practical magic behind hosting celebrations that range from the intimate to the grandiose. Her stories of a family heirloom truck adding nostalgia to the venue, and the heart behind the name 'The Veranda' infuse our episode with a sense of community and heritage. Tune in for an inside look at a venue where every detail is steeped in love and every event is an ode to the art of making memories.

Samantha, the mastermind behind Silk and Champagne Wedding and Events, joins us to sprinkle some of her planning magic and wisdom. Samantha, ensures that by the end of our chat, you’ll see wedding planning in a whole new light, whether you're pondering a full-on fairy tale orchestration, a partial planning partnership, or just that reassuring day-of coordination.

Family dynamics take center stage, as Samantha regales us with her transition from daughter to business owner, and how family support—particularly from her once-spectator-now-associate mother—plays a crucial role in her enterprise. Our conversation then reveals the not-so-glamorous side of wedding planning, the infamous 'wedding hangover,' and the personal rituals that save us from exhaustion after those long, festive hours.

Wrapping things up, we delve into some wedding day escapades that prove the best stories often come with a side of last-minute chaos. From ushers quitting right before the ceremony to keeping your cool amidst family feuds, we share a hearty laugh over the unpredictable nature of our beloved profession. Samantha's personal life isn't off-limits either, as we veer into a heartwarming discussion about her adorable mini wiener dog, Poppy, and engage in spirited banter about man's best friend. Before you go, make sure to jot down how to connect with Samantha for your own event planning adventures—and if you're here for the delightful mix of wedding wisdom and personal anecdotes, hit that subscribe button for more episodes that promise to be anything but your average walk down the aisle.

Have you ever found yourself torn between the intimate simplicity of eloping and the grandeur of a traditional wedding? James and Sierra Schuchard were right there with you, until they found their way to a celebration that was authentically theirs. Today we invite you to be a part of their wedding planning journey.  As a wedding professional and a mom , Dawn, alongside Adam and Meg, offer a unique dual perspective on the challenges and triumphs that come with orchestrating such a meaningful day.

The art of crafting a wedding that feels like home isn't just about the perfect table settings or the most picturesque venue—it's about the people and the memories. Sierra and James's story is a testament to this, as they deliberate over eco-friendly choices and the significance of every detail, right down to the real dishes at the reception. Their approach to creating a multi-day celebration extends the joy beyond a single day, weaving a tapestry of connections among their guests. 

There were a lot of personal details put Into so many aspects of this wedding, and there were so many different aspects of their wedding day that it was hard to put It all into one episode.  Keep an eye out for our follow up episode where we sit down and talk to their planner Misty Willinger about all of the other aspects. 

Step behind the turntable with Robie and Rachel from Live Events Missouri as they orchestrate the symphony of a perfect wedding day. Discover the intricacies of not just spinning tracks but weaving memories, where a DJ's touch transforms an event into a story. Our guests unveil the seamless blend of professionalism and playfulness necessary to keep the spotlight on the couple, while ensuring the dance floor remains an epicenter of joyous celebration.

The art of entertainment extends beyond the music, embracing innovation with many different photo booths and cold sparks that elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. Robbie and Rachel guide us through the magical world of bespoke wedding experiences, where every snapshot is no-crop perfection and every spark is a safe, enchanting spectacle. They share the secret to personalizing the big day, from the curated soundtrack to the customized ceremony, ensuring each couple's narrative is beautifully underscored by their expertise.

Tune in for an episode that promises not only to spark your imagination but also to reveal the heart and soul poured into crafting an unforgettable matrimonial celebration.

Join us as we sit down with Gary and Tracy, the inspirational duo behind the lens of Four 2 North Photography. Get ready to be captivated by their engaging stories of swapping a career in social work for capturing love stories through the art of wedding photography. We dive deep into their rich experiences and reveal the unique perspective that their previous careers bring to their photography, even when dealing with the occasional high-stress moments of a wedding day. With a commitment to their craft that’s as deep as their love for each other, Gary and Tracy are here to share their world with us.

From fielding inquiries and scheduling consultations to managing different lighting scenarios and venue types, they discuss the nitty-gritty of their process. They offer a first-hand account of the importance of showing a full gallery of their work to potential clients, providing a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities. As they recount their journey and share their process, you get a sense of their dedication that goes beyond snapping memorable pictures—they aim to create enduring experiences.

Gary and Tracy's passion doesn't stop at capturing the perfect picture or curating the perfect album. They strongly advocate for preserving memories through physical prints and albums, a tradition often bypassed in the digital age. They share anecdotes about the joy their clients experience while revisiting these tangible mementos, reminding us of the true essence of their work - to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or just love a good story about following your passion, this episode is a must-listen.

Today we’re sharing our chat with the creative duo, Kayla and Amber, who have brewed up a fascinating venture called 'Once Upon a Picnic'. These two extraordinary ladies, first sisters-in-law, now business partners, have developed a fun way to combine their shared love for books and picnics and turned that into a beautiful experience for their clients. 

'Once Upon a Picnic' isn’t just about picnics, it’s about creating immersive experiences. Kayla and Amber walk us through their process of creating magical picnic setups that'll make you feel like you've stepped right into the pages of Alice in Wonderland or Harry Potter. From handpicked furniture to curated refreshments, live music to themed decorations, each element is carefully chosen to create a unique atmosphere. Just imagine - a bespoke picnic with a musician serenading you as you arrive, amidst a setup that reflects your favorite literary world! We assure you, whether you're a bibliophile or just someone who appreciates a distinctive outdoor experience, you're in for a treat.