In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Julian Ribinik of Julian Ribinik Studios to break down one of the biggest decisions couples make when building their wedding vendor team: choosing between boutique vendors and larger companies.

Julian shares why the conversation is more nuanced than couples may realize, explaining that “large” doesn’t always mean experienced and “boutique” doesn’t always mean small. Together, they unpack how communication, personal connection, consistency, and trust all play major roles in shaping the wedding experience, especially when couples may not know who will be there on the wedding day.

The conversation dives into the pros and cons of both approaches, including the advantages of personalized service, the realities of larger multi-team companies, and why understanding a vendor’s process matters just as much as their portfolio. Julian also shares practical advice on the questions couples should ask during the booking process, the importance of knowing who will actually be handling your event, and why strong communication often matters more than trends or aesthetics.

You’ll also hear an honest discussion about pricing, associate teams, referrals, and how couples can identify the vendors who truly align with their priorities and personalities.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a boutique vendor or a larger company is the right fit for your wedding, this episode will help you better understand the differences and make more confident decisions when building your team.

Julian Ribinik is the owner and creative director of Julian Ribinik Studios, a boutique wedding photography and cinematography studio based in New York City. Originally learning photography alongside his father in the former USSR, Julian developed a documentary-style approach rooted in emotion, instinct, and storytelling. Together with his wife, Evgenia, he has built a studio known for creating imagery that blends honesty with elegance and candid moments with an editorial eye.

Highlights

• The difference between boutique vendors and larger wedding companies

• Why personal connection matters when choosing your vendors

• The risks of not knowing who will actually show up on your wedding day

• Questions couples should ask during the booking process

• The pros and cons of associate teams and larger vendor companies

• Why communication and trust matter more than trends

• How referrals and vendor relationships impact your experience

• What couples should prioritize when building their wedding vendor team

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Nora Culley Tuck of Engaged with Nora to break down one of the biggest challenges couples face today: the disconnect between wedding inspiration and reality.

With social media constantly showcasing highlight reels of luxury weddings, Nora shares how easy it is for couples to fall in love with ideas that don’t reflect the true time, cost, and coordination behind them. She explains why inspiration without context can quickly lead to overwhelm and how to shift your mindset before it impacts your planning experience.

The conversation dives into how to use inspiration more intentionally, why looking beyond weddings can lead to more meaningful design, and how to build a vendor team that brings your vision to life in a realistic, personalized way. Nora also shares practical tips on communicating your vision clearly, avoiding comparison, and focusing on what actually matters to you as a couple.

You’ll also hear an honest look at where expectations often need to shift, especially when it comes to large-scale design elements like hanging installations, and why understanding the “why” behind your choices is key to creating a wedding that feels authentic, not just trendy.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Pinterest boards or unsure how to turn inspiration into something real, this episode will help you refocus, simplify your approach, and create a wedding that truly reflects you.

Nora Culley Tuck is the visionary behind planning firm Engaged With Nora. After launching in 2020, the company has grown to a team of 25 planners specializing in bold, authentic, and chic events with an experience-driven approach. Nora’s background in theatre, bridal attire, hotel blocking, catering, venue management, and design gives her a unique perspective that helps her team create weddings that stand out while staying true to each couple.

• The disconnect between Pinterest inspiration and real wedding logistics

• Why social media shows a highlight reel, not the full picture

• How to use inspiration without becoming overwhelmed

• Why your wedding should be inspired by your life, not other weddings

• The importance of building the right vendor team early

• How to clearly communicate your vision to vendors

• Why hanging installations often come with unexpected costs

• How to avoid comparison and focus on your own priorities

• Why trends don’t equal timeless and what actually does

• The mindset shift that leads to a more meaningful wedding experience

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Tanya Pushkine to break down one of the most overlooked parts of wedding planning: the ceremony.

While many couples focus on the reception, Tanya shares why the ceremony is actually the emotional foundation of the entire day and often the moment guests remember most. She unpacks common misconceptions, including the tendency to rush through the ceremony or treat it as a formality, and offers practical guidance on how to approach it with more intention.

The conversation also covers when to start planning, how to write meaningful vows, and how to navigate public speaking nerves. You’ll also hear insights on choosing between a professional officiant or a friend or family member, and how to create a ceremony that truly reflects your relationship. If you want your wedding to feel more personal, memorable, and true to you, this episode will help you approach your ceremony with more confidence.

Tanya Pushkine is the founder of The Vow Whisperer, where she creates personalized wedding ceremonies and helps couples write and deliver their vows with confidence. Before entering the wedding industry, Tanya had a career in acting, studying at The Juilliard School and performing on Broadway before transitioning into the corporate world, where she held leadership roles with major brands like LVMH, Sephora, and L’Oréal.

After her own wedding, Tanya was inspired to combine her background in storytelling, performance, and communication to create a new niche in the wedding industry. Today, she works with couples around the world to craft meaningful ceremony experiences, officiates weddings, and coaches friends and family members to lead ceremonies and speeches with confidence. Based in New York City, Tanya works internationally and in multiple languages.

• Why the ceremony is often the most overlooked part of the wedding day

• How your ceremony shapes guest experience and lasting memories

• Common mistakes couples make when planning their ceremony

• When to start planning your ceremony and writing your vows

• Tips for writing meaningful vows and managing public speaking nerves

• The pros and cons of having a professional officiant vs. a friend or family member

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Ian Ramirez of Madera Estates to break down one of the most important parts of wedding planning: choosing your venue.

From the outside, it’s easy to fall in love with a space based on how it looks, but Ian shares why couples need to look beyond the aesthetics and focus on what truly impacts their wedding day experience: flow, logistics, and the team behind the venue.

The conversation dives into what couples should actually be paying attention to during venue tours, including the questions you may not think to ask, how to navigate “all-inclusive” offerings, and what hidden costs can catch you off guard.

Ian also shares practical insights on guest experience, what makes a venue team stand out, and why communication and transparency matter just as much as the space itself. If you’re starting your venue search or feeling unsure about what to look for, this episode will help you tour with more intention and make a more confident decision.

Ian Ramirez, CSEP, is the co-owner of Madera Estates, an award-winning Spanish-style wedding venue in Conroe, Texas. With over a decade in the industry, he hosts 80+ weddings annually and is a recognized educator and speaker for wedding professionals nationwide. He is also the co-founder of Venue Help Desk, a coaching resource for venue owners.

Highlights:

• The biggest mistake couples make when touring venues

• Why flow, logistics, and guest experience matter more than aesthetics

• What questions to ask during a venue tour (and what couples often miss)

• What “all-inclusive” really means and how it varies by venue

• Common hidden costs to look out for before signing a contract

• Why choosing the right team and level of support matters just as much as the space itself

Connect with Ian:

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Shannon Tarrant of Wedding Venue Map to answer one of the biggest questions couples face: where should you actually look for your wedding vendors?

With so many options today (social media, national directories, referrals, and local platforms) it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Shannon breaks down how couples are really searching, what’s actually helpful, and where things can quickly go off track.

The conversation covers how to use platforms like Instagram and TikTok wisely, why local knowledge matters, and how to spot trustworthy vendors. Shannon also shares why your venue’s preferred vendor list is often overlooked—but can be one of your most valuable tools.

If you’re starting your planning journey or feeling stuck in the research phase, this episode will help you simplify the process and search with more confidence.

Shannon Tarrant is the co-founder of Wedding Venue Map, a Central Florida-based wedding venue search engine that helps couples find the perfect place to say “I do.” With nearly two decades in the wedding industry, she’s passionate about connecting couples with trusted local experts and making the planning process feel a whole lot less overwhelming.

Highlights:

• Where couples actually start their vendor search

• The pros and limitations of national wedding platforms

• How to use social media without getting overwhelmed

• Why local expertise can make a big difference

• What to look for when evaluating vendors

• The value of your venue’s preferred vendor list

• How to narrow down options without over-researching

Connect with Shannon:

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, August Yocher takes over hosting duties for a special roundtable with the Fantasy Sound DJ team: Kevin Dennis, Glen Riggs, Norman Anub, and Meredith Anne Loggins.

This episode is all about getting to know the personalities behind our DJ team. From DJ styles and crowd-reading strategies to favorite dance floor songs and real wedding moments, each DJ shares what makes them unique and what they bring to a wedding day.

Along the way, the conversation dives into what actually makes a great DJ, why MC skills and event flow matter so much, and how the right DJ can completely shape the energy of your celebration. You’ll also hear how each DJ approaches working with couples, reading the room, and creating a personalized experience that reflects you.

Whether you’re actively looking for your perfect Fantasy Sound DJ or just want a fun, behind-the-scenes listen with plenty of laughs, this episode gives you a real feel for the team and helps you figure out who might be the best fit for your day.

Highlights:

• Meet the Fantasy Sound DJs and their unique personalities

• What actually separates a good DJ from a great one

• Why MC skills and event flow matter more than couples expect

• How DJs read the room and build the energy throughout the night

• Go-to songs that consistently fill the dance floor

• How each DJ approaches working with couples and customizing the experience

• Why the right DJ can completely shape your wedding day

Connect with our DJs on Instagram:

Kevin Dennis

Glen Riggs

Norman Anub

Meredith Anne Loggins

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, August Yocher sits down with returning guest and wedding planner Elena Markwood to talk about the small wedding day details couples often forget — from ceremony seating signs and easels to emergency kit items and last-minute problem solvers.

Drawing from her experience as a planner and former venue professional, Elena shares practical insight into the functional items that are easy to overlook during the planning process, especially once stress starts to build in the final few weeks before the wedding. From cake knives and guest book pens to signage displays and reserved ceremony seating, she explains why these little details matter more than couples often realize and how they can impact both logistics and guest experience.

They also talk about the importance of thinking beyond the aesthetic, how to prepare decor so it’s truly wedding-day ready, and which emergency items Elena reaches for most often on event days. From floral wire and screwdrivers to packing tape and mints, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice to help couples feel more organized, more confident, and better prepared.

If you want to avoid common oversights and feel more ready for the practical side of wedding day setup, this episode offers helpful planning tips that can make a big difference.

Elena Markwood is the owner and lead wedding planner of Adoration Weddings & Events. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she now calls Columbus, Ohio home (thanks in part to the Columbus boy she married). When she's not bringing love stories to life, you’ll find her singing on the worship team at her church, curled up reading a rom-com with a cup of tea, or exploring the city with her husband, Wes, and handsome pup, Ollie.

• Wedding day items couples often forget until the last minute

• Why reserved ceremony seating and signage matter more than couples think

• The importance of easels, cake items, and other functional decor pieces

• Why open seating can create guest experience challenges

• Emergency kit items planners actually use on wedding days

• How to make sure decor is truly wedding-day ready

• Why a planner or coordinator helps couples avoid common oversights

Connect with Elena:

Decor List Freebie

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with venue owner and industry expert Dana Kadwell to discuss how couples can build a positive relationship with their wedding venue and create a smoother planning experience.

Drawing from nearly two decades in the event industry, Dana shares practical advice on why honesty, clear communication, and understanding your venue’s policies are key to avoiding common planning challenges. From reading your contract carefully to asking questions early and often, she explains how couples can work collaboratively with their venue team and vendors to keep the planning process running smoothly.

They also talk about the importance of hiring experienced professionals, preparing for unexpected situations, and showing appreciation for the people working behind the scenes to make your wedding day happen.

If you want to feel more confident navigating venue relationships and planning logistics, this episode offers helpful insight into how strong communication and preparation can make all the difference.

Highlights

• Why honesty and communication build trust with your venue team

• The importance of reading and understanding your venue contract

• Asking questions early to avoid misunderstandings

• Why experienced vendors help create a smoother wedding day

• The value of preparation and contingency planning

• How couples can show appreciation to venue staff

• Advocating for yourself gracefully when challenges arise

Connect with Dana:

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The Anthem House

The Bradford NC

McAlister-Lefwich

Graham Mill

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with seasoned wedding planner Tabitha Roberts of Roberts & Co. Events for an honest and insightful conversation about tradition versus trend and how couples can navigate the emotional landmines that come with both.

With over 16 years in the wedding industry, Tabitha has seen it all — from the rise of Pinterest to the shift away from rigid etiquette rules — and she shares what’s changed, what still matters, and where couples often feel the most pressure. From social media comparisons to parental expectations (especially when parents are footing the bill), this episode dives into how to balance honoring tradition while still planning a wedding that feels authentic and true to you.

They talk about how weddings involve multiple stakeholders with layered expectations, why communication and boundaries with family are essential, and how certain traditions — like cake cutting, parent dances, and formal invitations — can be adapted rather than eliminated. Tabitha also shares how outdated etiquette continues to cause confusion, and why hospitality, guest experience, and thoughtful planning will never go out of style.

If you’re feeling torn between what you see online, what your family expects, and what you actually want, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical advice for planning your wedding your way — without unnecessary stress or guilt.

With over 16 years of event planning experience, Tabitha has grown Roberts & Co into a company that thrives in creating and experiencing hospitality in its highest form. Working to always be transparent and upfront with her clients, their company is built on making planning less work and more enjoyable for everyone!

Highlights

• How to balance tradition and modern wedding trends

• Navigating parental expectations — especially when they’re contributing financially

• Why social media can create unrealistic wedding comparisons

• Which etiquette rules still matter (and which are evolving)

• How to communicate boundaries without damaging relationships

• Why embracing trends that reflect your personality is perfectly okay

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Fantasy Sound's very own, Courtney Pyke, for a fun and honest conversation about how working in the wedding industry completely changes the way you’d plan your own wedding.

As a Gen Z team member, Courtney shares what she’s learned from being behind the scenes at countless weddings and how that perspective has shifted what she would prioritize, simplify, and skip altogether. From guest experience and shifting traditions to trusting your vendor team and tuning out social media noise, this episode dives into what really matters when the big day arrives.

They talk about why Gen Z couples are focusing more on interactive experiences and less on rigid traditions, why short and sweet speeches are becoming the norm, and how elements like live artists, arcade games, and dessert bars are replacing older wedding customs. Courtney also shares why trusting your vendors is key to actually enjoying your day and why not every detail needs to be perfect for a wedding to feel unforgettable.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Pinterest boards, TikTok trends, or the pressure to make every detail symbolic, this episode is a refreshing reminder to focus on your relationship, your priorities, and the experience you want your guests to have.

Courtney Pyke works at Fantasy Sound Event Services and has spent the past two years immersed in the wedding industry. From contracts and client communication to working events firsthand, she brings a Gen Z perspective shaped by real-world experience behind the scenes.

Highlights

• Why guest experience is a top priority for Gen Z couples

• The importance of trusting your vendor team on the wedding day

• How shifting traditions (like skipping the garter toss) reflect modern values

• Why interactive elements, like live artists to arcade games, are on the rise

• How to avoid getting overwhelmed by social media wedding trends

• Why short, meaningful speeches and personalization matter more than perfection

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