In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin sits down with Phoenix-based wedding photographer and videographer Craig Peterman, who has captured more than 500 weddings and brings a clear, practical perspective to the vendor booking process.

Craig walks couples through what really matters between the first inquiry and the moment you officially book a vendor. He explains what information to include in that first email, how to avoid overwhelming your vendors, and why communication early on sets the tone for your entire experience. He also introduces his simple Vendor Scorecard, a tool designed to help couples compare options fairly and choose their finalists with confidence.

Whether you're unsure how to reach out to vendors or feeling stuck sorting through too many choices, Craig offers a calm, actionable framework that simplifies the journey from inquiry to contract.

Highlights

• First impressions matter: How your initial inquiry sets the foundation for your vendor relationship.
• Keep it simple: The essential details couples should always include in that first message.
• The Vendor Scorecard: A quick way to narrow down your top choices and avoid decision fatigue.
• Choose wisely: Why three finalists is the sweet spot for vendor selection.
• Don’t wait too long: How a one-month research window helps you avoid losing your preferred vendors.
• Trust your instincts: What red flags to look for—and why vibe matters.
• Set a deadline: Creating a decision timeline that keeps planning on track.
• Budget awareness: Understanding your range before inquiring saves time and frustration.
• Better conversations: Tips for productive Zoom consults and clear communication.
• Enjoy the process: Why working with vendors you genuinely like leads to a better wedding day.

Craig’s thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice gives couples the tools to move from inquiry to “we’re booked!” with confidence, clarity, and far less stress.

Download the Vendor Scorecard PDFs here!

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Cherri Maley, General Manager of Messina Inn in Texas Hill Country. As a Certified Meeting and Event Planner and Certified Wedding Coordinator, Cherri brings a rare combination of logistical expertise, hospitality leadership, and heartfelt dedication to every celebration. Beyond running one of Wimberley’s most loved wedding destinations, she also serves as Chair of the Lodging & Event Section for the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce—leading the region’s annual Venue Crawl, the largest wedding venue showcase of its kind in Texas.

Drawing on years of experience guiding couples through the all-inclusive planning process, Cherri breaks down what these packages actually include, why they’re so appealing to today’s engaged couples, and how to personalize them so your day still feels uniquely you. She shares how to spot hidden costs in contracts, work effectively with a venue’s preferred vendor team, and understand seasonal considerations—especially in Texas, where weather can determine everything from availability to ceremony timing.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by vendor research, trying to compare packages “apples to apples,” or simply craving a stress-free planning experience, Cherri offers practical, clear-eyed guidance that helps couples prioritize what truly matters.

Highlights

• Convenience meets clarity: Why couples love the simplicity of having lodging, catering, décor, and vendor coordination bundled in one place.
• Who it’s right for: Understanding the ideal client for an all-inclusive venue—especially couples craving ease, structure, and less decision fatigue.
• Customization matters: How to personalize packages with meaningful details, even when many services are included.
• Knowing what you’re signing: Contract tips to avoid hidden fees, unexpected upgrades, or mismatched expectations.
• Texas timing: How seasonal weather patterns affect dates, availability, and what’s realistically possible outdoors.
• Vendor harmony: Why a cohesive, venue-curated vendor team can make or break the guest experience.
• Budget confidence: How all-inclusive packages simplify financial planning and help couples stay within budget.
• Misconceptions debunked: What couples often get wrong about all-inclusive venues—and how to compare packages fairly.

No matter where you are in your planning journey, Cherri’s blend of professional insight and genuine hospitality will help you understand the true value of all-inclusive wedding packages. Her advice empowers couples to make confident decisions, avoid stress, and design a celebration that reflects their priorities—without getting lost in the details.

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Jenny MacFarlane, owner of Eloping is Fun in New York City. With 15 years of experience crafting elopements and micro-weddings, Jenny has helped over a thousand couples throw out the rulebook and design days that feel authentically them—from private vows and first-look moments to donut-shop ceremonies and Dance Dance Revolution detours.

Drawing on real client stories and NYC know-how, Jenny breaks down why “breaking tradition” isn’t anti-tradition—it’s pro-you. She shares how to reframe pressure, communicate with loved ones, and swap performative “shoulds” for meaningful choices. You’ll learn simple ways to personalize your ceremony, what to do when the guest list feels complicated, and why some couples elope now and party later for a calmer, more joyful experience.

Highlights:

• Start with how you want the day to feel, then let that guide every choice.
• “Tradition” vs. meaning: keep what resonates, toss what doesn’t.
• Guest-list freedom: micro-weddings and elopements can preserve intimacy without losing celebration.
• Eloping now, party later: reducing perfection pressure by separating the marriage from the reception.
• Real-world inspiration: a shelter-dog walk in wedding attire, a DDR arcade morning, and a cozy donut-shop ceremony.
• NYC backdrops with personality: DUMBO’s bridges, the New York Public Library, Grand Central, and Coney Island.
• Stress you won’t miss: RSVP drama, seating charts, and expectation overload.

No matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, Jenny’s presence-first, permission-forward approach will help you design a day that’s 100% you—so you can skip the pressure, savor the moments, and start married life on your terms.

Madison Humphrey Venue Video

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In this special “Taylor-era” episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin sits down with co-host August Yocher, Susan Stremlau, Owner and Creative Director of Marion Moss Floral Design & Farm, and Ariana Teachey, Founder of Ariana Teachey | Virtual Assistant, to talk all things Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

From engagement-day reactions to predictions about the date, aesthetic, and overall vibe of the wedding, this Swiftie roundtable dives deep into what could become the most talked-about event of the decade and how it will influence real-world wedding trends.

Susan brings over four decades of floral design experience and a love for lush, romantic, nature-inspired arrangements, while Ariana offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on wedding pros, organization, and creative storytelling. Together, they join Kevin and August to explore everything from potential guest experiences and hidden Easter eggs to the cultural impact of this “royal couple” moment.

• Where they were when the engagement news broke
• The date debate: fall timeline vs. football season reality
• Numerology, symbolism, and Swift’s signature attention to meaning
• Aesthetic predictions: timeless vintage, secret garden romance, and Renaissance flair
• Why this engagement is huge for the wedding industry and how it may shift trends for years
• The balance of fame and privacy: intimate vows vs. all-star celebration
• How Taylor and Travis model modern partnership and mutual respect
• Favorite songs from the new album (and what they reveal about her creative mindset)

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August put AI to the test in a head-to-head format: they tackle common wedding planning questions, then ask ChatGPT the exact same prompts to compare answers. They explore that while AI can be a helpful starting point, real-world expertise, context, and taste make all the difference.

From splurge-vs-save decisions to handling surprise costs, and from first-look logistics to adults-only etiquette, this episode highlights the nuances that pros bring, such as reading a venue, protecting guest experience, and balancing emotions.

Highlights:

• Start with non-negotiables: let your top 2–3 priorities drive splurge vs. save
• Build a 10–15% budget buffer for common surprises (fees, overtime, delivery/setup, permits, alterations, gratuities)
• Reallocate smartly: trim “nice-to-haves” to cover essentials without overspending
• First look vs. aisle reveal: choose based on light, venue logistics, timeline, and the feeling you want
• Adults-only wording: clear, kind, and consistent language on invites + website, with precise envelope addressing
• Planner advantage: guidance on trade-offs, timing, and budget pivots as plans evolve

No matter where you are in planning, this conversation shows how AI can spark ideas, but experienced pros help you personalize, prioritize, and protect your vision so your day feels exactly like you.

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Julian Ribinik, an award-winning wedding photographer, Creative Director of Julian Ribinik Studios, and founder of BioPrime Wellness. With nearly two decades behind the lens, Julian shares how thoughtful planning upfront leads to a calmer wedding day and images you truly love.

From defining how you want the day to feel to vetting photographers for venue conditions and lighting, Julian breaks down simple, high-impact steps to get the most out of your photography experience without sacrificing presence or joy. He offers the key questions to ask in consults, why an engagement session doubles as a stress-saving rehearsal, and how to separate Instagram polish from real-world skill.

Highlights:

• Why starting with “How do we want to feel?” sets every other decision up for success
• The essential questions to ask: venue familiarity, similar conditions, and site visits
• Full galleries over grids: what to look for across ceremony, reception, and dance floor
• Range over one look: handling harsh sun, candlelight, dark churches/ballrooms
• Engagement sessions as a dress rehearsal for chemistry, posing, and expectations
• When (and why) to add second shooters for multi-venue, multi-day, or cultural events
• Professionalism that keeps you calm: early arrival, patience, and positive energy
• “Editorial” vs. “documentary” explained - and why portraits aren’t truly candid
• Don’t be fooled by follower counts or paid “as seen in” badges. Evidence matters

No matter what type of wedding you're planning, Julian’s practical, peace-first approach will help you plan ahead with purpose, so you can be present and walk away with photos that feel like you.

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with newlyweds DJ & Jacob Pingue for the second installment of our series, “Now That I’m Married, How Can I Help Others?”. Married on June 28, 2025, with a ceremony at Mission Santa Clara de Asís and a reception at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, DJ and Jacob share a candid look at planning a large, family-forward celebration from the ground up. They talk about dividing roles (vision vs. logistics), balancing opinions with empathy, and building a vendor team through trusted referrals and preferred lists. (Fantasy Sound supported coordination for the first half of the day and provided reception lighting!)

From choosing meaningful spaces to mingling during cocktail hour, they unpack the small choices that made their day feel relaxed and personal. Plus, the lessons they wish they’d known sooner.

Highlights:

• How deciding non-negotiables early simplifies every decision after
• A practical way to split planning duties
• Why mingling at cocktail hour can be the secret to enjoying more of your reception
• The case for a first look (and what made theirs so emotional for the whole wedding party)
• Building your team: using preferred vendor lists + personal referrals to vet pros you’ll love
• DIY wins that stretch the budget and mixed centerpieces for scale without overspending
• Navigating family opinions with empathy
• The bouquet preservation tip they wish they’d heard before the wedding

Whether you’re hosting a big, all-family affair or a cozy celebration with close friends, DJ and Jacob’s grounded advice will leave you feeling confident about your priorities, your partnership, and the path to a day that truly feels like you. Because really, there’s no better place to get planning advice than from someone who has just lived through it.

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Jamie Chang, Destination Wedding Planning Wizard, Designer of Joy, Champion of Sustainability, and Founder of Mango Muse Events. Jamie is a passionate advocate for creating celebrations that care for both people and the planet. With over 16 years of experience planning weddings across the globe, Jamie has seen it all, and she’s here to share why sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice.

From choosing a local venue to swapping beef off the menu, Jamie breaks down simple actions with high impact that any couple can take to make their wedding more eco-conscious without losing style, comfort, or fun. She also shares insights from her work with couples worldwide and why she believes progress, not perfection, is the key to planning responsibly.

Highlights:

• Why your wedding location is the single biggest factor in sustainability
• The surprising protein swap that drastically reduces your wedding’s footprint
• Plated vs. buffet: which catering style is more climate-friendly (and why)
• How florals and décor choices can support local farmers and reduce waste
• Easy guest transport solutions that save money and emissions
• Creative ways to give your flowers a “second life” after the big day
• A fresh perspective on reducing, reusing, and recycling in wedding planning

Whether you’re dreaming of a chic city celebration or a faraway destination wedding, Jamie’s approachable advice will leave you inspired to make mindful choices that are good for your budget, your guests, and our shared home.

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Brittany Branson — a born and raised Jersey girl, destination live wedding artist, and coach for creatives based in the greater Washington, DC area. Since 2015, Brittany has helped hundreds of couples across the US and beyond turn their most memorable moments into meaningful masterpieces.

Drawing on her “past life” in arts administration and legislation, Brittany blends her creative strategy expertise with a passion for the arts to help couples create one-of-a-kind wedding keepsakes. From live painting your first kiss to illustrating guests as take-home favors, Brittany shares how art can enhance your wedding design, guest experience, and emotional impact. She also opens up about her commitment to giving back, donating a portion of every service to the animal rescue where she and her husband adopted their two beloved dogs, Bolt and Ginger.

Highlights:

• What a live wedding painter does (and why it’s a two-in-one experience)
• How live art enhances guest engagement throughout the night
• Unique ideas for incorporating pets and loved ones into your painting
• Guest fashion illustrations as one-of-a-kind take-home favors
• Creative ways to infuse art into your wedding design, from stationery to signage
• Tips for surprising your guests with a live artist (without the venue finding out)
• Memorable trends Brittany loves from the world of arts and humanities

Whether you’re art-obsessed or just looking for a fresh way to wow your guests, this episode will inspire you to think beyond traditional entertainment and favors — and maybe even commission your own wedding day masterpiece.

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In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August chat with Nora Culley Tuck, owner and creative director of Engaged with Nora, about the areas you should never skimp on when planning your wedding, and why spending smart in the right places pays off for both you and your guests.

From the three things guests actually care about, to the hidden costs of cutting service staff, Nora shares candid, real-world examples of what happens when couples try to DIY or cut corners, and how to avoid those pitfalls. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this episode will help you prioritize with confidence.

Highlights:

• The three guest priorities you should always invest in
• How guest comfort impacts your entire wedding day
• Why service staffing ratios matter more than you think
• The real cost (in time and stress) of DIY décor and florals
• Why photo and video are a gift to yourself, not just the guests
• How planners and coordinators save you from expensive mistakes
• Nora’s pick for the one area worth splurging on every time

Plus, Nora shares her perspective on entertainment as the heartbeat of your celebration, and why a great DJ or band can make or break the party.

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