By Kenny Hopkins & Julie Occhino
5
1818 ratings
The podcast currently has 46 episodes available.
In this episode, we’re uncovering what truly sets your wedding apart as an amazing event: the guest experience. We had on Michelle Wood, wedding planner and founder of Meraki Wood Events. She shares the importance of having a backup plan for worst-case scenarios, tips to bring your event to life and unique ideas that will WOW guests.
For full show notes, resources, links:
https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/creating-the-ultimate-guest-experience-with-michelle-wood-of-meraki-wood-events
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
2:05 Michelle’s story of getting started in the wedding industry
4:22 How she brought the “Hamptons Flair” to South Florida
7:52 Her 3 tiers of wedding planning services
9:46 The key benefits of working with a wedding planner
13:14 One of Michelle’s favorite wedding planning memories
19:37 What to focus on to level up your guests’ experience
27:23 Creative guest surprises
29:36 Michelle’s advice on the most important thing on your wedding day
43:42 Why she named her business Meraki Wood Events
In this episode, we’re talking all things jewelry insurance! If you’d be crushed at the thought of losing your engagement or wedding rings then you need to hear this conversation with Debi Lilly, celebrity party planner and author. Debi shares a story that demonstrates why jewelry insurance is a necessity for couples.
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/why-ring-insurance-is-a-must-have-on-your-pre-wedding-checklist-with-debi-lilly
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
2:13 How Debi got started in the wedding industry
3:29 Why she is so passionate about jewelry insurance
6:20 Her details to-do list
8:37 Home insurance vs. jewelry insurance
10:29 What jewelry insurance she recommends
13:51 Her tips for keeping your rings safe and clean
18:51 Ring trends for 2021
25:31 Advice for keeping your rings nice for years to come
27:30 Why you need a ring check-up
In this episode, we had a conversation with Hannah Mitchell, of Elite Seattle. Hannah and her mom Cindy specialize in designing thoughtful high-end weddings and events. She shares her process as a planner for luxury weddings and talks about the types of services they offer their clients.
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/thoughtful-high-end-weddings-with-hannah-mitchell-of-elite-events
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:14 How Hannah and her mom got started in the wedding industry
5:56 What services they specialize in
9:35 How they navigate decor and design
10:58 Her vetting process for working with new vendors
13:05 How her company differs from other wedding planning companies
18:45 Her favorite trends of 2021 and 2022
22:23 The live stream trend
24:13 COVID testing at weddings
28:23 The importance of hiring experienced professionals
39:34 Their plans for expansion into California
Need more inspiration for planning your wedding? In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Novack, founder of Partyslate. Partyslate is an inspiration platform that shares unique party ideas and the professionals who make them happen. Julia shares how she got her idea for starting Partyslate and how people typically use the platform when event planning.
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/plan-your-party-like-a-pro-with-founder-of-partyslate-julia-novack
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:36 How Julia got into the wedding industry
6:29 What events Partyslate serves
11:30 How they reduce the intimidation factor through their platform
13:01 Why you should use FAQ pages
14:59 What vendors they feature on their website
18:40 What an idea slate is and how you can use that feature
21:57 How Partyslate is different from other wedding blogs and publications
26:07 How 2021 and 2022 is a recovery year
31:08 How event “rules” and traditions will change
36:01 How event professionals and venues can get onto Partyslate
Wedding trends come and go. In this episode, we’re joined by wedding planner Marylen Exposito of Marylen Exposito Events to talk all things wedding trends in 2021. We chat about how covid has changed the way weddings are done and what trends we really like that have emerged this year.
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/wedding-trends-for-2021-with-wedding-planner-and-ceo-of-marylen-exposito-events-marylen-exposito
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
3:12 Entertainment as the main focus
7:15 The micro wedding trend
9:13 The popularity of elopements
15:05 Formal dining during weddings
16:22 Weekday weddings
19:34 Up and coming color trends
21:25 Quality over quantity
24:22 How wedding attendance will be in 2022
35:08 Sustainability in weddings
2020 was the year of rescheduled weddings. It comes as no surprise that there was no guidebook on how to handle this and many vendors and couples were left scrambling trying to figure out how to move their big day. In this episode, Kenny and Julie had a conversation with wedding planner and CEO of Infinite Events, Erica Trombetti about the course she designed to help people reschedule their wedding day.
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/the-blueprint-to-rescheduling-your-wedding-with-wedding-planner-and-ceo-of-infinite-events-erica-trombetti
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:08 How Erica got started in the wedding industry
3:39 Her experience of rescheduling 30+ weddings
25:05 Changes that have happened during COVID in the wedding industry
36:02 Her favorite wedding trend of 2021
38:11 Services that she offers at Infinite Events
Are you ready to get in shape for your special day? In this episode, Kenny and Julie were joined by International Lifestyle and Wedding Fitness Coach, Laila Aleih to talk about getting fit for your wedding day. Laila gives advice on creating a sustainable, healthy way to “slim down for the gown”. She explores the areas you should focus on for health and the services she offers for brides (and non-brides).
LINKS WE LOVE:
Sweating for the Wedding Podcast
Wedding Fit Forever Academy
Laila’s Website (Get a free strategy session by mentioning our podcast!)
Wedding Wellness Retreat video
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:52 How Laila got into the fitness industry
8:22 Wearing her wedding dress every anniversary
10:02 Pressures of the wedding industry to look “perfect”
10:45 Three areas to focus on for health
15:04 Her clients’ favorite services
23:01 What sets her apart from other health professionals
26:06 Wedding wellness retreats
28:24 How she helps non-brides
36:51 How to get help from Laila
43:18 Her process for the wedding week
45:52 The key services she offers
49:26 Recap
Wedding expenses can add up quickly. When you’re deciding on what things you want to splurge on for your big day, you’ll want to keep in mind your top priorities! Take a listen as Kenny and Julie dig into their top 13 items to splurge on for your wedding. You’ll hear their insights on WOWing your guests and keeping the memories of your wedding day for years to come.
LINKS WE LOVE:
Let's Talk Wedding Trends 2020 & 2021
The Sablewood
Guilded Group Decor
Divina Strings
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
3:16 A throwback to our trends episode
4:59 Choosing your venue
8:54 Venues with decorations already included
13:02 Working with a styling and decor company
15:42 How catering brings people together
20:09 Why photography is important
23:13 Investing in videography
29:58 Hiring a personal glam squad
34:03 Wardrobe and wedding day attire
39:39 Cakes and dessert
45:03 Invitations and stationery
47:42 DJs and bands
54:19 Floral arrangements
58:57 Fun transportation ideas
01:01:15 Event planners and day of coordinators
QUOTES:
“To pay a wedding planner or day of coordinator to take the stress off of you is huge when you’re planning an event of this size” - Julie
“Your food tells your guests how much you appreciate them.” - Kenny
“Splurge on hair and makeup! Everyone should feel like a celebrity on their own wedding day.” - Julie
Searching for some wedding day inspiration? Kenny and Julie chat about their favorite wedding industry professionals to follow on Instagram and discuss some of the fun, exciting projects they’ve worked on. You’ll get a ton of great wedding day ideas jam-packed in this episode!
LINKS WE LOVE:
Jennifer Matteo Instagram
Jose Graterol Instagram
Tailored Twig Instagram
Visionary Events and Designs Instagram
Amanda Savory Events Instagram
The Temple House Instagram
United Projection Instagram
Eric Jon Instagram
Lé Lauriér Instagram
Kikimora Studio Instagram
Kikimora Fashion Instagram
Bridal Styles Boutique Instagram
Bridal Styles Boutique
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
3:13 Event planner: Jennifer Matteo
8:21 Wedding florist: Jose Graterol
11:02 Wedding florist: Tailored Twig
13:35 Event designer: Visionary Events and Designs
18:14 Event planner: Amanda Savory
21:58 Event venue: The Temple House in Miami
24:54 Projection mapping: United Projection
29:42 Photographer: Eric Jon
34:40 Couture custom bridal robes: Lé Lauriér
39:53 Costume designs and fashion: Kikimora Studio and Kikimora Fashion
46:30 Bridal headpiece, veils and jewelry: Bridal Styles Boutique
QUOTES:
“It looks like every wedding they do at @thetemplehouse they have these amazing lighting setups, dance floor designs and decor.” - Kenny
“@unitedprojection uses unique projectors & screens to create geometric tunnels on the walls and it looks absolutely incredible.” - Kenny
“Let’s get IG handles from this episode together on a plane and go have a party!” - Kenny
“Not a lot of photographers can balance black and white in the classy way that @ericjonphotography does, it looks really amazing.” - Julie
Kenny and Julie explore the ins and outs of using a course to plan your wedding day with Bettina Benizri of Busy Bee Events. She shares a few things you must keep in mind for your wedding day including the 3 things you must do first when planning your wedding (plus one of the easiest ways to save money on the big day).
LINKS WE LOVE:
Bettina's Website
Bettina’s Instagram
Wedding Planning Course
Bettina’s Facebook
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:59 How Bettina got her business where it is today
3:54 Why she started her online course
7:42 Services that Busy Bee Events offers
11:33 Pricing disparities within the wedding industry
18:37 Course overview
20:30 The first 3 steps couples should take when planning their wedding
25:50 Why everyone needs a planner for their wedding
28:54 Destination weddings
32:35 Weddings during hurricanes and tropical storms
37:14 How her course differs from virtual planning
46:18 Wedding planning during the pandemic
48:24 What it looks like to work with Busy Bee Events
55:28 Conclusion of her services and course
01:05:27 Recap
QUOTES:
“You hired us to take care of everything so you can enjoy your day and not have to think about a thing.”
“Sometimes people start wedding planning the wrong way and that’s why I created the online course.”
“My intent was to help more brides and grooms plan their weddings correctly.”
“You can save so much money simply by having less people at your wedding.”
The podcast currently has 46 episodes available.