Our guest, Danielle Ayanru, takes the spotlight as she spills the tea on her fabulous "Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding." Get ready for an awesome blend of cultures, traditions, and personal anecdotes that will have you both informed and entertained.
As with any wedding, there were highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Danielle candidly shares the triumphs, the challenges, and the "wish I knew this before" moments that every couple can relate to. From guest list strategies to vendor selections, her insights are pure gold for anyone in the midst of wedding planning.
Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness: 

     Ad-free, full length episodes 

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Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class 

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Topics We Covered

Destination wedding tips

Mistakes that were made

The best decisions made

How a large guest list can positively impact the budget

What to do when the reception space is no longer available

Budget-friendly tips

Travel tips for your destination wedding

About Our Guest
Danielle Ayanru is from Queens, New York City. She and her husband Osaheni had a destination wedding in Mexico. After seeing a huge lack of resources available for destination brides, Danielle started her own business as a destination wedding coach and content creator.
Links We Referenced
IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrvP-1Ms0-5/?img_index=1Blog:
Blog: https://tinyurl.com/2p89hjr8
Danielle’s Website
Danielle on Youtube
Get In Touch: 
The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is…
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez 

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics 

On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#372 Real Wedding Retrospective: Her Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding

Gain expert knowledge, share hearty laughs, and discover the best tips to maximize your budget and wedding planning experience. I’m Michelle, your host and a fun-loving wedding planner with over 20 years of experience. I share invaluable insights and industry secrets to empower you on your path to 'I Do.'


Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Comedy

Relationships

If you're planning a wedding and love our planet, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and a bit of fun that’ll help you make a difference.
Michelle brings together a fantastic crew of experts who are passionate about making weddings greener. You’ll meet Courtney Barrett, an environmental scientist weaving eco-friendly magic into her own wedding, and Cris Angsten from the green-certified Oak Leaf Cottage, sharing her personal journey to sustainability. Plus, wedding planner Kristen Gosselin and David Schoenfeld from Ring Bear drop some serious knowledge (and cool ideas!) on keeping your big day beautiful and environmentally sound. 
We're all about sustainable weddings—not just for Earth Day, but for every day! 
Want to listen Ad-Free? Click HERE to become a premium subscriber:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Links We Referenced
Courtney on Instagram
Poshmark
https://wildalchemyphotos.com/
https://www.thicketfloraldesign.com
Oak Leaf Cottage Website
Oak Leaf Cottage on Instagram
KG Events Design Website
KG Events Design on Instagram
Ring Bear Website
Ring Bear on Instagram

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#406 Planet-Friendly Love: Your Guide to a Sustainable Wedding

PLEASE LISTEN! Some important updates about the future of our show. This episode is a bit different, as I’m discussing the changes coming to the podcast and what it means for you, my valued listeners.

Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Topics Covered


A Heartfelt Thank You: Expressing my deep gratitude for the incredible support from our listeners, especially our paid premium subscribers. 


Major Changes: Announcing the transition of our podcast back to a free feed model and the shift to releasing new episodes monthly. 


Our Rich Library: Over 400 episodes filled with invaluable wedding planning advice and stories are now freely available. This treasure trove of content remains a resource for anyone planning their wedding.


Premium Feed Adjustments: Introducing the new format of our premium feed, which will continue to offer an ad-free listening experience with a slight change in content offerings. The subscription pricing has been adjusted to $4.99 a month or $45.99 annually.


A Brief Pause: Explaining the pause in releasing new episodes until the end of the month as we transition to the new model. Your patience during this period is greatly appreciated.

Looking Ahead: So much excitement for the next chapter of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast and the value-packed episodes to come.

Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions about the changes or need assistance with your subscription, please don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com.

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#405 IMPORTANT Changes Coming To The Show - A brief pause

Feeding your wedding vendors isn't just courtesy—it's a must, especially for those who dedicate hours to make your day special. In this episode, I chat with my dear friend and seasoned wedding pro, Duncan Reyes. Dive into our lively discussion on the ins and outs of vendor meals, filled with insights, laughter, and Duncan's unmatched charm. Don't miss out!

Topics We Covered

Understanding the necessity of providing vendor meals

Clarification on which vendors require meals 

Insights into the cost of vendor meals

Optimal timing for serving vendor meals during the event

Whether vendors should receive the same meal as guests

Options for sourcing vendor meals: caterer vs. external options 

Timing for finalizing vendor meal counts alongside guest counts

Inquiring about food allergies among vendor staff


About The Guest
Duncan Reyes began his illustrious career as a Corporate Event Planner before moving into luxury hotel management and event planning with roles at The Portman Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel in both San Francisco & Chicago, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and The Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in wedding, corporate, and social event planning, Duncan's passion and exceptional skills led him to found F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design, making him a premiere figure in the event industry. Honored by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009 and a recipient of multiple WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards, Duncan is celebrated for his ability to create sophisticated, unique events that reflect his clients' styles, drawing on a vast network of resources to turn dreams into lasting memories.

Links We Referenced
Duncan on Instagram
Duncan’s Website

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#404 Vendor Meals: What You Need To Know

Feeding your wedding vendors isn't just courtesy—it's a must, especially for those who dedicate hours to make your day special. In this episode, I chat with my dear friend and seasoned wedding pro, Duncan Reyes. Dive into our lively discussion on the ins and outs of vendor meals, filled with insights, laughter, and Duncan's unmatched charm. Don't miss out!

Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Topics We Covered

Understanding the necessity of providing vendor meals

Clarification on which vendors require meals 

Insights into the cost of vendor meals

Optimal timing for serving vendor meals during the event

Whether vendors should receive the same meal as guests

Options for sourcing vendor meals: caterer vs. external options 

Timing for finalizing vendor meal counts alongside guest counts

Inquiring about food allergies among vendor staff


About The Guest
Duncan Reyes began his illustrious career as a Corporate Event Planner before moving into luxury hotel management and event planning with roles at The Portman Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel in both San Francisco & Chicago, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and The Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in wedding, corporate, and social event planning, Duncan's passion and exceptional skills led him to found F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design, making him a premiere figure in the event industry. Honored by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009 and a recipient of multiple WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards, Duncan is celebrated for his ability to create sophisticated, unique events that reflect his clients' styles, drawing on a vast network of resources to turn dreams into lasting memories.

Links We Referenced
Duncan on Instagram
Duncan’s Website

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An exclusive behind-the-scenes journey with Violeta, a bride on the brink of her wedding day, and me, her wedding planning guide and fairy godmother. This episode is a treasure trove of voice messages shared between us during the crucial last 72 hours before her big day, topped off with a heartfelt Zoom catch-up post-rehearsal. From forgotten boutonnieres to impromptu speeches, witness the real, unfiltered moments of wedding planning magic and mayhem. Violeta's reflections the day after her wedding offer a raw, emotional insight into the whirlwind of tying the knot. Join us for this intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of the final countdown, and maybe pick up a few tips for your own journey down the aisle.

Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Topics Covered / What you will learn

Real-life wedding planning crunch time

Navigating last-minute details

The emotional impact of wedding rehearsals

Handling forgotten elements gracefully

Post-wedding reflections

Insights on giving away wedding items

The importance of gratitude in speeches

Creative solutions for including distant family members


The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#372 Real Wedding Retrospective: Her Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding

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