The relationship between wedding planners and church coordinators has long been marked by tension, misunderstandings, and at times, outright conflict. But what if there’s a better way forward?

In this episode, Emma Cockerham, Certified Educator and Master Certified Wedding Planner, joins Krisy Thomas, COO of The CWP Society, for a candid conversation on transforming these often-strained relationships into true partnerships.

Emma shares her personal journey through church wedding burnout in 2019, when a series of difficult experiences left her both professionally and spiritually discouraged. Instead of walking away, she leaned into education and a new approach, proving that change is possible. Together, Krisy and Emma unpack the persistent myths that fuel conflict: the idea that planners are inherently disrespectful, that church coordinators dismiss the bigger picture, and that media teams are encouraged to ignore rules.

Through real-life stories and practical strategies, Emma highlights how humility, communication, and respect can reshape even the toughest dynamics. From navigating media restrictions to clarifying a planner’s role within the ceremony, she offers actionable ways to foster collaboration. A particularly compelling story involves her persistence in building trust with a Catholic church coordinator, a relationship once fraught with conflict that became one of genuine respect.

Emma discusses the importance of research and entering every church setting with reverence, regardless of personal religious background.

Whether you’ve experienced church wedding challenges firsthand or want to avoid them altogether, this conversation gives you a framework for becoming a true peacemaker. As Emma reminds us, wedding planning is about bringing diverse vendors together to create something beautiful,  and that begins with mutual respect.

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