Nobody tells you that planning a wedding can feel like a second job that also makes you cry.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Ashley Statt from Statt Events to get real about why wedding planning is so overwhelming — and more importantly, how to actually get through it without losing your mind (or your relationship). From the mistakes couples make right after getting engaged to the hidden costs and decision fatigue that nobody warns you about, Ashley is sharing the honest truth about what to expect and how to stay sane.

We're getting into: 💍 The biggest mistakes couples make in the first 30 days after getting engaged 💍 How to figure out what actually matters to YOU vs. what Pinterest, TikTok, and your mom are telling you 💍 When couples think they're behind but they're totally fine — and when they think they're fine but they're actually behind 💍 How to split up planning tasks with your partner without it turning into a fight 💍 The stuff no one warns you about — hidden costs, decision fatigue, and the emotional rollercoaster of it all

If you're engaged and already feeling the stress (or you haven't started yet and you're dreading it), this episode is your permission slip to take a deep breath and do it differently.

🗓️ Connect with Statt Events: Website: https://www.stattevents.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stattevents

🎙️ Connect with Shoot the Vows: Website: https://shootthevows.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz

#WeddingStress #WeddingPlanning #EngagedCouple #WeddingTips #WeddingMistakes #WeddingBudget #DecisionFatigue #WeddingAdvice #NewlyEngaged #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #StattEvents #WeddingCoordinator #BridalTips #WeddingPlanningTips #EngagementTips #CoupleGoals #WeddingHelp #HiddenWeddingCosts

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with DJ Tori Vee, VP and DJ/MC at Washburn Entertainment, to talk all about MCs and why the right one can completely make or break your reception.

We cover what an MC actually does (spoiler: it's way more than just a DJ who talks), why personality matters more than anything when picking one, and what separates a great MC from a cringey one. Tori breaks down how your MC sets the tone and energy for the entire reception, things couples totally forget to tell their MC but really should, and when it makes sense to book a dedicated MC vs. having your DJ pull double duty.

Whether you're in the middle of planning or just starting to think about entertainment, this one's packed with stuff you need to hear.

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🌐 shootthevows.com

Connect with DJ Tori Vee & Washburn Entertainment: 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/djtorivee 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/washburnentertainment 🌐 Website: https://www.washburnentertainment.com

#ShootTheVows #WeddingMC #WeddingDJ #WeddingPlanning #WeddingReception #WashburnEntertainment #DJToriVee #WeddingEntertainment #WeddingPodcast

"I don't think I need a videographer." We hear it ALL the time. So in this episode, Caitlyn plays devil's advocate and puts Kalee in the hot seat. Budget concerns, the classic "am I even going to watch it?" debate, and every reason couples talk themselves out of wedding video... we break it all down.

Whether you're on the fence or already convinced you're skipping video, this one might change your mind. Or not. Either way, you'll walk away knowing exactly what you'd be gaining (or giving up).

——

🔗 CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: shootthevows.com 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

💬 Got a topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments!

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're joined by Kristen DeBadts from New York Wedding Expos to talk all about wedding expos, what they are, why couples should attend them, and how to make the most of the experience.

If you're newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed about where to start with planning, wedding expos can be one of the fastest ways to meet vendors, discover new ideas, and get a jump start on building your dream vendor team. Kristen shares insider tips on how couples can prepare before attending, what to expect when they walk in, and how to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the options.

Whether you're just starting your wedding planning journey or looking to finalize your vendor team, this episode will help you navigate wedding expos like a pro.

What We Cover:

-What wedding expos actually are and how they work -Why wedding expos are helpful for newly engaged couples -How to prepare before attending an expo -Tips for navigating large vendor events without feeling overwhelmed -Why researching vendors ahead of time is important -How expos help couples discover vendors they didn't know they needed -The differences between large winter expos and smaller spring shows

Connect with Weddings in New York:

🌐 https://www.weddingsinnewyork.com

📸 https://www.instagram.com/weddingsinnewyork

💍 https://www.newyorkweddingexpos.com

Connect with Us:

🌐 https://shootthevows.com

🎙️ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz

🎙️ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

📸 https://instagram.com/shootthevows

We're breaking down everything that happens after "I do," from grand entrances to last call on the dance floor. We're sharing tips on keeping your reception timeline smooth, your dance floor packed, and your guests happy, plus the common mistakes we see couples make and why you should never skip sunset photos.

What We Cover: -Grand entrance and first dance tips -Toasts and speeches (keeping them short and sweet) -The dance floor (how to keep it packed) -Timeline flow (when to cut the cake, do the bouquet toss, etc.) -Common reception mistakes (too many formal events, not enough dancing) -Sunset photos

Connect with Us:

🌐 shootthevows.com

🎙️ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz

🎙️ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

📸 instagram.com/shootthevows

Nobody's planning their wedding thinking about insurance — but maybe they should be. In this episode, we sit down with local Allstate agent Jon Gruenewald to break down everything you need to know about event insurance. What does it actually cover? When should you get it? And what about insuring your ring? Jon clears up the most common misconceptions so you can protect your day (and your investment) without the stress.

In this episode, we cover: 🔹 What event insurance is and why it matters 🔹 What's actually covered (and what's not) 🔹 Insuring your ring and other jewelry 🔹 When to get coverage in your planning timeline 🔹 Common misconceptions about wedding insurance

—

🔗 CONNECT WITH JON GRUENEWALD Allstate Agent Page: https://agents.allstate.com/jon-d-gruenewald-east-syracuse-ny.html Phone: (315) 385-3363 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064566654000

—

🎙️ MORE WAYS TO LISTEN Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows/

Cocktail hour sounds simple enough — some appetizers, a signature drink, maybe a lawn game or two. But there's actually a lot going on behind the scenes (especially for the couple), and a few easy mistakes that can throw off the whole vibe.

In this episode, we're breaking down everything cocktail hour — from how long it should actually be, to what you should be doing during it (hint: it's not just mingling), to the food and drink choices that'll keep your guests happy and not hangry.

In this episode:

• What cocktail hour looks like for guests vs. the couple
• Timeline tips — how long is too long?
• Entertainment and lawn game ideas
• Food and drink options worth considering
• Using cocktail hour for photos (and when to skip it)
• Common cocktail hour mistakes to avoid

🎙️ Listen wherever you get podcasts: Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

🌐 Website: shootthevows.com 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows

What would a couple actually change about their wedding if they could do it all over? In this episode, we sit down with past clients Sahra and Bill for an honest Q&A about their wedding experience—the stuff they loved, the things they regret, and the one disaster that almost derailed the day.

We're covering: → What they wish they knew before planning → Regrets (and what they'd do differently) → The things they're SO glad they did → A wedding day disaster story you need to hear

Whether you're newly engaged or deep in the planning trenches, this one's full of real advice from a couple who's been through it.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app: shootthevows.com 📸 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows

#weddingplanning #weddingtips #bridetobe #weddingpodcast #engagedlife

Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, so let's make sure it feels right. In this episode, we're breaking down all the big ceremony decisions — from what you say to who's standing up there with you.

What you'll learn: 💍 The pros and cons of sharing personal vows with guests vs. saving them for just the two of you ✍️ Tips for writing your own wedding vows (and when traditional vows might be the better call) 📵 How to politely ask guests to put their phones away during your ceremony 👰 Friend, family member, or professional officiant — what to consider when choosing ⏳ How long your ceremony should actually be and how to keep the energy flowing

Whether you're deep in wedding planning mode or just getting started, this episode will help you create a ceremony that feels personal, intentional, and totally you.

Connect with us: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows 🌐 Website: shootthevows.com 📩 Questions? DM us or drop a comment!

More wedding planning tips: 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

#WeddingPlanning #WeddingCeremony #WeddingVows #WritingYourOwnVows #UnpluggedWedding #WeddingOfficiant #WeddingTips #EngagedCouple #BrideToBe #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #CeremonyPlanning #WeddingAdvice #2024Wedding #2025Wedding

Trying to figure out when to start wedding dress shopping? Wondering what to expect at your first bridal appointment? In this episode, we sit down with Marie Adornato, owner of Spy Baby Bridal and Prom in Syracuse, NY and designer behind Adornato Couture, to get all her insider tips for brides navigating the gown shopping experience.

In this episode, we cover: ⏰ The ideal shopping and shipping timeline for your wedding dress 👗 What to expect at your first bridal appointment 💻 Online vs. in-store shopping – pros and cons 💭 Staying true to your vision vs. keeping an open mind 💰 How to budget for your gown (and what brides often forget!) ✨ Accessories and extras to consider 🎉 Making your dress shopping experience as memorable as your wedding day

Whether you're newly engaged or deep in wedding planning mode, Marie's advice will help you feel confident and prepared for one of the most exciting parts of your bridal journey.

Connect with Marie & Spy Baby Bridal: 🌐 Website: https://spybaby.com 📍 Location: 426 N Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spybaby.bridal 📸 Instagram: @spybabybridal

Subscribe to Shoot the Vows for more wedding planning tips, vendor spotlights, and behind-the-scenes insights from the wedding industry! Listen on your favorite platform: shootthevows.com

#WeddingDressShopping #BridalTips #WeddingPlanning #SyracuseNY #CNYWeddings #BridalGown #ShootTheVows #WeddingPodcast #BrideToBeAdvice #SpyBabyBridal