Wedding budgeting gets confusing fast when you are trying to figure out what vendors actually cost and how to make it all work together.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Lynea D'Aprix of The Wedding Talk, a planner, coordinator, designer, photographer, and videographer based in Oswego, New York. We talk about how to build a wedding budget, how to research vendors within that budget, and how couples can make smarter planning decisions without spiraling every time they open a spreadsheet.

We're talking about:

💸 How to create a wedding budget that actually makes sense. 🔎 How to research vendors within your budget and get a better read on what people are charging. 🎉 Guest experience ideas that help people mingle, including cocktail toppers, truth or dare toppers, and snap-a-pic toppers. 📝 Lynea's Wedding Talk membership, including about 75 videos, written lessons, worksheets, templates, and weekly live meetings. 🤝 Why understanding your planning styles and working together matters more than people realize. 🧠 Why wedding planning is not just one day, it is a long project you are figuring out as a team.

If you are planning a wedding and trying to stay on budget without losing your mind in the process, this episode will help.

📍 Connect with The Wedding Talk: Website: https://www.theweddingtalk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wedding_talk/ Cocktail Toppers Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWeddingTalk The Wedding Talk Membership: theweddingtalkmembership.com

📍 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

Your ceremony is not just the part before dinner. It is the part that actually makes the whole thing official.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Dre from Profound Ceremonies, a wedding officiant and planner who recently moved to Syracuse from Las Vegas and is currently focused on officiant services.

We're talking about:

💍 What an officiant actually does, including the legal side of confirming you are both choosing marriage of your own free will. 📝 How Dre customizes each ceremony through questionnaires and real conversations about your love story, style, and vibe. 🎤 Why the ceremony should actually sound like the couple getting married, not a copy and paste script. 🤍 Private vows, elopements, and why some couples want to keep the most personal part of the day more intimate. 🎉 How a ceremony can be fun, upbeat, traditional, intimate, or straight to the point depending on what fits the couple best. 🧠 Why wedding planning does not have to be chaos when you have experienced pros in your corner.

If you are planning your wedding and trying to figure out how to make the ceremony feel like you instead of just something to get through, this episode will help.

📍 Connect with Profound Ceremonies: Website: https://www.profoundceremonies.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profoundceremonies/

📍 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

Makeup can set the tone for your whole wedding morning, and the person you hire matters more than people think.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Christy Monti of Monti Makeup and Mindfulness, a makeup artist, esthetician, and yoga teacher with a studio in Camillus, New York. We talk about how wedding day makeup affects the energy of the morning, why the right vendor fit matters, and what couples should actually pay attention to when they are booking beauty services.

We're talking about:

💄 Christy's background in the beauty industry, including the fact that she started her makeup career in 2008. 🧘 Why calm vendor energy and personality fit matter so much on a wedding day. ⏰ How makeup is one of the first parts of the day and can really set the tone for everything that follows. 👯 How couples can choose between booking Christy solo or adding an assistant based on timeline and bridal party size. ❄️ Touch-up kits, mineral powder, and what actually helps when cold weather starts messing with your makeup. 👁️ False lash trials, eye shape, and making sure the final look matches what the bride actually wants. 📝 Why a bridal trial is basically part beauty preview, part investigation, and a chance to ask a lot of questions.

If you are planning your wedding and trying to figure out how to choose a makeup artist who is talented, calm, and actually listens, this episode will help.

📍 Connect with Monti Makeup and Mindfulness: Website: http://www.montimakeup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christy.monti/

📍 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

Wedding bar planning gets confusing fast, especially when you are trying to figure out what you actually need and what you can skip.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Jen and Molly from Maebell's Mobile Bartending, a mother-daughter mobile bartending team serving the Syracuse area. We talk through how their dry hire model works in New York, how they help couples plan bar service without overcomplicating it, and why simpler usually works better.

We're talking about:

🍸 What Maebell's actually offers, including a customizable package built around each couple's vision 🧾 How dry hire works in New York, and why couples need to handle the alcohol and liquor license 🥂 How they help couples figure out what to buy and how much to bring 🍧 Mocktails, slushies, and fun custom drink ideas for weddings 🍷 Why keeping the drink menu simple usually makes more sense than offering a ton of options 💡 Their best advice for couples, including not overthinking signature drinks ⏰ Why you do not want to wait until the last minute on your liquor license

If you're planning a New York wedding and trying to make bar service make sense before it turns into a spreadsheet spiral, this episode is worth the listen.

📍 Connect with Maebell's Bartending Service: Website: https://maebellesmobilebartending.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maebellesmobilebartending

📍 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

A wedding venue can shape your entire day, but the best ones actually ask what you need.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Carl Smith, venue manager of The Manor House in Pierpont Manor, NY. From the venue's 1823 origins as a National Historic Site to the 30,000+ sq ft gardens that make it their biggest draw, Carl walks us through what it takes to run a venue that actually listens to the vendors and couples who use it.

We're talking about: 🏡 The Manor House's history, from a fishing camp to a National Historic Site 🌿 How the 30,000 sq ft gardens came together over decades 🏛️ Why they added a chapel across the street as a rain plan option 🍽️ Their open vendor policy, and why they also keep a blacklist ❄️ Why AC matters more than couples think for summer weddings 🛏️ Future plans to renovate for on-site lodging 🤝 Why Carl asks vendors for feedback instead of assuming he has it all figured out

Whether you're planning your wedding in Upstate New York or just love hearing what goes on behind the scenes at a venue, this episode has something for you.

📍 Connect with The Manor House: Website: https://manorhouse1.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themanorhouseny

📍 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

Your wedding photos capture everything, but only if you give your photographer the time and trust to actually get them.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we share the things wedding photographers wish they could tell couples but usually keep to themselves. From getting ready timelines to charger plate mishaps, this one covers what actually makes a wedding day easier to shoot and easier to enjoy.

We're talking about: 📸 Why you should start getting ready earlier than you think you need to 📸 The dress and suit steaming mistake that causes day-of chaos 📸 Why the bride should be the last one to get hair and makeup done 📸 What to do if you feel awkward or unsure during photos 📸 Why photographers need a real break away from guests during the reception 📸 What your guests actually notice (and don't) about your centerpieces 📸 How much time you really need for couple photos throughout the day

Whether you're planning your timeline or just want a laugh at Kalee's charger plate story, this episode has something for you.

🎙️ 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

Your ceremony isn't just a formality, it's the actual heart of your wedding day. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Keri Klein of Flower City Ceremonies to talk all things wedding officiating. Keri shares how she custom writes every single ceremony from scratch, what makes a ceremony truly memorable, and why your wedding day is just a really expensive party without one.

We're talking about: 💍 What questions an officiant should be asking you before they write your ceremony 💍 Why choosing a friend or family member to officiate isn't always the move 💍 Real officiant horror stories (yes, including lost vows and a no-show) 💍 Unique ceremony traditions you've probably never heard of, like sand ceremonies, hand fasting, jumping the broom, and even a margarita ceremony 💍 Why private vows are such a growing trend right now 💍 How to find a great officiant if you're not getting married locally 💍 The "social media minute" trick that keeps guests happy without phones blocking the aisle

Whether you're planning a traditional ceremony or want to throw the rulebook out completely, this episode will help you build a ceremony that actually feels like you.

💐 Connect with Keri & Flower City Ceremonies: Website: https://www.flowercityceremonies.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowercityceremonies/

🎙 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

If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change?

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we are getting real about everything we wish we knew before planning our weddings — and what Kalee would do differently when her day finally comes, knowing everything she knows now from being in the industry.

We're talking about:

📷 Why DIY weddings aren't always the budget-friendly option you think they are. 📷 The real reason an all-inclusive venue might actually save you money. 📷 Why a first look (or first touch) is more about YOU than your photographer. 📷 The one thing Caitlyn regrets most — and why she tells every couple to look at full galleries. 📷 Bridal parties, big vs. small, and whether you even need one standing up there with you. 📷 Dream venues, destination weddings, greenhouse ideas, and yes — the great baby's breath debate.

Whether you're just getting engaged or knee-deep in planning, this episode is full of honest, been-there-done-that advice you're not going to want to skip. (Also, guess how many plants are in the studio. Drop it in the comments. 👇)

🎙 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

Your wedding photos and video don't have to be a gamble — promise. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we are breaking down exactly what couples can do (and what to avoid) to make sure their wedding photos and video come out as good as possible. From lighting and location choices to getting ready spaces and timeline planning, they're sharing the real behind-the-scenes stuff your photographer and videographer wish you already knew.

We're talking about: 📷 Why your location matters more than you think — and what "bad lighting" actually looks like 📷 The truth about patchy light, cluttered backgrounds, and yes, trash cans 📷 How to build a timeline that gives your photographer and videographer enough time for couple portraits 📷 Why first looks might actually be your best friend 📷 What to do (and not do) in the getting ready space before your team arrives 📷 Why trusting your vendors is the single most important thing you can do Whether you're deep in wedding planning or just starting out, this episode will help you go into your wedding day with a game plan that sets your whole creative team up to do their best work.

🎙 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

What happens when a musician shows up to a fairy-tale forest wedding and just... plays? You get the kind of ceremony that gives guests chills before the couple even reaches the altar. In this episode, we sit down with Kylie Brown, a multi-instrumentalist and wedding musician based in Ithaca, New York, to talk about why live music might be the most underrated thing missing from your wedding day.

We're sitting down with Kylie Brown of Metasequoia to talk about how she went from playing Zelda songs on her flute as a kid to performing at weddings across New York and the Hudson Valley, and why live music hits completely different than a playlist ever could.

We're getting into:

-The real difference between hiring a live musician and a DJ -Why guests literally feel live music in a way recorded music can't replicate -How to find a performer who actually has the "it factor" -What live music for your wedding ceremony and cocktail hour actually costs (it's more affordable than you think) -Video game music at weddings and why it's having a major moment -Live music for proposals and why it's the ultimate move -Kylie's funniest on-the-fly wedding story -If you're a bride, a groom, or just someone who wants their wedding to feel like a real experience and not a playlist on shuffle, this one's for you.

🔔 Subscribe and drop your questions or topic requests in the comments below!

🎵 Find Kylie Brown: 🌐 https://www.kyliebmusic.com/weddings 📸 https://www.instagram.com/kyliebmusic

🌐 shootthevows.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows