Thinking about a barn or ranch wedding in Central New York? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Ridley from Nunda Ranch to talk about what couples really need to know before booking a rustic venue.

Nicole shares insider tips on what sets barn and ranch venues apart from traditional spaces, the questions you should be asking on every venue tour, and what's typically included versus what you'll need to bring in yourself—like catering, rentals, and more.

We also cover the practical stuff that can make or break your day: weather and seasonality considerations for CNY, guest comfort (think climate control, restrooms, and accessibility), plus Nicole's best advice for couples just starting their venue search.

Whether you're dreaming of a laid-back outdoor celebration or a cozy barn reception, this episode is packed with info to help you plan smarter.

In this episode: ⏱ What makes barn/ranch venues unique ⏱ Must-ask questions for venue tours ⏱ What's included vs. what you'll need to rent ⏱ Weather & seasonality in Central New York ⏱ Guest comfort considerations ⏱ Advice for couples starting their venue search

Learn more about Nunda Ranch: https://www.nundaranch.com/

Connect with Shoot the Vows: 🌐 Website: https://shootthevows.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/shootthevows

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

Planning a wedding on a budget? You're not alone—and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.

In this episode, we sit down with real bride Jessica Edkin to get her honest take on what she'd do differently and what she'd absolutely do again. From DIY wins (and fails) to splurges that were totally worth it, Jessica shares the lessons she learned so you don't have to learn them the hard way.

We're covering: 💍 Her wedding budget, guest count, and overall vision 💍 Regrets and what she'd change 💍 DIY projects: worth it or not? 💍 Where she found unexpected savings 💍 Splurges she doesn't regret for a second 💍 What guests actually notice vs. what they don't 💍 Advice for couples planning on a tight budget

Whether you're deep in planning mode or just starting out, this one's packed with real-world insight.

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💬 Drop a comment and tell us: What's the ONE thing you refuse to compromise on for your wedding?

Don't forget to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode of Shoot the Vows!

#budgetwedding #weddingbudget #weddingonabudget #weddingplanning #bridetobe #weddingadvice #diywedding #weddingtips #weddingpodcast #engagedlife #bridesofinstagram #weddingregrets #weddingworth #realwedding #weddingsavings #shootthevows

Just got engaged? Congrats! 💍 Before you spiral into Pinterest boards and venue tours, take a breath. In this episode, we're breaking down everything you need to know about navigating engagement season (December–February) without losing your mind.

We cover: → What to do first after getting engaged (and what can wait) → The urge to book everything NOW — when to pump the brakes → Dealing with unsolicited opinions from family and friends → Setting a realistic timeline based on your wedding date → Having the budget conversation early → What actually needs to be prioritized (yes, venues book fast) → Avoiding the comparison trap on social media → Enjoying being engaged before full planning mode kicks in

CONNECT WITH US: 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/shootthevows 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

Did you know your vendor could legally cancel on you the week of your wedding—and only owe you a refund? 😳

In this episode, we sat down with Leah Weinberg, founder and attorney at Weinberg Legal, for our first-ever live in-person podcast recording in New York City! Leah has an incredible backstory—she started as an attorney, spent almost 10 years as a wedding planner, and has now returned to law to help small businesses and wedding professionals navigate contracts and legal matters.

In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Understanding your total costs and when payments are due ✅ Deposits, retainers, and installment payment schedules ✅ Red flags to watch for when reviewing vendor contracts ✅ Why "free termination rights" can be dangerous for couples ✅ The importance of actually reading your contracts (seriously, read them!) ✅ How to ask questions and have conversations when something doesn't make sense

🔗 CONNECT WITH LEAH WEINBERG: Website: https://www.weinberglegal.com Email: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH SHOOT THE VOWS: Website: https://www.shootthevows.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

New episodes drop every Thursday at 10 AM—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments and we might feature them in a future video!

#WeddingPlanning #WeddingContracts #WeddingVendors #BrideToBe #EngagedLife #WeddingTips #WeddingPodcast #WeddingLawyer #VendorContracts #WeddingAdvice #ShootTheVows #WeddingPlanningTips #NewlyEngaged #WeddingBudget #NYCWedding

Your wedding day isn't just about you—it's about everyone who showed up to celebrate. In this episode, we're diving deep into the guest experience and what actually makes people remember your wedding for all the right reasons. From avoiding that awkward cocktail hour lull to designing seating charts that don't leave Aunt Carol at the "table of randos," we're covering everything you need to know to keep your guests comfortable, entertained, and genuinely happy to be there.

In This Episode: 🥂 Why guest experience matters more than you think ⏰ Bridging the cocktail hour gap during photos 💺 Seating arrangements that actually work 📋 Timeline flow from your guests' perspective ✨ Small touches that make a big impact (signage, favors, personal notes) 🚫 Guest experience mistakes to avoid ⚖️ Balancing your vision with guest comfort Whether you're newly engaged or deep in wedding planning mode, this episode will help you create a day your guests won't stop talking about.

— Connect with us:

🌐 Website: https://shootthevows.com

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/shootthevows

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

💚 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05...

— Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, hit the notification bell, and leave a comment telling us your best (or worst!) wedding guest experience!

Running behind on your wedding day? It usually starts in the hair & makeup chair. 💄

In this episode, we sit down with Kaylee Styer, owner and hair stylist/makeup artist at The Beauty Stop, to talk about everything brides need to know about wedding day glam — from choosing the right artist to keeping your timeline on track.

We're covering: ✨ What to actually look for when hiring your hair & makeup artist ✨ Why trials matter more than you think (and what makes a good one) ✨ How to prep your skin and hair leading up to the big day ✨ The #1 reason hair & makeup runs late — and how to avoid it ✨ Timeline tips to keep your getting-ready time stress-free

🎉 SPECIAL OFFER: The Beauty Stop is running a sale on trials through the end of December for their anniversary! Don't miss it!

CONNECT WITH KAYLEE: 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautystop315

CONNECT WITH US: 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows 📍 Website: https://www.shootthevows.com 📍 Book with us: https://www.momentscapturedcny.com

If this episode helped you, hit that subscribe button and leave us a comment — we'd love to hear from you! 💬

#WeddingPlanning #BridalBeauty #WeddingHairAndMakeup #WeddingTimeline #ShootTheVows

Ever wonder why some couples look SO natural in their wedding photos while others seem stiff and uncomfortable? The secret isn't posing tricks—it's CONNECTION.

In this episode, we're diving deep into why the relationship you have with your wedding photographer matters just as much as their portfolio. From what "friend-vibe" photographers do differently on your big day to how you can vibe-check a photographer before signing that contract, we're covering everything you need to know to find YOUR perfect match.

What we cover: ✨ Why comfort = better photos (the real reason connection matters) ✨ What sets "friend-vibe" photographers apart on a wedding day ✨ Chemistry vs. camera skills—why you need BOTH ✨ Finding the balance between boundaries and bestie energy ✨ How to vibe-check your photographer before booking ✨ Real stories where trust completely transformed the photos ✨ Tips for camera-shy and anxious couples

Whether you're newly engaged and starting your vendor search, or you've always felt awkward in front of a camera, this one's for you. 🫶

💬 DROP A COMMENT BELOW: What's more important to you when choosing a wedding photographer—their portfolio or how comfortable they make you feel? Have you ever had a photographer (or any vendor!) who just got you? We want to hear your stories!

🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM: 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

📲 CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows

00:00 - Introduction: Finding Your Photography Style 01:19 - Welcome to Shoot the Vows 01:31 - Why Vibing with Your Vendors Matters 02:55 - When Awkwardness Shows in Your Photos 03:35 - Never Skip Your Engagement Session 04:52 - Understanding Photography Styles: Posed vs Candid 06:15 - Using Questionnaires to Know Your Couple 07:34 - Building Confidence Through Engagement Sessions 08:20 - Maintaining Professional Boundaries 09:36 - Professional vs Friend with a Camera 11:14 - Trust Your Gut: Jiving with Your Photographer 12:27 - The Importance of Reviews 12:42 - Budget Red Flags to Watch For 13:24 - Personality as a Determining Factor 14:29 - Communication is Key 14:40 - Finding the Right Style for Camera-Shy Couples 16:11 - Booking an Engagement Session First 17:47 - When Photographers Know How to Pose You 19:06 - Grooms Are Usually More Nervous 20:08 - You're Paying for Experience 20:44 - Wrap Up & Next Episode Preview

🎙️ Listen to Shoot the Vows: shootthevows.com 💍 Book Heather at Root & Rise Occasion: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/root-rise-occasion/77afffd845d072d0.html 📸 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows 💬 Leave us a comment with your wedding planning questions!

Do You Actually Need a Wedding Coordinator? | Shoot the Vows Episode 6

Thinking about skipping a wedding coordinator to save money? Wedding planner Heather Burditt from Root & Rise Occasion is breaking down why that might be a mistake — and what couples don't realize until it's too late.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the difference between a wedding coordinator and a wedding planner, why "our venue includes a coordinator" doesn't mean what you think it means, and who's actually managing vendor communication, setup, emergencies, and timeline chaos on your big day.

We also talk about how to keep your friends and family from becoming unpaid wedding staff (unless that's intentional), how a planner can elevate your design and budget, and insider tips for choosing the right coordinator or planner for YOUR personality and priorities.

Whether you're DIYing your wedding or going all-in with a full-service planner, this episode will help you understand what support you actually need to pull off a stress-free, beautiful wedding day.

Mentioned in this episode: Root & Rise Occasion - Wedding Planning & Coordination

#WeddingPlanning #WeddingCoordinator #WeddingPlanner #BrideToBe #WeddingTips #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #WeddingAdvice #WeddingDay #EventPlanning #weddingvendors

Planning your wedding day timeline can feel like A LOT — but in this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're breaking it down into simple, stress-free steps you can actually follow.

We dive into:

• The real reasons wedding timelines run late (and how to avoid it)

• How to build buffer time that keeps the whole day on track

• Scheduling detail photos, first looks, and family portraits efficiently

• How lighting affects when and where key moments should happen

• Why sharing your timeline with vendors = smooth, easy wedding day vibes

• How to stay present and enjoy your day while still getting all your must-have photos + video

Whether you're planning a CNY wedding or anywhere else, this episode will help you create a timeline that works with your day — not against it.

✨ Subscribe for weekly wedding planning tips from your favorite photo + video team!

✨ Have timeline questions? Drop them in the comments!

🎧 Listen to Shoot the Vows on your favorite platform: YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ShootTheVows Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz

📲 Follow us for more wedding tips & behind-the-scenes moments: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/shootthevows

Should you elope? In this episode of Shoot the Vows, Caitlyn and Kalee sit down with Dani Thorn of Dani T Photography to unpack everything couples should know before deciding whether to elope or plan a traditional wedding. From choosing the perfect location to navigating family expectations, we talk about the beauty, freedom, and intentionality behind elopements — and why they're not "small weddings," but deeply personal celebrations of love.

✨ Meet Dani Thorn: Dani is a New York–based wedding and elopement photographer who specializes in capturing authentic, emotion-filled moments for adventurous couples. Her work is vibrant, candid, and full of storytelling heart — with a focus on real connection and documenting the day as it truly unfolds.

📸 Learn more about Dani: Website → https://danitphotography.com/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/danitphotography/

💬 Have a question or topic you'd love us to cover next? Drop it in the comments below — we might feature it in a future episode!