Shoot the Vows

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

What happens when a forgotten Baptist church sits empty for 30 years and someone finally says "yeah, let's turn this into a wedding venue"? You get The Mizpah — a gothic, moody, completely one-of-a-kind wine sanctuary and event space in the heart of downtown Syracuse, and we are obsessed.

In this Venue Spotlight episode, we're sitting down with Mike Green and Jenna Ellis to talk about how they're transforming a building that had holes in the floor, a bird living inside, and a leaking roof into one of the most unique spaces in Central New York.

We're getting into:

The gothic design philosophy — preserving the decay, not erasing it A self-pour wine wall with 24 wines you can customize for your wedding The mezzanine idea that will have guests watching the ceremony from the old choir loft Why a day-of coordinator might be the most underrated wedding vendor out there If you're a bride, a vendor, or just someone who loves a space that breaks the mold — this one's for you.

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

🏛️ Find The Mizpah: 🌐 https://www.themizpah.com/ 📷 https://www.instagram.com/themizpahsyr/

🌐 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

Planning a wedding comes with approximately one million things to buy, book, rent, upgrade, personalize, and panic-Google at 11 p.m.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're talking through different wedding expenses and deciding what we think is worth the splurge and what you can probably save on without ruining the day.

We go category by category and share our honest opinions on where your money actually makes a difference, where couples sometimes overspend, and what choices really come down to your priorities, your vibe, and your budget.

From practical wedding-day purchases to the fun little details everyone loves to debate, we're breaking down what we'd splurge on, what we'd save on, and why.

If you're planning a wedding and trying to figure out where your money should actually go, this one's for you.

Watch more episodes and find us here: Shoot the Vows: https://shootthevows.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898

#ShootTheVows #WeddingPlanning #WeddingBudget #SplurgeOrSave #WeddingPodcast

Before you pin one more peony bouquet on Pinterest, listen to this.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Courtney Rapp from Westcott Florist to pull back the curtain on everything that goes into wedding florals — from the real vs. faux debate to why your flower budget might be higher than you expected (and what you're actually paying for). Whether you're overwhelmed by options or think you've got it all figured out from Instagram, this conversation will change how you approach one of the most visual parts of your wedding day.

We're getting into: 🌸 Real flowers vs. faux flowers — when each option makes sense and what to know before choosing 🌸 The questions florists ask before a consultation and why they matter for your design 🌸 What actually goes into wedding florals behind the scenes — and why the cost surprises so many couples 🌸 How Pinterest and AI-generated inspiration can help or hurt your floral planning 🌸 Why trusting your florist's expertise leads to less stress and better results

If you're engaged and starting to think about florals (or already stressed about them), this is the episode to send to your partner and say "we need to listen to this."

💐 Connect with Westcott Florist: Website: https://www.westcottflorist.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westcottflorist

🎙️ 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

#WeddingFlowers #WeddingFlorist #RealVsFauxFlowers #WeddingPlanning #BridalBouquet #WeddingFlorals #FloralDesign #WeddingBudget #WeddingTips #WestcottFlorist #RochesterNY #UpstateNYWeddings #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #PinterestWedding #WeddingInspiration #FloristTips #WeddingVendors #BridalFlowers

This might be the most personal and unforgettable wedding gift you never thought of.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with bridal boudoir photographer Rae Taryn to talk about why boudoir sessions are having a major moment with brides right now — and why so many couples are calling it the best gift of the entire wedding experience. From what to expect during your session to creative ways to surprise your partner on the big day, Rae is breaking it all down.

We're getting into: ✨ What bridal boudoir actually is (and why it's not what you think) ✨ Why it's become one of the most meaningful gifts a bride can give her partner ✨ Hair and makeup is included — making it the perfect trial run before the wedding day ✨ How a boudoir session builds confidence heading into the wedding (and the wedding night) ✨ When to book your session in your wedding planning timeline and what to expect ✨ Creative ways to gift it to your partner — albums, polaroids at the wedding, and more

If you've ever been curious about bridal boudoir or you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind wedding gift, this episode will change your mind about everything you thought you knew.

📷 Connect with Rae Taryn: Website: https://boudoirbyraetaryn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirbyraetaryn/

🎙️ 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

#BridalBoudoir #BoudoirPhotography #WeddingGift #BrideGift #WeddingPlanning #BoudoirSession #BridalConfidence #WeddingDay #WeddingNight #BoudoirAlbum #BridalBeauty #HairAndMakeupTrial #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #EngagedCouple #BrideToBeGift #BoudoirInspiration #WeddingGiftIdeas #BoudoirByRaeTaryn

Your engagement session doesn't have to be awkward — promise.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sharing all of our best tips for getting the most out of your engagement session, whether you're doing photos, video, or both. From what to wear and how to prep to what actually makes the difference between stiff, posed shots and images that feel like you — we're covering everything you need to know before you step in front of the camera.

We're talking about: 📸 What to wear — and what to avoid 📸 Why having your wedding videographer at your engagement session is a game-changer 📸 How to feel natural and comfortable in front of the camera 📸 Location tips — how to pick the perfect spot 📸 How your engagement session helps you prepare for your wedding day 📸 What to communicate with your photographer and videographer beforehand

Whether you just got engaged or your session is already on the calendar, these tips will help you show up confident and walk away with content you actually love.

🎙️ 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

#EngagementSession #EngagementPhotos #EngagementVideo #EngagementSessionTips #WeddingPlanning #CouplePhotography #EngagementShoot #WhatToWear #EngagementOutfit #PhotoTips #VideoTips #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #EngagedCouple #GoldenHour #CoupleGoals #WeddingPhotographer #WeddingVideographer #EngagementInspiration

Your food choices affect way more than just your guests' plates.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Creative Caterers at Glendoveer in Rochester, NY to talk about what really goes into wedding catering — and what most couples don't realize until it's too late. From how your menu impacts your timeline and flow to the biggest planning mistakes that lead to unnecessary stress, this conversation is a must-listen before you book your caterer.

We're getting into: 🍽️ What couples get wrong when picking a caterer (and how it affects the entire day) 🍽️ How food choices impact your timeline, guest flow, and overall experience more than you think 🍽️ What a coordinator wishes every couple knew before the wedding day 🍽️ The pros and cons of having your venue and catering under one roof 🍽️ Top planning mistakes that lead to unnecessary stress — and how to avoid them

Whether you're just starting to look at caterers or you've already booked your venue, this episode will change how you think about one of the biggest decisions of your wedding day.

🍴 Connect with Creative Caterers at Glendoveer: Website: https://www.creativecaterers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativecaterers_roc/

🎙️ 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

#WeddingCatering #WeddingFood #WeddingPlanning #RochesterNY #RochesterWeddings #WeddingVenue #WeddingTimeline #WeddingCaterer #CreativeCaterers #Glendoveer #UpstateNYWeddings #WeddingTips #WeddingMistakes #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #ReceptionFood #WeddingMenu #CateringTips #WeddingVendors

"Just have your uncle shoot the wedding. He has a nice camera." 😳

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, Kalee and I are reacting to some of the worst wedding advice that's floating around the internet (and family group chats). From skipping vendors to cutting corners that will absolutely come back to haunt you, we're breaking down why this "advice" can actually ruin your wedding day — and what you should do instead.

If you've ever been told to ditch the videographer, skip the coordinator, or not feed your vendors… this one's for you. We're not holding back.

🎙️ 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

#WeddingAdvice #BadWeddingAdvice #WeddingTips #WeddingPlanning #WeddingMistakes #WeddingPhotographer #WeddingVideographer #WeddingCoordinator #BudgetWedding #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #EngagedCouple #WeddingVendors #BridalTips #WeddingDayTips #WeddingReels #WeddingIndustry #GoldenHour #FirstLook

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of a flawless wedding day? Spoiler: it's never as "effortless" as it looks.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Eliza Jane from Eliza Jane Events — a luxury wedding planner and designer based in Rochester, NY — to talk about the invisible work that goes into pulling off a seamless celebration. From vendor management and timeline pivots to navigating family dynamics and room energy, Eliza shares what couples never see (and the wild saves they never knew happened).

We're getting into: 🔹 Real problems that happened on wedding days that couples had no idea about 🔹 What vendor management actually looks like behind the scenes 🔹 The difference between a timeline on paper vs. how the day actually flows 🔹 The biggest pivot Eliza's ever pulled off without the couple knowing 🔹 Why vendor relationships are the secret ingredient to a great wedding day 🔹 Managing personalities, family dynamics, and the energy of the room 🔹 What you're actually paying for when you hire a wedding planner

Whether you're newly engaged, deep in wedding planning, or a fellow wedding pro — this one's packed with the real, behind-the-curtain truth about wedding coordination.

💍 Connect with Eliza Jane Events: Website: https://www.elizajaneevents.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajaneevents_/

🎙️ 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

#WeddingPlanner #WeddingPlanning #WeddingDay #BehindTheScenes #WeddingCoordinator #LuxuryWeddings #WeddingTips #WeddingAdvice #UpstateNYWeddings #RochesterNY #WeddingVendors #BridalTips #EngagedCouple #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #ElizaJaneEvents #WeddingDayTimeline #VendorManagement #WeddingInspo

Thinking about popping the question? This one's for you.

In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're breaking down everything you need to know about planning the perfect proposal — from the big-picture logistics to the little details that make the moment truly unforgettable. We're talking about why hiring a photographer for your proposal is worth every penny, how to plan an engagement session, and all the tips and tricks to make sure the moment goes off without a hitch.

We're covering: 💍 How to start planning a proposal (and where most people overthink it) 💍 Choosing the perfect location and setting the scene 💍 Why you should hire a photographer to capture the moment 💍 How to secretly coordinate with a photographer without giving it away 💍 Planning your engagement session — what to wear, where to go, and what to expect 💍 Tips for making the proposal personal and meaningful 💍 Common proposal mistakes and how to avoid them

Whether you're ready to propose tomorrow or just starting to think about it, this episode has everything you need to pull off a moment you'll both remember forever.

🎙️ 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

#Proposal #ProposalPlanning #HowToPropose #EngagementSession #ProposalPhotographer #ProposalTips #EngagementPhotos #ProposalIdeas #GettingEngaged #SheSaidYes #EngagedCouple #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #ProposalInspiration #EngagementTips #SurpriseProposal #ProposalDay