The Big Wedding Planning Podcast

From creative favors to unforgettable experiential events, this episode showcases 5 innovative small businesses that elevate wedding celebrations with unique offerings. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, these businesses provide exciting alternatives like DIY book bars, sophisticated mobile cigar lounges, and personalized ice cream stations. Perfect for any wedding-related event—from the main celebration to the welcome reception and rehearsal dinner—these ideas will dazzle your guests and make your special day truly memorable. 

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Episode Takeaways:

Featured Businesses and Special Offers:

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

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Are you planning a wedding that blends cultures or strives for inclusivity? In this episode, we dive into the colorful world of multicultural weddings and female empowerment in wedding planning with international etiquette expert, Jamila Mousaiva. Jamila brings her unique perspective on blending traditions and modern etiquette to help you navigate the complexities of family dynamics and cultural expectations. Whether you're trying to incorporate diverse cultural elements into your ceremony or seeking tips on making all guests feel included, this episode is packed with insightful, actionable advice. Perfect for couples looking to personalize their wedding with elegance and respect, Jamila’s advice ensures your big day is as thoughtful as it is memorable. Join us for a fun, enlightening discussion that breaks the mold of traditional etiquette!

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Topics We Covered

About The Guest

Jamila Musayeva is a certified etiquette teacher, a 3X author on etiquette, and a YouTube creator with nearly 1 Million subscribers, focusing on international etiquette. Raised in Azerbaijan with a rich multicultural upbringing, Jamila is fluent in six languages, and her approach to etiquette intertwines personal development, female empowerment, and cultural appreciation, striking a delicate balance between progressive living and preserving traditions.

Jamila teaches etiquette to ambassadors, young diplomats, as well as everyday people who consume her content and attend her events. Jamila has written three etiquette books, ‘Etiquette: the least you need to know’, ‘Afternoon Tea Etiquette’, and her newest book ‘The Art of Entertaining at Home’, and she’s grown her audience to over 1 million in just a few years

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle hosted a Wedding Planning Happy Hour last year for a large group, primarily brides, and answered numerous wedding planning questions from all stages of the process. Listen in to learn a great deal from this episode and hear about others' experiences with planning their weddings.

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Topics and Questions That Were Covered

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know if a photographer is right for you, and what are the red flags to watch out for? 🚩📷 Join Michelle as we dive into the world of wedding photography with our listener Emily. She brought us along on her two-month journey to find the perfect photographer for her wedding. It was a wild ride! With the help of photographer Raven Shutley, we guided Emily and her partner through the process, offering plenty of advice and support. You’re going to learn a lot from this episode!

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Topics We Covered

About The Guest

Raven Shetley - Raven is a talented wedding photographer based just above Atlanta, Georgia, with 17 years of experience. She specializes in capturing genuine, heartfelt moments, making her a trusted expert in the wedding industry. You can check out her beautiful work on Instagram at @RavenShutleyStudios or visit her website RavenShutleyStudios.com. Feel free to email her at [email protected] for any questions or inquiries.

Links We Referenced

Raven on Instagram

Raven’s Website

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enhance your wedding planning experience and strengthen your personal connections. In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of relationships during wedding planning with friendship coach and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson. This conversation sheds light on the emotional complexities that come with preparing for a wedding. Danielle delves into "bride imposter syndrome," the challenges of balancing friendship expectations, and provides actionable strategies to maintain and deepen your relationships during this pivotal time. While our focus is on brides and female relationships, Danielle's insights are universally applicable, offering valuable guidance to anyone, regardless of how they identify. 

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Topics We Covered

Links We Referenced

Danielle’s book – Fighting for Our Friendships 

Danielle on TikTok

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're planning a wedding and love our planet, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and a bit of fun that’ll help you make a difference.

Michelle brings together a fantastic crew of experts who are passionate about making weddings greener. You’ll meet Courtney Barrett, an environmental scientist weaving eco-friendly magic into her own wedding, and Cris Angsten from the green-certified Oak Leaf Cottage, sharing her personal journey to sustainability. Plus, wedding planner Kristen Gosselin and David Schoenfeld from Ring Bear drop some serious knowledge (and cool ideas!) on keeping your big day beautiful and environmentally sound. 

We're all about sustainable weddings—not just for Earth Day, but for every day! 

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Links We Referenced

Courtney on Instagram

Poshmark

https://wildalchemyphotos.com/

https://www.thicketfloraldesign.com

Oak Leaf Cottage Website

Oak Leaf Cottage on Instagram

KG Events Design Website

KG Events Design on Instagram

Ring Bear Website

Ring Bear on Instagram

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

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PLEASE LISTEN! Some important updates about the future of our show. This episode is a bit different, as I’m discussing the changes coming to the podcast and what it means for you, my valued listeners.

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Topics Covered

Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions about the changes or need assistance with your subscription, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeding your wedding vendors isn't just courtesy—it's a must, especially for those who dedicate hours to make your day special. In this episode, I chat with my dear friend and seasoned wedding pro, Duncan Reyes. Dive into our lively discussion on the ins and outs of vendor meals, filled with insights, laughter, and Duncan's unmatched charm. Don't miss out!

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Topics We Covered

About The Guest

Duncan Reyes began his illustrious career as a Corporate Event Planner before moving into luxury hotel management and event planning with roles at The Portman Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel in both San Francisco & Chicago, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and The Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in wedding, corporate, and social event planning, Duncan's passion and exceptional skills led him to found F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design, making him a premiere figure in the event industry. Honored by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009 and a recipient of multiple WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards, Duncan is celebrated for his ability to create sophisticated, unique events that reflect his clients' styles, drawing on a vast network of resources to turn dreams into lasting memories.

Links We Referenced

Duncan on Instagram

Duncan’s Website

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An exclusive behind-the-scenes journey with Violeta, a bride on the brink of her wedding day, and me, her wedding planning guide and fairy godmother. This episode is a treasure trove of voice messages shared between us during the crucial last 72 hours before her big day, topped off with a heartfelt Zoom catch-up post-rehearsal. From forgotten boutonnieres to impromptu speeches, witness the real, unfiltered moments of wedding planning magic and mayhem. Violeta's reflections the day after her wedding offer a raw, emotional insight into the whirlwind of tying the knot. Join us for this intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of the final countdown, and maybe pick up a few tips for your own journey down the aisle.

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Topics Covered / What you will learn

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices