The Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of Stories

Ever wonder what it means to work in wedding production? This week, our podcast welcomes Sean Denny, the Director of Events and Production Designer for Luxe Productions which is based in Chicago. From his humble beginnings working as a DJ during college to traveling the country and producing high-profile, star-studded events, Sean's journey has us wishing he hadn't signed so many NDAs and could share more dirt. 

Listen now to hear Sean's story, from his early passion for music to his transition into the wedding production industry in NYC. He reveals the challenges and excitement of creating unforgettable experiences for clients, including the intricacies of producing glamorous events and we'll even try to manifest his dream of organizing a culturally rich Lebanese wedding. And in true Jen and Megan fashion, we'll try to encourage some celebrity shout-outs – will Ryan Reynolds show us some love?

Tune in for an engaging conversation with Sean Denny as we dive into the fascinating world of wedding production.

Learn more about using Luxe Productions for your next event HERE. 

East Coast vs. Midwest Weddings: Jen v. Meg

In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, it’s the first-ever Jen v. Megan showdown—though, let’s be real, no one's actually swinging. Megan loves the classic East Coast wedding format, while Jen—well, she’ll happily plan a Midwest wedding, but deep down, she’s ready to flip the whole wedding day schedule on its head. From dancing between courses to rigid timelines, we’re breaking down traditions and questioning the status quo. Tune in for a fun, slightly competitive, but mostly just entertaining debate on East Coast vs. Midwest weddings!

This week, we’re tackling one of the most controversial wedding topics—tipping. Who gets tipped? How much? Is it really optional? (Hint: No.)

If you’re getting married, this episode will help you figure out who and how to tip your wedding pro team. If you’re a wedding vendor, this is a good listen too—because we know you have thoughts.

Jen and Megan break down what they tell their couples to do, share the biggest tip they ever received (which was “look both ways before you cross the street”), and try to answer the age-old question: Can you leave a review in place of a tip? (No.)

This week we’re joined by Brit Grosenick, founder of Happy Joy Candy Co., a Milwaukee-based company bringing the fun with home-spun cotton candy, drink glitter bombs, and more sweet surprises. 

We’re diving into the real side of being a wedding entrepreneur, the highs and lows of running a business, and why couples are loving these playful treats at their weddings. If you’re a bride, groom, or wedding planner looking to add a little extra fun to your big day, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Reach out to Brit Here! Happy Joy Candy Co. 

This week, we’re chatting with Dan Nowak, the owner and “Tall Guy” behind Brazen Standard, the parent company of Tall Guy and a Grill, The Crafted Tavern, and The Dessert Cart, all based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

This week, Megan and Jen are driving (see what we did there?) into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) aspects of wedding planning—transportation! We’re sharing all the dos and don’ts of booking and coordinating transportation for your wedding day. Whether it’s getting the wedding party to the venue on time, managing shuttles for guests, or navigating last-minute logistics, we’ve got you covered.

Packed with practical tips and real-life examples, this episode is a must-listen for couples, wedding planners, and anyone looking to ensure a smooth, stress-free day. Because let’s face it—transportation can make or break your timeline! 

Planning a wedding is like walking a tightrope—balancing the perfect day while hoping no one goes off the rails. Let’s face it: wild wedding guests are inevitable. In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, we’re spilling WTF moments—bridesmaids eating it on stairs, rogue underwear sightings, and a DJ stuck on "Panda" by Desiigner. Oh, and injuries? Plenty.

We’ll also share how wedding planners attempt to keep things under control, from handling open-bar sprinters to disaster-proofing the day. Whether you’re wedding planning or just here for the train wrecks, this episode delivers the juiciest antics, hard-earned tips, and pure chaos.

Tune in for the laughs, the cringes, and the WTF moments that’ll make you wonder how weddings even happen. (Spoiler: planners deserve awards and therapy.)