This week's episode combines the best of both of our worlds - wedding day timelines and photography. In a good timeline,  the photography plays a key role in the day. 

As Joe mentions, there are  4 main parts of the day that can affect your timeline:
1. Getting ready/prep
2. Ceremony
3. Portraits/Formal Photos
4. Reception

Tessa looks at timelines from another angle - what do you want captured on your wedding day? Are you doing a first look? How large is your wedding party? What time is sunset and does this matter to you?

How do we take two very different planning perspectives and pull them together into a comprehensive wedding day timeline? Tune in to hear all about it!  

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Listen... As much as you communicate with your guests and think you've given them all the info they'll ever need for your wedding, there will ALWAYS be the barrage of questions on your wedding day. 

What time is the wedding? 
How do we get there? 
Is there a dress code? 
Can I bring my new friend I just met last night? 

OMG, IT'S A LOT. 

So how do you best prepare your guests to allow you to have a relaxing, calm wedding day? Tune in to this week's episode as we acknowledge (and answer) some of the most frequently asked questions that your guests will have. If you prepare these answers in advance, it will set you and your wedding day up for blissful success! 

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Joe @josephesser
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If you're debating whether or not you need videography for your wedding - tune in to this week's episode. Joe and I have some BIG FEELINGS about this topic, and you're gonna want to hear our thoughts.

Tessa's key takeaways:

• Everyone tells me "I'll never watch my video again" or "I don't want to watch myself - it's so cringey" BUT, what if we tell you this video isn't about you?
• I watch my video to see my grandma laughing at my wedding (she passed away about 3 years after my wedding).
• My daughter watches my video (not me!!) to see my and my husband on our wedding day.

Joe's key takeaways:

• Working with a company that can do both photo and video is a major WIN-WIN. They work together seamlessly like a well oiled machine.
• If you're hiring 2 separate companies, find a photographer and videographer who have a mutual respect for each other and understand the value they both add to the client's wedding day.

You may not want a video of you for YOU to watch, but we promise that one day in the future, you'll wish you could see someone's raw emotions - parents, grandparents, friends or another loved one. That's what a wedding video gives you.

At the end of the day, the only takeaways you'll have from your wedding are: your photos, your videos, your podcast BFFs, and the lifetime friendship you have with your wedding planner! :) 

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Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

If you're deep in the midst of your wedding planning, we're positive that you've seen a preferred vendor list - this could be either from your wedding planner, your venue, or even one of your other many vendors. Caterers partner with staffing and bar companies, photographers will refer videographers that they work collaboratively with, and venues will often require you to work with specific tried and true vendors that have been thoroughly vetted through them.

Is this a good thing, or not? We personally think having a select list of vendors to choose from who have worked together, understand the rules, and play nicely together is 100% a good thing. In today's episode, we have Stuart Kotake, the Director of Catering and Sales for the Waikiki Collection, talking about why selecting your vendors from a Preferred (or in his words - Partner) vendor list is truly a win for your wedding! Tune in to hear his expertise on this often polarizing topic.

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Stuart Kotake, Director of Catering and Sales at the Waikiki Collection (hotels and resorts listed below):
Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikiki
Moana Surfrider Hotel
Sheraton Waikiki
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
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The Electric Slide, Macarena and Mr. Brightside - are these on your MUST PLAY or DO NOT PLAY song list for your wedding day? In this episode, DJ Kevo chats with us about songs to create your perfect wedding day playlist - from the ceremony, through cocktail hour, to the very last song of the night - we're here to help you find the right tunes to fit your vibe! So whether you're into 90s gangster rap like Tessa, or a polka party like Joe, a good wedding DJ will make sure your weddings songs are the right fit for you. If you're working on your wedding day playlist, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise

Find Bliss DJs Hawaii (aka, DJ Kevo) here: @blissdjshawaii

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

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Web unveilingparadise.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
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DIY, or D-I-Why?? Everyone who has ever gotten married, is getting married, or has thought about a budget knows that this *somewhat dangerous* thought will pop into your head at least once during your wedding planning... Can I DIY elements of my wedding and save money? (For those wedding planning newbies... DIY = Do It Yourself)

If you've ever considered DIY-ing parts (or all) of your wedding, this episode is for you!

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise

What should you consider before DIY-ing your wedding?

• Time - How much time do you actually have? Are you enlisting friends/family to help? How much time do they have?
• Talent - How crafty are you, really? 
• Treasure - At the end of everything, how much money are you actually saving?

Are there specific areas that make more sense to DIY vs others?  Listen in to hear Joe and Tessa's thoughts about each wedding category, including wedding planning, making your own food, and using disposable cameras instead of hiring a pro!

Are there easier items to DIY than others? We share a list of items that make sense to DIY vs our big time NO WAYs. :) 

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Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

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Web unveilingparadise.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

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Choosing the right venue for your destination wedding is a BIG DEAL, but how do you even know where to begin? We're thrilled to have Christiana Okada, the Director of Catering at the Halekulani join us this week as we talk about the process of working with a hotel venue as you plan your destination. Having a team of professionals helping you make these decisions is so important (especially if you're not planning to visit before your wedding), so finding a venue and a team of vendors that you trust is critical. If you're thinking about getting married away from home, this episode is for you!

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise


6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Venue for a Hotel Weddings

In this episode, Cristiana Okaka, the Director of Catering at the Halekulani, shares her advice about selecting the perfect hotel venue for your destination wedding. Tune in as we explore these 6 main points:

• Bridging the gap between a venue at a destination and a couple planning from afar - how can a hotel and its team help?
• What questions should I be asking venues that I won’t be able to see in person before my wedding? What are common must haves or non-negotiables that clients will ask about?
• For food and beverage - how do I select my menu if I’m not there to do a tasting? What are some commonly forgotten food items that I should consider when looking at venues?
• How important are food tastings? Should I take a trip just to do my food tasting?
• Exploring bar options and how having a wedding at a hotel can actually save you money on your bar! 
• Wedding amenities - what’s included for a wedding at a hotel vs an outdoor venue? And what upgrades/amenities can you get if you book at a hotel?

OUR GUEST FOR THIS EPISODE:
Cristiana Okada, Director of Catering at the Halekulani
Instagram: @halekulanihotel

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
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"A dry wedding is still a fun wedding!" Hmmm... thoughts on this unpopular wedding opinion? In this episode, Tessa and Joe take a deep dive into 10 controversial wedding opinions. Popular or not, tune in to hear a professional photographer and wedding planner share their thoughts and advice on these heated topics.

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TEN UNPOPULAR WEDDING OPINIONS

• You don't need open bar to have a fun wedding
• You don't need a wedding party - they just get in the way
• Reading private vows is cute
• You don't need to serve dessert if you have cake
• It's OK to not invite your entire family
• Nobody likes the garter toss
• The bouquet toss is cringy
• Get married wherever you want - its your day no one else's 
• Wedding coordinators are overrated and not needed (GASP!)
• Wedding photography is not important 

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
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Allowing your guests a peek into your relationship through thoughtful accents placed throughout your wedding is always a great way to make everyone feel like they’re part of something special. From highlighting your fur-babies, to taking guests on a travel-themed adventure, these personalized touches will truly make your guests feel included in your special day.

“If you want a great wedding that engages your guests, it’s all about telling a story from the moment they receive the invitation to the last thing they see which could be the favor. Having a style and theme helps you choose the story you’re going to tell.”
David Tutera

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Personal Touches Your Guests Will Love

• Pets: There are numerous ways to have your fur baby at the wedding 
  • Include them in your engagement shoot - use these photos at your wedding 
  • Have your furbaby present at your wedding as a ring bearers, flower pup
  • Create a cute custom cake topper 
  • Name your drinks after your pups/4 legged friends
• Loved ones: Honor loved ones who aren’t able to attend your wedding (grandparents, parents, etc)
  • In memory of (leis, photos)
  • Favors - Donations to cancer foundation, humane society
  • Family photo wall
• For the traveling couple: wanderlust
  • Use a globe for your sign in book
  • Centerpieces - use your personal collection of wines from different parts of the world
  • Honeymoon cards - let your guests vote
• Up/Disney Themed Weddings
  • Up: bottle cap pins, balloons
  • Beauty and the Beast: Red roses, books for centerpieces, gold dress
• Cultural elements, like Chinese lion dances, Haldi ceremony for Indian weddings can allow guests to engage in the couple's culture.
• How We Met: Incorporate your first date or how you met into the wedding theme
  • Coffee and Bagels dating site - incorporate bagels into late night snacks
  • Did you karaoke on your first date? Sing for your honey!
• Food is ALWAYS a good idea: Create meaningful themes with food - Japanese snack bar for my couple who lived in Japan. 

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

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Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
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We made it to the final episode of Season 3, and in true Unveiling Paradise style, we're ending the season with a pop quiz! In this episode, Joe's alter ego (Professor Esser) tests Tessa with 10 questions asked by our real life couples. As a professional wedding planner, Tessa should get 100% on this pop quiz, right? Tune in to find out...

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise

• What’s the difference between a rehearsal and a rehearsal dinner, and do we have to do it? And who comes?
• What side of the altar does the groom/bride stand on? And what if we want to change it up?
• Is there an “off peak” season to get married - especially in Hawaii? If not, are there ways to find cheaper options?
• Can we bring in our own alcohol to save money?
• When should we send our invitations?
• How do we determine ceremony time?
• We’re planning a destination wedding and can’t be onsite to taste the food/cake. How do you think we should go about this? 
• My wedding dress was really expensive - what can I do to protect it from the elements?
• I have waaay too many speeches - is there a way we can break them apart so it’s not so long and boring?
• We have a lot of kids coming to my wedding - what are some suggestions for keeping kids entertained? 

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents

Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com