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🎧 Listen to learn:

• How to plan bridal hair and makeup for a large wedding party
• Wedding day hair and makeup timeline tips to avoid running late
• How to create a calm and organized wedding morning
• Why communication with your bridal beauty team matters
• How destination wedding hair and makeup teams operate

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Publisher of California Wedding Day, sit down with Aly Rose, founder of Temecula-based bridal hair and makeup company Aly Rose Beauty. Recorded in San Diego, the conversation explores how Aly built a 45-artist team that executes nearly 450 weddings per year while maintaining a highly organized, client-focused experience.

Aly shares how her early passion for makeup evolved into a corporate career in sales leadership before she made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship after surviving cancer and navigating life-altering adversity. She explains how structure, systems and over-communication became the backbone of her bridal beauty company, allowing her team to specialize in large bridal parties and complex wedding day timelines.

Together, the group discusses wedding morning scheduling, preventing hair and makeup from delaying the timeline, matching artists to brides based on personality and style and expanding into destination weddings across the country. The episode closes with Aly’s forward-looking vision for education, coaching and future growth, reinforcing her belief that organization, resilience and joy can coexist in a thriving wedding day beauty business.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• What’s the difference between a florist and a floral designer
• How designers pivot when weather changes wedding day plans
• How a floral design studio approaches weddings differently than a flower shop
• Why timeless wedding flowers matter more than following trends
• How sculptural floral installations transform ceremony and reception spaces

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Publisher of Oregon Wedding Day, Washington Wedding Day and California Wedding Day, sit down with Summer Robbins, owner and creative director of Bend-based floral design studio Summer Robbins Flowers. Recorded in Lake Oswego, Oregon, the conversation explores the artistic and intuitive approach behind her sculptural wedding florals.

Summer shares how her background in fashion design and the experience of designing her own wedding in 2015 led her into the floral industry. She explains the distinction between a traditional florist and an event-focused floral design studio, emphasizing a design-first mindset rooted in collaboration, seasonality and personal connection. Rather than replicating Pinterest trends, she studies each couple’s broader aesthetic world to create florals that feel timeless and uniquely theirs.

Together, the group discusses editorial installations, working directly with couples, managing unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather and how creative pivots often produce the most memorable results. The episode closes on the emotional significance of delivering the bridal bouquet—an intimate moment that transforms anticipation into presence and makes the wedding day feel real.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧Listen to learn:

• Consultation questions that reveal event personality and priorities
• The difference between hiring a DJ vs. an MC
• How DJs collaborate with planners and vendors for smoother timelines
• Why connection often matters more than price when booking entertainment
• What couples should ask before hiring a wedding DJ
• What role an MC plays in guiding reception flow

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Publisher of Washington Wedding Day, sit down with Joshua Fields, owner of Washington-based entertainment company Music by J. Fields. Recorded in downtown Seattle, the conversation explores how music, emceeing and crowd awareness shape the atmosphere of a wedding celebration.

Joshua reflects on his nearly two decades in the industry, sharing how his background in videography and digital music experimentation informed his approach to designing reception experiences. Describing himself as the “architect of the dance floor,” he explains how understanding a couple’s story, reading guest dynamics and collaborating with vendors help build meaningful moments throughout the event.

Together, the group discusses how couples influence guest participation, why authenticity and communication matter in entertainment leadership and how DJs guide timelines while adapting to the unexpected. From consultation insights to booking considerations, the episode offers a thoughtful perspective on choosing entertainment that aligns with both vision and experience goals.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧Listen to learn:

• What editors and publishers evaluate when choosing weddings to publish
• How regional identity shapes storytelling and trends in the Pacific Northwest
• Why authenticity and visual quality matter in real wedding submissions
• How publications balance aspirational inspiration with practical planning guidance
• What goes into producing a regional wedding magazine issue
• How vendor partnerships and collaboration influence editorial content

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with Alexis Sanabria, Publisher of Oregon Wedding Day and Washington Wedding Day, and Lauren Mang, Editor-in-Chief of Oregon Wedding Day and Washington Wedding Day. Framed as a relaxed “coffee corner” conversation, the discussion offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how editorial and publishing leadership collaborate to shape the stories, trends and resources delivered to couples and wedding professionals throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The conversation explores Lauren's transition into editorial leadership alongside Alexis's perspective on regional publishing strategy, highlighting the importance of local presence and community immersion when serving wedding markets. Together, they reflect on recent exploration across Southern Oregon, the creative opportunities presented by the region’s diverse landscapes and how embedded market knowledge informs relationship building, storytelling and content direction across print and digital platforms.

Alexis and Lauren also examine what distinguishes the Oregon wedding market from others served by Iron Diamond Media’s portfolio of brands, from its eclectic aesthetic and environmental diversity to its emphasis on authenticity and intentional design. They discuss how editorial teams balance aspirational inspiration with practical planning insights, outline the criteria used when selecting real weddings for publication and share how vendor partnerships and accurate submissions contribute to shaping each issue while elevating professionals within the community.

The episode concludes with reflections on the broader impact of wedding publishing, including fostering industry connections, spotlighting emerging talent and strengthening regional collaboration. Together, the conversation reinforces how wedding media functions not only as inspiration for couples but as an active force in supporting creativity, education and growth across the wedding industry.

Support the show

Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧Listen to learn:

• How to build a smooth wedding day timeline and ceremony-to-reception flow
• Why a 90-minute cocktail hour can be the perfect sweet spot
• Plated dinner tips for a larger guest count
• How many speeches to include to keep reception energy high
• Why taking a day or two before your honeymoon can be a game-changer
• Hair and makeup scheduling tips for a large bridal party

In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with Ava and Devan, a real couple featured in Minnesota Bride’s Spring/Summer 2025 issue. The newlyweds share an honest look at the behind-the-scenes planning decisions that made their celebration feel seamless, fun and guest-focused from start to finish.

Ava and Devan reveal what drew them to The Whim as their wedding venue, including its blank-canvas layout, intimate feel and bridal suite, plus how the space perfectly complemented their bold bright-pink color palette and greenery-filled floral vision. They also share what it was like having Devan’s mom and her team at Hot House Studio design their wedding flowers—and why fully committing to color helped their day feel personal and elevated.

From entertainment to timeline flow, the couple offers practical wedding planning advice couples can actually use. They break down why they chose Rock With You for a DJ-plus-live-instruments fusion, how they kept cocktail hour moving while the venue flipped the space, and why plated dinners were the right fit for their guest count. They also share their approach to speeches, dessert (including tres leches cake from Café Latte), and the decision to take a short pause before heading to Playa Mujeres, Mexico for a relaxing beach honeymoon.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧Listen to learn:

• How wedding planners adapt big design ideas to fit small or limited venues
• Creative ways planners use lighting, layout and production strategy to maximize impact
• Why problem-solving is one of the most valuable skills a wedding planner brings
• How to create and hold boundaries with your vendor team
• What couples should know about flexible, experience-driven wedding design

In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Chelsea Gibson sit down with Dominique Mattessino, Executive Planner and Founder of Arizona-based wedding planning company Soul Agave.

Recorded onsite in Arizona during the production of Arizona Bride’s Best Of event, the conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how professional wedding planners problem-solve when space, logistics or budgets present real-world limitations. Dominique shares real examples of adapting design when physical installations aren’t possible, leaning into lighting, layout and production strategy to create high-impact experiences without overcrowding the venue.

Throughout the episode, Dominique explains how experience-driven planning allows couples to achieve meaningful, elevated design without forcing ideas that don’t fit their space or guest count. The discussion highlights why hiring a planner early can help couples navigate constraints with confidence, creativity and clarity — ultimately leading to weddings that feel intentional, cohesive and true to who they are.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• How catering and hospitality shape the overall wedding guest experience
• Why custom wedding catering doesn’t fit into preset packages
• How couples can use food to tell a personal story on their wedding day
• What couples should know about wedding catering costs and transparency
• What it takes to restore and operate a historic wedding venue
• How combining a venue and catering company elevates creativity and service

In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Amanda Holder, Publisher of California Wedding Day, sit down with Vijay Goel, Co-Owner and COO, and Elizabeth Goel, Executive Chef and Owner, of Long Beach’s historic venue 440 Elm and catering company Bite Catering Couture.

The conversation explores the philosophy behind hospitality-first weddings, from creating personalized menus and thoughtful service experiences to navigating catering budgets and transparency. Vijay and Elizabeth also share their journey into venue ownership, including the challenges and rewards of restoring a 1913 historic landmark, and how uniting Bite Catering Couture with 440 Elm has expanded their creative vision and impact within the California wedding industry.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• What defines a historic wedding venue and why couples continue to choose them
• How historic architecture can still offer flexibility for modern wedding design
• What couples should look for when touring large-scale or destination venues
• Why on-site teams and in-house catering elevate the guest experience
• Food and beverage trends shaping weddings at historic properties

In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Brooke Beise, Publisher of Minnesota Bride, sit down with Grace Eberhardt, VP of Operations, and Sydney Young, Catering & Events Director, of Northern Pacific Center, a destination wedding venue set on a restored 47-acre railroad estate in Brainerd, Minnesota.

The conversation explores what makes historic wedding venues work for today’s couples, from balancing architectural character with design flexibility to creating a seamless guest experience across both large-scale and intimate celebrations. Grace shares insight into the venue’s planning process and how couples are supported from the initial tour through wedding day, while Sydney discusses the role of in-house catering, service flow and intentional timelines in delivering a polished experience.

Together, they also dive into current food and beverage trends, including the return of plated dinners, elevated cocktail hours and creative late-night offerings. With a focus on service, consistency and thoughtful design, this episode offers a valuable perspective for couples considering a historic venue—and for anyone curious how these timeless spaces are thoughtfully adapted for modern wedding celebrations.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• What restaurant-style wedding catering actually means in practice
• What couples should expect during the wedding catering tasting process
• How menus are customized using seasonality and personal taste
• How cooking food fresh on site impacts quality and guest experience
• Plated dinners vs. food stations and current wedding catering trends
• How sustainability and food waste are handled behind the scenes

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich is joined by co-host Alexis Sanabria — Publisher for Washington Wedding Day — for a conversation with Laurel Dosch, Director of Catering, and Shubert Ho, Executive Chef and Owner of Seattle-based Shooby Doo Catering. With more than 15 years in business and approximately 350 weddings served annually, Shooby Doo Catering has built a reputation across the Pacific Northwest for delivering restaurant-quality cuisine at weddings — often in locations where a kitchen must be built from the ground up.

Laurel and Shubert walk through how restaurant-style wedding catering works on a logistical level, from building temporary kitchens at museums, wineries, and private properties to finishing dishes fresh on-site. They share insight into menu customization, complimentary tastings, rental coordination and vendor meals, along with current trends favoring plated dinners and interactive food stations. The conversation also touches on sustainability practices and the collaborative nature of Seattle’s wedding industry, offering valuable planning guidance for couples researching elevated wedding catering options.

Support the show

Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• How to decide if a restaurant wedding venue is right for your celebration
• Why food-forward weddings elevate guest experience
• Ways to thoughtfully blend multiple cultures into one wedding day
• What to consider when choosing a photographer for timeless wedding photos
• Tips on planning a large wedding

In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with real couple Daphne and Elijah (Eli) live at the Minnesota Wedding Show, hosted by Minnesota Bride. The couple’s wedding was featured in Minnesota Bride’s Spring/Summer 2025 issue, and they share a candid look at planning a culture-rich, food-focused wedding centered on family and guest experience.

Daphne and Eli discuss hosting a full restaurant buyout reception, navigating a large guest count, and making food the centerpiece of their celebration. They also share insight into blending Jewish and Mexican traditions throughout their wedding day, selecting a photographer for timeless imagery, creating a meaningful music experience and embracing flexibility when unexpected moments arise. This episode offers practical guidance for couples exploring nontraditional venues, multicultural wedding planning and guest-first celebrations.

Support the show

Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com