Struggling to decide who gets a plus-one at your wedding? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down wedding plus-one etiquette in a clear, modern, and stress-free way.

You’ll learn what a plus-one actually means, why there is no single “right” rule, and how to create a guest list policy that feels fair, intentional, and aligned with your budget. I cover the most common plus-one policies couples use, how to communicate your decision clearly on invitations and your wedding website, and exactly what to say when guests or family members push back.

If you’re worried about hurting feelings, navigating family expectations, or managing costs while planning your wedding guest list, this episode will help you set boundaries without guilt or drama so you can protect your peace and enjoy your engagement.

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make and one of the easiest places to miss important details if you don’t know what to ask.

In this episode, I walk through exactly what to ask during wedding venue tours so you can confidently compare spaces, avoid surprise costs, and choose a venue that truly fits your wedding vision and budget.

You’ll learn the core questions every couple should ask at any venue, plus additional questions for all-inclusive venues and venue-only or blank canvas spaces. I also cover the behind-the-scenes details venues don’t always include in the brochure, like setup timing, power and lighting limitations, staffing expectations, weather backup plans, noise restrictions, and cleanup policies.

This episode is perfect for newly engaged couples touring venues for the first time, brides who feel overwhelmed by options, and anyone who wants to make a smart, informed venue decision without costly surprises later.

Bring this episode with you on your venue tours and know exactly what to look for before you sign a contract.

Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your day, and your reception should feel like a natural continuation of that moment.

In this episode, I walk you through how to design a wedding reception that reflects your relationship without overwhelming yourself or overspending. You will learn why personalization matters, how to pull ideas directly from your story as a couple, and where intentional details make the biggest impact for guests.

I share practical, budget-friendly ways to personalize your décor, food and drink, music, and guest experience, along with optional splurge ideas if you have room in your budget. I also share real-life examples of couples who created memorable receptions through thoughtful, meaningful choices rather than trends or pressure to be perfect.

If you are planning your wedding and want a clear, step-by-step way to make your reception feel personal while still honoring the significance of your wedding day, this episode will help you plan with confidence and intention.

In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte bride Jordan Keane to talk through how she created an unforgettable wedding by leading with a clear vision and a strong focus on guest experience.

Jordan shares how planning a wedding in Charlotte influenced her venue choice, vendor selection, and overall approach, including why working with vendors familiar with the space helped the day flow smoothly. We discuss how she partnered with a partial planner to bring her design ideas to life, make intentional timeline decisions, and keep guests engaged from the ceremony through the reception.

She also dives into the personal details that made her wedding uniquely hers, from incorporating her college and her groom’s college into the reception experience to choosing a live band that kept the dance floor packed all night. Throughout the conversation, Jordan offers real-life insight into balancing aesthetics, logistics, and guest comfort while staying true to your wedding vision.

This episode is a must-listen for couples planning a Charlotte wedding, brides who value flow and guest experience, and anyone looking for inspiration on how thoughtful planning and personalization can transform a wedding day.

Venue: @vanlandinghamestate

Planning: @carrieanneevents

Photography: @meghanrose_photography

Videography: @goodfilmscinema

Florals: @lilygreenthumbs

Rentals: @nuagedesignsinc

@curatedeventscharlotte

Band: @thebandpunch

DJ: @splitsecondsound

Makeup: @ellevatedbeauty

Hair: @lovelybylindsey

Catering: @bestimpressionscaterers

Wedding venue contracts can be overwhelming, confusing, and full of hidden costs that quietly inflate your budget. In this episode, I break down exactly how to read and understand your wedding venue contract before you sign.

You’ll learn what common contract terms really mean, including food and beverage minimums, service charges versus gratuity, overtime fees, taxes, corkage fees, cake-cutting fees, outside vendor fees, and more. I explain where couples most often get caught off guard and how these fees can add thousands of dollars to your final total if you’re not prepared.

This episode also walks you through smart questions to ask your venue, red flags to watch for in the fine print, and practical steps to protect yourself, like requesting a sample invoice, clarifying setup and breakdown times, and getting verbal promises in writing.

If you want to avoid surprise charges, stay in control of your wedding budget, and feel confident reviewing venue contracts, this episode is a must-listen before booking your space.

If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon filled with exotic cities, golden desert dunes, romantic riads, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences, Morocco might be the perfect destination. In this episode, I sit down with Azdean Elmoustaquim, founder of Destination Morocco, to explore what makes Morocco one of the most talked-about honeymoon spots in the world.

You’ll learn why Morocco is gaining so much attention, how couples can blend adventure with relaxation, and what a truly immersive honeymoon looks like. We cover must-see regions like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, and the Sahara desert, the best time of year to visit, safety and dress code tips, realistic budget expectations, and how customized itineraries help couples experience Morocco like a local. Azdean also breaks down unique romantic experiences, from private desert dinners to hammam spa rituals, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides, and more.

Whether you're just starting to plan or looking for insider expertise to elevate your trip, this episode will help you design a Moroccan honeymoon that’s unforgettable, meaningful, and perfectly tailored to you.

Planning your wedding day timeline can feel overwhelming. When should hair and makeup start? How long do photos take? Is there a right time for dinner? In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through what a real wedding day looks like from start to finish.

You will hear four example hour by hour timelines, including classic, early, brunch, and evening weddings. I also share realistic time ranges for every major part of the day, including hair and makeup, getting ready, first look, portraits, ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, dancing, cake cutting, and your send off.

I also walk you through how to build your own timeline, what causes delays, what is considered normal, and how to avoid feeling rushed. Whether you are planning a 4 PM ceremony or a brunch celebration, this episode will help you create a smooth and stress free wedding day.

This episode is perfect for brides, grooms, bridal party members, planners, and anyone currently mapping out their wedding day flow.

Wedding desserts don’t have to stop at the classic white tiered cake. In this episode, I walk you through creative wedding cake ideas, unique dessert alternatives, and regional traditions that can make your celebration feel even more personal.

You’ll learn how to elevate a traditional cake with textured buttercream, hand-painted details, metallic accents, floral designs, and modern flavor combinations. I also break down single-serve dessert trends like cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, cake pops, and macaron towers, along with non-traditional options such as donut walls, pie bars, churro stations, waffle bars, and ice cream trucks.

I also share dessert traditions from across the U.S., including Pittsburgh cookie tables, New England cider donuts, Southern groom’s cakes, tropical Hawaiian treats, tres leches, gelato carts, kringle, and more.

Finally, I give you practical tips to help you choose the right dessert based on your budget, guest count, venue rules, and personal style, so you can create a sweet ending that feels meaningful and memorable.

Planning your wedding budget doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you step by step through how to create, organize, and manage your wedding budget, from setting your total amount and allocating expenses to choosing the best tools, spreadsheets, and apps to stay on track.

Learn how to handle deposits, payment schedules, and hidden costs, plus pro wedding planner tips to avoid overspending and stay stress free. Whether you’re planning a $5,000 or $50,000 wedding, this episode will help you spend intentionally and confidently.

Hiring a wedding planner versus doing it yourself is one of the biggest decisions couples face early in the planning process. The choice affects your time, budget, and stress level, and knowing what’s truly worth it can make all the difference.

This episode covers what a wedding planner really does, from vendor management to design and day-of coordination, and breaks down how their expertise can save time, reduce stress, and prevent costly mistakes. It also looks at the realities of DIY wedding planning, the creative control it offers, the time it demands, and the common pitfalls couples encounter when handling everything themselves.

Find out when hiring a planner makes sense, how to make the most of a smaller budget with partial or month-of coordination, and how to find the balance between cost, control, and peace of mind. By the end, you’ll have the clarity to choose the approach that fits your budget, personality, and wedding vision.