Weddings 101

Your wedding stationery is more than just paper. It is the first impression your guests will have of your celebration and the thread that ties your event together from start to finish. In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Wiedenfeld, the owner and artist behind Rachel Wiedenfeld Studio, to talk about save the dates, invitations, and day of stationery. Rachel shares expert advice on when to send each piece, what details to include, how to set realistic RSVP deadlines, and why custom stationery can make your wedding feel cohesive and personal. She also offers practical insights on budgeting, the differences between DIY and custom designs, and creative ways to infuse personality into menus, signage, and other wedding details. Whether you are just starting the stationery process or wondering how to elevate your guest experience, this episode is full of helpful tips to guide you through every step. Want to connect with Rachel or see more of her work? Follow her on Instagram @rachelwstudio or visit her website https://www.rachelwstudio.com/

In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with my friend Sarah to talk about her Long Island wedding at Westbury Manor. She shares how she compared venues across North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New York before choosing an all-inclusive venue that made planning easier and stress-free. From guest accommodations and catering to décor and day-of coordination, Sarah explains why going all-inclusive was the right choice for her and how it shaped her entire wedding experience. If you’re considering a Long Island wedding or thinking about an all-inclusive venue, this episode is packed with insights and tips you won’t want to miss. Photo by: Enchanted Celebrations Venue: Westbury Manor | https://www.westburymanor.com/

If you’ve never planned a wedding before, sending Save the Dates and invitations might seem simple, but there’s a lot more to consider than just telling people when and where to show up.

In this episode, I walk you through when to send each piece of your wedding stationery, what to include, how to design them, and ways to clearly communicate who is invited. From traditional printed invites to digital options, plus tips for RSVP tracking, guest list clarity, and postage prep, this episode contains practical advice to help you navigate this key step with confidence.

Whether you're planning a local wedding or a destination celebration, you'll find tools, etiquette tips, and vendor suggestions to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than just their portfolio. It’s about finding someone who understands your story, helps you feel completely at ease, and captures the moments that truly matter. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Raleigh-based wedding photographer Ivy Ren to unpack what couples should really consider before booking their wedding photographer. We talk about what makes a photographer the right fit, how to tell if someone will bring out your natural connection on camera, and why referrals and personal rapport are more important than ever. Ivy shares her best tips for creating a timeline around perfect lighting, how to navigate emotional or unexpected moments, and how a photographer’s presence shapes your entire day. We also explore the difference between film and digital photography and how couples can prepare to feel relaxed, grounded, and confident in their photos. If you want meaningful, timeless images that reflect your love story and not just a checklist, this episode will help you choose a photographer who captures more than just the surface. Want to connect with Ivy or see more of her work? Follow her on Instagram @ivy__ren or visit her website https://www.ivyren.com/weddings/