Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes when booking a live wedding band—and why logistics, timing, and trust matter just as much as talent?

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alexandra Pare sits down with Felicia Kettler of Sam Hill Entertainment to pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to book a live band for weddings and events.

Felicia brings a unique perspective as both a wedding planner with Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events and a sales professional representing over 40 bands across the East Coast. Together, Alex and Felicia explore how bands are vetted, how timelines and budgets impact performance, and why trusting experienced professionals makes all the difference on event day.

• Booking a live band is about far more than music—it's logistics, timing, and experience.
• Venue layout, stage size, power access, and load-in time all affect band recommendations.
• Trusting professionals to read the room creates better energy than over-controlling setlists.
• Agencies provide safety nets, backups, and vetted talent couples can rely on.
• Planners play a critical role in helping bands succeed on event day.

[01:55] – The origin story of Sam Hill Entertainment and 30 years in business

[02:52] – How many bands Sam Hill represents and where they perform

[04:02] – Why couples choose an entertainment agency over booking direct

[06:02] – The risks of "one-off" musicians vs. established bands

[09:42] – How venue size and guest count affect band selection

[11:48] – Band setup times, load-in logistics, and timeline planning

[13:21] – Why backdrops, cases, and load-out timing matter

[15:47] – Real wedding-day surprises and staying flexible

[17:02] – How budget, music style, and season impact band recommendations

[18:58] – Why Sam Hill doesn't typically host band showcases

[22:57] – Do-not-play lists vs. trusting bands to read the room

[26:10] – Challenges bands face when weddings don't have planners

[28:55] – Hidden costs, pricing structure, and what's actually included

[31:15] – Memorable band moments, power outages, and improvising live

Connect with Sam Hill Entertainment:

Website: https://www.samhillbands.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhillentertainment/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhillentertainment/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/samhillentertainment

Connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Wondering how Gen Z couples are really finding, vetting, and choosing their wedding vendors—and why what worked five years ago might not work anymore?

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we are joined by Adrienna McDermott of Ava, an expert on Gen Z consumer behavior, to unpack how the next generation approaches wedding planning.

From how Gen Z shops and researches to what builds trust (and what turns them off), this conversation offers an inside look at how younger couples qualify vendors, make decisions, and define value. Whether you're a wedding professional trying to stay relevant or a couple planning a wedding in a digital-first world, this episode offers timely insight into where the industry is heading next.

• How Gen Z approaches vendor research and decision-making
• The platforms Gen Z actually uses to find and vet wedding professionals
• What authenticity means to younger couples—and how they define trust
• How values, transparency, and representation influence buying decisions
• What vendors can do now to better connect with Gen Z clients

[00:00] Introducing Adrienna of Ava and the Gen Z lens

[06:40] How Gen Z shops differently than Millennials

[14:25] Where Gen Z finds wedding vendors

[22:10] Trust, transparency, and authenticity

[31:00] What turns Gen Z couples off instantly

[39:15] How vendors can adapt without losing themselves

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Ever wonder why the final month or two before your wedding suddenly feels like a full-time job? You've booked the vendors, chosen your menu, and sent the invitations… so why does it feel like there's more to do now than ever?

In this episode, Alex and Alison walk couples through everything that happens in the final stretch — the tasks planners can do, the ones they can't, and why that last push is the most important part of the process. They uncover the behind-the-scenes coordination, the decision-making crunch, and the small but essential details that ensure your wedding day runs seamlessly.

Whether you're a couple gearing up for your day or a vendor wanting a clearer picture of what clients juggle at the end, this episode is a must-listen.

What we discuss:

[00:55] The "last 1–2 months" and why they surprise couples

[02:12] Why early decision-making is everything

[03:49] The importance of seat numbers & place card organization

[04:32] Advice for vendors: understanding the clients' workload

[05:32] Why the final month feels overwhelming for couples

[07:41] Multicultural ceremonies and educational program elements

[09:25] Balancing work and wedding prep — the client struggle is real

[11:51] Music selections and why bands need song choices early

[13:46] Load-ins, venue rules & navigating vendor logistics

[15:53] The pressure vendors face during busy months

[17:47] Weather stress & the importance of a real rain plan

[21:03] Early access fees & venue staffing realities

[22:04] Pre-planning with venues to improve your chances

[27:20] Common wedding-day items clients forget

[30:25] The wedding-week pickup meeting & double-checking items

[31:05] Why verifying place cards is essential (and how mistakes happen)

[31:38] Avoiding seating chart disasters on the wedding night

[36:42] Ideal timelines: RSVPs, printed items, and song selections

[38:13] Final thoughts: Preparing early = a smooth, joyful wedding day

Key Takeaways:

• Planners handle a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work — but clients still have key responsibilities only they can do.
• Early decisions prevent last-minute stress for both couples and vendors.
• A clear rain plan (for photos and logistics) is essential — even for indoor weddings.
• Packing, organizing, and transferring personal items takes more time than couples anticipate.

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to run a wedding venue — the logistics, the zoning restrictions, the noise ordinances, the late-night load-outs, the neighbor complaints, the staffing puzzle — this episode is a must-listen.

This week, Alison sits down with Sarah and Jenna of Brick & Mortar, the powerhouse team behind some of DC's most beloved event spaces. They break down everything couples and planners don't usually see, from behind-the-scenes operations to the surprising challenges of running a venue in a dense metropolitan area.

From permits to parking to the politics of neighborhood associations, this conversation is packed with transparency, education, and real-world advice for anyone choosing (or managing) a venue.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[03:26] - Sarah's Journey in the Venue Industry

[05:54] - Meet Jenna Mack: Event Management Veteran

[06:14] - Jenna's Career and Collaboration with Sarah

[09:28] - Launching Paige House: A New Venue

[12:22] - Venue Logistics and Challenges

[19:08] - Rules and Regulations in Event Venues

[25:37] - Unexpected Challenges and Rule Creation

[29:29] - Dealing with Broken Glass at Events

[30:04] - Streamlining Event Planning with CRM Systems

[32:10] - Challenges of Load-In and Load-Out at Venues

[34:51] - Importance of Trusting Your Vendors

[36:38] - Unique Needs of Different Clients

[44:01] - Logistics of Managing Event Venues

[54:03] - Crazy and Challenging Event Requests

Key Takeaways:

• Running a venue is far more than opening doors—it's permitting, logistics, staffing, timing, and constant coordination.

• Venue logistics shape the entire event. Parking, elevator load-ins, noise restrictions, and neighbor relationships can all impact how smooth the day feels.

• Couples need to ask smart questions. Clarify noise rules, load-in timelines, rain plans, vendor guidelines, and staffing expectations before booking.

Learn more about Brick & Mortar:

Website: https://brickandmortarvenues.com/

Instagram: @brickandmortarvenues

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

What really goes into creating a wedding film that makes you feel the magic all over again?

In this episode, Alex and Alison sit down with Whitney and Taylor of Bowen Films, the sister duo behind some of the most heartfelt and cinematic wedding films in the industry. They share how their father's legacy inspired their work, what couples often overlook when choosing a videographer, and why video captures emotion in ways photos can't.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[01:00] – Meet Whitney and Taylor of Bowen Films and their journey from family legacy to full-time creators.

[04:50] – The emotional rewards of filming weddings and how clients react to their finished films.

[07:45] – Why wedding videos are not a luxury—and what couples regret when they skip one.

[10:20] – Reading the room: how Bowen Films captures authentic, emotional moments discreetly.

[14:10] – Why strong communication between planners, photographers, and videographers matters.

[22:00] – How the photographer–videographer dynamic has evolved.

[28:00] – Behind the scenes: capturing clean sound and the importance of audio backups.

[39:40] – The truth about raw footage (and why you probably don't want it).

[47:00] – The value of backups, trust, and having a reliable creative team.

[51:30] – Bowen Films' best practices for seamless, stress-free wedding videography.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotion Over Everything: Wedding videos allow couples to relive the sounds, laughter, and tears that photos alone can't capture.
• Preparation Is Everything: From backups to audio checks, professional videographers plan for every "what if."
• Communication Is Key: A great vendor team thrives on respect, transparency, and mutual understanding—no egos required.

Learn more about Bowen Films:

Website: https://bowenfilms.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bowenfilms/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BowenFilms

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bowenfilms

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Ever wondered what it really looks like to build a thriving wedding planning career while juggling motherhood, pumping breaks in parked cars, surprise school pick-ups, and the occasional chair-hauling at 9 months pregnant? 🤯

In this candid episode, we peel back the curtain on the realities of being moms and wedding planners — the balance, the guilt, the boundaries, and the moments that make it all worth it.

From pumping behind tinted car windows at venues to tag-teaming childcare between timelines and tent load-ins, this conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of perspective for anyone in the events industry… or any career built on passion.

What we discuss:

[00:00] — Why this conversation matters for the wedding industry

[02:00] — The "dream job" myth vs. real logistics + spreadsheets

[04:00] — Navigating pregnancy while planning weddings

[10:30] — Learning to ask for help & building a supportive team

[14:30] — When vendors don't show up — and planners step in

[18:00] — How anxiety shows up in high-pressure wedding seasons

[28:00] — Kids at weddings — behind-the-scenes realities

[31:00] — Setting boundaries as a parent and wedding professional

[35:00] — Why Zoom changed wedding planning forever

Key Takeaways:

• Wedding planning is flexible — but that doesn't mean easy
• Boundaries help you serve clients better (not less!)
• Childcare logistics in the events world are real and complex

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Ever wondered what couples are really thinking when they scroll through your Instagram or hop on a discovery call? This week, we sit down with former client (and Weddings Unscripted listener!) Maggie Rault, who planned a six-event wedding weekend in Washington, DC. From her perspective as a bride, Maggie shares how she navigated vendor research, chose her dream planner, and found creative ways to make her wedding truly personal.

What we discuss:

[00:03:00] Maggie's love story and the DC–New Orleans connection

[00:07:00] Planning six events in four days — and surviving it

[00:10:00] How Maggie found her planner (and why referrals mattered most)

[00:18:00] The real research process: hashtags, Instagram, and wedding "burner" accounts

[00:25:00] Why transparency matters in vendor communication

[00:34:00] The "ghosting" dilemma — and how vendors can avoid it

[00:46:00] How to stand out on sales calls and make genuine connections

[00:57:00] Maggie's best advice for vendors and couples

Key Takeaways:

• Social media is a first impression, not the final decision. Maggie discovered her vendors through Instagram, but chose them for their authenticity, personality, and trustworthiness.
• Communication is everything. A simple "bump" email or transparent price range can save both clients and vendors valuable time.
• Couples are looking for innovation. Maggie's favorite vendors were those who were willing to create something unseen — custom designs, creative menus, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
• Planners bridge the gap. Having a planner means vendors can focus on their craft while couples feel supported and understood throughout the process.

Related Episodes Mentioned:

Ep 8 • Planning a Complex, Four-Day Wedding Weekend with Multiple Events (Part One)

Ep 9 • Planning a Complex, Four-Day Wedding Weekend with Multiple Events (Part Two)

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Welcome to Weddings Unscripted!

Ever wonder how a vintage rental company became one of the most trendsetting forces in the DC wedding scene? In this episode, we sit down with Dawn and Molly of Something Vintage — the powerhouse duo redefining event design through color, craftsmanship, and creativity.

From humble beginnings collecting teacups to running a 35,000-square-foot warehouse, Dawn shares how her leap from the CIA to design entrepreneurship turned into a bold, thriving business. Molly joins in with insights on leadership, logistics, and what it takes to keep an ever-growing creative team aligned (and inspired).

Together, they reveal the behind-the-scenes systems that keep Something Vintage running—from custom-built bars to nationwide linen shipping—and how they stay ahead of design trends that shape weddings across the country.

What we discuss:

[00:01:18] – Dawn's unexpected career pivot from the CIA to weddings

[00:06:49] – Molly's path into events and how business savvy fueled their rapid growth

[00:09:01] – How Something Vintage sets national trends (and what happens when China copies them!)

[00:18:48] – The birth of their custom linen line and how they scaled nationwide shipping

[00:25:57] – Why booking early is essential—trucks, timelines, and logistics behind the scenes

[00:34:10] – Wild weather, rain plans, and lessons learned from unpredictable event days

[00:40:48] – The real challenges of warehouse life (and the math behind getting furniture into elevators)

[00:46:08] – The creative social media strategies that built Something Vintage's iconic brand

Key Takeaways:

• Trendsetters, Not Followers: Something Vintage doesn't wait for inspiration—they create it, leading the way with original designs and bold aesthetics.
• Kindness Counts: The team reminds us that compassion and respect between vendors are what make event days seamless and enjoyable.
• Social Media with Purpose: Their content isn't just pretty—it educates, entertains, and builds community within the industry.

Connect with Something Vintage:

Website: https://www.somethingvintagerentals.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smthingvintage/

Instagram: @smthingvintage

TikTok: @smthingvintage

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Ever been stuck in a long bar line at a wedding and thought, "There has to be a better way"? You're not alone. In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alex and Alison continue their candid conversation with Mary Margaret of Ridgewells Catering, diving deep into what it really takes to create a seamless, guest-centered dining and bar experience.

From perfecting staffing ratios to preventing those all-too-common alcohol mishaps, this episode pulls back the curtain on the art, logistics, and heart of catering. Whether you're a planner, couple, or fellow vendor, get ready for practical insights and heartfelt truths about collaboration, hospitality, and creativity in the wedding world.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[00:01:00] – Why long bar lines are the number-one guest complaint (and how to fix it)

[00:02:00] – The golden rule: one bartender per 50 guests

[00:05:00] – The psychology behind closing the bar—and why it's not as scary as it sounds

[00:09:00] – Tales from the bar: guest behavior and enforcing liquor laws

[00:17:00] – Creating unforgettable culinary experiences

[00:21:00] – Why collaboration sparks creativity between planners and caterers

[00:27:00] – Building trust through transparency: behind Ridgewells' proposal process

[00:37:00] – Fostering better vendor relationships in a competitive market

Key Takeaways:

• Hospitality is a mindset. Every element—from how guests get their drinks to how quickly they're seated—shapes how they feel cared for.
• Smart staffing makes or breaks the experience. Remember Mary's rule: one bartender per 50 guests to avoid bar lines.
• Respect the liquor laws. Self-service may sound fun until it puts your event at risk—understanding regulations protects everyone.

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

There's more to wedding catering than just great food—and the real magic happens behind the scenes with people you'll never meet. In this episode, we sit down with Mary Margaret from Ridgewell's Catering, one of DC's most established catering companies (founded in 1928!), to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to execute flawless wedding catering. From warehouse managers to pantry staff, Mary Margaret reveals the unsung heroes who make your wedding day seamless, plus the hottest trends that are elevating wedding dining from "rubber chicken dinners" to Michelin-star experiences.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[00:02:28] The incredible history of Ridgewell's—nearly 100 years of catering evolution and why longevity matters in the industry.

[00:12:01] The invisible workforce: kitchen managers, warehouse staff, and pantry people who make or break your event.

[00:16:35] Why the pantry person is the unsung hero protecting your venue and your budget.

[00:22:13] Current trends: cultural storytelling, intentional food and beverage pairings, and Michelin-star dining experiences.

[00:27:14] Interactive dining experiences

[00:32:55] Mary Margaret's controversial bar strategy

[00:36:08] Strategic bar placement and why guests "stick to bars like they'll never see alcohol again."

Key Takeaways:

• Behind every flawless wedding meal is an entire ecosystem of specialists—from warehouse managers ensuring nothing is forgotten to pantry staff protecting your rental investments.
• The hottest trend isn't just good food—it's storytelling through cuisine that reflects couples' cultural heritage and shared experiences.
• Successful bar service is all about strategic staffing and placement—no lines means trusting your caterer's staffing recommendations.

Connect with Ridgewells:

Website: https://www.ridgewells.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridgewellsdc/

Instagram: @ridgewellsdc

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted