In this solo episode, I’m sharing the things I'm often tempted to bite my tongue on as a wedding planner. Consider this my unfiltered list of truths I’d tell you if I wasn’t worried about hurting your feelings.

I talk about why cocktail hours don’t need to feel like carnivals, why florists can’t (and shouldn’t) give quotes prior to contracting, and why lighting is one of the most overlooked investments that can transform your entire celebration. I also share my take on welcome gifts that miss the mark, the pressure couples feel to over-entertain their guests, and why you should trust your planner to do the job you hired them for.

These are insights pulled straight from years of producing high-touch events for discerning clients. They’re not always comfortable to hear, but they will shift the way you think about planning a wedding.
Topics I Cover:

• Why less is often more when entertaining guests
• The truth about florist quotes (and red flags to avoid)
• Lighting as the unsung hero of ambiance
• When welcome gifts fall flat (and what makes them memorable)
• Why too much signage cheapens the atmosphere
• The importance of letting your planner actually do their job
• A reality check on negotiating with vendors in high-demand markets

If you would like to talk with us about planning your next event, CLICK HERE.
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Love is emotional. Marriage is legal. Attorney Ryan Schwartz joins Reagan to discuss the questions every couple should ask before “I do.”

Most couples spend months planning the perfect wedding—but skip the conversations that could protect their future. In this candid episode, attorney Ryan Schwartz joins host Reagan to talk about the legal side of marriage, from prenups to “change of heart” clauses and why choosing who you have children with may be the most important decision of your life.

Ryan shares stories from his work in family and criminal law, explains why a prenup is really an operating agreement for your marriage, and breaks down the costly mistakes couples make when love and finances collide. Reagan adds her own perspective from years of seeing the “front end” of marriage planning—and why she believes these talks can be just as important as the seating chart.

Whether you’re engaged, remarried, or simply curious, this conversation offers a rare, practical look at the realities behind the romance.
Topics We Cover:

• Why marriage is both an emotional and legal contract
• The single most important decision you’ll ever make (and it’s not your venue)
• What a prenup really is—and isn’t
• The financial and emotional costs of divorce
• How to talk about money, assets, and values before saying “I do”
• Common legal mistakes couples make without realizing it

Guest Info:
Instagram: @myschwartzisbiggerthanyours
Website: lowcountrylawyerssc.com
Facebook: Schwartz Law Firm, LLC 

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In this episode, Reagan sits down with Persephone—founder of The Media Socialites and a straight-shooter when it comes to marketing in the luxury space—for a conversation that peels back the polished curtain on what really drives results. From the myth of the industry "the best of lists" to the fine line between PR and performance, they unpack what’s actually worth your time and money—and what’s just noise.
Persephone shares how she scaled her agency from solo founder to a 50-person team, why she built her business during maternity leave, and how she’s helping brands rethink ROI in a world that’s obsessed with optics. Together, they explore the deeper questions: Are you marketing to clients or colleagues? What does true discretion look like online? And how do you lead with authenticity without diluting your brand?
Whether you’re a planner, creative, or founder in the luxury space, this episode challenges you to stop copying the playbook and start defining success on your own terms.
Topics We Cover:

• Marketing vs. PR (and why the difference matters more than ever)
• Vanity metrics and the illusion of being “seen”
• How to set boundaries without making it a headline
• Transparency as the new luxury
• What real clients are actually paying attention to

Guest Info:

• Follow Persephone in Instagram at @persephonesays and @themediasocialites
• Learn more about The Media Socialites at  themediasocialites.com.
  

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In this honest and insightful conversation, Reagan sits down with longtime friend and fellow planner Tara Skinner to explore the nuanced realities of building—and sustaining—a planning business with integrity. Together, they unpack what experience really looks like in an industry that often rewards surface-level polish over operational depth.
They talk candidly about vendor loyalty, pricing structures, client education, and the tricky terrain of team building as your business scales. From flat fees to percentage-based models, from early missteps to multi-million-dollar productions, Tara shares the moments that shaped her sixteen-year career—and the lessons that continue to guide her growth.
At its core, this episode is about navigating evolution with grace: growing your team, maintaining standards, and preserving relationships, even when hard conversations are required. For planners, creatives, and clients alike, it’s a compelling look behind the curtain.
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In this solo episode, Reagan hits record from her car during a stressful, rain-filled wedding week in Charleston. As the rainy weekend looms, Reagan offers a powerful reflection on what it really means to lead under pressure—especially when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Reagan speaks directly to fellow planners and vendors staring down a weekend of rain plans, vendor pivots, and client disappointment. She shares real stories from past events where Plan D became the best plan of all and reminds us that the true value of a planner often reveals itself when things go wrong.With grace and clarity, she covers:

• How to lead your team and clients with calm confidence
• Why client communication during weather disruptions should focus on ownership, not control
• The emotional nuance of delivering hard news with compassion (and boundaries)
• How your vendor relationships become the lifeline in high-stakes scenarios
• What couples should know when their planner insists on a preferred vendor

For anyone in the thick of planning—especially during stormy seasons—this is a reminder of your impact, your preparedness, and your ability to turn chaos into celebration.Mentioned in this episode:

• How to structure rain plans with clear options
• The importance of vendor trust and collaboration
• Past event stories where the backup plan stole the show

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On this episode of The Wine and Dine Me Podcast, I’m joined by someone whose dual talents are as rare as they are vital: Magi Fisher. Equal parts luxury wedding photographer and licensed attorney, Magi has carved out a niche as the go-to resource for creatives who want to safeguard their business while building a brand worth celebrating.
We explore the often-overlooked legal layers of running a creative business—topics like contracts that actually protect you, what most vendors miss about NDAs, how to responsibly grow your team, and why “clear is kind” isn’t just a leadership mantra but a legal one too.
Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just starting out, Magi delivers clear, candid insight on the safeguards that turn small businesses into thriving empires. She breaks down everything from trademarking your business name to managing intellectual property with grace—and shows us why a well-written contract is the best investment you’ll ever make.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why creatives often avoid legal protection—and the real cost of waiting too long
• How to approach NDAs without fear (and even how to negotiate them)
• The legal traps that derail growing teams—and how to avoid them
• How to set expectations with clients and contractors through clean communication
• The top protections every event professional should have in place right now

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a business that’s as protected as it is profitable.🔗 Links Mentioned

• Explore Magi's contract templates: The Artist Lawyer
• Connect with Magi on Instagram: @magifisher

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From wrangling horses on a cattle ranch to building a globally recognized brand, KT’s path is defined by grit, resilience, and a fierce loyalty to her vision.
We talk about betting on yourself before anyone else does, the mindset required to build a sustainable creative business, and the power of honoring the season you're in—personally and professionally. KT also opens up about her spiritual journey, how she balances constant travel with wellness, and why she believes structure is essential to support the artist.

This conversation is an invitation to dig deeper—not just into your business strategy, but into your purpose, your boundaries, and your long game.

What We Cover:

• KT’s unexpected path from cattle rancher to luxury photographer
• The moment she walked away from a secure income to bet on herself
• Why business clarity matters just as much as creative talent
• The power of structure in supporting artistic freedom
• How KT stays grounded while living life on the road
• Navigating seasons in business and learning when to push vs. pause
• Building a creative life anchored in spiritual practice
• The importance of loyalty to yourself—especially when it’s inconvenient
• Actionable advice for creatives seeking clarity, alignment, and longevity

Links & Resources:

Instagram: ⁠@ktmerry⁠⁠ and @ktmerryeducation

Web: ktmerry.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by husband-and-wife photography duo, Joel & Justyna—artists known not only for their striking images but for their quiet, poetic approach. From fashion runways in Paris to editorial sets photographing dignitaries like HRH Queen Elizabeth II in Canada, their journey to wedding photography is anything but traditional. Together, they’ve built a career rooted in empathy, restraint, and the ability to read the rhythm of a wedding day like a seasoned musician.
We talk about the chemistry that comes from photographing as a couple, how their rebrand reflects the imperfections they intentionally preserve, and the beauty of stepping back to truly let moments unfold. Their philosophy is rooted in nuance—tuning into energy, anticipating the unexpected, and capturing weddings not as productions, but as living, breathing memories.
You’ll hear:

• Why they describe themselves as “composers of memories”
• How fashion influences their work—but never dictates it
• Their perspective on quality over quantity and the power of saying no
• What it's like mentoring new photographers in today’s wedding landscape
• Hot takes on boutonnières, shrinking wedding parties, and texting clients after hours

• Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, updates, and expert advice.
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• Tune in to our Wine and Dine Me Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, where we explore all things weddings, life, and business.

Whether you're a photographer, planner, or someone who appreciates thoughtful storytelling—this episode is an invitation to see weddings (and the work we do) through a slower, more intimate lens.
Links + Resources
Follow Joel & Justyna: www.joelandjustyna.com
Instagram: @joelandjustyna
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Fifteen years in the industry, countless lessons learned, and a relentless commitment to pushing creative boundaries—that’s how Laura built her career. A firstborn daughter, Aries fire sign, and absolute force in luxury events, Laura built her brand by saying no to cookie-cutter design and yes to creative risks. In this episode, we talk about her journey from working in catering to running some of the most unique weddings in the industry, why she scaled down to only four weddings a year, and how she gets clients to trust the creative process.
If you’re an event professional looking to refine your brand, an entrepreneur trying to stand out, or a couple who wants a wedding that feels unlike anything else—this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Laura went from hotel catering to luxury wedding planning
• The real difference between playing it safe and pushing creative boundaries
• Why charging your worth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about trust
• How she scaled back her business to create bigger impact
• Why more money doesn’t always mean better weddings
• How to build a brand that attracts the right clients, not just any clients

Connect with Laura Ritchie:

Instagram: @gritandgraceinc

Website: Grit and Grace Inc.

Links & Resources:

• Subscribe to our newsletter for insider wedding & event trends
• Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes inspiration
• Listen to more episodes of Wine & Dine Me Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
  

In this solo episode, Reagan takes us behind the scenes of an unforgettable week in Sicily, where she attended a prestigious event hosted by the Italian Convention Bureau. As one of only three US planners invited by the country of Italy, Reagan shares her key takeaways from this high-caliber conference, which gathered top-tier venues, hotels, and event providers from across Italy and beyond.
From quick meetings with luxury hospitality leaders to securing exclusive venue partnerships, this episode dives deep into the evolving world of destination weddings and the increasing demand for authenticity, connection, and intentional luxury.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Future of Luxury Weddings in Italy – Insights from high-level discussions on elevating guest experiences and securing venues that aren’t open to the public.
• Why Authenticity is More Valuable Than Ever – How event professionals worldwide are prioritizing individuality over trends.
• Luxury Defined—Beyond the Buzzword – Takeaways from a powerful session with luxury brand expert Antonio Paraiso, breaking down the true essence of luxury.
• Old Money vs. New Money Mindsets – A rare and honest conversation about how different luxury clients approach spending, experience, and exclusivity.
• Creating Magical Moments for Clients – Five key strategies to design extraordinary, unforgettable experiences—straight from the hospitality industry’s top minds.

Love the Episode? Here’s How You Can Support:
🎧 Subscribe to Wine and Dine Me Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
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