Your Dream Day Wedding Planning Podcast with Kathy Piech-Lukas

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Discover why Belterra Casino Resort and Spa might just be the dream destination for your wedding! Join us as we tour this luxurious venue with Nicole, highlighting everything from a top-rated golf course perfect for bachelor parties to a serene spa ideal for bridal relaxation. With diverse dining options like the elegant 19th Steak and Seafood and the popular Copper Whisk, plus over 600 spacious hotel rooms, Belterra ensures a memorable experience for all your guests. Unique features such as the stunning Bride Suite and picturesque ceremony locations, including beautiful lawn areas and golf course views, make this venue truly special. Nicole also shares how Belterra's full-service offerings, including catering and decor, can simplify your wedding planning process, and we invite you to check out their upcoming wedding show on June 2, 2024, from 12 noon to 3pm, for a firsthand experience.

Curious about how to explore Belterra as your potential wedding venue? We've got you covered! Learn how to arrange a private tour through the wedding sales manager and utilize online resources like Belterra's Facebook page and website. We also discuss an upcoming photo shoot that showcases the venue's stunning offerings, ensuring you see what's available on-site. Nicole provides essential tips for planning a destination wedding, from hotel accommodations to local attractions, even sharing amusing stories about unique requests from headliners and performers. This episode is packed with insights and entertaining anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone contemplating a destination wedding at Belterra Casino and Resort.

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For those on the hunt for wedding wonders, the I Do's and Brews wedding show on May 19, 2024, is your golden ticket to a world of vendor variety, all under the roof of a local Cincinnati treasure, Rhinegeist Brewery.

Have you ever felt the walls of a venue whisper tales of history and romance to you? Cass and Jess from Rheingeist Brewery visually escort us through the stunning corridors of their wedding venue. The architectural charm of exposed brick and original rafters sets the stage for "I do's" that are as unique as they are memorable. One of the new trends at Rhinegeist? Elopement celebrations, or a wedding reception after the couple returns from an elopement or destination wedding.

Then we take a heartfelt journey into the soul of wedding planning, where the quest for the perfect venue mirrors the magic of finding 'the one' in a wedding dress. Our conversation guides you through the busy seasons of bookings, advising on the necessity of claiming your spot in the coveted months, creating your non-negotiable list, questions to answer before you call a venue for a tour, and the ultimate joy of seeing your wedding vision come to life.  

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Ever pondered what sets the mood at weddings in a way that guests talk about for years to come? Join me, Kathy Piech-Lukas, and Jon Lattier from the Blue Water Kings band as we tackle the symphony of decisions behind choosing live bands over DJs for your big day. The pulse of live music can transform a reception, from budget-friendly band configurations to the kinetic exchange of energy that fuels an unforgettable night. Jon also reveals the charming dynamics of performing with his family and the prospect of his son taking up the mantle of music.

But it's not all about the limelight— Our conversation serves up a feast of anecdotes revealing the realities of mealtime logistics, the comic relief of infamous vendor meals, breaks and the evening timeline. Making sure every important person is in the room and engaged in the happenings at the reception is a must!

The crescendo of our discussion leads us to the orchestration of events and the pivotal role of the MC. The harmony between band, photographers, and videographers is paramount, ensuring that every poignant moment is captured without missing a beat. Whether you choose a live band or the precision of recorded tunes, tune in and turn up the volume on what goes into making weddings a harmonious hit.

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This week, Kathy Piech Lukas, wedding planner with Your Dream Day, sits down with the charismatic AJ Jones from the Bell Event Centre wedding venue. We're taking you behind the scenes of the upcoming wedding showcase at one of Cincinnati's most elegant and historic venues.  We also talk about questions you should be asking your wedding venue when you are seeking a space for your wedding ceremony or reception.

The Bell Event Centre's wedding showcase isn't just any event—it's a curated experience brimming with the city's most diverse and quality-driven vendors. AJ highlights the importance of live music's elegance and how to capitalize on the showcase to connect with vendors that can turn your vision into reality. We even tackle the best strategies for attending such a showcase, from taking advantage of exclusive discounts to knowing which questions will fine-tune your wedding planning process. So, grab your partner, a notebook, and let's step into a day filled with wedding wonders, expert advice, and stories that will inspire your special day.

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Have you ever found yourself wishing you could relive the most precious moments of your life just one more time? That's the heartstring Taylor and Mark McDaniel from Cinsation Videography Company tug at as they join us to share their personal leap into creating a business that captures the essence of love stories using video. After missing out on a wedding video of their own, they've dedicated themselves to ensuring no couple has the same regret. 

As we chat with the McDaniels, we delve into the nuances of documenting 'I do's in our fast-paced digital age. From the spontaneous hilarity of a best man's prank to the intimate exchanges of vows, wedding films are evolving into cinematic experiences that stand the test of time. We shed light on the crucial collaboration between videographers and lovebirds, the game-changing benefits of multiple camera angles, and the state-of-the-art gear that sharpens those blurry moments into high-definition treasures. We also talk about the newest trend hitting the wedding scene -- Content Creator! Whether you're a hopeless romantic or a tech-savvy enthusiast, this conversation on the craft of capturing matrimonial magic is one you won't want to miss.

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Embark on a journey into the world of wedding hotel accommodations with Century Hotel Group's very own Liz and Kiersten, who join me, Kathy Piech-Lukas, for a heart-to-heart on the latest Your Dream Day Wedding Planning Podcast episode. Discover the ins and outs of wedding hotel blocks — a strategy that might just be the key to a stress-free celebration for your guests. We'll guide you through the what, why, and how to set up a block for your guests and giving you that much-needed peace of mind. With Century Hotel Group's extensive expertise, we unravel the perks and the importance of locking in those room rates early, especially when your wedding might clash with the city's next big festival or event. 

Feel like a VIP as Liz and Kirsten spill the beans on how to navigate the twists and turns of hotel group bookings and rates. They dismantle the common myths, offering clarity on the true benefits of booking within the block, like flexible cancellation policies and the potential for sweet discounts. Tune in to hear how personalized online booking links and a dedicated wedding page can simplify life for your guests. This episode is your golden ticket to understanding the fine print in contracts, the downside of using a travel website to book a room instead of a hotel block, and avoiding surprises.

Pull back the curtain on the hotel booking process with insights that go beyond the norm. We'll talk about the delicate balance hotels strike in filling rooms while supporting your big day, how rates are as fluctuating as airline prices, and the impact of unforeseen events on the hospitality industry. Plus, get the lowdown on how to welcome your guests with personalized touches like welcome bags and organized shuttle services. Let's ensure that every detail is polished to perfection, so your wedding guests bask in the joy and luxury of your dream day. Join us for this episode and arm yourself with the knowledge to elevate your wedding planning to the level of excellence you deserve.

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Are wedding nightmares keeping you up at night? Fear not, as wedding planners Kathy Piech-Lukas of Your Dream Day and  Angela Lemke of Angela's Premier Event Designs guide you through the minefield of vendor selection and scams. In our frank conversation, Angela, a seasoned expert and Facebook wedding group administrator, opens up about her encounters with the darker corners of vendor sourcing on social media. We shed light on the tell-tale signs of fraudulent vendors, like too-good-to-be-true pricing and a conspicuous absence of credentials. Through the woven tales of last-minute DJ disasters, photography scams and the saga of a counterfeit florist, we arm you with the knowledge to demand detailed contracts and verify vendor legitimacy. And for an extra layer of security against the unforeseen, we introduce the concept of wedding insurance to keep your special day safeguarded.

The second segment of our discussion shifts focus to the unsung heroes of a flawless wedding—the vendors who meet and exceed professional standards. We recount chilling narratives of a horror story of food safety gone awry, underscoring the absolute must-haves such as Serve Safe certifications and the hazards of skimping on expertise. Angela and Kathy tackle the miscommunications that lead to wedding day letdowns, from photographers who ghost newlyweds to the misunderstood scope of licensed bartending services. With an eye for professionalism, these ladies elucidate the importance of experience and education in the wedding planning arena, mapping out the journey from the initial rush to the potential for burnout in the trade. This conversation is your compass to navigating the vast seas of wedding planning, ensuring you reach the shores of matrimonial bliss with your joy and wallet intact.

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This podcast is part two of a two part series featuring Wendy's Wedding Expo, taking place at the Duke Energy Convention Center on January 6&7, 2024, in Cincinnati. Host Kathy Piech-Lukas, wedding planner and host of Your Dream Day Wedding Planning Podcast, talks with Mardi Hall, show producer of Wendy's Wedding Expo, featuring one of the few wedding fashion shows in Cincinnati. The gowns on the runway can all be found at Wendy's Bridal in the Reading Bridal District.

Have you ever pictured yourself twirling in a sea of silk and lace, searching for that perfect bridal gown that seems to whisper your name? From timeless trends to trendy fashions like removable sleeves, step into the grandeur of Wendy's Wedding Expo's fashion show, where the elegance of bridal couture comes to life on the runway. Let the fabric sway and the beads shimmer captivate your senses, as professional models unveil the trends and timeless pieces that might just lead you to your own "aha" moment.

When it's time to find 'the dress,' make sure to schedule an appointment at the bridal salon so that you can have a dedicated sales person, mirror and stand. Bring an entourage with you, including your mother and bridesmaids. When attending the final fitting, take all pairs of shoes that you plan to wear and someone who can learn the bustle.

From the importance of appointments to the unexpected joy of finding "the one" when it's least anticipated, (as I personally experienced), listen in as we discuss those emotional milestones that signal you've found more than just a dress—you've discovered a piece of your love story. Whether you’re about to walk down the aisle or cheering from the sidelines, this episode is the key to unlocking 

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Congratulations to all of those couples who got engaged over the holidays! Now it's time to start planning your wedding. One of the most memorable experiences about planning a wedding is attending a wedding bridal show. Kathy Piech-Lukas, wedding planner and host of Your Dream Day Wedding Planning Podcast, talks with Mardi Hull, producer of Wendy's Wedding Show, in part one of this two part series about wedding shows. Formerly known as Wendy's Bridal Show, Wendy's Wedding Show has been a Cincinnati staple for 44 years and is the Tri-State's longest running wedding show. Taking place at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, January 6, 2024, and Sunday, January 7, 2024, brides, grooms, mother of the bride and wedding party can purchase tickets at www.wendysweddingexpo.com for $10 presale, or $12 at the door.

Attending a wedding show is a great way to plan your entire wedding in one day, in theory. Hull says that you can meet with wedding professionals of all types, including DJs, Photographers, Caterers, Venues, and Florists at wedding shows. In addition, Wendy's Wedding Show is one of the few wedding shows in Cincinnati that has a fashion show, featuring designs from Wendy's Bridal. Bring your smartphone and take photos of your favorite dresses, decor, flowers and more. Bringing an entourage with you to a wedding show makes it more fun, and some brides, grooms, mother of the brides, and bridesmaids even dress up for the occasion in special shirts, sashes and tieras. Food samples and cake samples are always available at wedding shows, and are a great way to sample multiple food vendors in under an hour. The other huge benefit of a wedding show is that you actually get to talk with the vendors in person, and get to know them, their style and personality -- something you can't always get from just looking at a wedding directory or on their website.

Enjoy the upcoming wedding show and happy planning!

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Ever wondered how to ditch the cookie-cutter wedding and embrace your individuality? We've got the secrets thanks to our fabulous guest, "Pink Hair Jen" Sulak, the creative force behind Weirdo Weddings. Jen shares her journey of creating a unique brand that celebrates offbeat brides and rockstar weddings. She spills the beans to host, Kathy Piech-Lukas of Your Dream Day, about how to stay true to who you are. With her own podcast, Tattoos and Toddlers, she gives us a peek into her world of juggling parenting and running a successful business. 

Then, brace yourselves as we delve into the brilliant, yet sometimes bizarre, world of unconventional and themed weddings. We share an enthralling account of a Renaissance / Goth wedding that will make your jaw drop and highlight the invaluable role of wedding planners in bringing such unique concepts to life. And if you're a Star Wars fan planning a wedding on May 4th, we'll help you turn this popular date into an unforgettable galactic celebration. From quirky weddings to preserving these special moments through photography, we've got it all covered. So, come join us as we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the timeless experiences that weddings offer.

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To listen to more episodes visit www.yourdreamday.com