In this episode, we’re uncovering what truly sets your wedding apart as an amazing event: the guest experience. We had on Michelle Wood, wedding planner and founder of Meraki Wood Events. She shares the importance of having a backup plan for worst-case scenarios, tips to bring your event to life and unique ideas that will WOW guests.

For full show notes, resources, links: 

https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/creating-the-ultimate-guest-experience-with-michelle-wood-of-meraki-wood-events

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

2:05 Michelle’s story of getting started in the wedding industry

4:22 How she brought the “Hamptons Flair” to South Florida

7:52 Her 3 tiers of wedding planning services

9:46 The key benefits of working with a wedding planner

13:14 One of Michelle’s favorite wedding planning memories

19:37 What to focus on to level up your guests’ experience

27:23 Creative guest surprises

29:36 Michelle’s advice on the most important thing on your wedding day

43:42 Why she named her business Meraki Wood Events

In this episode, we’re talking all things jewelry insurance! If you’d be crushed at the thought of losing your engagement or wedding rings then you need to hear this conversation with Debi Lilly, celebrity party planner and author. Debi shares a story that demonstrates why jewelry insurance is a necessity for couples. 

For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/why-ring-insurance-is-a-must-have-on-your-pre-wedding-checklist-with-debi-lilly

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

2:13 How Debi got started in the wedding industry

3:29 Why she is so passionate about jewelry insurance 

6:20 Her details to-do list 

8:37 Home insurance vs. jewelry insurance

10:29 What jewelry insurance she recommends

13:51 Her tips for keeping your rings safe and clean

18:51 Ring trends for 2021

25:31 Advice for keeping your rings nice for years to come

27:30 Why you need a ring check-up

In this episode, we had a conversation with Hannah Mitchell, of Elite Seattle. Hannah and her mom Cindy specialize in designing thoughtful high-end weddings and events. She shares her process as a planner for luxury weddings and talks about the types of services they offer their clients. 

For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/thoughtful-high-end-weddings-with-hannah-mitchell-of-elite-events

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1:14 How Hannah and her mom got started in the wedding industry

5:56 What services they specialize in

9:35 How they navigate decor and design

10:58 Her vetting process for working with new vendors

13:05 How her company differs from other wedding planning companies

18:45 Her favorite trends of 2021 and 2022

22:23 The live stream trend

24:13 COVID testing at weddings

28:23 The importance of hiring experienced professionals

39:34 Their plans for expansion into California

Need more inspiration for planning your wedding? In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Novack, founder of Partyslate. Partyslate is an inspiration platform that shares unique party ideas and the professionals who make them happen. Julia shares how she got her idea for starting Partyslate and how people typically use the platform when event planning.

For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/plan-your-party-like-a-pro-with-founder-of-partyslate-julia-novack

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1:36 How Julia got into the wedding industry

6:29 What events Partyslate serves

11:30 How they reduce the intimidation factor through their platform

13:01 Why you should use FAQ pages

14:59 What vendors they feature on their website

18:40 What an idea slate is and how you can use that feature

21:57 How Partyslate is different from other wedding blogs and publications

26:07 How 2021 and 2022 is a recovery year

31:08 How event “rules” and traditions will change

36:01 How event professionals and venues can get onto Partyslate

Wedding trends come and go. In this episode, we’re joined by wedding planner Marylen Exposito of Marylen Exposito Events to talk all things wedding trends in 2021. We chat about how covid has changed the way weddings are done and what trends we really like that have emerged this year. 

For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/wedding-trends-for-2021-with-wedding-planner-and-ceo-of-marylen-exposito-events-marylen-exposito

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

3:12 Entertainment as the main focus

7:15 The micro wedding trend 

9:13 The popularity of elopements

15:05 Formal dining during weddings

16:22 Weekday weddings

19:34 Up and coming color trends

21:25 Quality over quantity

24:22 How wedding attendance will be in 2022

35:08 Sustainability in weddings

2020 was the year of rescheduled weddings. It comes as no surprise that there was no guidebook on how to handle this and many vendors and couples were left scrambling trying to figure out how to move their big day. In this episode, Kenny and Julie had a conversation with wedding planner and CEO of Infinite Events, Erica Trombetti about the course she designed to help people reschedule their wedding day. 

For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/the-blueprint-to-rescheduling-your-wedding-with-wedding-planner-and-ceo-of-infinite-events-erica-trombetti

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1:08 How Erica got started in the wedding industry 

3:39 Her experience of rescheduling 30+ weddings

25:05 Changes that have happened during COVID in the wedding industry

36:02 Her favorite wedding trend of 2021

38:11 Services that she offers at Infinite Events

Are you ready to get in shape for your special day? In this episode, Kenny and Julie were joined by International Lifestyle and Wedding Fitness Coach, Laila Aleih to talk about getting fit for your wedding day. Laila gives advice on creating a sustainable, healthy way to “slim down for the gown”. She explores the areas you should focus on for health and the services she offers for brides (and non-brides).

LINKS WE LOVE:

Sweating for the Wedding Podcast

Wedding Fit Forever Academy 

Laila’s Website (Get a free strategy session by mentioning our podcast!)

Wedding Wellness Retreat video

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1:52 How Laila got into the fitness industry

8:22 Wearing her wedding dress every anniversary

10:02 Pressures of the wedding industry to look “perfect”

10:45 Three areas to focus on for health

15:04 Her clients’ favorite services 

23:01 What sets her apart from other health professionals

26:06 Wedding wellness retreats

28:24 How she helps non-brides

36:51 How to get help from Laila

43:18 Her process for the wedding week

45:52 The key services she offers

49:26 Recap 

Wedding expenses can add up quickly. When you’re deciding on what things you want to splurge on for your big day, you’ll want to keep in mind your top priorities! Take a listen as Kenny and Julie dig into their top 13 items to splurge on for your wedding. You’ll hear their insights on WOWing your guests and keeping the memories of your wedding day for years to come. 

LINKS WE LOVE:

Let's Talk Wedding Trends 2020 & 2021 

The Sablewood

Guilded Group Decor

Divina Strings

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

3:16 A throwback to our trends episode

4:59 Choosing your venue

8:54 Venues with decorations already included

13:02 Working with a styling and decor company

15:42 How catering brings people together 

20:09 Why photography is important

23:13 Investing in videography

29:58 Hiring a personal glam squad

34:03 Wardrobe and wedding day attire

39:39 Cakes and dessert

45:03 Invitations and stationery

47:42 DJs and bands

54:19 Floral arrangements

58:57 Fun transportation ideas

01:01:15 Event planners and day of coordinators 

QUOTES:

“To pay a wedding planner or day of coordinator to take the stress off of you is huge when you’re planning an event of this size” - Julie

“Your food tells your guests how much you appreciate them.” - Kenny

“Splurge on hair and makeup! Everyone should feel like a celebrity on their own wedding day.” - Julie

Searching for some wedding day inspiration? Kenny and Julie chat about their favorite wedding industry professionals to follow on Instagram and discuss some of the fun, exciting projects they’ve worked on. You’ll get a ton of great wedding day ideas jam-packed in this episode!

LINKS WE LOVE:

Jennifer Matteo Instagram

Jose Graterol Instagram

Tailored Twig Instagram

Visionary Events and Designs Instagram

Amanda Savory Events Instagram

The Temple House Instagram

United Projection Instagram

Eric Jon Instagram

Lé Lauriér Instagram

Kikimora Studio Instagram

Kikimora Fashion Instagram

Bridal Styles Boutique Instagram

Bridal Styles Boutique 

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

3:13 Event planner: Jennifer Matteo

8:21 Wedding florist: Jose Graterol

11:02 Wedding florist: Tailored Twig

13:35 Event designer: Visionary Events and Designs

18:14 Event planner: Amanda Savory

21:58 Event venue: The Temple House in Miami

24:54 Projection mapping: United Projection

29:42 Photographer: Eric Jon

34:40 Couture custom bridal robes: Lé Lauriér

39:53 Costume designs and fashion: Kikimora Studio and Kikimora Fashion

46:30 Bridal headpiece, veils and jewelry: Bridal Styles Boutique

QUOTES:

“It looks like every wedding they do at @thetemplehouse they have these amazing lighting setups, dance floor designs and decor.”  - Kenny

“@unitedprojection uses unique projectors & screens to create geometric tunnels on the walls and it looks absolutely incredible.” - Kenny

“Let’s get IG handles from this episode together on a plane and go have a party!” - Kenny

“Not a lot of photographers can balance black and white in the classy way that @ericjonphotography does, it looks really amazing.” - Julie

Kenny and Julie explore the ins and outs of using a course to plan your wedding day with Bettina Benizri of Busy Bee Events. She shares a few things you must keep in mind for your wedding day including the 3 things you must do first when planning your wedding (plus one of the easiest ways to save money on the big day). 

LINKS WE LOVE:

Bettina's Website

Bettina’s Instagram

Wedding Planning Course

Bettina’s Facebook

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1:59 How Bettina got her business where it is today

3:54 Why she started her online course

7:42 Services that Busy Bee Events offers

11:33 Pricing disparities within the wedding industry

18:37 Course overview

20:30 The first 3 steps couples should take when planning their wedding

25:50 Why everyone needs a planner for their wedding

28:54 Destination weddings

32:35 Weddings during hurricanes and tropical storms

37:14 How her course differs from virtual planning

46:18 Wedding planning during the pandemic

48:24 What it looks like to work with Busy Bee Events

55:28 Conclusion of her services and course

01:05:27 Recap

QUOTES:

“You hired us to take care of everything so you can enjoy your day and not have to think about a thing.”

“Sometimes people start wedding planning the wrong way and that’s why I created the online course.”

“My intent was to help more brides and grooms plan their weddings correctly.”

“You can save so much money simply by having less people at your wedding.” 

You. Need. This. With 15 core colors in 18 styles Birdy Grey offers the widest variety of bridesmaids dresses in every shape & size all at $99. Oh, and the color palettes are AMAZING. Plus they have an online Bridal Studio where you can create your look and your bridesquad can check in and get everything they need from there! Seriously it's a game changer. LINKS WE LOVE: 3 Free Swatches with Coupon Code: BIRDYLOVESNYEPOD (valid thru 9/30/20) IG @birdygrey Pinterest @birdygrey TikTok @birdygrey Nowyoureengaged.com

2:00 - How did Birdy Grey begin?

9:30 - Mix N Matching between styles

11:18 - What about menswear

13:30 - How do the swatches work?

14:40 - Alterations? Sizing?

17:35 - Virtual fitting parties with champagne!

18:08 - Bachelorette party accessories, shirts, masks

22:00 - Congrats bitch, Birdy’s engaged!

23:20 - Grace’s wedding plans

29:20 - How is Birdy Grey handling COVID-19?

36:30 - Recap