Leah is joined by Amy Nolan and Carolyn Johnson, owners and senior event producers of An Event Less Ordinary, for a fun, candid, and refreshingly honest conversation about designing a wedding that actually feels like you.

With backgrounds in theater, Amy and Carolyn approach weddings like live productions, focusing on flow, timing, room flips, and collaboration with vendors as a true creative team. Throughout the episode, they deliver plenty of spicy hot takes and wedding planning PSAs, sharing what couples should care about, what they can stop stressing over, and where thoughtful planning truly makes a difference.

They break down how to find inspiration beyond trends, incorporate out of the ordinary ideas without going overboard, and plan logistics in a way that supports the guest experience instead of creating chaos. The conversation also highlights why Chicago is such an incredible place to get married and how couples can fully lean into its energy and character.

If you want expert advice, real talk, and a wedding that feels less ordinary and a lot more intentional, this episode is for you.

Our sponsored segment today is with Dustin Lemick, founder and CEO of BriteCo! Leah and Dustin cover the importance of having wedding insurance, and the two main types: wedding liability insurance and wedding cancellation insurance. Dustin highlights how wedding liability insurance protects couples from potential damages or injuries that may occur during the event, while cancellation insurance covers unforeseen circumstances that may force a couple to postpone or cancel their wedding. The conversation also touches on real-life examples of how wedding insurance has saved couples from financial distress, particularly in cases of vendor no-shows or venue bankruptcies.

📲Follow An Event Less Ordinary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aneventlessordinary/

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Melissa Green is a licensed psychologist, wedding wellness coach, and recent encore bride who understands firsthand that wedding planning is about far more than timelines and to-do lists.

In this episode, Leah and Dr. Green explore wedding wellness through an emotional and psychological lens—especially for brides over 40, second-time brides, military couples, and those navigating blended families and adult children.

They discuss how age, identity, past experiences, and trauma can shape the wedding planning journey, how to set healthy boundaries and manage complex family dynamics, and why emotional support, grounding practices, and self-compassion are essential tools for staying calm, connected, and joyful throughout the process.

If you’re planning a wedding while balancing real life, real responsibilities, and real emotions, this conversation is for you.

📲Find Dr. Green on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.melgreen

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sarah Hensley, social psychologist and founder of Love Doc Coaching Services, joins Leah to break down attachment styles and how they shape the way we communicate, love, and navigate relationships—especially during major life moments like wedding planning and marriage.

Together, they explore how childhood experiences influence adult relationships, the four main attachment styles, and how social media can amplify insecurity, comparison, and miscommunication. Dr. Hensley also shares insights on navigating second marriages, emotional health, and how couples can build stronger, more secure connections by understanding their attachment patterns.

Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or simply working on becoming a better partner, this episode offers practical tools and eye-opening takeaways to help you communicate more effectively and stay connected.

🎧Listen to “The Love Doc Podcast” wherever you get your podcasts! Or visit https://thelovedoc.com/

📲Find Dr. Hensley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc/

And on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarahhensley

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This February, Bridechilla is going to have a special 5-part series focused on the mental health side of wedding planning, as well as people's personal experiences with weddings -- whether they're the bride or the planner!

Each episode, Leah creates a space that's funny, honest, and validating - while also giving you practical tools to strengthen communication and protect their relationship during one of life’s most emotionally intense seasons.

We'll be covering: attachment styles, love languages, supporting military couples, managing trauma, navigating major life transitions, "encore brides" and much more!

Tune in on YouTube -- or wherever you get your podcasts!

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith Willard is back, and he is bringing stories, strategy, and straight-talk wedding wisdom. Fresh off a marathon stretch of events, Keith shares what that whirlwind taught him about sanity, planning, and what truly matters on a wedding day.

In this conversation, Leah and Keith dive into how couples can create high-impact wedding moments without blowing the budget, why managing expectations is just as important as choosing the right vendors, and what couples should finally stop wasting money and energy on. Keith also shares some of his favorite creative, meaningful ways to elevate your celebration while staying grounded in what really matters.

If you want your wedding to feel intentional, elevated, and smartly spent, this episode is for you.

Find Keith on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/keithwillard⁠

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Cline, founder of Wedding Day Content Creator, joins Leah to dive into the booming world of real-time wedding content creation and how this new role is reshaping the wedding industry. Emily shares what inspired her to launch her company, the moments that matter most on wedding days, and why couples are now booking content creators before photographers and videographers.

Leah and Emily discuss what sets a professional content creator apart, red flags to look out for when booking, and how the planning and pre-wedding process works from contract to wedding day. Emily also opens up about the early pushback from photographers and videographers, how the industry has shifted, and why vendor teams are now collaborating more than ever.

Whether you're a couple planning your wedding or a vendor adapting to the industry’s fastest-growing service, this episode offers practical insight into the future of modern wedding storytelling.

Find Emily on Instagram: instagram.com/weddingdaycontentcreator

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Leah is joined by renowned wedding planner and author Akeshi Akinseye to explore The Art of Celebrating and what it really means to plan a meaningful, intentional wedding that truly reflects you. Akeshi shares how storytelling, ambiance, and thoughtful details can transform your wedding day from beautiful… to unforgettable.

They dive into staying grounded in connection (even with social media pressure!), practical ways to personalize your celebration, smart budgeting strategies, and how to thoughtfully approach one of the toughest planning tasks—your guest list. If you want your wedding to feel as good as it looks, this episode is a must-listen.

The Art of Celebration releases on January 27th, 2026! Pre-order now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Walmart!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan Ely is back to break down the biggest 2026 wedding trends couples need to know. Leah and Meghan chat about Pantone’s Color of the Year and how it compares to Minted + Brides’ wedding color pick. Personalization and guest experiences are taking center stage, while gender-fluid styles are on the rise and capes are making a comeback!

If you’re planning a 2026 wedding—or want to stay ahead of what’s next—this episode sets the tone for the year ahead in wedding planning.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choosing a wedding venue shouldn’t feel like decoding a mystery. Leah breaks down the biggest venue red flags that couples overlook with wedding planner Adrienne Gardner — with tips on how to spot them early. They dig into exclusive vendor lists, confusing policies, communication issues, and the venue factors that actually impact your budget and guest experience. Adrienne brings real-world insight from years in the industry, giving couples the clarity and confidence they need to pick a venue that truly supports their vision.

Find Adrienne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardnereffect/

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

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridechilla went LIVE at The Elliot in Tremont, and we tackled one of the biggest questions couples ask: what’s the real difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator?

Leah is joined on stage by founder Stephanie Ridgely (The Elliot) and wedding planner Brandi Fisher (All Events Planned) for a candid, clarity-packed conversation about roles, boundaries, expectations, and the myths that cause major planning confusion. Get ready for plenty of “Ohhh, NOW I get it!” moments as we break down:

• What each role truly handles
• Where responsibilities overlap (and where they don’t)
• What couples should never assume
• How the right support team prevents day-of chaos

Find the Elliot on Instagram: http://instagram.com/theelliotcle

Find Brandi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/alleventsplanned

This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Leah and luxury event planner Keith Willard for a deep dive into the craft of unforgettable wedding planning. From organizing childhood penny drives to collaborating with industry icons like Colin Cowie and David Tutera, Keith shares how his journey shaped his signature, high-touch approach.

Together, they explore:

• How to create an amazing wedding at any budget—whether it’s $5K or $500
• The emotional impact of thoughtful, personal touches
• Insider insights from celebrity weddings
• Smart planning tools including wedding websites, QR codes, and AI
  

Plus, Keith shares behind-the-scenes details from Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck’s wedding—and what everyday couples can learn from high-profile events. This is a must-listen for couples, planners, and anyone who believes the experience is the event.

Find Keith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/.

This episode is also sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3

Find Bridechilla online:

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla

- Website: http://thebridechilla.com

Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices