Planning a wedding and don’t know where to start? In this episode, Tess sits down with Brittney from Nuptial Collective; the creative team behind Tess and Shaun’s four-day Beverly Hills celebration, to share practical, actionable tips for planning the perfect wedding, no matter your budget or location.
Together they unpack the real steps of wedding planning: when to book suppliers, what a wedding planner actually does, how to choose your venue, how to build a guest experience people remember, and the small styling choices that make the biggest impact. They also break down destination wedding logistics, timelines, budgeting mistakes to avoid, and how to design a wedding aesthetic that feels timeless and true to you.
Whether you’re newly engaged, drowning in Pinterest boards, or trying to plan without a planner, this episode is filled with expert insights, emotional guidance, and behind-the-scenes detail from Tess’ own multi-day LA wedding.
Show notes:
- Tess chats with Brittney from Nuptial Collective about wedding planning, guest experience and how to bring a vision to life.
- What a wedding planner really handles — logistics, timelines, sourcing, styling, and full on-the-day execution.
- Why hiring a planner frees couples to enjoy the emotional moments instead of the admin.
- The importance of connection and trust between planner and couple.
- How Tess moved from a Byron wedding to Beverly Hills Hotel and why destination weddings can be magic.
- Planning an overseas wedding with a nine-month timeline and mixing Australian + LA suppliers effectively.
- Breakdown of Tess and Shaun's multi-day events: family dinner, rooftop welcome party, wedding day, and recovery pool party.
- Using touchpoints, stationery, gifting, and music to create a cohesive experience for guests.
- Designing an aesthetic based on lifestyle over trends and weaving storytelling through each event.
- Music as a design tool — from Sinatra-style live sets to disco & late-night high-energy moments.
- Practical planning order: book planner, venue, photographer/videographer, then celebrant.
- Ideal planning timeline, budgeting challenges, and using spreadsheets to stay organised.
- Why intentional elements matter more than trends or unnecessary décor.
- Small high-impact touchpoints: personalised notes, welcome gift bags, Polaroid guest book moments.
- Tess’ advice on staying grounded and present on the day, including meditation and going phone-free.
- How pre-planning logistics like touch-ups, handbags and run sheets prevent stress and help you stay in the moment.
Episode Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Vorfreude Stationary, timeless keepsakes and personalised gifts. Every piece made with love, care, and a deep passion for celebrating life’s most meaningful moments.
Discount code for listeners: 15% off storewide, use TESSTALKS15
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