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Weddings UnscriptedEp 18 • Wedding Vendor Collaboration: Secrets to a Seamless Event Team with Kir TubenWhat really makes a wedding day flow seamlessly? In this dynamic episode of Weddings Unscripted, we sit down with Washington, D.C.-based wedding photographer Kir Tuben who brings nearly a decade of experience capturing unforgettable moments and navigating the ever-evolving world of weddings. Together, we unravel the secrets to successful vendor collaboration, from personality matching to balancing budgets and visions. We also get candid about handling surprises on the big day, the dos and don'ts of social media sharing, and why open communication between planners, photographers, and all members of the vendor squad is absolutely essential.2025-07-291h 04Weddings UnscriptedEp 17 • Timeless or Timed Out? Wedding Trends We Still Love (and What’s Got to Go)Are garter toss still a thing? What about mismatched bridesmaids? In this trend-forward episode of Weddings Unscripted, we break down which wedding trends have stood the test of time—and which ones need to quietly exit the chat. From signature cocktails and photo booths to mismatched décor and second looks, we share our insider perspectives from years of planning weddings and watching fads come and go. Whether you’re planning your big day or just trend-obsessed, this episode is your permission slip to let go of what’s “in” and lean into what’s you. Wh...2025-07-2350 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 16 • Wedding Guest Etiquette: What Not to Do (According to Real Planners)Ever wondered what wedding planners really think about guest behavior? In this laugh-out-loud and eye-opening episode of Weddings Unscripted, we down the most outrageous, frustrating, and just plain baffling things we’ve seen guests do at weddings—and what you should absolutely avoid if you’re attending one. From surprise plus-ones and giant gift boxes to inappropriately sloshed uncles and children running wild, no topic is off-limits. Whether you're planning your wedding or attending one soon, this is your ultimate etiquette guide (with a healthy dose of real talk and behind-the-scenes stories from planners who’ve seen it all...2025-07-1552 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 15 • Behind the Booth: Jake Sherman on Music, Mishaps, and Making Wedding MagicWhat’s it like to DJ 50+ weddings a year—and then plan your own? In this high-energy and heart-filled episode of Weddings Unscripted, we chat with Jake Sherman of Washington Talent, who brings decades of family history, professional experience, and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories to the mic. From DJing dance-floor-packed receptions to managing event logistics and literally helping relocate an entire wedding mid-ceremony (yes, really!), Jake shares wisdom for couples, planners, and anyone in the wedding world. Whether you’re choosing between a band or DJ, or just need a reality check on how much dancing is too much...2025-07-011h 08Weddings UnscriptedEp 14 • How a Wedding Planner Made This Mother of the Bride’s Day Stress-FreeWhat happens when a mother of the bride knows her limits—and hires a planner to save the day? In this heartfelt episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alex and Alison chat with Stephanie, whose daughter’s Chesapeake Bay wedding went off without a hitch thanks to the help of a talented wedding planner. Stephanie shares what it was like helping plan a destination-inspired wedding in Maryland while the couple lived in Florida, and how her planner, Rebecca Thomas, became her trusted guide, timeline-keeper, and behind-the-scenes “angel.” If you’re a parent navigating the wedding process, or a planner wondering...2025-06-2542 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 13 • From Client to Floral Designer: Interview With Audrey Klein on her Wedding-Inspired Career ChangeEver wonder what happens when planning your wedding leads to a whole new career path? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we’re joined by past bride-turned-floral-designer Audrey Klein of Le Jardin Klein. From a Bridgerton-inspired wedding to her first big floral installation, Audrey shares how a magical experience with her wedding florist sparked a full-blown creative journey—and business. Join us as we catch up with Audrey about her wedding day, her floral “aha” moment, and the real-life logistics of launching a blooming side hustle (complete with a Vespa flower bar and custom tissue paper). Whether you're a...2025-06-1751 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 12 • Planning a Home or Tented Wedding? Here’s What You Need to Know with Janice CarnevaleThinking of hosting your wedding at home or under a tent? This episode is your essential reality check. In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we’re joined by expert planner and author Janice Carnavale of Bellwether Events, who shares hard-won wisdom from decades of producing elevated home weddings. From rain plans and power logistics to sentimental details and viral disasters, this episode pulls back the curtain on everything that makes tented weddings both magical—and massively complex. Whether you're a couple dreaming of a backyard celebration or a planner who needs to prep your clients with...2025-06-0949 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 11 • Wedding Crashers: How 11 Ducklings Stole the Show (and Our Hearts)In one of the sweetest surprises we’ve ever experienced, a family of ducklings waddled into a wedding ceremony—and straight into the hearts of everyone there. In this feel-good episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alex is joined by Carlene from the Cherry Blossom Events team and Phoebe from Purple Onion Catering to relive the viral moment, now featured in People Magazine. What started as a beautifully designed wedding with a bird-themed motif turned into an unforgettable story of timing, symbolism, and unexpected joy—complete with 11 ducklings walking right down the aisle. This episode is packed with be...2025-06-0326 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 10 • Behind the Lens: Capturing Unforgettable Wedding Moments — With Andie IngagliatoThis week, Alex and Ali are joined by the incredibly talented Andie Ingagliato from Costola Photography for a candid conversation about what it’s really like behind the lens on a wedding day. From artistic inspiration to timeline strategy, Andie opens up about working with high-end clients, building trust with planners, and what makes for truly meaningful photos. You’ll also hear about her experience documenting major events like the Super Bowl (yes, really!), how motherhood shifted her photography approach, and why printed albums still matter in the digital age. Whether you're a couple planning your...2025-05-2855 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 9 • Planning a Complex, Four-Day Wedding Weekend with Multiple Events (Part Two)Welcome back to Part 2 of our deep dive into one of the most creatively layered wedding weekends we've ever planned. In this episode, Alex and Ali break down the full design story behind a four-day luxury wedding—from a sparkle-themed boat arrival to a moody penthouse welcome party and a wedding ceremony dripping in baby’s breath and architectural symbolism. We’re taking you inside every design decision, reveal moment, and unexpected wow factor—including a surprise Mardi Gras-style parade and a float that had guests cheering (and dancing) their way into the after party. If...2025-05-2046 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 8 • Planning a Complex, Four-Day Wedding Weekend with Multiple Events (Part One)Ever wondered what really goes into planning a wedding with a massive guest lists? In this episode, Alexandra and Alison pull back the curtain on one of the most logistically intense—and emotionally rewarding—weddings they've worked on. From coordinating multiple vendors to adapting on the fly when plans changed, the Cherry Blossom team shares the real behind-the-scenes scoop of what it's like managing such a grand-scale event. If you’re a couple planning a large wedding—or a planner navigating complex client relationships—this one’s for you. What we discussed: [01:00] –...2025-05-1346 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 7 • Wedding Day Disasters: How Planners Save the Day When Things Go WrongIn this episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alex and Ali share real stories from behind the scenes—those unforgettable (and sometimes hilarious) moments when even the best-laid wedding plans needed some quick thinking and major teamwork. From battling unexpected weather disasters to sewing a bridesmaid’s dress out of a table linen, Alex and Ali reveal what it truly takes to roll with the punches and keep the celebration going strong. Plus, they offer insights on handling "client-zillas," vendor challenges, and those “only at weddings” emergencies that no timeline can predict. If you’re planning a wedding—or...2025-04-2957 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 6 • The Little Things: Wedding Planning Tips You Should KnowWhen it comes to wedding planning, most couples focus on the big things—venue, dress, caterer, band. But what about the small stuff? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we pull back the curtain on the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of little decisions that go into creating a flawless event. From choosing the right napkin fold to finalizing your last dance song, we walk through the often-overlooked details that shape the entire guest experience—and why having a strong vendor team makes it all so much smoother. Whether you're deep in the planning process or just star...2025-04-2255 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 5 • Catering Insights with Design CuisineIn this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we speak with our good friend and vendor partner, Sarah Lusk from Design Cuisine, a leading catering company in Washington DC. Sarah discusses the history of Design Cuisine, the evolution of catering, the logistics and challenges of off-premise catering, and the importance of understanding venue rules. We also explore current trends in catering, emphasizing the growing demand for personalized menus that reflect couple's heritage and experiences. In this segment of the conversation, we delve into the intricacies of wedding planning in regards to all things catering, particularly focusing on how personal stories can b...2025-04-151h 03Weddings UnscriptedEp 4 • In Full Bloom: Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Florals with Luxury Wedding Florist Kate Denman In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, host Alexandra Pare and Alison Golt interviews Kate Denman from Floret and Vine, exploring her journey in the floral design industry. They discuss the challenges and creativity involved in floral arrangements, the evolution of Kate's business, and the importance of teamwork in executing successful events. The conversation highlights the intricacies of floral manipulation, the growth of a floral business, and the satisfaction derived from creating beautiful wedding set-ups, discusses the intricate details of floral design and wedding planning, sharing insights on the preparation needed for meetings with florists, the importance of trust between...2025-04-0846 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 3 • It’s all About the Benjamins…How to Navigate Your Wedding BudgetIn this episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alexandra Pare and Alison discuss the intricacies of wedding budgeting. They explore how to determine a budget, the importance of understanding costs associated with various vendors, and the impact of family contributions. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication with clients about their expectations and the realities of wedding expenses. Through personal anecdotes and client stories, they highlight the importance of prioritizing elements of the wedding and educating clients on potential costs, ultimately guiding them to make informed decisions about their special day. In this episode, Alison and Alexandra discuss the intricacies...2025-04-0152 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 2 • 2024 Recap: Wedding Fashion and Design TrendsIn our second episode of Weddings Unscripted, Ali and I reflect on the wedding trends of the past year, diving into fashion, guest experiences, and the importance of personalization. We share our insights on how wedding fashion is evolving, the rise of mocktails, and why creating unique experiences for guests matters more than ever. We also discuss some unexpected challenges we’ve encountered in the industry—like double bookings—and the creative solutions that came out of them. Tune in now! Chapters: (02:47) Fashion Trends in Weddings (05:54) Guest and Vendor Fashion Trends ...2025-03-1838 minWeddings UnscriptedEp 1 • Weddings Unscripted: Behind the Scenes of Wedding PlanningWelcome to Weddings Unscripted. It’s finally here—our very first episode! It's your hosts Alexandra Pare and Alison Golt from Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events. Join us as we discuss our experiences in the wedding planning industry, the evolution of wedding trends, and the importance of education in navigating the complexities of wedding planning. We share our personal anecdotes, insights into our company, and the challenges and joys of working in this dynamic field. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on nineteen years of wedding planning, trends, and client relationships. Cha...2025-03-1837 minWeddings UnscriptedWelcome to Weddings UnscriptedWith over 18 years of experience in planning and designing weddings, our team reflects on the incredible stories we've had the privilege of being a part of, the challenges we've overcome, and the evolution of the wedding planning industry. Driven by a passion for education and supporting others, we invite engaged couples to join us for valuable insights and expert guidance on navigating the planning process. Whether you're unsure where to begin or seeking advice along the way, we welcome you to laugh, learn, and grow with us as we explore the exciting and sometimes unpredictable world of wedding planning.2024-11-2100 min