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#32 The Master’s Class

Joyce Scardina Becker is a leader in the West Coast wedding industry. She has owned Events of Distinction, a high-end event planning company, for over 20 years. She is the founder and instructor of the only University accredited Wedding Planner Certificate Program offered at California State University East Bay, and she is the founder of WIPA (all links below). She’s also won a ton of industry awards and is the author of ‘Countdown to Your Perfect Wedding’ - the wedding planning bible, as far as Christy and Michelle are concerned. Joyce is a big deal, a mentor and titular pro in the wedding planning industry. We are so stoked that Michelle had the opportunity to crash Joyce’s class, share her story, and chat with Joyce a little!Big TakeawaysA wedding planner needs to be organized, pro-active, and friendly...sure. But a GREAT wedding planner - the kind that you want to hire - is educated. Pretty much, anyone can call themselves a wedding planner - it’s not like we have to pass a bar exam. So make sure you hire a planner that has taken the steps to educate his or herself about the wedding industry, about contracts, traditions, etiquette. It’s more than reading a couple wedding magazines, people! Make sure you hire a planner who is planning as a career - not just a hobby.Joyce teaches a certification course, one of the top courses in the world, and her syllabus is THOROUGH. Taking her course set both Michelle and Christy on the right track to be wedding planners and entrepreneurs. The course was absolutely invaluable.Look for a university credential when you are looking to hire your wedding planner. Either a hospitality degree, or a reputable wedding planner certificate program. The one Joyce runs is the only one with university credits - it’s based at California State University, East Bay, and it is now available as an online course as well (which is awesome!).The whole point, according to Joyce, is that a couple hires her because she is a professional, and then they trust her to execute their vision and handle the planning of their wedding.Links we referenced Events of Distinction, Joyce’s main website Cal State Hayward wedding planner certificate course (Michelle and Christy BOTH took this course. And passed with flying colors, of course ;) Wedding International Professionals Associationthebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.comThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#31 The Final Details

Michelle and Christy are wedding planners. Part of being a wedding planner is carrying around a very VERY important clipboard. This clipboard has very important documents on it. A timeline, floorplans, contact list, ceremony layout, and the final details list. What items are you bringing to your wedding? Where do they need to be set up? What do you want back at the end of the night? The Final Details list answers these questions and many more! It’s awesome and informative and has satisfying tiny squares so you can check things off- as you pack them up, and as you set them out on your wedding day. Of course, if you have a planner, she will do the set-up part for you!This episode is about the ITEMS. We have suggestions, reminders and tactics to keep your shit together, literally!Big TakeawaysIf you are in the middle of planning your wedding, you probably have a pile of stuff that you are collecting for your wedding day. This is normal! We suggest keeping track of everything, writing down an inventory list and checking it twice as you pack everything up the week of your wedding.Don’t forget to list every item that you want back at the end of the night - and where you want these items to end up. Sometimes it’s your mom’s car parked at the venue, sometimes it’s your hotel room. We suggest you delegate someone else to deal with these items at the end of the night if you have a lot. You don’t want to come back to a hotel room filled with leftover food, cake, boxes of unopened beverages, 35 framed table numbers, gifts and cards and randoms odds and ends. That’s not sexy!We run down our basic list - the original template that we both use for wedding days. Looks something like this: (we can’t give away all our insider secrets!)CeremonyUnity Candles w/ holders & fire source (light them all and blow them out)Programs (place 1 on every seat in first row for immediate family)Does the Best Man have the rings?Does the flower girl have her basket with petals / pomander?Does the ring bearer have his pillow w/ fake rings tied to it?You have lots to think about, many items that need to make it from one place to another, and you need a plan in place for how you get all these items back at the end of the night. Our list breaks down items that you may be bringing from home, or some that might be family heirlooms. We also talk about what the florist, rental company, and venue may be responsible for bringing as well...and where on the list you should categorize these items.Links we referencednoneQuotes“We are going to teach you something here. This is a learning episode...this is serious!” -Michelle, with a warning to our listeners“This episode is about the final details...those tangible, miscellaneous items. The kind of shit that can get forgotten.” -Michelle, in summary“Happy wedding season, y’all! It’s official!” -Christy, signing offThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba.
Music by Steph Altman of [Mophonics](https://www.mophonics.com/).
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. [Become a member](https://www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcast) and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#30 Booty Shoot! Miss Chloe

Boudoir shoots...what are they? Who does them? Why?? In this episode, Michelle goes ‘behind the scenes’ and hangs out with photographer Michelle Walker and bride Chloe as Chloe bares all (or most) for a sexy, fun boudoir shoot. Chloe shares why she is doing this, and what she is looking forward to...the experience itself is fun and empowering, and the photos will be put together in a special album for her future husband.Big TakeawaysBoudoir shoots are as much - if not more - for the woman taking the photos, as they are for the partner who receives the gift. We love this!The delivery of the album - the big gift for your partner - is an event in itself! Chloe plans to give her fiance the naughty album on the morning of the wedding, and they plan on capturing the moment with the wedding videographer. Lasting memories for all!During a boudoir shoot, the photographer directs the poses precisely. The art of reveal is a big part of the experience. Shadows, angles, and lighting are the keys to feeling confident, beautiful and SEXY! We suggest you jump into this with a photographer you trust implicitly, of course.Chloe talks about how on your wedding day, you want to feel beautiful and sexy, and how your photographer helps you feel that way. An engagement shoot is great to get comfortable and practice as a ‘model’, and a boudoir shoot is a fast track to feeling confident and comfortable with your photographer for the wedding day. Plus, it’s practice figuring out what makes you feel great.On another note, Chloe is planning her destination wedding in Mexico and she has a Bay Area planner hired to help her with everything. She ALSO has a travel agent and highly suggests having both on your wedding planning team. Good advice.Links we referencedChloe Jackman, Bride, Model and Wedding Photographer!Michelle Walker, Wedding PhotographerNikole Elaine, Hair and Makeup ArtistTamara J Events, Event PlannerMillers Imaging (for super quality and quick turn around!)Quotes“Nice to meet ya! I like your girls!” - Michelle, upon first meeting Chloe“It is important to be in your body and love your body the way it is. And if you’re marrying the right person...they tell you everyday how beautiful you are so why not capture that and give them that gift. And give yourself that gift!” - Chloe, on why she is doing this!“You DID wax!” - Who knows?!“Do we need to put some lube on the nips?” “#sparklethenips!” - Michelle, if she had a dime for every time she asked this question!The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#29 Quick Focus! Tipping Your Vendors

This episode is our first of the QUICK FOCUS SERIES. Short episodes where Michelle and Christy focus on small but important parts of the wedding and give you just the info you need to know in 10 minutes or less! The nuts and bolts - just the facts - the stripped down version of wedding planning 101. Think of it like Cliff Notes for your wedding planning process. Michelle and Christy will review just what you need to know for the big test!(Just kidding, there is no test in wedding planning. But there is a wedding at the end of it, and you want to be READY!)Who do you tip? How much do you tip? We review the basic ranges and offer our suggestions for every member of your vendor team – from the tech guy setting up the band’s stage, to the bartender, to the photographer’s assistant schlepping all that heavy equipment around all day.Bottom line: WE RECOMMEND TIPPING!Let’s talk about the numbers, y’all!The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#28 Matt & Amanda - Part 2 - A Real Engaged Couple

Amanda Lund and Matt Gourley are getting married! They’ve been planning their wedding and they have a lot of awesome advice! They are getting married in a few short weeks and they’re checking in with us at this point in the process...Amanda just had her bridal shower, Matt is busy with woodworking for the wedding reception signage, and we pick their brains about planning, vendors, social media, and what kind of stuff pisses them off...when it comes to the wedding industry. (It may all be a racket, people.)Big TakeawaysMatt and Amanda take wedding planning breaks! What? Brilliant. Michelle and Christy think this is very smart. It’s good for mental health.When you have big families, having a shower is a wonderful way for everyone to meet each other before the wedding. Silly games break the ice and can be really fun for multigenerational groups - young and old, everyone loves the toilet paper wedding dress game! (Or they hate it. But they have something in common!) Amanda was surprised by how much she enjoyed the shower...and by how tired she was afterwards. You have to preserve your energy for these events!It’s ok to change your mind. Your initial budget will likely be left behind when you make new decisions and spend a little more money here and there. It’s ok. Roll with it. You can still have your priorities, but you also want to enjoy your day, so if you have decided, after much back and forth, that you actually DO need a DJ...just hire one. You’ll enjoy the day more if you aren’t stressed about a lack of professionals, just to save a little cash. Matt and Amanda didn’t initially think they were going to hire a florist or DJ. They hired both, ultimately.We’ve mentioned this before - but it bears repeating. Your wedding is YOURS. Make up your own rules. Keep the traditions you like, toss out the ones that don’t work for you. Matt and Amanda talk to us about their non-traditional wedding party and why it is just perfect for them.Links we referencedMatt and Amanda’s first episodeMargaux The CatAmanda’s hilarious NEW comedy podcast ‘Complete Joy’ on Stitcher PremiumMusic by BonnieQuotes“Turns out, people love wedding stuff! And everyone wanted to come, if they were able to.” - Amanda, surprised at the turn out at her bridal shower“It’s not too rustic, we just wanted people to dress up a little bit, and not wear, like, hoodies.” - Amanda, on the theme of the wedding...it’s outdoors, it’s vintage-y, but it’s still a little fancy, y’all!“What’s wrong with moss?? It’s alive…” - Michelle, digging deep with Christy and her hatred of moss in wedding decor“We have done a tremendous amount ourselves and it’s probably as much, if not more, if you include parts and labor.” - Matt, on the virtues of DIY in your wedding“We decided to hell with it, let’s just do what we want to do.” - Matt, on how they decided to embrace their ‘uneven’ wedding partyGet In TouchLet us know if you have any questions you need answered on the show or if you want to share your own wedding planning experiences!TWITTER: @TBWPpodcastEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#27 Two Michelles In A Bar Talk Photography

Michelle Walker made it easy on us for this episode - she came with a detailed outline of what she wanted to talk about. A top 10. Yay! Here are her most important tips for your wedding planning:Top 10 Things Wedding Photographers Want to Say to Clients (but usually don’t…)1) Have a long cocktail hour. 75-90 minutes. So you have time to mingle with your friends and family, and it allows for GREAT candids of the guests. Photographers would much rather shoot candids during this time rather than going to each table during dinner. Who wants pictures of half eaten food in their photos? Also - if you have a lot of family portraits to take after the ceremony, you won’t be able to join cocktail hour AT ALL if you have a short cocktail hour. Why miss out on that fun time with your guests?2) First Looks (REVEALS) are awesome. More private, and you’re more in control. (Or your photographer is) And you both look more relaxed during the ceremony. Plus, it can be a really special memory, and some of the only time on the wedding day that you are sort of alone with your partner!3) Allow at least 2 hours for the photographers to hang out and take photos during Hair and Makeup - the Getting Ready portion of the day. Hair and Makeup artists like to work with amazing light...so often times, these can be the most flattering photos of the day. It’s ideal if you can arrange to have a photographer shooting the Getting Ready portion of the day with both partners (typically this means 2 photographers, 2 rooms).4) Skip the garter and bouquet toss. Or if you decide to do it, embrace the retro vibe! This may be a trend that is coming back...we’ll see5) HIRE A PLANNER. I mean, do we even have to explain this one? We agree, obvi.6) Hire a professional hair and makeup stylist...it’s not that much more expensive and it makes for better photographs. This is a photographer, people! She knows what it’s like to retouch shiny faces. Heed her warning!7) If you can, have your rehearsal dinner 2 nights before your wedding, not the night before. You want to drink, stay up late, catch up with friends...you can’t really party with your friends when you know you have to get up at 6am for hair and makeup. I mean, you can, but it’s not ideal.8) Plan a private 10-15 minutes with your photographer...maybe sunset, maybe right after dinner. It’s a time to reflect with each other, and it’s a time for the photographer to get amazing, intimate photos of you before you go back in and party and it all goes by so fast. You don’t even know you want this time until you are actually in the moment.9) Unplug, y’all! Somewhere along the lines, tell your guests to put their phones away. And to let the photographers do their job. It’s a way of reminding everyone how important a wedding day is - and how much you want to just be present with them and enjoy. This is especially important for the ceremony.10) Buy an album. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. Michelle talks about the power of print. We totally agree with her. It’s an heirloom - invest!Links we referencedMichelle Walker on InstagramMichelle Walker's websiteWestin St Francis, SF websiteSunrise/Sunset calendar that Michelle and Christy use for every timelineGet In TouchLet us know if you have any questions you need answered on the show or if you want to share your own wedding planning experiences!TWITTER: @TBWPpodcastEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#26 We Love You Guys!

We’ve been doing a lot of interviews and heavy informative stuff on the podcast lately, so we needed to circle back to the fun we have doing this show together as co-hosts! Not that interviews aren’t fun - because they definitely are, but we miss each other!In this episode, we love on each other, and we love on you, our dear listeners and fans! Join us for some laughs, some Spanish lessons, and we hope you can hear our smiles as we read some of your emails to us, and some reviews!Big TakeawaysWe’re global! People are downloading our podcast in Mexico, Australia and all over Europe. Weddings! Everyone loves ‘em.You love us, you really love us! A couple reviewers mentioned how informative and FUN we are. Aw shucks, y’all. You sure know how to make two wedding planners feel special.Some listener questions we addressed:
How do we, as wedding planners, feel about a loose wedding day timeline...one that doesn’t have micro-events happening… Pros and Cons! We discuss them.
Is it imperative that I have a PROFESSIONAL planner for my wedding day? Michelle and Christy address the non-professional ‘day of’ planner...we have mixed feelings about this. But as always, we come back to our one truth here on TBWPP...this is YOUR wedding. You do you. (At your own risk.)
We revisit the cake cutting question...Is it ok to have a small ‘display cake’ on the dessert buffet, one that we cut, but do not serve? Michelle and Christy disagree a little on this one! Exciting stuff!
Here’s whats coming up in the next few weeksMichelle’s interview with Michelle Walker, wedding photographerMichelle’s interview with Kathy Newby, Abbey Party RentalsChristy’s interview with her BFF Lauren - Lauren is a bride and the wedding is SOON!Michelle and Christy touch base with Matt and Amanda - our awesome podcasting engaged couple...their wedding is coming up soon too and they have lots of wedding planning wisdom to shareHair and Makeup Timeline - hints and necessitiesWedding DIYs...what works, what doesn’tBreaking down the Wedding Day Setup ListSocial Media - Ah! Twitter...we need a twitter miracle. Christy is STILL looking for it. Every damn day. Follow us on twitter. Comment! Retweet!Links we referencedOur website! Specifically our profile page, which includes pictures of us.Our host - Fireside It’s a podcasting platform for and by podcasters. We love it!Quotes“This is by far the best wedding planning podcast I’ve listened to.” - Boom! This is from a listener! Pugmaster!“This person’s handle is ‘One Very Satisfied User’” “That is the same title I gave on the review I just wrote for a vibrator I bought on Amazon. One VERY satisfied user.” - Christy bought a vibrator. What?“Your ability to relax and enjoy your wedding day is paramount...if you go into it with a positive attitude and you are determined to enjoy your day, you probably will!” - Christy, on just making the decision to be HAPPY“Screw you, I did not say Spanish Dancers!” - Michelle. If she had a dime for every time she has to say that sentence!“There’s no rule that says you have to cut into a cake. You can even have popcorn balls. Everybody likes a good popcorn ball.” - Michelle. I guess we know at least 1 person who loves popcorn balls!Get In TouchLet us know if you have any questions you need answered on the show or if you want to share your own wedding planning experiences!TWITTER: @TBWPpodcastEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#25 (Don’t) Drop The Mic! DJ Advice from Denon & Doyle

In the San Francisco Bay Area, you won’t find a shortage when looking for a wedding DJ, but one company looms large on the wedding horizon - Denon and Doyle. In this interview, Michelle talks to owner Sue Doyle, manager and DJ Mark Haggerty and DJ and office manager Mark Addison about their experiences ‘in the field’. They have an amazing team of professional DJ’s and include supplementary services like lighting, photo booths, AV and even childcare for events. Also - virtual reality! What?!Big Takeaways-Customer Service is TOPS. Accessibility for their clients is a priority. If you are a Denon and Doyle client, your questions are going to be answered and you will be treated professionally throughout the process. There is no room for EGO when you are a DJ backed by a big company like Denon and Doyle. We, as wedding planners, LOVE this.-Most of the Djs at Denon and Doyle have not been professional DJs for a long time before working for the company. Sue mentions that bad habits are hard to break and they like to train their Djs in the Denon and Doyle way. No Cheese-balls here people.-Sue’s #1 tip for engaged couples planning their wedding? Go into the company’s studio. Meet the DJs. See how the company is run. Does the DJ, or the company, have a client portal that you can utilize to input all the songs that you want and don’t want? Will the DJ go over the wedding day timeline with you? Is the equipment updated and upgraded? Are they insured (the answer needs to be yes!)? Is it possible to test drive a fancy dance floor or a photobooth? Denon and Doyle says YES to all of these questions.-Virtual Reality sounds pretty cool on a podcast. But it’s SUPER COOL to do it for real. Michelle virtually kicks papaya butt on Fruit Ninja.Links we referencedDenon & Doyle WebsiteDenon and Doyle on FacebookThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#24 Make-up Talk with Becca Ashmon

Becca Ashmon is one of Christy’s go-to makeup artists in Dallas/Fort Worth. In this episode, Christy interviews her and they talk about how Becca got into the industry, why being a makeup artist (MUA) is not for the faint of heart, how personality absolutely matters, and what brides can do to find the perfect MUA for their wedding day. Also, Becca shares her favorite makeup brands, and we talk about the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and drag queens because OF COURSE WE DO.Big TakeawaysFrom the world of high school and college theater, to the rooms of a sorority house pre-formal, to photographer’s assistant...Becca has HUSTLED since she was a teenager honing her craft. She talks about how ongoing education is imperative, and how she never turns down the opportunity to learn from someone she looks up to.Becca is like a walking advertisement for sorority connections. By doing makeup for sorority sisters and friends for years, she curated a built-in client base. She talked about how much relationship building matters in this industry...which we totally agree about! If you are a bride looking for a MUA - you should absolutely do a trial and make sure that you LOVE her personality, and that you feel really great being around! And of course, you should love your face when you are in her capable hands.For women of color, Becca has found several brands that she relies on for herself and for her clients:Becca Cosmetics available at Sephora and Ulta - big range of colorsLancome foundationMakeUp Forever matte velvet - best for oily skin (and what Becca uses for herself)Armani (if you can afford it!)The ‘Smoky Eye’ - everyone wants it right now. But do we really even know what it is? The answer is most likely, no. It doesn’t mean black...and Becca explains how it’s more of a technique, involving fading.Look for a MUA that can do TIMELESS, classic makeup. Becca uses the example of Celine Dion on her wedding day - her makeup stands the test of time. You don’t want to be able to pinpoint the decade by the look of your wedding makeup. Do whats perfect FOR YOU.Drag Queens. Christy and Becca totally bond over their love and respect for these professionals.Links we referencedwww.babeautytx.com - Becca’s website!https://www.instagram.com/babeautytx/ - Becca on Instagramhttps://www.scottbarnes.com - Body Makeup by Scott Barnes - Becca LOVES his body makeup. And he’s Erika Jayne’s makeup artist and we LOVE Erika JayneQuotes“Quality Products are important - there are quality products for 8$ and there are quality products that are 80$... Until the day I die, L’oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black, until forever.” Becca, when Christy pushed her for her favorite budget mascara“If a client can’t see themselves in your body of work, they aren’t going to hire you.” - Becca, on why diversity in your portfolio is super important“Don’t spend $1000 on your shoes and then $50 on your makeup. Your shoes will be in 1 picture. Your face will be in every single one.” - Becca, truth“If most people watched me do my own makeup, they would say it’s ‘Drag Level’ makeup. And let me be very clear: it is. It is. I was a theater kid!” -Becca, who explains that her face can take it“I do spend a lot of time at Target and watching Bravo. More than anyone probably should” - Becca, PrioritiesGet In TouchLet us know if you have any questions you need answered on the show or if you want to share your own wedding planning experiences!TWITTER: @TBWPpodcastEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#23 Floral Queen! Nancy Liu Chin

Big TakeawaysMichelle nails another awesome interview! This time, she channels Jerry Seinfeld - driving around town with Nancy, interviewing her for the podcast while they wander the East Bay streets. Nancy Liu Chin is a big time florist in the SF Bay Area, she has been in the biz for 15 years. She is sharing her wisdom, experience and passion for flowers and the wedding industry in this interview. Nancy made the conscious decision to find her path in the event design industry and landed on flowers. And thank goodness! Because we think her work is simply amazing. So is her work ethic, and her business sense and her personal style - so listen and enjoy!Starting her business as a florist, Nancy knew that her flowers had to anchor the overall look. She was inspired by Stanlee Gatti, an SF legendExpectations! They can be crazy in the wedding planning world - with Pinterest, and Style Me Pretty, and wedding magazines galore...it’s easy to get wrapped up in a bunch of images that you want to replicate exactly. Nancy gives her advice about how to approach creative vendors and allow yourself to trust them. Your mindset going into the design process can make all the difference.Budget. You need a dose of realism when you approach your budget and your vision for your wedding. Nancy Liu Chin talks about the unattainable, and how to be inspired and budget conscious...and still design a gorgeous wedding. When a vendor asks you what your budget is for their service/products - tell them! This sets a very helpful parameter - and being upfront and honest is the best policy here, so you don’t go down a road that you have to walk back later. Also - the first question you should as a vendor that you are interested in is “Are you available? That needs to be asked even before you talk about your budget.Lessons Learned and look Behind-the-Scenes - Nancy shares some of the insane installations she has done, and how logistics are a HUGE part of a florist’s job. What a cool job, amiright?! Here’s a tidbit - sometimes amahhhhhhzing floral walls are a combination of real flowers and silk flowers. And there are plenty of reasons for this. Let Nancy tell you.Links we referencedNancy Liu Chin WebsiteStanlee Gatti WebsiteQuotes“Thank God to the rental industry, they have really changed what it means to have a beautiful, reachable wedding and event.” - Nancy on elevating the floral design, and overall design of your event“For anyone out there that thinks this is the career for them - just go for it! That’s my advice, just go for it.” - Nancy, business advice from a passionate pro“If you are a couple planning a wedding, your mindset needs to be in the right place. And often, your expectation of an image to reality...it may not always translate. Don’t freak out.” - Nancy, on managing expectations with your wedding“You have to go with your gut, you have to go with someone you click with, that you feel comfortable with and that is being authentic.” - Michelle, dropping the best vendor-hunting adviceGet In TouchLet us know if you have any questions you need answered on the show or if you want to share your own wedding planning experiences!TWITTER: @TBWPpodcastEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices