TBWPP: Premium Feed

#342 What does marriage really mean?

Reverend Maureen Cotton is an Interspiritual minister, serving the spiritual-but-not-religious. She’s a spiritual wedding coach and officiant with her business The Soulful Wedding. She's on a mission to revive the understanding that weddings are a transformative rite of passage. Reverend Maureen and Michelle get into what marriage really is, and why the difficulties that come up during wedding planning are actually a gift for the marriage. Topics We Covered
Is marriage just a symbol or a tax status?
Can you tell which couples are going to “make it?”
The complexities of wedding planning
How transformative weddings are
How to navigate what traditions make sense to you
Wedding visioning
Involving religious elements in a non-religious wedding
Links We Referencedhttps://thesoulfulwedding.comhttps://instagram.com/maureencottonceremonies

#341 How to Dress Like YOU on Your Wedding Day

Sophie Strauss is not a celebrity stylist. She is a stylist for regular people. Using her natural eye for styling, Sophie helps brides, marriers, and all types of regular folk feel and look good in what they are wearing. Stay tuned at the end of the episode where Michelle has a special closet consultation with Sophie, helping her find the perfect outfit for an upcoming concert.Topics We CoveredHow to dress like you on your wedding dayUnderstanding how you want to feel instead of how you want to lookWhat kind of questions to consider when picking out your wedding day outfitMoney saving tipsHow to look outside of the bridal-sphereHow to make it easier to shop used and resale by knowing what you’re looking forKnowing when to splurge and go less expensiveTailoring is your friendLinks We ReferencedStillwhite.comSophiestraussstyling.com (10% off any styling service, weddings included. When you fill out the appointment form on my website just put TBWPP in the description somewhere)Instagram.com/sophiestraussstylingTherealreal.comEtsy.comThe 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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.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!

#340 Splurge vs. Save - Worth it or Not

Kat Landeta is the content creator behind Brides Love a Sale, an Instagram account that helps fellow brides find great deals on clothing, accessories, and other items for their many wedding events. She started the account while shopping for her own wedding wardrobe and began sharing her curated picks with other brides. After getting married in July, she recently founded Second Look, a socially-driven marketplace where brides can buy and sell preloved wedding fashion to other brides and their wedding parties.Topics We CoveredKat shares her own recent wedding experienceAwareness on how you are being influenced in the planning processFinding beautiful wedding items on saleWhat is worth it to splurge on?What should you be saving on?Simple ways to elevate the decor using DIYElements that were absolutely worth the splurge and ones that can be skipped Links We Referencedhttps://www.bridesloveasale.com/https://instagram.com/bridesloveasale/https://www.instagram.com/secondlook.co/https://www.secondlook.co/Photographer: https://www.instagram.com/janawilliamsphotos_/?hl=enVenue: https://www.saddlerock-ranch.com/Gown: https://moniquelhuillier.com/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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.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!

#339 You Ask, We Answer - 61

On the last Wednesday of every month, we answer wedding planning questions from our listeners. These are always chock full of information that EVERYONE can benefit from. We have so much fun and we love our listeners for reaching out and interacting with us. Listen and learn, peeps!Do YOU have a wedding planning question? Call and leave us a voicemail at 415-723-1625 -or- email us thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.comKathryn Kalabokes returns to the pod for this month’s YAWA. Kathryn is the owner of Dream a Little Dream Events, and the director of Weddings and Social Events at Merchants Exchange Productions and The Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco. Topics We Covered
Visiting the location of your out of state wedding
When to start shopping for a wedding dress
How to plan for the wedding dress shopping with out of town family?
Venue double booked our date 
DJ giving pushback about timeline
Snubbing certain family by not inviting them to rehearsal 
Links We Referenced#201#188#199Julia Morgan Ballroom IG#337 BHLDNDream A Little Dream EventsThe 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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.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!

#338 She’s Planning 2 Bachelorette Parties!

Kristen is a longtime listener of the TBWPP. She used Michelle’s advice as she planned her own October 2021 wedding and she continues to listen to help her two best friends plan their weddings. She is currently planning both of their bachelorette parties. She is a local tv news anchor and reporter in Lexington, KY and a two-time regional Emmy award winner. Topics We CoveredMaking an event that everyone will actually enjoyThe questions to ask the marryer - expectations, dates, location, vibe, etcThe best organizational toolsLessons learned along the wayHow to deal with the financial aspectsLinks We ReferencedKristen Edwards InstagramZazzle.comThebach.comThe 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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.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!

#337 Anthropoloigie’s Wedding Brand, BHLDN

Join Lori Conley and Michelle Martinez as the two of them discuss who to bring with you the first time you go wedding shopping, how to transform your look on the wedding day without changing the gown in the middle of the reception, the best ways to inform your guests on the expectations of how they should dress for your wedding, what you need to know if you're getting married in 2023 and more.Topics We Covered
History of BHLDN
The three muses at BHLDN
How to build a wedding wardrobe
How to mix and not match bridesmaid dresses
Accessories
Dress Code
Wedding Trends
Links We ReferencedAnthropologie Bhldn Weddings The LaneDanielle Frankel StudioThe 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

#336 Family Drama. One Bride’s Story

Gretchen and her husband Adam could not have come from more different families. Gretchen shares all things family, trauma, wedding planning, family drama, and more.Topics We CoveredFamily dynamicsFamily drama in the planning processLosing a sibling to suicide Overbearing in-lawsHiring a wedding planner vs notLinks We ReferencedFlower MoxieHeather Heigel Photography WebsiteHealther Heigel Photography InstagramManistee National Golf & ResortAlchemy EstheticsAlchemy Esthetics InstagramHair by Cassierizzi InstagramThe Nail Art Babe InstagramThe 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

#335 You Ask, We Answer - 60

On the last Wednesday of every month, we answer wedding planning questions from our listeners. These are always chock full of information that EVERYONE can benefit from. We have so much fun and we love our listeners for reaching out and interacting with us. Listen and learn, peeps!Do YOU have a wedding planning question? Call and leave us a voicemail at 415-723-1625 -or- email us thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.comJoining Michelle on November’s YAWA is Michelle Norwood! Two Michelles! Michelle Norwood is a wedding planner based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Topics We CoveredIs it rude to seat guests where they cannot see the sweetheart table? How close is too close to the band for the couple to sit? What days should I reserve room blocks for a Sunday wedding? What kind of timeline and entertainment ideas make a difference in creating a unique event? Is it okay to ask guests to drive to the church? Do we need to provide transportation for the entire day? Links We Referencedhttps://instagram.com/michellenorwoodevents https://www.thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com/episodes/329-its-not-a-destination-wedding-for-me-but-it-is-for-my-guestshttps://michellenorwood.com/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

#334 Singer-Songwriter Ryan Cabrera Shares His Wedding Story

Ryan wrote a song that was inspired by Lexi, called "Worth It" and it is Ryan's love letter to the journey that led him to his soulmate. He says, "Through ups and downs, everyone has a story, and this one has a happy ending! It's a song about reflection, a song that says, even if you have to search a lifetime to find your soulmate, it’ll be worth it."The music video features real, raw footage from Ryan's wedding at Kempa Villa in Palm Desert. The best part? Ryan planned the wedding himself. "I tried to plan everything around the things that she loves and also create a fun, energetic atmosphere because that’s what our lives are like in real life," he explains. "We didn’t want a super traditional wedding - we wanted everything to scream our personalities!"Ryan and Michelle talk all about his new song, his wedding day, and all that went into throwing a party to celebrate their love. Topics We Covered
Ryan’s Engagement at Epcot
Writing the song for his spouse, Alexa
Throwing parties 
Destination wedding ideas
Deciding what matters in the spending
Setting priorities
Food and Cocktail trucks
Links We Referencedwww.ryancabrera.comwww.instagram.com/ryancabrerawww.facebook.com/ryancabrerawww.twitter.com/ryancabrerawww.youtube.com/RyanCabreraVEVOwww.youtube.com/ryancabreratvwww.instagram.com/alexa_bliss_wwe_ "Worth It" Newest Wedding Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgqcmIRYqNQKempa Villa https://www.kempacollection.com/kempa-villaBubble Tap Trailer https://taptrailerco.com/Conscious Cocktails https://consciouscocktails.com/Heavy Handed Food Truck https://heavyhanded.la/Yamashiro Food Truck https://yamashirohollywood.com/Ben & Jerry Food Truck https://www.benjerry.com/plano/catering/ice-cream-truckGastro Garage Food Truck https://thegastrogarage.com/Elle A Events https://www.elleaevents.com/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

#333 Life-Threatening Food Allergies and How To Plan Around Them

Her dairy allergy started about 12 years ago and she has been navigating a life with severe food restrictions ever since. Her career and her life intersect perfectly as she works as the Senior Director of Communications for Food Allergy Research & Education, the nation’s leading nonprofit funder of food allergy research and advocacy.Topics We Covered:Developing allergies as an adultWhat kind of allergies are there to consider?What kind of things someone with severe allergies has to consider on the day to dayHow to plan around allergiesWhat to consider when booking your vendorsEpi pens vs other injectorsWedding day emergency kitsConsidering access to emergency services, in case the worst case scenario does happenMaking an emergency planLinks We ReferencedFoodallergy.orginstagram.com/foodallergyThe 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