Vendors & Lovers

Family Business Spotlight: 50 Years of Wedding Excellence with Kosins Tents and Events

Join hosts Kelly and Ben as they interview Bill and Lisa Kousins from Kousins Tents and Events, a family-owned wedding rental business serving Lebanon, Ohio for over 50 years  Discover how Kousins evolved from a general tool rental business in 1974 to becoming the premier event rental company in the region  Learn why hands-on service and personalized attention make Kousins Tents and Events the go-to vendor for wedding venues throughout Ohio  Hear Lisa's inspiring journey from publishing executive to creative event design leader  The Kousins share how they survived the challenges of COVID-19 as small business owners while maintaining their commitment to exceptional service  Get insider insights on 2025's biggest wedding trends including black and white dance floors, wildflower aesthetics, and creative ceiling installations  Explore the comprehensive services offered by Kousins Tents and Events: from tents and linens to custom-designed decor pieces and complete event setup  Find out why their family-focused business model has created a legacy of customer satisfaction spanning multiple generations  Learn how their team provides stress-free wedding experiences by handling everything from design consultations to day-of setup  Contact Kousins Tents and Events at 937-312-1613 or visit kosins.com to transform your wedding or special event

The Story Behind Cedar Bay Farm: Building Our Dream Wedding Venue

In this heartfelt episode of Vendors and Lovers Podcast, hosts Kelly and Ben share the origin story of Cedar Bay Farm, their charming wedding venue in Lebanon, Ohio. They reveal how they combined Lebanon's historic nickname "Cedar City" with Kelly's Chesapeake Bay roots to create their unique venue name. The couple details their challenging five-year journey since purchasing the property in April 2020, right at the start of the COVID pandemic. Listeners get an inside look at the renovation nightmares they faced, including contractor issues, skyrocketing material costs, and the struggle to bring a 170-year-old barn up to modern code. Despite these obstacles, they highlight the "angels" they met along the way—like Roy from Affordable Asphalt and Justin from Advantage Tent—who helped turn their dream into reality. The episode captures their emotional investment in the property, describing it as "blood, sweat, and tears" work that transformed this historic property into a sought-after wedding destination with rolling hills reminiscent of the Kentucky countryside. Kelly and Ben offer to share their experience with others contemplating similar ventures, emphasizing how meaningful it is when couples appreciate the venue they've created.

A Six-Hour First Date & The Unexpected Proposal: Emily and Scott's Love Story

"Vendors and Lovers" features engaged couples sharing their love stories and wedding planning journeys. In this episode, hosts Kelly and Ben interview Emily and Scott, who are getting married at Cedar Bay Farm on November 1st. The couple met on Hinge during the COVID pandemic, with Scott messaging Emily late one Sunday evening. Their first date at Taft's Brewery lasted an impressive six hours, with the pair so engrossed in conversation they didn't eat and were the last to leave. After dating for a year, Scott proposed at a cabin in Red River Gorge with illuminated "marry me" letters and rose petals. Emily shares how they chose Cedar Bay Farm for its intimate, homey atmosphere and family-owned charm. The couple discusses their wedding preparations, from booking vendors to cake tastings, and their excitement about having all their friends and family together on their special day. Emily and Scott also candidly discuss relationship challenges they've faced, including navigating dating with Scott's daughter Avery, and how they invested in premarital counseling to strengthen their bond. Their advice to other couples centers on communication, perseverance, and willingness to grow together—valuable insights for anyone planning a wedding or building a life partnership.

From California to Ohio: Emily and Nate's Love Story

Emily and Nate's love story defies conventional romance. After meeting through a mutual friend in 2015, they barely spoke for years, maintaining only occasional contact. Everything changed when Emily moved to Arizona for college and they unexpectedly became daily confidants despite the distance. Feeling a connection that "felt like past lives," Emily boldly asked Nate out multiple times, facing rejection until he finally invited her to a Dairy Queen date during her winter break in 2018. Their relationship survived four years of long-distance challenges between California, Arizona, and eventually Ohio, where they now live. The proposal came during a cozy evening at home when Nate, who had originally planned an elaborate public gesture, followed his instinct and dropped to one knee in front of their fireplace. Within months, Emily secured their dream vendors for their spring wedding at an intimate venue that felt like "home." As their wedding approaches, they look forward to sharing personal vows and creating a celebration that authentically represents them, from the music to involving their puppy Atlas in a first look. Their advice to engaged couples? Plan early, embrace a longer engagement, and most importantly, "enjoy your engagement while it lasts."

From Mickey D’s to Kinlee’s Dreams!

In this engaging episode, Kinlee Grace Cook shares her journey from aspiring photographer to a successful wedding photo artist, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and connection in her work. Listeners gain insights into her approach to capturing candid moments, dealing with family dynamics, and creating a stress-free environment for couples on their special day. • Kinlee’s unique beginnings in photography  • Journey of overcoming self-doubt and trusting in her abilities  • Importance of service and emotional connection in photography  • Techniques for capturing authentic moments on wedding days  • Managing family photos and dynamics with sensitivity  • Balancing technical skills and artistic vision in editing  • Transparency in the booking process to build trust with couples  • Encouraging couples to prioritize moments together during their wedding day