Why Aren’t More Couples Hiring Wedding Planners? The 30% Statistic & What You’re Missing | WDP Ep 73

How Do You Plan the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner? Hospitality Experts Share Their Advice | WDP Ep 78

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Listen to learn: * How to choose the right rehearsal dinner venue * Why couples are combining rehearsal dinners and welcome parties * The benefits of hosting wedding events at a restaurant venue * Current trends in rehearsal dinner food and beverage service * How personalized menus and signature cocktails enhance guest experience * Tips for creating a memorable wedding weekend celebration Rehearsal dinners have evolved far beyond a simple pre-wedding meal. In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, is joined by Lara Burnap, Editorial Director of Iron Diamond Media, for a conversation with Brea Durocher, Special Events Manager, and Summer Cielak, Event Sales Manager, of Culinary Dropout, a Fox Restaurant Concepts venue known for its chef-driven cuisine, energetic atmosphere and exceptional hospitality. Together, they share expert insights into planning memorable rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and wedding weekend events that leave a lasting impression on guests. From selecting the perfect venue and menu to creating a relaxed, welcoming environment for family and friends, Brea and Summer explain how today's couples are prioritizing meaningful guest experiences over traditional formalities. The conversation also explores why restaurant venues have become a popular option for wedding-related celebrations, how customization can elevate an event and the hospitality trends they're seeing throughout the industry. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, this episode is full of practical advice to help couples kick off their wedding weekend with confidence. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/support] Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

Why Personalized Bridal Beauty Is Replacing “Instagram Face” | WDP Ep 77

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Listen to learn: * Why “Instagram face” is fading in bridal beauty * What brides should expect during a makeup trial * How bridesmaid beauty trends are evolving * Why natural glam is replacing heavy contour and baking * Where Cassandra finds inspiration for editorial bridal looks * How to achieve timeless wedding-day beauty without looking overly trendy What does modern bridal beauty actually look like now that brides are moving away from overly polished “Instagram face” trends? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Lauren Mang, Editor-in-Chief of Oregon Wedding Day and Washington Wedding Day, sit down with Cassandra Kennedy, founder and lead artist of Portland-based Cassandra Kennedy Beauty, to discuss the evolution of wedding makeup and why individuality has become the ultimate luxury in bridal beauty. Known for her editorial-inspired, skin-forward approach to hair and makeup, Cassandra shares how her artistry was shaped long before beauty tutorials and influencer culture transformed the industry. Drawing inspiration from fashion editorials, films, flowers and natural light, she explains how she helps brides create elevated wedding-day looks that still feel authentic to who they are rather than copies of viral makeup trends. The conversation also dives into Cassandra’s collaborative bridal trial process, the importance of skincare prep before the wedding day and how beauty trends are shifting toward softer glam, glowing skin and more personalized styling choices. She also discusses the growing movement away from perfectly matching bridal parties and how modern weddings are embracing individuality in both fashion and beauty. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/support] Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

The Psychology Behind Weddings That Guests Never Stop Talking About | WDP Ep 76

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Listen to learn: * How to make your wedding feel personal and unique * What guests actually remember most about weddings * How wedding planners turn your love story into a wedding design concept * Why interactive wedding experiences are replacing standard receptions * How to personalize your wedding without copying Pinterest trends * Behind-the-scenes insights into custom wedding installations and event design What actually makes a wedding unforgettable? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Publisher at Iron Diamond, sit down with Troy and Heather Balliet, the husband-and-wife team behind Amorology Weddings and Back Up Backdrops, to explore the psychology, storytelling and guest experience behind weddings people talk about for years. Known for their immersive luxury celebrations and emotionally driven design approach, Troy and Heather share how they create weddings that guests don’t just attend—they genuinely experience. From transforming venues with custom installations to designing events that feel like “love letters” to guests, the duo reveals how intentionality, emotion and originality are shaping the future of modern weddings. The conversation also dives into how they balance marriage and business, the collaborative creative process behind their designs and why the most memorable weddings are the ones rooted in authenticity rather than trends. Troy and Heather also discuss how custom fabrication, layered guest experiences and thoughtful storytelling can completely transform the atmosphere of a wedding day. From interactive receptions to emotionally impactful design moments, this episode offers an inside look at why immersive guest experience has become one of the biggest shifts in luxury weddings today. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/support] Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

What Features Actually Matter Most in a Wedding Getting-Ready Suite? | WDP Ep 75

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Listen to learn: * What features actually matter most in a wedding getting-ready suite * Why flexible ceremony layouts are becoming more popular with couples * How to create an outdoor wedding experience that still works beautifully in the rain * What details make guests feel comfortable and cared for during a wedding * Why intimate weddings continue to resonate with modern couples * What couples should prioritize when touring wedding venues On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Sonja Babich and Washington Wedding Day Publisher Alexis Sanabria sit down with Jeff and Patti Falconer, the husband-and-wife team behind Parties on the Terrace, an award-winning Washington wedding venue known for its intimate celebrations and romantic garden atmosphere. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and built with hospitality at its core, the venue has become a favorite for couples looking to create personalized, guest-focused wedding experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Jeff and Patti share the story behind transforming their five-acre property from a luxury car storage business into one of Washington’s most beloved intimate wedding venues. From navigating permitting challenges and launching during COVID to thoughtfully designing flexible ceremony spaces and guest experiences, the couple offers an honest behind-the-scenes look at building a wedding venue from the ground up. The conversation also explores what modern couples are prioritizing when searching for a wedding venue, how intimate weddings can still feel luxurious and why intentional details—from getting-ready suites to rainy-day backup plans—can completely shape the wedding experience. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/support] Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

How Do You Avoid Awkward, Posed Wedding Photos? A Photographer’s Honest Advice | WDP Ep 74

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Listen to learn: * Why some wedding photos feel awkward or staged—and how to avoid it * How photographers help couples feel natural and comfortable in front of the camera * The key to getting candid, emotional photos that actually feel like you * Why connection with your photographer matters more than poses or shot lists * How to use Pinterest inspiration without losing authenticity * What to look for (and avoid) when choosing your wedding photographer In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Brooke Beise, Publisher of Minnesota Bride, sit down with Laura Alpizar, founder and photographer behind Laura Alpizar Photography, a Minneapolis-based wedding photography brand known for its timeless, emotionally driven imagery. Laura shares how she has built her business around connection and authenticity, using her decade of experience to create a photography approach that goes far beyond posed images. The conversation explores how her work focuses on capturing real, in-the-moment emotions while balancing an editorial eye—resulting in photos that feel both natural and elevated. The episode also dives into one of the most common concerns couples face: how to avoid awkward, overly posed wedding photos. Laura explains how she builds trust with couples from the very first consultation, helping them feel comfortable enough to be themselves in front of the camera. She also shares how to navigate Pinterest inspiration without losing authenticity, how much direction couples actually need and what to expect from a photographer on the wedding day. From reading relationship dynamics to acting as a calming presence throughout the celebration, Laura highlights the often-overlooked role photographers play in shaping the wedding day experience. This conversation offers practical, thoughtful advice for couples looking to choose a photographer who not only captures beautiful images—but creates an experience that feels natural, supportive and true to who they are. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2306515/support] Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com