Venue Spotlight - Bringing a Forgotten Church Back to Life

Venue Spotlight - Bringing a Forgotten Church Back to Life

What happens when a forgotten Baptist church sits empty for 30 years and someone finally says "yeah, let's turn this into a wedding venue"? You get The Mizpah — a gothic, moody, completely one-of-a-kind wine sanctuary and event space in the heart of downtown Syracuse, and we are obsessed. In this Venue Spotlight episode, we're sitting down with Mike Green and Jenna Ellis to talk about how they're transforming a building that had holes in the floor, a bird living inside, and a leaking roof into one of the most unique spaces in Central New York. We're getting into: The gothic design philosophy — preserving the decay, not erasing it A self-pour wine wall with 24 wines you can customize for your wedding The mezzanine idea that will have guests watching the ceremony from the old choir loft Why a day-of coordinator might be the most underrated wedding vendor out there If you're a bride, a vendor, or just someone who loves a space that breaks the mold — this one's for you. 🔔 Subscribe and drop your questions or topic requests in the comments below! 🏛️ Find The Mizpah: 🌐 https://www.themizpah.com/ 📷 https://www.instagram.com/themizpahsyr/ 🌐 shootthevows.com 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows

Wedding Budget - Splurge or Save? Photographers Tell All

Planning a wedding comes with approximately one million things to buy, book, rent, upgrade, personalize, and panic-Google at 11 p.m. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're talking through different wedding expenses and deciding what we think is worth the splurge and what you can probably save on without ruining the day. We go category by category and share our honest opinions on where your money actually makes a difference, where couples sometimes overspend, and what choices really come down to your priorities, your vibe, and your budget. From practical wedding-day purchases to the fun little details everyone loves to debate, we're breaking down what we'd splurge on, what we'd save on, and why. If you're planning a wedding and trying to figure out where your money should actually go, this one's for you. Watch more episodes and find us here: Shoot the Vows: https://shootthevows.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 #ShootTheVows #WeddingPlanning #WeddingBudget #SplurgeOrSave #WeddingPodcast

What Your Florist Wishes You Knew Before Your Wedding

Before you pin one more peony bouquet on Pinterest, listen to this. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Courtney Rapp from Westcott Florist to pull back the curtain on everything that goes into wedding florals — from the real vs. faux debate to why your flower budget might be higher than you expected (and what you're actually paying for). Whether you're overwhelmed by options or think you've got it all figured out from Instagram, this conversation will change how you approach one of the most visual parts of your wedding day. We're getting into: 🌸 Real flowers vs. faux flowers — when each option makes sense and what to know before choosing 🌸 The questions florists ask before a consultation and why they matter for your design 🌸 What actually goes into wedding florals behind the scenes — and why the cost surprises so many couples 🌸 How Pinterest and AI-generated inspiration can help or hurt your floral planning 🌸 Why trusting your florist's expertise leads to less stress and better results If you're engaged and starting to think about florals (or already stressed about them), this is the episode to send to your partner and say "we need to listen to this." 💐 Connect with Westcott Florist: Website: https://www.westcottflorist.com [https://www.westcottflorist.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westcottflorist [https://www.instagram.com/westcott_florist/] 🎙️ Connect with Shoot the Vows: Website: https://shootthevows.com [https://shootthevows.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows [https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898] 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz [https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz] #WeddingFlowers #WeddingFlorist #RealVsFauxFlowers #WeddingPlanning #BridalBouquet #WeddingFlorals #FloralDesign #WeddingBudget #WeddingTips #WestcottFlorist #RochesterNY #UpstateNYWeddings #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #PinterestWedding #WeddingInspiration #FloristTips #WeddingVendors #BridalFlowers

Bridal Boudoir 101: Building Confidence Before the Wedding

This might be the most personal and unforgettable wedding gift you never thought of. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with bridal boudoir photographer Rae Taryn to talk about why boudoir sessions are having a major moment with brides right now — and why so many couples are calling it the best gift of the entire wedding experience. From what to expect during your session to creative ways to surprise your partner on the big day, Rae is breaking it all down. We're getting into: ✨ What bridal boudoir actually is (and why it's not what you think) ✨ Why it's become one of the most meaningful gifts a bride can give her partner ✨ Hair and makeup is included — making it the perfect trial run before the wedding day ✨ How a boudoir session builds confidence heading into the wedding (and the wedding night) ✨ When to book your session in your wedding planning timeline and what to expect ✨ Creative ways to gift it to your partner — albums, polaroids at the wedding, and more If you've ever been curious about bridal boudoir or you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind wedding gift, this episode will change your mind about everything you thought you knew. 📷 Connect with Rae Taryn: Website: https://boudoirbyraetaryn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boudoirbyraetaryn/ 🎙️ Connect with Shoot the Vows: Website: https://shootthevows.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz #BridalBoudoir #BoudoirPhotography #WeddingGift #BrideGift #WeddingPlanning #BoudoirSession #BridalConfidence #WeddingDay #WeddingNight #BoudoirAlbum #BridalBeauty #HairAndMakeupTrial #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #EngagedCouple #BrideToBeGift #BoudoirInspiration #WeddingGiftIdeas #BoudoirByRaeTaryn

Engagement Session Tips Every Couple NEEDS to Know

Your engagement session doesn't have to be awkward — promise. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sharing all of our best tips for getting the most out of your engagement session, whether you're doing photos, video, or both. From what to wear and how to prep to what actually makes the difference between stiff, posed shots and images that feel like you — we're covering everything you need to know before you step in front of the camera. We're talking about: 📸 What to wear — and what to avoid 📸 Why having your wedding videographer at your engagement session is a game-changer 📸 How to feel natural and comfortable in front of the camera 📸 Location tips — how to pick the perfect spot 📸 How your engagement session helps you prepare for your wedding day 📸 What to communicate with your photographer and videographer beforehand Whether you just got engaged or your session is already on the calendar, these tips will help you show up confident and walk away with content you actually love. 🎙️ Connect with Shoot the Vows: Website: https://shootthevows.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz #EngagementSession #EngagementPhotos #EngagementVideo #EngagementSessionTips #WeddingPlanning #CouplePhotography #EngagementShoot #WhatToWear #EngagementOutfit #PhotoTips #VideoTips #WeddingPodcast #ShootTheVows #EngagedCouple #GoldenHour #CoupleGoals #WeddingPhotographer #WeddingVideographer #EngagementInspiration