This Takes The Cake
Welcome to "This Takes the Cake" – the podcast where wedding planning meets hilarious disasters! Join us as we share real stories of wedding day mishaps and "shit you cannot make up!" Laugh along with us as we dive into the wildest moments from weddings gone wrong. From emotional family feuds to vendor blunders, we spill the tea on everything that can—and does—go wrong. Tune in for a fun-filled ride and some free advice, and enjoy stories that truly take the cake! New episodes every Thursday.
Episodes
Cincinnati Series: The Realities of Wedding Photography
Episode 2 of our Cincinnati Series takes us behind the lens with Kristina of K Herman Photography! Kelsey and Kristina talk about what really happens behind the scenes on a wedding day, what couples should know when choosing their photographer, how planners and photographers work together, and the wedding trends she's loving—and ready to leave behind. Plus, Kristina shares some of the most mem
Cincinnati Series: Floral Design, Local Trends & What’s Taking the Cake
We’re kicking off our Cincinnati series with Tiffany from Nina’s Floral Designs, joined by Kelsey and Cincinnati S&B owner Cindy! Together, they’re getting into the Cincinnati wedding scene, what couples are asking for right now, the floral designs and details making an impact, and what makes the local wedding industry so unique. From trends to favorite wedding-day moments, we’re getting the C
Behind the Scenes of Wedding MBA: What Every Wedding Pro Needs to Know
What really goes into creating one of the wedding industry’s biggest conferences? Sara sits down with Shannon, Vice President & Conference Director of Wedding MBA, to talk about the history of the conference, what makes it such a valuable experience for wedding professionals, and what attendees can take away from being in the room. Shannon also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at recruiting s
Behind the Dress: A Bridal Gown Insider's Guide
Shawna and Caroline from our Tampa team are taking over This Takes the Cake! They're not only teammates—they're roommates, and Shawna brings a unique perspective to the conversation as a bridal gown designer. We're talking about what it's really like to shop for a wedding dress, what brides should know before saying yes to the dress, common mistakes, and what goes on behind the sce
The Traveling Wedding Planner Life
What is it really like to plan weddings all over the country? Shelli and Bree take us behind the scenes of life as a traveling wedding planner—from constant travel and destination events to packing up the office and making a new city feel like home. As part of our Savannah home base, Bree shares what it's like to make travel planning a full-time career, while they both talk about the realities
From Mother of the Bride to Behind the Scenes
What happens when you go from being the mother of the bride to working behind the scenes with S&B? Dawn joins Sara to talk about her experience planning her daughter’s wedding with Stunning & Brilliant Events, what wedding day was really like from the MOB perspective, the moment that took the cake, and what she’s looking forward to now that she’s getting to experience an S&B event from
David Tutera: The Evolution of Weddings
David Tutera is taking the cake! 🎂 Sara sits down with one of the most recognizable names in the wedding industry to talk about his incredible career, getting his start in events, and what it was like planning and designing weddings for television. David takes us behind the scenes of My Fair Wedding, shares how he’s watched the wedding industry transform over the years, what he thinks of today’s t
The Viral Wedding Painter
You may know Presley from her viral videos as a live wedding painter, where her paint-covered dress moment caught the attention of millions (and was even featured in People), but there’s so much more to her story. In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Presley shares how she got started creating live artwork for couples, what it’s like capturing a wedding day in real time, and how she turned a vi
Stitched With Love: Creating Wedding Keepsakes With Victoria of Ethereal Thread Co.
In this episode of This Takes The Cake, Dallas sits down with Victoria, the owner and creative behind Ethereal Thread Co., to talk about the art of creating meaningful wedding details that last far beyond the big day. Victoria shares the story behind her handmade embroidered wedding banners, her creative process, and how she transforms each couple’s unique love story into a one-of-a-kind heirloom
From Lead Planner to Franchise Owner: Taylor's Journey to Nashville
Taylor's journey has come full circle! In this episode of This Takes The Cake, Taylor joins Palm Beach owner Jacque to share how she went from lead planner to the new owner of our Nashville franchise. They talk about taking the leap into ownership, the lessons learned along the way, and what's next for Stunning & Brilliant Events in Nashville.Follow us on all the things!https://www.st
Capturing the Moments That Matter with Nichole Lauren Photography
In this episode of This Takes The Cake, Dallas chats with Greenville wedding photographer Nichole of Nichole Lauren Photography. Known for her timeless, light-filled imagery and authentic storytelling, Nichole shares her journey from aspiring photographer to successful business owner. Together, they discuss wedding photography trends, building trust with couples, navigating wedding-day challenges
Serving Up Unforgettable Celebrations with Larkin’s Catering & Events
From cocktail hour to the last bite of dessert, great catering has the power to elevate an entire wedding experience. This week on This Takes The Cake, Dallas sits down with Chloe from Larkin’s Catering & Events to talk about what goes into creating memorable celebrations through exceptional food and hospitality. She shares insights on wedding menu trends, catering logistics, guest experience,
GREENVILLE SERIES: Blooming a Business with Grove Florals
This week on This Takes The Cake, Dallas sits down with Calista and Isabelle, the creative duo behind Grove Florals in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for their romantic, artistic floral installations, they share how they built their business, developed their signature style, and transformed weddings into immersive experiences. From floral trends and budgeting tips to entrepreneurship and creati
The Wedding That Survived the Record-Breaking Heat
In this episode, Sara sits down with Lauren and Jeffery to relive their June 30, 2012 wedding during one of the hottest weekends in South Carolina history. From sweating through khaki suits and editing sweat out of wedding photos to guests hiding in their cars for air conditioning, they share the hilarious reality of a record-breaking heat wave wedding. The conversation also goes beyond the big da
Derby Disaster: Going Viral
In this episode of This Takes The Cake 🍰, Payton is joined by Faith—longtime assistant turned lead planner in our Myrtle Beach office—to break down the wedding video that unexpectedly went viral about Derby Day. What started as a fun, real behind-the-scenes moment quickly spiraled in the comments, proving just how wild the internet can get. They’re diving into what actually happened, how quickly o
From "I Do" to App Launch
In this episode of This Takes The Cake 🍰, Caroline from Tampa sits down with Michelle, founder of Guestlist, who built her app while planning her own destination wedding in Argentina. From how she met her husband to what it was really like planning an entire wedding weekend from afar, Michelle shares the behind-the-scenes of creating an unforgettable guest experience—and launching a business at th
Building FiftyFlowers with Liza Roeser
This week on This Takes The Cake, Sara sits down with Liza Roeser, founder and CEO of FiftyFlowers, to talk about how a Peace Corps assignment in Ecuador unexpectedly led her into the floral industry — and eventually to building one of the most recognizable flower companies in weddings. From shipping flowers farm-direct before online ordering was even normal, to helping thousands of couples create
SEO That Actually Books: The Wedding Pro’s Guide to Getting Found
In this episode, we sit down with SEO expert Sara Dunn to break down how wedding pros can actually get found online—without the overwhelm. From understanding what SEO really is (in normal human terms) to fixing the most common mistakes vendors make, Sara shares actionable strategies that go beyond just “posting pretty blogs.” We dive into strategic blogging, showing up in local searches, and how A
Orlando Launch Story: Meet Faith
This week on Take the Cake, Dallas sits down with Faith, the powerhouse behind the newly launched Orlando office of Stunning & Brilliant Events. From how she first got her start with S&B to what it really looks like to open and lead a brand-new market, Faith shares the highs, the challenges, and the behind-the-scenes moments you don’t see on wedding day. It’s a candid conversation about gr
From the Groom: Inside Alex & Annie’s Flagler Museum Wedding
What’s it really like planning a luxury wedding—from the groom’s perspective? 👀 In this episode, Jacque of Stunning & Brilliant Events sits down with Alex to break down every moment of his and Annie’s stunning Flagler Museum wedding, from how they found S&B to the behind-the-scenes decisions, unexpected challenges, and those “this takes the cake” memories. We’re talking groom POV (yes, the
Where to Actually Splurge vs. Where to Fake It
In this episode, Caroline and Alex break down one of the biggest wedding planning questions: where should you actually spend your money, and where can you save without anyone noticing? From the vendors that truly impact your wedding day—like photography, entertainment, and planning—to the details couples often overspend on, like favors, signage, and trendy décor, they share honest advice and real
Behind the scenes: TV Production VS. Client Events
Ever wondered what it’s like planning an event for TV instead of a wedding or party? 🎬💐 Join Jacque and Chris and Madelyn from Heritage Floral Design as they spill the behind-the-scenes secrets of working with a production team. From timelines, calls, and emails to budgets, layouts, and florals that look perfect on camera, they share what it really takes to pull off a flawless event when the camer
Inside S&B: Franchising, Team Culture & 15 Years In
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at Stunning & Brilliant Events? 💍✨ They spill the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be part of a luxury, nationwide wedding company, how franchising works, and what it takes to collaborate with Sara and other franchises. Plus, get a peek into S&B’s fun team culture, including their unforgettable trip to St. Martin, and hear all about the adventures
Pop Culture Meets Wedding Style
Pop culture meets wedding magic! 💍✨ Join Payton and Caroline as they dive into all the ways movies, TV shows, celebrity love stories, influencer events, and classic literature inspire today’s weddings. From Wuthering Heights–inspired gothic romance to Bridgerton garden-party vibes, onscreen weddings that steal our hearts, and influencer-inspired monograms and guest experiences, we’re breaking down
Love, Weddings & Windy City Life
Lauren, our Chicago owner, and her husband Randy are sharing their real-life wedding story —and yes, they’re original Stunning & Brilliant wedding clients! In this episode, they talk about planning their own wedding over 10 years ago, launching the S&B Chicago franchise in 2020, and what it’s really like being married to a wedding planner. They also chat about life with their daughter Scar
Ultimate Guest Experience: with Preston Lee
In this episode, Sara sits down with Preston Lee, founder of The 30% Rule and hospitality expert, to talk all things guest experience. From how they first connected to what makes an experience truly memorable, Preston shares insights that are just as valuable for wedding and event vendors as they are for brides, grooms, and anyone looking to elevate how they show up for others. Whether it’s leader
Ultimate Guest Experience: Respectfully… That’s Not Our Job.
In this episode of our March Guest Experience series, we’re pulling back the curtain on the things we don’t do — and why that actually makes your wedding better. Yes, we care deeply about your guests and the overall experience, but we’re not babysitters, security guards, chauffeurs, therapists, or miracle workers. From hiding exes to flipping entire receptions mid-event (true story), we’re sharing
Ultimate Guest Experience: Wedding Weekends
Wedding weekends are officially having their moment — and honestly, one day just isn’t enough anymore. In this episode, Sara and Madison break down why full wedding weekend celebrations are becoming the new must-have, especially for destination weddings and couples with lots of out-of-town guests. From welcome parties and after-parties to farewell brunches and “take the cake” experiences they’ve s
Ultimate Guest Experience: Bachelorettes and hotel experiences
Join Alyssa, our Charleston owner, as she sits down at the Moxy Hotel Charleston with Deme from our S&B Charleston team to talk all things room blocks, bachelorettes, and creating an elevated guest hotel experience for your wedding weekend. From choosing the right property for your crew to maximizing amenities, planning seamless welcome vibes, and turning your hotel into part of the celebratio
Love Stories: Paula & David Player
Photographer Paula and videographer David join Sara on this episode of our Love Stories series to share how their separate journeys into the wedding industry eventually became a shared creative career. They talk about what drew them to weddings, how they navigate working side by side as a married photo + video duo, and the challenges and joys of building a business together. Along the way, they ge
Love Stories: The Davey Duo
On this Love Stories episode, Madison chats with The Davey Duo — the DJ + photographer husband-and-wife team who met and got married at Wedding MBA. They share how a vendor conference turned into a wedding venue, what it’s like working weddings as a couple, and the moments that make it all worth it. If you love unique meet-cutes and insider wedding stories, don’t skip this one. Follow us on all th
Love Story: Balancing Love, Family & Business
As part of our February Love Stories series, we’re sitting down with Alyssa, our Charleston owner, and her husband Ben to talk about love, family, and building businesses side-by-side. They’re sharing how they met in college while Alyssa was launching her wedding planning career, how Ben ended up owning our sister mobile bar company Leon or Lime CHS, and what life looks like now with their one-yea
Love Stories: Behind the Lens with Kristy & Vic
This episode is part of our Love Stories Series for February, where we’re celebrating love in all its forms — including building a life and business side by side. 💍📸 Host Jacque (Palm Beach) sits down with Kristy & Vic, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo known for capturing joyful, timeless love stories while being the ultimate calm-meets-hype team on wedding days. From working togethe
All Things New: Elevating Your Wedding Guest Experience with Special Effects
In the final episode of our All Things New series, Jacque chats with Thomas Thorogood, a wedding special effects expert, about the latest innovations that can make your wedding unforgettable. From CO2 blasts to confetti and other modern “take the cake” moments, Thomas shares how couples can incorporate new trends to wow their guests and create Instagram-worthy experiences.Follow us on all the thin
All things new: New Trends for 2026
What’s next in weddings? We’re talking all things new for 2026. ✨Ashley P from our Charlotte office and Caroline from Tampa are sharing the trends they’re seeing emerge—from fresh design details to shifts in how couples are planning and celebrating. If you love being ahead of the curve (or just want to know what’s about to be everywhere), this episode is for you.Caroline Green & Ashley Pirigyi
All Things New: Evolving as Planners
Nina and Alex break down how S&B is evolving with the times — staying on trend for our clients, using AI to save major planning hours, and still keeping every detail personal and intentional. From onboarding calls to new systems shaping how we work, this is your roadmap to planning smarter in 2026 without losing the magic.Nina Lerman & Alex Bradshaw Follow us on all the things!https://www
All Things New: Planning in New Places
In our first episode of 2026, Sara and Michelle are kicking off the year with all things NEW – starting with destination weddings! Michelle shares her wild Cabo wedding experience, from tricky weather and airport adventures to an unforgettable “this takes the cake” fire moment. Hear how she navigated planning a wedding somewhere she’d never been, the surprises along the way, and tips for planners
2025 Recap - Part 2!
We’re back for round two, and Producer Payton is not letting the office girls off the hook just yet. Part 2 dives even deeper into the moments that defined our year—the surprises, the shenanigans, and the stories that somehow didn’t make it into Part 1. If you thought the first half was good… buckle up. Part 2 brings the drama, the laughter, and the chaos we live for.
2025 Recap Part 1!
We’re kicking off our year-end recap by putting our office girls in the hot seat. Producer Payton is taking us back through the moments of 2025 that truly took the cake— the wins, the chaos, the “did that really happen?” and everything in between. Grab a snack, settle in, and get ready for the stories we absolutely had to share first. Part 1 starts now.
How We Survived: When Mom and the Bride Go Head-to-Head
Eliza and Shelli sit down to spill the tea on one of their wildest weddings yet — where the bride and her mom wouldn’t even speak to each other (yep, everything went through the planner). From being the fourth planning team brought in to navigating family drama with grace (and maybe a little wine), this episode dives into what it’s really like to pull off a stunning event when emotions run high an
Where Do You Even Start? Wedding Planning Timeline
In this episode, Jacque and Taylor answer the question every newly engaged couple asks: Where do you even start? They break down the wedding planning timeline step-by-step—from setting a realistic budget, guest count, and vibe, to which vendors you should book first (and why they matter the most), to the personalization phase with florals, entertainment, glam, and décor, all the way to month-of lo
Reserved Seats in Our Hearts: Honoring Loved Ones on Your Wedding Day
In this heartfelt episode, Palm Beach owner Jacque and Atlanta owner Madison open up about the tender side of wedding planning: celebrating a day of joy while missing someone you love. They discuss how grief can show up in unexpected moments, the balance of honoring someone without making the day feel heavy, and the deeply personal ways couples can keep their people close. Madison shares the meani
Creepin’ It Real: Halloween Wedding Edition
Dallas and Caroline are back with a Halloween twist! In this episode, they dive into holiday weddings, share terrifyingly funny wedding moments, and spill behind-the-scenes stories you won’t believe. Hear about a bride who owed tens of thousands to a vendor just days before saying ‘I do,’ and the chaos of traveling to states they’ve never been to to cover a wedding. Of course, they do all of this
Weddings, Wanderlust & Viral Moments with Kenzie from Forever After Instantly
From scroll-stopping reels to romantic wedding vibes, content creator Kenzie (@foreverafterinstantly) joins Bianca to talk all things viral, visual, and very dreamy. In this episode, they dive into how Kenzie built her aesthetic, the behind-the-scenes of creating wedding magic online, and the unexpected moments that truly took the cake. Expect inspo, real talk, creator tips, and one wild story tha
When Planners Plan for Planners (and Friends)
Planning a wedding for someone you love—or someone who already knows the industry—is a whole different ballgame. Alyssa and Caroline sit down to share what it’s like to plan weddings for friends and fellow planners, how communication shifts when there’s history involved, and the unique challenges (and joys) of mixing business with personal relationships. They’ll spill on honesty, boundaries, emoti
Charlotte Spotlight: Ashley Joins the Podcast
Ever wonder what it’s like to take over a thriving wedding planning business and make it your own? In this episode, Jacque chats with Ashley P, the fearless owner of Stunning & Brilliant’s Charlotte location. From her start in Charleston to leading an established market, Ashley shares the highs, the challenges, and a few unforgettable “This Takes the Cake” moments from behind the scenes. Tune
Curated & Collected: Designing Weddings with Unearthed Rentals
This week, Jacque sits down with Carla Tavolacci of Unearthed Rentals — one of our go-to creative partners in Palm Beach — to talk all things rental design, style trends, and how curated pieces bring weddings to life. From velvet sofas to unexpected vintage gems, Carla shares how Unearthed helps couples create spaces that feel like them. Whether you’re planning a wedding, styling a shoot, or just
Where Florals Spark the Magic with Nick of Daniel Events
Jacque chats with luxury floral and décor designer Nick from Daniel Events about all things blooming, bold, and breathtaking. They dive into how design can completely transform a wedding space—from floating chuppahs to custom chandeliers—and how Nick collaborates with couples to bring their vision to life (even if they don’t have one yet!). Tune in for high-level design tips, major wow moments, an
Rhythm, Remix & Real Weddings with Lux of Xentric Entertainment
Get ready to turn up the volume as Jacque sits down with Lux, founder of Xentric Entertainment, to talk about what really gets the party started at weddings. From his roots in underground Miami music to creating immersive hybrid band experiences that leave guests breathless, Lux shares how he transforms wedding receptions into full-blown concerts. We’re talking live drums, saxophones, confetti—eve
Paint the Moment: Natasha of Tash Paints on Live Wedding Art & Emotional Keepsakes
In this episode, Jacque chats with Natasha of Tash Paints about the magic of live wedding painting. From capturing first dances in real time to turning emotional moments into custom keepsakes, Natasha shares what makes her work so personal—and unforgettable. Plus, fun client stories, wild requests, and why this service is quickly becoming a wedding-day must-have.Follow us on all the things!https:/
Our trend predictions and what we see in the industry!
This week, Stolen and Dallas are dishing on the biggest trends we're seeing in weddings right now—from bold color palettes to over-the-top guest experiences and food that's not just delicious, but decorative. We’re sharing what’s in, what’s out, and what we think is about to blow up. If you’re planning a wedding (or just love a good trend forecast), this one’s for you.Sarah Stohon & Da
Two Weddings and Zero Chill: Shelli & Caroline’s Back-to-Back Breakdown
Shelli and Caroline are fresh off a wedding double-header and have stories. From a mother of the bride who had opinions to an assistant who might just be the main character in her own sitcom—and yes, Caroline cried seven times on wedding day (we counted). Buckle up for behind-the-scenes chaos, unfiltered recaps, and some serious secondhand stress. It's giving exhaustion, champagne, and a littl
Parties, Platforms & the Power of AI: Julie Roth Novack of PartySlate Spills It All
Sara sits down with PartySlate founder Julie Roth Novack to talk all things parties, tech, and content creation. From the platform’s brand-new AI-powered tool to the rise of luxe milestone events, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for planners who want to level up. Let’s talk trends, tools, and throwing unforgettable celebrations. 🥂Sara McCall and Julie NovackFollow us on
From Bride to Business Owner: How One Wedding Sparked a Stunning Career
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Jacque, the powerhouse behind Stunning & Brilliant Events Palm Beach, and Kelsey—former SBE bride turned Cincinnati franchise owner. They share the behind-the-scenes of planning Kelsey’s wedding, what made it so special, and how it led to something even bigger: a new business chapter for Kelsey. Get ready to hear how love, trust, and a
Blooming with Elegance: A Conversation with Rachel Cho
New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.Our last guest of the series: Rachel Cho! Join Nina and floral expert Rachel Cho as they explore how to bring a couple’s vision to life with intentio
Capturing Timeless Moments: A Conversation with Brian Marcus
New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.This Week's Guest: Brian Marcus!In this episode of This Takes The Cake, Nina sits down with legendary photographer Brian Marcus, third-generation
From First Dance to Final Encore: Behind the Music with On The Move Entertainment
New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.This week's guest: Darren from On the Move! Nina visits NYC’s top event entertainment team, On The Move, to talk all things music, energy, and un
Sugar, Style & Showbiz: A Slice of Ron Ben-Israel
New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world. This episode's guest: Ron Ben-Israel!From delicate sugar flowers to towering, show-stopping tiers, Nina steps into the world of world-renowned c
Rant, Recap, Repeat: Surviving Wedding Season 2025
This week’s episode is all Caroline, all chaos. She’s recounting a catering disaster so cringe it might give you secondhand stress—while Stohon’s just along for the ride (and the commentary). It’s a full-on vent sesh, packed with planner realness and behind-the-scenes drama you won’t want to miss.Caroline Green and Sarah Stohon https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/https://www.instagram.co
International Wedding Recap: Behind the Scenes
Grab a margarita and get ready for the ultimate wedding recap! 🌴💍 In this episode, Dallas and Sara spill all the behind-the-scenes tea from a stunning destination wedding in. From travel chaos to beachside magic, we're diving into the real moments you don’t see on Instagram. Expect laughter, a few planning surprises, some unexpected guest drama (👀), and all the heart that made this celebration unf
Palm Beach Planners Unfiltered: Meet Taylor!
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Jacque sits down with one of Palm Beach’s lead planners, Taylor, to spill all the wedding-day tea. From how she got her start in the industry to the wild, emotional, and downright hilarious moments that make this job unforgettable, Taylor shares it all. They talk favorite parts of the job, the things no one prepares you for, and the stories that seriously ta
Behind the Aisle: Planning Weddings with Aisle Planner
Technology has completely transformed the way weddings are planned—and no one knows this better than Sara Kincaid, President & COO of Aisle Planner. In this episode, Sara McCall sits down with Sara Kincaid to discuss how Aisle Planner is revolutionizing the wedding industry, from streamlining workflows for planners to enhancing the client experience. They’ll dive into the biggest shifts in wed
Married to the Job: Life with a Wedding Planner Wife
What’s it really like being married to a wedding planner? Jacque and her husband, Damien, spill all the behind-the-scenes details of their not-so-normal life in Palm Beach. From wedding emergencies mid-dinner to the funniest times Damien has been roped into wedding duties, they share the highs, the lows, and the truly chaotic moments of mixing marriage with wedding planning. Damien takes a Wedding
Blooming Success: Behind the Scenes with Heritage Florals
When Sara met Chris from Heritage Florals at a wedding last fall, she knew he was the real deal. Now, we're sitting down with him to chat all things florals—from how he started his business to the creative process behind stunning wedding arrangements. Chris shares his best tips for couples, the most unexpected floral requests he’s gotten, and his This Takes the Cake moment. Plus, we get real about
Raised on Weddings: Gianna & Bella Spill the Tea
Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with a wedding planner as your mom? In this episode, Jacque sits down with her daughters, Gianna and Bella, to share the hilarious, chaotic, and sometimes unexpected reality of being raised in the world of weddings. From being dragged to setups and handling last-minute emergencies to wedding leftovers as bribes, they spill all the tea on what it’s really lik
Luxury Bridal Styling with Kate from Something White Styling
Every bride wants to look and feel incredible throughout their wedding journey—but finding the perfect outfits for every event can be overwhelming. That’s where Kate from Something White Styling comes in! In this episode, Lauren sits down with Kate to talk about the luxury bridal styling experience, from curating the ultimate wedding wardrobe to avoiding common fashion pitfalls. She shares the ben
Setting the Tone: Choosing the Right Live Music for Your Corporate Event
In this episode, Jacque sits down with Ray from Mike Sipe Entertainment to break down the art of selecting the perfect live music for corporate events. From setting the right ambiance to keeping guests engaged, they’ll discuss how different music styles impact an event’s energy, the logistics of booking live entertainment, and insider tips on working with bands and DJs. Whether you're planning
Celebrating Life's Moments with Kyle from EncourageWell
In this episode, Alex chats with Kyle, co-founder of EncourageWell, a company that helps families and friends create collaborative keepsake books for life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s a wedding, memorial, or any significant event, Kyle shares how EncourageWell helps clients celebrate and commemorate with personalized, handcrafted books. Learn about the process, the impact of these keeps
Tech Meets Tradition: The Power of Media and Technology in Wedding Planning with The Knot Worldwide
The Knot has been helping couples plan their dream weddings for years—but what really goes on behind the scenes of this wedding planning powerhouse? Sara sits down with a special guest from The Knot to talk about how their tools, vendor marketplace, and expert advice make wedding planning easier. From must-know planning tips to the biggest wedding trends of the year, we’re covering it all. Plus, w
Generation Tux & Wedding Planning for the Other Side of the Aisle
When it comes to wedding attire, one question always comes up—should you rent or buy? In this episode, Lauren from our Chicago office sits down with Chris from Generation Tux, a wedding industry veteran with 30 years of experience in formalwear, etiquette, and planning. They’ll tackle the biggest myths about renting vs. buying, share expert advice on stress-free suit and tuxedo planning, and break
Mastering the Art of Vows & Speeches with Brian Franklin
Writing vows or a wedding speech? Don’t panic—Brian Franklin, founder of Vows & Speeches and a master speechwriter dubbed “The Humorist” by The New York Times, joins Nina to break down what makes a toast unforgettable. From crafting vows that feel personal yet timeless to delivering speeches that make guests laugh and cry, Brian shares expert tips, real-life speech fails, and the biggest mista
Undercover Bridesmaid: Wedding Shenanigans with Bridesmaid for Hire
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a professional bridesmaid? Jen Glantz, founder of Bridesmaid for Hire, joins Caroline to dive into over 10 years in the business of standing by brides’ sides—sometimes under a fake identity! She spills the wildest wedding stories, the unexpected reasons brides hire her, and what really goes down at bachelorette parties. Plus, we’ll find out how you can apply to b
From Vows to Boardrooms: Wedding vs. Corporate Event Planning - Episode 83 of This Takes the Cake
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Stohon and Dallas dive into the world of event planning, comparing the fast-paced, high-stakes world of corporate events with the emotion-driven, detail-oriented nature of weddings. They break down key differences in communication, budgeting, and decision-making—like working with executives and approvals versus dealing with a couple’s vision and last-minute
From Aisle to Afterparty: A Bride Spills All!
What really happens on a wedding day? Jacque sits down with one of our past brides to get the inside scoop—from the planning process to the unexpected moments that made the day unforgettable. Was there a last-minute hiccup? Did anything go totally off-script? And what advice would she give to future brides? Tune in for a fun, unfiltered look at a real wedding day from the bride’s perspective
Jacq
Shutter Secrets: Spilling the Tea on Scandals Behind the Lens
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the lens at a wedding? In this episode, Jacque sits down with a seasoned wedding photographer who’s seen it all— including one bride caught in a scandalous affair and some unexpected drama with another photographer. From jaw-dropping moments to the unspoken rules of the industry, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wild side of wedding photography. Don’t mi
Behind the Menu: Wedding Catering Secrets with Laura Ashley Catering
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Jacque sits down with the talented team behind Laura Ashley Catering to explore the art of creating unforgettable wedding menus. From the inspiration behind their business to handling last-minute challenges, we uncover the secrets to their success. Hear their expert advice on planning a seasonal menu, accommodating dietary restrictions, and even incorporatin
A Chaotic Valentines Episode
Love, laughter, and chaos collide in this off-the-rails Valentine’s Day episode! Caroline and Dallas ditch the script to tackle the infamous "wedding planner curse"—does planning perfect weddings ruin your own love life? They also dive into a scandalous round of Kiss, Marry, Kill, share their favorite (and quirkiest) Valentine’s traditions, and reveal some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories. Get
Your Love Story on Replay: Private Wedding Podcasts
Ever wish you could hear your wedding day all over again? In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Sara sits down with Will, the creator of private wedding podcasts, to explore a unique way to capture your love story. Beyond photos and video, private podcasts preserve the laughter, heartfelt words, and candid moments that make your day unforgettable. Will breaks down how the process works, why audi
Dream vs. Reality: Navigating the Balance in Wedding Planning
Planning the perfect wedding can feel like a dream come true, but how do you balance that dream with the realities of budget, time, and unforeseen challenges? In this episode, we dive into the common struggles couples face when their wedding vision meets reality. From splurging wisely to managing expectations, we share expert advice and real stories to help you navigate the planning process withou
Brides & Babies: How Alyssa Balances Wedding Planning with Motherhood
In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa, our Charleston franchise owner, to hear her story of balancing motherhood and wedding planning. Alyssa shares her journey of managing weddings through pregnancy and the early days of having a newborn! From handling the physical demands of wedding days to leaning on her team for support, Alyssa gives us an inside look at her strategies for balancing brides
