We aim to be one of the lowest maintenance elements in our client’s wedding planning process, but wanted to take it a step further by providing you with proper, genuine advice directly from experts in the industry. Self promotion and sales-y nonsense is not welcome here, so we leveled the playing field by asking these pros what they’d look for if they personally couldn’t be the one to deliver. In other words, what advice would you give to your closest friends or family members if they were searching for someone else in your industry?
So we got our crew together, set up in a killer venue, turned on the lights and mics and cameras, and opened up a candid conversation with each of these seasoned wedding experts about how to make your wedding not suck. Each interview is also available as a Podcast – just search for “How to Make Your Wedding Not Suck”.
Wedding Officiant –
Andrew Wilson Weddings by Andrew
Wedding Officiant (the ceremony guy) Andrew Wilson shares some of his best tips on how to make your wedding ceremony not suck, as we chat about what has worked, what hasn’t, and a variety of ways to make your ceremony a centerpiece of your day and not just something to endure.
Learn more about Andrew by visiting www.AndrewsWeddings.com
Wedding Planner and Stylist –
Shannon Wellington Weddings
Wedding Planner and Wedding Stylist Shannon Wellington shares a plethora of tips on how to make your wedding not suck as we cover everything from the flow of your day to mobile devices during the ceremony to managing your budget.
Connect with Shannon at www.ShannonWellington.com
Hair and Makeup Artists –
J Christian of J Christian Studio
Salon owner and Hair Icon J Christian shares thoughts on some stuff you can do to make sure the first part of your day – getting ready – is more than just something to get through, but instead something to be enjoyed, that really sets the mood for the rest of the day. He shares tips on a hair/makeup trial and at one point we mention a mariachi band.
J’s super non-sucky studio is in Hockessin, DE but the wisdom he shares here will apply to your search regardless of where you are – just like the advice in all of these films. His site is www.jChristianStudio.com
Wedding Catering –
Greenery Caterers of Rockwood Carriage House
Craig and Michelle of Greenery Caterers – the exclusive caterers serving Rockwood Carriage House in Wilmington, Delaware – share their best advice after 37 years of experience in the industry. Learn what to ask your caterer, what will make your guests happy (and unhappy), how to handle special food needs, and many other details of how to make your wedding not suck.
Learn more about Rockwood Carriage House and the Greenery Caterers by visiting www.GreeneryCaterers.com
Wedding Planners and Coordinators –
Lauren and Tara of Something Blu Weddings and Events
As professional wedding planners and coordinators, Lauren and Tara have seen it all. They share their experience in our candid conversation as we cover topics ranging from the first look to the idea of an unplugged ceremony to the most critical vendors involved with your day and how a poor choice could make your wedding… well, suck.
Learn more about Lauren and Tara and their business by visiting www.SomethingBluWed.com
Wedding Photography and Cinema –
Dan Salvo of Dazzle Photography
Film producer, creative professional, and wedding client Paul Madsen flips the tables for this one and interviews yours truly, Dan Salvo, owner of Dazzle Photography to discuss what to ask when researching a photographer, how the relationship you build affects your final images, and ways that the imagery you receive shapes your memories of the day.
You can explore Dan’s photography work at www.DazzlePhotography.com, his film work at www.DPstudios.tv, and his photography education training site at www.DazzleTraining.com
Venue and Catering –
Ann Kolenick of The Gables at Chadds Ford
The venue is a big deal and usually one of the first choices in the wedding planning process… so tune in. Ann gives us a no-BS look into what you should consider when shopping for your venue. We discuss discounts for specific days and seasons, room size vs guest count, and the best ways to communicate with your venue contact.
Learn more about The Gables (and check out our restaurant film on the home page) by visiting www.TheGablesAtChaddsFord.com
Teeth Whitening –
Adriane Sklodowski of A Platinum Smile
As a bride, you would never show up to your wedding without preparing your hair and makeup, but what about teeth? You will (hopefully) be smiling all day, seeing everyone you know, and of course taking photos of all of this. What about this crucial part of “yo fez”? Adriane discusses what to expect about her teeth whitening service and when it can help you the most.
Learn more about Adriane by visiting her site at www.aplatinumsmile.com
Tuxedos and Men’s Wedding Clothes –
Len Brown from Collars n’ Cuffs
Len Brown from Collars n’ Cuffs Tuxedo Rentals in Wilmington, Delaware shares his experience in how to make guys clothing not suck. We discuss attire for parents of the groom as well as my two favorite service elements that made me notice his company in the first place – a tuxedo fitting party and a hotel front desk drop off with pickup the day after the wedding.
Learn more about Len and his business by visiting www.collarsncuffsonline.com