Project Engaged

Eddy Mac + Aleks Mac

Welcome to Project Engaged! This podcast is for fun-loving couples planning their non-traditional weddings! We started out with a focus on wedding suppliers (Seasons 1 & 2) but from Season 3 onwards it's all about YOU - awesome couples planning their epic big day!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The man, the myth, the legend: Archibald the Celebrant

    Welcome back to Project Engaged! Today, we are beyond excited to be chatting with a fellow "triple threat" vendor. Meet Archie, a Melbourne-based Celebrant, MC, and Saxophonist. He also provides this amazing service where he creates "wedding banter" videos, roaming around and interviewing guests during cocktail hour when they've hit that perfect two-to-three drink sweet spot We had the absolute best time swapping vendor war stories with Archie. We dive deep into pricing transparency, what couples should look out for, and we even compare notes on what it's like being on the other side of the process as we plan our own upcoming weddings. In this episode, we cover: How Archie transitioned from a "recovering" high school music teacher and band manager to a full-time wedding pro Why he quickly hung up his DJ headphones to focus strictly on playing the sax and delivering killer ceremonies The famous "Grandma Test"- what it is, and why your ceremony script needs to pass it Pro tips for keeping the vibe high and handling the dreaded "dance floor circle" Some truly unhinged wedding stories, including marriage certificates blowing into a river, a serial-fainting bridesmaid and quite possibly the worst, microphone-dropping father-of-the-bride speech we've ever heard. If you want a "young, fresh talent" (with a bit of extra mayo on top!), Archie is your guy! We hope you enjoyed the episode us much as we did! Eddy + Aleks xx

    1hr 50min

  2. 15 MAY

    Chatting with Jules from Captain Melville

    We're out of the studio and recording on location this week! Join us at "Melbourne's oldest pub", Captain Melville (which is actually reverting back to its original name, Mac's Hotel, soon - aptly named, we think!). We're chatting with functions manager Jules about why pub weddings are the perfect move if you just want to throw a massive, relaxed party with your fam and closest mates. Couples are definitely shifting away from stiff, formal venues and looking for spaces where they can just be comfortable and have a good time. Jules takes us behind the scenes of what a full pub buyout actually looks like on the day, starting with welcome pints and a gorgeous courtyard ceremony, all the way to a packed dance floor with absolutely zero sound restrictions (omg!). We also get into the food. Turns out, your guests might actually prefer a solid steak and parma or a massive grazing board over a dragged-out five-course meal. And if you're over the traditional wedding cake, you have to hear about the self-serve tiramisu trend. Yummy! Finally, Jules drops some crucial advice for keeping your sanity intact: get all your details sorted two weeks out, and just accept that a little hiccup is going to happen on the day. The good news? Your vendors will fix it behind the scenes without you even noticing. We loved our chat with Jules and hope you enjoy listening! Eddy + Aleks xx

    58 min

  3. 8 MAY

    We surveyed past wedding couples for our 100th episode!

    Welcome to our 100th episode of Project Engaged!  We can't quite believe we've hit triple figures after starting this journey a few years ago, but here we are To celebrate this massive milestone, we decided to do something special and sent a completely anonymous survey out via the 'Gram where 33 couples responded about their big day. We asked them to give it to us warts and all - rating their expectations, sharing their biggest regrets, pointing out their worst stressors, and highlighting the absolute best decisions they made. But it's definitely not all doom and gloom! We also share our couples' major wins, like why a "first look" is a total game-changer for calming your nerves, the perks of booking your ceremony and reception at the same venue and why ditching rigid formalities to prioritise top-tier food, drinks, and the right vendors is the ultimate move. If you're feeling overwhelmed, tune in to learn how to strip out the crap, ignore the social pressures, and remember why you're throwing this party in the first place. We hope you enjoy listening to episode 100 and thank you so much for your support! Eddy + Aleks xx

    56 min

  4. 27 APR

    Kimberley Moore: the antidote to the boring wedding video

    On this episode, we are fueled by coffee and sugary donuts and we are so excited to sit down with Kimberly Moore! Kim is a Melbourne-based filmmaker who acts as the antidote to boring wedding videos by creating super high-energy, cinematic, and totally "cheese-free" films. If you are worried about feeling awkward in front of a camera, Kim has you covered. We chat about her strategies for "massaging the room" and how she lightly directs couples so they feel completely natural and look amazing. She also tells us why a truly great wedding video actually starts in pre-production. Kim shares how she uses vibe-check calls and questionnaires to understand everything from family dynamics to the couple's exact vision long before the big day We also dive into her signature day-after "sneak peek" videos, which are friggin' awesome to watch. She shares why she loves sending these out so quickly and getting couples to film their genuine, raw reactions to seeing their wedding footage for the very first time. Plus, with wedding content creation becoming so popular, we discuss how she collaborates with content creators on the day so they can work as a team instead of stepping on each other's toes You can check out Kim's incredible films, see those awesome reaction videos on her Instagram: @kimberleymooremedia or check out her website www.kimberleymooremedia.com. We loved having Kim on the show! We hope you do too! Eddy + Aleks xx

    1hr 19min

  5. 20 APR

    Chatting with The Wedding Painter

    Welcome back to Project Engaged! This week, we sit down with TikTok and Instagram sensation Rebekka Lord-Johnson aka The Wedding Painter! She is one of the most in-demand vendors in the country, known for transforming fleeting wedding moments into stunning, realistic canvases right before everyone's eyes. We dive right into Bek's highly unconventional path to success, from dropping out of four different university courses to finally teaching herself how to paint during a three-month lockdown crash course. We also get the ultimate behind-the-scenes scoop on her strict live-painting logistics She breaks down how she directs lightning-fast three-and-a-half-minute photo shoots, tweaks poses so couples look their absolute best, and why she strictly avoids setting up her easel anywhere near the dangerous dance floor. You definitely don't want to miss her wildest stories! Bek shares what it's like showing up in a blonde wig and glasses to pull off a surprise portrait reveal, and recounts a terrifying "abduction" by a rogue Italian taxi driver and she haulling 40 kilos of art gear up a mountain. We loved every minute of this episode! We hope you do, too!

    1hr 32min

  6. 9 APR

    All the small things

    In this episode, we're talking about "all the small things" that can have a big impact on your wedding day. While these little details might seem minor, they can actually make a massive impact on how your wedding day flows  We share a few of our own crucial tips, but we didn't stop there! We reached out to our massive wedding vendor community to bring you a goldmine of advice, covering everything from avoiding TikTok trends to dance-floor outfit changes. Grab your notes app, because this episode is packed with valuable nuggets of wisdom to help you plan an authentic, stress-free party Vendor shoutouts A huge thank you to the vendors who contributed their wisdom to this episode: Rachel (Wedding Events Coordinator, Cleveland Estate): Make the day represent you rather than strictly following what is trending on TikTok and Instagram. Ruby (Videographer Down the Road Weddings): Provide drinks for the ceremony - it sets a great tone and acts as a big, warm welcome for your guests. Dani (Singer/DJ/Stylist, Logan Events): Sit your family on the opposite side of where you stand during the ceremony so they can see your faces, rather than your backs. Also, avoid timing your aisle walk to a specific song moment, keep table styling simple so it doesn't impede guest interactions, and remember: if you want people on the dance floor, the couple needs to be on the dance floor! Jacinta (Musician/Planner/Florist, Champagne Electric): Don't forget to spend quality time with each other! The day goes by in a blur, so build in time to step away together. Melissa (Celebrant, Marry Me Mel): "Pay more, do less." Let your vendors do the heavy lifting, hire a professional MC, and remember that you are the guests of honor, not the hosts. Alyce Bailey (Celebrant): Put specific names on the front-row seats at your ceremony to avoid awkward delays or confusion among extended family members. Nick Mercy (DJ, More Than a DJ): Consider a change of dress for the bride when it's time for dancing so you can move comfortably. Chris (DJ/MC Apples): Provide comfy shoes (like sneakers or fluffy slippers) for later on in the night to keep the dance floor going. John Edney (Celebrant/DJ/MC): Embrace the imperfections. Things outside of your control will happen, so let it roll off your back like water off a duck's back. Sarah Chippendale (Celebrant): "Marry someone with nipple tassels" (Hey, whatever works to keep things uniquely you!). If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and follow us on Instagram at One More Song DJs, THE SOUNDTRACK and Project Engaged!

    48 min

  7. 19 MAR

    The realities of a wedding dance floor

    In this episode, we (Eddy and Aleks) dive into a topic that causes a lot of anxiety for couples: the intense pressure to host the "best dance floor ever"...! We break down the realities of what actually makes a dance floor heave, exploring the elements you can't control and the crucial things you can. What you CAN'T control: How guest dynamics, family drama, the weather, and even Grand Final day footy scores can impact the vibe.  Navigating your guests' varied musical tastes, managing overplayed songs like "Mr. Brightside", and figuring out what to do with the "oldies" Dealing with bar lines, and navigating the dreaded unexpected early music cut-off! What you CAN control: Our top tips for choosing the right DJ and writing a killer music brief (Pro tip: ask guests for artists on their RSVPs, not specific songs!). Why aiming for a 2.5-hour dance floor is the sweet spot, the importance of dimming the lights, speaker placement, and why the bar should always be close to the action. Finally, we share why you shouldn't stress out about the natural peaks and troughs on the dance floor - this is completely normal. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @projectengaged and @onemoresongdjs.

    1hr 8min

  8. 10 MAR

    Throwing out the wedding rulebook with Jacinta from Champagne Electric

    Welcome to another episode of Project Engaged! We were very excited to sit down and chat with Jacinta from Champagne Electric about throwing out the wedding rulebook and prioritising your party's atmosphere over its aesthetic. Here is the breakdown of what was discussed: Host, don't perform Instead of staging a performance for social media content, couples should approach their wedding as if they are hosting a great dinner party (with a banging d-floor). The only actual legal requirement is a celebrant, so you are entirely free to throw out the rulebook and skip traditions (like public vows) that don't feel authentic to you. Prioritising vibe and energy A beautiful aesthetic means very little if you aren't actually present and connecting with your guests on the day. To keep the energy high, you should include interactive elements and great party lighting - like disco balls or a even "rave cave" setup by a laser professional - and remember that your guests will follow your lead on the dance floor. The "Vibe Brief" and budgeting Start your planning by creating a "Vibe Brief" to establish your top three non-negotiables, such as booking an in-demand photographer like Jackson Grant or securing a top-tier DJ. Allocate your budget to these priorities first so they can serve as your "North Star," and be willing to compromise on the remaining details without stressing. Mastering the flow Opting for a 90-minute cocktail hour ensures you have enough time to take photos, decompress, and actually enjoy the party with your guests rather than missing it. Work with an experienced wedding professional to review the run sheet, but remain flexible on the day; delaying a speech or first dance by 10 minutes to maintain the room's energy is always worth it. The "Vibe Killer Cut" (saving money) If you need to slash your budget quickly without ruining the atmosphere, the most effective method is ruthlessly trimming your guest list by dropping colleagues, unknown plus-ones, and children. You can also skip traditional wedding favors - unless they are highly practical like family-farmed olive oil - and save on florals by repurposing your ceremony arrangements at the reception. Mentions: One More Song DJs: (us!) Jackson Grant: The one and only and highly sought-after wedding photographer Weddings by E: Shoutout to Elizabeth for her planning and coordination work Daniel from Pyrotek FX: The laser professional who set up a full rave cave experience with trusses and lasers at a winery wedding Venues: Polperro Winery, Glasshaus, Gather + Tailor and The Wool Mill.

    1hr 26min
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About

Welcome to Project Engaged! This podcast is for fun-loving couples planning their non-traditional weddings! We started out with a focus on wedding suppliers (Seasons 1 & 2) but from Season 3 onwards it's all about YOU - awesome couples planning their epic big day!

Information

  • Creator
    Eddy Mac + Aleks Mac
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Project Engaged

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