Totally Absolutely Engaged

TAEPodcast

Totally Absolutely Engaged  is your behind-the-scenes look at the modern wedding industry - packed with expert insights, hilarious stories, and honest advice for couples planning their big day. Hosted by Isla and Paul, CEO of one of the UK’s top event rental suppliers, each episode features candid conversations with wedding professionals - from planners and florists to photographers and venue stylists. Together, they share their biggest wedding tips, industry secrets, and even their ultimate wedding icks. Listeners also get to hear real wedding dilemmas sent in by brides and grooms - from seating chart dramas to last-minute vendor chaos - as Isla and Paul unpack the best (and funniest) ways to handle them. Whether you’re planning your own wedding, working in the wedding industry, or just love hearing about love, Totally Absolutely Engaged brings valuable wedding planning advice, insider knowledge, and a healthy dose of humour to help you plan smarter and laugh harder. 🎙️ Tune in weekly for expert wedding tips, relatable stories, and entertaining discussions that make wedding planning a little easier and a lot more fun!

  1. 16 MAR

    The Wedding Prank Guests Never Expect | Singing Waiters Explained

    Send a text In this episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, hosts Isla and Paul sit down with Marcus and Nathan from Your Singing Waiters, one of the UK’s most experienced wedding entertainment acts with over 20 years in the industry. Marcus and Nathan reveal how the famous “singing waiters” concept works at weddings and why it has become one of the most memorable entertainment choices for modern couples. From surprise performances during the wedding breakfast to hilarious staged arguments, fake cake drops and even police interruptions, they share how the element of surprise turns an ordinary reception into an unforgettable moment. The conversation dives into how the act first started, how the team pulls off the illusion by blending in with venue staff, and the acting skills required to make guests truly believe the chaos unfolding in front of them is real. With hundreds of weddings under their belts, they also share incredible behind-the-scenes stories from weddings across the UK and overseas. For engaged couples planning their wedding, Marcus and Nathan also offer expert advice on choosing wedding entertainment, booking suppliers early, and making sure guests stay entertained throughout the day. In this episode we cover: • What singing waiters actually do at weddings • How the surprise element works during the wedding breakfast • The acting and planning behind the performance • Funny and unforgettable wedding stories from real events • Why entertainment is one of the most important parts of a wedding day • Advice for brides, grooms and engaged couples planning their wedding If you are newly engaged, planning your big day, or looking for unique wedding entertainment ideas, this episode is packed with insight, laughter and behind-the-scenes stories from the wedding industry. Support the show Check out our range of led letters, selfie mirrors and more on our website theaddedextra.co.uk Or get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions.

    47 min
  2. 9 MAR

    Inside One of Cheshire’s Most Popular Wedding Venues: Planning Tips, Hidden Details and Funny Stories

    Send a text Welcome back to Totally Absolutely Engaged. In this episode, Isla and Paul sit down with the team from The Plough Inn, one of Cheshire’s most popular wedding venues, to talk about everything couples should know when choosing and booking their wedding venue. For many engaged couples, finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest and most exciting parts of wedding planning. The venue sets the tone for the entire day, from the ceremony and reception to the overall atmosphere and guest experience. In this episode we go behind the scenes with a venue that hosts weddings regularly to hear their expert advice, insights, and real experiences from countless wedding days. We talk about the things brides and grooms often don’t think about when booking a venue, the practical details that can make a big difference on the day, and how couples can make the most of their venue to create a memorable wedding celebration. The conversation also includes some hilarious and unforgettable wedding stories that have happened at the venue over the years. If you are newly engaged, currently searching for a wedding venue, or in the middle of planning your big day, this episode is full of helpful tips and insider knowledge to help make the process easier. In this episode we cover • What couples should consider when booking a wedding venue • Behind the scenes insight from a busy Cheshire wedding venue • Wedding planning advice for engaged couples, brides and grooms • Common things couples forget when planning their wedding day • Funny and memorable stories from real weddings Totally Absolutely Engaged is the podcast for couples planning their wedding, featuring honest conversations, expert advice from wedding industry professionals, and real insights into weddings, marriage, and relationships. Subscribe for more episodes with venues, suppliers, planners, and experts sharing wedding planning tips to help make your journey to “I do” as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Support the show Check out our range of led letters, selfie mirrors and more on our website theaddedextra.co.uk Or get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions.

    40 min
  3. 2 MAR

    Why More Couples Are Choosing Celebrants for Their Wedding Ceremonies

    Send a text In this episode, we explore why more couples are choosing celebrants for their wedding ceremonies and how celebrant-led ceremonies are shaping the future of modern weddings. If you are planning your ceremony and want something personal, meaningful, and completely reflective of your relationship, this episode is for you. We touch briefly on the difference between a celebrant and a registrar, but focus mainly on what makes celebrant ceremonies so special. From personalised music choices and readings to speeches, storytelling, and meaningful moments woven throughout the ceremony, we discuss how couples can create a ceremony that feels truly their own. The conversation highlights how celebrants work closely with couples to tell their love story, involve family and friends, and design a ceremony that feels relaxed, authentic, and memorable. Whether you want something romantic, modern, light-hearted, or deeply emotional, celebrant-led ceremonies offer the freedom to shape your wedding in a way that feels right for you. Perfect for engaged couples, brides and grooms, and anyone in the early stages of wedding planning, this episode offers inspiration and gentle guidance to help you create a ceremony that goes beyond tradition and feels genuinely personal. Support the show Check out our range of led letters, selfie mirrors and more on our website theaddedextra.co.uk Or get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions.

    27 min
  4. 23 FEB

    The Hidden Secrets to Capturing Natural Wedding Photos That Don’t Look Stiff

    Send a text In this episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, hosts Isla and Paul sit down with Phil, owner and lead photographer of Zap Image, a highly experienced wedding photographer with over 15 years in the wedding industry and one of the original Hub members. Phil shares his journey from a corporate sales career to becoming a full-time wedding photographer, including the personal story behind the name Zap Image and how photographing his own wedding sparked a career that now spans hundreds of weddings, destination shoots, and iconic venues across the UK and beyond. This episode is packed with expert wedding photography advice for engaged couples, brides, and grooms. Phil explains his candid, documentary-led approach to wedding photography, why natural moments matter more than stiff poses, and how he captures real emotion by knowing when to step in and when to step back. He also shares practical insights on group photos, timelines, photo dashes, evening shots, and why guest interaction is key to relaxed wedding photos. Isla and Paul dig into the questions couples really want answered, including how long wedding photographers stay on the day, how photos are backed up safely, turnaround times for previews and full galleries, and what couples often regret not having photographed. Phil also gives honest advice on choosing the right wedding photographer, understanding pricing, avoiding common planning mistakes, and how much creative control couples should give their photographer. The conversation also covers behind-the-scenes realities of the wedding industry, from working with videographers and content creators to navigating tight timelines, lighting challenges, and unexpected moments. Phil shares his biggest tips for keeping wedding photography stress-free, authentic, and enjoyable, reminding couples that their photos are about memories, not perfection. Whether you are newly engaged, deep into wedding planning, or simply love learning how weddings really work, this episode offers invaluable advice, real stories, and expert insight from someone who has truly seen it all. Support the show Check out our range of led letters, selfie mirrors and more on our website theaddedextra.co.uk Or get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions.

    57 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Totally Absolutely Engaged  is your behind-the-scenes look at the modern wedding industry - packed with expert insights, hilarious stories, and honest advice for couples planning their big day. Hosted by Isla and Paul, CEO of one of the UK’s top event rental suppliers, each episode features candid conversations with wedding professionals - from planners and florists to photographers and venue stylists. Together, they share their biggest wedding tips, industry secrets, and even their ultimate wedding icks. Listeners also get to hear real wedding dilemmas sent in by brides and grooms - from seating chart dramas to last-minute vendor chaos - as Isla and Paul unpack the best (and funniest) ways to handle them. Whether you’re planning your own wedding, working in the wedding industry, or just love hearing about love, Totally Absolutely Engaged brings valuable wedding planning advice, insider knowledge, and a healthy dose of humour to help you plan smarter and laugh harder. 🎙️ Tune in weekly for expert wedding tips, relatable stories, and entertaining discussions that make wedding planning a little easier and a lot more fun!

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