406 episodes

Gain expert knowledge, share hearty laughs, and discover the best tips to maximize your budget and wedding planning experience. I’m Michelle, your host and a fun-loving wedding planner with over 20 years of experience. I share invaluable insights and industry secrets to empower you on your path to 'I Do.'
🎉 We celebrate inclusivity here, making this podcast a perfect companion for EVERYONE planning their wedding. 👰🤵 🌎 🤝 🏳️‍🌈👭👬

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Michelle Martinez

    • Society & Culture

Gain expert knowledge, share hearty laughs, and discover the best tips to maximize your budget and wedding planning experience. I’m Michelle, your host and a fun-loving wedding planner with over 20 years of experience. I share invaluable insights and industry secrets to empower you on your path to 'I Do.'
🎉 We celebrate inclusivity here, making this podcast a perfect companion for EVERYONE planning their wedding. 👰🤵 🌎 🤝 🏳️‍🌈👭👬

    #408 Is This a Red Flag? Photographer Edition 🚩📷

    #408 Is This a Red Flag? Photographer Edition 🚩📷

    How do you know if a photographer is right for you, and what are the red flags to watch out for? 🚩📷 Join Michelle as we dive into the world of wedding photography with our listener Emily. She brought us along on her two-month journey to find the perfect photographer for her wedding. It was a wild ride! With the help of photographer Raven Shutley, we guided Emily and her partner through the process, offering plenty of advice and support. You’re going to learn a lot from this episode!

    Want to listen Ad-free? Click HERE to become a premium subscriber.

    Ad-free, full length episodes

    The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

    Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

    Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


    Topics We Covered

    The 3 main photography styles you should know

    How to identify your preferred style and ensure your photographer gets it

    How to ask the right questions and negotiate terms without feeling awkward

    Tips for making sure you and your photographer click

    Identifying photographer red flags and green lights

    How not to be shy and ask for what you need


    About The Guest
    Raven Shetley - Raven is a talented wedding photographer based just above Atlanta, Georgia, with 17 years of experience. She specializes in capturing genuine, heartfelt moments, making her a trusted expert in the wedding industry. You can check out her beautiful work on Instagram at @RavenShutleyStudios or visit her website RavenShutleyStudios.com. Feel free to email her at raven@ravenshutleystudios.com for any questions or inquiries.

    Links We Referenced
    Raven on Instagram
    Raven’s Website

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 42 min
    #407 Tying the Knot Without Tying Up Friendships: Tips from a Friendship Coach

    #407 Tying the Knot Without Tying Up Friendships: Tips from a Friendship Coach

    Enhance your wedding planning experience and strengthen your personal connections. In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of relationships during wedding planning with friendship coach and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson. This conversation sheds light on the emotional complexities that come with preparing for a wedding. Danielle delves into "bride imposter syndrome," the challenges of balancing friendship expectations, and provides actionable strategies to maintain and deepen your relationships during this pivotal time. While our focus is on brides and female relationships, Danielle's insights are universally applicable, offering valuable guidance to anyone, regardless of how they identify. 

    Want to listen Ad-free? Click HERE to become a premium subscriber.

    Ad-free, full length episodes

    The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

    Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

    Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


    Topics We Covered

    Understanding Bride Imposter Syndrome: Insights into why some brides may feel undeserving of their own wedding celebration and strategies to overcome these feelings.

    Navigating Friendship Dynamics: Advice on managing friendships and setting expectations during wedding planning, especially when facing conflicts and pressures.

    Creating Space for Both You and Your Friends: Tips on maintaining friendship integrity by allowing friends to support you without overshadowing their needs and experiences.

    Practical Strategies for Involving Friends: Ideas for how to involve friends in the wedding in meaningful ways, even if they're not part of the wedding party.

    Preserving Friendships Post-Wedding: Guidance on continuing strong friendships beyond the wedding, including setting boundaries and expressing gratitude.


    Links We Referenced
    Danielle’s book – Fighting for Our Friendships 
    Danielle on TikTok

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 53 min
    #406 Planet-Friendly Love: Your Guide to a Sustainable Wedding

    #406 Planet-Friendly Love: Your Guide to a Sustainable Wedding

    If you're planning a wedding and love our planet, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and a bit of fun that’ll help you make a difference.
    Michelle brings together a fantastic crew of experts who are passionate about making weddings greener. You’ll meet Courtney Barrett, an environmental scientist weaving eco-friendly magic into her own wedding, and Cris Angsten from the green-certified Oak Leaf Cottage, sharing her personal journey to sustainability. Plus, wedding planner Kristen Gosselin and David Schoenfeld from Ring Bear drop some serious knowledge (and cool ideas!) on keeping your big day beautiful and environmentally sound. 
    We're all about sustainable weddings—not just for Earth Day, but for every day! 
    Want to listen Ad-Free? Click HERE to become a premium subscriber:

    Ad-free, full length episodes

    The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

    Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

    Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


    Links We Referenced
    Courtney on Instagram
    Poshmark
    https://wildalchemyphotos.com/
    https://www.thicketfloraldesign.com
    Oak Leaf Cottage Website
    Oak Leaf Cottage on Instagram
    KG Events Design Website
    KG Events Design on Instagram
    Ring Bear Website
    Ring Bear on Instagram

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 53 min
    #405 IMPORTANT Changes Coming To The Show - A brief pause

    #405 IMPORTANT Changes Coming To The Show - A brief pause

    PLEASE LISTEN! Some important updates about the future of our show. This episode is a bit different, as I’m discussing the changes coming to the podcast and what it means for you, my valued listeners.

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full length episodes

    The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

    Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

    Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


    Topics Covered


    A Heartfelt Thank You: Expressing my deep gratitude for the incredible support from our listeners, especially our paid premium subscribers. 


    Major Changes: Announcing the transition of our podcast back to a free feed model and the shift to releasing new episodes monthly. 


    Our Rich Library: Over 400 episodes filled with invaluable wedding planning advice and stories are now freely available. This treasure trove of content remains a resource for anyone planning their wedding.


    Premium Feed Adjustments: Introducing the new format of our premium feed, which will continue to offer an ad-free listening experience with a slight change in content offerings. The subscription pricing has been adjusted to $4.99 a month or $45.99 annually.


    A Brief Pause: Explaining the pause in releasing new episodes until the end of the month as we transition to the new model. Your patience during this period is greatly appreciated.

    Looking Ahead: So much excitement for the next chapter of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast and the value-packed episodes to come.

    Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions about the changes or need assistance with your subscription, please don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com.

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 11 min
    #404 Vendor Meals: What You Need To Know

    #404 Vendor Meals: What You Need To Know

    Feeding your wedding vendors isn't just courtesy—it's a must, especially for those who dedicate hours to make your day special. In this episode, I chat with my dear friend and seasoned wedding pro, Duncan Reyes. Dive into our lively discussion on the ins and outs of vendor meals, filled with insights, laughter, and Duncan's unmatched charm. Don't miss out!

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full length episodes

    The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

    Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

    Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


    Topics We Covered

    Understanding the necessity of providing vendor meals

    Clarification on which vendors require meals 

    Insights into the cost of vendor meals

    Optimal timing for serving vendor meals during the event

    Whether vendors should receive the same meal as guests

    Options for sourcing vendor meals: caterer vs. external options 

    Timing for finalizing vendor meal counts alongside guest counts

    Inquiring about food allergies among vendor staff


    About The Guest
    Duncan Reyes began his illustrious career as a Corporate Event Planner before moving into luxury hotel management and event planning with roles at The Portman Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel in both San Francisco & Chicago, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and The Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in wedding, corporate, and social event planning, Duncan's passion and exceptional skills led him to found F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design, making him a premiere figure in the event industry. Honored by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009 and a recipient of multiple WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards, Duncan is celebrated for his ability to create sophisticated, unique events that reflect his clients' styles, drawing on a vast network of resources to turn dreams into lasting memories.

    Links We Referenced
    Duncan on Instagram
    Duncan’s Website

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 40 min
    #403 The Last 72 Hours Before Her Wedding

    #403 The Last 72 Hours Before Her Wedding

    An exclusive behind-the-scenes journey with Violeta, a bride on the brink of her wedding day, and me, her wedding planning guide and fairy godmother. This episode is a treasure trove of voice messages shared between us during the crucial last 72 hours before her big day, topped off with a heartfelt Zoom catch-up post-rehearsal. From forgotten boutonnieres to impromptu speeches, witness the real, unfiltered moments of wedding planning magic and mayhem. Violeta's reflections the day after her wedding offer a raw, emotional insight into the whirlwind of tying the knot. Join us for this intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of the final countdown, and maybe pick up a few tips for your own journey down the aisle.

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full length episodes

    The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

    Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

    Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


    Topics Covered / What you will learn

    Real-life wedding planning crunch time

    Navigating last-minute details

    The emotional impact of wedding rehearsals

    Handling forgotten elements gracefully

    Post-wedding reflections

    Insights on giving away wedding items

    The importance of gratitude in speeches

    Creative solutions for including distant family members


    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 44 min

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