Wedding Day Podcast

Iron Diamond | Sonja Babich

Welcome to “Wedding Day Podcast” with you host Sonja Babich, Owner and CEO of Iron Diamond Media - a leading wedding resource featuring seven localized wedding brands and wedding publications across the country.  Come along as they travel from state to state to connect with the most creative and well-respected professionals in the wedding industry.  Every episode will arm you with in-depth knowledge; the hottest new trends, wedding day tips and details, and... they show you all the joys of planning your perfect wedding day! 

  1. 4d ago

    How Long Does It Take to Make a Custom Engagement Ring? | WDP Ep 99

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: How long a custom engagement ring typically takes to makeHow inspiration photos can help clarify the style you wantWhy ring size can affect the custom setting you chooseWhat the four Cs reveal about a diamondHow lab-grown diamonds and popular shapes fit into today’s ring choicesHow heirloom jewelry can be redesigned for everyday wearHow long does it take to make a custom engagement ring? On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich and Alexis Sanabria talk with Briana Daugherty, owner and designer of B. Anthony & Company Jewelers in San Luis Obispo, California. Daugherty shares how she guides couples through custom design, uses inspiration images to identify their preferences and helps them think through diamond choices and ring sizing. She also discusses lab-grown diamonds, popular shapes and the meaningful work of redesigning heirloom jewelry. A custom ring typically takes about six weeks, though timing depends on the design and the client’s decisions. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  2. Oct 23

    How Do You Explain Your Wedding Style to a Planner? | WDP Ep 98

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What personal details to share with your wedding plannerHow your everyday style and interests can inspire your wedding designHow your wedding’s layout and flow can shape your guests’ comfortWays to respond when severe weather threatens an outdoor weddingHow planners and vendors can adapt when the day doesn’t go as plannedHow can you help your wedding planner understand what feels like you? On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich and co-host Dan Riggs sit down with Lydia Turino, founder and lead planner of Miriam Events Co., to talk about personal wedding design and guest-focused planning. Turino shares how she gets to know each couple before shaping their wedding design, including asking about their home decor, personal style and interests. She also explains why guest flow and comfort matter, and how her background in venue management helps her consider an event from every angle. The conversation also turns to a wedding day emergency: Turino recounts how her team and vendors responded after a tornado damaged part of a wedding tent shortly before the ceremony. From thoughtful design to quick decisions under pressure, her stories show how planning and vendor relationships can help couples navigate the unexpected. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  3. Oct 16

    Is a Wedding Videographer Worth It? What Couples Should Know | WDP Ep 97

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Why couples should consider hiring a professional wedding videographerHow wedding films capture moments and emotions beyond still photographyWhat wedding cinematographers do behind the scenes during a celebrationHow videographers coordinate with photographers and capture reliable audioWhat to expect from wedding film delivery and editing timelinesIs a wedding videographer worth the investment? For couples deciding which wedding professionals to prioritize, understanding what goes into a wedding film can make all the difference. On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media Owner Sonja Babich sits down with Jonathon Goodro, owner and cinematographer of Jonathon Goodro Films, to explore the artistry, preparation and storytelling behind professional wedding videography. With nearly a decade of experience filming weddings, Jonathon shares how he approaches a celebration with a filmmaker's eye, capturing everything from carefully composed portraits to spontaneous interactions between family and friends. He discusses the value of preserving vows and voices, why he prefers to let couples enjoy their day naturally and how working alongside photographers helps create a comfortable experience. Jonathon also takes listeners behind the camera, explaining the equipment, audio backups and creative decisions involved in producing a wedding film. From short cinematic trailers and full-length videos to editing schedules and delivery options, he offers practical insight into what couples can expect when hiring a professional wedding videographer—and why having their wedding day on film can become increasingly valuable over time. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  4. Oct 9

    How Many Dance Lessons Do You Need Before Your Wedding? | WDP Ep 96

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: How many dance lessons you need before your weddingWhat to expect from your first wedding dance lessonHow to choose a song and dance style that work for youWhen to add dips, lifts or more elaborate choreographyHow to feel comfortable dancing with a partner who has a different experience levelHow many dance lessons does it take to prepare for your wedding's first dance? Whether you're nervous about stepping onto the dance floor or dreaming of an elaborate routine, a little professional guidance can make all the difference. On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich sits down with Nela Menéndez, owner of St. Paul-based Nela Dance, to discuss how couples can prepare for their first dance with confidence. From simple four-lesson routines to more ambitious choreography requiring twelve or more sessions, Nela explains how she tailors each experience to the couple's goals, abilities and schedule. She shares advice on choosing meaningful music, exploring styles such as salsa, bachata and waltz, and incorporating creative details like dips, lifts and surprise dance transitions. Nela also discusses helping beginners overcome their nerves, accommodating partners with different levels of experience and creating choreography for father-daughter dances, wedding parties and other celebrations. For couples looking to make their first dance a memorable part of the wedding, her approach offers a practical place to begin—and a chance to enjoy learning something together along the way. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  5. Oct 2

    How Much Food Do You Actually Need at Your Wedding? | WDP Ep 95

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Why wedding catering costs more than a restaurant mealWhat staffing, rentals and service contribute to a catering proposalHow your wedding venue can affect the menu a caterer createsWhat goes into serving a large plated wedding dinnerWhy family-style wedding dinners have become increasingly popularWhy does wedding catering cost so much? For couples planning their first large event, a catering proposal can come with expenses they have never encountered at a restaurant. On this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich sits down with Eric Sandstrom, owner of Portland-based Art of Catering, to explain the food, staffing, rentals, equipment and service behind a wedding meal. Eric shares how Art of Catering prepares food on-site, even when that means creating an auxiliary kitchen at a vineyard or another unconventional venue. He explains why back-of-house space matters, how the team builds custom menus around each couple and what it takes to serve a large room quickly when guests have selected different entrées. He also shares his approach to family-style service, including one clever reason to serve the salad course separately. The conversation also explores changing Portland wedding seasons, rehearsal dinners evolving into larger welcome parties and Art of Catering's expanded Central Eastside home. Plus, Eric plays a round of "Splurge or Save," weighing in on late-night snacks, oyster bars, charcuterie displays, welcome drinks, french fry bars and vegetarian options. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  6. Sep 25

    Can You Reuse Bridesmaids’ Bouquets as Wedding Centerpieces? An Expert Florist Explains | WDP Ep 94

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Whether bridesmaids’ bouquets make good reception centerpiecesHow to create impact by mixing tall and low wedding centerpiecesWhy centerpiece height matters for your guestsWays to reuse ceremony arches and aisle flowers at the receptionWhat a florist handles behind the scenes on your wedding dayCan you reuse bridesmaids’ bouquets as wedding centerpieces? It sounds like a simple way to make your flowers go further, but florist Gina Thresher explains why those bouquets may look worse for wear by the time guests sit down for dinner. On this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich and publisher Alexis Sanabria sit down with Gina, owner of From the Ground Up Floral, to talk about wedding flowers that look beautiful from ceremony to reception. Gina shares how to make a reception feel lush without choosing the same elaborate arrangement for every table. She discusses clustering bud vases, varying centerpiece heights and keeping guests’ sightlines clear. She also explains how couples can plan ahead to move ceremony installations and aisle flowers to new locations for the reception. From designing the flowers for her own wedding to solving unexpected problems during professional wedding setups, Gina brings a practical perspective to floral design. Whether you’re deciding where to invest in flowers or wondering which arrangements can serve a second purpose, this conversation will help you ask your florist the right questions. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  7. Sep 18

    When Exactly Should You Book Wedding Hair and Makeup? | WDP Ep 93

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: When to book your wedding hair and makeup teamWhy the bride should not be scheduled last in the beauty timelineHow to prepare your skin before the weddingWhich bridal hair and makeup trends are gaining popularityWhat to bring to your bridal hair and makeup previewWhat luxury bridal beauty services and pricing can includeWhat does it take to create a calm, personalized wedding beauty experience? On this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media Owner Sonja Babich and Editorial Director Lara Burnap sit down with Emily Gleeson, Owner and Lead Hair and Makeup Artist of Arizona-based Bridal Artistry Collective, to discuss what couples should know before booking their wedding hair and makeup team. From planning a realistic beauty timeline to creating a supportive atmosphere in the getting-ready suite, Emily shares how experienced artists can help set the tone for the wedding day. She also explores current bridal beauty trends, including minimal editorial makeup, signature soft glam, ’90s-inspired updos and effortless waves, along with the skin treatments that can help brides prepare for their final look. Whether you are gathering bridal beauty inspiration or preparing for your hair and makeup preview, this conversation offers expert guidance on communicating your vision, giving honest feedback and understanding the investment behind luxury beauty services. Tune in for an inside look at wedding-day touch-ups, reception transformations and creating a bridal look that still feels authentically you. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  8. Sep 11

    What Is WIPA and How Does It Support the Wedding Industry? | WDP Ep 92

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: How WIPA supports wedding professionals through education and communityWhat couples should look for when hiring wedding vendorsWhy contracts, insurance and business licenses matterHow authenticity helps professionals connect with the right couplesWhy thoughtful offboarding can create referrals and legacy clientsHow professional relationships support destination wedding planningWhat makes a wedding professional trustworthy—and how can couples recognize those qualities? On this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media Owner Sonja Babich sits down with Jacqueline “Jax” Vizcaino, president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) and founder and lead planner of Tinted Events, at WIPA’s inaugural National Conference in Frisco, Texas. Jax explains how WIPA promotes professional excellence through education, ethical standards and meaningful industry connections. She shares what couples should consider when evaluating wedding vendors, from detailed contracts and organized communication to professional credentials and an authentic online presence. Jax also discusses how thoughtful offboarding can lead to referrals, repeat business and lifelong client relationships. Whether you’re planning a wedding or building a career in the wedding industry, this conversation offers valuable insight into choosing trustworthy professionals, creating stronger client relationships and building a dependable nationwide network. Tune in for an engaging discussion about wedding industry education, destination planning and the power of professional community. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Wedding Day Podcast” with you host Sonja Babich, Owner and CEO of Iron Diamond Media - a leading wedding resource featuring seven localized wedding brands and wedding publications across the country.  Come along as they travel from state to state to connect with the most creative and well-respected professionals in the wedding industry.  Every episode will arm you with in-depth knowledge; the hottest new trends, wedding day tips and details, and... they show you all the joys of planning your perfect wedding day! 

Information

  • Creator
    Iron Diamond | Sonja Babich
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wedding Day Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wedding Day Podcast

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