Wedding Day Podcast

Iron Diamond | Sonja Babich
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Education
  • Updated Bimonthly

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 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 4

    How to Make Your Wedding Magazine Submission Stand Out | WDP Ep 91 x Wedding MBA Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What wedding magazine editors consider when reviewing submissionsHow to make a wedding submission stand outWhy publication can strengthen a wedding professional’s credibilityWhich photographs and details to include in a submissionWhy complete vendor credits and editorial exclusivity matterHow relationships with regional publishers can create new opportunitiesHow can you make your wedding magazine submission stand out? In this special crossover episode of Wedding Day Podcast and the Wedding MBA Podcast, Wedding MBA host Clint Hufft sits down with Sonja Babich, owner and CEO of Iron Diamond Media, to explore how wedding professionals can pursue publication and use editorial features to support their businesses. Ahead of her “Cover Story: How to Get Published” session at the 2026 Wedding MBA Conference, Sonja shares what happens behind the scenes as a media team evaluates, selects and produces wedding content. Before entering publishing, Sonja helped plan more than 500 weddings while working at a Minnesota venue. Her experience deciding where to invest marketing dollars now shapes how she leads Iron Diamond Media, which encompasses seven regional wedding brands, the Minnesota Wedding Show and Wedding Day Podcast. Sonja explains why getting published can help wedding professionals establish credibility, reach clients who align with their brands and connect with potential creative partners. The conversation offers practical advice for assembling a strong submission, from selecting approximately 20 compelling photographs to writing a concise overview and crediting every professional involved. Sonja discusses the importance of showing ceremony and reception details, submitting recent work and preserving exclusivity before publication. She also explains how regional publishers can help wedding professionals identify editorial opportunities and why a feature’s value can extend across print, websites, newsletters and social media. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  6. Aug 28

    Why Are So Many Couples Choosing Destination Weddings in Mexico? | WDP Ep 90

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Why Mexico has become such a popular destination wedding locationWhat makes Cabo appealing to couples and their guestsWhy destination planners need firsthand knowledge of the locations they serveHow local vendor relationships support a destination celebrationWhat a planner’s industry connections can reveal to engaged couplesHow dining, invitations and entertainment shape the wedding experienceWhy are so many couples choosing destination weddings in Mexico? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich, Dan Riggs of Dan Riggs Films and Alexis Sanabria, publisher of California Wedding Day, Washington Wedding Day and Oregon Wedding Day, sit down with Michelle Garibay, owner and planner of Michelle Garibay Events, to discuss Mexico’s growing appeal and what couples should consider when planning a wedding away from home. Approaching her 20th year in the wedding industry, Michelle began planning destination celebrations while living on Oahu during the final years of her husband’s Navy career. Her hospitality experience and relationships with local professionals allowed her to bridge the gap between mainland couples and Hawaii’s wedding community. Today, her destination work increasingly takes her to Mexico, where she continues building firsthand knowledge of venues, local culture and creative partners. Michelle shares why warm weather, exceptional hospitality, convenient travel and overall value make destinations such as Cabo compelling for engaged couples. She also explains why destination expertise cannot be developed from afar, how a planner’s professional relationships can benefit couples and why shared values matter when assembling a wedding team. From plated dinners and paper RSVPs to wedding cakes and live bands, the conversation reveals how thoughtful choices can create a celebration that feels personal, cohesive and effortless for guests. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  7. Aug 21

    What Are Interactive Food Stations and How Do They Change Your Wedding Menu? | WDP Ep 89

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What interactive food stations are and how they engage wedding guestsHow to personalize a wedding menu with family recipes and meaningful traditionsWhy creative presentation can make wedding food more memorableHow signature cocktails and mocktails enhance the guest experienceWhy plated service may offer more value than couples expectHow intimate weddings can support elevated dining experiencesIn this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Dan Riggs and Carrie Fisher of Wisconsin Bride sit down with Kaelyn Cervero, owner and president of 41Fork Hospitality, and Colleen Mueller, senior sales manager, at Pearl & Cade in downtown Milwaukee. They discuss how interactive food stations, meaningful family recipes, local ingredients and creative beverage service can turn a wedding menu into an experience guests will remember. From tomahawk carving stations and pasta prepared in a cheese wheel to color-changing mocktails and espresso martini towers, Kaelyn and Colleen explain how food and drinks can become part of the entertainment. They also share their perspectives on plated versus buffet service, intimate wedding dining and the thoughtful hospitality choices that can make a celebration feel distinct and personal. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  8. Aug 14

    Do You Need Enough Wedding Cake for Every Guest? | WDP Ep 88

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Whether you need enough wedding cake to serve every guestWhat a kitchen cake is and how it can help serve a larger guest countWhy flavor should come first when choosing your wedding cakeHow wedding cake tastings help couples find the perfect flavorsWhat goes into creating realistic handmade sugar flowersWhy your wedding cake should be part of your reception designDo you need enough wedding cake for every guest? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with pastry chef and cake designer Kelsey Ryder of Love More Sweets to discuss wedding cake servings, flavor-forward desserts and how couples can turn their cake into a memorable part of their reception design. After training at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Kelsey brought her pastry expertise back home to Omaha, Nebraska, where she combines Midwest charm with the techniques and influences she encountered in New York. She shares how her culinary background shaped her flavor-first approach to wedding cakes, why she considers herself a pastry chef before a cake designer and how her intricate handmade sugar flowers can take several days to create. The conversation also explores what couples should consider when planning their wedding dessert, from starting with a cake tasting and experimenting with unexpected flavor combinations to supplementing a statement cake with kitchen cakes served behind the scenes. Kelsey explains why couples don't necessarily have to make their display cake do all the work—and why treating the wedding cake as both dessert and décor can create a beautiful centerpiece guests will remember long after the celebration ends. 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
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wedding Day Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wedding Day Podcast

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