Now That I'm Engaged, How Do I Get Married

Kevin Dennis
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Created for newly engaged couples, Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married? Provides soonlyweds with everything they need to navigate their wedding planning journey easily. Kevin Dennis, host, and owner of Livermore-based lighting and A/V company Fantasy Sound Event Services, invites wedding professionals from across the industry to share their tips and advice on smart wedding planning (and what not to do!). Tune in each week to learn everything from budgeting and booking vendors, overcoming guest drama, and timing your plans for the big day.

  1. 1D AGO

    #51: Educating Couples on Event Needs: Improving Satisfaction & Reducing Misunderstandings with Steven Burchard

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Steven Burchard, owner of Magical Memories Entertainment, to talk about what “event needs” really mean and why understanding them early can lead to a smoother day and fewer misunderstandings with vendors. Steven explains how weddings are made up of dozens of moving parts beyond décor and aesthetics, and why couples often underestimate how much coordination it takes to make everything feel effortless. From timelines and location changes to small “nitty gritty” moments couples don’t want to miss, he shares where miscommunication tends to happen and how proactive planning (plus the right vendor team) can prevent stress for everyone involved. They also dive into the importance of asking vendors about their planning process, building a realistic timeline that can flex, and knowing when to communicate early… then trust your team later. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the pieces of a wedding day, this conversation brings clarity and helps couples feel more confident in the decisions they’re making. Steven Burchard is the owner of Magical Memories Entertainment, a full-service event entertainment company known for helping couples plan with intention, communicate clearly, and create celebrations that feel seamless from start to finish. Highlights Why “event needs” go far beyond décor and aesthetics The most common wedding-day misunderstandings between couples and vendors Why planning processes matter more than couples realize Timeline management: why it shapes how the day feels (not just how it runs) How to communicate early, avoid last-minute changes, and reduce stress Why trusting your vendor team is just as important as hiring them Connect with Steven: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    36 min

  2. FEB 10

    #50: Planning and Risk Mitigation: Why Wedding Planning Is More Than A Design Board with Loni Peterson

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Loni Peterson, owner of LP Creative Events and a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, to talk about why wedding planning is about so much more than a design board. Loni shares how inspiration tools like Pinterest are only the starting point and why logistics, backup plans, and risk mitigation are what truly protect the wedding day experience. From navigating environmental challenges and tight timelines to prioritizing guest comfort and vendor preparedness, this conversation helps couples understand what happens behind the scenes of a seamless celebration. They also discuss why booking a planner early matters, the limitations of “day-of coordination,” and how asking the right questions can help couples feel confident and supported throughout the planning process. Loni Peterson is a seasoned business owner and full-time professor in the Advertising, PR, and Design Department at the University of Colorado Boulder, blending real-world event experience with academic insight through planning, speaking, and education. HighlightsWhy logistics matter just as much as aestheticsBuilding backup plans into your wedding from the startHow thoughtful planning improves guest experienceWhy “day-of coordination” often isn’t enoughQuestions couples should ask to ensure vendor reliability Connect with Loni: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with LP Creative Events: Website Instagram TikTok Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    36 min

  3. FEB 3

    #49: Pay for What You Value: Why Wedding Budgeting Often Works Against You with Jordan Roepke

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Jordan Roepke, award-winning wedding photographer and videographer, to unpack one of the most confusing parts of wedding planning: budgeting. Jordan shares why most couples feel sticker shock when they start planning—and why that’s completely normal. Together, they break down the difference between “one-size-fits-all” budget advice and a values-based approach that prioritizes what actually matters to you as a couple. From photography and DJs to guest experience and expectations set by social media, this conversation helps couples understand where their money makes the biggest impact. They also dive into why booking key vendors early matters, how experience often outweighs aesthetics, and the hard truth behind the phrase “you get what you pay for.” Jordan offers practical examples, real-world perspective, and reassurance for couples who want a meaningful wedding without blindly following tradition. Jordan Roepke is an award-winning wedding photographer and videographer based in Nashville, Tennessee, traveling nationwide to create artful, adventurous, and epic imagery for couples who want photos that go beyond ordinary. Highlights Why wedding budgets often feel confusing and overwhelmingWhat “pay for what you value” really means in practiceHow social media can distort wedding expectationsWhere couples commonly under-invest (and later regret it)The importance of booking experienced vendors earlyHow to prioritize meaning over comparison Connect with Jordan: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    43 min

  4. JAN 27

    #48: Wedding Cake Trends Couples Will Love in 2026 with Armana Christianson

    Wedding cakes are having a major moment again, so what trends will couples love in 2026? In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Armana Christianson, cake artist and owner of A. Cakes Bakery, to talk all things wedding cakes—from bold new trends to the personal details that make a cake truly unforgettable. Armana shares her unexpected journey from professional golfer to luxury cake artist, a pivot that began during COVID and turned into a thriving business rooted in creativity and storytelling. Together, they explore why statement cakes are back in a big way, how flavor has reclaimed its rightful spotlight, and why couples are moving away from cookie-cutter designs in favor of deeply personal touches. The conversation dives into what’s trending for 2026, including massive multi-tier cakes, wide statement designs, edible fabrics, and incorporating elements like wedding dress details, linens, and monograms into cake design. Armana also explains how social media has shaped creativity, and why collaboration between couples and cake artists leads to the most meaningful results. Highlights Armana’s journey from professional golf to cake artistryWhy statement wedding cakes are trending again for 2026The balance between visual design and unforgettable flavorCreative ways couples are personalizing their wedding cakesHow social media shapes (and sometimes limits) cake designTimeless cake elements that stand the test of trendsCommon cake-ordering mistakes and how couples can avoid themWhy cake-cutting timing impacts guest experience and waste Connect with Armana: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    40 min

  5. JAN 20

    #47: Insider Tips for Mailing Your Invitations with Confidence with Jaime Coast

    Why does mailing wedding invitations feel so stressful, and how can couples avoid common mistakes? In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with Jaime Coast, watercolor artist and stationery designer behind Cotton & Bow, to demystify the wedding invitation mailing process. Jaime explains why couples often feel overwhelmed by invitation timelines, postage, and delivery concerns, and why the traditional six-to-eight-week rule no longer applies. She shares updated guidance on when to send invitations, especially for destination weddings, and highlights common mistakes that can lead to delays or added costs—like wax seals on outer envelopes, underestimated weight, and counterfeit stamps. Jaime has been designing stationery since 2017 for couples looking to illustrate their love stories. She lives in Westchester, NY, with her husband and two girls. Cotton & Bow ships worldwide, with couples having a local or destination wedding. Highlights Why mailing invitations feels intimidating and how to simplify itThe updated timeline for sending wedding invitationsCommon mailing mistakes that can cause delays or added costsHow invitation weight, size, and embellishments affect postageBest practices for addressing envelopes and avoiding delivery issuesWhen tracking invitations makes senseTips for mailing international invitations safelyHow to spot and avoid counterfeit stamps Connect with Jaime: Jaime’s Mailing Guide Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok LinkedIn Vintage Stamp Dealers: Enfield Post Champion Stamp Little Postage House Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok a href="https://www.pinterest.com/fantasysound/" rel="noopener...

    40 min

  6. JAN 13

    #46: The Big Three: What to Book First After You Get Engaged with Sara Landon

    What should you actually book first after you get engaged? In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August sit down with New York–based luxury wedding planner Sara Landon, known for designing highly curated, deeply personal celebrations with clarity and calm leadership. Sara walks couples through one of the most important early planning concepts: the Big Three vendors—venue, photo/video, and entertainment. She explains why prioritizing these vendors early can dramatically reduce stress later, how waiting too long can limit options, and why these decisions shape the entire wedding experience. Drawing from years of hands-on planning, Sara also shares common mistakes couples make, how budgeting impacts decision-making, and why personality fit with your vendors matters just as much as talent. Whether you’re newly engaged or feeling stuck in decision fatigue, this episode offers practical guidance to help you set priorities, avoid analysis paralysis, and move forward with confidence during engagement season. Highlights What the Big Three vendors are and why they should be booked firstHow early booking helps reduce stress and protects availabilityA budgeting rule of thumb to guide early decisionsWhy vendor personality and communication matterHow to avoid analysis paralysis during engagement seasonWhen flexibility becomes necessary, if you wait too long to book Connect with Sara: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    32 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    #45: Our 2025 Podcast Episode Recap

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin and August wrap up 2025 by reflecting on a year of growth, standout conversations, and the wedding planning insights couples found most helpful. They look back on their most-played episodes, discuss recurring themes like guest experience and wedding-morning timelines, and highlight why thoughtful planning—and the right team of wedding professionals—can make all the difference. The conversation also touches on non-traditional ideas, using AI as a planning tool (not a replacement for wedding pros), weather considerations for outdoor weddings, and how pop-culture moments can influence wedding trends. As they head into 2026, Kevin and August share what’s next for the podcast and their goal to build even more community and listener engagement in the year ahead. Highlights 27 episodes in 2025, up from 17 the year beforeFan-favorite episodes and guest takeawaysWhy guest experience matters throughout the dayThe importance of planning your wedding morningNon-traditional ideas couples are embracingAI as a helpful starting point—not a substitute for prosWeather planning and outdoor wedding considerationsLooking ahead to more episodes and community in 2026 Connect with Kevin and August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    34 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    #44: From Inquiry to We're Booked with Craig Peterman

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin sits down with Phoenix-based wedding photographer and videographer Craig Peterman, who has captured more than 500 weddings and brings a clear, practical perspective to the vendor booking process. Craig walks couples through what really matters between the first inquiry and the moment you officially book a vendor. He explains what information to include in that first email, how to avoid overwhelming your vendors, and why communication early on sets the tone for your entire experience. He also introduces his simple Vendor Scorecard, a tool designed to help couples compare options fairly and choose their finalists with confidence. Whether you're unsure how to reach out to vendors or feeling stuck sorting through too many choices, Craig offers a calm, actionable framework that simplifies the journey from inquiry to contract. Highlights First impressions matter: How your initial inquiry sets the foundation for your vendor relationship.Keep it simple: The essential details couples should always include in that first message.The Vendor Scorecard: A quick way to narrow down your top choices and avoid decision fatigue.Choose wisely: Why three finalists is the sweet spot for vendor selection.Don’t wait too long: How a one-month research window helps you avoid losing your preferred vendors.Trust your instincts: What red flags to look for—and why vibe matters.Set a deadline: Creating a decision timeline that keeps planning on track.Budget awareness: Understanding your range before inquiring saves time and frustration.Better conversations: Tips for productive Zoom consults and clear communication.Enjoy the process: Why working with vendors you genuinely like leads to a better wedding day. Craig’s thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice gives couples the tools to move from inquiry to “we’re booked!” with confidence, clarity, and far less stress. Download the Vendor Scorecard PDFs here! Connect with Craig: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin and August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    24 min
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Created for newly engaged couples, Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married? Provides soonlyweds with everything they need to navigate their wedding planning journey easily. Kevin Dennis, host, and owner of Livermore-based lighting and A/V company Fantasy Sound Event Services, invites wedding professionals from across the industry to share their tips and advice on smart wedding planning (and what not to do!). Tune in each week to learn everything from budgeting and booking vendors, overcoming guest drama, and timing your plans for the big day.

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