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

Kevin Dennis
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Updated Weekly

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. #64: The Art of Capturing Your Wedding Story with Renée van den Kerkhof

    6d ago

    #64: The Art of Capturing Your Wedding Story with Renée van den Kerkhof

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Renée van den Kerkhof, a live wedding painter and courtroom sketch artist from the Netherlands, to explore how couples can turn their wedding memories into one-of-a-kind works of art. With nearly eight years of experience painting weddings across Europe, Renée shares what it's like to capture a wedding day in real time and why live wedding paintings offer couples a unique way to preserve the emotion, atmosphere, and meaningful moments of their celebration. From selecting the perfect scene to incorporating beloved pets, family members, and personal details, she explains how each painting becomes a reflection of the couple's story. The conversation also covers what couples should know before hiring a live wedding painter, how artists work within the flow of a wedding day, and why trusting the creative process often leads to the most memorable results. Along the way, Renée shares unique wedding traditions she's encountered across Europe and offers practical advice for creating a keepsake that will feel just as meaningful years from now as it does on the wedding day. If you've ever considered hiring a live wedding painter, wondered how a painting comes together during a wedding, or are looking for a personalized way to preserve your memories, this episode offers an inside look at the artistry behind live wedding painting. Renée van den Kerkhof is a live wedding painter and courtroom sketch artist from the Netherlands. She specializes in romantic and detailed portraits that truly resemble the wedding couple while capturing the emotion and atmosphere of the day. Renée serves couples across Europe and lives with her partner and dogs in Dordrecht, near Rotterdam. Highlights • What live wedding painting is and how the process works • How couples choose the perfect moment to capture • Why live wedding paintings offer more than just a keepsake • Creative ways to incorporate pets, loved ones, and personal details • The guest experience of watching a painting come to life • What couples should know before hiring a live wedding painter • Unique wedding traditions from across Europe • How to create a timeless and meaningful wedding keepsake Connect with Renée: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    48 min
  2. #63: Elevating Wedding Design with Strategic Rentals with Nezhdeh Parsanj

    Jun 2

    #63: Elevating Wedding Design with Strategic Rentals with Nezhdeh Parsanj

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis sits down with Nezhdeh Parsanj of Opus Event Rentals to talk about one of the most impactful yet often overlooked parts of wedding design: rentals and the role they play in shaping the overall guest experience. With more than a decade of experience in event operations and design, Nezhdeh shares how thoughtful rental selections can completely transform a space, elevate the atmosphere, and help couples create weddings that feel memorable and intentional. From specialty lounge furniture and custom dance floors to large-scale installations such as pool covers and fabric structures, he explains that rentals go far beyond simply filling a room with tables and chairs. The conversation dives into how couples can strategically prioritize their rental budget, why guest experience has become one of the biggest wedding trends, and how small design choices can often create a bigger impact than couples realize. Nezhdeh also shares behind-the-scenes insight into event logistics, vendor coordination, and why communication between planners, rental companies, caterers, and other vendors is critical to keeping wedding days running smoothly. You’ll also hear practical advice on when couples should bring rental companies into the planning process, common mistakes people make when selecting rentals, and how to balance a dream design vision with real-world timelines and venue limitations. If you’ve ever wondered how weddings are transformed into immersive experiences, questioned which design elements are actually worth the investment, or wanted a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes to bring an event to life, this episode offers an inside look into the world of wedding rentals and event design. Nezhdeh Parsanj is the owner and lead event designer at Opus Event Rentals, a Southern California–based event rental company specializing in corporate events, live productions, and private celebrations. With over a decade of experience in event operations and design, Nezhdeh helps clients bring events to life through thoughtful planning, reliable execution, and high-quality rentals. Highlights • How rentals can completely transform a wedding space • Why guest experience is shaping modern wedding design • The difference between functional rentals and impactful design pieces • How to prioritize your rental budget strategically • Common mistakes couples make when selecting rentals • Why vendor communication and logistics matter so much behind the scenes • When couples should bring rental companies into the planning process • Current wedding rental and event design trends couples are loving Connect with Nezhdeh: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    29 min
  3. #62: What Actually Makes a Great Wedding Speech (and Why Most Advice Gets It Wrong) with Dylan Hattem

    May 26

    #62: What Actually Makes a Great Wedding Speech (and Why Most Advice Gets It Wrong) with Dylan Hattem

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Dylan Hattem, author of The Wedding Speech Crisis: A Guide to Writing a Toast People Want to Hear, to break down one of the most overlooked yet memorable parts of a wedding day: the speeches. Dylan shares why so many wedding speeches miss the mark, from making the moment too much about the speaker to dragging on far longer than guests can stay engaged. Together, they unpack why giving a great speech is harder than people realize, and why so much traditional wedding speech advice simply doesn’t work in real life. The conversation dives into what actually makes a wedding speech meaningful, including how to create structure, connect with the full audience, and balance humor with sincerity without turning the speech into a stand-up routine or an inside joke only a few people understand. Dylan also explains why the best speeches are rooted in love, vulnerability, and selflessness rather than attention-seeking moments or embarrassing stories. You’ll also hear practical advice on handling nerves, delivering a speech confidently, writing memorable openings and endings, and why preparation matters far more than people think. Dylan shares insights from his new book on how wedding speeches can genuinely shape the energy of a wedding and become one of the most memorable moments of the entire celebration. If you’ve ever had to give a wedding speech, worried about public speaking, or sat through a painfully long toast wondering how it could have gone differently, this episode will completely change the way you think about wedding speeches. Dylan Hattem is a sales executive, entrepreneur, and the author of The Wedding Speech Crisis: A Guide to Writing a Toast People Want to Hear. With a background in entrepreneurship and storytelling, Dylan wrote the book to help people create wedding speeches that feel authentic, engaging, and memorable while avoiding the common mistakes that often make speeches uncomfortable or forgettable. Highlights • Why so many wedding speeches miss the mark • The biggest mistakes people make when giving toasts • How to balance humor, sincerity, and storytelling • Why speeches should focus on the couple, not the speaker • The importance of structure and theme in a speech • How to make guests feel included and engaged • Tips for managing nerves and delivering a speech confidently • Why wedding speeches can become one of the most memorable moments of the day Connect with Dylan: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Order the Book!: Amazon Barnes & Noble Target Order Direct Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    40 min
  4. #61: Hiring Boutique Companies vs Large Companies with Julian Ribinik

    May 12

    #61: Hiring Boutique Companies vs Large Companies with Julian Ribinik

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Julian Ribinik of Julian Ribinik Studios to break down one of the biggest decisions couples make when building their wedding vendor team: choosing between boutique vendors and larger companies. Julian shares why the conversation is more nuanced than couples may realize, explaining that “large” doesn’t always mean experienced and “boutique” doesn’t always mean small. Together, they unpack how communication, personal connection, consistency, and trust all play major roles in shaping the wedding experience, especially when couples may not know who will be there on the wedding day. The conversation dives into the pros and cons of both approaches, including the advantages of personalized service, the realities of larger multi-team companies, and why understanding a vendor’s process matters just as much as their portfolio. Julian also shares practical advice on the questions couples should ask during the booking process, the importance of knowing who will actually be handling your event, and why strong communication often matters more than trends or aesthetics. You’ll also hear an honest discussion about pricing, associate teams, referrals, and how couples can identify the vendors who truly align with their priorities and personalities. If you’ve ever wondered whether a boutique vendor or a larger company is the right fit for your wedding, this episode will help you better understand the differences and make more confident decisions when building your team. Julian Ribinik is the owner and creative director of Julian Ribinik Studios, a boutique wedding photography and cinematography studio based in New York City. Originally learning photography alongside his father in the former USSR, Julian developed a documentary-style approach rooted in emotion, instinct, and storytelling. Together with his wife, Evgenia, he has built a studio known for creating imagery that blends honesty with elegance and candid moments with an editorial eye. Highlights • The difference between boutique vendors and larger wedding companies • Why personal connection matters when choosing your vendors • The risks of not knowing who will actually show up on your wedding day • Questions couples should ask during the booking process • The pros and cons of associate teams and larger vendor companies • Why communication and trust matter more than trends • How referrals and vendor relationships impact your experience • What couples should prioritize when building their wedding vendor team Connect with Julian: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    45 min
  5. #60: The Disconnect Between Wedding Inspiration and Reality with Nora Culley Tuck

    May 5

    #60: The Disconnect Between Wedding Inspiration and Reality with Nora Culley Tuck

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Nora Culley Tuck of Engaged with Nora to break down one of the biggest challenges couples face today: the disconnect between wedding inspiration and reality. With social media constantly showcasing highlight reels of luxury weddings, Nora shares how easy it is for couples to fall in love with ideas that don’t reflect the true time, cost, and coordination behind them. She explains why inspiration without context can quickly lead to overwhelm and how to shift your mindset before it impacts your planning experience. The conversation dives into how to use inspiration more intentionally, why looking beyond weddings can lead to more meaningful design, and how to build a vendor team that brings your vision to life in a realistic, personalized way. Nora also shares practical tips on communicating your vision clearly, avoiding comparison, and focusing on what actually matters to you as a couple. You’ll also hear an honest look at where expectations often need to shift, especially when it comes to large-scale design elements like hanging installations, and why understanding the “why” behind your choices is key to creating a wedding that feels authentic, not just trendy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Pinterest boards or unsure how to turn inspiration into something real, this episode will help you refocus, simplify your approach, and create a wedding that truly reflects you. Nora Culley Tuck is the visionary behind planning firm Engaged With Nora. After launching in 2020, the company has grown to a team of 25 planners specializing in bold, authentic, and chic events with an experience-driven approach. Nora’s background in theatre, bridal attire, hotel blocking, catering, venue management, and design gives her a unique perspective that helps her team create weddings that stand out while staying true to each couple. Highlights• The disconnect between Pinterest inspiration and real wedding logistics • Why social media shows a highlight reel, not the full picture • How to use inspiration without becoming overwhelmed • Why your wedding should be inspired by your life, not other weddings • The importance of building the right vendor team early • How to clearly communicate your vision to vendors • Why hanging installations often come with unexpected costs • How to avoid comparison and focus on your own priorities • Why trends don’t equal timeless and what actually does • The mindset shift that leads to a more meaningful wedding experience Connect with Nora: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    42 min
  6. #59: How to Make Your Wedding Ceremony a Priority (And Why It Matters) with Tanya Pushkine

    Apr 21

    #59: How to Make Your Wedding Ceremony a Priority (And Why It Matters) with Tanya Pushkine

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Tanya Pushkine to break down one of the most overlooked parts of wedding planning: the ceremony. While many couples focus on the reception, Tanya shares why the ceremony is actually the emotional foundation of the entire day and often the moment guests remember most. She unpacks common misconceptions, including the tendency to rush through the ceremony or treat it as a formality, and offers practical guidance on how to approach it with more intention. The conversation also covers when to start planning, how to write meaningful vows, and how to navigate public speaking nerves. You’ll also hear insights on choosing between a professional officiant or a friend or family member, and how to create a ceremony that truly reflects your relationship. If you want your wedding to feel more personal, memorable, and true to you, this episode will help you approach your ceremony with more confidence. Tanya Pushkine is the founder of The Vow Whisperer, where she creates personalized wedding ceremonies and helps couples write and deliver their vows with confidence. Before entering the wedding industry, Tanya had a career in acting, studying at The Juilliard School and performing on Broadway before transitioning into the corporate world, where she held leadership roles with major brands like LVMH, Sephora, and L’Oréal. After her own wedding, Tanya was inspired to combine her background in storytelling, performance, and communication to create a new niche in the wedding industry. Today, she works with couples around the world to craft meaningful ceremony experiences, officiates weddings, and coaches friends and family members to lead ceremonies and speeches with confidence. Based in New York City, Tanya works internationally and in multiple languages. Highlights:• Why the ceremony is often the most overlooked part of the wedding day • How your ceremony shapes guest experience and lasting memories • Common mistakes couples make when planning their ceremony • When to start planning your ceremony and writing your vows • Tips for writing meaningful vows and managing public speaking nerves • The pros and cons of having a professional officiant vs. a friend or family member Connect with Tanya: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    38 min
  7. #58: Venue Tours Decoded: What to Look for Beyond Pretty with Ian Ramirez

    Apr 14

    #58: Venue Tours Decoded: What to Look for Beyond Pretty with Ian Ramirez

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Ian Ramirez of Madera Estates to break down one of the most important parts of wedding planning: choosing your venue. From the outside, it’s easy to fall in love with a space based on how it looks, but Ian shares why couples need to look beyond the aesthetics and focus on what truly impacts their wedding day experience: flow, logistics, and the team behind the venue. The conversation dives into what couples should actually be paying attention to during venue tours, including the questions you may not think to ask, how to navigate “all-inclusive” offerings, and what hidden costs can catch you off guard. Ian also shares practical insights on guest experience, what makes a venue team stand out, and why communication and transparency matter just as much as the space itself. If you’re starting your venue search or feeling unsure about what to look for, this episode will help you tour with more intention and make a more confident decision. Ian Ramirez, CSEP, is the co-owner of Madera Estates, an award-winning Spanish-style wedding venue in Conroe, Texas. With over a decade in the industry, he hosts 80+ weddings annually and is a recognized educator and speaker for wedding professionals nationwide. He is also the co-founder of Venue Help Desk, a coaching resource for venue owners. Highlights: • The biggest mistake couples make when touring venues • Why flow, logistics, and guest experience matter more than aesthetics • What questions to ask during a venue tour (and what couples often miss) • What “all-inclusive” really means and how it varies by venue • Common hidden costs to look out for before signing a contract • Why choosing the right team and level of support matters just as much as the space itself Connect with Ian: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    48 min
  8. #57: Where Should I Actually Look for My Wedding Vendors? with Shannon Tarrant

    Apr 7

    #57: Where Should I Actually Look for My Wedding Vendors? with Shannon Tarrant

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Shannon Tarrant of Wedding Venue Map to answer one of the biggest questions couples face: where should you actually look for your wedding vendors? With so many options today (social media, national directories, referrals, and local platforms) it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Shannon breaks down how couples are really searching, what’s actually helpful, and where things can quickly go off track. The conversation covers how to use platforms like Instagram and TikTok wisely, why local knowledge matters, and how to spot trustworthy vendors. Shannon also shares why your venue’s preferred vendor list is often overlooked—but can be one of your most valuable tools. If you’re starting your planning journey or feeling stuck in the research phase, this episode will help you simplify the process and search with more confidence. Shannon Tarrant is the co-founder of Wedding Venue Map, a Central Florida-based wedding venue search engine that helps couples find the perfect place to say “I do.” With nearly two decades in the wedding industry, she’s passionate about connecting couples with trusted local experts and making the planning process feel a whole lot less overwhelming. Highlights: • Where couples actually start their vendor search • The pros and limitations of national wedding platforms • How to use social media without getting overwhelmed • Why local expertise can make a big difference • What to look for when evaluating vendors • The value of your venue’s preferred vendor list • How to narrow down options without over-researching Connect with Shannon: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    42 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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