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. #55: Wedding Day Items Couples Forget (And How To Be Prepared) with Elena Markwood

    2D AGO

    #55: Wedding Day Items Couples Forget (And How To Be Prepared) with Elena Markwood

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, August Yocher sits down with returning guest and wedding planner Elena Markwood to talk about the small wedding day details couples often forget — from ceremony seating signs and easels to emergency kit items and last-minute problem solvers. Drawing from her experience as a planner and former venue professional, Elena shares practical insight into the functional items that are easy to overlook during the planning process, especially once stress starts to build in the final few weeks before the wedding. From cake knives and guest book pens to signage displays and reserved ceremony seating, she explains why these little details matter more than couples often realize and how they can impact both logistics and guest experience. They also talk about the importance of thinking beyond the aesthetic, how to prepare decor so it’s truly wedding-day ready, and which emergency items Elena reaches for most often on event days. From floral wire and screwdrivers to packing tape and mints, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice to help couples feel more organized, more confident, and better prepared. If you want to avoid common oversights and feel more ready for the practical side of wedding day setup, this episode offers helpful planning tips that can make a big difference. Elena Markwood is the owner and lead wedding planner of Adoration Weddings & Events. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she now calls Columbus, Ohio home (thanks in part to the Columbus boy she married). When she's not bringing love stories to life, you’ll find her singing on the worship team at her church, curled up reading a rom-com with a cup of tea, or exploring the city with her husband, Wes, and handsome pup, Ollie. Highlights• Wedding day items couples often forget until the last minute • Why reserved ceremony seating and signage matter more than couples think • The importance of easels, cake items, and other functional decor pieces • Why open seating can create guest experience challenges • Emergency kit items planners actually use on wedding days • How to make sure decor is truly wedding-day ready • Why a planner or coordinator helps couples avoid common oversights Connect with Elena: Decor List Freebie Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    41 min

  2. MAR 10

    #54: How to Stay on Your Wedding Venue's Good Side with Dana Kadwell

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with venue owner and industry expert Dana Kadwell to discuss how couples can build a positive relationship with their wedding venue and create a smoother planning experience. Drawing from nearly two decades in the event industry, Dana shares practical advice on why honesty, clear communication, and understanding your venue’s policies are key to avoiding common planning challenges. From reading your contract carefully to asking questions early and often, she explains how couples can work collaboratively with their venue team and vendors to keep the planning process running smoothly. They also talk about the importance of hiring experienced professionals, preparing for unexpected situations, and showing appreciation for the people working behind the scenes to make your wedding day happen. If you want to feel more confident navigating venue relationships and planning logistics, this episode offers helpful insight into how strong communication and preparation can make all the difference. Highlights • Why honesty and communication build trust with your venue team • The importance of reading and understanding your venue contract • Asking questions early to avoid misunderstandings • Why experienced vendors help create a smoother wedding day • The value of preparation and contingency planning • How couples can show appreciation to venue staff • Advocating for yourself gracefully when challenges arise Connect with Dana: Hustle and Gather Instagram Facebook LinkedIn The Anthem House The Bradford NC McAlister-Lefwich Graham Mill Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    46 min

  3. MAR 3

    #53: Tradition vs. Trend: Navigating Family Expectations & Modern Weddings with Tabitha Roberts

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with seasoned wedding planner Tabitha Roberts of Roberts & Co. Events for an honest and insightful conversation about tradition versus trend and how couples can navigate the emotional landmines that come with both. With over 16 years in the wedding industry, Tabitha has seen it all — from the rise of Pinterest to the shift away from rigid etiquette rules — and she shares what’s changed, what still matters, and where couples often feel the most pressure. From social media comparisons to parental expectations (especially when parents are footing the bill), this episode dives into how to balance honoring tradition while still planning a wedding that feels authentic and true to you. They talk about how weddings involve multiple stakeholders with layered expectations, why communication and boundaries with family are essential, and how certain traditions — like cake cutting, parent dances, and formal invitations — can be adapted rather than eliminated. Tabitha also shares how outdated etiquette continues to cause confusion, and why hospitality, guest experience, and thoughtful planning will never go out of style. If you’re feeling torn between what you see online, what your family expects, and what you actually want, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical advice for planning your wedding your way — without unnecessary stress or guilt. With over 16 years of event planning experience, Tabitha has grown Roberts & Co into a company that thrives in creating and experiencing hospitality in its highest form. Working to always be transparent and upfront with her clients, their company is built on making planning less work and more enjoyable for everyone! Highlights • How to balance tradition and modern wedding trends • Navigating parental expectations — especially when they’re contributing financially • Why social media can create unrealistic wedding comparisons • Which etiquette rules still matter (and which are evolving) • How to communicate boundaries without damaging relationships • Why embracing trends that reflect your personality is perfectly okay Connect with Tabitha: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    39 min

  4. FEB 24

    #52: A Gen Z Take On Weddings: How Working in the Industry Changes the Way You’d Plan Your Own with Courtney Pyke

    In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Fantasy Sound's very own, Courtney Pyke, for a fun and honest conversation about how working in the wedding industry completely changes the way you’d plan your own wedding. As a Gen Z team member, Courtney shares what she’s learned from being behind the scenes at countless weddings and how that perspective has shifted what she would prioritize, simplify, and skip altogether. From guest experience and shifting traditions to trusting your vendor team and tuning out social media noise, this episode dives into what really matters when the big day arrives. They talk about why Gen Z couples are focusing more on interactive experiences and less on rigid traditions, why short and sweet speeches are becoming the norm, and how elements like live artists, arcade games, and dessert bars are replacing older wedding customs. Courtney also shares why trusting your vendors is key to actually enjoying your day and why not every detail needs to be perfect for a wedding to feel unforgettable. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Pinterest boards, TikTok trends, or the pressure to make every detail symbolic, this episode is a refreshing reminder to focus on your relationship, your priorities, and the experience you want your guests to have. Courtney Pyke works at Fantasy Sound Event Services and has spent the past two years immersed in the wedding industry. From contracts and client communication to working events firsthand, she brings a Gen Z perspective shaped by real-world experience behind the scenes. Highlights • Why guest experience is a top priority for Gen Z couples • The importance of trusting your vendor team on the wedding day • How shifting traditions (like skipping the garter toss) reflect modern values • Why interactive elements, like live artists to arcade games, are on the rise • How to avoid getting overwhelmed by social media wedding trends • Why short, meaningful speeches and personalization matter more than perfection Connect with Courtney: LinkedIn Email Connect with Kevin & August: Website Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn

    35 min

  5. FEB 17

    #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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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About

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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