The Preferred List: A Wedding Vendor Podcast

James
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ARTS

The Preferred List is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the wedding industry, featuring honest conversations with the pros behind the scenes. From planners to photographers to DJs and florists, we dive into the real stories, lessons, and moments that make weddings unforgettable — and what it really takes to earn a spot on the list.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 21 How Wedding Photos Become Family History: Juliana Tomlinson Photography

    What if the most “luxurious” thing about your wedding photos isn’t the price tag, but how deeply they make you feel years later? We sit down with photographer and educator Juliana Tomlinson to explore story-first shooting, movement prompts that erase stiffness, and the art of capturing moments that still echo decades down the line. From her roots in Brazilian journalism to a creative career shaped by cinema and human behavior, Juliana shares how body language, empathy, and intentional direction turn stills into memory keepers. We unpack how her style evolved from bright and airy to true-to-life color with disciplined highlights, why authenticity outlives trends, and how to balance classic portraits for grandma with dynamic, lived-in frames for the couple. Juliana breaks down practical ways to elevate a portfolio ethically—like using a single floral arrangement to craft refined detail shots—without misrepresenting a day or chasing portfolio bait. We also redefine “luxury” as service: fast, thoughtful communication, a calm lead on timelines, and meaningful collaboration with planners, filmmakers, and venues. Treating vendors like clients builds referral flywheels that compound long after the sparkler exit. For photographers, you’ll hear actionable advice on starting before you’re ready, building systems alongside craft, and choosing growth that actually fits your life—whether that’s fewer dates, higher touch, or education. For couples, you’ll learn how to choose a photographer you truly like, what to look for in full galleries, and how to think long-term about images that belong on your walls for years. Ready to rethink success and create work that endures? Follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to tell us what resonated most. Your feedback helps more creatives and couples find the show. https://www.julianatomlinsonphotography.com/ https://www.instagram.com/julianatomlinsonphotography/

    1h 5m

  2. JAN 29

    Episode 20 Building A Thoughtful Wedding Venue Experience From Scratch: Hazelwood Weddings

    If your venue is the backdrop to every photo, shouldn’t it also be the backbone of a calm, guest-friendly celebration? We sit down with Kate from Hazelwood Weddings to trace how a teacher and a finance pro built a modern, non-barn venue that prioritizes flow, comfort, and transparent communication—long before a contract is signed. Kate shares why they ditched the idea of DIY coordinating and partnered with a pro, how a vetted caterer list quietly saves the day, and what fast, thoughtful replies do for trust when couples are overwhelmed by choices. We walk through the anatomy of a great guest experience: shaded and covered ceremony options, a dedicated cocktail area, a climate-controlled reception space, and paved, accessible pathways that keep people close and comfortable. Kate also unpacks the evolution from one-size-fits-all to flexible offerings—elopements, micro weddings, and full-day celebrations—so couples can match budget, timeline, and vision without sacrificing the modern look they love. Along the way, we dig into vendor red flags, why response time beats follower count, and the simple systems that make personalization at scale possible. For couples, you’ll get concrete tips on touring venues, reading pricing, and setting priorities. For vendors, you’ll hear how to stand out with clarity, speed, and service that feels human. And for anyone juggling kids and a creative business, there’s honest talk about seasons of life, staying present, and letting the noncritical tasks wait until Monday. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations with the people who make great wedding days happen, share this with a friend who’s planning, and leave a review to tell us your biggest planning question. https://hazelwoodweddingvenue.com https://www.instagram.com/hazelwoodweddings https://www.facebook.com/hazelwoodweddings

    55 min

  3. JAN 22

    Episode 19 From LA To Pennsylvania, Building A Bridal Beauty Brand: Amanda Ryan Hair and Makeup

    Your wedding morning sets the tone for everything that follows, so we brought in Amanda from Amanda Ryan Hair and Makeup to show how soft, relaxed beauty and smart planning can transform chaos into calm. From her LA roots to her Pennsylvania clientele, Amanda shares how she built a signature look—loose glam waves, textured modern updos, and blushy bronze makeup—that keeps brides looking like themselves, only elevated. We dig into the choices that matter: selecting an artist whose portfolio already mirrors your taste, using the dress and venue to guide hair and makeup, and aligning the timeline with your photographer so nothing feels rushed. Amanda unpacks practical prep that saves time—arriving on time, drying hair beforehand, tucking away phones—and explains why the bride should finish second or third to last to protect the schedule and the look. She also reveals the long-wear kit that carries you through heat, hugs, and happy tears: NARS foundation, waterproof formulas across the board, a powerhouse setting spray, and the “lean and dab” tear technique that preserves makeup without dulling emotion. We also cover where to get ready and why it matters. Venues with big windows, balanced light, and the right chairs make artistry easier and results better. Homes can work with extra setup and space, but early venue access is a game changer. For aspiring artists, Amanda’s playbook is clear: invest in education, practice relentlessly, and build a portfolio through styled shoots that highlights exactly what you want to be hired for. And for couples feeling pulled in every direction, her north star is simple—choose your vision, not the noise. Listen for trends like corner lashes, glossy lips, and hair-down looks that feel natural, plus vendor etiquette that keeps the morning collaborative. If this helped you plan a calmer, more beautiful start to your day, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Your feedback keeps us creating the conversations you want most. https://www.instagram.com/amandaryanhairmakeup/ https://www.facebook.com/amandaryanhairmakeup/ amandaryanhair@gmail.com

    36 min

  4. JAN 15

    Episode 18 Serve The Day, Then Capture It: Ashley Warren Photography

    The best wedding days feel lived-in, not staged—and that starts with the people behind the camera. We sit down with Ashley, a wedding photographer who came to the industry through youth ministry and event planning, to unpack how a service-first mindset changes everything. From calm timelines and real margin to reading the room when emotions peak, she shares how to create space for authentic moments while still delivering the portraits couples expect. We talk about the sweet spot between documentary and direction: how to plan a first look so the moment happens, then step back and let it breathe. Ashley explains why the trend toward candid, people-first celebrations is reshaping coverage—more time with guests, fewer marathon photo blocks, and galleries that embrace variety. Direct flash receptions, nighttime portraits, and film-inspired frames now sit comfortably alongside classic, print-worthy images. Consistency is about taste and color, not forcing the same look from bridal suite to dance floor. If you’re booking vendors, you’ll hear clear, practical advice: look for personality fit, ask how your images are backed up, and treat a second shooter as an insurance policy. We dig into simple packages with a la carte hours that keep decisions easy and budgets honest, then revisit coverage once the timeline is real. For couples feeling overwhelmed, Ashley shares the “pick three priorities” approach and a reminder to prioritize the marriage over the minutiae. For creatives, we cover systems that speed communication, how texting can be both personal and professional, and why community over competition lifts the entire industry. If you loved this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s planning, and leave a quick review so more couples and vendors can find us. Your support helps us bring more real, useful stories from the people who make wedding days unforgettable. https://ashleywarrenphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ashleywarrenphoto/

    1h 5m

  5. JAN 8

    Episode 17 From Side Hustle To Story-Driven Wedding Films: Wayfinder Films

    A wedding film shouldn’t try to outshine your wedding day. It should take you back there. James sits down with filmmaker Ben Mon of Wayfinder Films to unpack how a slow, intentional path—from nine favors in 2020 to full-time in 2025—shaped a people-first, story-driven approach that actually holds up decades later. We dig into why you can’t hear your photos, how vows and voices carry emotion in a way stills can’t, and what it takes to capture the in-between moments that make couples say, that’s so us. Ben shares the mentors who sharpened his technical chops, the shift from editorial polish to documentary honesty, and the faith-rooted why that keeps him focused on service over spectacle. We get candid about trends: Super 8 film that brings tactile nostalgia, retro music that transports you, and the gentle retirement of detail-heavy edits that forget the humans. Ben’s hot take lands clearly: the depth of your relationship—not production tricks—is what makes a wedding film powerful. You’ll hear practical strategies for wedding-day collaboration with photographers, steering timelines without stress, and creating calm by reading the room. Ben also outlines a minimalist client experience: one discovery call, one focused planning chat, and custom collections that might include full ceremony and speeches or a FOMO edit with nearly everything. We close with travel-fueled inspiration from Tuscany and the dream list—Iceland and Mexico—plus side projects that keep creativity sharp. If you’re a couple on the fence about video or a vendor refining your craft, this conversation will help you build films that age with grace. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s planning, and leave a quick review so more couples and creatives can find us. https://wayfinderfilms.co/ https://www.instagram.com/wayfinderfilmsco/

    56 min

  6. JAN 1

    Episode 16 Your Ceremony, Your Voice: The Brofficiant

    What if your ceremony felt unmistakably like you—without forcing you to perform? We sit down with Leroy, the “bro” officiant behind Proficient, to unpack how he turns a familiar ceremony structure into a personal, present, and effortless experience for couples and their guests. Leroy’s path from DJ to officiant shapes everything he does: he reads the room, sets the tone, and builds a flow that balances warmth, humor, and reverence. He shares the simple three-question framework he gives couples to shape vows and voice—what I love about you, my intentions for our marriage, and my promises to you—and explains how to decide between handwritten vows, repeat-after-me, or private letters that still feel central to the day. We dig into unplugged ceremonies done right, including a clear welcome that invites guests to put phones away and lean in, and we map out ways to include family with readings, handfasting, or candlelighting without losing momentum. We also get tactical. No planner on site? Leroy outlines how he quietly quarterbacks the processional, mic handoffs, and transitions so couples don’t have to. He’s transparent about rehearsals, why he books one couple per day, and how a simple CRM plus “Wedding Wednesday” keeps communication timely and stress low. And for couples with opposite personalities, he shows how to keep both comfortable—crafting short, confident public moments or longer storytelling arcs that still feel balanced on camera and in the room. You’ll walk away with real ceremony ideas, vow prompts you can use today, and a better sense of how to choose an officiant who can carry your story with care. If you’re planning a wedding, filming one, or simply love the craft of a great ceremony, this conversation will help you build something guests remember and you actually enjoy. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s planning, and leave a quick review to help more couples find thoughtful, practical wedding advice. Check out the links for Leroy below! https://www.instagram.com/thebrofficiant https://luhluhleeroy.com/weddings/inquiry https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/leeroy-williams-mechanicsburg-pa-2040021 https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/leeroy-williams/236def7346372c33.html

    41 min

  7. 12/26/2025

    Episode 15 From Nightclubs To Best Night Of Your Life: Mint DJ Events & DJ Alex Nepa

    The best wedding parties feel electric yet effortless, and that doesn’t happen by accident. James sits down with DJ Alex Nepa to unpack how a club-trained mixer brings real energy to weddings without sacrificing polish, timing, or taste. From building Mint DJ into a team of true selectors to crafting custom edits that move seamlessly from a classic first dance to an Argentinian banger, Alex shows how preparation and curiosity keep the floor full and the couple at the center. We dig into the planning process—how 12 to 20 must-plays and do-not-plays beat bloated lists, why Spotify playlists work best as mood boards, and how smart questions about bars, concerts, and road trips reveal genuine taste. Alex shares how he handles requests like a pro, spots patterns that signal family favorites, and avoids floor-killing tempo jumps by reading the room in real time. He also explains the shift in wedding trends: quicker formalities, private cake cuttings, and party-forward timelines that create more space for dancing. On the craft side, Alex breaks down routines, wordplay, and tone play, plus how he tests new music in clubs to bring fresh sounds to receptions. We talk tech upgrades—from Serato to LED lighting and furniture-style DJ booths that match the décor—and why unlimited hours up to 11 p.m. reduce stress for couples. If you’re choosing a DJ, you’ll learn how to vet beyond reviews: look for someone more focused on your vision than their brand, someone who coordinates with vendors, leads the room with calm, and still knows when to drop the perfect track at the perfect moment. If this conversation sparks ideas for your own soundtrack, tap follow, share it with a friend planning a wedding, and leave a quick review with your must-play and do-not-play picks. Your stories shape future episodes. https://www.mintdjevents.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mintdjevents/ https://www.mixcloud.com/mintdjevents/ https://www.djalexnepa.com/ https://www.instagram.com/djalexnepa https://soundcloud.com/dj-alex-nepa

    53 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Episode 14 Comfort And Craft: Lewisburg Studio by Melo Foto

    A single beam of light in a dusty barn changed everything. That’s the moment Melanie realized wedding photography wasn’t just a skill set—it was a calling to protect fleeting minutes, calm anxious rooms, and translate love into images that last. We invited her to share that journey from darkroom patience to dance-floor intuition, and the conversation goes deep on what couples and creatives actually need to thrive. We explore how military goodbyes and new motherhood sharpened her eye for meaning, why comfort is a strategy, and how a people-first approach turns timelines into breathing room. Melanie breaks down the studio’s workflow—two-photographer coverage, flexible “up to” hours, and why first looks can unlock cocktail hour without sacrificing portraits. She’s candid about boundaries too: photographers aren’t planners, yet on days without coordination they often hold the glue. Hear how she juggles bustling dresses, wrangling family, and keeping the couple present while still protecting image quality. For couples, you’ll get clear steps to cut through overwhelm: choose vendors you genuinely like, meet face to face to avoid scams, lean on preferred vendor lists for chemistry, and build a realistic timeline with buffers. For creatives, there’s grounded advice on scaling a team, delegating, staying organized across calendars and cloud backups, and using delivery platforms like Pixieset to elevate client experience beyond a basic file link. We also talk vendor collaboration with videographers and DJs so coverage stays in sync and the final story feels cohesive. If you care about honest images, low-stress wedding days, and vendor teams that actually work well together, this conversation will meet you where you are. Listen, take what helps, and share it with a friend planning their day. Subscribe for more real talk with the people behind unforgettable weddings, and leave a quick review to tell us what topic you want next. https://www.instagram.com/lewisburgstudio/ https://melofoto.mypixieset.com/

    51 min
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About

The Preferred List is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the wedding industry, featuring honest conversations with the pros behind the scenes. From planners to photographers to DJs and florists, we dive into the real stories, lessons, and moments that make weddings unforgettable — and what it really takes to earn a spot on the list.

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