Just as Planned

Just as Planned

Create your dream wedding with practical planning advice, loads of inspiration, and wedding vendor showcases from all around the world. Just as Planned - where everything goes -Just as Planned #wedding #weddingevent

  1. Jul 7

    Destination Weddings, Personal Vows & the Truth About Celebrants | Mandi, Married by Mandi

    Ever wondered what a marriage celebrant actually does — and why they might be the most important vendor you book? In this episode of Just As Planned, Christine sits down with Mandi, a Brisbane-based marriage celebrant with 20 years of experience and a specialist in destination weddings and romance travel. Mandi shares the real talk behind the wedding industry — from why celebrants are chronically undervalued (yes, even compared to the cake), to how reality TV shows like Married at First Sight are warping couple's expectations before they've even booked a venue. They dive into personal vows — why Mandi believes they're the most important moment of any ceremony — and she shares some genuinely funny examples, including the very specific promises she made to her own husband. The conversation shifts to destination weddings: why they're booming, the surprising legal hoops for getting married in Bali, Thailand, and Fiji, and why many couples opt for symbolic ceremonies overseas and handle the paperwork at home. Mandi also drops some no-nonsense planning advice — including who to book first (celebrant, photographer, venue — in that order) and why September Saturdays disappear faster than you'd think. Whether you're planning a first wedding, a second chance at love, or a blended family celebration, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and a few laughs. In this episode: Why celebrants are undervalued — and how to think about their worth How personal vows can be simple, funny, or deeply meaningful The legal reality of destination weddings in Bali, Fiji & Thailand When to book your vendors (and what happens if you wait) How wedding expectations shift for later-in-life couples Why the pronouncement moment never gets old after 20 years Connect with Mandi: Website: www.marriedbymandi.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/Marriedbymandi.marriagecelebrant Visit https://www.justasplanned.com.au/ DISCLAIMER: Intended for entertainment purposes ONLY. seek medical or professional advice or certified professionals only, before making any decisions.

  2. Jun 16

    Wedding DJ & MC: Why You Should Book Direct (Not an Agency) with Alex Pisani - Unity Entertainment

    Your wedding DJ and MC can make or break the vibe on the day — so how do you find the right one? In this episode, Christine sits down with Alex from Unity Entertainment, a wedding-focused DJ and MC based in Australia, to talk about what really goes into creating an unforgettable wedding reception experience.Alex covers why having one person handle both DJ and MC duties is a game-changer, the difference between booking direct versus going through an agency, and the modern wedding trends reshaping what couples actually want on their big day. He also shares practical advice on vendor communication, what questions you should be asking before you sign anything, and why a 5-minute phone call is worth more than a dozen emails.In this episode:* Why hiring a combined DJ & MC creates a smoother, more connected eventDirect booking vs. agencies — and the due diligence every couple should do* How modern couples are ditching traditional elements (cake cutting, formal aisle walks) to make weddings their own* The vendor coordination mistakes that cause awkward pauses on the day* How to handle conflicting music requests from family members* What wedding vendors actually cost — and why backup equipment matters* Practical advice: think in ballpark budget ranges, not strict limitsConnect with Alex:Website: www.unityentertainment.com.auInstagram: @Unity_Ent_AuVisit https://www.justasplanned.com.au/DISCLAIMER: Intended for entertainment purposes ONLY. Seek medical or professional advice or certified professionals only, before making any decisions.

  3. Jun 9

    Barefoot & Married: Planning Your Moreton Island Elopement with Celebrant Kerri Watkins

    Dreaming of getting married on Moreton Island? In this episode of Just as Planned Weddings, host Christine sits down with Kerri Watkins — celebrant, vow whisperer, and barefoot island girl who has been marrying couples in love since 2008. Kerri specialises in intimate elopements on Moreton Island, Queensland, and helps couples all over the world write deeply personal, emotional vows through her Epic Wedding Vows guided experience. If you want sand between your toes instead of a seating chart headache, this episode is for you. In this episode we cover:✨ What it's really like to get married on Moreton Island🗓️ How much notice you need to legally marry in Australia (hint: it's one month!)🌊 Weather, logistics & vendors — what to know before you book💍 Why Kerri believes the ceremony is the heart of the day — and your vows are the heart of the ceremony✍️ How to write personalised wedding vows that make people cry (in the best way)💑 How to find the right celebrant for YOU📝 Name change process after marriage in Australia📍 Why couples are ditching traditional weddings for intimate, meaningful experiences Kerri shares her own personal story — neither she nor her husband wrote their own vows, and they both wish they had. That regret became the heart of her entire celebrancy philosophy. Whether you're planning a destination elopement on Moreton Island, writing your own vows, or just trying to figure out where to even start — this episode will leave you feeling excited, inspired, and ready. 🔗 Connect with Kerri Watkins:🌐 Website: https://www.kerriwatkinscelebrant.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriwatkinscelebrant 🎧 Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe to Just as Planned Weddings for expert advice on planning your perfect wedding — from intimate elopements to full celebrations. 👍 Like this video if it helped you💬 Drop your vow writing questions in the comments — we'd love to hear from you!

  4. 10/28/2025

    Why Your Wedding Needs More Than Just a DJ: Dancefloor Secrets with Dean Lewkovitz | Ep 20

    Welcome to another exciting episode of Just as Planned TV and Podcast, where we bring you the best tips, tricks, and stories from the world of weddings and events! I’m your host, Nathan Cassar, and today we’re kicking off the season with a true innovator in the entertainment space — Dean Lewkovitz, also known as DJ Lewko from To Life Entertainment. Dean is no stranger to the world of high-energy, unforgettable events. With years of experience under his belt, he’s been the go-to DJ and entertainer for countless weddings, corporate events, and Jewish celebrations. Known for his sharp wit, innovative approach, and a flair for crowd engagement, Dean’s passion lies in bringing the energy of nightlife to weddings, ensuring that each event has more than just a soundtrack, but a fully immersive experience. Whether he’s playing the latest hits or spinning classics, Dean and his team of talented DJs specialize in bringing a dynamic, high-level entertainment solution to every event. But it’s not just about the music — it’s about crafting moments that guests won’t stop talking about. Dean has been in the game since the age of 11, and his dedication to creating amazing experiences has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry. Today, we’re going to dive deep into the world of entertainment and what it takes to make an event unforgettable. We’ll explore the art of combining a high-energy DJ style with polished presentation, the importance of crowd work, and why having a team that understands your unique needs can truly make or break an event. Plus, we’ll discuss Dean’s extensive experience in Jewish weddings and events, and how he’s able to bring the traditions of his community to life with a modern twist. So, if you’re ready to elevate your event’s entertainment and hear from one of the best in the biz, let’s get into it! Dean, welcome to the show!

    Why Your Wedding Needs More Than Just a DJ: Dancefloor Secrets with Dean Lewkovitz | Ep 20

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Create your dream wedding with practical planning advice, loads of inspiration, and wedding vendor showcases from all around the world. Just as Planned - where everything goes -Just as Planned #wedding #weddingevent