Now You're Engaged - A Wedding Show Kenny Hopkins & Julie Occhino

In this episode, we’re uncovering what truly sets your wedding apart as an amazing event: the guest experience. We had on Michelle Wood, wedding planner and founder of Meraki Wood Events. She shares the importance of having a backup plan for worst-case scenarios, tips to bring your event to life and unique ideas that will WOW guests.
 
For full show notes, resources, links: 
https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/creating-the-ultimate-guest-experience-with-michelle-wood-of-meraki-wood-events
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
2:05 Michelle’s story of getting started in the wedding industry
4:22 How she brought the “Hamptons Flair” to South Florida
7:52 Her 3 tiers of wedding planning services
9:46 The key benefits of working with a wedding planner
13:14 One of Michelle’s favorite wedding planning memories
19:37 What to focus on to level up your guests’ experience
27:23 Creative guest surprises
29:36 Michelle’s advice on the most important thing on your wedding day
43:42 Why she named her business Meraki Wood Events

In this episode, we’re talking all things jewelry insurance! If you’d be crushed at the thought of losing your engagement or wedding rings then you need to hear this conversation with Debi Lilly, celebrity party planner and author. Debi shares a story that demonstrates why jewelry insurance is a necessity for couples. 
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/why-ring-insurance-is-a-must-have-on-your-pre-wedding-checklist-with-debi-lilly
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
2:13 How Debi got started in the wedding industry
3:29 Why she is so passionate about jewelry insurance 
6:20 Her details to-do list 
8:37 Home insurance vs. jewelry insurance
10:29 What jewelry insurance she recommends
13:51 Her tips for keeping your rings safe and clean
18:51 Ring trends for 2021
25:31 Advice for keeping your rings nice for years to come
27:30 Why you need a ring check-up

In this episode, we had a conversation with Hannah Mitchell, of Elite Seattle. Hannah and her mom Cindy specialize in designing thoughtful high-end weddings and events. She shares her process as a planner for luxury weddings and talks about the types of services they offer their clients. 
 
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/thoughtful-high-end-weddings-with-hannah-mitchell-of-elite-events
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:14 How Hannah and her mom got started in the wedding industry
5:56 What services they specialize in
9:35 How they navigate decor and design
10:58 Her vetting process for working with new vendors
13:05 How her company differs from other wedding planning companies
18:45 Her favorite trends of 2021 and 2022
22:23 The live stream trend
24:13 COVID testing at weddings
28:23 The importance of hiring experienced professionals
39:34 Their plans for expansion into California

Need more inspiration for planning your wedding? In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Novack, founder of Partyslate. Partyslate is an inspiration platform that shares unique party ideas and the professionals who make them happen. Julia shares how she got her idea for starting Partyslate and how people typically use the platform when event planning.
 
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/plan-your-party-like-a-pro-with-founder-of-partyslate-julia-novack
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:36 How Julia got into the wedding industry
6:29 What events Partyslate serves
11:30 How they reduce the intimidation factor through their platform
13:01 Why you should use FAQ pages
14:59 What vendors they feature on their website
18:40 What an idea slate is and how you can use that feature
21:57 How Partyslate is different from other wedding blogs and publications
26:07 How 2021 and 2022 is a recovery year
31:08 How event “rules” and traditions will change
36:01 How event professionals and venues can get onto Partyslate

Wedding trends come and go. In this episode, we’re joined by wedding planner Marylen Exposito of Marylen Exposito Events to talk all things wedding trends in 2021. We chat about how covid has changed the way weddings are done and what trends we really like that have emerged this year. 
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/wedding-trends-for-2021-with-wedding-planner-and-ceo-of-marylen-exposito-events-marylen-exposito
 
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
3:12 Entertainment as the main focus
7:15 The micro wedding trend 
9:13 The popularity of elopements
15:05 Formal dining during weddings
16:22 Weekday weddings
19:34 Up and coming color trends
21:25 Quality over quantity
24:22 How wedding attendance will be in 2022
35:08 Sustainability in weddings

2020 was the year of rescheduled weddings. It comes as no surprise that there was no guidebook on how to handle this and many vendors and couples were left scrambling trying to figure out how to move their big day. In this episode, Kenny and Julie had a conversation with wedding planner and CEO of Infinite Events, Erica Trombetti about the course she designed to help people reschedule their wedding day. 
 
For full show notes, resources, links: https://www.nowyoureengaged.com/season-two/the-blueprint-to-rescheduling-your-wedding-with-wedding-planner-and-ceo-of-infinite-events-erica-trombetti



EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
1:08 How Erica got started in the wedding industry 
3:39 Her experience of rescheduling 30+ weddings
25:05 Changes that have happened during COVID in the wedding industry
36:02 Her favorite wedding trend of 2021
38:11 Services that she offers at Infinite Events