Wedding Day Podcast

Iron Diamond | Sonja Babich

Welcome to “Wedding Day Podcast” with you host Sonja Babich, Owner and CEO of Iron Diamond Media - a leading wedding resource featuring seven localized wedding brands and wedding publications across the country.  Come along as they travel from state to state to connect with the most creative and well-respected professionals in the wedding industry.  Every episode will arm you with in-depth knowledge; the hottest new trends, wedding day tips and details, and... they show you all the joys of planning your perfect wedding day! 

  1. 4d ago

    What Are Interactive Food Stations and How Do They Change Your Wedding Menu? | WDP Ep 89

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What interactive food stations are and how they engage wedding guestsHow to personalize a wedding menu with family recipes and meaningful traditionsWhy creative presentation can make wedding food more memorableHow signature cocktails and mocktails enhance the guest experienceWhy plated service may offer more value than couples expectHow intimate weddings can support elevated dining experiencesIn this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Dan Riggs and Carrie Fisher of Wisconsin Bride sit down with Kaelyn Cervero, owner and president of 41Fork Hospitality, and Colleen Mueller, senior sales manager, at Pearl & Cade in downtown Milwaukee. They discuss how interactive food stations, meaningful family recipes, local ingredients and creative beverage service can turn a wedding menu into an experience guests will remember. From tomahawk carving stations and pasta prepared in a cheese wheel to color-changing mocktails and espresso martini towers, Kaelyn and Colleen explain how food and drinks can become part of the entertainment. They also share their perspectives on plated versus buffet service, intimate wedding dining and the thoughtful hospitality choices that can make a celebration feel distinct and personal. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  2. Aug 14

    Do You Need Enough Wedding Cake for Every Guest? | WDP Ep 88

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Whether you need enough wedding cake to serve every guestWhat a kitchen cake is and how it can help serve a larger guest countWhy flavor should come first when choosing your wedding cakeHow wedding cake tastings help couples find the perfect flavorsWhat goes into creating realistic handmade sugar flowersWhy your wedding cake should be part of your reception designDo you need enough wedding cake for every guest? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with pastry chef and cake designer Kelsey Ryder of Love More Sweets to discuss wedding cake servings, flavor-forward desserts and how couples can turn their cake into a memorable part of their reception design. After training at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Kelsey brought her pastry expertise back home to Omaha, Nebraska, where she combines Midwest charm with the techniques and influences she encountered in New York. She shares how her culinary background shaped her flavor-first approach to wedding cakes, why she considers herself a pastry chef before a cake designer and how her intricate handmade sugar flowers can take several days to create. The conversation also explores what couples should consider when planning their wedding dessert, from starting with a cake tasting and experimenting with unexpected flavor combinations to supplementing a statement cake with kitchen cakes served behind the scenes. Kelsey explains why couples don't necessarily have to make their display cake do all the work—and why treating the wedding cake as both dessert and décor can create a beautiful centerpiece guests will remember long after the celebration ends. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  3. Aug 7

    What Should You Look for in a Destination Wedding Venue? | WDP Ep 87

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What to look for when choosing a destination wedding venueWhy the guest experience matters when planning a wedding weekendHow on-site amenities and activities can enhance a destination weddingWhat family-friendly offerings can mean for guests traveling with childrenWhy accommodations are an important part of the wedding weekend experienceHow the right venue can make a wedding feel like a vacation for everyoneWhat should you look for in a destination wedding venue? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media owner Sonja Babich sits down with Paul Barbaro, Director of Sales at Grand View Lodge, to explore how couples can think beyond the ceremony and reception when choosing where to celebrate. Located on Gull Lake near Nisswa, Minnesota, Grand View Lodge offers everything from picturesque ceremony locations and a variety of accommodations to dining, boating, golf, spa experiences and family-friendly activities. Paul shares how the resort approaches weddings as a complete guest experience, giving friends and family the opportunity to settle in, spend time together and enjoy a vacation alongside the celebration. Whether you're planning a destination wedding, considering a resort venue or simply want your guests to enjoy more than a single day of festivities, this conversation offers a look at how the right wedding venue can help turn your celebration into an unforgettable weekend. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  4. Jul 31

    What Happens if It Rains on Your Wedding Day? A Destination Wedding Expert Explains | WDP Ep 86

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What to do if rain is in the forecast on your wedding dayWhy destination weddings require experienced local vendorsHow to create an unforgettable wedding weekend experienceWhy every outdoor wedding needs a weather backup planHow family history shaped one of Oregon's most unique wedding venuesWhat couples should look for when choosing a destination wedding venueWhat happens if it rains on your wedding day? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with Kathleen Crook-O'Donnell, president and owner of Crook Point, to discuss destination wedding planning, navigating unpredictable weather and creating unforgettable celebrations along Oregon's breathtaking coastline. As the steward of her family's seventh-generation property, Kathleen shares how Crook Point evolved from a cherished family retreat into one of Oregon's premier destination wedding venues. She reflects on unexpectedly entering the wedding industry, building upon decades of family hospitality and creating a place where couples can celebrate with stunning ocean views, private lodging and immersive weekend experiences. The conversation also explores the realities of planning an outdoor wedding, from preparing for changing coastal weather and building reliable contingency plans to assembling an experienced vendor team that can confidently navigate the unexpected. Kathleen explains why destination weddings are about so much more than a beautiful backdrop—they're about creating meaningful guest experiences, thoughtful logistics and lasting memories that extend far beyond the wedding day. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  5. Jul 24

    So, What Does It Mean to Book a Luxury Wedding Photographer? | WDP Ep 85

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: Why luxury wedding photography is about more than beautiful imagesWhat truly separates luxury wedding photographers from the restHow photographers and wedding planners work together behind the scenesWhy the "slow burn" is the key to building a successful creative careerHow Gen Z couples are changing the wedding experienceWhy multi-day wedding weekends create richer wedding storiesWhat does it actually mean to book a luxury wedding photographer? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with Sarah Anne Thompson, founder of Seattle-based Sarah Anne Thompson, to explore what sets luxury wedding photography apart and why the experience extends far beyond the photos themselves. Known for her timeless, story-driven imagery, Sarah shares how an unexpected internship introduced her to wedding photography after originally pursuing commercial photography. She reflects on nearly leaving the industry after pandemic burnout, the mindset shifts that helped her build a thriving luxury photography business and why embracing the "slow burn" of personal and professional growth has become one of her greatest philosophies. The conversation also dives into the evolving expectations of today's couples, from immersive multi-day wedding weekends and personalized guest experiences to the growing demand for authentic behind-the-scenes storytelling. Sarah explains why close collaboration with wedding planners allows every meaningful detail—from sentimental heirlooms to custom design elements—to be thoughtfully documented, ensuring couples remember not only how their wedding looked, but how it felt. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  6. Jul 17

    How Do You Prepare for a Boudoir Session? | WDP Ep 84

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: How to prepare for your first boudoir sessionWhy boudoir photography is about confidence, not perfectionThe biggest misconceptions about bridal boudoirWhen to give your partner a boudoir albumHow boudoir sessions create stronger wedding-day relationshipsHow do you prepare for a boudoir session if you've never done one before? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, sits down with Phoenix-based wedding, boudoir and lifestyle photographer Ashley Stone, owner of Ashley Stone Photography, to discuss how boudoir photography can become one of the most empowering experiences leading up to your wedding day. Known for her romantic, emotion-driven imagery, Ashley shares how she helps first-time clients feel comfortable in front of the camera through thoughtful guidance, natural posing and a supportive environment. She explains why boudoir is about much more than creating a meaningful gift for your partner—it's an opportunity to celebrate your confidence, embrace vulnerability and preserve this chapter of your life in an authentic way. The conversation also explores the biggest misconceptions surrounding boudoir photography, why these sessions often strengthen the relationship between photographer and client, and how that trust naturally carries into the wedding day. Ashley also offers practical preparation tips, discusses the emotional impact boudoir can have throughout different seasons of life and shares her advice for when couples should exchange a boudoir album before the wedding. Whether you're considering your first boudoir session, searching for a wedding photographer or simply curious about the experience, this episode offers expert advice and heartfelt insight into confidence, connection and creating photographs that tell your story long after the wedding day. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  7. Jul 10

    What Goes Into Creating Custom Wedding Signage? | WDP Ep 83

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: What goes into creating custom wedding signage and installationsHow inspiration boards become one-of-a-kind event designsWhy venue logistics play a major role in custom installationsThe behind-the-scenes challenges couples never see on wedding dayHow signage vendors adapt when unexpected problems ariseWhy custom installations can transform the guest experienceWhat does it actually take to create the custom wedding signage and installations that stop guests in their tracks? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Editorial Director of Washington Wedding Day, sit down with Tamara Berndt, owner of Seattle-based On the Wall Design Studio, to explore the artistry, logistics and problem-solving behind today's most memorable wedding displays. Known for her handcrafted installations and immersive event designs, Tamara shares how a lifelong passion for creating evolved from a side hustle into a thriving signage studio. From teaching herself woodworking and graphic design to continually refining her fabrication process, she explains how every custom piece begins with a couple's vision before becoming a functional work of art built specifically for their celebration. The conversation also dives into the realities couples rarely see—from navigating venue constraints and transportation logistics to making last-minute pivots when unexpected challenges arise. Tamara reflects on balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, the supportive community she's found within the wedding industry and why creating unforgettable guest experiences through thoughtful design continues to inspire her work. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

  8. Jul 3

    How Do You Avoid a Cookie-Cutter Wedding? Expert Planners Explain | WDP Ep 82

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Listen to learn: How to avoid creating a cookie-cutter weddingHow to create visual impact without decorating every single tableWhy great wedding design starts with your story—not PinterestWedding trends couples are embracing beyond traditional receptionsThe power of one dramatic focal pointCreative entertainment ideas your guests won't see comingHow do you create a wedding that feels completely unique when so many celebrations begin to look the same? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Brooke Beise, Publisher of Minnesota Bride, sit down with Rachelle Mazumdar, founder of Style-Architects Weddings, and Anna Mazumdar, lead wedding planner, to explore the intentional design philosophy behind unforgettable weddings. Known for their highly personalized approach to wedding planning and design, Rachelle and Anna explain how they help couples move beyond Pinterest inspiration to create celebrations that genuinely reflect their personalities. From layering linens and floral designs to avoiding the "sea of the same," they share how thoughtful design choices, strategic timelines and immersive guest experiences transform beautiful weddings into memorable ones. The conversation also explores today's biggest wedding trends, including curated after parties, interactive entertainment and statement floral installations, while highlighting the importance of balancing creative vision with meticulous planning. Plus, Rachelle announces her upcoming retirement after 15 years in the wedding industry and shares how she's passing the Style-Architects Weddings legacy to Anna, offering an inspiring look at mentorship, succession and the future of one of Minnesota's most respected wedding planning companies. Support the show Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Wedding Day Podcast” with you host Sonja Babich, Owner and CEO of Iron Diamond Media - a leading wedding resource featuring seven localized wedding brands and wedding publications across the country.  Come along as they travel from state to state to connect with the most creative and well-respected professionals in the wedding industry.  Every episode will arm you with in-depth knowledge; the hottest new trends, wedding day tips and details, and... they show you all the joys of planning your perfect wedding day! 

Information

  • Creator
    Iron Diamond | Sonja Babich
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wedding Day Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wedding Day Podcast

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