Between the Details Podcast

Jessica Ralph and Aaron Lockwood
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Between the Details is the go-to podcast where clients and vendors both come away with the insight they need to make better decisions. Co-hosted by Jessica Ralph, owner of Parties à la Carte — with over 15 years of experience planning weddings and events across the United States — and Aaron Lockwood, owner of Lockwood Studios — with over 20 years of experience as a photographer and videographer — each episode tackles the topics that define exceptional events from both sides of the table: real costs, contracts, timelines, photography, vendor standards, and the finer points most never discuss.

  1. 6d ago

    Feeding 1000 Guests: Inside the Kitchen with Chef Matthew Brennan

    What does it really take to serve a beautiful, perfectly timed dinner to 1,000 guests? This week on Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron sit down with Chef Matthew Brennan from JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street to pull back the curtain on the world of luxury event catering. From starting his career as a 14-year-old dishwasher to leading an incredible culinary team, Chef Matthew shares his journey, his love for cooking over an open flame, and the countless moving parts that go into creating an exceptional dining experience. We get into menu planning, food presentation, the importance of tastings, managing large-scale events, and why timing is everything. Plus, Chef Matthew shares a few vendor confessions about rising costs, unrealistic expectations, and what clients don't always realize happens behind the kitchen doors. Whether you're an event professional, planning your own celebration, or just love a good behind-the-scenes conversation, this episode serves up a whole new appreciation for what goes into every plate.

  2. Oct 14

    Beyond the Venue: Inside Armature Works

    There’s more to Armature Works than meets the eye! This week on Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron sit down with Sarah Elwood, Venue Sales Manager at Tampa’s iconic Armature Works, to talk about the history, hidden gems, and endless possibilities behind one of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable destinations. From its historic roots as a streetcar warehouse to its transformation into a versatile event destination, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of its three unique private event spaces and shares what makes hosting an event there so special. But we don't stop at the venue tour! We're getting into the real conversations every client and vendor needs to hear: decision fatigue, touring too many venues, setting realistic budgets, understanding your guest count, and why reading your emails (yes, all of them!) matters more than you think. Whether you're planning a wedding, producing a corporate event, or simply love a little industry insight, this episode is packed with practical advice, a few laughs, and a fresh perspective on what goes into creating an unforgettable event. Because finding the perfect venue isn't just about loving the space. It's about knowing what you're planning for.

  3. Sep 9

    What you don't know, you don't know

    There are the details you know about when planning an event—and then there are all the things you don't know you don't know. In this episode of Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron pull back the curtain on what actually happens behind the scenes of weddings and events, from the hours spent planning before anyone ever arrives to the people, logistics, experience and problem-solving required to make an event look effortless. They break down who actually pays for weddings today, the surprising cost of being in a wedding party, why experienced vendors often cost more, and what you're really paying for when you hire someone who has spent years learning how to solve problems before they ever reach the client. The conversation also dives into choosing the right venue, why hosting a wedding at home may actually cost 30–35% more, the unseen preparation behind photography, video, florals and event production, and why some decisions have to happen much earlier than clients expect. Jessica also shares how she once helped produce a million-dollar event in just two weeks—with 56 entertainers and support personnel—and why having less time to overthink it actually helped make it one of their smoothest events. From timelines and weather plans to lighting, vendor availability and the details guests never notice when they're done correctly, this episode is about everything happening behind the scenes that makes a great event look easy. Because when an event is executed really well, you shouldn't see the chaos—you should simply experience the result.

  4. Sep 2

    It's not just the food: What great hospitality really looks like

    What separates good catering from truly great hospitality? In this episode of Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron sit down with Kevin Lacassin, President and CEO of Good Food Catering, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of creating an exceptional event experience. Kevin shares his unconventional journey from finance to hospitality, launching Good Food Catering in 2008 and eventually building a company centered around something much bigger than simply serving food. From building temporary restaurant kitchens in driveways and fields to serving hundreds of guests within minutes, the conversation pulls back the curtain on the planning, staffing, systems and logistics required to execute large-scale events at a high level. They also dive into the difference between catering and hospitality, plated dinners vs. stations vs. family-style service, what “luxury” actually means, building a hospitality-driven company culture, and why the smallest details can completely change the way a guest remembers an event. And in Vendor Confessions, things get a little spicy when Kevin admits he has some mixed feelings about one of the wedding industry's favorite traditions: the tasting. If you've ever wondered what your caterer is doing before the first plate ever reaches the table—or why exceptional hospitality is about so much more than the food—this episode takes you behind the scenes.

  5. Aug 26

    Beyond Just Floral: Creating Unforgettable Events

    In this episode of Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron sit down with Jacob and Johnny of TFW Design to talk about what really goes into creating the floral designs and installations guests see at luxury events. From losing their jobs during COVID and starting with the idea of a small plant shop to designing large-scale events around the country, Jacob and Johnny share how their backgrounds in architecture and interior design shaped the way they approach floral and event design today. They also pull back the curtain on a side of florals most clients never see: sourcing flowers from around the world, navigating seasonality, transporting flowers for destination events, managing large teams, and the days—or even weeks—of labor behind an installation that guests may only see once it's completely finished. And in Vendor Confessions, they tackle one of the industry's biggest challenges: when the Pinterest board doesn't match the budget. The conversation dives into how Pinterest, social media, and now AI are changing client expectations—and why recreating an inspiration photo isn't always as simple, or affordable, as it looks. If you've ever wondered why event florals cost what they do—or what it actually takes to turn an inspiration board into a real event—this episode takes you behind the scenes.

  6. Aug 19

    What It Takes to Plan a Destination Event

    Destination events sound glamorous—but what actually goes into pulling one off? In this episode of Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron unpack the realities of destination weddings and corporate events, from choosing the right location and navigating travel logistics to working with local vendors, transporting gear, managing costs, and preparing for everything that could go wrong. They share stories from events across the U.S. and abroad, including Ireland, Mexico, Arizona, Chicago, and even a wedding opportunity at a historic castle in Poland that came with an unexpected photography restriction. They also explore why destination weddings aren't necessarily about spending less. For many couples, they're about creating a smaller, more intentional experience for the people who matter most—and that can mean welcome parties, additional events, guest travel considerations, and an entirely different approach to the budget. Plus, Jessica and Aaron discuss why arriving early matters, when it makes sense to hire local vendors versus bringing your own team, protecting photo and video footage while traveling, and some surprisingly accessible destinations that might be worth considering. If you've ever dreamed about taking your wedding, corporate event, or event business somewhere new, this episode gives you a look at what happens behind the destination.

  7. Aug 12

    More Than Music: How Entertainment Shapes Your Event

    Band, DJ, or both? The entertainment you choose does more than fill the dance floor—it helps set the energy, pace, and overall experience of your entire event. In this episode of Between the Details, Jessica and Aaron sit down with Josh Greyson from Noah Gray Music to talk about what really goes into creating great live entertainment. With years of experience in the New York and Florida event industries, Josh shares his perspective on the differences between live bands, DJs, and hybrid entertainment—and why choosing the right option is about much more than your favorite music. They dive into how great entertainers read a room, the importance of a strong MC, building a music experience without overplanning every song, and some of the additional costs couples may not think about when booking a live band. Josh also shares how his background as both a musician and DJ influences the way his bands perform, mix music, and adapt in real time. And in this episode's Vendor Confession, the conversation turns to an important reminder for both couples and wedding professionals: take the expert advice, understand the pros and cons, but ultimately make choices that feel like you. Because the best wedding isn't the one that looks best on social media—it's the one that actually feels like yours.

  8. Aug 5

    Through Your Photographer's Eyes

    If you've ever wondered what separates a good wedding photographer from a truly exceptional one, this episode is for you. We sit down with Tampa wedding photographer Eddy, whose business has been built largely through referrals, genuine relationships, and an unwavering commitment to serving both clients and fellow vendors. From his unexpected journey from videography to photography to his philosophy on trust, communication, and creating an unforgettable client experience, Eddy shares the behind-the-scenes mindset that has helped him build a thriving brand. Whether you're a couple planning your wedding or a creative professional looking to grow your business, this conversation is packed with practical insights on networking, collaborating with vendor teams, earning referrals, navigating new venues with confidence, and building lasting relationships that extend far beyond the wedding day. Because in the event industry, the best photos don't just capture moments—they're built on connection, preparation, and trust.

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About

Between the Details is the go-to podcast where clients and vendors both come away with the insight they need to make better decisions. Co-hosted by Jessica Ralph, owner of Parties à la Carte — with over 15 years of experience planning weddings and events across the United States — and Aaron Lockwood, owner of Lockwood Studios — with over 20 years of experience as a photographer and videographer — each episode tackles the topics that define exceptional events from both sides of the table: real costs, contracts, timelines, photography, vendor standards, and the finer points most never discuss.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Ralph and Aaron Lockwood
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jessica Ralph and Aaron Lockwood
  • Show Website
    Between the Details Podcast