The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks

Charley King

The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks is a heartfelt podcast centered around weddings, events, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. Hosted by Charley King, the show brings together industry experts, creatives, entrepreneurs, and storytellers to share timeless advice, real-life experiences, and behind-the-scenes insights from the worlds of weddings, business, family, wellness, and personal growth.With warmth, elegance, and authenticity, Bluebell Talks is a space for big dreams, genuine connection, and conversations that inspire listeners to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments both inside and beyond the wedding world.

  1. 7h ago

    What Does a Wedding Planner Really Do? | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 2

    Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this insightful solo episode, Charley King takes viewers behind the curtain to answer a question that sounds simple but is often misunderstood: What does a wedding planner actually do? Drawing on 19 years of experience planning weddings and her professional background in theatre on London’s West End and Broadway, Charley explains why she views every wedding as a live production. When everything looks effortless to the guests, there is usually an enormous amount of work happening behind the scenes. Charley breaks down the many roles a professional wedding planner takes on, from producer, project manager, negotiator, and designer to advocate, problem solver, budget guide, and timekeeper. She explores how planners help couples understand their priorities, manage their targeted investment, build the right vendor team, and create a wedding that truly reflects who they are.The episode also clears up some of the biggest misconceptions in the wedding industry, including the difference between planning and design, why a venue coordinator does not necessarily replace a wedding planner, and why the term “day-of coordinator” can be misleading. Charley also shares what really happens behind the scenes when something goes wrong. From changing weather and transportation delays to damaged cakes, late vendors, and timeline changes, she explains why a great planner is not someone who ensures nothing ever goes wrong, but someone who knows exactly what to do when it does. Ultimately, hiring an experienced wedding planner is about more than timelines, emails, and spreadsheets. It is about having someone who can protect your wedding experience, make decisions under pressure, and allow you and your family to be fully present for one of the most important days of your life. Whether you are newly engaged, actively planning your wedding, considering hiring a planner, or simply curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode is filled with practical advice and valuable insight to help you understand what to look for in the right wedding planner. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming episodes, and weekly inspiration. Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  2. Aug 18

    Friendship, Reinvention & Starting Over in America | The Charley King Show Season 2 Premiere

    Welcome to the Season 2 Premiere of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal conversation, Charley King sits down with three of her closest British girlfriends, Katie Verner, Lisa Donmall-Reeve, and Lottie Mckinnon to explore friendship, reinvention, starting over, aging, confidence, home, love, career, and what it really feels like to build a life thousands of miles away from where you began. All four women made the journey from England to America at different points in their lives, creating new careers, new relationships, and new versions of themselves along the way. Together, they reflect on the courage it takes to leave behind what is familiar, adapt to a new country, and eventually create another place that feels like home.At the heart of the conversation is the extraordinary power of female friendship. Charley and her friends share how long-standing relationships can become a kind of chosen family, especially when living far away from the people and places you grew up with. They reminisce about decades of friendship, their shared theatrical roots, and the ways they have supported one another through love, loss, marriage, motherhood, career changes, and all of life’s unexpected turns. The conversation also takes an honest look at reinvention and the idea that it is never too late to begin again. From musical theatre and modeling to film production, education, and entirely new careers, the women reflect on how their paths have changed over time and why starting over does not mean erasing the person you used to be. Instead, every chapter becomes part of who you are becoming.Charley and the ladies also explore getting older, confidence, authenticity, and the freedom that can come with no longer believing life has to follow one particular timeline. They share the advice they would give their younger selves, from not being afraid and continuing to move forward to trusting yourself, working hard, and staying true to who you are.Of course, the conversation is also filled with plenty of laughter, memories from their younger years, British humor, cups of tea, cultural differences, and the little pieces of home they have carried with them no matter how long they have lived in America.Whether you are navigating a major life change, considering a new career, living far from home, entering an exciting new chapter, or simply lucky enough to have girlfriends who have stood beside you through every version of yourself, this episode is a celebration of friendship, courage, reinvention, and the freedom to keep becoming whoever you want to be.As Charley reflects at the end of the episode, starting over may not really be starting over at all. We bring every version of ourselves with us, and there is something exciting about realizing that at 50, 60, 70, and beyond, you can still change your mind, change your career, fall in love, begin again, and have absolutely no idea what your next chapter might bring.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  3. Aug 11

    Sarah Haywood on Luxury Weddings, Leadership & Legacy | The Charley King Show Ep. 10

    Welcome to Episode 10 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this candid and deeply insightful conversation, Charley King sits down with internationally renowned luxury wedding planner Sarah Haywood to explore leadership, legacy, resilience, and the future of the wedding industry.Widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential luxury wedding planners and a pioneer of the modern luxury wedding world, Sarah shares the remarkable journey behind more than two decades of creating extraordinary celebrations for royalty, high-profile talent, and ultra-high-net-worth families around the globe. She reflects on the evolution of her career, the challenges of building a business at the highest level, and the lessons that have shaped the leader she is today.Together, Charley and Sarah discuss what it really takes to build a successful wedding business, why strong leadership and the right team are essential, and how Sarah is now preparing her company for the future. Celebrating 20 years in business, Sarah opens up about transitioning her company to an employee-owned model, stepping back from being responsible for every decision, and creating a legacy that can continue long beyond her own involvement.The conversation also takes an honest look at burnout and the pressure wedding professionals place on themselves to always be available for their clients. Sarah shares her experience of being hospitalized with exhaustion and the life-changing realization that she needed to start putting herself first. Charley and Sarah reflect on the emotional sacrifices that can come with working in an industry centered around other people’s most important life moments, and why building a team you can trust is essential for both personal and professional longevity.Charley and Sarah also explore how social media and content creation are changing modern weddings. From the pressure to create picture-perfect celebrations to photographers competing with content creators for the perfect shot, they discuss whether couples are becoming too focused on documenting their wedding instead of actually experiencing it. Sarah shares why the most meaningful celebration should reflect a couple’s own personality, lifestyle, and values rather than trying to recreate something they have seen online.The conversation looks ahead to the future of the industry as well, including the growing influence of AI, changing expectations from couples, and the importance of maintaining the human connection at the heart of wedding planning. Sarah and Charley discuss how technology can make planners more efficient while agreeing that no tool can replace the emotional intelligence, creativity, crisis management, and personal relationships required to bring an unforgettable celebration to life.Whether you’re planning a wedding, working in the events industry, building a creative business, leading a team, or simply navigating a new chapter in your career, this episode is filled with hard-earned wisdom, honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiration about creating success without losing sight of the life beyond your work.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.Special thanks to our sponsor, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, for supporting the show and helping create unforgettable experiences and celebrations.And if you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a wedding professional, entrepreneur, creative, business owner, or anyone who believes that true success is about more than what you build. It’s also about the legacy you leave behind.

  4. Aug 4

    You Are Not Alone: Hope, Healing & Suicide Prevention | The Charley King Show Special Episode

    In this special episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks, Charley King steps away from the world of weddings and celebrations to have an honest conversation about hope, grief, and suicide prevention with Alexander Morris, founder of Survive & Thrive LA, and Abby Russell, a passionate advocate helping build a community centered on connection and healing.Alexander shares the heartbreaking story of losing his brother, Levar, to suicide in 2022 and how that unimaginable loss inspired a movement dedicated to making sure no one has to struggle alone. Together, they discuss the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, recognizing the signs that someone may be hurting, and why vulnerability, authentic connection, and simply checking in on one another can save lives.The conversation also explores the mission behind Survive & Thrive LA, the upcoming fundraising events supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Los Angeles Chapter, and how communities, workplaces, and everyday conversations can become powerful tools for healing and prevention.Whether you've been personally affected by suicide, know someone who has, or simply want to better support the people around you, this episode is a reminder that hope begins with connection, asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one should ever have to face their darkest moments alone.Event Information🎟️ August 28 – Survive & Thrive LA Benefit Event Join us for an intimate evening of connection, storytelling, and hope in support of suicide prevention. https://partiful.com/e/Teq6doj3SUAwYYkzSDOx?c=er2bxj8G🎟️ September 23 – Survive & Thrive LA Community Event A powerful community gathering featuring meaningful conversations, education, and resources focused on suicide prevention and mental health. https://partiful.com/e/nJVzUnK0pzEfDUpbeHpB?c=LWgofQa1💙 Support the Mission Help support suicide prevention programs and resources by making a donation to the Survive & Thrive campaign benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Los Angeles Chapter. https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/Survive-and-ThriveIf You or Someone You Know Needs Support📞 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S. & Canada) Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7, to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Website: https://988lifeline.org (https://988lifeline.org/)American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Learn more about suicide prevention, education, support resources, and ways to get involved. Website: https://afsp.org (https://afsp.org/)

  5. Jul 28

    Claire Pettibone Reveals the Perfect Wedding Dress | The Charley King Show Ep. 9

    Welcome to Episode 9 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this enchanting conversation, Charley King sits down with internationally celebrated bridal couture designer Claire Pettibone to explore the artistry, emotion, and storytelling behind creating some of the world's most unforgettable wedding gowns. Known for her ethereal aesthetic, intricate French lace, romantic embroidery, and timeless designs, Claire shares the journey that inspired her remarkable career. From discovering vintage treasures in an old farmhouse as a child to building one of the most recognizable names in bridal fashion, she reveals how imagination, artistry, and emotion have shaped every collection she has created.Together, Charley and Claire discuss what truly makes a wedding dress unforgettable, why every gown begins with a story, and how the perfect dress helps a bride become the most authentic version of herself. They explore the balance between timeless design and passing trends, the importance of choosing a gown that reflects your personality, and why emotion—not fashion—should guide every bridal decision.The conversation also takes viewers inside Claire's magical Los Angeles boutique, affectionately known as "the castle," where brides from around the world experience a personalized journey unlike any other. Claire shares her design process, how custom couture gowns are created from concept to completion, the craftsmanship behind her fabrics and embroidery, and what it takes to bring a bride's dream dress to life.Charley and Claire also reminisce about iconic bridal fashion moments—from Princess Diana to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Kate Moss—while discussing how confidence, individuality, and authenticity have always been more influential than trends.Whether you're planning a wedding, working in the bridal or events industry, designing beautiful experiences, or simply love fashion, art, and creativity, this episode is filled with inspiration, practical advice, and heartfelt stories about celebrating life's most meaningful moments.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.Special thanks to our sponsor, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, for supporting the show and helping create unforgettable experiences and celebrations.And if you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a bride-to-be, fashion lover, wedding professional, designer, or anyone who believes that the most beautiful creations begin with a story.

  6. Jul 21

    Luxury Wedding Secrets with Percy Sales | The Charley King Show Ep. 8

    Welcome to Episode 8 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this engaging and insightful conversation, Charley King sits down with internationally recognized event planner and designer Percy Sales for an honest discussion about creativity, mentorship, the evolution of luxury weddings, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in the events industry.With more than 30 years of experience producing extraordinary celebrations, Percy shares the journey that took him from planning corporate events for Microsoft to becoming one of the industry's most respected luxury wedding planners. Together, Charley and Percy reflect on decades of friendship, the realities behind the glamorous image of event planning, and why producing unforgettable experiences requires far more than beautiful décor.The conversation explores how social media, AI, and evolving client expectations are changing the wedding industry. From creating custom AI-generated mood boards and adapting to Gen Z couples to discussing authenticity in an age of artificial intelligence, Charley and Percy share practical insights that every creative entrepreneur can apply. They also dive into the meaning of true luxury, why guest experience matters more than extravagant details, and the importance of designing weddings that genuinely reflect each couple's story.Charley and Percy also introduce a fun and educational segment, "Don't Annoy the Planner," where they candidly discuss vendor relationships, common mistakes they see on wedding days, and how photographers, videographers, entertainers, and creative partners can work more effectively with planners. They emphasize mentorship, collaboration, professionalism, and why the strongest event teams are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.Whether you're a wedding planner, photographer, designer, venue, caterer, event professional, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by what happens behind the scenes of luxury celebrations, this episode is filled with valuable advice, industry wisdom, and plenty of memorable stories.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.Special thanks to our sponsor, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, for supporting the show and helping create unforgettable experiences and celebrations.If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a wedding planner, event professional, creative entrepreneur, or anyone passionate about hospitality, leadership, and creating extraordinary experiences.

  7. Jul 14

    Julie Roth Novack Reveals How AI Is Changing Event Planning | The Charley King Show Ep. 7

    Welcome to Episode 7 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this insightful and inspiring conversation, Charley King sits down with Julie Roth Novack, CEO and founder of PartySlate, to explore how technology, AI, and digital marketing are transforming the events industry.With more than 25 years of experience in digital marketing and technology, Julie shares the incredible story behind building PartySlate from an idea into one of the industry's leading platforms for discovering exceptional venues and event professionals. Together, Charley and Julie discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and why embracing new technology is essential for anyone looking to grow a successful business.The conversation dives into the future of AI in the events industry, how event professionals can leverage tools like Photo Hub, Canva integrations, and AI-powered image organization to save time, improve client presentations, and market their businesses more effectively. Julie also shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs, women in business, and anyone building a brand in today's digital world.Charley and Julie explore the importance of websites, social media, LinkedIn, Google, and creating meaningful digital touchpoints that help clients build trust before ever reaching out. They also discuss the similarities between producing luxury events and building a successful technology company, proving that creativity and innovation go hand in hand.Whether you're a wedding planner, venue, caterer, designer, photographer, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by how AI is changing creative industries, this episode is packed with practical advice, marketing strategies, and inspiration for the future.Learn how PartySlate is helping people discover exceptional venues and event professionals while empowering businesses with AI-powered tools to showcase their work and grow. Visit https://pro.partyslate.comFollow along on Instagram and TikTok at @CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.Special thanks to our sponsor, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, for supporting the show and helping create unforgettable experiences and celebrations.And if you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a fellow event professional, entrepreneur, creative, or anyone looking to embrace innovation, grow their business, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital world.

  8. Jul 7

    Jason Rhee on Business, Mental Health & The Wedding Industry | The Charley King Show Ep. 6

    Welcome to Episode 6 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this insightful and engaging conversation, Charley King sits down with luxury wedding planner, educator, speaker, and founder of The Refined Co., Jason Rhee, for an honest discussion about the ever-evolving wedding industry, what today's couples really want, and how authenticity, creativity, and resilience are reshaping the way we celebrate love.Known for his refined approach to luxury weddings and his passion for education and mentorship, Jason shares the journey that led him from a love of theater, improv, and performance to becoming one of the industry's most respected voices. Together, Charley and Jason explore what's truly in and out in modern weddings, how social media has transformed the business, and why creating meaningful experiences will always matter more than following trends.The conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health in the events industry, and the resilience required to thrive in a profession where the show must always go on. Jason opens up about overcoming personal health challenges, the incredible support of the wedding community, and why vulnerability and authenticity have become some of his greatest strengths.Charley and Jason also share practical advice for newly engaged couples, covering everything from setting a realistic budget and choosing the right venue to hiring vendors, understanding the value of professional planners, and deciding when DIY makes sense. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a luxury destination wedding, this episode is packed with practical tips to help couples make informed decisions and create a wedding that truly reflects who they are.Filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable insights, this conversation is perfect for engaged couples, wedding professionals, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about building meaningful experiences through hospitality and celebration.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, wedding inspiration, and weekly conversations.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.Special thanks to our sponsor, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, for supporting the show and helping create unforgettable experiences and celebrations.And if you enjoyed this conversation, share it with someone planning their wedding, working in the events industry, or anyone who believes the most memorable celebrations are built on authenticity, connection, and heart.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks is a heartfelt podcast centered around weddings, events, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. Hosted by Charley King, the show brings together industry experts, creatives, entrepreneurs, and storytellers to share timeless advice, real-life experiences, and behind-the-scenes insights from the worlds of weddings, business, family, wellness, and personal growth.With warmth, elegance, and authenticity, Bluebell Talks is a space for big dreams, genuine connection, and conversations that inspire listeners to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments both inside and beyond the wedding world.