The Wedding Where...

Amanda Walck Ottinger
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join me, Amanda, owner of Officiating by Amanda, as I share stories of weddings I've officiated and lessons I've learned, advice for the dating, engaged or married, reactions to wedding ceremonies in movies and TV shows, special guests from the wedding industry sharing their stories, behind the scenes interviews with some of my couples, and the answers to your questions.   With 10 years under my belt, I've got many, many tales to tell!

  1. We Learned "Don't Do Drugs, Kids" featuring Jocelyn, Owner of Danie Mae Photography

    6D AGO

    We Learned "Don't Do Drugs, Kids" featuring Jocelyn, Owner of Danie Mae Photography

    Send me a message or any questions! We bring back Jocelyn of Danny Mae Photography for a candid look at vendor chemistry, safety, pricing realities, and the art of keeping a wedding day calm. From an out-of-control bridesmaid to Pinterest expectations, we break down boundaries that protect joy and great photos. • setting harassment and safety clauses to protect vendors and couples • booking timelines, hot dates, and when to reserve early • what you actually pay for in photography rates • handling timeline shifts and family wrangling with calm leadership • translating Pinterest boards into your real style and venue • why vendor collaboration beats competition • how to choose vendors you genuinely vibe with • unspoken extras vendors do to keep the day smooth • when to say no and preserve safety and quality Follow Danie Mae Photographer at https://www.facebook.com/dmaephotography Please subscribe, like, comment, and share to help us reach even more listeners who might laugh a little at the wedding wear Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    35 min
  2. Interview with Jocelyn, Owner of Danie Mae Photography

    12/30/2025

    Interview with Jocelyn, Owner of Danie Mae Photography

    Send me a message or any questions! The best wedding photos don’t happen by accident—they come from preparation, clear boundaries, and a team that reads the room. We sat down with Jocelyn of Danny May Photography to trace her journey from high school photo staff to 30+ weddings a year, including the hard reset that forced her to sell gear, rebuild, and go fully legit with an LLC, insurance, and sustainable pricing. Along the way, a supportive partner learned to second shoot, a local media editor amplified her work, and a studio inside the historic Yuengling Mansion gave her a creative home grounded in preservation. We dig into the shots that truly hold a day together: intentional detail images and thoughtful lay flats that honor the hours couples spend choosing rings, invites, heirlooms, shoes, and florals. Jocelyn explains why some trends sing and others fall flat—especially fully blurred frames that hide the memory instead of elevating it. She shares the reception calculus most couples miss: after toasts, cake, and special dances, galleries often get repetitive, so decide day-of whether extra hours are worth it. And yes, we wade into the bouquet and garter toss debate with real-world stories where age gaps, crowd energy, and tone turned fun into cringe—or pure comedy gold. This conversation doubles as a field guide for new photographers and engaged couples. You’ll hear why ethical portfolio building matters (no stock or borrowed images), how to set up a foolproof backup plan with multiple camera bodies, and simple prep lists that prevent last-minute scrambles. We also talk about phone-free aisles, aisle blockers, and how families can support the vision without hijacking timelines—especially at golden hour when the light won’t wait. If you’re planning a wedding or building a creative business, you’ll walk away with clear, practical takeaways: protect your time, communicate your boundaries, and invest in vendors who are as prepared as they are kind. Follow Jocelyn on Facebook at Danie Mae Photography LLC or catch her around Schuylkill County capturing all of the best moments as a 'lifetime' photographer!  Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a friend who’s planning, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    42 min
  3. We Froze to Death

    12/17/2025

    We Froze to Death

    Send me a message or any questions! Weather doesn’t ask permission to crash a wedding, and that’s exactly why we’re talking about it. From a four-degree ceremony on Mount Penn to a triple-digit barn field with no shade, I’m sharing the real stories and the hard-won strategies that keep ceremonies meaningful without risking your health. If you’ve ever wondered how pros decide when to shorten vows, skip a unity ritual, or move locations on the fly, you’ll learn the cues I use, the policies I’ve added, and the gear that saves the day when the forecast goes sideways. I walk through the moment I slashed a ten-minute script to four as wind chill dove below zero, and how that day reshaped my contracts with a winter weather fee and a safety-first right to speed things up. On the other extreme, we break down heat management for outdoor weddings: shade priorities, hydration plans, attire choices that won’t knock the groom flat, and my subtle “wind it up” signal that lands a ceremony within three minutes without feeling rushed. We also get honest about wind and rain—their photo magic and their logistical chaos—and what actually works when pages fly, veils lift, and lawns turn to soup. You’ll leave with a practical weather ladder: Plan A for ideal, Plan B for rain, Plan C for extremes. We cover blankets, parasols, clear umbrellas, indoor backups, timeline buffers for icy roads, and when to cut to the legal essentials so your people stay safe. Plus, a preview of our upcoming guest, Jocelyn from Danny May Photography, and a quick look at holiday bookings and our year-in-review milestones. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or you work weddings, this is a must-listen guide to weatherproofing your “I do” without losing the magic. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more couples plan smarter. Got a wild weather story or a question you want answered next? Send it our way—we’d love to feature it. Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    21 min
  4. It Felt Like a Funeral

    12/11/2025

    It Felt Like a Funeral

    Send me a message or any questions! A wedding can hold more than one truth at once. We walk through a ceremony where grief didn’t just peek in—it shaped the room. From an opening moment of silence and an in‑memory candle to vows that named loss and a unity ritual layered with tokens for loved ones, the choices were heartfelt yet heavy, and the energy turned somber. That experience raises a vital question for any couple: how do you honor those you miss without letting sorrow overshadow the day you’re building together? I unpack the emotional physics of ceremonies that try to give love and loss equal airtime, and why that balance often tilts toward grief. You’ll hear practical, compassionate options for remembrance that keep joy central: a reserved chair with a flower, a short and purposeful silence, a line of scripture or a poem chosen for hope, quiet keepsakes sewn into outfits or tucked into bouquets, and subtle unity add‑ins that nod to memory without turning the ritual into a eulogy. We also talk about recency of loss, who was lost, and how language can lift a room—because a single sentence can change the arc from mourning to celebration. Threaded through are personal stories from ceremonies I’ve officiated, including times couples asked for no mention at all and why that boundary is valid. The guiding principle is simple: your loved ones would never want your wedding to become a memorial service. The truest tribute is a day that honors their impact while letting laughter, vows, and dancing lead the way. Listen for ideas you can adapt to your own style, and share the tributes that moved you most—I’m collecting thoughtful ways to help future couples find their balance. Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe, rate, and share with someone planning a wedding. Your reviews help more couples find guidance they can trust. Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    25 min
  5. They Said it Wasn't a Wedding

    12/08/2025

    They Said it Wasn't a Wedding

    Send me a message or any questions! We share the story of a couple who wanted a full wedding while telling most vendors it was a “family brunch,” and how that choice created confusion, stress, and last-minute improvising. Practical advice follows on budgeting ethically, setting priorities, and being transparent so vendors can deliver. • why mislabeling events breaks logistics and trust • how wedding pricing reflects staffing, risk, and prep • simple swaps to cut costs without cutting joy • when to choose micro weddings, elopements, or off-peak dates • the value of a coordinator and clear timelines • contract updates to protect against scope creep • honesty with vendors as the easiest savings • setting priorities to align vision and budget If you haven't already, please subscribe, like, comment, and share to help us reach even more listeners who might laugh a little at the wedding wear For the links referenced in the show, visit Linktree at OfficiatingBy Amanda You can also follow the business on Facebook, Weddingwire, and then not to stay up to date on everything going on If you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast, just send an email to the WeddingWare Podcast at gmail.com And if you're ready to inquire about officiating services for your own big day, you can reach me at officiatingbyamanda at gmail.com Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    22 min
  6. The Bride's Dress almost Caught on Fire

    11/28/2025

    The Bride's Dress almost Caught on Fire

    Send me a message or any questions! One breathtaking candlelit aisle almost turned into a crisis, and that single moment changed how we think about ceremony safety without sacrificing style. We walk through the real story behind a near-miss with a billowy dress and open flames, then unpack the quiet hazards many couples overlook: narrow aisles, wind-tossed veils, slick runners, uneven pavers, and those picture-perfect docks that flex under a full wedding party. From there, we get practical. We share simple swaps and smart adjustments that keep the romance intact: LED pillars that still glow warmly, wider aisle design for layered gowns, enclosed hurricanes for any must-have flames, and camera tricks that deliver the “Pinterest look” with zero burn risk. We talk waterfront ceremonies and how to plan weight limits, positions, and movement so the kiss looks cinematic instead of chaotic. We round out the checklist with footwear tactics for bridesmaids and grooms, rehearsal walk-throughs with the actual shoes and dress, and veil strategies when wind threatens the arch. As an officiant who’s seen more than 200 ceremonies, I also reveal my quiet contingency playbook: how I scan for hazards, assign quick helpers, and keep a cool tone if something snags so the moment stays joyful. The theme isn’t to say no to beauty—it’s to design beauty that loves you back. If you’re planning a ceremony with candles, waterfront views, or complex terrain, this conversation gives you the playbook to get the shot and protect your people. Subscribe for more real stories, smart fixes, and behind-the-aisle wisdom—and tell us: what’s your non-negotiable safety tweak? Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    22 min
  7. Bonus: A Thousand Thank-Yous

    11/24/2025

    Bonus: A Thousand Thank-Yous

    Send me a message or any questions! A thousand listens later, we’re clinking an imaginary glass and sharing the real secret that makes a ceremony feel like yours: a thoughtful consult call. Before timelines tighten and group chats explode, that first conversation gives us a clear read on your voice, your values, and how you want to feel standing there. We walk through the questions that matter—how long you want to be up front, whether you want vows out loud or private, how to handle unity rituals, and what “no religion” or “please skip objections” actually looks like in practice. You’ll hear how we translate “short and sweet” into minutes and moments, not clichés. We talk through venue realities like microphones versus waterfalls, keeping grandparents in the loop, and crafting a plan B that protects your words if weather flips. Family dynamics get care too: kids with rings, blended parents, honoring loved ones who’ve passed, and avoiding assumptions that can bruise feelings. Along the way, we show how hobbies, inside jokes, and favorite shows can slip into the script without turning the ceremony into a skit—subtle lines that make guests think, this is so them. We also open the books on how quotes are built—length, customization, unity elements, rehearsal needs, travel—and why clarity now beats confusion later. Then a little party favor: our end‑of‑year bonus wheel for couples who complete a consult between Thanksgiving and New Year, with perks like 25% off, an included unity ceremony, two hours of vow help, or rehearsal support, plus a small extra for anyone who mentions the podcast. If you’re getting married in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey—or you’re ready to fly me somewhere meaningful—let’s talk. Enjoyed the episode? Follow, rate, and share with a couple who wants a ceremony that feels personal, calm, and true to their story. Subscribe for more behind‑the‑mic insights, and tell us: what element would you add to your dream ceremony? Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    25 min
  8. They are Divorced

    11/19/2025

    They are Divorced

    Send me a message or any questions! Love feels invincible at the altar, but real life has a way of testing vows. After officiating around 250 weddings over more than a decade, I’ve seen both the glow and the grit—how small patterns at a rehearsal can foreshadow big challenges, and how couples you’d bet on sometimes unravel while others quietly grow stronger. Today I get candid about divorce, the 48‑hour marriage that stunned me, and why choosing each other is still the bravest move we make. We unpack what actually shifts after the party ends: expectations, family pressure, money, moving, and the everyday frictions that add up. I walk through the nuts and bolts of marriage licenses and timing—when a marriage is legally recognized and what happens if doubts rise after the papers are mailed. We also step inside a world most people never see: prison weddings. The constraints are real, the strain is intense, and yet tenderness and hope still show up under strict rules and fluorescent lights. It’s a human reminder that connection matters, even when the odds are rough. I share fresh stats from recent ceremonies—how many were first marriages, how many couples brought prior marriages into the room—and why second, third, or fifth chances aren’t failures but evidence of growth. Through it all, one theme stays steady: marriage works when both partners keep fueling the fire with care, repair, and honest talk. If you’re curious about red flags, resilience, second chances, or the legal side of “I do,” this one will meet you where you are. If the conversation resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves love but wants the truth about what keeps it alive. Your stories and questions guide future episodes, so send them our way and let’s keep learning together. Support the show Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    18 min
See All (52)

About

Join me, Amanda, owner of Officiating by Amanda, as I share stories of weddings I've officiated and lessons I've learned, advice for the dating, engaged or married, reactions to wedding ceremonies in movies and TV shows, special guests from the wedding industry sharing their stories, behind the scenes interviews with some of my couples, and the answers to your questions.   With 10 years under my belt, I've got many, many tales to tell!

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Walck Ottinger
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Wedding Where...
  • Show Website
    The Wedding Where...