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. They Had Been Together Forever

    3D AGO

    They Had Been Together Forever

    Send me a message or any questions! The love story you rarely see on TV is often the one that endures: two people who build a life first, then choose the moment that truly fits to say I do. We open up about couples who didn’t rush—some waited through degrees and residencies, some raised kids and paid mortgages, and others navigated health realities and insurance choices before making it legal. Along the way, we unpack how pop culture’s whirlwind romances can distort expectations, and why the slower path can be just as passionate, more grounded, and often more joyful. I share favorite ceremonies that prove time is a powerful witness. You’ll meet second-grade sweethearts who honored a playground promise as adults, a pair who turned twenty years of “someday” into a celebration of everything they’d already built, and college friends who reconnected after other marriages and timed their wedding to gather kids, aging parents, and even early grandkids in one room. We also talk candidly about COVID’s hard lessons: in states without common law protections, legal marriage can unlock hospital access and decision-making rights when it matters most. If you’re feeling pressure to follow someone else’s timeline, breathe. There’s no deadline on commitment, and no single script for a meaningful ceremony. Long-term couples bring humor, calm, and deep knowing to their vows—not as a beginning, but as a continuation. Whether you’re newly smitten or decades in, you get to choose the moment that makes sense for your life, your family, and your values. If this resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs permission to wait, and leave a review with your own slow-burn love story—we might feature it next. 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.

    24 min
  2. One Year Of Wedding Stories

    FEB 4

    One Year Of Wedding Stories

    Send me a message or any questions! A year ago I hit record with one simple goal: save the wedding stories I’d been telling in kitchens, cars, and green rooms for years. Twelve months later, we’re celebrating a wild first season filled with real ceremony chaos, heartfelt wins, and the kind of lessons only learned when microphones, timelines, and emotions meet. This anniversary special blends gratitude with good data, spotlighting the moments you loved most and the surprises I never saw coming. We walk through the numbers that actually matter: 1,313 plays, a catalog that stretched from regular episodes to a vow mini‑series, and streams from 19 countries with unexpected momentum in Japan and the Netherlands. I revisit the gateway episodes—yes, the infamous prison bra story—and unpack why listeners keep returning to candid takes on timelines, vendor boundaries, and designing ceremonies that feel like you rather than a Pinterest board. Along the way, I recap standout interviews: a first bride’s behind‑the‑scenes honesty, an officiant’s hard‑won pet peeves, a photographer’s art-versus-wrangling balancing act, and a counselor’s pre‑“I do” checklist that saves couples stress. Then we look ahead. Season two keeps the heart and raises the bar with more reaction episodes, smarter planning insights, and fresh guest voices from across the wedding ecosystem. I share realistic scheduling gaps, why the show’s name leaves room for guest hosts, and tease new stories like forgetting to write the script, doing a ceremony backwards, and the clause you inspired in my contract. If you’re a vendor, a past couple, or someone with a wedding tale that deserves the mic, consider this your open invite to join the conversation. If these honest, unvarnished wedding stories make you laugh, nod, or rethink your plan, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more people find the real side of weddings—and gives us more reasons to keep telling these stories. 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.

    24 min
  3. We Chased Waterfalls

    JAN 22

    We Chased Waterfalls

    Send me a message or any questions! Waterfall ceremonies surged for us this year, from hidden Poconos drops to popular park spillways, and each one taught us how to balance beauty with access, rules, and sound. We share real venues, what worked, what failed, and the simple choices that keep vows audible and guests safe. • why spring flow and fall color create different risks and rewards • managing sound near loud water without overpacking tech • permit rules, deposits, and venues that ban weddings • accessibility, footwear, and realistic guest planning • when to step back for vows and move close for photos • lessons from Marshall’s Falls, Illick’s Mill, Nolde Forest, Hawk Falls, Dry Run Falls, Sweet Arrow Lake • backup plans for no cell service and limited parking • nearby dream locations to consider across the region • concise ceremony pacing to respect public spaces 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 OfficiatingByamanda If you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast, just send an email to theweddingwear podcast at gmail.com 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.

    30 min
  4. I Had to be a Bartender

    JAN 16

    I Had to be a Bartender

    Send me a message or any questions! A creekside ceremony. A missing bartender. A bar cart staffed by two kind owners who had never poured a drink. I walked into a spiraling setup and turned it around with calm, clarity, and a stripped-down playbook that kept the couple smiling and the guests safe. Welcome back for 2026 - a candid reset for the new year and a reminder of our no-judgment ethos. Then the story takes off: a Facebook Marketplace bar cart changes hands, the promised mentor vanishes, and cocktail hour looms. With the venue coordinator juggling fires, we jump in, cut the chaos, and teach a crash course in service basics—ice-first, portion control, and a radically simple menu. One person batches the signature cocktail, another handles two-ingredient orders, and we set up visual guides to prevent over-pours and mystery mixes. The result: steadier lines, fewer mistakes, and a couple blissfully unaware that anything had gone sideways. Beyond the drama, we dig into the practical playbook couples actually need. Learn how to vet vendors when a deal looks too good to be true, what to ask if a contract transfers to new owners, and why preferred vendor lists are about reliability, not kickbacks. We share checklists for bar service that work under pressure—short posted menus, cold mixers, batching the signature, clear roles—and talk about building teams who default to solutions. Experience costs a bit more, but it buys calm, speed, and fewer surprises when the room gets loud and the timeline tightens. If you’re planning a wedding, you’ll walk away with real questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and smart safeguards that turn potential chaos into smooth celebration. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s planning, and leave a review with your best “you’re not going to believe this” wedding story—we might feature it next. 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.

    27 min
  5. 84 Weddings, 13,587 Miles, And A Growing Officiant Network

    JAN 10

    84 Weddings, 13,587 Miles, And A Growing Officiant Network

    Send me a message or any questions! Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they make a great map. We just wrapped a year that stretched every muscle: 84 weddings booked from 98 quotes, 13,587 miles on the road, and a growing network of trusted officiants to keep quality high without burning out. What made it meaningful wasn’t the scale alone—it was the shift in how couples are designing ceremonies that feel like them, not just tradition on autopilot. Across Pennsylvania, we saw fall fully eclipse summer as the new prime season, with September and October turning into joyful marathons. Couples experimented with structure: fewer formal bridal parties, clearer unplugged guidelines that guests actually respected, and rehearsals replaced by focused Zoom run-throughs. Vow volleys emerged as a favorite for personal promises without stage fright, while unity ceremonies leveled up—from warming hands over hot coffee on a freezing day to crystal blends, family paintings, a 3D-printed heart, and yes, an unforgettable sword exchange. The classics stayed strong, with handfasting leading the pack for depth and symbolism. We share demographics that help shape tone and pacing, from first-time vows at 64 to blended families crafting rituals that include kids. We also dig into what makes venues a joy to return to—tight teams, clear timelines, and spaces that match a couple’s vision. Pricing and packages evolved to reflect that care: the most popular option balanced travel, custom scripting, and space for unity rituals without rushing the moment. If you’re planning for 2026, this is your field guide: what trends actually worked, which logistics saved the day, and how to design a ceremony that’s honest, warm, and fully yours. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s planning, and leave a review to tell us your favorite unity idea or vow style—what should lead the way next year? 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.

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

    12/31/2025

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Wedding Where...
  • Show Website
    The Wedding Where...