Weddings Unscripted

Alexandra Pare
  • 5.0 (11)
  • COURSES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

With over 18 years of planning and designing weddings, we have seen it all! Join us for a fun and insightful journey as we laugh, cry, and learn together on Weddings Unscripted – because planning a wedding is just as unforgettable as the big day itself! Subscribe today and be the first to listen! Launching January 10, 2025.

  1. Ep 48 • Music Without a Stage: Inside an Artist-Led Experience with Dylan Galvin

    4D AGO

    Ep 48 • Music Without a Stage: Inside an Artist-Led Experience with Dylan Galvin

    What if your guitarist didn't just play at your wedding — what if they walked through it with you?   This week Ali goes solo and sits down with Dylan Galvin, a wireless roaming acoustic guitarist and DJ who's bringing a whole new energy to DC-area weddings and events.   In this episode, Ali chats with Dylan Galvin — Berkley-trained guitarist, solo entrepreneur, and one of the most unique live performers in the DMV wedding market. Dylan breaks down his wireless roaming performance concept, how he became a one-stop-shop for live music and DJ services, and why reading the room is just as important as knowing your set list. From mentorships with Paul Simon, John Mayer, and Joe Satriani, to a cross-country solo tour that taught him what not to do, Dylan's story is packed with hard-won lessons in music, business, and the art of creating unforgettable wedding experiences. If you've ever wondered what live wedding entertainment can look like beyond the traditional string quartet or seated guitarist, this episode is your answer.     Key Takeaways Wireless roaming live music is a game-changer for wedding cocktail hours and receptions — it delivers the energy of a full performance without tethering the artist to one corner of the room. Being a successful wedding musician isn't just about talent — it's about mastering sales, marketing, and branding as a small business owner, and knowing when to outsource the rest. The best wedding entertainment starts long before the event: the planning calls, the vendor communication, and the ability to improvise on-site are what separate a good performance from a truly timeless occasion.   Chapters 01:17 – Meet Dylan Galvin: Wireless Roaming Guitarist & Event Performer 2:09 – What Is a Wireless Roaming Performance? (And Why It Changes Everything) 5:35 – The DC Wedding Market Needs This — Roaming vs. Traditional Live Music 7:37 – Dylan's Origin Story: Berklee College of Music & Famous Mentors (John Mayer, Paul Simon, Joe Satriani) 14:26 – From School to Stage: Solo Touring and Why It's Not a Business Plan 17:40 – The Pivot to Private Events  18:40 – Sales, Marketing & Branding: The Three Things That Actually Differentiate You 23:10 – How Long Has Dylan Been Roaming? The Origin of the Wireless Rig 36:55 – Breaking Into the DC Market After 10 Years in LA 41:50 – Advice for Solo Entrepreneurs — Humility, Outsourcing & Staying Hungry 45:46 – The Unseen Work Behind Every Wedding Vendor — And Why It Matters     Connect with Dylan: Website: www.dylangalvin.com Instagram: @dylangalvinevents     Connect with us: Visit our website: https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted   If this episode helped you, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it truly means the world to us and helps other couples and planners find the show.

    48 min
  2. Ep 47 • Social Media Strategy for Wedding Vendors: How to Attract, Engage & Convert Modern Couples

    APR 22

    Ep 47 • Social Media Strategy for Wedding Vendors: How to Attract, Engage & Convert Modern Couples

    Are you posting constantly but still hearing crickets? The rules of wedding vendor marketing have changed — and social media alone won't save you. In this episode, we sit down with social media strategist Heidi Schmidt of Heidi Schmidt Creative to unpack what's actually working in 2026: from building authentic content and nurturing leads, to understanding Gen Z couples and knowing exactly where your clients are coming from. Heidi breaks down the full lead lifecycle, from follower to signed contract, and shares actionable frameworks for multi-channel marketing, smart follow-up sequences, and understanding your ideal client avatar. Whether you're a wedding photographer, planner, or florist trying to figure out TikTok — this episode is your social media strategy session.   Key Takeaways: Stop Using Social Media Like a Billboard. Audiences want to be brought into your world, not sold at. Scarcity tactics and "slots available" posts belong in Stories, not your feed. You Cannot Rely on Social Media Alone — Know Where Your Leads Actually Come From. If Instagram went down tomorrow, would your business survive? Multi-channel marketing — email lists, referrals, Google, networking, vendor relationships — is non-negotiable. Gen Z Converts Through Trust, Transparency & Speed. They want pricing transparency, fast responses, authentic brand voice, and value alignment.   Chapters: 00:00:55 Meet Heidi Schmidt of Heidi Schmidt Creative 00:05:07 Quality Over Quantity: Why Follower Count Is the Wrong Metric 00:05:31 Stop Using Social Media Like a Billboard 00:07:00 Behind-the-Scenes Content: What Wedding Photographers & Vendors Should Be Posting 00:08:34 The Truth About Scarcity Tactics — When They Work & When to Ditch Them 00:10:19 Why You Can't Rely Solely on Social Media for Your Wedding Business 00:13:56 Auditing Your Lead Sources — Where Are Your Clients Really Coming From? 00:17:12 Marketing to Two Generations: Reaching Both Millennials & Gen Z Couples 00:22:37 Making Behind-the-Scenes Content Without Overwhelm — Practical Tips 00:25:18 Lead Conversion 101: Turning Inquiries into Signed Contracts 00:29:54 Engagement Begets Engagement: The 10-Minute Daily Social Media Habit 00:41:38 Modern Couples Are Intentional, Not Uninformed — A New Wedding World 00:47:51 Modern Weddings & Breaking Traditions — What Today's Couples Actually Want 00:49:20 How to Research & Define Your Ideal Client — Heidi's Strategy Session Exercise 00:53:34 The Customer Experience Starts Before They Sign a Contract   Resources & Links Heidi Schmidt Creative — Social Media Strategy & Management Tools mentioned: HoneyBook, Dubsado (CRM & lead tracking for wedding vendors) Platform mentioned: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Google Ads Get our FREE Wedding Planning Checklist: https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/wedding-planning-checklist   Connect with Heidi Schmidt Website: https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram: @heidischmidtcreative Facebook: Heidi Schmidt Creative Services: Social media management, 90-minute strategy sessions, consulting packages, email marketing   Connect with us: Visit our website: http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

    56 min
  3. Ep 46 • Building Community in the Wedding Industry: Inside the DMV Wedding Collective

    APR 15

    Ep 46 • Building Community in the Wedding Industry: Inside the DMV Wedding Collective

    What happens when a wedding florist with 25+ years of experience starts noticing that her whole industry feels disconnected? She builds something about it. In this episode, we sit down with Kate Denman of Floret and Vine — and repeat podcast guest — to dig into the origin story of the DMV Wedding Collective, the DC-area's fastest-growing wedding vendor networking and education organization. From intimate coffee dates and planner-florist roundtables to a viral 175-person holiday launch party at the Line Hotel, Kate shares how she spotted a post-COVID gap in the wedding industry community and decided to fill it herself. If you're a wedding vendor, planner, florist, photographer, or officiant in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia area — or if you've ever felt like a solopreneur on an island — this episode is your invitation to find your tribe.   Key Takeaways Community-driven education beats one-size-fits-all conferences Relationships ARE your marketing strategy Every vendor at the wedding — even the 30-minute ones — deserves a seat at the table   Chapters 01:00 - Introduction: Kate of Floret & Vine 01:45 - What Is the DMV Wedding Collective? 02:47 - The Post-COVID Networking Void 05:31 - Kate's Coffee Date Marketing Strategy 08:07 - Disconnection Across the Industry 13:00 - Accessibility Gap in Wedding Education 21:07 - Giving Every Vendor a Voice 30:04 - The No-Recording Rule That Changed Everything 34:38 - Officially Launching the DMV Wedding Collective 41:21 - Listening to Members: Polls, Surveys & Real Feedback 48:30 - Why Continuous Community Check-ins Matter 49:25 - How to Join or Connect with the DMV Wedding Collective   Resources: Plan your wedding with confidence. Grab our FREE Wedding Planning Checklist: https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/wedding-planning-checklist   Connect with Kate & DMV Wedding Collective: DMV Wedding Collective: https://dmvweddingcollective.com/ Instagram: @dmvweddingcollective Website: https://floretandvine.com/   Connect with us: Visit our website: www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

    53 min
  4. Ep 45 • How to Start Planning Your Wedding: Budget, Priorities & What Not to Assume

    APR 8

    Ep 45 • How to Start Planning Your Wedding: Budget, Priorities & What Not to Assume

    You just got engaged — now what? Before you book a single vendor, there's a conversation you need to have (and most couples skip it). In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we are breaking down exactly how to kick off your wedding planning the right way — from that first budget conversation to knowing which vendors to book first. With 19+ years of combined experience, we walk through the biggest rookie mistakes couples make (hello, "venue poor"), why you should never assume anything is included, and what happens when nothing is in writing. Whether you're newly engaged or already deep in the planning trenches, this episode is packed with wedding planning tips, vendor booking strategies, and real-talk budget advice to help you stay organized and sane. Download your free planning checklist at www.cherryblossomwe.com/wedding-planning-checklist to follow along!   Key Takeaways Don't skip the budget conversation. About 50% of your wedding budget should cover venue, food, and beverage — knowing that number early helps you avoid becoming "venue poor" and informs every other decision. Book limited-availability vendors first. Photographers, hair & makeup teams, and bands only have one of them — prioritize locking those in before chasing decor details or lighting. Get everything in writing, always. Verbal promises mean nothing. If a venue or vendor commits to something — hours, exceptions to rules, special setups — ask for it in writing. One family learned this the hard way when their party was shut down two hours early with zero documentation to fight back.   Chapter 00:00 — Welcome & What We're Covering Today 01:07 — When Should You Actually Start Planning? 06:33 — The 50% Budget Rule for Venue & Catering 08:05 — How Venues Book vs. How Planners Book 13:21 — Staying Organized Without a Planner 16:39 — Using AI & Wedding Websites: What They Can and Can't Do 17:41 — Which Vendors to Book First (And Why Hair & Makeup Books Fastest) 21:00 — Transportation, Citywide Events & the Justin Bieber Problem 25:57 — Food Tastings, Menu Decisions & Proofing Everything 29:49 — Mocktails, Bar Assumptions & Glassware Surprises 34:28 — The No-Contract Horror Story (A Real Family Wedding) 38:24 — Protect Yourself: Contracts, Invoices & Written Confirmations 41:20 — "Will My Venue Actually Coordinate?" — Questions You Must Ask Resources & Links: 🎁 Free Wedding Planning Checklist → www.cherryblossomwe.com/wedding-planning-checklist   Connect with us: Visit our website: https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

    45 min
  5. Ep 44 • The Little Things That Frustrate Your Vendor Experience

    MAR 31

    Ep 44 • The Little Things That Frustrate Your Vendor Experience

    Ever wonder what's actually going on behind the scenes of your wedding? Today, we are spilling. In this episode of Wedding Unscripted, we share the funny, unscripted moments that happen on the other side of every wedding day. Vendor meals, hotel bag drop-offs, transportation logistics, wild client requests — it's all here, told the way only two planners with 19+ years of experience can tell it. Consider this your behind-the-scenes pass to the wedding industry.   KEY TAKEAWAYS A fed vendor is a great vendor. Meal timing matters more than most couples realize — and the industry is finally catching up. Small logistics, big impact. Shuttle schedules, tip envelopes, hotel drop-offs — the details that seem minor can make or break the day. Always loop in the planner. Whether it's a yes, a no, or a change of heart — everyone wins when the planner's in the loop first.   CHAPTERS [00:01:24] — Let's Talk Vendor Meals (And Why Timing Is Everything) [00:08:31] — The Secret Planner Perk Nobody Talks About [00:10:04] — PSA: Always Say Goodbye to Your Planner Before You Leave [00:15:01] — Hotel Bag Drop-Offs & The Valet Who Timed Allie With a Stopwatch [00:22:10] — Smarter Ways to Keep Guests in the Loop on Wedding Day [00:26:24] — Transportation Tales: Drivers, Dispatch & Almost Air-Tagging a Shuttle [00:29:08] — When the Vendor Says Yes to the Couple (After Saying No to Us Three Times) [00:35:00] — Wild Requests: Guinness Kegs, Sky Lanterns & The Industrial Bubble Machine   Connect with us: Visit our website: www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

    38 min
  6. Ep 43 • Planner Q&A Part 2: Wedding Communication, Vendor Collaboration & Client Expectations in Wedding Planning

    MAR 24

    Ep 43 • Planner Q&A Part 2: Wedding Communication, Vendor Collaboration & Client Expectations in Wedding Planning

    What actually makes a wedding run smoothly behind the scenes? In Part 2 of this Planner Q&A series, we dive deeper into real feedback from our industry survey — unpacking one of the biggest challenges in wedding planning: communication. From navigating vendor relationships and managing client expectations to avoiding costly assumptions, this episode is a candid look at what's really happening behind the scenes—and how both planners and vendors can work smarter together. If you've ever wondered why timelines fall apart, proposals miss the mark, or communication breaks down… this conversation pulls it all together.   Chapters 02:10 – The biggest industry issue: communication breakdowns 03:15 – Why planners shouldn't "do it all" (and how to lean on vendors) 05:53 – The timeline strategy: send it, review it, collaborate 06:58 – Why getting vendors on a call can solve problems faster 07:35 – The danger of assumptions in wedding planning 12:41 – Client decision delays + how it impacts vendors 14:13 – How to guide clients when they risk losing a vendor 17:21 – Budget mismatches and proposal frustrations 22:24 – Why planners request multiple proposals 23:24 – Improving proposal requests for better accuracy 25:34 – Communication tone and professionalism in vendor relationships 26:56 – Final takeaway: just talk (even when it's uncomfortable)   Key Takeaways Clear communication is everything. Most planning issues—from timelines to budgets—stem from misalignment or lack of clarity between vendors, planners, and clients. Collaboration beats assumptions. The best events happen when planners actively involve vendors instead of trying to control every detail. Set expectations early and often. Whether it's timelines, pricing, or deliverables, clarity upfront prevents stress (and costly mistakes) later.   Connect with us: Visit our website: https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com   Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

    31 min
  7. Ep 42 • Planner Q&A: Wedding Vendor Relationships, Client Red Flags & Wedding Industry Burnout

    MAR 17

    Ep 42 • Planner Q&A: Wedding Vendor Relationships, Client Red Flags & Wedding Industry Burnout

    What do wedding planners actually look for when choosing vendors? Why do planners stop working with certain vendors—even ones they like? And how do wedding professionals avoid burnout in an industry that rarely slows down? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we asked our network of wedding professionals to send us anonymous questions through a vendor survey. From building trust with planners to navigating client fit, we share practical insights on vendor relationships, communication mistakes that break trust, and why social media followers don't determine a vendor's real value. We also dive into the bigger picture of longevity in the wedding business—discussing burnout, career pivots, and how planners and photographers can build sustainable careers without losing their passion for weddings. Whether you're a wedding planner, photographer, caterer, or engaged couple curious about how the industry works behind the scenes, this episode offers honest insights into what makes a vendor team succeed.   Episode Timestamps 01:00 – Why the hosts surveyed wedding vendors 03:30 – What planners actually value most in wedding vendors 07:00 – Why planners need vendors to respect the planning process 09:00 – Why planners sometimes stop working with certain vendors 11:00 – Do Instagram followers really matter for wedding vendors? 15:00 – Transportation vendors and why trust is critical 17:00 – Catering service mistakes that can affect the entire timeline 19:30 – Why networking matters in the wedding industry 22:00 – Wedding industry burnout and long-term career sustainability 25:00 – Why some photographers leave the industry after 40 27:00 – Finding balance between weddings, family, and business growth 32:00 – How planners determine if a client is the right fit 34:00 – Red flags wedding planners notice during consultations 36:00 – How to decline clients professionally and respectfully   Key Takeaways 1. Trust matters more than popularity 2. Communication protects the client experience 3. Social media doesn't equal expertise 4 Not every client is the right fit     Connect with us: Visit our website: https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com   Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted   Loving this type of podcast? Share your thoughts on social media and don't forget to tag us at @weddings_unscripted. And don't forget to share this to your friends, subscribe and leave a review on your favorite streaming platforms.

    40 min
  8. Ep 41 • How to Choose Wedding Entertainment: Live Bands, DJs & Custom Music with Lucy Black Entertainment

    MAR 10

    Ep 41 • How to Choose Wedding Entertainment: Live Bands, DJs & Custom Music with Lucy Black Entertainment

    What does it really take to build a successful wedding entertainment company from the ground up? In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we sit down with *Rebecca Steele & Lauren Brettell*, the founders of Lucy Black Entertainment, a women-owned wedding entertainment agency known for curating live wedding bands, string ensembles, DJs, and immersive entertainment experiences. They share the story behind launching their company, how they create custom entertainment experiences for luxury weddings, and why relationships, networking, and trust are the foundation of success in the wedding industry. From building bands and vetting musicians to expanding their wedding entertainment services into new markets like St. Louis, Rebecca and Lauren reveal what really happens behind the scenes when planners and entertainment teams collaborate to create unforgettable wedding celebrations. If you're a wedding planner, vendor, musician, or engaged couple, this episode offers a rare look at how entertainment is curated, managed, and executed at the highest level.   Chapters 01:32 – How Lucy Black Entertainment Was Founded 05:10 – What Makes a Great Wedding Entertainment Company 07:05 – Custom Wedding Entertainment: Creating Unique Performances 08:50 – Vetting Musicians and Bands for Luxury Weddings 15:20 – Networking in the Wedding Industry 18:00 – The First Major Event That Changed Everything 23:15 – Advice for Vendors Starting in the Wedding Industry 29:40 – Expanding Lucy Black Entertainment to St. Louis 32:05 – Wedding Band Options: Live Music Formats for Different Events 35:00 – Creating Unique Wedding Music Experiences (Jazz, Festival-Style, and More) 44:00 – East Coast vs Midwest Wedding Industry Differences 50:45 – The Story Behind the Name Lucy Black Entertainment 53:10 – Where to Find Lucy Black Entertainment   Key Takeaways Wedding entertainment should be personalized. Great wedding entertainment isn't just about booking a band or DJ. Lucy Blank Entertainment focus on understanding the couple's personalities, event vision, and guest experience to design the right musical atmosphere. Relationships drive success in the wedding industry From planners referring clients to vendors recommending partners, the wedding industry is built on trust, networking, and strong professional relationships. Starting a wedding entertainment company requires both creativity and operations. While music and performance are the visible parts of the business, running a successful entertainment agency involves logistics, talent management, branding, and event production.   Connect with Lucy Black Entertainment Website: https://lucyblackentertainment.com Follow Lucy Black Entertainment Instagram: @lucyblackent Lucy Black provides: Live wedding bands Wedding DJs String quartets and ceremony musicians Jazz ensembles Custom entertainment experiences Immersive performers and specialty acts   Connect with us: Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com Follow us on our socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755 Instagram: @weddings_unscripted TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

    55 min
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About

With over 18 years of planning and designing weddings, we have seen it all! Join us for a fun and insightful journey as we laugh, cry, and learn together on Weddings Unscripted – because planning a wedding is just as unforgettable as the big day itself! Subscribe today and be the first to listen! Launching January 10, 2025.

Information

  • Creator
    Alexandra Pare
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Weddings Unscripted

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