It Girl Weddings

This week’s guest is exactly what Caitlin looks for in a photographer, so she is delighted to welcome her to the show and to you. Marie is a new mother, photographer, and all-around expert when it comes to capturing the moments that will remind you forever of how special your wedding was. She joins Caitlin to talk about the importance of trusting your photographer, what key questions to ask before hiring one, and a good sample timeline for a full day. She also gives outfit tips, some shot ideas that you may not have thought of, and when to let go and know that you are in good hands with your photographer and vendors. Plus she's offering something for listeners!

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• Marie’s approach comes from the perspective of showing how in love the couple is, and showcasing that unique and special love to the world.
• Even if you feel like the most awkward couple there is, Marie has some tips to make you seem natural and relaxed in all your photos.
• The importance of trusting your professional photographer and vendors in order to have a successful and not too stressful wedding.
• Marie’s tips for engagement photos including what to wear and doing a walk through before the excitement happens.
• The pros of doing a first look, and that it won’t mess with or negative the “aisle moment”.
• Marie’s tips for the best time of day and weather for photos, and why not to freak out if it suddenly turns cloudy.
• The most important questions to ask a photographer about their style and process.
• Small things you may not think about, such as the placement of your officiant during the kiss or making sure you and your partner are drinking enough water.

Quotes:

• “My vision is to serve the couples as best as I can.”
• “A lot of times I’ll be hiding somewhere like in the bushes, under a car, in the craziest places.”
• “Photos capture the emotion of whatever you are feeling at the time. If you feel uncomfortable, you are going to look uncomfortable.”
• “Drink water on your wedding day for sure!”
• “Trust your photographer and your vendor. Just relax. People will tell you where you need to be.”

Mentioned:

@mariemedinaphotography

Stay Connected:

Blog: www.itgirlweddings.com

Instagram: instagram.com/itgirlweddings

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itgirlweddings

Shop: https://itgirlweddings.com/shop/

Registry: https://rstyle.me/+t1L1-suubNqf2P04nHgvXQ

Caitlin kicks off the episode this week sharing the story of how she went from the go-to girl for her friends when it came to weddings, to now having a popular blog and podcast on the subject. Then, she lays the first three steps to begin planning your dream day after you say “I do”, and a 30-Day Challenge to help you stay organized and ahead of the game. Whether you are planning on getting married soon, just in the browsing around mode, or daydreaming about a day in the future, this episode is for you. Plus announcing a giveaway!

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• How Caitlin got into blogging, and how happy she is to not only have a rockin’  blog, but now a podcast as well to connect with her awesome community.
• Caitlin went from being the knowledgeable friend at weddings to starting the blog, and her experience in general and specific roles will hopefully help you in your journey.
• Yes, it’s okay to buy your dream dress, even if you have no plans to get married in the near future. You’re safe here.
• The reasons why brides and grooms tend to go over their budget, and resources to help you determine and stay on a budget right for you.
• What to know when looking to book your venue.
• The important list of vendors that encompasses pretty much all your needs for the big day.
• The crucial action items to take when shopping for and purchasing your dream dress.
• Why you and your partner need some time off wedding planning, and how to actually schedule that in your calendar!
• Caitlin’s 30 Day Countdown Challenge to make sure you are well organized and on top of everything in a systematic order,  everything from ring insurance, gorgeous nails, fun announcements,to the honeymoon of a lifetime.
• Tips for delegating tasks to your guests and bridal party that will have them happily wanting to join the fun.
• When to start that fitness and beauty routine so you are the best version of yourself — a beautiful, blushing bride!

Quotes:

• “The best thing I learned in wedding planning is that there is no right answer.”
• “Make it a priority to still have fun together where it’s not focused on the wedding.”

Mentioned:

Top 10 Wedding Budget Tips

Wedding Planner

50 First Dance Songs

Stay Connected:

Blog: www.itgirlweddings.com

Instagram: instagram.com/itgirlweddings

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itgirlweddings

Shop: https://itgirlweddings.com/shop/

Registry: https://rstyle.me/+t1L1-suubNqf2P04nHgvXQ

This week, we have Nicole from Savannah, Georgia, a super fun and knowledgeable one-stop shop for all things bridal. Nicole shares how she went from being a guest at her cousin’s wedding to eventually owning a bridal store, offering wedding planning, and now extending her capability to floral services. Caitlin and Nicole have a fun chat about the benefits of hiring a wedding planner, some great tips for brides on a budget, and how Nicole’s clients have adjusted in the age of COVID-19. Plus she's offering listeners a discount!

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• How Nicole got into wedding planning after she attended her cousin’s wedding and realized she could do most (if not all!) of it herself, with the help of a few friends.
• More about Caitlin and Nicole’s experience at David’s Bridal, and what it taught them that they still use today.
• Nicole talks about how her clients have downsized and changed venues to make sure their dream day goes off without a hitch.
• A few of Nicole’s favorite fashion lines that meet different price points and styles.
• The current and future trends in florals.
• Tips for brides on how to make their vision come to life when it comes to florals.
• How Nicole’s clients are adjusting to shopping for wedding dresses virtually.
• Why it’s important to keep an open mind when it comes to style — you never know unless you see it on!
• Personalized weddings make everything better for both the couple and the guests!
• Why Nicole doesn’t believe in day-of planning.

Mentioned: 

Final Week — Bridal

Willowby

Maggie Sottero

Julie Vino

Say hi to Nicole on IG at @ivoryandbeau

Stay Connected: 

Blog: www.itgirlweddings.com

Instagram: instagram.com/itgirlweddings

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itgirlweddings

Shop: https://itgirlweddings.com/shop/

Registry: https://rstyle.me/+t1L1-suubNqf2P04nHgvXQ

This week, Caitlin is joined by the very talented photographer, Lindsay Varner of Lindsay Eileen Photography. She and her husband Nathan are a dynamic duo who have shot over 100 weddings together as a couple, providing both the nitty-gritty details and amazing candid shots for their clients. Lindsay talks with Caitlin about a few important details to know when booking a photographer, how to get the best formal shots in a quick amount of time, a sample timeline of photos for both a summer and fall/winter wedding, and why even 2020 can’t get in the way of celebrating love. Finally, Lindsay talks about how she and her husband became a knowledgeable source of information about having a wedding during COVID-19, where clients could come to them with questions to get clarity and the latest rules. Plus she's offering listeners a discount!

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• Lindsay shares how she started working with her husband when they were dating, and now over 100 weddings later, they have a great dynamic and working partnership.
• Lindsay takes care of the nitty-gritty details of the bride, groom, and their families, while her husband Nathan focuses on behind the scenes and candid moments.
• Formal family and “VIP” photos are important and you’ll definitely want to get them, but the most important thing is making the time for great photos of you as a couple.
• Lindsay breaks down a sample schedule with 30 mins each for pictures of the family, bridal party, and the couple during golden hour.
• A look into what booking a photographer or photo team looks like for an 8 hour day.
• Be open to suggestions for the first look. The weather may dictate where the best lighting will be.
• Be sure to work with a photographer that provides a business license and insurance.
• Three major tips: brides should be sure to eat during the day, your wedding day is not the time to try out that new spray tan, and don’t be “that dude” in the sparkler send off!
• The biggest key of 2020 is communication between the bride and the vendors, venue, and guests.

Mentioned: 

• @lindsayeileenphotogrpahy — Mention “It Girl Weddings podcast” for 5%
• Alfred Angelo Color Coded Bustle

Stay Connected: 

Blog: www.itgirlweddings.com

Instagram: instagram.com/itgirlweddings

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itgirlweddings

Is it possible to pull off your dream wedding (or even a wedding at all?) during this crazy and confusing time of COVID-19? This week, Caitlin talks with bride Emily, who shares a relatable and refreshing story of recently getting married. This Corona Bride got through it with grace, gratitude, and only a few of the groomsmen splitting their pants. Emily talks about how she and her now husband were able to keep their original day, how the vendors helped her through the process and employed safety precautions, and how she made it through after having to cut more than 100 of her original guest list.

In This Episode:

• Emily, a Ph.D. student in Illinois, gets honest about the ups and downs of having a wedding during the pandemic.
• Emily and her fiance met online, and had a dream of getting married on 10.23.2020. They were still able to keep that date — find out how.
• Almost everything Emily dreamed of still stayed the same. There was a lot of love and fun, just a lesser amount of people, unfortunately.
• Emily shares how the vendors adapted to the new situation and they worked with the venue to make sure every safety precaution was in place.
• How Emily communicated with her guests, since so much information was changing rapidly.
• Emily had to cut over 100 people off the guest list.
• Emily shares her ideas to make masks cute and personal, and how they handled the appetizer, main courses, and a fun dessert with everything needing to be in a to-go box or a separate plate.
• The advanced technology that made her experience a little weirder, but definitely easier.
• At the end of the day, it’s about the love of the people in the wedding.

Mentioned: 

Pear Tree Estate

Stay Connected: 

Blog: www.itgirlweddings.com

Instagram: instagram.com/itgirlweddings

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itgirlweddings/

A modern wedding podcast that discusses all things weddings. Each week you can expect advice, tips, current trends, planning guides, and insightful takeaways to help your wedding vision come to life! Join Caitlin, industry professionals, and your engaged peers as we navigate the wedding industry for you. I can't wait to connect with you, because YOU are setting the next big trend in weddings!

Hosted by Caitlin Hartley, creator of the popular wedding blog, It Girl Weddings