The Wedding Whisperer Podcast

Limestone Limousines

Meet Brett Butzer, General Manager of Limestone Limousines, Lexington, Kentucky’s newest transportation company. Limestone Limousines offers 4 vehicles for couples to utilize on their wedding day and we chat about all of the ways using professional transportation can be helpful on your wedding day and it might not be as expensive as you think!

Men's Attire

Mac and Clay located in Lexington, Kentucky isn’t your typical men’s clothing store. With more than 20 years in the formal wear industry, Matt Guarnieri saw a need for a different type of store in Lexington. One where men could get custom suits or tuxedos tailored to their style & measurements for years of wear, along with a more sophisticated every day look or special event attire. Matt touches on trends in the men’s industry along with the process for a groom to get a custom wedding day suit and how much they should budget for it.

All-Inclusive Hotel Venues

For over 50 years, The Campbell House, based in Lexington, KY, has been hosting weddings and events in their signature Kentucky style and most recently with a full renovation and addition to the property. Included with the renovation are completely remodeled guest rooms/suites and 2 large ballrooms designed to represent Kentucky’s rich equine history. If you are looking for a stress-free wedding venue, a hotel could bean option for you!

Maximizing Your Wedding Flower Budget

For an inside look at florals for your wedding I chat with Cassidy May, the owner of The Wild Rose based in Richmond, Kentucky offering floral designs and event coordination.
 
Wedding flowers are an area that many couples either have at the top of their priority list OR they prefer to just not think about them. Cassidy shares about the types of florals to consider for your wedding, the price differences in flowers and arrangements, where you can (and absolutely shouldn't) skimp on flowers, and how to really maximize your floral budget so that it works for you.
Key Moments:
00:38: Cassidy talks about how The Wild Rose began
01:28: Florals and coordinating go hand in hand
02:18: Couples either rank flowers in their top wish lists, or don’t consider them at all
03:11: Types of flowers you might need or want for your wedding day
06:03: Ways to reuse your ceremony flowers
08:45: Price range for the bride’s bouquet
09:43: Do colors and types of flowers affect the price of flowers?
11:53: Why consultations with vendors (florists, especially) are so important
12:52: Which flowers tend to be the most expensive?
13:56: The lengths Cassidy will go to to secure requested flowers
14:28: How do silk flowers compare in price to real flowers?
17:02: Are candle centerpieces cost effective?
17:51: Vase rentals are included with your florist (don’t buy these!)
20:07: Maximizing your floral budget: cutting down on boutonnieres
20:43: Maximizing your floral budget: cutting down on corsages
21:29: The problem with boutonnieres
22:26: Can you reuse your bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces?
23:31: Bud vases for centerpieces
24:01: Maximizing your floral budget: cutting out flowers on the cake (with a caveat)
25:27: Prices for cake flowers
26:53: Where you should absolutely spend your floral budget
27:07: Cassidy shares the proper way to hold a bouquet
28:36: Does the price of a bridal bouquet change if it’s traditional vs cascading?
29:17: Cassidy’s team at The Wild Rose and how they can support during the wedding
 

Grand Ballroom of the Signature Club of Lansdowne

Conveniently located in the heart of Lexington is the Grand Ballroom of the Signature Club of Lansdowne. They specialize in creating one-of-a-kind weddings and special events of all sizes and types that reflect your personal style The Grand Ballroom offers 4,000 square feet of flexible rental facilities, located right in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. Included standard with this versatile banquet and reception hall is a 720 square foot marble dance floor, wall-to-wall windows, and oversized French doors opening onto an elegant terrace providing an additional 2,000 square feet for hosting guests outside. Learn more about The Signature Club from Venue Manager Ashley Turner Frazier.
 
Listen to learn more about:
01:06: History and description of the Signature Club
02:09: Membership at the Club
02:45: Renting the Ballroom
03:14: Options for where to have ceremony (terrace)
04:12: Chairs, tables, and linens rentals at the Club
04:35: Ceremony setup options with rain plan options
06:50: Recent renovations
07:30: Most popular days for wedding ceremony rentals
08:20: Pricing for venue rentals at the Signature Club
09:35: Guest parking at the Signature Club
10:31: The Bridal Suite 
11:34: Convenient location to nearby hotels for couples to get ready
12:50: Rehearsal dinners at the Signature Club
13:56: Supporting staff at the Club on your wedding day
15:17: Coordinating logistics and meeting with brides
17:21: Have you seen any unique ballroom or terrace set ups?
18:29: Other events at the Signature Club beyond weddings
19:17: Various options for taking photos around the property
21:49: What do you wish couples knew about renting a venue?
24:07: Deposit required for a Saturday wedding
24:36: How far in advance would a couple need to book a wedding?
25:11: The best way to reach out to schedule a tour
26:52: Ashley’s final thoughts on what sets the Signature Club apart as a venue
 
Connect with The Signature Club of Lansdowne:
Website: https://www.signatureclub.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signatureclublex/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063752222464&fref=tsEmail: aturner@signatureclub.org
 
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/
 
How to work together:
If you’re a bride or couple in the Lexington, Kentucky area who feels overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, at https://www.simplylovestudio.com/contact-us/.

Wedding Photography with emphasis in Albums

Shelly Dawn Fryman, owner of Shelly Dawn Images wedding photographer, based in Lexington, KY shares how wedding photo delivery has changed in the past decade and how most photographers deliver images now. We focus on the importance of wedding albums. When the wedding is all said and done, the album is what you will cherish forever. 

Vitamin IV Therapies

Vitamin IV therapies, are part of a popular health and wellness trend spreading across the region. I sat down with Jon Hurley, Founder of Renew Hydration, based in Lexington, Kentucky to learn more about the pros, cons, side effects and cost of IV Therapies. Renew Hydration is First Responder and Physician Owned. They provide clean, professional on demand IV services when you need it, and where you need it.
00:00: Introduction to Vitamin IV therapies
00:55: How Jon got started in this business
02:05: How did Vitamin IV therapies start and take off?
02:57: What exactly are hydration IV therapies and how do they work?
03:29: Who can benefit from these therapies?
04:30: How long does the process take?
05:02: What is the most popular option people choose?
06:19: Pre-scheduling your appointments
07:02: Preparing to try hydration therapy for your wedding
08:29: Jon’s thoughts on using the service for the wedding party
09:18: Renew Hydration giveaway gifts for the bride and groom
09:33: A good time to get hydration IV on your wedding day
10:41: How Renew Hydration can help “take back your day”
12:16: Two things Renew Hydration can’t give you
12:36: Safety and doctor’s approval by the Renew Hydration team prior to treatment
12:54: Treatment recommendations for allergies and sinus issues
13:41: Is the treatment safe for all ages?
14:31: Pricing for Renew Hydration services
16:07: Memberships for repeat IV treatments
17:52: What should you look for in an IV therapy service outside of Lexington?
19:16: How do you help those who are afraid of needles?
20:45: What are your Lipo B and Lipo C options to target fat loss?
23:40: Fixing the root of the problem is what Renew Hydration is all about
25:38: The best way to reach Renew Hydration to learn more or schedule
Connect with Renew Hydration:
Website: https://renewhydrationky.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hydrationrenew/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hydrationrenewTelephone: 859-488-6731
 
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/
 
How to work together:
If you’re a bride or couple in the Lexington, Kentucky area who feels overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Tipping Your Wedding Vendors

One of the most frequently asked questions a wedding planner or coordinator gets asked now is "Which vendor do I tip and how much?" Candice Ford with Candice Ford Event Design and Alainna Lantz with Perfect Timing Weddings & Events join in on the conversation and share their thoughts and what other couples are doing! 

Pets in Weddings

Including your dog in your wedding is a great idea in theory, but it takes some well thought out planning to make sure you have set the day and experience up for success. We’ll talk about some ways you can incorporate them on the wedding day, as well as a few ways to include them in spirit if they aren’t able to physically be there.

Wedding Stationery with Wild Joy Studios

Have you ever wondered what a save the date is? Or when you’re supposed to send your wedding invitations out? Do you actually need both? How do your guests RSVP? We also discuss some general tips for better chances of your stationery actually making it to your guest’s mailboxes. And, of course we discuss pricing and budget for DIY, digital options, using a chain or a custom stationer like Allison. 
01:09: Meet Alison of Wild Joy Studios!
01:56: What Allison loves about wedding stationary
03:22: Is it stationary or stationery?
04:19: What a basic invitation suite includes
05:43: Types of wedding stationery: Save the Date
08:40: Types of wedding stationery: Will you be my bridesmaid cards
08:52: Types of wedding stationery: Rehearsal dinner invites
09:41: Using rehearsal invites to indicate plus one for your wedding party
10:27: Types of wedding stationery: The Wedding Invitation
11:20: How much time to give for preparing the wedding invitation?
12:40: What does the wedding invitation include?
15:21: Inside the invitation suite: The RSVP card
16:19: Inside the invitation suite: Hotel & information cards
17:06: Outer and Inner envelopes
18:50: How to efficiently address invitations
21:16: Types of wedding stationery: Thank You Notes
22:31: Wedding maps
23:21: Watercolor venue drawings
25:19: Alternative custom guestbook designs
27:16: Using wax seals
29:03: Mailing invitations with wax seals
30:02: Printing methods: Gold foil and letterpress
31:35  Allison’s suggestion for where to include your wedding website
32:33: Custom stationery prices
33:54: Digital invitation options
35:23: Paper to use for printing your invitations at home
36:03: How many invitations to order according to your guest count
36:38: Ordering stationery from a small business versus online (Minted/Zola)
38:24: Key takeaways about sending your invitations
39:39: Making extra wax seals
40:58: The price of digital designs for stationery
Connect with Allison at Wild Joy Studios:
Website:  https://www.wildjoystudios.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildjoystudiosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wild.Joy.StudiosTelephone: 704-402-3391
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

Wedding Cakes and Dessert Bars with Sweets By Cindy

Cindy Nevius took the Danville, KY area by storm in 2012 when she opened Sweets By Cindy in Junction City, selling over 1200 cupcakes on her first day open! With almost a dozen employees now her bakery is open Tuesday – Saturday for walk ins and makes special occasion cakes by pre-order. Over the past two years Cindy has watched couples transition from traditional weddings into dessert bars on the wedding day. Dessert bars often consist of cookies, brownies, cheese bars, cupcakes, bourbon balls and more. Many couples initially want to do this because they think it will be more affordable, but is it really? 
Listen to learn more about:
00:39: How Sarah met Cindy
02:59: Cindy’s background and how she got started baking
04:07: About opening her shop in Junction City
06:38: Sarah’s personal favorite cake flavor by Cindy
07:06: Cindy’s most popular cake flavors
08:20: Optional add-ins for cake flavors
08:54: When is the Sweets by Cindy’s bakery open?
09:28: How have trends in wedding cakes changed over the years?
10:34: Serving your wedding cake (so people have a chance to enjoy it!)
11:20: The reason dessert bars have become popular (probably)
11:34: Dessert bar options
12:35: How many dessert bar options do you recommend?
13:45: Are most of your dessert options chocolate flavored?
14:30: Does an outdoor venue have an effect on the desserts you serve?
15:06: Cindy’s wedding cake pricing
15:29: Could we say that dessert bars are cheaper than having a wedding cake?
18:00: All about having stands for your desserts
19:51: The tasting process and consultations with Cindy
23:30: Locations Cindy services and delivery and set up fees
29:58: Visiting Cindy’s storefront
30:57: Scooby Scraps – cups sold with cake layers from cake extras
31:49: Gluten-free options
32:23: How much buttercream does Cindy go through in a week?
33:21: Other dessert options at Sweets by Cindy
37:06: Expect new desserts at Sweets by Cindy
37:53: Find Cindy’s flavors on Facebook and Instagram
38:09: The best way to contact Cindy
 
Connect with Cindy at Sweets by Cindy:
Website: https://sweetsbycindyky.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsbycindyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetsByCindy/Telephone: 859-583-3176
 
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/
 
How to work together:
If you’re a bride or couple in the Lexington, Kentucky area who feels overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Kentucky Wedding Venues & Catering

Meet husband and wife team Shanna and Trevor Johnson, owners of Bayou Bluegrass Catering. Bayou Bluegrass Catering started in 1998 and is based in Lexington, KY. After working in the hospitality industry learning the ropes from the ground up, Shanna joined the Bayou team in 2011, became a partner of the company in 2014, followed by purchasing the company with her husband Trevor in 2021. In addition to off-site catering, they manage three venues in Lexington, KY. Those venues are The Round Barn, Copper Roux and Limestone Hall.

Everything you need to know about Rehearsal Dinners

Rehearsal Dinners are traditionally hosted by the groom’s family the night before the wedding, but all rules and tradition went out the window in 2020. On this episode we talk about who you invite, where to have your dinner in Lexington, KY, how to do invites, what to do during dinner and more.

Top Honeymoon Destinations of 2024

Jessie Ladipo, Chief Romance Officer with Trips to Cherish, shares the benefits of working with a travel agent for your honeymoon and what fees associated with working with a travel agent. Over the past few years people have been using their days off and traveling more, which means you need to book your travel much sooner than ever before. Are Tuesdays really the best time to book flights? Hear Jessie’s thoughts on this and her top 5 most popular honeymoon destinations of 2024.
 
Listen to learn more about:
00:15: Introduction to Jessie Ladipo, of Trips to Cherish
00:56: Benefits of working with a travel agent
2:25: How do fees work when using a travel agent?
4:21: Has the cost of traveling increased since the pandemic?
5:06: Jessie talks about preparing passports and visas
7:52: Jessie’s recommendations for honeymoons inside the United States
9:21: How Jessie can help a couple narrow down honeymoon choices
10:54: What’s the average length of a honeymoon?
11:57: Jessie debunks travel hacking myths
13:46: Should you use a third party website to book travel?
16:38: Honeymoon destination options with the most bang for your buck
17:54: Where are couples from who book with Trips to Cherish?
19:37: When will couples need to apply for European visas coming up in 2025?
20:07: What are the most popular destinations for 2024 so far?
21:18: Sarah suggests to follow Trips to Cherish on social media for great travel info
21:56: Advice for couples booking a honeymoon in 2024
24:28: What are some beach destinations that Kentucky couples can reach quickly by plane?
26:02: Trips to Cherish also offers bookings for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties
27:26: Jessie shares her thoughts on booking Airbnb’s
31:54: Jessie offers a final piece of advice for couples planning their honeymoon
 
Resources:
Listen to Jessie’s previous episode on the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yf2v6-13c0c5f
 
Connect with Jessie at Trips to Cherish:
Website:  www.tripstocherish.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripstocherishFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tripstocherish/Telephone: 859-309-6229
 
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/
 
How to work together:
If you’re a bride or couple in the Lexington, Kentucky area who feels overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Wedding Festivities at 21c Museum Hotel

21c Museum Hotel Lexington is an 88-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, cultural center and home to Lockbox restaurant, located in Downtown Lexington, KY. Hear from Jason Thompson, Director of Marketing & Sales and Holly Hampton, Event Sales Manager, about all they have to offer for wedding related festivities in their historic property and learn more about the iconic blue penguin.
 
 
Listen to learn more about:
1:47: History of the iconic blue penguin
4:19: Holly describes the space at 21c
7:18: Bar options for weddings at the hotel
9:22: Holly, Jason, and Sarah discuss catering at the hotel
13:41: How does 21c handle tastings?
16:04: Starting prices for catering
17:42: Suite options for getting ready
19:53: Room blocks at 21c vs another hotel, like The Hilton
21:17: Do couples need to prepay for their rooms?
21:57: Holly, Jason, and Sarah talk about when Bravo’s Lisa Vanderpump stayed at 21c
23:25: Using 21c for bridal luncheons, bridal showers, dinners, or brunches
25:32: 21c serves as a great backdrop for photos
27:45: Guest parking options
29:47: Art transitions at the hotel
31:01: Setting up a tour to see the property
32:22: Upcoming events at 21c Museum Hotel
33:53: Sarah shares more about the penguins at 21c Museum Hotel
 
Connect with 21c Museum Hotel:
Website:  21cmuseumhotels.com/lexington/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/21chotels/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21cLexington/Telephone: 859-899-6812
 
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/
 
How to work together:
If you’re a bride or couple in the Lexington, Kentucky area who feels overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Weddings at Chenault Vineyards

Located on around 500 acres of beautiful Kentucky countryside, Chenault Vineyards is nestled just 30 minutes south of Lexington among the beautiful hills of Richmond, Kentucky. Stacie Settle, Assistant General Manager and Director of Weddings shares details about their beautiful ceremony site with breathtaking views and two indoor reception venues. In addition to their venue space they offer wine tastings, winery tours, live music and fun events.
Listen to learn more about:
1:22: Stacie’s experience with coordinating weddings
2:54: The history of Chenault Vineyards
4:18: Chenault’s most popular wines
5:12: Can you tour Chenault Vineyards?
6:15: Stacie discusses how long Chenault has been doing weddings.
7:33: What are Chenault’s ceremony options and indoor venue options?
9:43: Are wedding tents allowed to be put up on the property?
10:44: Upgrades to the property, including a new bridal suite 
11:56: Is outside alcohol allowed at a vineyard?
13:11: Does Chenault allow outside catering services?
13:52: Pricing for Chenault Vineyard venue and combinations
15:58: Nearby hotels and Airbnb’s for out of town guests
18:25: Does Chenault have an open vendor policy?
19:52: Wedding coordination services
22:20: Average budget of weddings at Chenault
23:05: What are the most popular months for weddings at Chenault?
23:55: Rehearsal dinners at Chenault
25:47: Events at Chenault Vineyards
 
Connect with Chenault Vineyards:
Website:  www.chenaultvineyards.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chenaultvineyardsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chenaultvineyardsTelephone: 859-328-7773
 
Connect with Sarah:
Website:  www.simplylovestudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/
 
How to work together:
If you’re a bride or couple in the Lexington, Kentucky area who feels overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

The difference between Louisville & Lexington weddings

Lorrie & Melissa with L & M Detailed Events based in Louisville, KY share their experience on getting started as wedding planners, how their business has grown over the years and advice they have for someone wanting to become a wedding planner. Followed by the difference in the Lexington and Louisville wedding markets -  From reception end times, vendor pricing, difference in types of venues and more.

City BBQ Wedding Giveaway

Antonia Hansford, Wedding Event Specialist talks wedding trends for 2024 and the huge wedding giveaway City BBQ announced!
www.citybbq.com/winawedding

The Biggest Expense For Your 2024 Wedding: Catering

Diane Kellum, owner of Type A Catering a boutique catering company based in Nicholasville, KY starts off season 2 for us. We recap a bit about 2023 and chat food pricing for 2024, most affordable type of food service at a wedding, most popular alcohol requested at weddings, fees associated with hiring a wedding caterer and more! This is a must listen no matter where you are in wedding planning!

Kentucky Wedding Videography

Tyler Jackson with Jackson Visuals shares the difference between a wedding photographer and videographer, different types of video edits you can get, thoughts from his own recent wedding day, video turnaround time, getting to know your vendor team and more.