The Wedding Whisperer Podcast

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 in Richmond, KY

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.

Hear from a Mother of two 2023 Brides - Part 2

We chatted with Trish Allen a few months ago about her daughter’s April wedding at Ashford Acres and on this episode we are chatting about her other daughter’s wedding! Imagine having both daughters get married in the same year! We talk about each of their priorities, budget, dresses and what they learned from the first wedding and did differently for the second! 

New Wedding Venue near Downtown Lexington: The Clerestory

Housed in a former bus depot & inspired by the original architecture of the space, The Clerestory was created to meet a need for large weddings in Downtown Lexington, KY. Hear from Venue Manager, Taylor Swanson share about the venue to see if it is a good fit for your wedding. With an open layout surrounded by walls of original windows, the vision was to keep a nod to the origins of the building while accommodating up to 350 people in a fresh, elevated, yet industrial space.

Wedding Day Timeline

Wes Brown Photography based in Kentucky chats about wedding day timelines, how long you should hire a photographer for, the difference in a timeline with and without a first look and just overall wedding photography advice.

Wedding Nails

Celine Chea, Nail Artist based in Lexington, KY shares types of nails most brides consider for their wedding day, the best places to find inspiration and what to budget for your wedding nails.

Wedding Guest 101, After the Ceremony

On the final part of How To Be The Perfect Wedding Guest we chat about cocktail hour and reception etiquette including when it’s an okay time for you to dip out, what a faux exit is and more. After this episode you’ll be the model wedding guest!

Wedding Guest 101, Ceremony Guide

Kentucky florist Hunter Sherwood, of Sherwood Design & Events and Tyler Jackson of Jackson Visuals are back for Part 2 on how to be the perfect wedding guest! You’ll learn when to arrive at the ceremony, what to wear and what not to wear and why keeping your phone out of view is so important! 

Wedding Guest 101, Before the Ceremony

Hear from wedding vendors on what they want you to know about being a wedding guest. This multi-episode series will take you from the beginning stages of being a guest to the grand exit. Seasoned florist Hunter Sherwood with Sherwood Design & Events and Tyler Jackson of Jackson Visuals share everything you need to know about being a wedding guest.

Anna Shae Jewelry

Anna Shae Jewelry was created in 2020 by Anna Thompson of Kevin and Anna Photography in Lexington, KY. Anna Shae Jewelry is classic, timeline jewelry that can be worn every day. You can choose between gold, silver or rose gold options. The bangles are the most popular. You can treat yourself or purchase as a gift. Bracelets, necklaces and rings are able to be personalized too! Be on the lookout for more styles coming this winter! Update 1/1/24: While Anna Shae is no longer a Simply Love Studio preferred vendor, we are a big fan of her and her work and will continue to cheer her on!

Wedding Signage and Details

Meet The Crazy Bunny Lady, Amanda Sutton. She is the one that helps you finalize those last-minute details for your wedding day. From your welcome signage, to reserved row signs, to cake topper, to table numbers, place cards, large last name signs and more. Hear all of the ways you can personalize your wedding day.