Real Bride and Radio Personality LeeAnn Sommers discusses her journey twice down the aisle, what she learned from each experience, and the importance of authenticity. LeeAnn tells us why church played a big role in her relationship with her now husband Bob, how he proposed, and what role her son played in her second wedding. She also shares the personal details of finding each wedding dress, and why she felt compelled to donate one of them to a young bride.  Get to Know LeeAnn: LeeAnn...

Real Bride Stefanie Paganini shares her journey from an unexpected proposal to an oceanside destination wedding. An acclaimed chef, she also gives her culinary expertise for couples planning their menus. Get to know Stefanie: Stefanie joined the family business after attending the Pastry Arts Diploma Program at ICASI, the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute where she did her externship in the test kitchen of Family Circle Magazine in New York City. She has held many titles...

Engagement, Bridal Shower, Bachelor/Bachelorette...there is A LOT of celebrating to do before your wedding day! Jeffra Trumpower, Senior Creative Director at WeddingWire, shares her advice on how to plan and enjoy all of the parties leading up to your big day.  Get to know Jeffra: As part of her role at WeddingWire, Jeffra leverages her keen eye for detail and visual aesthetic to constantly identify new wedding trends for engaged couples in the U.S -- from floral arrangements and bridal...

Hollywood Stylist and Host of the new podcast The Katz Walk, Joseph “Joe” Katz, explains what all of the different dress codes we come across really mean, and what we should and shouldn’t wear to a wedding. He also fills us in on the fashion trends for 2021, and how we can get the look for less! Get to know Joe: Fun, engaging and the creator of celebrity looks for the general public, Host Joe Katz is best known for his Oscar Red Carpet appearances. With many years of experience in the...

Even though there really aren’t too many “rules” in weddings anymore, there are still proper ways to handle some sticky situations. Jeffra Trumpower, Senior Creative Director at WeddingWire shares her advice on how to best deal with dilemmas that may arise with family, friends, co-workers and vendors.  Get to know Jeffra: As part of her role at WeddingWire, Jeffra leverages her keen eye for detail and visual aesthetic to constantly identify new wedding trends for engaged couples in the U.S...

From the Save the Dates to the Thank You cards, Esther Lee, Senior Editor at The Knot, breaks down how to choose your invitation style, when you should send them out to your guests, and what you definitely should and should not include. We also discuss the brand new Invitations and Stationary collection from The Knot!  Get to know Esther:  Esther Lee is the Senior Editor of The Knot, covering and editing all-things-related to weddings and love at the leading brand in the U.S. She has...

Rebecca Somnitz, owner of Something White Bridal, is back to give us the details on what she saw from the designers collections at this year's (virtual) Bridal Market. Bridal Market is the Fashion Week for Weddings, and happens twice a year (in the Spring and Fall). Tune in to get the scoop on what we can look forward to seeing in the stores in 2021!  Get to know Rebecca: Rebecca has a love for classic, elegant and unique wedding gowns that use quality fabrics and interesting cuts. After...

Hollywood fashion expert, VIP personal shopper, and host of the new podcast The Katz Walk, Joseph "Joe" Katz, shares his expertise on groom and groomsmen style. From the bowtie to the boots, Joe gives his honest advice and (money saving!) tips to look your best! Get to know Joe:  Fun, engaging and the creator of celebrity looks for the general public, Host Joe Katz is best known for his Oscar Red Carpet appearances. With many years of experience in the fashion industry, Katz is the stylist...

Real Bride Nicole Fill shares her experience being in multiple weddings (including as my Matron of Honor!). We cover a lot of topics: planning her wedding, being a bridesmaid, making a destination wedding a family vacation, giving a toast, having her children in a bridal party, and how she handled being a part of more than one wedding in less than a year.  Get to know Nicole: Nicole is a born and raised Clevelander. She met her husband when they both worked at Target in 2000. They dated...

Stylist Taylor Roby shares her honest tips and tricks for having your best hair on your big day! We’re talking trends, like a chignon, to all the different factors you should consider your hair will go through (hello, sweat!). And having dirty hair for your stylist the morning of the wedding? Taylor definitely debunks this myth!  Get to know Taylor: Taylor Roby manages the Salon at Bratenahl, a small boutique salon located in the exclusive 1 Bratenahl Place in Bratenahl, Ohio. Her mother...

Real bride Ashley Luu Conrad shares with us her experience planning her September 2020 wedding while navigating the changes needing to be made because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the smoke from the California wildfires. We discuss the stressful process of getting her marriage license, the possibility of family not in attendance, and why they decided not to postpone. She also gives her advice to other couples that are making the decision whether to postpone or not.  Get to know...

Courtney Bonning, owner of Terrapin Bakery, shares with us the many layers involved in choosing your wedding cake and desserts. She’ll give the details on how to choose your bakery, budget and how soon you should place your order. And trust me, she doesn't sugarcoat what you should and shouldn't do when selecting your sweets!  Get to know Courtney:  Courtney Bonning is a Hospitality Management graduate from Kent State University and a graduate of the Pastry & Baking program from The...

Real couple Nikita and Carl Manteau share how they celebrated their big day merging Hindu and American traditions, as well as their families. They also discuss how they fell in love working for the Cleveland Cavaliers and incorporated the NBA team throughout their wedding.  Highlights of our discussion: The surprise proposal during a Cavs game, having two ceremonies in one day, a horse, wardrobe changes, Star Wars, deciding the 900 person guest list (500 attended), a second reception in...

Kat Williams, founder of Rock n Roll Bride Magazine and The Confidence Club podcast, discusses what led her to create the magazine 13 years ago, the importance of inclusivity and what led her to promote personal confidence. She also shares how couples can find ways to make their day uniquely theirs, especially if you're more the alternative/non-traditional type.  Get to know Kat and Rock n Roll Bride Magazine: Launched in 2007, Rock n Roll Bride is one of the biggest wedding blogs in the...

Flowers are considered one of the more expensive purchases for your wedding day. Mary Simmons, owner of Persephone Floral Atelier, breaks down what contributes to the cost of your floral arrangements and how to budget accordingly. She also shares when you should start booking, current trends, and what arrangements (aside from your bouquet) you should consider.  Get to know Mary: Mary is a trained artist and oil painter who combined her artistry with her passion for flowers when she began...

Whether it's due to Covid-19, the loss of a loved one, or a natural disaster, it is never an easy decision to postpone your wedding. Guest Deanna "Dee" Fuerst shares her experience in planning her August 2020 wedding only to have to postpone it a year due to the restrictions placed because of the pandemic.  Get to know Deanna: Deanna Fuerst grew up in Willoughby, Ohio and has been with her fiancé Pauly for 10 years. They got engaged Christmas 2018, with a late summer 2020 wedding planned...

To veil or not to veil? That is the question. To give us the answer we have Rebecca Somnitz, owner of Something White Bridal, sharing her advice on how to complete your wedding day look. She'll also give us the rundown of the latest in bridal accessory trends from the crown to the heel!  Get to know Rebecca: Rebecca has a love for classic, elegant and unique wedding gowns that use quality fabrics and interesting cuts. After having a hard time finding those qualities for her own wedding...

Ball gown? Sheath? A Romper? There are so many wedding dress options it can be overwhelming. Clara DiLisio, Co-Owner of Galleria Gowns, shares her advice on how to choose your dream dress, as well as when you should start looking. She'll also give her do's and don'ts when shopping for the big day, and what the trends will be for 2021-2022.  Get to know Clara: Clara DeLisio wears many hats these days, including one of her favorites as Co-Owner of Galleria Gowns Bridal Boutique. Together,...

YAY! You're engaged!! Now what?! No need to panic. Melanie Tindell, owner of Oak + Honey Event Planning Co., shares her advice on when you really should begin to start planning the big day, and what in specific you should start with. She also breaks down the importance of budgeting and being sustainable.  Get to know Melanie: Melanie Tindell founded Oak + Honey Event Planning Co., because she has a passion for planning weddings that are meaningful to our couples and their families, and that...

Host Leah Longbrake is pulling back the veil to bring you honest advice and creative ideas from those in the wedding industry. From the Engagement to the Honeymoon, get all the details you need from wedding and event experts on how to make it your best day ever!