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🎧 Listen to learn:

• Why more brides are choosing custom wedding dresses over off-the-rack styles
• How bridal gown customization can work
• How to set a realistic wedding dress budget without sacrificing quality
• What couture craftsmanship brings to the bridal shopping experience
• Why personalized bridal appointments make all the difference

Is your dream wedding dress waiting on the rack—or is it waiting to be created? On this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media Owner Sonja Babich and California Wedding Day, Oregon Wedding Day and Washington Wedding Day Publisher Alexis Sanabria sit down with Mariam Ohanyan, founder, stylist and designer of Mareh Couture, to explore the growing demand for custom wedding dresses and personalized bridal styling.

From transforming existing gowns through thoughtful customization to helping brides prioritize timeless design over short-lived trends, Mariam shares how couture craftsmanship and one-on-one service create an unforgettable bridal shopping experience. She also discusses budgeting for a custom gown, the importance of quality construction and why every bride deserves a dress that reflects her unique story.

Whether you're beginning your wedding dress search or simply curious about the world of bridal couture, this conversation offers expert insight into finding a gown you'll love for a lifetime. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on custom bridal fashion, wedding dress shopping and creating a look that's authentically you.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧Listen to learn:

• What couples should include in hotel welcome bags
• Budget-friendly gifting ideas that still feel meaningful
• Why outsourcing gifting can save couples time and stress
• How local products can enhance the wedding experience
• Creative gifts for bridal parties and wedding weekends
• The logistics behind gifting for hundreds of wedding guests

On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and Carrie Fisher, Publisher of Wisconsin Bride, sit down with Summer Rich, founder of Wisconsin-based Gift & Co by Summer. Specializing in curated welcome gifts, wedding favors and personalized gifting experiences, Summer shares how thoughtful gifts can transform a wedding weekend and leave a lasting impression on guests.

From hotel welcome bags and destination wedding gifts to bridal party presents and meaningful keepsakes, Summer explains how gifting can serve as an extension of a couple's story while helping guests feel appreciated and connected to the celebration. She also shares her approach to sourcing local products, creating customized gift experiences and managing the logistics behind gifting programs of all sizes.

Whether you're considering welcome bags for out-of-town guests, searching for creative wedding favor ideas or looking for ways to thank the people who helped make your day possible, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for creating memorable moments through thoughtful gifting.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• How emceeing impacts the flow of a wedding reception
• Tips for keeping guests engaged throughout the night
• The secrets behind a packed dance floor
• Creative ways to approach your first dance
• What couples should look for when hiring a wedding DJ

What keeps a wedding dance floor packed until the last song? According to Jay Brian Kochendorfer, owner of Minnesota-based Adagio DJay Entertainment, the answer goes far beyond the playlist.

In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, Iron Diamond Media CEO Sonja Babich and Minnesota Bride Publisher Brooke Beise sit down with Jay to discuss nearly four decades in the wedding industry and the lessons he's learned from creating unforgettable celebrations. From reading the room and managing reception timelines to serving as an emcee and collaborating with fellow vendors, Jay shares why today's wedding DJs play a critical role in shaping the overall guest experience.

The conversation explores how personalized planning, crowd engagement and thoughtful event flow can help couples create memorable receptions that feel authentic to them. Jay also offers advice on keeping guests engaged throughout the evening, making first dances more impactful and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome on the dance floor.

Whether you're planning your wedding, searching for the right entertainment partner or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes at a successful reception, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of Minnesota's most respected wedding professionals.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• How to choose the right rehearsal dinner venue
• Why couples are combining rehearsal dinners and welcome parties
• The benefits of hosting wedding events at a restaurant venue
• Current trends in rehearsal dinner food and beverage service
• How personalized menus and signature cocktails enhance guest experience
• Tips for creating a memorable wedding weekend celebration

Rehearsal dinners have evolved far beyond a simple pre-wedding meal. In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, is joined by Lara Burnap, Editorial Director of Iron Diamond Media, for a conversation with Brea Durocher, Special Events Manager, and Summer Cielak, Event Sales Manager, of Culinary Dropout, a Fox Restaurant Concepts venue known for its chef-driven cuisine, energetic atmosphere and exceptional hospitality.

Together, they share expert insights into planning memorable rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and wedding weekend events that leave a lasting impression on guests. From selecting the perfect venue and menu to creating a relaxed, welcoming environment for family and friends, Brea and Summer explain how today's couples are prioritizing meaningful guest experiences over traditional formalities.

The conversation also explores why restaurant venues have become a popular option for wedding-related celebrations, how customization can elevate an event and the hospitality trends they're seeing throughout the industry. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, this episode is full of practical advice to help couples kick off their wedding weekend with confidence.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• Why “Instagram face” is fading in bridal beauty
• What brides should expect during a makeup trial
• How bridesmaid beauty trends are evolving
• Why natural glam is replacing heavy contour and baking
• Where Cassandra finds inspiration for editorial bridal looks
• How to achieve timeless wedding-day beauty without looking overly trendy

What does modern bridal beauty actually look like now that brides are moving away from overly polished “Instagram face” trends? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Lauren Mang, Editor-in-Chief of Oregon Wedding Day and Washington Wedding Day, sit down with Cassandra Kennedy, founder and lead artist of Portland-based Cassandra Kennedy Beauty, to discuss the evolution of wedding makeup and why individuality has become the ultimate luxury in bridal beauty.

Known for her editorial-inspired, skin-forward approach to hair and makeup, Cassandra shares how her artistry was shaped long before beauty tutorials and influencer culture transformed the industry. Drawing inspiration from fashion editorials, films, flowers and natural light, she explains how she helps brides create elevated wedding-day looks that still feel authentic to who they are rather than copies of viral makeup trends.

The conversation also dives into Cassandra’s collaborative bridal trial process, the importance of skincare prep before the wedding day and how beauty trends are shifting toward softer glam, glowing skin and more personalized styling choices. She also discusses the growing movement away from perfectly matching bridal parties and how modern weddings are embracing individuality in both fashion and beauty.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• How to make your wedding feel personal and unique
• What guests actually remember most about weddings
• How wedding planners turn your love story into a wedding design concept
• Why interactive wedding experiences are replacing standard receptions
• How to personalize your wedding without copying Pinterest trends
• Behind-the-scenes insights into custom wedding installations and event design

What actually makes a wedding unforgettable? In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Publisher at Iron Diamond, sit down with Troy and Heather Balliet, the husband-and-wife team behind Amorology Weddings and Back Up Backdrops, to explore the psychology, storytelling and guest experience behind weddings people talk about for years.

Known for their immersive luxury celebrations and emotionally driven design approach, Troy and Heather share how they create weddings that guests don’t just attend—they genuinely experience. From transforming venues with custom installations to designing events that feel like “love letters” to guests, the duo reveals how intentionality, emotion and originality are shaping the future of modern weddings.

The conversation also dives into how they balance marriage and business, the collaborative creative process behind their designs and why the most memorable weddings are the ones rooted in authenticity rather than trends. Troy and Heather also discuss how custom fabrication, layered guest experiences and thoughtful storytelling can completely transform the atmosphere of a wedding day.

From interactive receptions to emotionally impactful design moments, this episode offers an inside look at why immersive guest experience has become one of the biggest shifts in luxury weddings today.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• What features actually matter most in a wedding getting-ready suite
• Why flexible ceremony layouts are becoming more popular with couples
• How to create an outdoor wedding experience that still works beautifully in the rain
• What details make guests feel comfortable and cared for during a wedding
• Why intimate weddings continue to resonate with modern couples
• What couples should prioritize when touring wedding venues

On this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, Sonja Babich and Washington Wedding Day Publisher Alexis Sanabria sit down with Jeff and Patti Falconer, the husband-and-wife team behind Parties on the Terrace, an award-winning Washington wedding venue known for its intimate celebrations and romantic garden atmosphere. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and built with hospitality at its core, the venue has become a favorite for couples looking to create personalized, guest-focused wedding experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Jeff and Patti share the story behind transforming their five-acre property from a luxury car storage business into one of Washington’s most beloved intimate wedding venues. From navigating permitting challenges and launching during COVID to thoughtfully designing flexible ceremony spaces and guest experiences, the couple offers an honest behind-the-scenes look at building a wedding venue from the ground up.

The conversation also explores what modern couples are prioritizing when searching for a wedding venue, how intimate weddings can still feel luxurious and why intentional details—from getting-ready suites to rainy-day backup plans—can completely shape the wedding experience.

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Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com

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🎧 Listen to learn:

• Why some wedding photos feel awkward or staged—and how to avoid it
• How photographers help couples feel natural and comfortable in front of the camera
• The key to getting candid, emotional photos that actually feel like you
• Why connection with your photographer matters more than poses or shot lists
• How to use Pinterest inspiration without losing authenticity
• What to look for (and avoid) when choosing your wedding photographer

In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Brooke Beise, Publisher of Minnesota Bride, sit down with Laura Alpizar, founder and photographer behind Laura Alpizar Photography, a Minneapolis-based wedding photography brand known for its timeless, emotionally driven imagery.

Laura shares how she has built her business around connection and authenticity, using her decade of experience to create a photography approach that goes far beyond posed images. The conversation explores how her work focuses on capturing real, in-the-moment emotions while balancing an editorial eye—resulting in photos that feel both natural and elevated.

The episode also dives into one of the most common concerns couples face: how to avoid awkward, overly posed wedding photos. Laura explains how she builds trust with couples from the very first consultation, helping them feel comfortable enough to be themselves in front of the camera. She also shares how to navigate Pinterest inspiration without losing authenticity, how much direction couples actually need and what to expect from a photographer on the wedding day.

From reading relationship dynamics to acting as a calming presence throughout the celebration, Laura highlights the often-overlooked role photographers play in shaping the wedding day experience. This conversation offers practical, thoughtful advice for couples looking to choose a photographer who not only captures beautiful images—but creates an experience that feels natural, supportive and true to who they are.

Support the show

Produced by Dan Riggs Films & Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com