Curious how wedding planners are actually using AI behind the scenes—and where they draw the line so creativity, connection, and trust stay human?

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, hosts Alexandra Pare and Alison Golt are joined by fellow wedding planner, designer, and mom of four, Jessica Ashley. Following her standout panel appearance at the DMV Collective, Jessica dives deeper into how she's using AI as a tool—not a replacement—to build efficiencies in her business and reclaim time in her personal life.

From faster email response times to meeting transcriptions, proposal workflows, and visual communication, this conversation explores the practical, ethical, and emotional realities of working with AI in a relationship-driven industry like weddings. The result is a thoughtful, honest discussion about embracing technology while protecting what matters most: human connection.

What we'll talk about:

• AI works best as a junior assistant, not a creative director.
• Systems must come first—AI refines processes, it doesn't replace them.
• Faster response times can significantly improve client experience and bookings.
• Visual tools help bridge communication gaps between planners, clients, and vendors.
• Human connection, trust, and clarity remain irreplaceable in wedding planning.

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome to Weddings Unscripted & meeting Jessica Ashley

[01:24] Jessica's journey and why AI entered her workflow

[02:04] Early experimentation with ChatGPT and learning by doing

[03:36] How planners can practically use AI day to day

[05:28] Building systems first, then layering in AI

[12:17] AI, SEO, and how couples are searching differently

[14:09] Jessica's background in weddings, interiors, and design

[21:13] Real-world use cases: meetings, notes, tasks, and follow-ups

[22:07] Permissions, sharing summaries, and client-facing clarity

[22:26] Visual tools, renderings, and communicating design ideas

[23:31] New tools, evolving platforms, and staying adaptable

[25:11] Why AI won't replace planners—and what it can support

[27:12] Human connection, trust, and putting phones down at weddings

[35:44] Response times, client expectations, and standing out

[40:22] Starting with AI thoughtfully & final reflections

Connect with Jessice:

Website: jessicaashley.com

Instagram: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicaashleyevents/

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

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

What if the most powerful marketing tool in the wedding industry isn't social media, ads, or algorithms — but real human recommendations?

Welcome to Weddings Unscripted. In this episode, hosts Alexandra Pare and Alison Golt sit down with Tony Stubblebine, Founder & CEO of Benable, to explore how word-of-mouth marketing is evolving — and why it matters more than ever in a world shaped by AI, Gen Z buying behavior, and trust-based decision making.

Tony shares the origin story of Benable, how wedding planners unexpectedly became the platform's earliest power users, and why real human recommendations outperform reviews, ads, and influencer content. Together, they unpack how planners, vendors, and couples can use technology to streamline decision-making while preserving authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Word-of-mouth isn't disappearing — it's becoming more valuable
• Gen Z and AI-driven search favor authentic, user-generated recommendations
• Planners save massive time by centralizing vendor recommendations
• Trust is built through transparency, visuals, and lived experience
• Early adopters shape platforms — and grow alongside them

Chapters:

• [00:00] Welcome to Weddings Unscripted + introducing Tony Stubblebine of Benable
• [03:33] What Benable is — and how it works for planners, vendors, and couples
• [07:14] How planners use Benable to replace long recommendation emails
• [11:18] Marketing to Gen Z — and now, marketing to AI
• [12:15] Why Benable isn't a review site — and why that matters
• [14:21] Tony's background and the real human problem that inspired Benable
• [17:00] Why recommendations change lives — not just buying decisions
• [21:33] A simple breakdown of how Benable works step-by-step
• [23:31] New feature: businesses claiming their Benable profiles
• [26:14] Benable as both a planning tool and a discovery platform
• [29:09] Why Benable doesn't believe in niches or follower minimums
• [35:59] Social media strategy advice for vendors in 2026 and beyond
• [40:22] Where Benable is headed in the next 5–10 years
• [41:56] How to join Benable and skip the waitlist

Connect with Benable:

Benable: https://benable.com/

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes when booking a live wedding band—and why logistics, timing, and trust matter just as much as talent?

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, Alexandra Pare sits down with Felicia Kettler of Sam Hill Entertainment to pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to book a live band for weddings and events.

Felicia brings a unique perspective as both a wedding planner with Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events and a sales professional representing over 40 bands across the East Coast. Together, Alex and Felicia explore how bands are vetted, how timelines and budgets impact performance, and why trusting experienced professionals makes all the difference on event day.

• Booking a live band is about far more than music—it's logistics, timing, and experience.
• Venue layout, stage size, power access, and load-in time all affect band recommendations.
• Trusting professionals to read the room creates better energy than over-controlling setlists.
• Agencies provide safety nets, backups, and vetted talent couples can rely on.
• Planners play a critical role in helping bands succeed on event day.

[01:55] – The origin story of Sam Hill Entertainment and 30 years in business

[02:52] – How many bands Sam Hill represents and where they perform

[04:02] – Why couples choose an entertainment agency over booking direct

[06:02] – The risks of "one-off" musicians vs. established bands

[09:42] – How venue size and guest count affect band selection

[11:48] – Band setup times, load-in logistics, and timeline planning

[13:21] – Why backdrops, cases, and load-out timing matter

[15:47] – Real wedding-day surprises and staying flexible

[17:02] – How budget, music style, and season impact band recommendations

[18:58] – Why Sam Hill doesn't typically host band showcases

[22:57] – Do-not-play lists vs. trusting bands to read the room

[26:10] – Challenges bands face when weddings don't have planners

[28:55] – Hidden costs, pricing structure, and what's actually included

[31:15] – Memorable band moments, power outages, and improvising live

Connect with Sam Hill Entertainment:

Website: https://www.samhillbands.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhillentertainment/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samhillentertainment/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/samhillentertainment

Connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted