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

Wondering how Gen Z couples are really finding, vetting, and choosing their wedding vendors—and why what worked five years ago might not work anymore?

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we are joined by Adrienna McDermott of Ava, an expert on Gen Z consumer behavior, to unpack how the next generation approaches wedding planning.

From how Gen Z shops and researches to what builds trust (and what turns them off), this conversation offers an inside look at how younger couples qualify vendors, make decisions, and define value. Whether you're a wedding professional trying to stay relevant or a couple planning a wedding in a digital-first world, this episode offers timely insight into where the industry is heading next.

• How Gen Z approaches vendor research and decision-making
• The platforms Gen Z actually uses to find and vet wedding professionals
• What authenticity means to younger couples—and how they define trust
• How values, transparency, and representation influence buying decisions
• What vendors can do now to better connect with Gen Z clients

[00:00] Introducing Adrienna of Ava and the Gen Z lens

[06:40] How Gen Z shops differently than Millennials

[14:25] Where Gen Z finds wedding vendors

[22:10] Trust, transparency, and authenticity

[31:00] What turns Gen Z couples off instantly

[39:15] How vendors can adapt without losing themselves

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 wonder why the final month or two before your wedding suddenly feels like a full-time job? You've booked the vendors, chosen your menu, and sent the invitations… so why does it feel like there's more to do now than ever?

In this episode, Alex and Alison walk couples through everything that happens in the final stretch — the tasks planners can do, the ones they can't, and why that last push is the most important part of the process. They uncover the behind-the-scenes coordination, the decision-making crunch, and the small but essential details that ensure your wedding day runs seamlessly.

Whether you're a couple gearing up for your day or a vendor wanting a clearer picture of what clients juggle at the end, this episode is a must-listen.

What we discuss:

[00:55] The "last 1–2 months" and why they surprise couples

[02:12] Why early decision-making is everything

[03:49] The importance of seat numbers & place card organization

[04:32] Advice for vendors: understanding the clients' workload

[05:32] Why the final month feels overwhelming for couples

[07:41] Multicultural ceremonies and educational program elements

[09:25] Balancing work and wedding prep — the client struggle is real

[11:51] Music selections and why bands need song choices early

[13:46] Load-ins, venue rules & navigating vendor logistics

[15:53] The pressure vendors face during busy months

[17:47] Weather stress & the importance of a real rain plan

[21:03] Early access fees & venue staffing realities

[22:04] Pre-planning with venues to improve your chances

[27:20] Common wedding-day items clients forget

[30:25] The wedding-week pickup meeting & double-checking items

[31:05] Why verifying place cards is essential (and how mistakes happen)

[31:38] Avoiding seating chart disasters on the wedding night

[36:42] Ideal timelines: RSVPs, printed items, and song selections

[38:13] Final thoughts: Preparing early = a smooth, joyful wedding day

Key Takeaways:

• Planners handle a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work — but clients still have key responsibilities only they can do.
• Early decisions prevent last-minute stress for both couples and vendors.
• A clear rain plan (for photos and logistics) is essential — even for indoor weddings.
• Packing, organizing, and transferring personal items takes more time than couples anticipate.

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

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to run a wedding venue — the logistics, the zoning restrictions, the noise ordinances, the late-night load-outs, the neighbor complaints, the staffing puzzle — this episode is a must-listen.

This week, Alison sits down with Sarah and Jenna of Brick & Mortar, the powerhouse team behind some of DC's most beloved event spaces. They break down everything couples and planners don't usually see, from behind-the-scenes operations to the surprising challenges of running a venue in a dense metropolitan area.

From permits to parking to the politics of neighborhood associations, this conversation is packed with transparency, education, and real-world advice for anyone choosing (or managing) a venue.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[03:26] - Sarah's Journey in the Venue Industry

[05:54] - Meet Jenna Mack: Event Management Veteran

[06:14] - Jenna's Career and Collaboration with Sarah

[09:28] - Launching Paige House: A New Venue

[12:22] - Venue Logistics and Challenges

[19:08] - Rules and Regulations in Event Venues

[25:37] - Unexpected Challenges and Rule Creation

[29:29] - Dealing with Broken Glass at Events

[30:04] - Streamlining Event Planning with CRM Systems

[32:10] - Challenges of Load-In and Load-Out at Venues

[34:51] - Importance of Trusting Your Vendors

[36:38] - Unique Needs of Different Clients

[44:01] - Logistics of Managing Event Venues

[54:03] - Crazy and Challenging Event Requests

Key Takeaways:

• Running a venue is far more than opening doors—it's permitting, logistics, staffing, timing, and constant coordination.

• Venue logistics shape the entire event. Parking, elevator load-ins, noise restrictions, and neighbor relationships can all impact how smooth the day feels.

• Couples need to ask smart questions. Clarify noise rules, load-in timelines, rain plans, vendor guidelines, and staffing expectations before booking.

Learn more about Brick & Mortar:

Website: https://brickandmortarvenues.com/

Instagram: @brickandmortarvenues

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 really goes into creating a wedding film that makes you feel the magic all over again?

In this episode, Alex and Alison sit down with Whitney and Taylor of Bowen Films, the sister duo behind some of the most heartfelt and cinematic wedding films in the industry. They share how their father's legacy inspired their work, what couples often overlook when choosing a videographer, and why video captures emotion in ways photos can't.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[01:00] – Meet Whitney and Taylor of Bowen Films and their journey from family legacy to full-time creators.

[04:50] – The emotional rewards of filming weddings and how clients react to their finished films.

[07:45] – Why wedding videos are not a luxury—and what couples regret when they skip one.

[10:20] – Reading the room: how Bowen Films captures authentic, emotional moments discreetly.

[14:10] – Why strong communication between planners, photographers, and videographers matters.

[22:00] – How the photographer–videographer dynamic has evolved.

[28:00] – Behind the scenes: capturing clean sound and the importance of audio backups.

[39:40] – The truth about raw footage (and why you probably don't want it).

[47:00] – The value of backups, trust, and having a reliable creative team.

[51:30] – Bowen Films' best practices for seamless, stress-free wedding videography.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotion Over Everything: Wedding videos allow couples to relive the sounds, laughter, and tears that photos alone can't capture.
• Preparation Is Everything: From backups to audio checks, professional videographers plan for every "what if."
• Communication Is Key: A great vendor team thrives on respect, transparency, and mutual understanding—no egos required.

Learn more about Bowen Films:

Website: https://bowenfilms.net/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bowenfilms

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 it really looks like to build a thriving wedding planning career while juggling motherhood, pumping breaks in parked cars, surprise school pick-ups, and the occasional chair-hauling at 9 months pregnant? 🤯

In this candid episode, we peel back the curtain on the realities of being moms and wedding planners — the balance, the guilt, the boundaries, and the moments that make it all worth it.

From pumping behind tinted car windows at venues to tag-teaming childcare between timelines and tent load-ins, this conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of perspective for anyone in the events industry… or any career built on passion.

What we discuss:

[00:00] — Why this conversation matters for the wedding industry

[02:00] — The "dream job" myth vs. real logistics + spreadsheets

[04:00] — Navigating pregnancy while planning weddings

[10:30] — Learning to ask for help & building a supportive team

[14:30] — When vendors don't show up — and planners step in

[18:00] — How anxiety shows up in high-pressure wedding seasons

[28:00] — Kids at weddings — behind-the-scenes realities

[31:00] — Setting boundaries as a parent and wedding professional

[35:00] — Why Zoom changed wedding planning forever

Key Takeaways:

• Wedding planning is flexible — but that doesn't mean easy
• Boundaries help you serve clients better (not less!)
• Childcare logistics in the events world are real and complex

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