New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️ All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world. This episode's guest: Ron Ben-Israel! From delicate sugar flowers to towering, show-stopping tiers, Nina steps into the world of world-renowned cake artist Ron Ben-Israel at his iconic NYC studio. Ron’s creations are as breathtaking as they are deli...
Jul 10, 2025•55 min
This week’s episode is all Caroline, all chaos. She’s recounting a catering disaster so cringe it might give you secondhand stress—while Stohon’s just along for the ride (and the commentary). It’s a full-on vent sesh, packed with planner realness and behind-the-scenes drama you won’t want to miss. Caroline Green and Sarah Stohon https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/ https://www.tik...
Jun 19, 2025•42 min
Grab a margarita and get ready for the ultimate wedding recap! 🌴💍 In this episode, Dallas and Sara spill all the behind-the-scenes tea from a stunning destination wedding in. From travel chaos to beachside magic, we're diving into the real moments you don’t see on Instagram. Expect laughter, a few planning surprises, some unexpected guest drama (👀), and all the heart that made this celebration unforgettable. Whether you're planning your own destination wedding or just love the chaos and beaut...
Jun 12, 2025•43 min
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Jacque sits down with one of Palm Beach’s lead planners, Taylor, to spill all the wedding-day tea. From how she got her start in the industry to the wild, emotional, and downright hilarious moments that make this job unforgettable, Taylor shares it all. They talk favorite parts of the job, the things no one prepares you for, and the stories that seriously take the cake. Whether you’re a bride, vendor, or just here for the behind-the-scenes chaos, you’ll lo...
Jun 05, 2025•50 min
Technology has completely transformed the way weddings are planned—and no one knows this better than Sara Kincaid, President & COO of Aisle Planner. In this episode, Sara McCall sits down with Sara Kincaid to discuss how Aisle Planner is revolutionizing the wedding industry, from streamlining workflows for planners to enhancing the client experience. They’ll dive into the biggest shifts in wedding planning tech, how technology helps planners scale their businesses, and the tools that make th...
May 29, 2025•51 min
What’s it really like being married to a wedding planner? Jacque and her husband, Damien, spill all the behind-the-scenes details of their not-so-normal life in Palm Beach. From wedding emergencies mid-dinner to the funniest times Damien has been roped into wedding duties, they share the highs, the lows, and the truly chaotic moments of mixing marriage with wedding planning. Damien takes a Wedding Planner Quiz (does he actually know weddings?), reveals what their weekends really look like, and e...
May 22, 2025•45 min
When Sara met Chris from Heritage Florals at a wedding last fall, she knew he was the real deal. Now, we're sitting down with him to chat all things florals—from how he started his business to the creative process behind stunning wedding arrangements. Chris shares his best tips for couples, the most unexpected floral requests he’s gotten, and his This Takes the Cake moment. Plus, we get real about the most rewarding (and most challenging) parts of being a floral designer. If you love flowers or ...
May 15, 2025•54 min
Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with a wedding planner as your mom? In this episode, Jacque sits down with her daughters, Gianna and Bella, to share the hilarious, chaotic, and sometimes unexpected reality of being raised in the world of weddings. From being dragged to setups and handling last-minute emergencies to wedding leftovers as bribes, they spill all the tea on what it’s really like behind the scenes. Jacque, Gianna & Bella Basile
May 08, 2025•49 min
Every bride wants to look and feel incredible throughout their wedding journey—but finding the perfect outfits for every event can be overwhelming. That’s where Kate from Something White Styling comes in! In this episode, Lauren sits down with Kate to talk about the luxury bridal styling experience, from curating the ultimate wedding wardrobe to avoiding common fashion pitfalls. She shares the benefits of renting designer pieces, how her exclusive styling services work, and why this approach all...
May 01, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Jacque sits down with Ray from Mike Sipe Entertainment to break down the art of selecting the perfect live music for corporate events. From setting the right ambiance to keeping guests engaged, they’ll discuss how different music styles impact an event’s energy, the logistics of booking live entertainment, and insider tips on working with bands and DJs. Whether you're planning a high-energy gala or a sophisticated networking event, this episode will help you strike the perfect c...
Apr 24, 2025•51 min
In this episode, Alex chats with Kyle, co-founder of EncourageWell, a company that helps families and friends create collaborative keepsake books for life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s a wedding, memorial, or any significant event, Kyle shares how EncourageWell helps clients celebrate and commemorate with personalized, handcrafted books. Learn about the process, the impact of these keepsakes, and why they’ve become such a treasured gift! Follow us on all the things! https://www.stunni...
Apr 17, 2025•49 min
The Knot has been helping couples plan their dream weddings for years—but what really goes on behind the scenes of this wedding planning powerhouse? Sara sits down with a special guest from The Knot to talk about how their tools, vendor marketplace, and expert advice make wedding planning easier. From must-know planning tips to the biggest wedding trends of the year, we’re covering it all. Plus, we get the inside scoop on their This Takes the Cake moment! Whether you're engaged, in the industry,...
Apr 10, 2025•43 min
When it comes to wedding attire, one question always comes up—should you rent or buy? In this episode, Lauren from our Chicago office sits down with Chris from Generation Tux, a wedding industry veteran with 30 years of experience in formalwear, etiquette, and planning. They’ll tackle the biggest myths about renting vs. buying, share expert advice on stress-free suit and tuxedo planning, and break down exactly when and how to start prepping for the big day Lauren Bowles & Chis Lorenzo https...
Apr 03, 2025•36 min
Writing vows or a wedding speech? Don’t panic—Brian Franklin, founder of Vows & Speeches and a master speechwriter dubbed “The Humorist” by The New York Times, joins Nina to break down what makes a toast unforgettable. From crafting vows that feel personal yet timeless to delivering speeches that make guests laugh and cry, Brian shares expert tips, real-life speech fails, and the biggest mistakes to avoid. Plus, we dive into the impact of AI-generated vows, social media trends, and why inter...
Mar 27, 2025•51 min
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a professional bridesmaid? Jen Glantz, founder of Bridesmaid for Hire, joins Caroline to dive into over 10 years in the business of standing by brides’ sides—sometimes under a fake identity! She spills the wildest wedding stories, the unexpected reasons brides hire her, and what really goes down at bachelorette parties. Plus, we’ll find out how you can apply to be a hired bridesmaid and hear the wedding moments that truly "take the cake." Follow us on all the t...
Mar 20, 2025•24 min
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Stohon and Dallas dive into the world of event planning, comparing the fast-paced, high-stakes world of corporate events with the emotion-driven, detail-oriented nature of weddings. They break down key differences in communication, budgeting, and decision-making—like working with executives and approvals versus dealing with a couple’s vision and last-minute changes. Plus, they share firsthand stories from both sides, offering insight (and a few laughs) abo...
Mar 13, 2025•29 min
What really happens on a wedding day? Jacque sits down with one of our past brides to get the inside scoop—from the planning process to the unexpected moments that made the day unforgettable. Was there a last-minute hiccup? Did anything go totally off-script? And what advice would she give to future brides? Tune in for a fun, unfiltered look at a real wedding day from the bride’s perspective Jacque Basile & Taylor Titus Follow us on all the things! https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the lens at a wedding? In this episode, Jacque sits down with a seasoned wedding photographer who’s seen it all— including one bride caught in a scandalous affair and some unexpected drama with another photographer. From jaw-dropping moments to the unspoken rules of the industry, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wild side of wedding photography. Don’t miss this juicy tell-all! 🎙️📸 Jacque Basile & Samantha Farmer Follow us on all the things! http...
Feb 27, 2025•57 min
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Jacque sits down with the talented team behind Laura Ashley Catering to explore the art of creating unforgettable wedding menus. From the inspiration behind their business to handling last-minute challenges, we uncover the secrets to their success. Hear their expert advice on planning a seasonal menu, accommodating dietary restrictions, and even incorporating family recipes into your special day. Whether you’re a foodie or a bride-to-be, this episode will ...
Feb 20, 2025•44 min
Love, laughter, and chaos collide in this off-the-rails Valentine’s Day episode! Caroline and Dallas ditch the script to tackle the infamous "wedding planner curse"—does planning perfect weddings ruin your own love life? They also dive into a scandalous round of Kiss, Marry, Kill, share their favorite (and quirkiest) Valentine’s traditions, and reveal some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories. Get ready for unfiltered fun, surprises, and plenty of wedding planner wisdom! Caroline Green & Dall...
Feb 13, 2025•33 min
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Jacque sits down with renowned wedding photographer Steve Lawson of Michelle Lawson Photography to talk about what it takes to capture the magic of a wedding day. From candid moments to timeless portraits, Steve shares how he creates images that couples will treasure for a lifetime.Learn how Steve works behind the lens to make couples feel at ease, the secret to capturing emotion in every shot, and his best advice for couples who want picture-perfect memor...
Feb 06, 2025•51 min
Ever wish you could hear your wedding day all over again? In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Sara sits down with Will, the creator of private wedding podcasts, to explore a unique way to capture your love story. Beyond photos and video, private podcasts preserve the laughter, heartfelt words, and candid moments that make your day unforgettable. Will breaks down how the process works, why audio storytelling is so powerful, and how couples are turning their wedding memories into timeless keep...
Jan 30, 2025•32 min
Planning the perfect wedding can feel like a dream come true, but how do you balance that dream with the realities of budget, time, and unforeseen challenges? In this episode, we dive into the common struggles couples face when their wedding vision meets reality. From splurging wisely to managing expectations, we share expert advice and real stories to help you navigate the planning process without losing sight of what matters most. Whether you're just starting your journey or deep in the detail...
Jan 23, 2025•56 min
In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa, our Charleston franchise owner, to hear her story of balancing motherhood and wedding planning. Alyssa shares her journey of managing weddings through pregnancy and the early days of having a newborn! From handling the physical demands of wedding days to leaning on her team for support, Alyssa gives us an inside look at her strategies for balancing brides and babies. Whether you’re an expectant planner, a new mom, or simply curious about the work-life ba...
Jan 16, 2025•29 min
Join host Jacque as she sits down with the talented Michael J. Calderin, a celebrated wedding officiant based in Palm Beach, Florida. Featured in Brides magazine, Michael is known for his heartfelt ceremonies that perfectly blend tradition and personal touches. In this episode, Michael shares his journey to becoming a sought-after officiant, offers expert tips for crafting unforgettable vows, and reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his experiences in the wedding world. Whether you’re planning...
Jan 09, 2025•45 min
Planning a wedding in Spain or Greece? We’re chatting with Hannah from Atlanta and Sarah T from Savannah to reveal the secrets behind creating unforgettable international weddings. From selecting local vendors to managing logistics and cultural details, we cover all you need to know for a seamless, stunning celebration abroad. Whether you’re dreaming of a European “I do” or curious about destination planning, this episode is a must-listen! Sarah Turpin & Hannah Maas Follow us on all the thin...
Jan 02, 2025•46 min
In this episode, our producer Payton steps in to interview the Myrtle Beach team, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their action-packed 2024 season. They share the highs and lows, team dynamics, unforgettable client stories—including some wild parent interactions—and a few jaw-dropping moments that even surprised us, with everything from drama to unexpected twists (and maybe even a little legal gray area). It’s a candid, entertaining chat you won’t want to miss!
Dec 19, 2024•49 min
In this episode, our Florida wedding planners, Jacque from Palm Beach and Caroline from Tampa, reflect on the highs and challenges of the recent wedding season. They dive into how hurricane season impacted events, from unexpected weather shifts to contingency planning. Tune in as they also share insights on traveling to different locations for weddings and how they adapt to the unique needs of each destination. Jacque Basile & Caroline Green Follow us on all the things! https://www.stunning...
Dec 12, 2024•54 min
In this episode of This Takes the Cake Jacque from Palm Beach and Alex from Aspen team up to share their experiences planning weddings in two stunning but very different locations. Alex dives into what it was like starting her Aspen franchise, while both planners compare the unique challenges and perks of their regions—from tropical beachside ceremonies to mountaintop celebrations. Whether you're dreaming of a coastal wedding or a high-altitude affair, Jacque and Alex offer expert insights into ...
Dec 05, 2024•46 min
In this episode of This Takes the Cake, Chicago owner Lauren chats with Julianne, the founder of Luxe Dog Nanny, about how she helps couples include their furry friends in their big day without a hitch. From wrangling pups for the perfect photo op to ensuring they stay calm and happy throughout the celebration, Juliana shares her expertise and heartwarming stories from the weddings she’s worked. If you’re a dog lover looking to have your pet by your side on your special day, this episode is a mu...
Nov 21, 2024•56 min
