by Alexandra Pare
With over 18 years of planning and designing weddings, we have seen it all! Join us for a fun and insightful journey as we laugh, cry, and learn together on Weddings Unscripted – because planning a wedding is just as unforgettable as the big day itself! Subscribe today and be the first to listen! Launching January 10, 2025.
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11/21/2024
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May 13, 2026
<p>What happens when a DC-based wedding planner takes her 20-year expertise to a brand-new city — and pulls it off flawlessly?</p> <p>In today's episode, Alex recaps MacRae and Austin's stunning Charleston wedding at Lowndes Grove, and she and Ali spill everything: the vendor trust-building, the color hunt that took months, the beauty concierge game-changer, and why your breakdown documents might be saving (or costing) you thousands.</p> <p>Together, we dish on destination wedding planning tips, vetting out-of-market vendors, why final walkthroughs matter (even if local teams think they don't), and the one planner document that will completely change how your caterer breaks down a reception. Whether you're a couple planning a destination wedding, a wedding vendor curious about how DC-area planners operate, or an aspiring wedding planner learning the ropes, this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insight from two planners who've seen it all.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Vetting out-of-market vendors is non-negotiable — even if they know the venue better than you do.</li> <li>A beauty concierge isn't a luxury — it's a timeline saver.</li> <li>Your caterer needs a visual breakdown document — full stop.</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>Chapters:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>[00:01:02]</strong> Why Cherry Blossom Events Said Yes to a Destination Wedding</li> <li><strong>[00:03:10]</strong> Lowndes Grove Venue Breakdown (Ashley River views, Outer Banks filming location, all-day setup access)</li> <li><strong>[00:09:05]</strong> Vetting Vendors You've Never Worked With Before (Trust-building, Instagram-stalking, and why your name is always on the line)</li> <li><strong>[00:18:17]</strong> The Beauty Concierge: Worth Every Penny (On-site hair and makeup, timeline coordination, and the bun that almost caused a meltdown)</li> <li><strong>[00:22:03]</strong> Bar Placement & Spatial Strategy</li> <li><strong>[00:25:10]</strong> Linen Logistics & The Breakdown Document (Four rental companies, a mis-sorted fork, and the photo doc that changes everything)</li> <li><strong>[00:31:20]</strong> Vendor Shoutouts & The Band That Didn't Take a Break (A-Town A-List, Palmetto Strings, Nebo Films, and more)</li> <li><strong>[00:34:36]</strong> Transportation Trends: Trolleys, Vintage Buses & the DC Market Gap (What Charleston does that DC doesn't — and a business idea for someone brave enough)</li> </ul> <p> </p> <div><strong>Follow Our Vendor Teams on Instagram: </strong></div> <div>Planning & Design: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/cherryblossomeventsdc/">@cherryblossomeventsdc</a></div> <div>Photography: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/aaronandjillian/">@aaronandjillian</a></div> <div>Videography <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/nebofilms_">@nebofilms_</a></div> <div>Bars / Lighting / Drape: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/litcharleston">@litcharleston</a></div> <div>Florals: <a title="@tupelohoneyflowershop" href= "https://www.instagram.com/tupelohoneyflowershop/">@tupelohoneyfloralshop</a></div> <div>Beauty: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/lashesandlacechs">@lashesandlacechs</a></div> <div>Cake: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/sweetrhi_">@sweetrhi_</a></div> <div>Venue+ Catering Lowndes Grove: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/pphgevents">@pphgevents</a></div> <div>Ceremony Music: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/palmettostrings">@palmettostrings</a></div> <div>Stationary: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/studio.ack">@studio.ack</a></div> <div>Linens: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/Curatedeventscharleston/">@curatedeventscharleston</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/stradleydavidson/">@stradleydavidson</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/reverie_social">@reverie_social</a></div> <div>Rentals: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/snyderevents/">@snyderevents</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cheers.chs/">@cheers.chs</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/pphgevents">@pphgevents</a></div> <div>Entertainment: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/samhillentertainment/">@samhillentertainment </a></div> <div>Band: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/atownalist/">@atownalist</a></div> <div>Escort Wall: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/swirlsandscriptcalligraphy/">@swirlsandscriptcalligraphy</a></div> <div>Transportation: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/lowcountrytrolley/">@lowcountrytrolley</a></div> <div><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/compasschs">@compasschs</a></div> <div>Dress: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/leahdagloria/">@leahdagloria</a></div> <div>Bar Signs: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/coppiceandcrafts/">@coppiceandcrafts</a></div> <p> </p> <p><strong>Connect with us:</strong></p> <p>Visit our website: <a href= "http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast">http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast</a></p> <p>Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: <a href= "http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/">www.cherryblossomwe.com</a></p> <p><strong>Follow us on our socials:</strong></p> <p>Facebook: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/weddings_unscripted">@weddings_unscripted</a></p> <p>TikTok: <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@weddings_unscripted">@weddings_unscripted</a></p> <p> </p>
April 28, 2026
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #2c1a22;">What if your guitarist didn't just play at your wedding — what if they walked through it with you?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #2c1a22;">This week Ali goes solo and sits down with Dylan Galvin, a wireless roaming acoustic guitarist and DJ who's bringing a whole new energy to DC-area weddings and events.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #2c1a22;">In this episode, Ali chats with Dylan Galvin — Berkley-trained guitarist, solo entrepreneur, and one of the most unique live performers in the DMV wedding market. Dylan breaks down his wireless roaming performance concept, how he became a one-stop-shop for live music and DJ services, and why reading the room is just as important as knowing your set list. From mentorships with Paul Simon, John Mayer, and Joe Satriani, to a cross-country solo tour that taught him what not to do, Dylan's story is packed with hard-won lessons in music, business, and the art of creating unforgettable wedding experiences. If you've ever wondered what live wedding entertainment can look like beyond the traditional string quartet or seated guitarist, this episode is your answer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.0pt 0cm 3.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #2c1a22;"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong><br /></span></p> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2c1a22;">Wireless roaming live music is a game-changer for wedding cocktail hours and receptions — it delivers the energy of a full performance without tethering the artist to one corner of the room.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2c1a22;">Being a successful wedding musician isn't just about talent — it's about mastering sales, marketing, and branding as a small business owner, and knowing when to outsource the rest.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2c1a22;">The best wedding entertainment starts long before the event: the planning calls, the vendor communication, and the ability to improvise on-site are what separate a good performance from a truly timeless occasion.<br /></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style= "color: #2c1a22;">Chapters</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">01:17 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">Meet Dylan Galvin: Wireless Roaming Guitarist & Event Performer</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">2:09 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">What Is a Wireless Roaming Performance? (And Why It Changes Everything)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">5:35 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">The DC Wedding Market Needs This — Roaming vs. Traditional Live Music</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">7:37 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">Dylan's Origin Story: Berklee College of Music & Famous Mentors (John Mayer, Paul Simon, Joe Satriani)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">14:26 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">From School to Stage: Solo Touring and Why It's Not a Business Plan</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">17:40 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">The Pivot to Private Events </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">18:40 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">Sales, Marketing & Branding: The Three Things That Actually Differentiate You</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">23:10 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">How Long Has Dylan Been Roaming? The Origin of the Wireless Rig</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">36:55 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">Breaking Into the DC Market After 10 Years in LA</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">41:50 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">Advice for Solo Entrepreneurs — Humility, Outsourcing & Staying Hungry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #d4618a;">45:46 –</span> <span style= "color: #2c1a22;">The Unseen Work Behind Every Wedding Vendor — And Why It Matters</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <strong><span style="color: #2c1a22;">Connect with Dylan:</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #2c1a22;">Website: <a href= "https://www.dylangalvin.com">www.dylangalvin.com</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <span style="color: #2c1a22;">Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/dylangalvinevents">@dylangalvinevents</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Connect with us:</strong></p> <p>Visit our website: <a href= "https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast">https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast</a></p> <p>Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: <a href= "http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/">www.cherryblossomwe.com</a></p> <p><strong>Follow us on our socials:</strong></p> <p>Facebook: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/weddings_unscripted">@weddings_unscripted</a></p> <p>TikTok: <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@weddings_unscripted">@weddings_unscripted</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4.0pt 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2c1a22;">If this episode helped you, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it truly means the world to us and helps other couples and planners find the show.</span></p>
April 22, 2026
<p>Are you posting constantly but still hearing crickets? The rules of wedding vendor marketing have changed — and social media alone won't save you.</p> <p>In this episode, we sit down with social media strategist Heidi Schmidt of Heidi Schmidt Creative to unpack what's actually working in 2026: from building authentic content and nurturing leads, to understanding Gen Z couples and knowing exactly where your clients are coming from.</p> <p>Heidi breaks down the full lead lifecycle, from follower to signed contract, and shares actionable frameworks for multi-channel marketing, smart follow-up sequences, and understanding your ideal client avatar. Whether you're a wedding photographer, planner, or florist trying to figure out TikTok — this episode is your social media strategy session.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Stop Using Social Media Like a Billboard.</strong> Audiences want to be brought into your world, not sold at. Scarcity tactics and "slots available" posts belong in Stories, not your feed.</li> <li><strong>You Cannot Rely on Social Media Alone — Know Where Your Leads Actually Come From</strong>. If Instagram went down tomorrow, would your business survive? Multi-channel marketing — email lists, referrals, Google, networking, vendor relationships — is non-negotiable.</li> <li><strong>Gen Z Converts Through Trust, Transparency & Speed</strong>. They want pricing transparency, fast responses, authentic brand voice, and value alignment.</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>Chapters:</strong></p> <p><strong>00:00:55</strong> Meet Heidi Schmidt of Heidi Schmidt Creative</p> <p><strong>00:05:07</strong> Quality Over Quantity: Why Follower Count Is the Wrong Metric</p> <p><strong>00:05:31</strong> Stop Using Social Media Like a Billboard</p> <p><strong>00:07:00</strong> Behind-the-Scenes Content: What Wedding Photographers & Vendors Should Be Posting</p> <p><strong>00:08:34</strong> The Truth About Scarcity Tactics — When They Work & When to Ditch Them</p> <p><strong>00:10:19</strong> Why You Can't Rely Solely on Social Media for Your Wedding Business</p> <p><strong>00:13:56</strong> Auditing Your Lead Sources — Where Are Your Clients Really Coming From?</p> <p><strong>00:17:12</strong> Marketing to Two Generations: Reaching Both Millennials & Gen Z Couples</p> <p><strong>00:22:37</strong> Making Behind-the-Scenes Content Without Overwhelm — Practical Tips</p> <p><strong>00:25:18</strong> Lead Conversion 101: Turning Inquiries into Signed Contracts</p> <p><strong>00:29:54</strong> Engagement Begets Engagement: The 10-Minute Daily Social Media Habit</p> <p><strong>00:41:38</strong> Modern Couples Are Intentional, Not Uninformed — A New Wedding World</p> <p><strong>00:47:51</strong> Modern Weddings & Breaking Traditions — What Today's Couples Actually Want</p> <p><strong>00:49:20</strong> How to Research & Define Your Ideal Client — Heidi's Strategy Session Exercise</p> <p><strong>00:53:34</strong> The Customer Experience Starts Before They Sign a Contract</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Resources & Links</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.heidijschmidt.com/">Heidi Schmidt Creative</a> — Social Media Strategy & Management</li> <li>Tools mentioned: HoneyBook, Dubsado (CRM & lead tracking for wedding vendors)</li> <li>Platform mentioned: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Google Ads</li> <li>Get our FREE Wedding Planning Checklist: <a href= "https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/wedding-planning-checklist">https://www.cherryblossomwe.com/wedding-planning-checklist</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Connect with Heidi Schmidt</strong></p> <p><strong>Website</strong>: <a href= "https://www.heidijschmidt.com/">https://www.heidijschmidt.com/</a></p> <p><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative">@heidischmidtcreative</a></p> <p><strong>Facebook:</strong> <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/">Heidi Schmidt Creative</a></p> <p><strong>Services:</strong> Social media management, 90-minute strategy sessions, consulting packages, email marketing</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Connect with us:</strong></p> <p>Visit our website: <a href= "http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast">http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/podcast</a></p> <p>Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: <a href= "http://www.cherryblossomwe.com/">www.cherryblossomwe.com</a></p> <p><strong>Follow us on our socials:</strong></p> <p>Facebook: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/weddings_unscripted">@weddings_unscripted</a></p> <p>TikTok: <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@weddings_unscripted">@weddings_unscripted</a></p>
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With over 18 years of planning and designing weddings, we have seen it all! Join us for a fun and insightful journey as we laugh, cry, and learn together on Weddings Unscripted – because planning a wedding is just as unforgettable as the big day itself!
Subscribe today and be the first to listen! Launching January 10, 2025.
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