The Wedding Dish

Adventure in Luxury: Choosing Your Dream Elopement Backdrop

If you think "eloping" just means a quick trip to the courthouse, think again. This week, we are sitting down with Emilee Setting Photo, an elopement photographer who specializes in creating all-day and multi-day luxury experiences that feel more like a dream vacation than a 20-minute ceremony.
Grab your hiking boots (and maybe a glass of champagne) as we dish on:
Location, Location, Location: Understanding the red tape of National Parks vs. the freedom of National Forests and BLM land.
The "Luxury Elopement" Breakdown: How a $25,000 multi-day adventure in places like Greece or Alaska can actually save you money compared to a $75,000 traditional DC wedding.
Combining the Wedding & Honeymoon: Why more couples are choosing to blend their "I dos" with activities like cliff jumping, private massages, and first-class travel.
The Family Dilemma: Brilliant strategies for including your parents and siblings (like separate "get ready" times and private vows) while still protecting that intimate, private feeling.
Navigating 2026 Trends: Sara and Emilee weigh in on the latest wedding vibes and why "going with your gut" is the best planning advice you'll ever get.
Whether you want to climb a mountain or lounge on a private beach, this episode will help you map out an elopement that is authentically you.
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ordained Offiants, Counseling, and Modern Ceremony Trends

We often focus on the big day, but what about the rest of your lives? This week, we are getting expert advice on the marriage itself with David, a seasoned wedding officiant, pastor, and counselor with decades of experience! David shares insights not only on the ceremony but on building a successful, long-lasting partnership.
Grab your fork as we dish on:
The crucial conversation: How a simple 90-minute counseling session can dramatically reduce your divorce risk (David shares the numbers!).
The rise of friends/family officiating and online ordination, and the practical challenges of having a non-professional run your ceremony.
The importance of premarital counseling - focusing on family background, communication patterns, and how to transition from an "I" to a "we" mindset.
What happens after the wedding? David explains the challenging "Cave Period" that couples face in the first year of marriage and how to prepare for it.
Advice for first-time officiants on navigating venues, working with vendors, and focusing on the couple's relationship.
This episode is an essential listen for every engaged couple looking to invest in a joyful, successful marriage that lasts!
Guest: Rev. David Anderson, Wedding Chaplain
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Vegan vs. Cruelty-Free: A Bride's Guide to Ethical Wedding Day Beauty

Your wedding day look is a reflection of you, and this week we're talking about how to make sure your beauty routine aligns with your values! We sit down with makeup artist Toni to explore the world of vegan and cruelty-free beauty and chat about embracing your unique style.
Join us as we dish on:
The crucial differences between vegan (no animal ingredients) and cruelty-free (no animal testing) products, and where to find ethical brands (look for Leaping Bunny!).
Toni's tips for brides who want to go bold, including embracing smoky eyes, ombre lips, or even a touch of glitter!
The importance of color coordination for your makeup trial - why you should not wear white if you're not wearing white on your wedding day!
How to ensure your makeup artist chooses colors that will stand out beautifully in your flash photography.
Inspiration for finding unique, alternative makeup looks that help you stay true to your personal style on your wedding day.
This episode is for any couple who cares about ethics, quality, and looking authentically amazing on their wedding day!
Guest: Toni, Toni Searle Beauty
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Stress-Free Guests: The Professional Guide to On-Site Wedding Childcare

Want to invite your friends with kids, but also want them (and their children!) to have a relaxing, fun time? We're chatting with Carson from Lifetime of Love Nannies, a full-service agency that specializes in providing professional, on-site childcare for weddings and events.
Carson is spilling the tea on how to make your wedding a stress-free experience for everyone:
How professional event childcare, from in-room care to full kids' camps, provides peace of mind for parents and the happy couple.
The safety and professional protocols you should look for, including fully screened nannies, liability insurance, and low child-to-nanny ratios.
Fun ideas for keeping the kids entertained, like craft stations and movie nights, and how they even capture photos for your album!
Why delegating childcare is just as important as delegating any other aspect of wedding planning.
If you have children in your wedding party or on your guest list, this episode will show you how to ensure everyone enjoys your big day safely and joyfully!
Guest: Carson, Lifetime of Love Nannies
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Stop the Fights: How to Master Money Conversations in Your Relationship

Money is often the #1 cause of conflict for couples. We are sitting down with financial coach Dylan this week to talk about moving past financial friction and working toward a unified future! Dylan specializes in helping couples align their goals and conquer the consumer-driven world.
Grab your fork as we dish on:
Why you need an accountability partner (aka your partner) and how to spot "spending leaks" that derail your savings goals.
How to have positive, shame-free money conversations by focusing on shared goals and future dreams instead of focusing on past mistakes.
The importance of understanding your partner's "money story" (financial habits shaped by upbringing) to foster mutual understanding (more on this in a coming episode when Dylan returns to The Wedding Dish).
Practical tips for couples with different incomes: discussing equitable contributions and navigating changing finances with grace.
The ultimate financial strategy: consistent 30-minute monthly money meetings - treating your finances like a team sport!
This episode is a must-listen for couples who want to start their married life on a strong, unified financial foundation.
Guest: Dylan Snowden, Dylan Teaches Finance
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Listener Q&A: Photography Timelines, Budgets, and Editing Drama

I'm flying solo to dive into the questions you sent in, focusing heavily on one of the most critical parts of your wedding day: Photography! I'm answering listener questions about timelines, budgets, and what to do when things go wrong.
Tune in as I dish on:
The Photo Delivery Wait: Why does it take so long? I share insight on the mental health and personal challenges photographers face and when it's okay to check in on that 6-week to 6-month editing timeline.
Managing Delay Drama: Practical advice for checking in with your photographer, and when outsourcing the raw files might be a necessary, albeit tricky, solution.
Perfecting Your Photo Timeline: How to structure your 1.5 hours before the ceremony to fit in the First Look, portraits, and wedding party photos without feeling rushed.
The Budget Dilemma: Tips on prioritizing your photography budget and focusing your limited time on key moments that matter most.
The Editing Trap: Why human editing is crucial for nuance and storytelling (and why relying on AI or free services can be a huge mistake).
Send your questions for the next Q&A episode to theweddingdish@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @theweddingdishpodcast!
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

For Keeps Florals: Turning Your Wedding Bouquet into a Lasting Piece of Art

We are dishing about how to keep those precious wedding flowers long after the party is over! We sit down with Grace Scott of For Keeps Florals to dive into the beautiful world of flower preservation. Grace shares why turning your bouquet into a piece of art is easier, more popular, and more meaningful than ever.
Grab your tea as we dish on:
Why flower preservation is skyrocketing in popularity (it's not just sentimentality—think eco-friendliness!).
The key differences between professional preservation (like Grace's custom, UV-protected frames) and a DIY approach.
Guest: Grace Scott, For Keeps Florals
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Say "I Do" to the Perfect Speech: Tips from a Professional Wedding Speechwriter

We are getting down to the most nerve-wracking part of the reception: the wedding speeches!
We're sitting down with Holly, a professional speechwriter who transitioned from the world of PR to helping couples and their loved ones craft genuinely meaningful and memorable toasts. She's spilling the tea on how to make your speech a heartfelt moment instead of a painful one.
Grab your notebook as we dish on:
The must-have ingredients for a truly effective wedding speech (hint: it's all about authenticity and structure).
Holly’s golden rule for timing: Why 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot and how to keep it concise and engaging.
Advice for brides and grooms on setting clear expectations and time limits for all speakers.
Guest: Holly Blum, A Speech to Remember
Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com!
This episode is brought to you by...
Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot.
District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease!
17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly.
Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.