Avsnitt
-
Jen is back from Switzerland and filling Megan in on everything from skiing in Davos to sipping Aperol Spritzes in Zurich's 75 degree weather (in March!). The two dive into the magic of solo travel, the Swiss food scene, the surprise weather swings, and yes, Jen cried again.
With plenty of signature Jen and Megan banter, this episode is full of laughs, travel inspo, and behind the scenes moments from Jen’s seven day adventure through Zurich, Lucerne, and Davos.
If you have ever considered a solo trip to Europe, this might be the sign you were waiting for. Grab your headphones and a glass of wine because we are back and ready to roam.
See more about Marktgasse Hotel HERE.
-
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been five years since the world changed overnight. This week on The Planner’s Passport, Megan and Jen take a look back at 2020 to 2022, revisiting what it was like to navigate the industry through shutdowns, endless wedding reschedules, and the chaos of reopening.
From the early days of postponements and pivots to the overwhelming demand that followed, they share their personal journeys, how COVID impacted their businesses, their clients, and the wedding and travel industries as a whole.
What did survival look like in the events world? How did they adapt? And what lasting effects are still felt today?
Join them for a candid conversation about the challenges, resilience, and lessons learned over the past five years.
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
This week on The Planner’s Passport, we’re joined by Jill Freeman of Bryn Mawr Jewelry Co., a Chicago-based boutique she owns with her husband, Scott.
Jill takes us behind the scenes of custom jewelry design, spills on her biggest pet peeves, and shares how she and her team work closely with couples—not just to create the perfect engagement ring, but to build a lifelong relationship where they can keep you iced out forever.
From engagement rings to anniversary gifts, wedding bands to push presents, Jill and her team are all about helping couples mark life’s most meaningful moments with pieces that are as special as their story.
Tune in for all the sparkle, some expert insights, and of course—a little behind-the-scenes tea!
#ThePlannersPassport #WeddingPodcast #JewelryDesign #CustomEngagementRing #BrynMawrJewelryCo #ChicagoJeweler #PushPresent #AnniversaryGifts #LuxuryJewelry
-
Ever wonder what it means to work in wedding production? This week, our podcast welcomes Sean Denny, the Director of Events and Production Designer for Luxe Productions which is based in Chicago. From his humble beginnings working as a DJ during college to traveling the country and producing high-profile, star-studded events, Sean's journey has us wishing he hadn't signed so many NDAs and could share more dirt.
Listen now to hear Sean's story, from his early passion for music to his transition into the wedding production industry in NYC. He reveals the challenges and excitement of creating unforgettable experiences for clients, including the intricacies of producing glamorous events and we'll even try to manifest his dream of organizing a culturally rich Lebanese wedding. And in true Jen and Megan fashion, we'll try to encourage some celebrity shout-outs – will Ryan Reynolds show us some love?
Tune in for an engaging conversation with Sean Denny as we dive into the fascinating world of wedding production.
Learn more about using Luxe Productions for your next event HERE.
-
East Coast vs. Midwest Weddings: Jen v. Meg
In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, it’s the first-ever Jen v. Megan showdown—though, let’s be real, no one's actually swinging. Megan loves the classic East Coast wedding format, while Jen—well, she’ll happily plan a Midwest wedding, but deep down, she’s ready to flip the whole wedding day schedule on its head. From dancing between courses to rigid timelines, we’re breaking down traditions and questioning the status quo. Tune in for a fun, slightly competitive, but mostly just entertaining debate on East Coast vs. Midwest weddings!
-
This week on The Planner’s Passport, Megan heads back to Jamaica and visits Sandals Montego Bay! Along for the ride is her mom Kathy who's always up for a piña colada and some antics on the beach. Will Jen's favorite OWM make it back to shore after his ill-advised windsurfing adventure? And how do Megan and Kathy take advantage of the baller butler service they received from their new best friend Marvin? But most importantly, do they get in the tub? You have to listen to find out so grab a Red Stripe and push play to hear all about their great times in Jamaica! Interested in learning more about Sandals Resorts? Contact Megan for free travel planning service to any of these beautiful Caribbean destinations. Dare to Dream TravelSandals and Beaches Resorts
-
This week, we’re tackling one of the most controversial wedding topics—tipping. Who gets tipped? How much? Is it really optional? (Hint: No.)
If you’re getting married, this episode will help you figure out who and how to tip your wedding pro team. If you’re a wedding vendor, this is a good listen too—because we know you have thoughts.
Jen and Megan break down what they tell their couples to do, share the biggest tip they ever received (which was “look both ways before you cross the street”), and try to answer the age-old question: Can you leave a review in place of a tip? (No.)
-
This week we’re joined by Brit Grosenick, founder of Happy Joy Candy Co., a Milwaukee-based company bringing the fun with home-spun cotton candy, drink glitter bombs, and more sweet surprises.
We’re diving into the real side of being a wedding entrepreneur, the highs and lows of running a business, and why couples are loving these playful treats at their weddings. If you’re a bride, groom, or wedding planner looking to add a little extra fun to your big day, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes magic.
Reach out to Brit Here! Happy Joy Candy Co.
-
This week on The Planner’s Passport, Jen takes us to the stunning Big Island of Hawaii! She explores Kona and Hilo, drives around the island, and visits incredible spots like the Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Papaikou, the Green Sand Beach at Papakōlea, and the Black Sand Beach at Punalu‘u. Jen also indulges in a private dinner with Chef Ippy, owner of Nāpua at Mauna Lani, and shares tips for creating your own Hawaiian escape. Don’t miss this episode packed with breathtaking sights, local flavors, and travel inspiration! Locations Highlighted:Krishna Cow SanctuaryGreen Sand Beach at PapakōleaBlack Sand Beach at Punalu`uChef Ippy of Nāpua Restaurant
-
This week, we’re chatting with Dan Nowak, the owner and “Tall Guy” behind Brazen Standard, the parent company of Tall Guy and a Grill, The Crafted Tavern, and The Dessert Cart, all based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dan shares how he turned his passion for food and events into a mega brand that is now a staple in the wedding and event industry. From crafting unique wedding catering experiences to creating unforgettable menus for corporate events, Dan reveals the secrets behind his growth and how he continues to raise the bar in hospitality.And, because we know you love it, he also dishes his biggest wedding pet peeves (yes, we know what you're here for).Whether you’re a planner, a vendor, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the event world, you won’t want to miss this episode! Tune in now for a mix of inspiration, laughs, and a custom drink recipe!
-
This week, Jen and Megan are diving into all things catering—a topic every wedding planner and engaged couple needs to know about. And yes, they’re spilling a few new pet peeves along the way (you’re welcome!).
They’ll break down the pros and cons of in-house catering versus bringing in your own caterer, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on how to navigate this key decision. Plus, they’re dishing on some of the coolest, most creative catering setups they’ve pulled off with their partnered caterers—because who doesn’t love a good grazing table or a fresh oyster station? Of course, in true fashion, they’ll also veer off into some hilarious side tangents because they just can't help themselves. -
This week, Megan and Jen are driving (see what we did there?) into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) aspects of wedding planning—transportation! We’re sharing all the dos and don’ts of booking and coordinating transportation for your wedding day. Whether it’s getting the wedding party to the venue on time, managing shuttles for guests, or navigating last-minute logistics, we’ve got you covered.
Packed with practical tips and real-life examples, this episode is a must-listen for couples, wedding planners, and anyone looking to ensure a smooth, stress-free day. Because let’s face it—transportation can make or break your timeline!
-
Planning a wedding is like walking a tightrope—balancing the perfect day while hoping no one goes off the rails. Let’s face it: wild wedding guests are inevitable. In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, we’re spilling WTF moments—bridesmaids eating it on stairs, rogue underwear sightings, and a DJ stuck on "Panda" by Desiigner. Oh, and injuries? Plenty.
We’ll also share how wedding planners attempt to keep things under control, from handling open-bar sprinters to disaster-proofing the day. Whether you’re wedding planning or just here for the train wrecks, this episode delivers the juiciest antics, hard-earned tips, and pure chaos.
Tune in for the laughs, the cringes, and the WTF moments that’ll make you wonder how weddings even happen. (Spoiler: planners deserve awards and therapy.)
-
It’s that week between Christmas and New Year’s—when no one knows what day it is, wine is flowing, and schedules are out the window. We might be a little all over the place, but we’re still diving into the pros and cons of planning a holiday wedding!
If you’re recently engaged or in the early stages of wedding planning, this episode is full of helpful insights to guide you in choosing the perfect date for your big day. From planning for additional labor charges to the secret holiday you should choose if you don’t want anyone to come to your wedding, we’re covering… well, most of it (do we get a little off topic? Absolutely—but that’s part of our charm).
Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding or curious about the logistics of a July 4th celebration, tune in to hear our tips, thoughts, and a few laughs as we break it all down (and Jen drinks too much Viking's blood...yes, you read that right).
-
In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, Jen takes us on a rollercoaster trip through Munich and Prague, where she wandered through magical Christmas markets like a festive queen, drank her weight in Glühwein (a true talent), attended a European hockey game—because culture comes in all forms—and went on so many educational tours she could practically give one herself.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little chaos: she cried in the streets of Munich, found a lover in Prague (yes, you read that right), and hit up McDonald’s not once, but twice—because sometimes, comfort food just calls your name.
If you’re into solo travel, chaotic adventures, or just want to hear what happens when you mix romance, history, and that much mulled wine, this episode is for you. Pack your bags—or at least your headphones—and come along for the ride!
-
BTS: Rachael Steacy Events
In this episode of The Planner's Passport, we’re joined by our very first guest, Rachael Steacy, the powerhouse behind Rachael Steacy Events. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great wedding planner worth their weight in gold, this conversation is for you.
We go behind the scenes of wedding planning, sharing stories about turning bold and creative visions into reality. From jaw-dropping successes to the “never-do-that-again” moments, we reveal the highs and lows of crafting one-of-a-kind celebrations. Along the way, we dish out invaluable tips on avoiding common wedding pitfalls and keeping the magic alive under pressure.
Whether you’re a bride, groom, wedding planner, or just someone fascinated by the wedding world, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and inspiration. Be sure to stick around until the end—you won’t want to miss the fun!
Don't forget to subscribe and email us at [email protected] to share your own stories that could be featured on a coming episode!
-
Grab a Caribbean cocktail and come along with Megan as she relives her latest adventure in travel to Beaches Turks and Caicos! The whole family tags along on this adventure down to this salty island where she explores Beaches largest all-inclusive resort on the heart of Grace Bay Beach. We'll meet some turtles, hunt for Drake and drink more pina coladas than one woman should ever consume in six days on the beach. Join us to hear more about this beautiful island nation and it may inspire you to put your own toes in the sand here in the near future.
-
Megan and Jen are airing out their biggest pet peeves in the world of wedding planning. From demanding guests to those infamous Type A bridesmaids, they're not holding back. Tune in to hear their candid rants about the little things that drive them up the wall and advice for staying on a wedding planner's good side. It's a vent session where they're glad you can't see their eyes rolling!
-
Join Megan and Jen as they take you behind the scenes, sharing their wildest stories from their early days as newbie planners 14 years ago. From unexpected mishaps to losing a toenail in the line of duty, they give you an unfiltered look at the unpredictable world of event planning - laughable tales that show that everyone starts somewhere (and even as pros, they still are learning and growing as planners every day)!
