We welcomed back Carrie Thomas from Geno's Formal Affair to discuss the evolution of the business, the importance of understanding formal wear, and the various options available for grooms and their parties.

We delve into the differences between tuxedos and suits, current trends in men's fashion, and the significance of fittings and previews. Carrie shares insights on the rental process, custom options for women, and the overall experience at Geno's, highlighting the importance of looking good for special occasions.

• 02:27 - Carrie's Journey and Evolution of Geno's
• 04:55 - Understanding Tuxedos vs. Suits
• 06:47 - Difference between tuxedos and suits
• 07:57 - Rental vs. Purchase: What to Consider
• 10:31 - The Process of Suit Selection and Fitting
• 12:38 - Trends
• 13:13 - Locations and Unique Experiences at Geno's
• 13:25 - Process of working with Geno's
• 15:37 - Accessorizing the Groom and Groomsmen
• 18:21 - Final Preparations and Wedding Day Logistics
• 21:07 - Groom's Preview
• 24:49 - Out of town groomsmen
• 29:02 - What comes in the garment bag at pickup?
• 30:16 - The Art of Accessories: Pocket Squares and Boutonnieres
• 32:58 - Wedding Day Essentials: The Importance of Extra Shirts
• 34:24 - Custom Tuxedos for Women: A New Trend
• 36:11 - Coordinating Attire: Matching Groomsmen and Bridesmaids
• 37:56 - Budgeting for Custom Suits: What to Expect
• 38:49 - Timing is Everything: When to Shop for Rentals
• 41:04 - Payment Processes: Understanding Deposits and Balances
• 42:49 - Handling Damages: What Happens to Rentals?
• 44:44 - Merging Styles: The Collaboration of Geno's and Mack and Clay
• 48:12 - The Custom Experience: Personalizing Your Suit
• 49:28 - Matching Groomsmen: Coordinating Rentals with Custom Suits
• 50:38 - Store Hours and Social Media: Staying Connected

Antonia Hansford, Wedding Event Specialist for Kentucky and Southern Indiana for City Barbeque returns for her 3rd podcast episode with some fun new menu items and a new restaurant announcement!

We discuss the unique offerings and services provided by City BBQ for wedding catering. Antonia explains her role in guiding couples through the catering process, the variety of menu options available, including popular meats and new additions like taco bars, and the different service levels offered.

We also touch on pricing, the importance of tastings, and how City Barbeque can cater for various wedding-related events beyond just the wedding day. Antonia emphasizes the importance of professional service and appearance, ensuring a seamless experience for couples on their special day.

Listen to learn more: 03:03 - Understanding Wedding Catering Options 05:32 - Service Levels and Pricing Explained 08:17 - Popular Menu Items for Weddings 11:02 - Tasting and Customization for Couples 14:02 - New Menu Additions and Trends 17:05 - Catering Beyond Weddings: Rehearsal Dinners and More 19:54 - Brunch and Welcome Party Catering 23:06 - Final Thoughts on Catering Choices 34:26 - Understanding Wedding Catering Costs 37:17 - Realistic Budgeting for Wedding Catering 39:08 - Transparent Pricing and Gratuity Explained 41:04 - Catering Team Professionalism 42:25 - Buffet vs. Plated Options 44:03 - Interactive Catering Stations 45:18 - Timeline for Buffet Service 46:43 - Beverage Options for Weddings 49:09 - Booking and Payment Processes 53:56 - Flexibility in Guest Count 56:19 - Experience and Passion for Catering 01:00:31 - How to Reach Out for Catering Services

Connect with City Barbeque:

Website: https://www.citybbq.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/citybbq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityBarbequeAndCatering Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/city-barbeque/

Connect with Sarah: Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together: If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Watch now on youtube!

Shannon Christie, a seasoned wedding show producer, shares insights into the Bridal Bliss Classic Wedding Show, hosted in Lexington, KY. She discusses her extensive background in event planning, the unique format of the upcoming wedding show at The Clerestory, and the diverse range of vendors that will be present.

Shannon emphasizes the importance of face-to-face connections with vendors, tips for maximizing the experience at the show, and the value of post-show follow-up. The conversation highlights the fun and inspiration that couples can find at the event, making wedding planning a more enjoyable process.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 1 - 4pm at The Clerestory at Greyline in Downtown Lexington, KY. Click here to pre-register. Listen to learn more:

• 00:52 - Introduction to Wedding Show Producer, Shannon Christie
• 02:43 - Shannon's Background in Event Planning
• 05:31 - The Unique Format of Bridal Bliss Classic
• 10:34 - Diverse Vendors and Offerings at the Show
• 18:34 - Navigating the Wedding Show Experience
• 24:35 - Tips for Attendees and Future Events
• 31:04 - Social Media and Website Information

Website: www.bridalblissclassic.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/bridalblissclassic Facebook: www.facebook.com/bridalblissclassic Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/bridal-bliss-classic-lexington-kentucky-bridal-sho/

Connect with Sarah: Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together: If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Sarah Burton hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, who share their journey from creating a podcast about food and stories to publishing a book, Family Tree, Food & Stories.

We discuss the significance of storytelling in cooking, the connections formed through family recipes, and the role of food in celebrations, particularly weddings. The conversation also touches on kitchen disasters, essential tools for newlyweds to include on their wedding registry, and the importance of family traditions in shaping culinary experiences. Throughout, they emphasize the joy and memories that food brings to our lives and a way to have important recipes all in one place, forever.

• 01:06 - Introduction to the Hosts and Their Journey
• 02:52 - The Power of Storytelling in Food
• 05:55 - Transitioning from Podcast to Book
• 08:53 - Creating Family Recipes and Memories
• 11:51 - The Role of Food in Weddings
• 14:59 - Innovative Wedding Food Trends
• 17:58 - Cakes, Traditions, and Personal Stories
• 20:44 - Cultural Influences on Wedding Cuisine
• 23:46 - Unique Wedding Toast Traditions
• 29:00 - Food, Family, and Fun
• 34:02 - Cooking Disasters and Family Recipes
• 40:04 - Kitchen Essentials for Newlyweds
• 44:32 - Favorite Kitchen Appliances and Rituals
• 48:34 - Personal Stories and Family Traditions

Connect with Nancy & Sylvia:

Website: https://podcast.familytreefoodstories.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyTreeFoodStories/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familytreefoodstories/ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-tree-food-stories/id1775529835 Link to purchase book: https://a.co/d/93xgfR9

Connect with Sarah:

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together:

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, if you use the link to purchase the book through the link above.

Round two with Evan from Evanlution Salon, discussing the intricacies of wedding hair and makeup. We explore Evan’s journey in the beauty industry, the importance of trials for brides, the benefits of hair extensions, and the significance of skincare leading up to the big day. The discussion also covers the differences between airbrush and traditional makeup, optimal conditions for hair and makeup application, and tips for brides when selecting their artists. Evan shares insights on pricing, scheduling, and the importance of communication to ensure a smooth wedding day experience.

00:00 Evan’s Journey in Hairdressing 03:41 Preparing for Weddings: Hair and Makeup 07:11 The Importance of Trials for Brides 08:58 Extensions: Types and Recommendations 12:31 Skincare’s Role in Wedding Makeup 13:47 Airbrush vs. Traditional Makeup Techniques 15:13 Wedding Day Hair Preparation Tips 17:00 Ideal Working Environment for Hair and Makeup Artists 18:24 Scheduling for Bridesmaids and the Bride 19:30 Managing Larger Bridal Parties 20:47 Coordinating with Other Artists 21:20 Understanding Pricing for Wedding Services 23:35 Choosing the Right Hair and Makeup Artist 25:05 Inclusivity in Wedding Hair and Makeup

Connect with Evan: Website: https://evanlutionsalon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlutionhmua Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evanlutionsalon

Connect with Sarah: Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together: If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Lexington, Kentucky based wedding planners Kaelyn Query Caldwell and Glenn Means III of My Wedding Planner KY share their insights and experiences in the wedding industry, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and joys of planning same-sex weddings.

They discuss personal stories, the importance of inclusivity in vendor selection, and the impact of family dynamics on wedding planning. The conversation highlights the creativity and boldness often seen in same-sex weddings, as well as the need for planners to navigate complex family relationships.

Overall, the discussion emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all couples on their special day.

01:19 - Personal Experiences in the Wedding Industry 04:05 - Navigating Personal Lives and Relationships 09:48 - Guest List Dynamics for Same-Sex Couples 11:37 - Challenges and Expectations in Same-Sex Weddings 13:38 - Vendor Relationships and LGBTQ Inclusivity 18:15 - Advice for Engaged Couples 23:42 - Trends in Same-Sex Weddings 23:53 - Bold Choices in Wedding Aesthetics 27:44 - Navigating Family Dynamics in Weddings 36:21 - The Importance of Inclusivity in Vendor Selection 43:45 - Challenges with Traditional Wedding Norms 47:35 - Part 1 Ending

Website: https://www.myweddingplannerky.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myweddingplannerky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyWeddingPlannerKY/

Connect with Sarah: Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/ How to work together: If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

In this engaging conversation, Podcast Host & Wedding Concierge Sarah Burton and Guest Stephanie Hilen explore the unique art of live wedding painting. Stephanie shares her journey from a lifelong passion for art to becoming a sought-after live wedding painter. They discuss the intricacies of the painting process, the significance of creating heirloom pieces for couples, and the evolution of wedding painting as a popular service. Stephanie also shares her experiences working on notable projects, including official artwork for Keeneland and a wedding for country music star Lauren Alaina. The conversation wraps up with valuable advice for couples looking to incorporate live painting into their weddings.

• 00:51 Introduction to Live Wedding Painting
• 02:49 - Stephanie's Artistic Journey
• 05:40 - Keeneland Artwork and Its Significance
• 08:30 - The Process of Wedding Painting
• 11:18 - Evolution of Live Wedding Painting
• 13:47 - Pricing and Market Trends
• 16:28 - Artistic Techniques: Oil vs Acrylic
• 19:23 - The Art of Wedding Portraits
• 21:00 - Heirloom Quality: The Lasting Value of Art
• 22:30 - Guest Portraits: A Unique Wedding Experience
• 24:29 - The Logistics of Live Painting at Weddings
• 25:29 - Capturing the Moment: The Process of Live Painting
• 26:54 - Celebrity Wedding: Painting for Lauren Alaina
• 35:30 - Choosing the Right Live Painter for Your Wedding

Website: www.stephaniehilen.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehilenart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniehilenart Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stephaniehilenart/_created/

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together: If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!