Bridechilla - Wedding Planning Podcast

This episode features an exclusive conversation with wedding planner Michelle Elaine, who is publicly sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of her “Say Yes to the Dress” experience for the very first time, including what did and did not make it to TV. Michelle opens up about the parts of the experience that were exciting and the parts that were challenging, and how being on reality TV intersected with her real life as a wedding professional. She also gets candid about planning her own wedding while navigating intense family dynamics, including calling out a difficult mother-in-law situation that added unexpected stress to what is supposed to be a joyful season. We also have an honest conversation about self-care and mental health in wedding planning, the emotional weight couples and planners carry, and why protecting your peace matters just as much as picking the perfect dress. This is an unfiltered conversation about expectations versus reality, and a reminder that even the experts do not get a perfect, drama-free ride. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 drops later this week and features Michelle alongside a Bridechilla bride for a candid Q&A you will not want to miss. 📲 Find Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleelaine/ In today's sponsored segment, Leah chats with Marsha-Ann Donaldson, the Director of Romance and Weddings at Sandals Resorts, to discuss the rising trend of elopements and micro weddings as couples become more conscious of thier spending. Marsha-Ann introduces Sandals' unique 'Your Wedding on Us' package, which offers couples a stress-free planning experience and includes a honeymoon stay -- as well as the customization options available when planning with Sandals. Learn more about the "Your Wedding on Us" package atStart planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3 Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE! ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Melissa Green is a licensed psychologist, wedding wellness coach, and recent encore bride who understands firsthand that wedding planning is about far more than timelines and to-do lists. In this episode, Leah and Dr. Green explore wedding wellness through an emotional and psychological lens—especially for brides over 40, second-time brides, military couples, and those navigating blended families and adult children. They discuss how age, identity, past experiences, and trauma can shape the wedding planning journey, how to set healthy boundaries and manage complex family dynamics, and why emotional support, grounding practices, and self-compassion are essential tools for staying calm, connected, and joyful throughout the process. If you’re planning a wedding while balancing real life, real responsibilities, and real emotions, this conversation is for you. 📲Find Dr. Green on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.melgreen Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3 Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE! ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This February, Bridechilla is going to have a special 5-part series focused on the mental health side of wedding planning, as well as people's personal experiences with weddings -- whether they're the bride or the planner! Each episode, Leah creates a space that's funny, honest, and validating - while also giving you practical tools to strengthen communication and protect their relationship during one of life’s most emotionally intense seasons. We'll be covering: attachment styles, love languages, supporting military couples, managing trauma, navigating major life transitions, "encore brides" and much more! Tune in on YouTube -- or wherever you get your podcasts! Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Cline, founder of Wedding Day Content Creator, joins Leah to dive into the booming world of real-time wedding content creation and how this new role is reshaping the wedding industry. Emily shares what inspired her to launch her company, the moments that matter most on wedding days, and why couples are now booking content creators before photographers and videographers. Leah and Emily discuss what sets a professional content creator apart, red flags to look out for when booking, and how the planning and pre-wedding process works from contract to wedding day. Emily also opens up about the early pushback from photographers and videographers, how the industry has shifted, and why vendor teams are now collaborating more than ever. Whether you're a couple planning your wedding or a vendor adapting to the industry’s fastest-growing service, this episode offers practical insight into the future of modern wedding storytelling. Find Emily on Instagram: instagram.com/weddingdaycontentcreator Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3 Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE! ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan Ely is back to break down the biggest 2026 wedding trends couples need to know. Leah and Meghan chat about Pantone’s Color of the Year and how it compares to Minted + Brides’ wedding color pick. Personalization and guest experiences are taking center stage, while gender-fluid styles are on the rise and capes are making a comeback! If you’re planning a 2026 wedding—or want to stay ahead of what’s next—this episode sets the tone for the year ahead in wedding planning. Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3 Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE! ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridechilla went LIVE at The Elliot in Tremont, and we tackled one of the biggest questions couples ask: what’s the real difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator? Leah is joined on stage by founder Stephanie Ridgely (The Elliot) and wedding planner Brandi Fisher (All Events Planned) for a candid, clarity-packed conversation about roles, boundaries, expectations, and the myths that cause major planning confusion. Get ready for plenty of “Ohhh, NOW I get it!” moments as we break down: What each role truly handles Where responsibilities overlap (and where they don’t) What couples should never assume How the right support team prevents day-of chaos Find the Elliot on Instagram: http://instagram.com/theelliotcle Find Brandi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/alleventsplanned This episode is sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3 Join us for a day of live entertainment, brunch, and wedding inspiration at the Seasons of Love event at The Elliot, January 18th, 2026! Tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-of-love-the-elliots-bridal-show-engagement-party-tickets-1216527870609?aff=oddtdtcreator Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE! ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're dreaming of a towering classic cake or a chic minimalist masterpiece, this episode has you covered. 🍰✨ Leah chats with wedding cake designer Armana Christianson of A. Cakes Bakery to break down everything couples need to know — from cake tastings and flavor pairings to fondant vs. buttercream, budgeting, and what’s trending in wedding cakes right now. Armana shares insider advice on: Choosing your cake style & flavor (trust your taste buds!) The truth about buttercream vs. fondant Serving sizes, pricing & contracts (no surprise fees!) Texture, color & décor ideas for your design Dietary-friendly and allergy-safe options Creative dessert alternatives and cutting cake ideas From dramatic sugar art to modern minimalist textures and dessert-table pairings, we’re giving you the sweetest insider scoop to make your cake taste as good as it looks. Find Armana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.cakesbakery.az/ Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at http://sandals.com/. This episode is also sponsored by BriteCo! Get 5% off wedding insurance by visiting https://insurance.brite.co/planner/BRID3 Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. TAKE OUR SHOW SURVEY HERE! ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCT5DRM⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We adore moms… until they turn into honorary co-planners with Very Big Opinions™. This week, Leah chats with Gloweddings’ mother–daughter team Sarona Farrell and Alicia Sowa about balancing love, tradition, and boundaries when the mom-squad is a little too invested in your wedding vision. Whether it’s “Back in my day…” energy, “But I'm paying for this” vibes, or “I already booked a florist” levels of enthusiasm, we break down how to set loving, respectful boundaries, stay grounded in what matters, and keep the peace without losing yourself in the process. Because your wedding shouldn’t feel like you’re starring in Everybody Loves Raymond: Bridal Edition. You can honor your family and honor your wedding. You don’t have to choose. Follow Glow Weddings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloweddings/ Today’s episode is sponsored by Sandals! Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Start planning your dream wedding at https://sandals.com/. Find Bridechilla online: - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebridechilla - Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridechilla - Website: http://thebridechilla.com Bridechilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices