April 17, 2024 • 24 mins
Want a picture-perfect wedding day? Dreaming of golden hour wedding photos?
We highlight key wedding planning truths.
This podcast is for engaged couples who are stressed out with wedding planning and family expectations but want a fun wedding day.
In today's edition, discover the importance of the 'Golden Hour' photos, managing toasts, and the evolving tradition of the Cake Cutting ceremony.
Get insights and learn how to make your wedding day truly yours from having a First Look, to the Photo Dash, and the significance of having a reliable vendor team, to the emerging trend of Live Painters at weddings.
Join us on the Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast for expert advice from Jess from JH Events.
Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast #92: Brutally Honest Truths You Need To Know Before Your Wedding with Jess From JH Events
Host: Sal & Sam
Music: "Sam's Tune" by Rick Anthony
Guest: Jess from JH Events.
TIMESTAMP
00:00 Introduction: Brutally Honest Wedding Planning Advice with Jess from JH Events
01:15 Meet the Experts: Sal and Sam's Wedding Wisdom
02:49 Welcoming Jess from JH Events Shares Advice for Couples Before The Wedding
03:48 Traditions Explored: First Look
05:30 Receiving Line Tradition
07:47 Emerging Trends: Live Painters and Golden Hour Photos
08:20 The Golden Hour Explained
09:46 JH Events Social Media
10:26 Wedding Tip Wednesday: Summer Essentials
14:19 Speeches - How Many Is Too Much
17:50 The Photo Dash Explained
19:00 Cake Cutting Tradition Going Away
20:30 More About JH Events
22:00 JH Events Social Media
22:33 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-up
24:00 Close
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Should you have a First Look?
Is a receiving line a good idea?
How many toasts orspeeches should you have?
How do you plan for the ""Golden Hour""?
In this discussion, we'll explorethese questions and more, guiding
couples toward traditions andchoices that align seamlessly with
their vision for their special day.
Hi, I'm Jess from J.
(00:20):
H.
Events where we provide month ofwedding coordination, partial and
full wedding planning services.
By the end of this edition, we'll delveinto what couples should be thinking
about when they're considering whattraditions to incorporate into their
day, and help you figure out whatwedding traditions that align perfectly
with your vision for the big day.
Listen now and discoverbrutally honest truths you need
(00:42):
to know before your wedding.
These are wedding insider secrets fora stress free, fun and memorable day.
Our podcast helps engaged couplesnavigate wedding planning complexities,
while addressing family expectations.
We'll guide you through the journeyof creating the perfect wedding
day, without unnecessary stress.
Get concise tips on budgeting,wedding party management, ceremony,
(01:05):
reception planning, and more.
Perfect for anyone planning awedding, all in 30 minutes or less.
Trust us, you don't want to miss this.
Welcome to Stress-free WeddingPlanning, the podcast that will
transform your wedding planningjourney from chaotic to enchanting.
Sal and Sam bring over 80 years ofcombined wedding expertise and exclusive
insider information to the table.
(01:27):
If you're recently engaged, feelingthe pressure of wedding planning,
struggling with family expectations,but still dreaming of a joy filled
wedding, you've come to the right place.
Get ready to unveil the best kept weddingsecrets, discover practical tips and
strategies, and learn life changinglessons for a stress free wedding.
Your unforgettable wedding day awaits.
We're here to take you on a transformativejourney of love, laughter, and memories.
(01:51):
So don't miss out on the podcastthat just might change your life.
This is the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Hi, I'm Sal of After HoursEvents in New England.
I've performed at thousands of weddingsin my 40 years as a professional MC DJ.
Weddings are my passion.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
With decades of DJ experience datingback to the mid seventies, I've rocked
(02:14):
the airwaves, pumped up nightclubs andmade thousands of weddings unforgettable.
This is the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Learn more about our experienceand journey to help you with
stress free wedding planning in thetrailer or pilot of this podcast.
In today's edition, Brutally HonestTruths You Need To Know Before Your
Wedding is brought to you in part byClear Vision Productions and the Wedding
(02:37):
Styles of Connecticut Wedding Shows.
That's Wedding Styles of CT dot com.
But first, if you have a questionor concern, go now to Facebook and
join us on the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Community and ask away.
Today, we're diving into the keywedding traditions couples should
consider as they plan their special day.
Joining us is Jess from JH Events.
(02:58):
Welcome, Jess.
Hi, how are you?
Not too bad.
We're excited to have you here and,for you to explain your expertise.
So, most importantly, we gave youa, an important question to answer.
So, what is the advice that yougive couples before their wedding?
What's the most importantthing you tell your couples?
I would have to say, , surroundingyourself with a team of vendors
(03:20):
that you truly rely on, and thatyou have a deep connection with.
Being in the moment on yourwedding day is probably the
best gift you can give yourself.
So if you can have a team of vendorsthat are going to be able to support
you from start to finish, and knowthat, you can fully rely on them, and
that they have your back so that wayyou can just solely be in the moment.
I would say that's probably the mostimportant part of planning a wedding.
(03:40):
That's awesome.
And I, I agree with you.
Having a cast of characters workingwith you that you could feel very
comfortable with is always very important.
So, Jess, what is one of your favoritetraditions you hope never goes away?
Hmm, good question.
Um, I guess I would say, I mean, I,I typically like a First Look, just
because I think it's an intimate momentthat the couple can have without , 200
(04:03):
eyeballs on them, and they canreally just have their emotions come
through naturally, and only have thephotographer capturing those moments.
Let me explain what a First Look isfor those of you that may not know.
So, essentially you can have amoment where you see, one another
before your ceremony, just the twoof you in front of your photographer.
It kind of allows you to get a lot ofyour photos done before the ceremony
(04:25):
so that you're not eating into cocktailhour with all of your couple portraits.
It's kind of a, a nice moment for thetwo of you just to be with each other.
And kind of get the jitters out, withouta bunch of people staring at you, you
know, when you walk down the aisle.
Yeah, I like the First Look becausefor me, I think that intimate moment.
But also, now that they start takingpictures, they start to calm down.
(04:46):
Yes.
They, actually remember things.
I'm a wedding officiant, and I'vehad times where the pictures are
taken after the ceremony, and I go tocongratulate the couple afterwards.
They go, Sal, Sal, weforgot about doing the rings.
We didn't do the rings.
And I'm like, look at your hands.
Oh, we did.
It's because they're so tightly wound upbecause, you know, they've been thrown
through the wolves and it's down theaisle and now let's go take some pictures.
(05:08):
Now let's get introducedand have a First Dance.
That is awesome.
Thank you so much, Jess, with that.
Another tradition that is verypopular when I got married so we're
talking about two or three hundredyears ago, is the receiving line.
That's something that wasvery popular that was done.
Is that a thing anymore?
Do people still do that inthis wedding environment?
(05:28):
It's not very common nowadays, and justto explain what that is in case you don't
know, it's typically right after theceremony, if you had a church wedding or
whatnot basically you leave, this churchor the space, the ceremony space, and then
all of your guests, as they come out, youstand there and you kind of greet each
guest, thank them for coming, and kind ofjust chat a little bit with each guest.
Now, while this is a great way to talkto all your guests and thank them for
(05:52):
coming, it can, take quite a bit of time.
Each guest kind of likes to saymore than hi, thanks for coming.
It, you know, there'ssome talkative guests.
So, it's definitely nice, when youcan kind of avoid that in my eyes.
And I think because couples reallywant to get right into photos.
So that way, as soon as they getto cocktail hour, they can, kind
of jump in as soon as they can,instead of kind of delaying that off.
(06:12):
The downside of it is that now you'regoing to take that time during either
cocktail hour or in your reception,walking from table to table.
To you know personally thankyour guests, say hi to them.
Um, Which can eat into a littlebit of your reception time.
But I don't see a lot of receiving lines.
I honestly, maybe like two thatI've ever seen in my day and age.
So, you know, in today's weddingenvironment, more often than not, you're
(06:36):
not seeing so much we're going to achurch and then coming to the facility.
It's everything at the facility.
And if you have a receivingline following that ceremony.
You're going to throw everythingoff now because everything's
bam, bam, bam at that point.
So that is one of the good reasonsfor not doing one if you're
having everything on location.
(06:56):
Now, I've always been a big believer.
You don't work at your wedding.
Many of the people that are alreadyattending your wedding, you know well
enough and see often enough that youdon't have to go to each and every table.
You have those long distancerelatives and friends that came.
You should go see them, and everyonehas an Aunt Martha, and even though
you see her every other weekend, youknow she will never let you forget
that you didn't come to her table.
(07:16):
So you know who that is, andthat's how you take care of it.
You're right there, Sal.
You're absolutely right about that.
The best way is to go aroundthe tables, during dinner.
Better still, go around,during the cocktail hour.
The receiving line has become obsolete,because there's loads of other ways of
doing what the receiving line, does.
So, yeah, I'm notsurprised it's going away.
(07:38):
So Jess, is there anything newhappening that you feel will become
a true wedding tradition that we'regoing to see from years to come?
Yeah, good question.
I think, you know, havingLive Painters at, weddings.
I typically see them you know, standing inthe back during the ceremony and they're
painting a beautiful live photo of thecouple getting married or some scenes
from the reception, but typically it'sthe ceremony and I'm seeing that more and
(08:01):
more now with, with more and more couples.
That is awesome.
And I love, you got the guests cometo see what they're doing and it's
kind of like a really cool feel.
And now some of these people havesome real flair in how they dress too.
So it's just, it's kind of awhole entertainment piece at the
wedding, which is so much fun.
One more before we take a break, Jess,is something that's, not necessarily
(08:22):
new but has become more into focus issomething called the "Golden Hour".
Can you explain that to our listeners?
Sure.
So "Golden Hour" photos is,essentially your sunset photos.
So, you know, you work with yourphotographer to plan out strategically
when those need to take place,depending on obviously the sunset time
for that specific day and location.
(08:42):
And you kind of work around that.
And typically the photographerslike to take those, 20 to 30 minutes
before the sun actually sets to getthose true "Golden Hour" photos.
So that's, that's typicallywhat they're doing.
It's, it's very popular.
I do it with almost all my couples.
Sometimes it can be a challengewhen you're trying to plan
that out in your timeline.
Just because, the sun obviously sets ata specific time, and if you're trying to
(09:05):
plan your reception introductions, yourformalities and then you obviously have,
you know, dinner service coming, workingwith the catering team, you want to make
sure you sneak those in, but also notreally mess up the flow of your timeline.
So it can be a challenge dependingon the, sunset time and kind of your
formalities and how you time that out.
Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that,Jess, because there is a difference
(09:25):
between the sunset time and the "GoldenHour" time, because the sunset time
is actually the time when the sunactually sets, and you want those
pictures before that sunset time.
So negotiating that time in the timeline,as you said, is very critical and you
have to work with your photographer, andwith obviously the couple to do that.
And I can, I can see that'sdefinitely a challenge.
(09:46):
Sure!
So let's talk about your,company for a quick second.
Let's get your social media, information.
Sure.
So I'm on Instagram.
That's my main, form of social media andthat's just at JH Events underscore LLC.
And my website is, wwwdot JH Events LLC dot.
(10:06):
com.
Coming up next, how many toastsor speeches are appropriate?
And we'll talk about thePhoto Dash and much more.
This is the Stress-free Wedding PlanningPodcast with Sal and Sam, a podcast
for engaged couples concerned aboutwedding planning and family expectations,
but who want to have a stress free,fun, and unforgettable wedding.
(10:26):
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(10:47):
Here's today's Wedding Tip Wednesday.
Summer Wedding Essential.
Now this one's if you have the money.
You don't have to go splurge onthis if you don't have it in your
budget, but it's a good idea.
Hire an ice cream cart forthose summer sportier days.
After the ceremony or during thecocktail hour, you can have an ice
(11:09):
cream cart that comes and it just hasdifferent flavors of scoops of Italian
ice or scoops of regular ice cream.
Whatever.
Your guests will enjoyyour thoughtfulness.
Many times I've actually seen this, duringthe reception, while dancing is happening.
So it gives them a chance tocool down, have a little snack
and come out and back and party.
And that's another tip from Sal and Sam.
(11:31):
Wedding Tip Wednesday is availableon the Stress-free Wedding Planning
Facebook group page every Wednesday.
Join the group for free.
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You're listening to Sal and Sam on theStress Free Wedding Planning Podcast.
I'm Ethan.
(13:16):
We're getting married in June of 2026,and I listen every week for great
wedding advice and stress free tips.
You should listen too.
And now back to the Stress-freeWedding Planning Podcast.
Welcome back.
We're talking with Jess from JHEvents about brutally honest truths
you need to know before your wedding.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere ProductionsWedding Entertainment with expert
(13:38):
knowledge and the difference in quality.
Visit us at atmospherehyphen productions dot com.
Hi, I am Sal from After HoursEvents of New England, the leader
in making your wedding stress free.
Visit us at After HoursEvents of NE dot com.
Hi, I'm Jess with JH Events, and youcan find me at JH Events LLC dot com.
(14:01):
That's J-H-E-V-E-N-T-S-L-L-C dot COM.
We've already discussed what a receivingline is and is it still done today?
We also asked if the First Look traditionbefore the ceremony is something for you.
Now, Jess, let's talk about,the toast, the speeches.
(14:22):
How many is too many?
How long should they be?
Sure.
So typically from what I see, standardis anywhere from two to four speeches.
Anything more than that gets, asyou know, as a DJ, carries on
kind of eats into your night.
So I would say two to fourtops, and then each one should
be no longer than two minutes.
And you should definitely prep your,you know, whoever's going to be
(14:43):
giving a speech and tell them it'sonly two minutes so that they're not,
you know, blabbing for 10 minutes.
Also want to give a pro tip there.
That's excellent.
Two minutes is what I always tell everyonebecause you keep them within reason.
But something else that's very importantto tell anybody who's giving a speech.
Do not use your cell phone.
And there's two reasons for that.
One, it looks bad in pictures and videos.
(15:03):
But the number one reason now isthat the frequencies of these cell
phones do interfere with microphones.
Even in airplane mode, everyone.
So don't think it's electronics.
Stuff is still coming off that phone.
So, index cards make it look the best.
And I have a third reason whyyou shouldn't use a phone.
One of your crazy guests might decide topick up the phone and actually call you.
(15:25):
Your phone starts ringing and youlose your place in your speech.
I've seen it done and it's horrible.
Yeah, I totally agree with that.
The worst thing that would happen is,you know, somebody calling them as
they're in the middle of their speech.
Yeah.
People think it's funny, but yougot to remember whose day this is.
You may not think you're ruiningsomething, but you really are.
I had a best man, someone in the crowd.
(15:47):
Three times text him on purpose.
I did spot the person, that wasdoing the texting and I put my hand
on their shoulder and said, we'renot doing that again, now, are we?
So that stopped them really quickly.
I explained, you know, what theydid was wrong and why it was wrong.
So, yeah, you know, it iswhat it is at that point.
And I've also had a, father of the bridespeech go on for 45 minutes, even after
(16:12):
we've told him, you know, you can't have along speech and literally there's nothing
that we can really do about it, especiallyif we're the DJ, unless the, couple comes
over to us in the middle of the speechand tells us to switch off the mic.
We're not going to do anything andall it does is sucks up the time that
you'll want for dancing later on.
So it's important that you telleverybody in your wedding party two
(16:34):
minutes per speech or a maximum of five.
And let's get back to the dancing.
Yeah.
So, one other thing I've talked to withcouples, they'll say, you know, how the,
a lot of these shows, when they presentan award and then there's that music
to get them off the stage afterwards.
I've actually had couples say,look, I want you to do that.
If you feel it going too long, musicgoes on, you turn off their mic.
(16:57):
As long as you give me, youknow, the ability to do that.
I am more than happy to makethat happen, but it's not
something we could do on our own.
That's great.
Good answers there.
I like that.
Like that.
Now, Jess, got another, traditionthat we're going to, discuss,
and that is the Photo Dash.
It's something that's, somewhat, newwithin the last five years anyway.
(17:19):
Maybe you can explain to ourlisteners what a Photo Dash is.
Sure.
So that's essentially, like we were sayingbefore, instead of a receiving line it's
a way to interact with each table, andsay hi to your guests and thank you.
And at the same point, you'regetting a quick photo with them.
And, you know, it's also can be funwhere your DJ plays a song or two, and
you try to kind of tackle all of yourtables within the one to two songs.
(17:41):
It's a very high energy, justreally fun moment for the couples to
kind of interact with their guests.
Yeah, I know when, when I'm part of the,Photo Dash, I do try to make it very
energetic, have a really, song that'sreally pumpin and work the crowd as we're
doing this, and, we're trying to get inone song to be honest, and the reason
for that is we're usually doing it at atime during dinner that I need to make
(18:02):
sure I'm not messing up the kitchen andtheir timing, so we gotta kinda get it
out of the way, but there's definitely afew different ways that this can be done.
And I think, Sam, you haveanother way, don't you?
Yeah, I, I've been doing the reversePhoto Dash where, if the couple have a
sweetheart table, we have each table.
Come up to the sweethearttable and take a picture.
That sometimes is a little bit morechallenging, but it does get the guests
(18:26):
motivated and to get some up out oftheir seats and standing behind the
groom and the bride or the couple.
And another way of doing it, ofcourse, is to have them sit in
the center of the dance floor.
And that way that gives the photographera wide berth how to take those pictures.
Yeah, I've seen all three ways as well.
So I think they're all greatoptions depending on, you know,
what works best for the couple.
(18:46):
That's so awesome.
So, something that I've beenseeing, when I DJ is, there's
something that's changing.
Something is a brewing andthat is the Cake Cutting.
It seems to be disappearingor just changing at least.
So I find about 60 percent of my couplesare either doing a private Cake Cutting.
Or, they're not doing one at all.
(19:07):
And then the others are doing it live.
So, do you feel the Cake Cuttingtradition is probably disappearing?
I think so.
I definitely see theprivate one done more often.
And I think that's just so thatthey have that photo op of, you
know, the couple cutting the cake.
But, the DJ is not announcing it.
The guests aren't all standingaround like they used to.
Or you used to play aspecific song for it.
It's just a quick photo opjust so the couple has it.
(19:29):
But, I just kind of see it as, ifthere's a good flow on the dance
floor, don't ruin that, let thecouples, cut their cake at their photo
op, but don't ruin the dance party.
Yeah, I'm finding that the couples,you know, when I try to dig in a little
more on why they did it privately,many of the times it's because
they're making mom and dad happy.
It's a tradition.
You have to do it.
So, okay, we'll stick with your tradition,but we're going to do it privately.
(19:52):
So we're not affecting anythingthat's happening in our
wedding and taking any time up.
So I, I'm all for that.
I think you, hit the nailon the head there, Sal.
Today's modern couples don'teven want to do the shot.
But I do caution my clientsand I'll caution our listeners.
You're going to regret not at leasthaving a picture of you next to the cake.
(20:12):
Just get the picture done and then,if you don't want to use it in your
album, you can throw it away, butat least have the picture done.
Right!
Agreed.
Absolutely agreed.
Well, Jess, you've givenus some great advice here.
Can you give us a little rundown?
What does your company do?
Explain that to us.
Sure.
So we are a boutique wedding planningservice we're out of Hartford County,
(20:33):
in Connecticut, but we service,you know, anywhere in New England.
And honestly If you're willing to payfor my travel services, I'll go anywhere.
You want to plan a wedding in Italy.
I'm there.
Just got to pay for me to get out there.
But we'll do month of coordination.
We'll do partial planning, full planning.
We'll cater to whatever the couple needs.
We can, create a totallycustom package for you.
I know couples are kind of all over theroad map when they're planning their
(20:55):
weddings and some want a lot of help,some want little so we can totally
tailor that to the couple's needs.
And really, we're always, all about justbeing a friend for, our couples as well.
We're not just thedictating wedding planner.
We're truly a friend of yourscheering you on, on your day of.
And we, work with you from startto end to make sure that, you
(21:16):
can be fully present in your day.
And, really just be in the moment and nothave to worry about anything the day of.
I've worked with Jess, a couple of timesnow and I got to tell you, I've never been
a real big fan of, these coordinatorsand wedding consultants sometimes
because I've had some really overbearingones that are just, oh my gosh!
It's like they're trying to take overthe world and they're not letting us all
(21:36):
do our jobs to our best of our ability.
And the thing about Jess isshe's really working with you.
She's not working against you.
So we're always talking throughthe whole event and making sure
we're taking care of those twovery special people in that room.
And that's our couple.
And that's what a lot of peoplehave to consider when you're a
professional in this business.
You gotta worry about the couple andthat's what Jess and her company does.
(21:58):
Excellent.
Well said, Sal.
So Jess, give us your socials.
Sure.
So I'm on Instagram.
And that is JH Events underscoreLLC and then my website is www dot
JH Events LLC dot com, so that'sJ-H-E-V-E-N-T-S-L-L-C dot com.
(22:22):
So I'd really like to thank you,Jess, for stopping by and giving
us all this great information.
We'd love to have you backto discuss something else.
That would be wonderful.
It was awesome talking withyou guys and happy to be here.
Excellent.
Thank you.
So there you have it.
We just shared with you insidertips about brutally honest truths
you need to know before yourwedding with Jess from JH Events.
(22:43):
She explained about the "Golden Hour"and how many speeches or toasts are
too many and how long they should be.
Jess also explained about the FirstLook, the Photo Dash and why the Cake
Cutting ceremony could be disappearing.
Now, as you spend the next weekplanning your wedding, if you want
me, Sal or our community of stressfree engaged couples and wedding
(23:04):
experts to answer any wedding relatedquestions, then join us in the Stress
Free Wedding Planning Facebook group.
Once you're in, go ahead and share yourconcerns and worries, and we'll let you
know if you're on the right track or ifthere are some things you need to work on.
The link to join us is in theshow notes of this edition.
Or go to Facebook and search for theStress Free Wedding Planning Community.
(23:26):
Remember to do somethingnice for someone today.
And if you can't, then dosomething nice for yourself.
If you've enjoyed what you've justheard, leave a review and share it
with a friend or someone who wouldbenefit from this information.
Until next time, it's TTFN.
Ta ta for now.
Thank you for listening to this edition.
A new edition is released every Wednesday.
Subscribe and get it first.
(23:47):
We'll catch you then.
Ciao.
The Stress Free Wedding PlanningPodcast is produced and copyrighted by
Atmosphere Productions in associationwith After Hours Events Of New England.
Sponsored in part by Clear VisionProductions and the Wedding Styles
of Connecticut Wedding Show Series.
Should you have a First Look?
Is a receiving line a good idea?
How many toasts orspeeches should you have?
How do you plan for the ""Golden Hour""?
In this discussion, we'll explorethese questions and more, guiding
couples toward traditions andchoices that align seamlessly with
their vision for their special day.
Hi, I'm Jess from J.
(00:20):
H.
Events where we provide month ofwedding coordination, partial and
full wedding planning services.
By the end of this edition, we'll delveinto what couples should be thinking
about when they're considering whattraditions to incorporate into their
day, and help you figure out whatwedding traditions that align perfectly
with your vision for the big day.
Listen now and discoverbrutally honest truths you need
(00:42):
to know before your wedding.
These are wedding insider secrets fora stress free, fun and memorable day.
Our podcast helps engaged couplesnavigate wedding planning complexities,
while addressing family expectations.
We'll guide you through the journeyof creating the perfect wedding
day, without unnecessary stress.
Get concise tips on budgeting,wedding party management, ceremony,
(01:05):
reception planning, and more.
Perfect for anyone planning awedding, all in 30 minutes or less.
Trust us, you don't want to miss this.
Welcome to Stress-free WeddingPlanning, the podcast that will
transform your wedding planningjourney from chaotic to enchanting.
Sal and Sam bring over 80 years ofcombined wedding expertise and exclusive
insider information to the table.
(01:27):
If you're recently engaged, feelingthe pressure of wedding planning,
struggling with family expectations,but still dreaming of a joy filled
wedding, you've come to the right place.
Get ready to unveil the best kept weddingsecrets, discover practical tips and
strategies, and learn life changinglessons for a stress free wedding.
Your unforgettable wedding day awaits.
We're here to take you on a transformativejourney of love, laughter, and memories.
(01:51):
So don't miss out on the podcastthat just might change your life.
This is the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Hi, I'm Sal of After HoursEvents in New England.
I've performed at thousands of weddingsin my 40 years as a professional MC DJ.
Weddings are my passion.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
With decades of DJ experience datingback to the mid seventies, I've rocked
(02:14):
the airwaves, pumped up nightclubs andmade thousands of weddings unforgettable.
This is the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Learn more about our experienceand journey to help you with
stress free wedding planning in thetrailer or pilot of this podcast.
In today's edition, Brutally HonestTruths You Need To Know Before Your
Wedding is brought to you in part byClear Vision Productions and the Wedding
(02:37):
Styles of Connecticut Wedding Shows.
That's Wedding Styles of CT dot com.
But first, if you have a questionor concern, go now to Facebook and
join us on the Stress Free WeddingPlanning Community and ask away.
Today, we're diving into the keywedding traditions couples should
consider as they plan their special day.
Joining us is Jess from JH Events.
(02:58):
Welcome, Jess.
Hi, how are you?
Not too bad.
We're excited to have you here and,for you to explain your expertise.
So, most importantly, we gave youa, an important question to answer.
So, what is the advice that yougive couples before their wedding?
What's the most importantthing you tell your couples?
I would have to say, , surroundingyourself with a team of vendors
(03:20):
that you truly rely on, and thatyou have a deep connection with.
Being in the moment on yourwedding day is probably the
best gift you can give yourself.
So if you can have a team of vendorsthat are going to be able to support
you from start to finish, and knowthat, you can fully rely on them, and
that they have your back so that wayyou can just solely be in the moment.
I would say that's probably the mostimportant part of planning a wedding.
(03:40):
That's awesome.
And I, I agree with you.
Having a cast of characters workingwith you that you could feel very
comfortable with is always very important.
So, Jess, what is one of your favoritetraditions you hope never goes away?
Hmm, good question.
Um, I guess I would say, I mean, I,I typically like a First Look, just
because I think it's an intimate momentthat the couple can have without , 200
(04:03):
eyeballs on them, and they canreally just have their emotions come
through naturally, and only have thephotographer capturing those moments.
Let me explain what a First Look isfor those of you that may not know.
So, essentially you can have amoment where you see, one another
before your ceremony, just the twoof you in front of your photographer.
It kind of allows you to get a lot ofyour photos done before the ceremony
(04:25):
so that you're not eating into cocktailhour with all of your couple portraits.
It's kind of a, a nice moment for thetwo of you just to be with each other.
And kind of get the jitters out, withouta bunch of people staring at you, you
know, when you walk down the aisle.
Yeah, I like the First Look becausefor me, I think that intimate moment.
But also, now that they start takingpictures, they start to calm down.
(04:46):
Yes.
They, actually remember things.
I'm a wedding officiant, and I'vehad times where the pictures are
taken after the ceremony, and I go tocongratulate the couple afterwards.
They go, Sal, Sal, weforgot about doing the rings.
We didn't do the rings.
And I'm like, look at your hands.
Oh, we did.
It's because they're so tightly wound upbecause, you know, they've been thrown
through the wolves and it's down theaisle and now let's go take some pictures.
(05:08):
Now let's get introducedand have a First Dance.
That is awesome.
Thank you so much, Jess, with that.
Another tradition that is verypopular when I got married so we're
talking about two or three hundredyears ago, is the receiving line.
That's something that wasvery popular that was done.
Is that a thing anymore?
Do people still do that inthis wedding environment?
(05:28):
It's not very common nowadays, and justto explain what that is in case you don't
know, it's typically right after theceremony, if you had a church wedding or
whatnot basically you leave, this churchor the space, the ceremony space, and then
all of your guests, as they come out, youstand there and you kind of greet each
guest, thank them for coming, and kind ofjust chat a little bit with each guest.
Now, while this is a great way to talkto all your guests and thank them for
(05:52):
coming, it can, take quite a bit of time.
Each guest kind of likes to saymore than hi, thanks for coming.
It, you know, there'ssome talkative guests.
So, it's definitely nice, when youcan kind of avoid that in my eyes.
And I think because couples reallywant to get right into photos.
So that way, as soon as they getto cocktail hour, they can, kind
of jump in as soon as they can,instead of kind of delaying that off.
(06:12):
The downside of it is that now you'regoing to take that time during either
cocktail hour or in your reception,walking from table to table.
To you know personally thankyour guests, say hi to them.
Um, Which can eat into a littlebit of your reception time.
But I don't see a lot of receiving lines.
I honestly, maybe like two thatI've ever seen in my day and age.
So, you know, in today's weddingenvironment, more often than not, you're
(06:36):
not seeing so much we're going to achurch and then coming to the facility.
It's everything at the facility.
And if you have a receivingline following that ceremony.
You're going to throw everythingoff now because everything's
bam, bam, bam at that point.
So that is one of the good reasonsfor not doing one if you're
having everything on location.
(06:56):
Now, I've always been a big believer.
You don't work at your wedding.
Many of the people that are alreadyattending your wedding, you know well
enough and see often enough that youdon't have to go to each and every table.
You have those long distancerelatives and friends that came.
You should go see them, and everyonehas an Aunt Martha, and even though
you see her every other weekend, youknow she will never let you forget
that you didn't come to her table.
(07:16):
So you know who that is, andthat's how you take care of it.
You're right there, Sal.
You're absolutely right about that.
The best way is to go aroundthe tables, during dinner.
Better still, go around,during the cocktail hour.
The receiving line has become obsolete,because there's loads of other ways of
doing what the receiving line, does.
So, yeah, I'm notsurprised it's going away.
(07:38):
So Jess, is there anything newhappening that you feel will become
a true wedding tradition that we'regoing to see from years to come?
Yeah, good question.
I think, you know, havingLive Painters at, weddings.
I typically see them you know, standing inthe back during the ceremony and they're
painting a beautiful live photo of thecouple getting married or some scenes
from the reception, but typically it'sthe ceremony and I'm seeing that more and
(08:01):
more now with, with more and more couples.
That is awesome.
And I love, you got the guests cometo see what they're doing and it's
kind of like a really cool feel.
And now some of these people havesome real flair in how they dress too.
So it's just, it's kind of awhole entertainment piece at the
wedding, which is so much fun.
One more before we take a break, Jess,is something that's, not necessarily
(08:22):
new but has become more into focus issomething called the "Golden Hour".
Can you explain that to our listeners?
Sure.
So "Golden Hour" photos is,essentially your sunset photos.
So, you know, you work with yourphotographer to plan out strategically
when those need to take place,depending on obviously the sunset time
for that specific day and location.
(08:42):
And you kind of work around that.
And typically the photographerslike to take those, 20 to 30 minutes
before the sun actually sets to getthose true "Golden Hour" photos.
So that's, that's typicallywhat they're doing.
It's, it's very popular.
I do it with almost all my couples.
Sometimes it can be a challengewhen you're trying to plan
that out in your timeline.
Just because, the sun obviously sets ata specific time, and if you're trying to
(09:05):
plan your reception introductions, yourformalities and then you obviously have,
you know, dinner service coming, workingwith the catering team, you want to make
sure you sneak those in, but also notreally mess up the flow of your timeline.
So it can be a challenge dependingon the, sunset time and kind of your
formalities and how you time that out.
Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that,Jess, because there is a difference
(09:25):
between the sunset time and the "GoldenHour" time, because the sunset time
is actually the time when the sunactually sets, and you want those
pictures before that sunset time.
So negotiating that time in the timeline,as you said, is very critical and you
have to work with your photographer, andwith obviously the couple to do that.
And I can, I can see that'sdefinitely a challenge.
(09:46):
Sure!
So let's talk about your,company for a quick second.
Let's get your social media, information.
Sure.
So I'm on Instagram.
That's my main, form of social media andthat's just at JH Events underscore LLC.
And my website is, wwwdot JH Events LLC dot.
(10:06):
com.
Coming up next, how many toastsor speeches are appropriate?
And we'll talk about thePhoto Dash and much more.
This is the Stress-free Wedding PlanningPodcast with Sal and Sam, a podcast
for engaged couples concerned aboutwedding planning and family expectations,
but who want to have a stress free,fun, and unforgettable wedding.
(10:26):
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Here's today's Wedding Tip Wednesday.
Summer Wedding Essential.
Now this one's if you have the money.
You don't have to go splurge onthis if you don't have it in your
budget, but it's a good idea.
Hire an ice cream cart forthose summer sportier days.
After the ceremony or during thecocktail hour, you can have an ice
(11:09):
cream cart that comes and it just hasdifferent flavors of scoops of Italian
ice or scoops of regular ice cream.
Whatever.
Your guests will enjoyyour thoughtfulness.
Many times I've actually seen this, duringthe reception, while dancing is happening.
So it gives them a chance tocool down, have a little snack
and come out and back and party.
And that's another tip from Sal and Sam.
(11:31):
Wedding Tip Wednesday is availableon the Stress-free Wedding Planning
Facebook group page every Wednesday.
Join the group for free.
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Visit my website, TLCCeremonies dot com.
That's TLCCeremonies dot com
You're listening to Sal and Sam on theStress Free Wedding Planning Podcast.
I'm Ethan.
(13:16):
We're getting married in June of 2026,and I listen every week for great
wedding advice and stress free tips.
You should listen too.
And now back to the Stress-freeWedding Planning Podcast.
Welcome back.
We're talking with Jess from JHEvents about brutally honest truths
you need to know before your wedding.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere ProductionsWedding Entertainment with expert
(13:38):
knowledge and the difference in quality.
Visit us at atmospherehyphen productions dot com.
Hi, I am Sal from After HoursEvents of New England, the leader
in making your wedding stress free.
Visit us at After HoursEvents of NE dot com.
Hi, I'm Jess with JH Events, and youcan find me at JH Events LLC dot com.
(14:01):
That's J-H-E-V-E-N-T-S-L-L-C dot COM.
We've already discussed what a receivingline is and is it still done today?
We also asked if the First Look traditionbefore the ceremony is something for you.
Now, Jess, let's talk about,the toast, the speeches.
(14:22):
How many is too many?
How long should they be?
Sure.
So typically from what I see, standardis anywhere from two to four speeches.
Anything more than that gets, asyou know, as a DJ, carries on
kind of eats into your night.
So I would say two to fourtops, and then each one should
be no longer than two minutes.
And you should definitely prep your,you know, whoever's going to be
(14:43):
giving a speech and tell them it'sonly two minutes so that they're not,
you know, blabbing for 10 minutes.
Also want to give a pro tip there.
That's excellent.
Two minutes is what I always tell everyonebecause you keep them within reason.
But something else that's very importantto tell anybody who's giving a speech.
Do not use your cell phone.
And there's two reasons for that.
One, it looks bad in pictures and videos.
(15:03):
But the number one reason now isthat the frequencies of these cell
phones do interfere with microphones.
Even in airplane mode, everyone.
So don't think it's electronics.
Stuff is still coming off that phone.
So, index cards make it look the best.
And I have a third reason whyyou shouldn't use a phone.
One of your crazy guests might decide topick up the phone and actually call you.
(15:25):
Your phone starts ringing and youlose your place in your speech.
I've seen it done and it's horrible.
Yeah, I totally agree with that.
The worst thing that would happen is,you know, somebody calling them as
they're in the middle of their speech.
Yeah.
People think it's funny, but yougot to remember whose day this is.
You may not think you're ruiningsomething, but you really are.
I had a best man, someone in the crowd.
(15:47):
Three times text him on purpose.
I did spot the person, that wasdoing the texting and I put my hand
on their shoulder and said, we'renot doing that again, now, are we?
So that stopped them really quickly.
I explained, you know, what theydid was wrong and why it was wrong.
So, yeah, you know, it iswhat it is at that point.
And I've also had a, father of the bridespeech go on for 45 minutes, even after
(16:12):
we've told him, you know, you can't have along speech and literally there's nothing
that we can really do about it, especiallyif we're the DJ, unless the, couple comes
over to us in the middle of the speechand tells us to switch off the mic.
We're not going to do anything andall it does is sucks up the time that
you'll want for dancing later on.
So it's important that you telleverybody in your wedding party two
(16:34):
minutes per speech or a maximum of five.
And let's get back to the dancing.
Yeah.
So, one other thing I've talked to withcouples, they'll say, you know, how the,
a lot of these shows, when they presentan award and then there's that music
to get them off the stage afterwards.
I've actually had couples say,look, I want you to do that.
If you feel it going too long, musicgoes on, you turn off their mic.
(16:57):
As long as you give me, youknow, the ability to do that.
I am more than happy to makethat happen, but it's not
something we could do on our own.
That's great.
Good answers there.
I like that.
Like that.
Now, Jess, got another, traditionthat we're going to, discuss,
and that is the Photo Dash.
It's something that's, somewhat, newwithin the last five years anyway.
(17:19):
Maybe you can explain to ourlisteners what a Photo Dash is.
Sure.
So that's essentially, like we were sayingbefore, instead of a receiving line it's
a way to interact with each table, andsay hi to your guests and thank you.
And at the same point, you'regetting a quick photo with them.
And, you know, it's also can be funwhere your DJ plays a song or two, and
you try to kind of tackle all of yourtables within the one to two songs.
(17:41):
It's a very high energy, justreally fun moment for the couples to
kind of interact with their guests.
Yeah, I know when, when I'm part of the,Photo Dash, I do try to make it very
energetic, have a really, song that'sreally pumpin and work the crowd as we're
doing this, and, we're trying to get inone song to be honest, and the reason
for that is we're usually doing it at atime during dinner that I need to make
(18:02):
sure I'm not messing up the kitchen andtheir timing, so we gotta kinda get it
out of the way, but there's definitely afew different ways that this can be done.
And I think, Sam, you haveanother way, don't you?
Yeah, I, I've been doing the reversePhoto Dash where, if the couple have a
sweetheart table, we have each table.
Come up to the sweethearttable and take a picture.
That sometimes is a little bit morechallenging, but it does get the guests
(18:26):
motivated and to get some up out oftheir seats and standing behind the
groom and the bride or the couple.
And another way of doing it, ofcourse, is to have them sit in
the center of the dance floor.
And that way that gives the photographera wide berth how to take those pictures.
Yeah, I've seen all three ways as well.
So I think they're all greatoptions depending on, you know,
what works best for the couple.
(18:46):
That's so awesome.
So, something that I've beenseeing, when I DJ is, there's
something that's changing.
Something is a brewing andthat is the Cake Cutting.
It seems to be disappearingor just changing at least.
So I find about 60 percent of my couplesare either doing a private Cake Cutting.
Or, they're not doing one at all.
(19:07):
And then the others are doing it live.
So, do you feel the Cake Cuttingtradition is probably disappearing?
I think so.
I definitely see theprivate one done more often.
And I think that's just so thatthey have that photo op of, you
know, the couple cutting the cake.
But, the DJ is not announcing it.
The guests aren't all standingaround like they used to.
Or you used to play aspecific song for it.
It's just a quick photo opjust so the couple has it.
(19:29):
But, I just kind of see it as, ifthere's a good flow on the dance
floor, don't ruin that, let thecouples, cut their cake at their photo
op, but don't ruin the dance party.
Yeah, I'm finding that the couples,you know, when I try to dig in a little
more on why they did it privately,many of the times it's because
they're making mom and dad happy.
It's a tradition.
You have to do it.
So, okay, we'll stick with your tradition,but we're going to do it privately.
(19:52):
So we're not affecting anythingthat's happening in our
wedding and taking any time up.
So I, I'm all for that.
I think you, hit the nailon the head there, Sal.
Today's modern couples don'teven want to do the shot.
But I do caution my clientsand I'll caution our listeners.
You're going to regret not at leasthaving a picture of you next to the cake.
(20:12):
Just get the picture done and then,if you don't want to use it in your
album, you can throw it away, butat least have the picture done.
Right!
Agreed.
Absolutely agreed.
Well, Jess, you've givenus some great advice here.
Can you give us a little rundown?
What does your company do?
Explain that to us.
Sure.
So we are a boutique wedding planningservice we're out of Hartford County,
(20:33):
in Connecticut, but we service,you know, anywhere in New England.
And honestly If you're willing to payfor my travel services, I'll go anywhere.
You want to plan a wedding in Italy.
I'm there.
Just got to pay for me to get out there.
But we'll do month of coordination.
We'll do partial planning, full planning.
We'll cater to whatever the couple needs.
We can, create a totallycustom package for you.
I know couples are kind of all over theroad map when they're planning their
(20:55):
weddings and some want a lot of help,some want little so we can totally
tailor that to the couple's needs.
And really, we're always, all about justbeing a friend for, our couples as well.
We're not just thedictating wedding planner.
We're truly a friend of yourscheering you on, on your day of.
And we, work with you from startto end to make sure that, you
(21:16):
can be fully present in your day.
And, really just be in the moment and nothave to worry about anything the day of.
I've worked with Jess, a couple of timesnow and I got to tell you, I've never been
a real big fan of, these coordinatorsand wedding consultants sometimes
because I've had some really overbearingones that are just, oh my gosh!
It's like they're trying to take overthe world and they're not letting us all
(21:36):
do our jobs to our best of our ability.
And the thing about Jess isshe's really working with you.
She's not working against you.
So we're always talking throughthe whole event and making sure
we're taking care of those twovery special people in that room.
And that's our couple.
And that's what a lot of peoplehave to consider when you're a
professional in this business.
You gotta worry about the couple andthat's what Jess and her company does.
(21:58):
Excellent.
Well said, Sal.
So Jess, give us your socials.
Sure.
So I'm on Instagram.
And that is JH Events underscoreLLC and then my website is www dot
JH Events LLC dot com, so that'sJ-H-E-V-E-N-T-S-L-L-C dot com.
(22:22):
So I'd really like to thank you,Jess, for stopping by and giving
us all this great information.
We'd love to have you backto discuss something else.
That would be wonderful.
It was awesome talking withyou guys and happy to be here.
Excellent.
Thank you.
So there you have it.
We just shared with you insidertips about brutally honest truths
you need to know before yourwedding with Jess from JH Events.
(22:43):
She explained about the "Golden Hour"and how many speeches or toasts are
too many and how long they should be.
Jess also explained about the FirstLook, the Photo Dash and why the Cake
Cutting ceremony could be disappearing.
Now, as you spend the next weekplanning your wedding, if you want
me, Sal or our community of stressfree engaged couples and wedding
(23:04):
experts to answer any wedding relatedquestions, then join us in the Stress
Free Wedding Planning Facebook group.
Once you're in, go ahead and share yourconcerns and worries, and we'll let you
know if you're on the right track or ifthere are some things you need to work on.
The link to join us is in theshow notes of this edition.
Or go to Facebook and search for theStress Free Wedding Planning Community.
(23:26):
Remember to do somethingnice for someone today.
And if you can't, then dosomething nice for yourself.
If you've enjoyed what you've justheard, leave a review and share it
with a friend or someone who wouldbenefit from this information.
Until next time, it's TTFN.
Ta ta for now.
Thank you for listening to this edition.
A new edition is released every Wednesday.
Subscribe and get it first.
(23:47):
We'll catch you then.
Ciao.
The Stress Free Wedding PlanningPodcast is produced and copyrighted by
Atmosphere Productions in associationwith After Hours Events Of New England.
Sponsored in part by Clear VisionProductions and the Wedding Styles
of Connecticut Wedding Show Series.
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