Bridal Gown Shopping 101 - With Marie Adornato
Shoot the Vows
Trying to figure out when to start wedding dress shopping? Wondering what to expect at your first bridal appointment? In this episode, we sit down with Marie Adornato, owner of Spy Baby Bridal and Prom in Syracuse, NY and designer behind Adornato Couture, to get all her insider tips for brides navigating the gown shopping experience. In this episode, we cover: ⏰ The ideal shopping and shipping timeline for your wedding dress 👗 What to expect at your first bridal appointment 💻 Online vs. in-store shopping – pros and cons 💭 Staying true to your vision vs. keeping an open mind 💰...
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Reacting to Wedding Planning Reddit Advice and Drama
Shoot the Vows
This week on Shoot the Vows, we're diving into some juicy Reddit wedding drama! From planning nightmares to guest dress code disasters, we're breaking down three viral stories and giving our honest takes. In this episode: 🔥 "What I wish I knew before planning a wedding" — the realities no one warns you about 🔥 "AITA for wanting to plan MY wedding?" — when family opinions go too far 🔥 "Wedding Shaming My Own Guests" — is asking for no jeans really that unreasonable? Plus, we discuss how to handle guests who just won't follow simple requests and deliver our final verdicts on who...
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Barn Wedding Basics with The Nunda Ranch
Shoot the Vows
Thinking about a barn or ranch wedding in Central New York? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Ridley from Nunda Ranch to talk about what couples really need to know before booking a rustic venue. Nicole shares insider tips on what sets barn and ranch venues apart from traditional spaces, the questions you should be asking on every venue tour, and what's typically included versus what you'll need to bring in yourself—like catering, rentals, and more. We also cover the practical stuff that can make or break your day: weather and seasonality considerations for...
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Budget Wedding: Regrets vs What Was 100% Worth It
Shoot the Vows
Planning a wedding on a budget? You're not alone—and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. In this episode, we sit down with real bride Jessica Edkin to get her honest take on what she'd do differently and what she'd absolutely do again. From DIY wins (and fails) to splurges that were totally worth it, Jessica shares the lessons she learned so you don't have to learn them the hard way. We're covering: 💍 Her wedding budget, guest count, and overall vision 💍 Regrets and what she'd change 💍 DIY projects: worth it or not? 💍 Where she found unexpected savings 💍 Splurges...
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Engagement Survival Season for Soon-to-Be Brides
Shoot the Vows
Just got engaged? Congrats! 💍 Before you spiral into Pinterest boards and venue tours, take a breath. In this episode, we're breaking down everything you need to know about navigating engagement season (December–February) without losing your mind. We cover: → What to do first after getting engaged (and what can wait) → The urge to book everything NOW — when to pump the brakes → Dealing with unsolicited opinions from family and friends → Setting a realistic timeline based on your wedding date → Having the budget conversation early → What actually needs to be prioritized (yes,...
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Wedding Vendor Contracts: What Every Couple MUST Know Before Signing
Shoot the Vows
Did you know your vendor could legally cancel on you the week of your wedding—and only owe you a refund? 😳 In this episode, we sat down with Leah Weinberg, founder and attorney at Weinberg Legal, for our first-ever live in-person podcast recording in New York City! Leah has an incredible backstory—she started as an attorney, spent almost 10 years as a wedding planner, and has now returned to law to help small businesses and wedding professionals navigate contracts and legal matters. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Understanding your total costs and when payments are due ✅ Deposits,...
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Creating Your Wedding Guests' Experience
Shoot the Vows
Your wedding day isn't just about you—it's about everyone who showed up to celebrate. In this episode, we're diving deep into the guest experience and what actually makes people remember your wedding for all the right reasons. From avoiding that awkward cocktail hour lull to designing seating charts that don't leave Aunt Carol at the "table of randos," we're covering everything you need to know to keep your guests comfortable, entertained, and genuinely happy to be there. In This Episode: 🥂 Why guest experience matters more than you think ⏰ Bridging the cocktail hour gap during photos...
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Things Your Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist Want You to Know
Shoot the Vows
Running behind on your wedding day? It usually starts in the hair & makeup chair. 💄 In this episode, we sit down with Kaylee Styer, owner and hair stylist/makeup artist at The Beauty Stop, to talk about everything brides need to know about wedding day glam — from choosing the right artist to keeping your timeline on track. We're covering: ✨ What to actually look for when hiring your hair & makeup artist ✨ Why trials matter more than you think (and what makes a good one) ✨ How to prep your skin and hair leading up to the big day ✨ The #1 reason hair & makeup runs late...
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Why Your Wedding Photographer Should Feel Like a Friend
Shoot the Vows
Ever wonder why some couples look SO natural in their wedding photos while others seem stiff and uncomfortable? The secret isn't posing tricks—it's CONNECTION. In this episode, we're diving deep into why the relationship you have with your wedding photographer matters just as much as their portfolio. From what "friend-vibe" photographers do differently on your big day to how you can vibe-check a photographer before signing that contract, we're covering everything you need to know to find YOUR perfect match. What we cover: ✨ Why comfort = better photos (the real reason connection matters)...
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Do you actually need a wedding coordinator? - Episode 6
Shoot the Vows
🎙️ Listen to Shoot the Vows: shootthevows.com 💍 Book Heather at Root & Rise Occasion: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/root-rise-occasion/77afffd845d072d0.html 📸 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows 💬 Leave us a comment with your wedding planning questions! Do You Actually Need a Wedding Coordinator? | Shoot the Vows Episode 6 Thinking about skipping a wedding coordinator to save money? Wedding planner Heather Burditt from Root & Rise Occasion is breaking down why that might be a mistake — and what couples don't realize until it's too late. In this...
info_outlineEver wonder why some couples look SO natural in their wedding photos while others seem stiff and uncomfortable? The secret isn't posing tricks—it's CONNECTION.
In this episode, we're diving deep into why the relationship you have with your wedding photographer matters just as much as their portfolio. From what "friend-vibe" photographers do differently on your big day to how you can vibe-check a photographer before signing that contract, we're covering everything you need to know to find YOUR perfect match.
What we cover:
✨ Why comfort = better photos (the real reason connection matters)
✨ What sets "friend-vibe" photographers apart on a wedding day
✨ Chemistry vs. camera skills—why you need BOTH
✨ Finding the balance between boundaries and bestie energy
✨ How to vibe-check your photographer before booking
✨ Real stories where trust completely transformed the photos
✨ Tips for camera-shy and anxious couples
Whether you're newly engaged and starting your vendor search, or you've always felt awkward in front of a camera, this one's for you. 🫶
💬 DROP A COMMENT BELOW: What's more important to you when choosing a wedding photographer—their portfolio or how comfortable they make you feel? Have you ever had a photographer (or any vendor!) who just got you? We want to hear your stories!
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🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898
📲 CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows
00:00 - Introduction: Finding Your Photography Style
01:19 - Welcome to Shoot the Vows
01:31 - Why Vibing with Your Vendors Matters
02:55 - When Awkwardness Shows in Your Photos
03:35 - Never Skip Your Engagement Session
04:52 - Understanding Photography Styles: Posed vs Candid
06:15 - Using Questionnaires to Know Your Couple
07:34 - Building Confidence Through Engagement Sessions
08:20 - Maintaining Professional Boundaries
09:36 - Professional vs Friend with a Camera
11:14 - Trust Your Gut: Jiving with Your Photographer
12:27 - The Importance of Reviews
12:42 - Budget Red Flags to Watch For
13:24 - Personality as a Determining Factor
14:29 - Communication is Key
14:40 - Finding the Right Style for Camera-Shy Couples
16:11 - Booking an Engagement Session First
17:47 - When Photographers Know How to Pose You
19:06 - Grooms Are Usually More Nervous
20:08 - You're Paying for Experience
20:44 - Wrap Up & Next Episode Preview