What does it really take to run a wedding venue? In this episode of Behind I Do, Charlie from Deer Flat Ranch talks about how the property became a wedding venue and how it was designed to make wedding days run smoothly. He gets candid about the hardest parts of the business, how the venue's business model works, and the wedding stories that stand out. He also covers the vendor relationships that cause the most friction, from vendor meals to musicians. Couples get practical advice on choosing a venue, entertainment rules and whether all-inclusive venues are actually better. He also explains what separates a well-equipped venue from a cheap-looking one. Plus: what Charlie enjoys most about owning Deer Flat and the bigger vision he's building beyond weddings.

Real Talk With A Wedding Venue Owner | Episode 25

How much should wedding flowers actually cost? What should you ask a florist before booking? And what happens to all those flowers after the ceremony? In Episode 24, we sit down with Samantha from Wayward Greens to pull back the curtain on the world of wedding florals—and there is A LOT more to it than picking pretty flowers from Pinterest. Sam shares how she went from studying criminal justice and dreaming of becoming a police officer to building a career in florals spanning more than 20 years. We also dive deep into what couples often misunderstand about floral pricing, why getting three quotes isn't as simple as comparing three numbers, and why finding a florist you genuinely trust can make all the difference. We also get into the behind-the-scenes realities of working with planners and other wedding vendors, including some very real floral pet peeves. In this episode: • How Sam went from aspiring police officer to longtime floral designer • How Wayward Greens came to be • Why florists don't want to recreate the exact same wedding they've already designed • How to find a florist who actually fits your style and personality • Why wedding flower quotes can vary SO dramatically • Why you can't fairly compare florist quotes based on price alone • What $500 vs. $5,000 vs. $10,000 can actually mean for wedding flowers • Why your Pinterest inspiration photos need context • How to communicate your floral budget and expectations • Why florists sometimes provide multiple proposals • The importance of trusting your florist's creative expertise • Why meeting your florist before the wedding matters • Florist pet peeves with planners • The importance of communication between planners, florists, photographers, and couples • Why florists need more than just a generic wedding-day timeline • How ceremony and cocktail-hour timing affects floral setup and breakdown • Who should move flowers during the reception? • When a florist should stay for a floral flip or strike • Why some floral designs aren't actually practical to move • What happens to your flowers at the end of the night • Why you should have a plan for taking your flowers home • How flowers can be donated instead of thrown away One of the biggest takeaways? **Don't book your florist based on a number alone.** Your floral design is highly customizable, and the same budget can create completely different results depending on the flowers, coverage, installation, mechanics, labor, repurposing, and overall vision. If you're planning a wedding, this episode will help you understand what you're actually paying for—and how better communication with your florist can make your wedding day smoother for everyone. And yes… this conversation was WAY too good to fit into one episode. 👀 📍 Featuring Samantha from Wayward Greens 🎙️ Behind I Do — Episode 24 #WeddingFlowers #WeddingFlorist #WeddingPlanning #IdahoWeddings #BoiseWeddings #TreasureValleyWeddings #WeddingFlorals #WeddingVendors #WeddingTips #WeddingBudget #WeddingDesign #WaywardGreens #WeddingPlanningTips #WeddingIndustry

Real Talk With A Wedding Florist | Episode 24

Peak wedding season isn't just white dresses and clinking glasses — it's early-morning setups, last-minute chaos, and the kind of stamina most people never see. In Episode 23, we go behind the scenes with a working wedding planner to unpack what those non-stop months really demand: the hidden workload before the ceremony ever starts, how planners keep the day calm when everything wants to fall apart, the physical and mental grind of long wedding weekends, and the crash that comes after. We also get into the systems, vendor relationships, and hard-won boundaries that make it possible to survive the season without burning out — plus one very real story about doing all of it with a newborn at home. If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to pull off a flawless wedding day, this one pulls back the curtain.

What Peak Wedding Season REALLY Looks Like Behind the Scenes | Episode 23

In Episode 22 of Behind I Do, we're joined by DJ Jesse D for a candid conversation about what happens behind the scenes at weddings—and why a DJ is about so much more than simply pressing play. Jesse shares how he went from catering weddings to becoming a full-time DJ, the lessons he learned from his very first (very chaotic) wedding, and what it takes to read a crowd and keep the energy moving throughout the night. We also get into the things couples don't always think about when hiring a DJ, including: • Why live mixing can make a difference on the dance floor • What to look for in a DJ's MC skills and personality • How DJs actually read a crowd • When couples should start planning their music • Why the DJ's placement in the room matters more than you might think • Balancing wedding aesthetics with good sound and an energetic dance floor • How DJs and planners can work together without stepping on each other's toes • Wedding-day pet peeves from both sides of the vendor relationship • Whether the money dance is worth doing • Simple ways to make a first dance more memorable • Why couples should actually meet their DJ before booking • And the biggest question couples should ask: What does a great wedding experience look like to you? Most importantly, we talk about the bigger picture: your DJ, planner, photographer, and every other vendor are there for one reason—to help you and your guests have an incredible wedding day. If you're planning a wedding in Idaho or anywhere else, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few strong opinions you may not expect. 😂 ☕ Grab your coffee, your planning binder, and join us Behind I Do. Follow DJ Jesse IG: @djjessed TT: @djjessed #WeddingPlanning #WeddingDJ #WeddingTips #IdahoWeddings #WeddingVendors #WeddingPlanner #WeddingReception #WeddingAdvice #BehindIDo #DJJesseD

Real Talk With a Wedding DJ

We're officially bringing a guest onto Behind I Do — and we're keeping it exactly how we like it: casual, honest, and a little chaotic. 😂 In Episode 21, we're sitting down with Kayla Lucio, wedding photographer, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes on a wedding day — from choosing the right photographer to navigating timelines, family photos, first looks, vendor communication, and all the unexpected moments that couples don't always see. We're getting real about: 📸 How to choose the right wedding photographer — why personality and chemistry matter just as much as the photos ⏰ How many hours of photography you actually need — 6, 8, 10+ hours and what you're really getting with each ✨ First looks vs. seeing each other at the altar — what works best and how it affects your timeline 💃 Why candid photos require you to actually be present — you can't manufacture genuine moments 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family photos & wedding party portraits — how to get them done without sacrificing your cocktail hour 🤝 Why a good vendor team changes everything — and what happens when vendors don't communicate 🎥 Working with videographers, planners, coordinators & DJs 👰 The little things that can accidentally ruin a photographer's shot 😂 Wedding-day pet peeves and behind-the-scenes stories 💍 Kayla's favorite wedding moments and the kind of couples she loves working with ✈️ Destination weddings, dream venues & where she'd love to shoot next Most importantly, we talk about something couples sometimes forget: your wedding photos aren't just about perfectly posed images. They're about capturing how your day actually felt. So grab your coffee, your planning binder, and your confetti, and come hang out with us Behind I Do. ABOUT BEHIND I DO Planning a wedding comes with timelines, trends, expectations, and a whole lot that couples never see coming. We're two wedding planners pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind "I Do." From smooth-as-silk celebrations to the "did that actually just happen?" moments, we're sharing real stories, lessons, vendor insight, and the things we wish every couple knew before their wedding day. GUEST: KAYLA LUCIO PHOTO 📸 KaylaLucioPhoto.com 📱 Instagram: @kaylaluciophoto If you're planning a wedding, subscribe to Behind I Do for more honest wedding advice, vendor conversations, planning tips, and stories from behind the scenes. #WeddingPlanning #WeddingPhotographer #WeddingPhotography #WeddingTips #WeddingVendors #WeddingDay #WeddingTimeline #FirstLook #BrideAndGroom #WeddingPlanner #BehindTheScenes #BehindIDo

Real Talk With A Wedding Photographer | Episode 21

In this episode, we break down the difference between a wedding content creator and a wedding videographer — two roles that get confused constantly but deliver very different things.

We cover:

 * What a content creator actually does: fast, social-first coverage designed for Instagram and TikTok
 * Why a content creator isn't a replacement for a videographer
 * What a wedding videographer delivers — and how long it takes
 * Whether couples really need both, or if one is enough
 * The questions to ask before booking either vendor
 * Delivery timelines: sneak peeks vs. the full video
 * If the budget forces you to pick one, which one wins?
 * Whether drone footage is worth it
 * Ceremony vs. getting-ready footage — which matters more?
 * Raw footage vs. edited reels: what's more valuable long-term
 * The bottom line: instant social memories vs. a long-term emotional keepsake

Whether you're planning your own wedding or a vendor trying to explain the difference to clients, this one lays it out clearly.

Wedding Videographer VS Content Creator | Episode 20

In Episode 19 of Behind I Do, we’re diving into one of the most debated wedding guest-list decisions: kids vs. no kids.  As wedding planners, we’ve seen both sides. Kids can bring some of the sweetest moments to a wedding—from adorable flower girls and ring bearers to little ones taking over the dance floor. But we’ve also seen what happens when parents start enjoying the party and suddenly the wedding planner becomes the babysitter. 😅  In this episode, we talk about:  The pros and cons of inviting children How kids can affect your guest count and wedding budget Safety concerns depending on your venue What happens when kids interrupt ceremonies, first dances, and other important moments Having children attend the ceremony but not the reception Offering childcare or an on-site babysitter Making exceptions for newborns How to clearly—and kindly—communicate an adults-only wedding Why you need to be prepared for some guests to decline if their children aren't invited  We also share some of the things we’ve actually witnessed at weddings—from kids sword fighting with taper candles and dismantling décor to planners literally guarding the dessert table. 😂  Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The important thing is that you and your partner talk through what matters most to you, consider your venue and your guests, make the decision together, and communicate it clearly.  ☕ Grab your coffee, your planning binder, and your confetti, and join us Behind I Do as we pull back the curtain on what really happens behind weddings.  What do you think: kids at weddings or adults only? Tell us in the comments!  #WeddingPlanning #WeddingPodcast #WeddingTips #WeddingAdvice #WeddingPlanner #WeddingGuestList #AdultsOnlyWedding #WeddingPlanningTips #BehindIDo

Should You Have Kids At Your Wedding? | Episode 19

We're giving you an exclusive look inside the wedding emergency kit that comes with us to every single wedding. From sewing kits and stain removers to veil weights, body tape, batteries, power strips, fishing line, and even cake cutters, we're sharing the real tools that have saved countless wedding days.  If you've ever wondered what professional wedding planners actually carry behind the scenes, this episode is for you. You'll hear the stories behind some of our most-used items, the last-minute emergencies we've solved, and why this kit has become one of the most valuable parts of every wedding we coordinate.  Whether you're planning your own wedding, work in the wedding industry, or just love seeing what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical tips and plenty of laughs.  💍 In this episode: • A complete tour of our wedding emergency kit • The items we use at almost every wedding • Wedding day problems these supplies have solved • Our newest emergency kit additions • Behind-the-scenes stories from real weddings • Tips for couples and wedding vendors  🎙️ About Behind "I Do" Hosted by two experienced wedding planners, Behind "I Do" takes you behind the scenes of real weddings with honest conversations, planning advice, industry insights, and the stories couples rarely get to hear.  If you're currently planning your wedding, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes filled with expert planning tips and behind-the-scenes wedding advice!  #WeddingPlanning #WeddingPlanner #WeddingTips #Bride #WeddingPodcast #WeddingDay #WeddingCoordinator #WeddingInspiration #WeddingAdvice #WeddingBehindTheScenes #BrideToBe #WeddingVendor #EventPlanning #WeddingChecklist #WeddingEmergencyKit

Inside A Wedding Planner's Everyday Carry | Episode 18

Ever wonder what your wedding planner is actually doing while you're getting ready, saying your vows, and celebrating with your guests?  In this episode of Behind "I Do", we're pulling back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes from the moment we arrive at your venue to the very last box loaded into the car at the end of the night. From setting hundreds of place settings and coordinating vendors to troubleshooting last-minute surprises, cueing the ceremony, feeding the newlyweds, managing timelines, and packing up every last detail—we're walking you through what a real 12–14 hour wedding day looks like.  This episode also explains why we don't call ourselves day-of coordinators. The work that happens on your wedding day is only possible because of the many hours of preparation, planning, and logistics that happen long before your guests ever arrive.  Whether you're planning your own wedding, work in the wedding industry, or are simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to create a seamless wedding day.  ✨ In this episode:  What happens before guests arrive Setting up ceremony and reception spaces Coordinating every vendor throughout the day Managing wedding timelines behind the scenes Keeping couples fed, hydrated, and stress-free Ceremony cueing and reception logistics Cocktail hour flips and room transitions Toasts, dances, dinner service, and cake cutting Packing gifts, décor, and personal items Executing the perfect send-off Why having an experienced planning team makes all the difference  If you've ever wondered what your planner is doing while you're enjoying your wedding day, this episode answers it all.  💬 Have questions about wedding planning or topics you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave them in the comments—we'd love to hear from you!  👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Behind "I Do."  #WeddingPlanning #WeddingPlanner #WeddingCoordinator #WeddingDay #WeddingTips #BrideToBe #WeddingPodcast #BehindIDo #WeddingAdvice #WeddingTimeline #WeddingInspiration #WeddingVendor #WeddingPlanningTips #WeddingDayBehindTheScenes #WeddingEducation

What Do Wedding Planners Do? | Episode 17

In this episode of Behind "I Do", we're diving into some of our favorite non-traditional wedding trends and personalized ideas that we've seen couples embrace over the last few years. From walking down the aisle with both parents, to private vows, family-style dinners, dedicated bouquet moments, and private cake cuttings, we're sharing creative ways couples are making their weddings feel more meaningful, personal, and authentic.  Whether you're currently planning your wedding or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes wedding insights, this episode is full of inspiration for creating a celebration that reflects your relationship—not just tradition.  In this episode: • Alternative ways to walk down the aisle • Why we love switching where parents sit during the ceremony • Family-style dinners, food trucks, brunch weddings & unique meal ideas • The pros and cons of non-traditional reception food options • First dances before dinner vs. after dinner • Why the garter toss is disappearing (and what couples are doing instead) • Meaningful alternatives to the bouquet toss • Private and unannounced cake cuttings • Private vows and first look vow readings • How to create a wedding day that feels true to you  At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate your wedding. The best weddings are the ones that reflect the couple at the center of them.  ☕ Grab your coffee, your planning binder, and join us Behind "I Do."  #WeddingPlanning #WeddingPodcast #WeddingIdeas #WeddingTips #BrideToBe #WeddingInspiration #WeddingCoordinator #WeddingPlanner #WeddingTraditions #ModernWedding #WeddingReception #WeddingDayTips #WeddingAdvice #WeddingCeremony #BehindIDo #WeddingPlanningPodcast #WeddingTrends #WeddingEducation #BrideAndGroom #WeddingDayIdeas

Non-Traditional Wedding Ideas We LOVE | Episode 16

Behind I Do is a wedding planning podcast that pulls back the curtain on what really happens on wedding days.

Hosted by seasoned wedding planners Jaden Fego and Allie Skinner of Capital Occasions, th

Behind "I Do" · Zencastr

Behind "I Do"

Behind I Do is a wedding planning podcast that pulls back the curtain on what really happens on wedding days.

Hosted by seasoned wedding planners Jaden Fego and Allie Skinner of Capital Occasions, this podcast is your backstage pass to the timelines, logistics, trends, and behind-the-scenes decisions couples never see—but absolutely feel. From smooth, beautifully executed celebrations to the “did that really just happen?” moments, Jaden and Allie share real stories, expert insight, and honest advice from hundreds of weddings in the field.

Each episode covers practical planning topics, wedding trends worth embracing (and retiring), common mistakes to avoid, and what it actually takes to keep a wedding day calm, on track, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether you’re newly engaged, deep in planning, or a wedding vendor looking for industry perspective, Behind I Do helps you plan with confidence—and maybe laugh a little along the way.

Grab your coffee, your planning binder, and your confetti—and come Behind I Do.