Eliza and Shelli sit down to spill the tea on one of their wildest weddings yet — where the bride and her mom wouldn’t even speak to each other (yep, everything went through the planner). From being the fourth planning team brought in to navigating family drama with grace (and maybe a little wine), this episode dives into what it’s really like to pull off a stunning event when emotions run high and communication runs... through us
In this episode, Jacque and Taylor answer the question every newly engaged couple asks: Where do you even start? They break down the wedding planning timeline step-by-step—from setting a realistic budget, guest count, and vibe, to which vendors you should book first (and why they matter the most), to the personalization phase with florals, entertainment, glam, and décor, all the way to month-of logistics and why the bride should not be the day-of contact. Plus, a little planner-vs-DIY honesty: do you want to relax with champagne or be the one texting your DJ in your robe? If you need a clear roadmap instead of a Google rabbit hole, this is your starting point. All matching checklists, vendor order guides, and templates are inside Stunning Secrets.
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In this heartfelt episode, Palm Beach owner Jacque and Atlanta owner Madison open up about the tender side of wedding planning: celebrating a day of joy while missing someone you love. They discuss how grief can show up in unexpected moments, the balance of honoring someone without making the day feel heavy, and the deeply personal ways couples can keep their people close. Madison shares the meaningful tribute she included in her own wedding, and Jacque offers thoughtful ideas planners can use to support couples walking through loss. This one is warm, real, and a reminder that love has a way of being present — even when the people we wish were there physically can’t be.
Jacque Basile & Madison Smith
Dallas and Caroline are back with a Halloween twist! In this episode, they dive into holiday weddings, share terrifyingly funny wedding moments, and spill behind-the-scenes stories you won’t believe. Hear about a bride who owed tens of thousands to a vendor just days before saying ‘I do,’ and the chaos of traveling to states they’ve never been to to cover a wedding. Of course, they do all of this while doing what they do best… YAP!
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From scroll-stopping reels to romantic wedding vibes, content creator Kenzie (@foreverafterinstantly) joins Bianca to talk all things viral, visual, and very dreamy. In this episode, they dive into how Kenzie built her aesthetic, the behind-the-scenes of creating wedding magic online, and the unexpected moments that truly took the cake. Expect inspo, real talk, creator tips, and one wild story that’ll make you gasp and laugh at the same time. If you’ve ever saved one of Kenzie’s videos (or 12), this one’s for you.
Bianca Finucane & Kenzie Sikes
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Planning a wedding for someone you love—or someone who already knows the industry—is a whole different ballgame. Alyssa and Caroline sit down to share what it’s like to plan weddings for friends and fellow planners, how communication shifts when there’s history involved, and the unique challenges (and joys) of mixing business with personal relationships. They’ll spill on honesty, boundaries, emotional moments, and even share advice for any vendor who finds themselves working a friend’s big day.
Caroline Green & Alyssa Etheredge
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Ever wonder what it’s like to take over a thriving wedding planning business and make it your own? In this episode, Jacque chats with Ashley P, the fearless owner of Stunning & Brilliant’s Charlotte location. From her start in Charleston to leading an established market, Ashley shares the highs, the challenges, and a few unforgettable “This Takes the Cake” moments from behind the scenes. Tune in for stories, tips, and laughs from one of the most dynamic planners in the industry!
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This week, Jacque sits down with Carla Tavolacci of Unearthed Rentals — one of our go-to creative partners in Palm Beach — to talk all things rental design, style trends, and how curated pieces bring weddings to life. From velvet sofas to unexpected vintage gems, Carla shares how Unearthed helps couples create spaces that feel like them. Whether you’re planning a wedding, styling a shoot, or just obsessed with good design — you’re going to love this one.
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Jacque chats with luxury floral and décor designer Nick from Daniel Events about all things blooming, bold, and breathtaking. They dive into how design can completely transform a wedding space—from floating chuppahs to custom chandeliers—and how Nick collaborates with couples to bring their vision to life (even if they don’t have one yet!). Tune in for high-level design tips, major wow moments, and the wild décor story that absolutely took the cake.
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Get ready to turn up the volume as Jacque sits down with Lux, founder of Xentric Entertainment, to talk about what really gets the party started at weddings. From his roots in underground Miami music to creating immersive hybrid band experiences that leave guests breathless, Lux shares how he transforms wedding receptions into full-blown concerts. We’re talking live drums, saxophones, confetti—everything but boring. Plus, he reveals the unforgettable moment that really took the cake.
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In this episode, Jacque chats with Natasha of Tash Paints about the magic of live wedding painting. From capturing first dances in real time to turning emotional moments into custom keepsakes, Natasha shares what makes her work so personal—and unforgettable. Plus, fun client stories, wild requests, and why this service is quickly becoming a wedding-day must-have.
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This week, Stolen and Dallas are dishing on the biggest trends we're seeing in weddings right now—from bold color palettes to over-the-top guest experiences and food that's not just delicious, but decorative. We’re sharing what’s in, what’s out, and what we think is about to blow up. If you’re planning a wedding (or just love a good trend forecast), this one’s for you.
Sarah Stohon & Dallas Vickers
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Shelli and Caroline are fresh off a wedding double-header and have stories. From a mother of the bride who had opinions to an assistant who might just be the main character in her own sitcom—and yes, Caroline cried seven times on wedding day (we counted). Buckle up for behind-the-scenes chaos, unfiltered recaps, and some serious secondhand stress. It's giving exhaustion, champagne, and a little bit of emotional damage.
Caroline Green and Shelli Thomas
Sara sits down with PartySlate founder Julie Roth Novack to talk all things parties, tech, and content creation. From the platform’s brand-new AI-powered tool to the rise of luxe milestone events, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for planners who want to level up. Let’s talk trends, tools, and throwing unforgettable celebrations. 🥂
Sara McCall and Julie Novack
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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Jacque, the powerhouse behind Stunning & Brilliant Events Palm Beach, and Kelsey—former SBE bride turned Cincinnati franchise owner. They share the behind-the-scenes of planning Kelsey’s wedding, what made it so special, and how it led to something even bigger: a new business chapter for Kelsey. Get ready to hear how love, trust, and a dream wedding turned into a new city, a new team, and a whole new journey with Stunning & Brilliant.
Jacque Basile & Kelsey Lykins
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New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️
All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.
Our last guest of the series: Rachel Cho!
Join Nina and floral expert Rachel Cho as they explore how to bring a couple’s vision to life with intentional, elegant design. From planning tips to must-ask questions, plus one wedding story that definitely took the cake—this episode is blooming with insight.
Follow along with Rachel!
https://www.instagram.com/rachelchofloral/
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New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.
This Week's Guest: Brian Marcus!
In this episode of This Takes The Cake, Nina sits down with legendary photographer Brian Marcus, third-generation owner of Fred Marcus Studio, one of the most iconic names in luxury wedding photography. Together, they unpack what really goes into capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments: how couples should plan their photography timeline, what makes a great shot list, tips to feel natural on camera, and the process of working with Fred Marcus Studio.Broadcasting from their NYC studio, they dive into the legacy behind the lens—from Brian’s grandfather opening the studio in 1941 to photographing celebrity weddings and multi-day global celebrations today.
More from Brian!
https://www.instagram.com/fredmarcusstudio/
https://www.instagram.com/brimarcus/
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https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents
https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents
https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast
New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️
All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.
This week's guest: Darren from On the Move!
Nina visits NYC’s top event entertainment team, On The Move, to talk all things music, energy, and unforgettable performances with their founder, Darren. From curating first dance songs to crafting a dance floor that never dies, this episode is your ultimate guide to wedding entertainment that takes the cake.
Check them out!
https://www.instagram.com/onthemoveevents
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New York City Series: This July, we're taking a bite out of the Big Apple. 🍎🎙️All month long, our podcast is spotlighting New York City with a special series featuring four incredible guests who are making major waves in the wedding + event world.
This episode's guest: Ron Ben-Israel!
From delicate sugar flowers to towering, show-stopping tiers, Nina steps into the world of world-renowned cake artist Ron Ben-Israel at his iconic NYC studio. Ron’s creations are as breathtaking as they are delicious. In this episode, they dive into the art and science of wedding cake design—sharing insider tips, must-know trends, and the sweet secrets behind his signature style. Ron’s client list reads like a who’s who of high society and the arts—he’s designed edible masterpieces for Jeff Koons, the Obamas, the Clintons, and even several principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre. Whether you're a cake connoisseur or just here for the drama and detail, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Check out RBI Cakes:
https://www.instagram.com/rbicakes/
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This week’s episode is all Caroline, all chaos. She’s recounting a catering disaster so cringe it might give you secondhand stress—while Stohon’s just along for the ride (and the commentary). It’s a full-on vent sesh, packed with planner realness and behind-the-scenes drama you won’t want to miss.
Caroline Green and Sarah Stohon
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