Some wedding days look effortless because someone else is quietly carrying the stress. We sat with planner Bethany Cower at Harmony Forge Inn to map the moves that keep families in the moment, timelines tight, and budgets honest—without losing the magic that makes your day yours. From the early days of helping friends to leading a small team, Bethany shares how a planner shields couples from last-minute chaos, wrangles vendors into one clean timeline, and solves the problems no one should bring to the bride.

We dig into the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner—one protects the property, the other protects your peace. Bethany brings real stories: the missing bouquet rebuilt from centerpieces, the pocket square “found” as a cocktail napkin, the groomsmen saved from sunburn before the ceremony. We talk smart budgeting (guest count is the biggest lever), how to pick vendors you’ll still love in ten years, and why styled shoots aren’t the same as real weddings. For photographers and videographers, she suggests a simple test: book an engagement session and judge the fit, not just the feed.

We also weigh first looks, private vows, and reception flow so you can actually enjoy cocktail hour and spend more time on the dance floor. If you want timeless photos, real laughter on film, and parents in your getting-ready shots instead of setting candles, this conversation will help you plan with confidence. Ask more questions than you think you should, control the controllables, and let the rest go.

If this helped you breathe a little easier, follow the show, share with a friend who’s planning, and leave a quick review—what’s the one decision you still feel stuck on?

Check Bethany out here:

https://tinyurl.com/bethanycowhereventsig
https://tinyurl.com/bethanycowhereventsweddingwire
https://tinyurl.com/bethanycowhereventstheknot

A stunning property nestled between Lancaster and York counties, Historic Ashland isn't just another wedding venue—it's a sanctuary where couples can truly be present on their most significant day. Owner Leah shares the remarkable journey of transforming a historic 1806 property into one of Pennsylvania's most sought-after wedding destinations.

What makes Historic Ashland special isn't just its beautiful mansion, versatile ceremony spaces, or picturesque grounds—it's the philosophy behind every wedding. "The couple can be the couple," Leah explains, describing how their comprehensive approach with day-of coordinators, venue managers, and setup crews ensures that neither the couple nor their families are sweeping floors or moving chairs when they should be celebrating.

Having recently celebrated her own wedding at Historic Ashland, Leah offers wisdom that can only come from standing on both sides of the aisle. Her practical advice cuts through the noise of wedding planning: have honest conversations with your partner before booking vendors, understand what's realistic for your budget, and include only guests who truly matter in your life. "If your electric goes out, would they let you stay over tonight? If they wouldn't, they shouldn't be at your wedding."

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Leah shares how the venue has become a family legacy following her father's passing, making her recent wedding there particularly meaningful. It's this personal investment that distinguishes Historic Ashland in a crowded marketplace—where many venues might offer beautiful spaces, few can provide the level of care that comes when the owner considers the venue "my baby."

Whether you're planning a wedding, work in the industry, or simply appreciate stories of entrepreneurship and family business, this episode offers invaluable insights into what makes a truly exceptional wedding experience. Listen now to discover why the most luxurious element of any wedding isn't what you see in photos—it's the peace of mind that comes from working with people who genuinely care.

Website: https://historicashlandevents.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historicashland/

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Please send all inquires or questions to thepreferredlistpodcast@gmail.com

Heather Leicy shares her journey from architecture to wedding photography, discovering her passion after her own wedding day when she realized a photographer's unique privilege to capture all loved ones gathered in one unrepeatable moment.

• Creating a best friend experience for couples rather than just being "the vendor"
• Ensuring couples stay present throughout their wedding day through careful timeline management
• Building in deliberate pauses during the wedding day for couples to absorb the experience
• Using the "four core poses" as a foundation before adding more creative and candid shots
• Understanding that only 20% of a photography business is taking photos - the other 80% is business management
• Implementing a monthly "CEO day" focused solely on business development tasks
• Maintaining strong communication with other vendors to ensure a smooth wedding day
• Starting "Wedding Wednesdays" - tackling just one wedding planning task each week
• Balancing business ownership with motherhood through efficient systems
• Offering tax education specifically designed for creative entrepreneurs

Find Heather on Instagram @heather.marie.leicy or at heathermlphoto.com, where you can learn about her photography services and tax education resources for creative entrepreneurs. You can also find her on YouTube ⁨@heathermariephotography⁩

Can't wait for you all to hear all of the episodes that are coming! Make sure you subscribe to stay up to date!

👋 Welcome to The Preferred List Podcast! In this video, we share what the podcast is all about — why we started it, who it’s for, and how it can help both engaged couples and wedding vendors get a behind-the-scenes look at the wedding industry.

If you’re a bride or groom planning your wedding, or a wedding professional looking to connect and grow, this podcast is for you. 🎙️

✨ Every week we sit down with a new wedding vendor to talk about their story, the lessons they’ve learned, and how they help create unforgettable wedding days. Our goal is to connect couples with amazing vendors and give vendors a platform to share their expertise.

➡️ Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss new episodes every week!

🔥 On This Show
You’ll find podcast episodes, wedding vendor interviews, and behind-the-scenes conversations designed to help couples plan their dream wedding and help vendors grow their businesses.