Today is a continuation of our earlier podcast A Metropolitan Love Story: Meet The Couple James and Sierra. We sit down and chat with not only the planner of the event, Misty Willinger with Misty Willinger Events, we also get to chat with our very own Dawn, who happens to be the mother of the bride. If you are looking for a true to life testimonial and behind the scenes anecdotes, this is for you. A real life wedding planning experience from those involved.

Imagine stepping into a place where love stories are painted against the backdrop of stunning chandeliers and rustic industrial charm; that's The Veranda, as told by co-owner Tammy Lucas. With a personal touch Tammy guides us through the venue's remarkable transformation from a diesel shop to a dream wedding destination. Her narration is a tapestry of family, determination, and an unwavering belief in love's power to triumph over adversity – even when that means renovating a venue amid the pandemic.

Tammy unveils the practical magic behind hosting celebrations that range from the intimate to the grandiose. Her stories of a family heirloom truck adding nostalgia to the venue, and the heart behind the name 'The Veranda' infuse our episode with a sense of community and heritage. Tune in for an inside look at a venue where every detail is steeped in love and every event is an ode to the art of making memories.

Samantha, the mastermind behind Silk and Champagne Wedding and Events, joins us to sprinkle some of her planning magic and wisdom. Samantha, ensures that by the end of our chat, you’ll see wedding planning in a whole new light, whether you're pondering a full-on fairy tale orchestration, a partial planning partnership, or just that reassuring day-of coordination.

Family dynamics take center stage, as Samantha regales us with her transition from daughter to business owner, and how family support—particularly from her once-spectator-now-associate mother—plays a crucial role in her enterprise. Our conversation then reveals the not-so-glamorous side of wedding planning, the infamous 'wedding hangover,' and the personal rituals that save us from exhaustion after those long, festive hours.

Wrapping things up, we delve into some wedding day escapades that prove the best stories often come with a side of last-minute chaos. From ushers quitting right before the ceremony to keeping your cool amidst family feuds, we share a hearty laugh over the unpredictable nature of our beloved profession. Samantha's personal life isn't off-limits either, as we veer into a heartwarming discussion about her adorable mini wiener dog, Poppy, and engage in spirited banter about man's best friend. Before you go, make sure to jot down how to connect with Samantha for your own event planning adventures—and if you're here for the delightful mix of wedding wisdom and personal anecdotes, hit that subscribe button for more episodes that promise to be anything but your average walk down the aisle.