What happens when a passion for true crime, a love for Reese's, and a servant's heart converge in the world of weddings? Meet Amy, the vibrant driving force behind Shakers Bartending Service. Over the past 12 years, Amy has not only perfected the art of the mobile bar but has also turned her business into a beacon of community service. From offering complimentary bar services to veteran and first responder couples to fostering genuine relationships with clients and peers, Amy's journey is a lesson in combining business acumen with heartfelt empathy.

Discover the secrets behind Amy's thriving business as we explore how she scaled from a modest 11 events in her first year to over 100 by her third. It's more than just serving drinks; it's about creating unforgettable experiences with meticulous attention to detail and emotional investment. Amy's team goes above and beyond, even crafting signature drinks named after clients' beloved pets and much more. It's this level of personalization and compassion that sets her apart, ensuring each client feels valued far beyond the financial transaction.

Our conversation also touches on the challenges of sourcing rare requests and the moral dilemmas faced during unforeseen cancellations. Amy's story is a testament to the power of community support and genuine connections in fostering both personal and professional growth. And for those planning their own special day, we shed light on Metropolitan Weddings, a hub of resources ready to make your wedding dreams a reality. Whether you're a bride, a wedding enthusiast, or simply love a good entrepreneurial success story, there's something here for everyone.

Step into the whimsical world of custom wedding signage with us as we chat with Melissa Casey of Melissa Casey Designs. Discover how Melissa transforms simple materials like acrylic and wood into stunning personalized creations that add a special touch to any wedding or event. From elegant welcome signs to vibrant birthday backdrops, Melissa shares her secrets on engraving, painting, and layering techniques that make each piece truly unique. Plus, learn about the innovative trend of incorporating QR codes for interactive guest experiences and how you can integrate personalized signage into your wedding theme using fonts and colors from your invitations.

Our exploration doesn’t stop there—uncover the magic of personalized wedding decor that turns ordinary items into unforgettable keepsakes. Imagine the charm of flower box welcome signs or seating charts adorned with floral displays, and get inspired by unique guest book alternatives like large wooden cutouts. We celebrate the artistry of local artisans who bring a distinct touch to wedding decor, offering handcrafted pieces that stand out from the mass-produced options online. Wrapping up with some light-hearted anecdotes and humor, we remind you to subscribe for ongoing wedding tips and resources through Metropolitan Weddings, ensuring your wedding planning journey is as smooth and creative as possible.

Join us for an enchanting conversation with Rob Schaefer, the charismatic wedding and special event manager at the Lodge of Four Seasons, nestled in the picturesque Lake Ozark. Rob takes us on a vibrant virtual tour of this stunning venue, with its extraordinary event spaces, breathtaking lake views, and diverse accommodations ranging from cozy hotel rooms to expansive condos. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the Lodge has everything you need, from elegant dining options and recreational activities like golf and boat rentals to the enchanting Japanese garden, perfect for unforgettable photo ops. Rob also shares the magic of winter weddings at the Lodge, where the beautiful architecture and cozy lodge vibe create a charming backdrop for your special day.

But that’s not all—prepare to be entertained by Rob’s humorous stories of guests who are delightfully surprised by the sophistication and beauty of Lake Ozark, shattering their preconceived notions. He offers valuable insights into the wedding planning process at this popular resort destination, emphasizing the importance of early booking. From the initial contact to securing your venue and accommodations, Rob guides you through each step with ease. With a perfect blend of upscale and rustic charm, the Lake of the Ozarks might just be the hidden gem you’re searching for to make your wedding dreams come true. Don’t miss out on Rob’s expert advice and charming anecdotes that could make your special day one for the books.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lacie Holland, the creative force behind Holland House Photography, as she unveils her secrets to capturing timeless wedding and engagement photos. Lacie's mastery of a lighter, brighter, and true-to-color aesthetic brings out the best in every special moment. Not only does she focus on photography, but she also eliminates wedding day stress by offering support beyond her camera lens. Our chat takes a delightful turn with a playful debate on pronouncing "boudoir" and "croissant," while Lacey emphasizes the importance of comfort and natural interaction to capture life's most genuine moments.

Ever wondered how to minimize distractions during wedding ceremonies while still capturing every intimate moment? Lacie shares her approach, using tools like zoom lenses to unobtrusively capture the magic from a distance. We also touch on the crucial role of communication between photographers, couples, and officiants, and the added value of having a second shooter. Whether you're planning your big day or simply love photography, you'll discover key insights into comprehensive wedding photography packages, including engagement sessions, and how to choose the perfect photographer who resonates with your vision. Don’t miss out on this engaging discussion and make sure to stay connected with Metropolitan Weddings for more wedding planning wisdom and updates.

Leigh Anne Cassell reveals her captivating journey of transforming Cassell Vineyard into an enchanting destination for weddings and dining experiences. Picture yourself in an Italian-themed wonderland, where a historic 150-year-old homestead sets the stage for unforgettable weddings and anniversaries. Leanne shares her emotional connection to each event, bringing to life the sentimental stories that unfold within the vineyard's picturesque chapel area. With its rich history and breathtaking ambiance, Cassell Vineyard promises to be the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories.

Discover how this versatile venue accommodates up to 150 guests, with options ranging from micro weddings to elopement packages amidst the serene charm reminiscent of Italy. Leanne paints a vivid picture of hosting rehearsal dinners or bachelorette parties surrounded by lush vines, and highlights unique features such as a bridal suite, groom's quarters, and climate-controlled catering facilities. And let's not forget their exciting grape stomp festival! Whether you're a couple seeking a dream setting for your special day or someone planning an intimate gathering, this episode opens a world of possibilities at Cassell Vineyard.

Discover the secrets to a seamless wedding dress shopping experience with our special guest, Kamryn from Gracie's Bridal. Kamryn offers insider tips on navigating the world of bridal fashion, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead and understanding current trends. From accommodating size inclusivity with gowns ranging from 0 to 32W, to offering flexible appointment scheduling, Gracie’s Bridal ensures every bride feels confident and stunning on her special day.

Join us as we explore the thrilling journey of finding your dream dress, with Kamryn shedding light on how modern brides are breaking tradition by opting for unconventional styles and colors. We discuss the transformative role of bridal consultants who make the shopping experience memorable, treating each bride like family. Learn about the shift in the bridal color palette that goes beyond the classic white to include elegant tones like ivory, champagne, and even bold black gowns.

We wrap up the episode with a peek into the latest bridal trends, from versatile reception dresses to the nostalgic return of 90s fashion elements. Kamryn shares their commitment to expanding modest bridal options and highlights accessories that complete the bridal ensemble, like the innovative Boomba bra cups. With practical advice on utilizing resources like Pinterest and TikTok for inspiration, and insights on current appointment scheduling, this episode is packed with everything you need to know to make your wedding dress shopping memorable and unique.

Luisa Smith of Cornerstone Fine Jewelry, is our guest this episode, sharing her inspiration and what makes what they do so meaningful. Discover the transformation story as Luisa and her husband expand their store's capabilities and relocate to a spacious new venue on South Campbell Avenue. We delve into their exciting new offerings, including a skilled watchmaker providing in-house watch repair services, which meet a significant local demand.

Join us as we explore the captivating world of custom jewelry design at Cornerstone Fine Jewelry. Learn how Luisa and her team turn heirloom pieces into personalized treasures that honor family legacies while embracing modern styles. From nature-inspired emerald rings to striking art deco necklaces, experience the artistry and personal connections nurtured in each bespoke piece, allowing customers to express their unique identities through beautifully crafted jewelry.

In this episode, we also navigate the evolving landscape of wedding bands and engagement jewelry trends. Uncover the allure of unconventional materials like meteorite and Damascus steel, offering a way to wear meaningful pieces with personal stories. We also highlight the growing popularity of alternative stones and lab-grown diamonds, reflecting a shift in traditional engagement jewelry preferences. Celebrate choice and personalization as we discuss the diverse options available for modern weddings, from custom-engraved watches to permanent jewelry for memorable bridal showers.

Sarah Hogendorn, the visionary creative director behind Cassidy Station, sits down with us to unveil the captivating story of this unique event venue. With its roots as a family farmstead dating back to 1872, Cassidy Station has blossomed into a multifaceted space that embodies the charm and spirit of Ozark culture. Picture a place where you can wander through a mercantile stocked with American-made treasures, many crafted by women-owned businesses and local artisans. Sarah paints a vivid picture of how this venue, complete with antique trucks and tractors, serves as a living homage to both its agricultural past and the community’s vibrant present.

Put your imagination to work as Sarah guides us through the enchanting flexibility that makes Cassidy Station a dream wedding venue. Couples find themselves immersed in a storybook setting, free to personalize their day across spaces like the patio, courtyard, and hay barn, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Beyond the weddings, Sarah shares the venue’s mission to preserve Cassidy’s historical roots while fostering an environment for creating cherished family memories. This episode promises a journey through the heart of Missouri's rich history, emphasizing the importance of green spaces and highlighting the community's efforts to resist commercial encroachment, ensuring Cassidy Station remains a cherished local gem.