Episode #19: “What to Look for in a Wedding Florist”

Flowers can make or break the look and feel of your wedding day. In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know to find the perfect wedding florist—the one who can bring your vision to life while keeping your day stress-free.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Style Alignment – How to choose a florist whose aesthetic matches your wedding vision, whether it’s lush and romantic or minimalist and architectural.
2. Experience with Weddings – Why a florist who understands wedding logistics and venue-specific challenges is worth their weight in gold.
3. Communication & Responsiveness – Tips for finding a florist who listens, offers creative suggestions, and keeps you updated every step of the way.
4. Transparency with Budget – How to make sure your florist is upfront about costs and helps you prioritize what truly makes an impact.
5. Willingness to Collaborate – The importance of working with a florist who communicates seamlessly with your planner and other vendors.
6. Proposals & Mood Boards – How visuals like color palettes and sample blooms help you feel confident your vision is understood.
7. Set-Up, Breakdown & Rentals – What to clarify about delivery, setup, breakdown, and included rentals to avoid surprises.
8. References & Reviews – Why checking past client feedback is crucial for ensuring reliability, creativity, and calm under pressure.

Takeaway:
Your florist is more than just someone who arranges flowers—they’re a key part of your wedding story. Choosing the right one ensures your day is beautiful, joyful, and stress-free, leaving you to focus on the moments and memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important—and sometimes overwhelming—decisions couples make during the planning process. In this episode of More Than Just a Wedding, Jennifer Starr sits down with Melissa Blase, a seasoned Director of Catering with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry.

Melissa shares her journey from restaurant management to becoming an expert in weddings, offering behind-the-scenes insight into what makes a venue truly special. From budget and guest count considerations to aligning your vision with reality, she breaks down the most common mistakes couples make—and how to avoid them.

You’ll also hear Melissa’s tips on:

• Prioritizing your wedding needs without feeling pressured by trends or “keeping up” with others
• How to choose a venue that fits both your vision and your budget
• The impact a wedding planner can have on your big day
• Catering, menu choices, and creating a memorable guest experience
• How to feel calm and confident throughout the planning process

Whether you’re just starting your venue search or are in the midst of planning, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you make informed decisions and enjoy every moment of your wedding day.

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: mccormickranchgolfclub.com
  
  
• Email: catering@mccormickranchgolf.com
  
  
• Instagram: @MelissaMRGC

Wedding Venues Made Simple: How to Choose the Right Fit

Choosing a wedding venue can feel overwhelming — so many options, so many opinions, and so many logistics to consider. In this episode, we simplify the process by walking you through the main types of wedding venues and the one key thing to consider for each, so you can confidently choose a space that fits your style, your guests, and your overall wedding vision.

Whether you’re just starting your planning journey or feeling stuck between a few venue options, this episode will help you focus on what really matters and make decisions with clarity instead of stress.

In this episode, we cover:

• Resorts and why they’re ideal for convenience and out-of-town guests
• Golf and country clubs for a classic, traditional wedding experience
• Museums and unique private venues for couples who want something one-of-a-kind
• Dedicated wedding venues and the benefits of built-in expertise
• Private homes for intimate, personal celebrations
• Outdoor venues and what it really takes to plan for logistics and weather

Key takeaway:

Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day. The “right” venue isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how it functions for you, your guests, and the experience you want to create.

Helpful reminder:

Before booking a venue, think about:

• Your guest experience
• How hands-on you want to be with planning
• Your flexibility with vendors, décor, and timelines

When you choose a venue that aligns with those priorities, the rest of your wedding planning becomes much easier.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next time for more practical, stress-free wedding planning tips.

Episode Description:
Your wedding DJ does more than just play music—they set the tone, guide the flow, and create unforgettable moments. In this episode, I sit down with Tyler from Engage Entertainment to go behind the scenes of wedding DJing. We dive into what separates an average DJ from a truly exceptional one, tips for selecting the right professional, and how DJs help couples balance different musical tastes across generations.

Tyler also shares how working with a planner can make your day seamless, a memorable wedding moment that stuck with him, and what “More Than a Wedding” truly means from his perspective. If you’re planning your wedding and want to ensure your celebration is not just fun, but flawlessly executed, this episode is a must-listen!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Tyler’s journey into DJing and the wedding industry
• How he helps couples create an unforgettable wedding experience
• Key qualities to look for when choosing a DJ
• Why collaboration with a wedding planner can make or break the flow
• Red flags to watch for when interviewing potential DJs
• Tyler’s perspective on what “More Than a Wedding” really means

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Engage Entertainment: https://engageentertainment.com
  
  

Listen & Subscribe:
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Closing One Chapter, Opening the Next

As 2025 comes to a close, this episode is a pause — a moment to reflect on what this year has held, what it has taught, and what’s coming next.

In this final episode of the year, I’m sharing an honest reflection on the season behind us: the calm that came from building strong foundations, the lessons I learned as a leader and business owner, and the personal shifts that allowed me to be more present in both life and work.

We talk about why “less truly is more,” what it looks like to trust the team you’ve built, and how letting go of pressure — whether that’s industry expectations, constant growth, or fear of missing out — creates space for alignment and clarity.

I also share what I’m carrying forward into 2026, including a deeper desire to support and serve more people in meaningful ways. While full-service wedding planning isn’t accessible to everyone, this podcast is one step toward offering guidance, encouragement, and insight to couples who want to feel confident and supported throughout their planning journey.

This episode is an invitation — to slow down, to reflect, and to step into the next chapter with intention.

In this episode, we cover:

• Reflecting on 2025 and the power of strong foundations
• Why calm is a sign of systems working
• Leadership lessons on trust, boundaries, and presence
• Letting go of industry pressure and “doing it all”
• What it means to serve from a place of alignment
• Intentions for supporting more couples in 2026

As you listen, I invite you to reflect alongside me:
What are you proud of from this past year?
What are you ready to leave behind?
And what values or intentions will you carry forward into the next season?

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this journey. Here’s to closing one chapter — and opening the next.

Through the Eyes of Hannah & Emma: Secrets to a Memorable Celebration

Episode Description
In this special Christmas Eve episode, I am welcoming two very special guests onto the show—my twin daughters, Hannah and Emma. Born the day after Christmas and turning 13 this year, they join me to share their honest and heartfelt perspectives on what truly makes a celebration memorable.

From birthday parties and holiday gatherings to the small details that create magic, this episode blends meaningful family moments with practical insights you can apply to any celebration. Whether you are planning a wedding, a milestone birthday, or an intimate holiday gathering, this conversation is a reminder that the most impactful moments are often the simplest.

Sometimes, the best event advice comes from the most unexpected experts.

In This Episode, I Cover:

Birthday and Holiday Reflections

• What it is really like for my girls to have birthdays right after Christmas
• Hannah and Emma’s favorite birthday memories
• How shared celebrations can still feel personal and special

Secrets to a Memorable Celebration (Straight from My Kids)

• What they notice first when they walk into a party
• Their favorite party elements, from décor and food to games, music, and surprises
• What the perfect celebration looks like through a child’s eyes
• What they have learned from watching me plan parties and events
• The one thing that makes a celebration feel truly magical to them

I connect each of their answers to meaningful takeaways you can use right away.

Rapid-Fire Fun Round

• Favorite decorations
• Favorite party games
• Favorite desserts or treats
• Favorite party memories
• One word that describes a perfect celebration

This segment is lighthearted, playful, and full of candid moments.

Turning Observations Into Actionable Tips

I translate my girls’ insights into simple, effective planning advice, including:

• Why small, thoughtful details leave a lasting impression
• How interactive or surprising elements keep guests engaged
• Why personal touches matter more than expensive extras
• How creating anticipation elevates the experience
• The importance of paying attention to guests’ reactions

A Heartfelt Holiday Closing

• Why joy, thoughtfulness, and love matter more than perfection
• A reminder to focus on making people feel seen and celebrated
• A warm Christmas Eve message from my family to yours

Key Takeaway

You do not need an elaborate setup to create an unforgettable celebration. When people feel considered, included, and genuinely celebrated, that is what leaves a lasting impression.

From my family to yours, happy holidays and cheers to making every celebration unforgettable.

Jennifer Starr,

Owner of the J.Starr Wedding Company

www.jstarrweddingcompany.com

5 Styling Secrets to a Luxury Wedding Look on a Moderate Budget

Episode Description

You don’t need a sky-high budget to create a wedding that feels elevated, intentional, and truly luxurious. In this episode, I’m sharing my five favorite styling secrets to help you achieve a high-end wedding look without the high-end price tag.

From choosing the right venue to smart design investments that make the biggest visual impact, these tips will help you spend wisely, avoid common mistakes, and create a wedding day that feels timeless, beautiful, and full of heart.

Plus — I’m throwing in a bonus tip that can completely transform your space.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why your venue choice matters more than almost any other design decision
• The often-overlooked detail that instantly makes a reception feel more polished
• How upgraded chairs can completely change the look of your space (and how to save on them)
• Why classic design always wins over chasing trends
• How to repurpose florals for maximum impact without increasing your budget
• The power of lighting — and how it affects both ambiance and photos

Episode Breakdown

1️⃣ Choose a venue you truly love
Your venue sets the tone for everything. When the space is already beautiful, you don’t have to over-decorate or over-spend.

2️⃣ Don’t underestimate linens
Floor-length linens in the right color palette instantly elevate your reception and should be chosen earlier than most couples realize.

3️⃣ Upgrade your chairs (strategically)
The right chairs can transform a space — and many venues already have great options available if you know to ask.

4️⃣ Keep your design classic
Timeless design ensures your photos feel just as beautiful years from now as they do today.

5️⃣ Repurpose your ceremony florals
With a little planning, your biggest floral investments can work double-duty from ceremony to reception.

✨ Bonus: Lighting is everything
Uplighting, bistro lights, and candlelight can completely transform a space and set the mood for the entire evening.

Key Takeaway

Luxury isn’t about spending more — it’s about being intentional. When every detail is chosen with care, your wedding will feel elevated, meaningful, and uniquely you.

Quote Worth Remembering

“Luxury isn’t about spending the most money — it’s about how every detail makes you feel.”

Perfect For

• Couples planning a wedding on a moderate budget
• Brides who want a high-end look without unnecessary spending
• Anyone overwhelmed by Pinterest trends and looking for timeless guidance

Featuring J.Starr, Business Operations Manager, and Brother, Chase

In this candid and insightful episode, Jennifer sits down with her younger brother, Chase — J.Starr Wedding Company’s Special Projects & Business Operations Manager — for a rare behind-the-scenes conversation about what truly powers a wedding planning business.

Although Chase has a full and successful career outside the wedding industry, he plays a crucial role in building the systems, workflows, and operational structure that elevate the J.Starr client experience. Today, he shares what clients never see, what it’s really like working with family, and how operations shape unforgettable wedding days.

In This Episode

Introducing Chase
Chase shares what he does in his full-time professional career, what he loves most about it, and what led him to also partner with Jennifer on the operations and special projects side of the company. He explains how his skills complement the business and why the operational arm of a planning company matters as much as the creative side.

Sibling Dynamic + Backstory
Jennifer and Chase reflect on what it was like growing up ten years apart, how it felt watching the business form from the ground up, and the moment Chase realized J.Starr had turned from a passion project into a true company. They talk candidly about the best — and the most chaotic — parts of working with your sister, along with the childhood traits that still show up in their work dynamic today.

His Role and What Clients Don’t See
Chase dives into the surprising amount of behind-the-scenes coordination, systems, and quality control that go into every J.Starr wedding. He shares the workflows he’s most proud of and the tiny details the team obsesses over that clients may never even know exist — but absolutely feel on the wedding day. He also explains how strong operations directly benefit couples.

Wedding-Day Experiences
Chase recalls a few weddings out in the field, what surprised him most, and a memorable (and entertaining) story from a wedding day he’ll never forget.

Team Culture and What Makes J.Starr Different
From his vantage point, Chase shares how he would describe the J.Starr team culture, what truly sets the company apart from other planners in Arizona, and why strong internal processes create a smoother, more elevated experience for every client.

Future Vision
Chase opens up about what excites him most for the next chapter of J.Starr and how he envisions the brand continuing to grow.

Wrap-Up
The episode closes with reflections on what Chase has learned about himself — and about working with family — along with his advice for couples searching for the right wedding planner. He also shares his personal interpretation of the podcast title “More Than Just a Wedding.”