This Takes The Cake

As part of our February Love Stories series, we’re sitting down with Alyssa, our Charleston owner, and her husband Ben to talk about love, family, and building businesses side-by-side. They’re sharing how they met in college while Alyssa was launching her wedding planning career, how Ben ended up owning our sister mobile bar company Leon or Lime CHS, and what life looks like now with their one-year-old son, Liam. From supporting each other through busy seasons to navigating parenthood and entrepreneurship at the same time, Alyssa and Ben open up about what works, what’s messy, and their unforgettable “this takes the cake” moment—giving us a sweet, funny, and real look at love in the wedding world.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠

This episode is part of our Love Stories Series for February, where we’re celebrating love in all its forms — including building a life and business side by side. 💍📸 Host Jacque (Palm Beach) sits down with Kristy & Vic, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo known for capturing joyful, timeless love stories while being the ultimate calm-meets-hype team on wedding days. From working together as creatives and spouses to collaborating with planners across markets (including our Charlotte owner Ashley!), they’re sharing real-life lessons, behind-the-scenes moments, and stories that truly take the cake.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

In the final episode of our All Things New series, Jacque chats with Thomas Thorogood, a wedding special effects expert, about the latest innovations that can make your wedding unforgettable. From CO2 blasts to confetti and other modern “take the cake” moments, Thomas shares how couples can incorporate new trends to wow their guests and create Instagram-worthy experiences.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

What’s next in weddings? We’re talking all things new for 2026. ✨Ashley P from our Charlotte office and Caroline from Tampa are sharing the trends they’re seeing emerge—from fresh design details to shifts in how couples are planning and celebrating. If you love being ahead of the curve (or just want to know what’s about to be everywhere), this episode is for you.Caroline Green & Ashley Pirigyi Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

Nina and Alex break down how S&B is evolving with the times — staying on trend for our clients, using AI to save major planning hours, and still keeping every detail personal and intentional. From onboarding calls to new systems shaping how we work, this is your roadmap to planning smarter in 2026 without losing the magic.Nina Lerman & Alex Bradshaw Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠

In our first episode of 2026, Sara and Michelle are kicking off the year with all things NEW – starting with destination weddings! Michelle shares her wild Cabo wedding experience, from tricky weather and airport adventures to an unforgettable “this takes the cake” fire moment. Hear how she navigated planning a wedding somewhere she’d never been, the surprises along the way, and tips for planners taking on destination events. Whether you’re dreaming of your own getaway wedding or just love a behind-the-scenes story, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and a little bit of chaos!Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

We’re back for round two, and Producer Payton is not letting the office girls off the hook just yet. Part 2 dives even deeper into the moments that defined our year—the surprises, the shenanigans, and the stories that somehow didn’t make it into Part 1. If you thought the first half was good… buckle up. Part 2 brings the drama, the laughter, and the chaos we live for.

We’re kicking off our year-end recap by putting our office girls in the hot seat. Producer Payton is taking us back through the moments of 2025 that truly took the cake— the wins, the chaos, the “did that really happen?” and everything in between. Grab a snack, settle in, and get ready for the stories we absolutely had to share first. Part 1 starts now.

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.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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!Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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 Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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 Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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!Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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.Follow us on all the things!⁠https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbevents⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrilliantevents⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast⁠ 

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.Follow us on all the things!https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbeventshttps://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrillianteventshttps://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast 

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 VickersFollow along! More from us!https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/https://www.instagram.com/thistakesthecakepodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@sandbeventshttps://www.youtube.com/@stunningandbrillianteventshttps://www.tiktok.com/@thistakesthecakepodcast