The Last Hustle Before the Bustle: Live Wedding Planning Panel
🗺️ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Why this episode is different: our first live recording
05:28 – Meet the panel: planners, florists, DJs, makeup artists, and more
08:20 – DIY vs florist: how to know what’s right for you
14:37 – Navigating tricky family dynamics during portraits and planning
22:11 – When to book your vendors (and in what order)
27:26 – Wedding trends we’re loving right now
35:12 – Dealing with overbearing opinions (with grace and boundaries)
46:26 – Decision fatigue and learning to trust your vendors
49:48 – Why finding the right vendor “match” matters most
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Website: https://www.truenorthweddingsduluth.com/
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What happens when you bring together a room full of brides, industry pros, and a whole lot of wedding wisdom—then hit “record”? You get something truly special: the first-ever live episode of the True North Weddings Podcast.
This wasn’t just any recording. It was captured during our event, The Last Hustle Before the Bustle, hosted in the Bailey Building—home to True North Weddings, Northland Special Events, and our sister companies. The vision was simple but powerful: create a space for brides to connect, learn, and support each other while also hearing straight from the vendors who make weddings unforgettable.
Desi, our brand manager, produced and moderated the event beautifully. And thanks to Asher of Asher James Creative, we were able to turn this gathering into a podcast episode so that whether you were in the room with us or tuning in from home, you can share in the insights and encouragement.
So what is Hustle Before the Bustle? Think of it as part wedding workshop, part hangout, and part live Q&A with the experts. Brides created mood boards, met fellow brides, and sat in on a panel featuring trusted local vendors:
Kate Milliken of Odyssey Resorts
Ellen from The Vault Event Rental
Nicole of Up North Beauty
CC (wedding photographer)
Alyssa from Superior Blooms
Keith of After Dark Entertainment
What we realized that night—and what this episode captures—is that wedding planning doesn’t have to be lonely or overwhelming. When you’re in community with other brides and supported by vendors who care deeply about your day, the journey becomes lighter, more joyful, and more fun.
