Ever wonder what it means to work in wedding production? This week, our podcast welcomes Sean Denny, the Director of Events and Production Designer for Luxe Productions which is based in Chicago. From his humble beginnings working as a DJ during college to traveling the country and producing high-profile, star-studded events, Sean's journey has us wishing he hadn't signed so many NDAs and could share more dirt.

Listen now to hear Sean's story, from his early passion for music to his transition into the wedding production industry in NYC. He reveals the challenges and excitement of creating unforgettable experiences for clients, including the intricacies of producing glamorous events and we'll even try to manifest his dream of organizing a culturally rich Lebanese wedding. And in true Jen and Megan fashion, we'll try to encourage some celebrity shout-outs – will Ryan Reynolds show us some love?

Tune in for an engaging conversation with Sean Denny as we dive into the fascinating world of wedding production.

Learn more about using Luxe Productions for your next event HERE.

East Coast vs. Midwest Weddings: Jen v. Meg

In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, it’s the first-ever Jen v. Megan showdown—though, let’s be real, no one's actually swinging. Megan loves the classic East Coast wedding format, while Jen—well, she’ll happily plan a Midwest wedding, but deep down, she’s ready to flip the whole wedding day schedule on its head. From dancing between courses to rigid timelines, we’re breaking down traditions and questioning the status quo. Tune in for a fun, slightly competitive, but mostly just entertaining debate on East Coast vs. Midwest weddings!

This week, we’re tackling one of the most controversial wedding topics—tipping. Who gets tipped? How much? Is it really optional? (Hint: No.)

If you’re getting married, this episode will help you figure out who and how to tip your wedding pro team. If you’re a wedding vendor, this is a good listen too—because we know you have thoughts.

Jen and Megan break down what they tell their couples to do, share the biggest tip they ever received (which was “look both ways before you cross the street”), and try to answer the age-old question: Can you leave a review in place of a tip? (No.)

This week we’re joined by Brit Grosenick, founder of Happy Joy Candy Co., a Milwaukee-based company bringing the fun with home-spun cotton candy, drink glitter bombs, and more sweet surprises.

We’re diving into the real side of being a wedding entrepreneur, the highs and lows of running a business, and why couples are loving these playful treats at their weddings. If you’re a bride, groom, or wedding planner looking to add a little extra fun to your big day, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Reach out to Brit Here! Happy Joy Candy Co.

This week, we’re chatting with Dan Nowak, the owner and “Tall Guy” behind Brazen Standard, the parent company of Tall Guy and a Grill, The Crafted Tavern, and The Dessert Cart, all based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dan shares how he turned his passion for food and events into a mega brand that is now a staple in the wedding and event industry. From crafting unique wedding catering experiences to creating unforgettable menus for corporate events, Dan reveals the secrets behind his growth and how he continues to raise the bar in hospitality. And, because we know you love it, he also dishes his biggest wedding pet peeves (yes, we know what you're here for). Whether you’re a planner, a vendor, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the event world, you won’t want to miss this episode! Tune in now for a mix of inspiration, laughs, and a custom drink recipe!