Last week, Jen popped off about moms (and no, Megan still does not agree with her).

This week? Megan’s the one telling it like it is. And honestly? We're. Here. For. It.

She’s in her villain era, y’all. We’re talking wedding industry awards and how (surprise!) a lot of them are paid for. Not saying the people winning don’t deserve the spotlight, but it’s worth knowing there’s usually money behind that shiny badge. Transparency matters, and Megan’s not holding back.

Tune in! Why? Because it’s so fun when Megan spills the dirt.

To be clear, Megan does not sign off on any of this. This is 100% Jen’s story arc... from superhero to supervillain wedding planner.

Now, Jen actually loves most moms. But in her experience, a few bad apples spoiled the bunch so much that she no longer works with parents unless they’ve been fully vetted.

But this episode isn’t just about mom drama (although yes, a few wild stories are shared). It’s really meant to help moms navigate the modern wedding planning journey. A lot has changed since their own wedding days... and let’s just say, some of them struggle with that. So this one’s for you, moms. We’re here to help so that you don't become a Momzilla.

Oh! We also spend a solid 15 minutes talking about “John Smith” (name changed to protect the extremely attractive but not-so-innocent boy everyone had a crush on in high school).

You don’t want to miss it.

We’re fangirling a little harder than usual this week, because our guest isn’t just TikTok-famous—he’s also one of Jen’s former grooms… twice. (Ah, the joys of COVID-era weddings.)

Marco Braun—aka @marcosfunhouse—joins us to share the story of his two celebrations, what it was like planning during a pandemic, and how he accidentally became the internet’s vintage recipe king. Oh, and did we mention that Hilary Duff bought him and his husband their registered china after he went viral for being the world’s biggest Lizzie McGuire fan?

We talk about love, weddings, internet fame, and yes… a very passionate discussion about mayonnaise. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and everything you didn’t know you needed today.

🎙️ This Week on the Podcast: We're Going Tropical, Baby! 🌴

Pack your sunscreen and questionable swimwear—we're taking this podcast to The Bahamas and want YOU to come with us! In this episode, we spill the (piña colada-flavored) tea on our upcoming getaway to Sandals Royal Bahamian. Think snorkeling with sea turtles (or at least aggressively friendly fish), late-night karaoke that may cause permanent secondhand embarrassment, and tropical drinks with umbrellas that are fancier than our actual wardrobes.

We're giving you the inside scoop on what it's like to party podcast-style in paradise, how to snag your spot on this sandy adventure, and why your mom, best friend, or mildly chaotic partner absolutely needs to come too. It’s happening November 30–December 3, and it’s going to be legendary… or at least mildly sunburned and extremely fun. 🌞🎤🌊

Want more info or to get your room on hold?

Reach out to Megan at megan@daretodreamtravelwi.com or check out our trip page at http://www.daretodreamtravelwi.com/join-us-bahamas.html

See you on the beach!

Megan & Jen

This week on The Planner’s Passport, we’re heading south.

We’re joined by Kelley Kohler of Haviland Events, a boutique wedding planning and design firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina. After hearing our East Coast vs. West Coast episode, Kelley had a few thoughts, especially after Jen questioned whether North Carolina even counts as “the South.” (Spoiler: it does. And she came ready to defend it.)

Kelley brings over a decade of experience planning stylish and meaningful weddings across the country and abroad. She started Haviland Events in Chicago before returning to her Southern roots, and now designs elegant, timeless celebrations for thoughtful couples throughout the Southeastern United States.

In this episode, Kelley shares what Southern wedding traditions couples still embrace today, how hospitality shapes wedding planning in the South, and how she helps her clients create personalized, unforgettable wedding weekends. Plus, we talk about her vintage china collection and where she thinks “the South” actually begins.

This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes at the WedMKE wedding show in Milwaukee! We had an incredible time hosting a booth, connecting with real couples (and a few very enthusiastic moms), and catching up with some of our favorite vendor friends, like Milwaukee Airwaves and Two Birds Event Group.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Planner’s Passport episode without a bit of chaos and laughter. Jen may or may not have developed a very on-brand crush on a DJ (stay tuned—you won't want to miss it).

Throughout the event, we answered tons of real wedding planning questions about wedding planning and how to navigate all the big decisions that come with putting together your dream day.

Whether you're newly engaged, deep into wedding planning, or just gathering ideas, this episode is packed with real advice, helpful tips, and lots of that behind-the-scenes perspective we love sharing with you. If you're planning a wedding, this is a must-listen! We're giving away some of our best free wedding planning wisdom to help you feel confident, organized, and excited about your big day.