The Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of Stories

Behind the Lens with Heather Cook Elliott Photography

This week on the pod, we’re joined by one of our OG listeners —  Heather Cook Elliott! To say that Megan and Jen are as mutually obsessed with her as she is with us? A massive understatement.
Heather is a Milwaukee-based wedding and portrait photographer whose work is rooted in real connection, thoughtful storytelling, and capturing people as they truly are. She’s the kind of person who shows up fully behind the camera and in life, and we absolutely adore her.
In this episode, we dive into Heather’s origin story, what it’s like building a creative business with soul, and why we all can’t stop giggling through this whole conversation. Spoiler: Heather’s coming with us to Jamaica. Are you??
 
 Tune in for major bestie energy, industry insight, and a whole lot of love.
 

From Vision to Vogue for All Bodies with Alysia Cole Styling

On this episode of The Planner’s Passport, we’re joined by the brilliant and deeply intentional Alysia Cole—stylist, image coach, and founder of Alysia Cole Styling. Together, we dive into the world of wedding fashion, but not in the way the industry usually tells it.
Alysia brings her signature warmth and wisdom to a conversation about how brides can show up as their fullest selves on their wedding day—no matter their size, shape, or where they fall on the traditional beauty spectrum. We talk about the emotional journey of finding a gown, why so many brides feel pressure to conform to a certain “bridal look,” and how Alysia helps clients reconnect with their body, style, and confidence throughout the process.
From breaking down outdated beauty standards in the wedding market to redefining what it means to feel beautiful in white (or not), this episode is a celebration of self-expression, empowerment, and choosing style over expectation. If you’ve ever felt unseen in bridal fashion—or you’re ready to reclaim what your wedding day should feel like—this one’s for you.

Live Wedding Art with a Side of Booty

This week, we’re joined by the wildly talented and hilariously cheeky Rachal A. Duggan, the creative genius behind Rad Illustrates. Known for her signature butt drawings (yes, you read that right), Rachal is an illustrator, author, and workshop leader who brings her one-of-a-kind style to everything from comics to custom wedding art.
We dive into how Rachal started drawing butts, what it’s like being a creative vendor on a wedding day, and the unexpected chaos of live event sketching.
From editorial and branding illustrations to teaching private drawing workshops, Rachal does it all and somehow makes it all hilarious. Tune in for puns, laughter, and an honest peek behind the (butt) curtain of wedding day artistry.
Follow her work on Instagram and TikTok @radillustrates.

Who’s Really Winning? Inside the Business of Wedding Awards

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.

From Jen, With Love: A PSA for All Wedding Moms

This week’s episode is all about moms.
 
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.

The Man Behind the Vintage Recipes: Marco Braun of Marco's Funhouse

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.

Tropic Like It’s Hot: We're Going to The Bahamas!

🎙️ 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

Sonoma Shenanigans: Wasted in Wine Country

This week, Jen’s in Sonoma County to facilitate a bachelorette party , but let’s be real, she also used the trip to scout the region for future travelers (because of course she did). 
 
From sipping sparkling wine at Iron Horse Vineyards to inhaling the best vegan quiche of her life at Little Saint in Healdsburg, this episode is packed with wine country magic and mild chaos. She stopped in Bodega Bay for oysters, explored Calistoga for those cute Northern California vibes, wandered around The Barlow in Sebastopol, and managed to fit in a date—because you know how Jen rolls. This one happened with a sommelier who lives in a van (Megan would like you to know it’s technically a camper). Oh, and there was vomiting in the bathroom (not Jen, chill). 
 
Tune in for travel inspo, planning tips, wine recs, and everything you should (and definitely shouldn’t) do on your next Sonoma County trip.

Bring on the Southern Charm with Kelley Kohler of Haviland Events

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.

Behind the Scenes of WedMKE

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.