Max Trujillo and Felicia Perry Trujillo are a power couple in the North Carolina Food Scene, even though they’ve only been in Raleigh for less than five years. When they moved from Los Angeles, Max became the general manager of Midtown Grille in North Hills, and Felicia had a 10-year wedding photography business. But Max was working 70-hour weeks that weren’t great for family life, and Felicia was starting to get burnout from weddings, so they both decided to make a change.

Terry-Michael Newell, Officiant and Marriage Therapist, comes on the show today to talk about why all couples should go to pre-marital counseling, some of the common reasons he sees couples after the marriage, tips for a healthy marriage, adults giggling like middle schoolers when talking about sex, and the one time he told a couple to fire him and hire a maid.

Mary Larick, Director of Sales at CE Rental in Raleigh NC comes on the show today to talk about linens, tents, and all things wedding rentals! Mary is bubbly, fun, and hilarious, and I was so excited to have her on the show!  We went into how much you should realistically budget, styles and trends, what happens when clients disagree, my “tell you twice” rule, and when weather doesn’t cooperate with your wedding.

Jennifer Ammons, CEO of The Big Fake Wedding, came on to talk about her company which puts on weddings throughout the country, which are Big and Fake. There are flowers and food and cake and music and dancing. The couple getting fake married is usually someone renewing their vows, while the guests are engaged couples so they can see wedding vendors in action.

Jill Donovan came on the show today to talk about the growth of catering company Donovan’s Dish, and her positive perspective in the face of overwhelming tragedy.   In March of 2016, Jill’s husband, business partner, and the chef of the company, TJ Donovan, tragically passed away.  Jill was left with businesses to run and 3 young girls to raise. With the help of her amazing village surrounding her, Jill has not only survived but has continued to grow both personally and professionally.   Listen in, it’s truly an inspiring story!     Episode 22 Guest Jill Donovan   TJ and Jill Donovan   Jill Donovan and her 3 girls   Donovan’s Take-Out Market. The first take-out market opened 4 days before TJ passed away in 2016.   Donovan’s Dish on Social Media: Instagram: @DonovansDishFacebook: @DonovansDish   Jill’s Beach on Social Media: Instagram: @jillsbeachFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jills-Beach-69787834084/   Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal  

Mollyann Russell, Event Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Empire Properties (Stockroom at 230, The Glass Box, and All Saints Chapel), comes on the show today to talk about Venue Tours and Venue Marketing. Mollyann has booked over 1,200 events at the 3 properties combined, so she has given her fair share of venue tours and has the insight into what clients should be asking both before and during the tour. Plus, she offers marketing tips to venues. Marketing isn’t easy, but if done the right way, can generate the right leads.

Comedian Freddy Valoy came on the show to talk about how to give a great and memorable wedding speech.

Together, he and Megan came up with the following tips:

1. Don’t Drink (Too Much).  2. Remember, Everyone is Rooting for You.  3. Don’t Bring Up Your Phone 4. Keep it Short. Under 4 minutes. 5. Tease, but Don’t Embarrass 6. Own The Moment, even if you mess up. 7. Be Honest, and Come from the Heart.  8. You’re giving a speech about the couple, not just one person. 9. Practice! 10. If you’re not sure about the material, ask someone. 11. No slideshows. 12. Don’t bring up exes.   With these tips, especially bringing it from the heart, you’ll be sure to give a great wedding speech!

Filmmakers Chris and Toni Wheaton from Heart Stone Films and Portico Pictures are on the show today! They talked about how they became business owners (and married) at 22 and 23 years old, their incredible marriage “streak”, learning to fight, filming Dale Earnhardt Jr and Emily Maynard’s weddings, being starstruck by Danica Patrick (they’re available for whatever date you choose Danica!), seeing Backstreet Boy AJ McLean sing at a recent wedding, some of the craziest wedding stories you’ll ever hear, trends they wish would go away, their reality TV show “Weddings with the Wheatons” on LoveStories.tv, mistakes that they’ve made, and why you need a wedding video