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The Vendor Confessional

The Vendor Confessional

Written by: Idaho Bride Media
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About this listen

Welcome to The Vendor Confessional, where the people behind the aisle step up to the mic and speak their truth. Each week, we sit down with wedding vendors who’ve seen it all: the chaos, the magic, the meltdowns, and the moments no one talks about. From florist fails to catering secrets, from burnout to boundaries, nothing’s off-limits inside the booth. If you're a bride, groom, vendor, or just nosy (no shame), take a seat. It's time to confess. Keywords: wedding advice, current wedding trends, destination bride inspiration, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho wedding directory, wedding vendorsIdaho Bride Media Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • S5 | E2: Confessions from Face Foundrie
    Jan 21 2026

    Glowing Skin & Bridal Beauty: Inside the Face Foundrie Experience


    Ever wonder how to achieve that perfect wedding day glow or what it’s actually like to manage a top-tier facial bar?


    In this episode of the Vendor Professional Podcast, we sit down with Lavender, a Master Esthetician and Manager at Face Foundrie, to pull back the curtain on the aesthetics industry. From her career pivot into skincare to the booming beauty scene in Idaho, Lavender shares expert insights on how to navigate professional treatments and bridal preparations.


    We dive deep into the most requested services—like Hydrafacials and dermaplaning—and discuss how to cut through the noise of social media skincare myths. Whether you’re a bride-to-be planning your three-month skin countdown or a fellow professional looking for business boundaries and pricing wisdom, this episode is packed with actionable advice.


    Inside This Episode:

    - The Face Foundrie Mission: Creating an inclusive, accessible environment for high-end skincare.

    - The Idaho Shift: How cultural attitudes toward aesthetics are evolving in the Treasure Valley.

    - Bridal Bootcamp: Why you need to start your wedding skincare prep at least 90 days out.

    - Social Media vs. Reality: Debunking common skincare misconceptions.

    - The Business of Beauty: Managing client expectations, setting pricing boundaries, and building trust.


    Timestamps:

    02:46 – Lavender’s journey from admin work to Master Esthetician.

    06:01 – What makes the Face Foundrie experience unique?

    11:52 – Professional insights on profitability in the aesthetics industry.

    18:05 – Current trends: What’s hot in skincare right now?

    24:08 – The ultimate Bridal Skincare timeline.

    32:59 – Setting boundaries and communication tips for wedding vendors.


    Connect with Our Guest:

    Visit Face Foundrie to explore their menu of services and stay tuned for upcoming promotions mentioned in this episode! https://facefoundrie.com/location/meridian/promotions


    Keywords: Skincare, Bridal Beauty, Face Foundrie, Esthetician Life, Wedding Prep, Idaho Business, Hydrafacial, Dermaplaning, Aesthetics Industry, Wedding Skincare Routine.

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    54 mins
  • S5 | E1: Confessions from a Caterer
    Jan 16 2026

    Navigating the Realities of Wedding Catering with Big Daddy’s Barbecue

    What does it actually take to feed 200 people in the middle of an Idaho field? In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Big Daddy’s Barbecue to go behind the scenes of their journey from a local food truck to a staple in the Idaho wedding catering scene.

    We dive deep into the shift toward luxury catering (hint: it’s about the guest experience, not just the price tag) and address the common catering misconceptions that can make or break a couple's big day. Whether you’re a couple planning your dream wedding or a fellow vendor looking for business strategies on vendor pricing and work-life balance, this conversation is packed with "real talk" and unforgettable wedding stories.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The Evolution of Big Daddy’s Barbecue: How family tradition fueled a growing catering empire.

    • Wedding Catering Trends: What’s hot in food right now and why "adding a salad" last minute is harder than it looks.

    • The Luxury vs. Expensive Debate: Redefining what high-end service looks like in the industry.

    • Setting Boundaries: Why learning to say "no" is the secret to avoiding burnout and maintaining client expectations.

    • Business Growth in Idaho: Navigating the rise of destination weddings and the importance of booking vendors early.

    • The Admin Struggle: Practical tips for email management, communication, and keeping the "human" element in your business.

    From "lightning round" questions to the "confessions" of a catering professional, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in wedding planning.

    • [06:04] Current trends in catering and the Idaho wedding market.

    • [15:51] Defining luxury: Is it the food or the experience?

    • [30:57] Crazy wedding stories you won't believe.

    • [39:04] The "Money Talk": Strategies for raising prices and understanding your worth.

    • [54:10] Why professional photography and catering go hand-in-hand for a seamless day.

    • [01:03:12] Essential advice for couples currently planning their weddings.

    Connect with Big Daddy’s Barbecue:www.instagram.com/bigdaddysbbqid

    Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! If you're a vendor or a couple with a story to tell, visit www.idahobride.co/the-vendor-confessional/

    Keywords: Big Daddy's Barbecue, wedding catering, food trends, vendor expectations, luxury catering, guest experience, wedding planning, catering misconceptions, Idaho weddings, vendor pricing, business strategies.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • S4 | E6 : Confessions from a Photographer
    Dec 17 2025

    Confessing this week: Hanomaly Photo


    Summary

    Our conversation explores the journey of becoming a photographer, the challenges of navigating business conversations, and the importance of understanding pricing and client education in the photography industry. We discuss personal experiences, industry trends, and the emotional aspects of photography, emphasizing the need for legitimacy in business practices and the balance between creativity and business constraints. We also explore the challenges and triumphs of photography, particularly in the context of weddings. We highlight the importance of authenticity, the need to unlearn structured approaches, and the journey to profitability in the creative industry. Our conversation also touches on the significance of making weddings personal and the value of finding one's unique voice in photography. Additionally, we share insights on what couples should prioritize in their wedding planning and the upcoming workshops designed to foster creativity and education in photography.


    Takeaways

    Navigating awkwardness is part of the business journey.

    The journey to becoming a photographer involves overcoming self-doubt.

    Industry trends can influence personal preferences in photography.

    Understanding pricing is crucial for photographers.

    Legitimacy in business enhances creativity and reduces anxiety.

    Creative freedom can be stunted by business constraints.

    Misconceptions about photography can lead to poor client experiences.

    Handling difficult situations at weddings requires professionalism.

    Client education is essential for setting realistic expectations.

    Defining personal style is key to standing out in photography. It's hard to untrain people from a structured mentality.

    Finding authenticity in photography is essential.

    Profitability requires unlearning overthinking and scarcity.

    Curated moments can sometimes feel inauthentic.

    Lowering expectations can lead to exceeding them.

    Weddings should be about the couple, not just aesthetics.

    Creating a comfortable environment for clients is crucial.

    Workshops should focus on personalized education.

    Splurging on photography can enhance the overall experience.

    Emotional deja vu is key to capturing genuine moments.


    Keywords

    photography, wedding photography, business, pricing, client education, emotional photography, industry trends, creative freedom, business legitimacy, misconceptions, photography, wedding, authenticity, profitability, workshops, creative process, unlearning, couples advice, curated moments, personal growth, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho Wedding Vendors, The Vendor Confessional, wedding vendor podcast

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    1 hr and 24 mins
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