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The Wedding Where...

The Wedding Where...

Written by: Amanda Walck Ottinger
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About this listen

Join me, Amanda, owner of Officiating by Amanda, as I share stories of weddings I've officiated and lessons I've learned, advice for the dating, engaged or married, reactions to wedding ceremonies in movies and TV shows, special guests from the wedding industry sharing their stories, behind the scenes interviews with some of my couples, and the answers to your questions. With 10 years under my belt, I've got many, many tales to tell!

© 2025 The Wedding Where...
Economics Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 84 Weddings, 13,587 Miles, And A Growing Officiant Network
    Jan 10 2026

    Send me a message or any questions!

    Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they make a great map. We just wrapped a year that stretched every muscle: 84 weddings booked from 98 quotes, 13,587 miles on the road, and a growing network of trusted officiants to keep quality high without burning out. What made it meaningful wasn’t the scale alone—it was the shift in how couples are designing ceremonies that feel like them, not just tradition on autopilot.

    Across Pennsylvania, we saw fall fully eclipse summer as the new prime season, with September and October turning into joyful marathons. Couples experimented with structure: fewer formal bridal parties, clearer unplugged guidelines that guests actually respected, and rehearsals replaced by focused Zoom run-throughs. Vow volleys emerged as a favorite for personal promises without stage fright, while unity ceremonies leveled up—from warming hands over hot coffee on a freezing day to crystal blends, family paintings, a 3D-printed heart, and yes, an unforgettable sword exchange. The classics stayed strong, with handfasting leading the pack for depth and symbolism.

    We share demographics that help shape tone and pacing, from first-time vows at 64 to blended families crafting rituals that include kids. We also dig into what makes venues a joy to return to—tight teams, clear timelines, and spaces that match a couple’s vision. Pricing and packages evolved to reflect that care: the most popular option balanced travel, custom scripting, and space for unity rituals without rushing the moment.

    If you’re planning for 2026, this is your field guide: what trends actually worked, which logistics saved the day, and how to design a ceremony that’s honest, warm, and fully yours. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s planning, and leave a review to tell us your favorite unity idea or vow style—what should lead the way next year?

    Support the show

    Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

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    38 mins
  • We Learned "Don't Do Drugs, Kids" featuring Jocelyn, Owner of Danie Mae Photography
    Dec 31 2025

    Send me a message or any questions!

    We bring back Jocelyn of Danny Mae Photography for a candid look at vendor chemistry, safety, pricing realities, and the art of keeping a wedding day calm. From an out-of-control bridesmaid to Pinterest expectations, we break down boundaries that protect joy and great photos.

    • setting harassment and safety clauses to protect vendors and couples
    • booking timelines, hot dates, and when to reserve early
    • what you actually pay for in photography rates
    • handling timeline shifts and family wrangling with calm leadership
    • translating Pinterest boards into your real style and venue
    • why vendor collaboration beats competition
    • how to choose vendors you genuinely vibe with
    • unspoken extras vendors do to keep the day smooth
    • when to say no and preserve safety and quality

    Follow Danie Mae Photographer at https://www.facebook.com/dmaephotography


    Please subscribe, like, comment, and share to help us reach even more listeners who might laugh a little at the wedding wear


    Support the show

    Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

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    35 mins
  • Interview with Jocelyn, Owner of Danie Mae Photography
    Dec 30 2025

    Send me a message or any questions!

    The best wedding photos don’t happen by accident—they come from preparation, clear boundaries, and a team that reads the room. We sat down with Jocelyn of Danny May Photography to trace her journey from high school photo staff to 30+ weddings a year, including the hard reset that forced her to sell gear, rebuild, and go fully legit with an LLC, insurance, and sustainable pricing. Along the way, a supportive partner learned to second shoot, a local media editor amplified her work, and a studio inside the historic Yuengling Mansion gave her a creative home grounded in preservation.

    We dig into the shots that truly hold a day together: intentional detail images and thoughtful lay flats that honor the hours couples spend choosing rings, invites, heirlooms, shoes, and florals. Jocelyn explains why some trends sing and others fall flat—especially fully blurred frames that hide the memory instead of elevating it. She shares the reception calculus most couples miss: after toasts, cake, and special dances, galleries often get repetitive, so decide day-of whether extra hours are worth it. And yes, we wade into the bouquet and garter toss debate with real-world stories where age gaps, crowd energy, and tone turned fun into cringe—or pure comedy gold.

    This conversation doubles as a field guide for new photographers and engaged couples. You’ll hear why ethical portfolio building matters (no stock or borrowed images), how to set up a foolproof backup plan with multiple camera bodies, and simple prep lists that prevent last-minute scrambles. We also talk about phone-free aisles, aisle blockers, and how families can support the vision without hijacking timelines—especially at golden hour when the light won’t wait.

    If you’re planning a wedding or building a creative business, you’ll walk away with clear, practical takeaways: protect your time, communicate your boundaries, and invest in vendors who are as prepared as they are kind.

    Follow Jocelyn on Facebook at Danie Mae Photography LLC or catch her around Schuylkill County capturing all of the best moments as a 'lifetime' photographer!

    Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a friend who’s planning, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

    Support the show

    Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
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