Unveiling Paradise: Your Go-To Destination Wedding Podcast

Welcome to our first episode of Season 2!
Did you know that there’s an actual “proposal season” - and it’s officially begun! From Thanksgiving through Valentines, more couples will get engaged than any other time of the year. Call it romantic, call it memorable, or (in Joe’s words), call it a way to bundle an engagement ring and Christmas present in one. Whatever you call it, we’re here for it! In the episode, we take it a step further... you’re engaged, now what?
It’s a big deal to take that first step and propose, but then comes a slew of questions from you friends and family: When’s the wedding? Where’s it going to be? Am I a bridesmaid? Brides and grooms - stop, breathe, and take a step back. Planning a wedding is a huge next step, so listen in for advice from a professional wedding planner and photographer on what to do immediately after you get engaged, and how to navigate your engagement. Whether you’re planning a small destination wedding in Hawaii, or a huge local wedding in LA, our expert advice will set you up for wedding planning success!
Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise
You’re Engaged... Now What?

• FUN FACT: Christmas is the most popular day to propose. When did you propose?
• DO: Tell your closest friends and family before posting on social media. Or take some time before you tell ANYONE so you can enjoy your engagement alone.
• Do you ask parents permission anymore before proposing? Or do you ask for their blessing after the engagement happens?
• DO: Take care of your ring! Get your ring insured, and get it resized ASAP. Also, get a manicure - you’re going to take tons of photos with that bling!
• TRUE STORY: Joe had a couple that did an underwater shoot... and she lost her ring! Thank goodness it was insured.
• DO: When you’re ready to begin, start here: location, budget, and guest count.
• Location: Where in the world do you want to get married? Are you thinking about a local or destination wedding?
• JOE’S BRO TIP: Bundle your wedding destination and honeymoon in one!
• TESSA’S TIP: Your wedding ring DOES NOT double as a Christmas gift!
• Budget: How much do you want to spend, and how much can you afford? Check out Episode 9 for our budget tips.
• JOE’S BONUS TIP: Guys, be involved in the process! It makes the wedding a reflection of the couple, not just one person’s wedding.
• DO: Consider your venue and date simultaneously.
• Your venue will create the theme and vibe of the wedding.
• Date: How do you choose your wedding date?
• There are popular dates that everyone wants (for example 12-02-2021, which is a palindrome and ambigram)
• In Asian cultures, numbers have significance - check with your family before booking your wedding.
• DO: Hire a wedding planner to keep the planning as stress free as possible.
• TESSA’S BIG DON’T: Don’t panic and immediately

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are new to our show. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Please support this episode's show sponsor - Fine Time Shave Ice - Learn more at https://www.finetimeshaveice.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Episode Summary
WE DID IT! We made it to the last episode of season 1 and we’re rounding up some great advice from former couples. As a professional photographer and wedding planner in a very popular destination wedding market, we think we know everything (KIDDING!), but for this episode, we turned to some of our real life couples to get honest feedback and advice for future couples.
Episode Notes
We asked some former couples an important question: “What advice would you give to someone planning a destination wedding” and boy did they answer! We have 10 useful tips and pieces of advice from our former brides, grooms and even their family and friends. Some of these tips are obvious, and others... not as much! Tune in to the last episode of the season to hear all the great advice.
Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise
What advice would you give to someone planning a destination wedding?

• Destination weddings will often be much smaller than a local wedding, so invite everyone you want and expect and plan for fallout.
• If you hire locally, you may not have the luxury of meeting them beforehand so find vendors you trust.
• At the same time, you can save money by hiring local vendors.
• Plan additional events before and after the wedding to keep the party going.
• Plan ahead and research local marriage requirements. You don’t want any surprises!
• Expect to run into your guests post-wedding. PRO TIP: Start your honeymoon a little early if you don’t want to tiptoe around your nosy aunt.
• Add little surprises for your guests to create the ultimate experience.
• Be aware of the currency and how it’s doing against the USD.
• Always carry (never check) your dress.
• If cost is going to be an issue, set a real budget and be prepared for the wedding to cost more than you expect.

Links and Musings from this Episode:

• Refer back to Episode 2 (smaller guest counts are better than larger guest counts)
• Refer back to Episode 3 (hiring a local vendor vs bringing your own)
• Refer back to Episode 9 (creating the perfect budget for your wedding)

Find Us:
Unveiling Paradise: IG @unveilingparadise
Joe: IG @josephesser
Tessa: IG @fredandkateevents
Email us with your burning questions about destination weddings, what to do with an entire month off, or anything else you can think of and we’ll answer them in an upcoming episode: un

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are new to our show. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Please support this episode's show sponsor - Fine Time Shave Ice - Learn more at https://www.finetimeshaveice.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Episode Summary
We take on our favorite US-based destination locations in this episode. Being a professional wedding planner and photographer in Hawaii - it’s assumed Hawaii will make the list. Does it? Find out this answers and more in this episode. Tune in to hear Joe and I share our professional advice, and list our favorite locations for a destination wedding in the United States.

Episode Notes
From tranquil and peaceful, to chic and rustic and everything in between - the United States has something for every wedding. What vibe are you looking for with your destination wedding? As a professional photographer, Joe is DYING to shoot at the Neon Graveyard in Las Vegas. As a self-proclaimed alcoholic, I love the idea of a wedding in a winery. The destination you choose will 100% set the tone for your wedding, so do your homework and select wisely! Brides, grooms, friends and family - this episode is a great starting place for your destination wedding planning.
Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise
Exploring the Best Locations for Destination Weddings in the United States

• What’s your wedding vibe, and how do you want your wedding guests to feel? There’s a US-based wedding venue for you!
• Las Vegas = 24/7 nonstop party
• Sedona, Vail, Beaver Creek = Peace and tranquility
• Newport, RI= Classy and upscale
• Wine Country (Napa, Temecula) = Rustic and chic
• HAWAII = Tropical and amazing, the BEST location for weddings. In my opinion :)

Links and Musings from this Episode:

• Elvis Chapels no more?
• On Joe’s bucket list - Neon Sign Graveyard
• The first hotel in Waikiki is the historic Moana Surfrider
• Fun Fact: You can get married at a chapel in the Mall of America
• Epic New York wedding venues

Here we are!
Unveiling Paradise: IG @unveilingparadise
Joe: IG @josephesser
Tessa: IG @fredandkateevents
Email us with your burning questions about destination weddings, the iphone 14, or anything else you can think of and we’ll answer them in an upcoming episode: [email protected]

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are new to our show. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Please support this episode's show sponsor - Fine Time Shave Ice - Learn more at https://www.finetimeshaveice.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Episode Summary
We say it all the time - after your wedding is over, the only thing you’ll have left are your wedding photos. Wedding photography is a huge part of your wedding, so we’re THRILLED to have our very own, in-house professional wedding and adventure photographer, Joe, give us some insight about wedding photography. Tune in to hear his advice and our thoughts on ways to make your wedding day - and wedding photography - picture perfect.

Episode Notes
In this episode, Joe and I talk about what to consider when choosing a photographer, then go through some of our favorite photography tips. Although Joe is our resident expert, as a wedding planner, I have some very strong feelings about how specific photo elements can make or break a wedding. Unplugged weddings? YES! Table pics during dinner? NO. Brides, grooms, family (especially family!) and friends - you need to listen to this episode.

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise

Ins and Out of Wedding Photography

• What should I consider when choosing a photographer? Style, coverage, personality
• Get the biggest room possible for getting ready in the morning.
• If you’re up to it, do a first look so you can spend time with your family and friends.
• Do the unplugged wedding.
• Keep your photo list light, and let us do our thing.
• Don’t do table pics - or get creative with them! Don’t spend your entire dinner trying to get pics with a table of your mom’s work friends.
• Trust your photographer - you get what you pay for.

Links to stories mentioned:

• Photographer Deletes Wedding Photos (PSA: This wasn't Joe!)

Find Us:
Unveiling Paradise: IG @unveilingparadise
Joe: IG @josephesser
Tessa: IG @fredandkateevents
Email us with your burning questions about destination weddings, speakeasies, or anything else you can think of and we’ll answer them in an upcoming episode: [email protected]

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are new to our show. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Please support this episode's show sponsor - Fine Time Shave Ice - Learn more at https://www.finetimeshaveice.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are new to our show. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Please support this episode's show sponsor - Fine Time Shave Ice - Learn more at https://www.finetimeshaveice.com

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com