Choosing wedding music isn’t just about playlists and first‑dance songs. In this expert‑led episode, Fallon sits down with Jonathan Holmick and Jasmine Bloch of Mama D and the Vexations, a seasoned New Jersey cover band with over a decade of wedding experience.

They break down what couples actually need to think about when choosing between a band and a DJ, how music controls the flow of the night, why acoustics and venue layout matter more than most people realize, and the biggest mistakes couples make when they try to micromanage music instead of trusting professionals.

This episode is a must‑listen for couples who want a packed dance floor, smooth transitions, happy guests, and zero musical regrets.

🎬 Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome + Episode Overview

01:00 – Meet Mama D and the Vexations

03:00 – What Makes a Wedding Band Truly Different

06:30 – Band vs DJ: The Question Couples Get Wrong

09:00 – Why Music Sets the Flow of the Entire Night

12:00 – Acoustic Realities Most Couples Never Consider

16:00 – Ceremony Sound + Amplification Mistakes

19:30 – Questions Couples Forget to Ask Bands

22:00 – The Truth About “Agency Bands” vs Local Bands

25:00 – How Bands Read the Room in Real Time

28:00 – The Band’s Role as MC and Timeline Driver

31:00 – Working With Coordinators and Timelines

35:00 – Outdoor Weddings: Why They’re Not Cheaper

39:00 – Sound Ordinances, Weather, and Guest Comfort

43:00 – Top Advice for Couples Who Want Perfect Music

49:00 – Where to Find Mama D and the Vexations

52:30 – Wise Words of the Week

👤 Guests

Jasmine Bloch

• Role: Bassist & Marketing

• Band: Mama D and the Vexations

• Background: Music Education (TCNJ)

• Expertise: Performance planning, guest experience, acoustics, vendor coordination

Jonathan Holmick

• Role: Drummer & Booking Manager

• Band: Mama D and the Vexations

• Background: Music Education (TCNJ)

• Expertise: Wedding band logistics, timelines, MC flow, sound planning

Band Website: https://mamademusic.com
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: Mama D and the Vexations

📲 Follow & Connect

💻 Website: ⁠Devoted New Jersey⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠@devotednewjersey⁠

📘 Facebook: ⁠Devoted New Jersey Weddings⁠

💌 Email: ⁠info@devotednewjersey.com

In this episode of WeddingWise, hosts Fallon and Holly discuss the intricacies of wedding planning in New Jersey, focusing on the bride's perspective. Holly shares her personal journey as she prepares for her wedding, including the challenges of budgeting, selecting vendors, and navigating family opinions.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of enjoying the planning process, understanding costs, and making informed decisions while keeping the experience fun and memorable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wedding Planning in New Jersey

03:10 The Bride's Journey: Engagement and Planning

06:06 Choosing the Right Venue and Vendors

09:12 Understanding Wedding Costs and Hidden Fees

12:10 Budgeting and Financial Planning for Weddings

15:10 Advice for Couples: Navigating Opinions and Expectations

17:59 Keeping the Wedding Planning Fun and Enjoyable

20:55 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways