Closing One Chapter, Opening the Next

As 2025 comes to a close, this episode is a pause — a moment to reflect on what this year has held, what it has taught, and what’s coming next.

In this final episode of the year, I’m sharing an honest reflection on the season behind us: the calm that came from building strong foundations, the lessons I learned as a leader and business owner, and the personal shifts that allowed me to be more present in both life and work.

We talk about why “less truly is more,” what it looks like to trust the team you’ve built, and how letting go of pressure — whether that’s industry expectations, constant growth, or fear of missing out — creates space for alignment and clarity.

I also share what I’m carrying forward into 2026, including a deeper desire to support and serve more people in meaningful ways. While full-service wedding planning isn’t accessible to everyone, this podcast is one step toward offering guidance, encouragement, and insight to couples who want to feel confident and supported throughout their planning journey.

This episode is an invitation — to slow down, to reflect, and to step into the next chapter with intention.

In this episode, we cover:

• Reflecting on 2025 and the power of strong foundations
• Why calm is a sign of systems working
• Leadership lessons on trust, boundaries, and presence
• Letting go of industry pressure and “doing it all”
• What it means to serve from a place of alignment
• Intentions for supporting more couples in 2026

As you listen, I invite you to reflect alongside me:
What are you proud of from this past year?
What are you ready to leave behind?
And what values or intentions will you carry forward into the next season?

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this journey. Here’s to closing one chapter — and opening the next.

Through the Eyes of Hannah & Emma: Secrets to a Memorable Celebration

Episode Description
In this special Christmas Eve episode, I am welcoming two very special guests onto the show—my twin daughters, Hannah and Emma. Born the day after Christmas and turning 13 this year, they join me to share their honest and heartfelt perspectives on what truly makes a celebration memorable.

From birthday parties and holiday gatherings to the small details that create magic, this episode blends meaningful family moments with practical insights you can apply to any celebration. Whether you are planning a wedding, a milestone birthday, or an intimate holiday gathering, this conversation is a reminder that the most impactful moments are often the simplest.

Sometimes, the best event advice comes from the most unexpected experts.

In This Episode, I Cover:

Birthday and Holiday Reflections

• What it is really like for my girls to have birthdays right after Christmas
• Hannah and Emma’s favorite birthday memories
• How shared celebrations can still feel personal and special

Secrets to a Memorable Celebration (Straight from My Kids)

• What they notice first when they walk into a party
• Their favorite party elements, from décor and food to games, music, and surprises
• What the perfect celebration looks like through a child’s eyes
• What they have learned from watching me plan parties and events
• The one thing that makes a celebration feel truly magical to them

I connect each of their answers to meaningful takeaways you can use right away.

Rapid-Fire Fun Round

• Favorite decorations
• Favorite party games
• Favorite desserts or treats
• Favorite party memories
• One word that describes a perfect celebration

This segment is lighthearted, playful, and full of candid moments.

Turning Observations Into Actionable Tips

I translate my girls’ insights into simple, effective planning advice, including:

• Why small, thoughtful details leave a lasting impression
• How interactive or surprising elements keep guests engaged
• Why personal touches matter more than expensive extras
• How creating anticipation elevates the experience
• The importance of paying attention to guests’ reactions

A Heartfelt Holiday Closing

• Why joy, thoughtfulness, and love matter more than perfection
• A reminder to focus on making people feel seen and celebrated
• A warm Christmas Eve message from my family to yours

Key Takeaway

You do not need an elaborate setup to create an unforgettable celebration. When people feel considered, included, and genuinely celebrated, that is what leaves a lasting impression.

From my family to yours, happy holidays and cheers to making every celebration unforgettable.

Jennifer Starr,

Owner of the J.Starr Wedding Company

www.jstarrweddingcompany.com

5 Styling Secrets to a Luxury Wedding Look on a Moderate Budget

Episode Description

You don’t need a sky-high budget to create a wedding that feels elevated, intentional, and truly luxurious. In this episode, I’m sharing my five favorite styling secrets to help you achieve a high-end wedding look without the high-end price tag.

From choosing the right venue to smart design investments that make the biggest visual impact, these tips will help you spend wisely, avoid common mistakes, and create a wedding day that feels timeless, beautiful, and full of heart.

Plus — I’m throwing in a bonus tip that can completely transform your space.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why your venue choice matters more than almost any other design decision
• The often-overlooked detail that instantly makes a reception feel more polished
• How upgraded chairs can completely change the look of your space (and how to save on them)
• Why classic design always wins over chasing trends
• How to repurpose florals for maximum impact without increasing your budget
• The power of lighting — and how it affects both ambiance and photos

Episode Breakdown

1️⃣ Choose a venue you truly love
Your venue sets the tone for everything. When the space is already beautiful, you don’t have to over-decorate or over-spend.

2️⃣ Don’t underestimate linens
Floor-length linens in the right color palette instantly elevate your reception and should be chosen earlier than most couples realize.

3️⃣ Upgrade your chairs (strategically)
The right chairs can transform a space — and many venues already have great options available if you know to ask.

4️⃣ Keep your design classic
Timeless design ensures your photos feel just as beautiful years from now as they do today.

5️⃣ Repurpose your ceremony florals
With a little planning, your biggest floral investments can work double-duty from ceremony to reception.

✨ Bonus: Lighting is everything
Uplighting, bistro lights, and candlelight can completely transform a space and set the mood for the entire evening.

Key Takeaway

Luxury isn’t about spending more — it’s about being intentional. When every detail is chosen with care, your wedding will feel elevated, meaningful, and uniquely you.

Quote Worth Remembering

“Luxury isn’t about spending the most money — it’s about how every detail makes you feel.”

Perfect For

• Couples planning a wedding on a moderate budget
• Brides who want a high-end look without unnecessary spending
• Anyone overwhelmed by Pinterest trends and looking for timeless guidance

Featuring J.Starr, Business Operations Manager, and Brother, Chase

In this candid and insightful episode, Jennifer sits down with her younger brother, Chase — J.Starr Wedding Company’s Special Projects & Business Operations Manager — for a rare behind-the-scenes conversation about what truly powers a wedding planning business.

Although Chase has a full and successful career outside the wedding industry, he plays a crucial role in building the systems, workflows, and operational structure that elevate the J.Starr client experience. Today, he shares what clients never see, what it’s really like working with family, and how operations shape unforgettable wedding days.

In This Episode

Introducing Chase
Chase shares what he does in his full-time professional career, what he loves most about it, and what led him to also partner with Jennifer on the operations and special projects side of the company. He explains how his skills complement the business and why the operational arm of a planning company matters as much as the creative side.

Sibling Dynamic + Backstory
Jennifer and Chase reflect on what it was like growing up ten years apart, how it felt watching the business form from the ground up, and the moment Chase realized J.Starr had turned from a passion project into a true company. They talk candidly about the best — and the most chaotic — parts of working with your sister, along with the childhood traits that still show up in their work dynamic today.

His Role and What Clients Don’t See
Chase dives into the surprising amount of behind-the-scenes coordination, systems, and quality control that go into every J.Starr wedding. He shares the workflows he’s most proud of and the tiny details the team obsesses over that clients may never even know exist — but absolutely feel on the wedding day. He also explains how strong operations directly benefit couples.

Wedding-Day Experiences
Chase recalls a few weddings out in the field, what surprised him most, and a memorable (and entertaining) story from a wedding day he’ll never forget.

Team Culture and What Makes J.Starr Different
From his vantage point, Chase shares how he would describe the J.Starr team culture, what truly sets the company apart from other planners in Arizona, and why strong internal processes create a smoother, more elevated experience for every client.

Future Vision
Chase opens up about what excites him most for the next chapter of J.Starr and how he envisions the brand continuing to grow.

Wrap-Up
The episode closes with reflections on what Chase has learned about himself — and about working with family — along with his advice for couples searching for the right wedding planner. He also shares his personal interpretation of the podcast title “More Than Just a Wedding.”

Episode Title: 5 Things Your Wedding Venue Must Have

Episode Description:
Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. In this episode, we break down five essential things your wedding venue must have to ensure your day is smooth, beautiful, and stress-free. From guest capacity to catering, contingency plans, and more — we’ve got you covered!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Right Space & Capacity – Why creating your guest list first is key to finding a venue that’s the perfect size for you and your loved ones.
2. Catering Matters – How in-house or trusted outside caterers can make or break your wedding day flow.
3. A Backup Plan for Weather – Why you need a contingency plan, especially in unpredictable climates like Arizona.
4. A Venue Team You Love – How to choose a venue representative or catering manager who makes you feel seen, heard, and supported.
5. Past Reviews & Reputation – How to research venues and make sure you’re working with a team known for delivering smooth, stress-free weddings.

Why This Matters:
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire celebration. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about how the space feels, functions, and supports you and your guests on your big day. A well-chosen venue helps you focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you.

Episode #10: The Art & Intention Behind Wedding Stationery with Lauren Yvonne Design

One of the most beautiful — and often underestimated — parts of a wedding is the stationery. It’s the very first impression your guests get, and it tells your story through every little paper detail.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Lauren of Lauren Yvonne Design, a true artist in bringing stories to life through wedding stationery. We dive into her journey, what inspires her designs, and common mistakes couples make when selecting invitations or save‑the‑dates.

Lauren shares her favorite day‑of stationery pieces — from menus and place cards to signage — and explains how to keep every element cohesive and intentional. We also explore current trends she’s loving (and a few she hopes fade away), ways to personalize stationery without overdoing it, and sustainable approaches that still feel luxurious.

Whether you’re planning your wedding or simply love thoughtful design, this episode is packed with creativity, practical tips, and heart — a beautiful reminder that stationery is so much more than pretty paper.

🎙️ Listen now: “The Art & Intention Behind Wedding Stationery with Lauren Yvonne Design” — available wherever you get your podcasts.

Where to find Lauren Yvonne Design

• 🌐 Website: laurenyvonnedesign.com
  
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• 📸 Instagram: @laurenyvonnedesign
  
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• 🛒 Etsy Shop: LaurenYvonneDesign on Etsy
  — where she offers invitations, day‑of stationery, signage, and more.
  Etsy

Famous Bar Sign (from Etsy)

Podcast Episode: 5 Tips for Selecting the Members of Your Wedding Party

Choosing your wedding party can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode, Jennifer Starr from J.Starr Wedding Company shares five key tips for thoughtfully selecting the people who will stand by your side on your big day.

Learn how to:

1. Honor the right people – Choose those who truly lift you up and support you.
2. Consider time commitments – Make sure your friends and family can realistically participate.
3. Be mindful of expenses – Plan ahead so no one feels financially strained.
4. Set expectations – Know what you want from your wedding party and communicate clearly.
5. Focus on fun – Select people who bring energy, joy, and excitement to your celebration.

Your wedding party isn’t just a group of attendants—they’re your cheerleaders, your support system, and part of the memories you’ll cherish forever.

For personalized wedding planning guidance, connect with Jennifer Starr:
🌐 Website: www.jstarrweddingcompany.com

📸 Instagram: @jstarrweddingcompany

Episode #8: Heart, Hustle, and Forever a Swiftie — Meet Lead Planner, Lauren

Description:
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a Lead Wedding Planner? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Lauren — the calm, incredible force behind some of our most beautiful wedding days — for a heartfelt, honest, and laugh-filled conversation about what it takes to lead a wedding from start to finish.

They talk about:

• What people don’t always realize about leading a wedding day — the pressure, the chaos, and the magic that makes it all worth it.
• How Lauren mentally and emotionally prepares to show up fully for every couple.
• Her favorite late-night post-wedding meal (because yes, that’s part of the job too).
• And of course, a little Swiftie fun — from Taylor and Travis wedding predictions to the lyrics Lauren swears double as perfect wedding-day advice.

This episode is full of heart, hustle, and humor — the perfect listen for anyone who loves weddings, planning, or just seeing how the magic happens behind the scenes.

Listen now — available wherever you get your podcasts.