Episode Details

In this episode, host Austin Grandinetti sits down with Ashley Kuehnel of Midwestern Bride and Koryn Bennett  of Ivy Lane Photo Company . The conversation dives into the evolving world of luxury and premium weddings, particularly in the Midwest.

Key highlights include:

• What "luxury" really means: It varies wildly by couple—some prioritize an intimate experience with 10 guests and heavy investment in florals or photography, while others focus on hosting a large crowd. True luxury often boils down to how the day feels: seamless, stress-free, personal, and emotionally supportive. It's less about a fixed dollar amount and more about priorities, vendor treatment, attention to detail (like fetching Birkenstocks for a bride's sore feet), and peace of mind.
• The role of key vendors: Ashley explains her consultative, relationship-driven approach at Midwestern Bride. With nearly 15 years in the industry (drawing from hospitality, floral, dress shops, and catering), she acts as a "quarterback," curating vendors, aligning budgets and timelines, and handling the behind-the-scenes logistics so couples can actually enjoy their day. Koryn shares how her photography emphasizes collaboration, extended shoots, backup security for images (including long-term hard drive storage), and treating couples as individuals rather than assembly-line clients. Both stress the value of experienced vendors who understand the full ecosystem—preventing disasters like no-shows or lost photos that cheaper or less reliable options can cause.
• Budgets and realities: Full-planning clients with Ashley often land at six figures or more (one standout reached over $500K for a multi-day, highly intentional event on private property with custom tents, flooring, multiple floral teams, and army-truck loads of flowers). "Average" weddings (without full planning) trend toward $60K–$70K in their markets, far above outdated Google averages due to rising venue costs, inflation, and demand for experiential elements. Backyard or DIY options can ironically cost more than venues because of hidden logistics (electricity, staffing, etc.).
• Generational shifts and trends: Gen Z couples lean toward smaller, more intentional weddings, questioning traditions (e.g., skipping long ceremony-to-reception gaps), and valuing vendor friendliness and honesty about family dynamics. They're prioritizing presence over pomp. Parents' involvement varies—some provide gifts with full autonomy, others buffer budgets thoughtfully. Experiential details shine: sentimental surprises (like restoring a late father's car for photos), personalized guestbooks (e.g., a surfboard with embedded flowers), interactive elements (Polaroid walls with real-time seating integration), and guest-focused flow (quick bar service, props to energize the dance floor).
• Why hire pros? Peace of mind is the ultimate luxury. Planners and photographers prevent chaos, anticipate needs, foster smooth vendor teamwork, and create space for couples (and families) to be fully present. The guests' experience—hospitality from the first moment, no downtime, entertainment that keeps energy high—often separates memorable events from standard ones.

The discussion ties back to wealth strategies: Spending on a wedding reflects values around experiences, relationships, and intentionality, much like financial planning. It's not about mindless extravagance but curating what matters most while trusting experts to handle the rest. Ashley and Koryn emphasize building trust, open communication (especially across generations), and delivering feelings of care and joy that last far beyond the photos.

Overall, the episode offers practical insights for anyone planning (or paying for) a high-end wedding: Focus on