Michelle Martinez
Co-Host of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast
Michelle is a Certified Wedding Consultant with more than 20 years in the Wedding & Events Industry. Michelle's company is Allure Wedding Consulting & Event Planning serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, Boston & Cape Cod.
What are the first 5 thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Kiss my husband
Meditate
Yoga
drink 22 oz of water
drink coffee
What is your favorite movie quote?
"Enough about me, let's talk about you. What do you think of me?"
-Bette Midler's character (C.C. Bloom) in Beaches
What is your favorite joke?
I have a terrible memory. I know I've heard better ones, but the one I remember is. "Where did the General hide his army? In his sleevies"
What is YOUR karaoke song?
Love Shack, by the B52's.
What was your most embarrassing hair style?
My mom decided I should get the "Mary Lou Retton Cut" in the 80's. I think I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. To top it off, whenever my bangs would grow out, she would cut them herself and they would always be very crooked.
What word do you love the sound of?
Savannah. Referring to the city in Georgia. But I only like it when someone from there says it with that accent.
What food reminds you of your birthday?
Ice Cream. I definitely eat ice cream on my birthday.
What food makes you think of Christmas?
Candied Sweet Potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows. Also reminds me of Thanksgiving. Reminds me of my mom and grandmother.
What movie can you watch over and over again?
Terms of Endearment
What is the best invention during your lifetime?
The Internet
How old where you when you got your first computer?
I was 22. My husband and I financed the first ever iMac. It was blue.
What was your first car?
1979 Convertible VW Bug. I was 16.
What do you have an irrational fear of?
Bees!! I've never been stung. I'm so freaked out by them.
Who taught you to swim?
Uncle Ernie
Who taught you to ride a bike?
My Dad on a pink Huffy.
What music are you embarrassed that you like listening to?
Light Rock, Easy Listening from the 70's & 80's. Not sure why, but sometimes, I'm in the mood to blast that shit in my car and sing loud.
What do you hate the sound of?
The sound of someone cleaning under their finger nails with a paper napkin. Eeeek!!
What was the last Concert you went to?
Kanye West and it was awesome.
If you could see any deceased musician perform who would you choose?
Michael Jackson. I was/am a HUGE fan and I never got to see him live.
Michelle Martinez has hosted 149 Episodes.
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#116 Polyamory & Wedding Planning, Part 1 of 2
December 5th, 2018 | 1 hr 12 mins
apple podcasts, polyamory, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Michelle does a prelude to this week’s episode because it is a little (a lot) different than our usual fare. “Polyamory” is defined in Urban Dictionary as The practice, state or ability to have more than one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved. Michelle describes it as opening up your heart enough to have this kind of arrangement. We know it’s a bit taboo, we know listeners will react in different ways to this episode, but we have a podcast about love and marriage and this is an episode that tells one story in this realm. And you can learn something valuable...
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#115 You Ask, We Answer - 12. Fixed!
November 28th, 2018 | 1 hr 17 mins
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
The first one didn't upload correctly today, so here is the full version just in case you couldn't refresh.
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#115 You Ask, We Answer - 12
November 28th, 2018 | 1 hr 17 mins
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Another end of the month, another YAWA! Yes, the name is growing on Christy. This month, we are answering more listener questions and as always - some of them have to do with family. Specifically, the sometimes sensitive topic of honoring step-parents, after the loss of a parent, or in the event that parent is estranged. We’ve got so much love for all of you that deal with tough family situations while wedding planning. You are not alone!
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#114 Brunch Weddings
November 21st, 2018 | 52 mins 5 secs
apple podcasts, brunch weddings, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
So many of you have emailed and asked us questions regarding brunch weddings. Timelines, logistics, menu, layout, micro-events...pros, cons, lessons learned. We’re sharing it all with you in this episode, including some incredibly detailed insight from a recent ‘brunch bride’ listener. Her post-wedding-day notes are a great retrospective about all things brunch. Let’s get ourselves a bloody mary and dive in!
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#113 Celestial Self-Care With wedwell
November 14th, 2018 | 1 hr 2 mins
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
We have guests on the show today!
Lilia is the co-founder of Wed Well. She created this platform to help challenge the wedding industry to bring more self care and wellness practices to this important time in someone's life.
Ashley is the Head Witch in Charge at Magical Mind, where depressed and stressed babes learn their new favorite coping skill: tarot. Ashley blends tarot and her innate intuitive abilities to serve those who feel misunderstood with a little everyday magic.
Um, we love them. -
#112 Consignment Gowns With Our Story Bridal
November 7th, 2018 | 44 mins 27 secs
apple podcasts, consignment wedding gowns, modern love event, our story bridal, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
What happens to your expensive, designer wedding dress after your wedding? Where can you buy a gorgeous ‘pre-owned’ dress in great shape, for a great price and STILL have a fabulous shopping experience? We’re talking to the owners of Our Story Bridal - a NYC-based wedding dress consignment shop and they’ve got answers!
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#111 You Ask, We Answer - 11
October 31st, 2018 | 42 mins 40 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Monthly installment - YAWA! We’re doing 5 listener questions this time! Should a wedding planner include a timeline in her contract? How soon is too soon to send out Save-the-Dates?? We got you.
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#110 Christy & Michelle Reunited
October 24th, 2018 | 42 mins 7 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
We did a photo shoot and shot the shit IN PERSON!
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#109 - City Weddings With Tionna Van Gundy of Wedicity
October 17th, 2018 | 55 mins 45 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Tionna Van Gundy is a Chicago-based wedding and event planner. The owner of Wedicity, Wedding & Event Detailing she has been in the events and hospitality industry for over 12 years. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, where she became a certified wedding professional in 2004 - Tionna moved to Chicago in 2010 and worked her way through the event industry! With an array of event experience in venue operations, destination management, food/beverage service and hotel operations, Tionna has expanded into the destination wedding market but still has a big heart for all things urban style weddings! And that’s what we are talking to her about - CITY WEDDINGS. Logistics, city pride, and how to create lasting urban memories. Enjoy!
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#108 - Wedding Planner Debrief
October 10th, 2018 | 58 mins 7 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
We are at the tail end of our busiest season, and we need to talk about it! We haven’t had time to just shoot the shit lately on the podcast, so that’s what we’re doing on this one. Except with some jotted down notes and a basic outline in mind. Because we love you and we want you to know what’s in our brains! Tips, tricks, pet peeves and a good ‘ol debriefing between your favorite wedding planner BFFs. Enjoy!
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#107 Brooklyn Wedding Designer Michelle Edgemont
October 3rd, 2018 | 58 mins 49 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Michelle Edgemont is an event designer. And a florist. But not a planner. She can do florals for your wedding, and she can design your wedding, but she won’t design your wedding with another florist. Confused? Don’t be! Not every wedding planning process involves a designer. But for those that may...we hope this episode helps you decide how best to curate your wedding vision with the help of a professional designer.
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#106 You Ask, We Answer - 10
September 26th, 2018 | 51 mins 7 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Monthly installment - YAWA! This week we’re talking more about families...this time, it’s the overbearing, well-intentioned parents that get the attention. And more info about non-traditional receptions, helpful signage and honoring deceased loved ones at your wedding. It’s a big spectrum this time!
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#105 Venue Visits - How To With Lynsie Blau
September 19th, 2018 | 58 mins 40 secs
apple podcasts, brik event venue, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Lynsie Blau joins Christy on this episode to break down VENUE basics for us. Site visits, vibes, and contracts...all important! Picking your wedding venue is one of the biggest and arguably most important decisions you will make during wedding planning. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls!
Lynsie is the owner, manager and everything-person for BRIK Venue in Fort Worth, Tx. Brik is a stand alone industrial beauty - 2 stories, original hardwood, exposed brick and pretty white painted walls, a graffiti courtyard and a gorgeous studio to get ready in. It is a premier venue for North Texas - for all these reasons and more. Namely - Lynsie herself. Now, let’s talk money, dolls!
(Forgive Christy - she sounds a little sick on this one!) -
#104 Prenups, Matrimony Law and Divorce. Oh My! - Alyssa Rower
September 12th, 2018 | 41 mins 16 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
Alyssa Rower is a divorce attorney and practices matrimonial law in NYC. She’s fierce, she’s forthcoming and she is teaching us about the legal and financial elements of marriage that we aren’t total know-it-alls about! How refreshing. Alyssa has been featured and written articles for HuffPost, Brides.com, Forbes and The Chicago Tribune - to name a few. We’re stoked to have her on the podcast!
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#103 Unapologetic. Inspiring. Steph Grant. LGBT Photographer
September 5th, 2018 | 58 mins 45 secs
apple podcasts, lgbt weddings, modern love event, photographer, steph grant, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
This is the story of photographer Steph Grant, told - sometimes chaotically - by Steph Grant. We had so much fun talking to Steph! She is a dear friend of Christy’s and we are sure you are going to fall in love with her. She is passionate, driven, endlessly energetic, compassionate and she seeks connection and expression in everything she touches. Steph shoots weddings (mostly lesbian) literally all over the world and her images tell a story of the wedding day, and the bigger love story of the couple. In this episode, we dive right in and swim all over! Steph’s nonprofit ‘Promote Love’ is growing exponentially and we’re here for it!
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#102 You Ask, We Answer - 9
August 29th, 2018 | 49 mins 21 secs
apple podcasts, wedding, wedding advice, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding podcast, weddings
YAWA time! You ask, we answer. We have voicemails, reviews and lots of questions to answer this week - plus a special ANNOUNCEMENT! Also, we had some technical difficulties, so these notes are very abbreviated...you’ll have to listen for all the gems!