Planning. Blogging. Guiding. Because Weddings Deserve Heart (and a Little Sparkle).
Thanks for stopping by! Let’s talk weddings!
If you’re looking for wedding planning advice that’s practical, creative, and rooted in real experience, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m Jean, a wedding specialist, wedding blogger, and author with decades of hands-on experience. My journey in the world of weddings began when in 1994 I opened Weddings From The Heart in Dayton, Ohio. For 27 incredible years, I had the privilege of working as a professional wedding planner, coordinating celebrations of all sizes, styles, and themes From intimate gatherings of 20 to grand celebrations of 350, I loved every minute of it. You could say I’ve seen it all—but I prefer to say I’ve seen a lot (because if I’ve seen it all, where’s the fun in that?).
I’ve never been one for “cookie-cutter” weddings. My approach has always been to start with tradition, then tweak and tailor it to reflect each couple’s unique vision. After all, your wedding should feel like your day—not just a checklist of what’s expected.
A No-Nonsense Approach to a Joy-Filled Day
After nearly three decades in the wedding planning trenches, I’ve had the joy of helping couples create weddings that were truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re looking for practical wedding planning advice or inspiration for a non-traditional celebration, I’m here to guide you with tips and ideas that are both creative and down-to-earth.
I started my blog in 2009 as a way to share my passion for weddings with a broader audience. My goal? To offer practical, no-nonsense wedding planning advice and real inspiration for couples at every stage of their wedding planning journey. Even though I retired from active wedding planning in 2021, my love for weddings hasn’t gone anywhere—it just shifted. These days, you’ll find me sharing that love through my writing, consulting, wedding planning books, and digital products.
How I Started in Wedding Planning
Curious about how I first fell in love with weddings? You can read the full story here.
In the Spotlight: Media Mentions, Books & a Bit of Creative Fun
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of sharing wedding tips, advice, and stories with a wide range of publications and media outlets. You may have seen me quoted in places like The Knot, Newsweek, Money-US News, and in print in Good Housekeeping and Dayton Magazine.
I’ve also popped up on a few podcasts, like the Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast (episodes 57 and 76) and the Wedding Songs Podcast (episode 117), and I’ve been featured in local media including Ohio Weddings (episodes 1, 2, & 4) and Dayton 24/7 Now (formerly Fox 45 in the Morning).
And if you’re planning your own wedding, I’ve got even more to help you along the way. I’ve written two practical, easy-to-read wedding planning books designed to help couples cut through the noise and plan a wedding that’s meaningful and manageable, and to take the guesswork out of some of the most confusing (and often stressful) parts of wedding planning.
📘 Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My! covers all things invitation-related — wording, addressing, enclosures, RSVP etiquette, wedding websites, and more.
📗 From “I Will” to “I Do” walks you through everything from setting priorities and budgets to what to do after the wedding day.
You can find both on Amazon — or explore other helpful resources in my Shop and Blog.
Oh, and a fun little side note—I’m also a two-time finalist in The Special Event tabletop design competition. I like to think it was my signature mix of tradition, detail, and a creative twist that helped me stand out.
Why My Clients Loved Working with Me
Want to hear what couples had to say? Visit my Love Notes page for kind words and happy memories from the 27 years I spent planning weddings.
Throughout my planning career, I blended creativity with meticulous attention to detail to bring each couple’s vision to life. Clients often described me as friendly, knowledgeable, and inventive — and I’m honored that many felt the experience was worth far more than they ever expected.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m here to guide you through your wedding planning journey with practical advice, expert tips, and a wealth of resources to make your special day everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Have Questions?
Need advice, inspiration, or a sounding board for your wedding ideas? Email me at [email protected] and — I’m happy to help. No question is too small, and sometimes the smallest questions lead to the best “aha!” moments.
Hearts, Joy, Love (and a Little Sparkle),
