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This week’s topics: do you need a wedding planner, benefits of hiring a wedding coordinator, tented wedding logistics, private property wedding challenges, Minnesota wedding planning advice, how to manage wedding vendors, tips for smooth wedding timelines, how to plan an after-party, what to expect from a day-of coordinator, planning tips from top wedding professionals, Lasting Impressions Weddings, real wedding planning experience, wedding trends and traditions, avoiding wedding planning stress, navigating wedding contracts and communication
In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Brooke Beise, Publisher of Minnesota Bride and Nebraska Wedding Day, sit down with longtime industry pro Sarah Trotter, owner of Lasting Impressions Weddings. A celebrated planner with 19 years of experience, Sarah has built a reputation for elegant design, smooth production and the kind of thoughtful logistics that make events feel as fulfilling as they do effortless.
The episode opens with a look at Sarah’s journey from corporate event planning in California to launching her own business back in Minnesota — just months after planning her own wedding. She reflects on building a brand before wedding planners were common in the Midwest, her early industry connections and how a side gig quickly evolved into a multi-person team producing around 50 weddings per year.
Sarah shares how she approaches the client journey — whether it’s full planning, design-focused support or day-of coordination — and why her team always begins with a breakdown of the couple’s realistic budget. She stresses the importance of helping clients see how their spending decisions play out across categories and encourages open communication to ensure each vendor can deliver on the couple’s vision.
When it comes to design, Sarah favors timeless aesthetics over fleeting trends, with a clear preference for neutral palettes and elegant decor that won’t date in photos. She shares her thoughts on changing guest counts, the growing popularity of intentional after-parties and why more couples are ending weddings earlier without sacrificing energy. The discussion also touches on how venue curfews are shaping modern timelines — for the better.
Sarah gives insight into the rising number of multiple dress changes, why grooms are more involved than ever and the importance of understanding the difference between planners, coordinators and designers. From tented weddings on private islands to intimate celebrations in family living rooms, her team has navigated nearly every style and scale of event.
Throughout the episode, Sarah reminds couples to prioritize movement, intention and vendor support on the big day. Her advice to couples is to communicate clearly, feed your vendors and don’t be afraid to do things your own way. Sarah’s philosophy centers around curating timeless events with personalized details and flawless execution.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films and Lasting Impressions Weddings. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
