Wedding Help NI Podcast

On this episode of Wedding Help NI, Dale and Jenna are joined by the incredibly talented Emma from Draw My Guests — one of Northern Ireland’s most unique and memorable wedding entertainment suppliers.Emma has been a professional illustrator for over 12 years and has drawn live portraits at more than 300 weddings over the past four years. In this chat, she shares how live illustration became such a sought-after feature at modern weddings — and why couples are choosing it as an alternative (or addition) to traditional entertainment.From drinks receptions to evening celebrations, Emma creates quirky, personality-packed portraits of your guests in just minutes — capturing their outfits, their energy and those little details that make them them. The result? A fun experience on the day and a one-of-a-kind keepsake your guests can take home.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, Dale travels to Derry to visit MJ Menswear, where he’s joined by Jason to talk all things wedding suits, styling, and planning.Jason breaks down what couples really need to know when it comes to wedding menswear, including:When grooms should start suit shoppingBuying vs hiring suits (and how to save money for wedding parties)Popular groom and groomsmen styles right nowColour trends beyond the traditional black tuxCoordinating suits with bridesmaids and overall wedding themesHow MJ Menswear manages fittings, alterations, and last-minute timelinesThey also discuss how couples can reduce stress by booking early, using flexible payment options, and treating suits as part of the overall wedding planning process — not an afterthought.If you’re a groom (or bride!) trying to figure out what suits to choose, when to book, and how to keep costs sensible, this episode is packed with practical advice straight from the shop floor.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Rooney, founder of Champagne Memories Weddings & Events, one of the most recognisable and in-demand names in the Northern Ireland wedding industry.Chris shares the real story behind the brand — how Champagne Memories began, how it grew into the business couples see today, and what it actually takes to build something successful in the wedding world.This conversation goes far deeper than styling trends or logistics.Chris speaks honestly about:Building and scaling a wedding businessMaintaining high standards under pressureNavigating a year of intense personal challengesThe emotional weight behind polished brands and perfect weddingsThe human reality behind Instagram, timelines, and flawless setupsIt’s a powerful reminder — for both suppliers and couples — that behind every beautiful wedding is a real person, balancing creativity, responsibility, expectations, and real life.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, hosts Dale & Jenna sit down with Natalie to hear a real, honest Bride-to-Be perspective on planning a wedding in today’s world.Natalie shares her full wedding planning journey — from getting engaged, choosing a venue, setting non-negotiables and budgets, right through to booking suppliers and navigating decision fatigue.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, host Dale Thomas is joined by Janine Kinnear, a professional wedding pianist with a truly unique second career — she’s also a firefighter.Janine shares expert advice on:Popular wedding music trends couples are choosing right nowHow to pick the perfect songs for your ceremonyWhere live piano works best — ceremony, drinks reception, meal background & moreHow couples can personalise their music without overcomplicating things.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, Dale & Jenna sit down with The Manouche Boys to talk all things wedding music, entertainment, and keeping the dancefloor full.With over a decade of wedding experience, the Manouche Boys share how the band evolved from relaxed drinks reception swing and jazz into a high-energy, fully interactive wedding band, complete with sax, multiple vocals, harmonies, and a seamless band-to-DJ setup.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, hosts Dale & Jenna are joined by Nicola and Laura from the Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan to take couples behind the scenes of one of Ireland’s most popular wedding venues.They chat through the full wedding journey — from your very first enquiry right through to the big day itself — including civil ceremonies on site, one-wedding-per-day exclusivity, dedicated wedding coordinators, beautiful ceremony and reception suites, and a seamless flow from start to finish.

In this episode of the Wedding Help NI Podcast, hosts Dale and Jenna visit the iconic Stormont Hotel in Belfast to chat with Philip, Front Desk Manager, and Jennifer, Events Manager, about what makes weddings at this landmark venue so special.With a rich history dating back to 1966 and set at the entrance to the Stormont Estate, the Stormont Hotel blends classic elegance with modern convenience — and Philip and Jennifer take us behind the scenes of how wedding days are carefully planned and flawlessly delivered.