Choosing wedding music isn’t just about playlists and first‑dance songs. In this expert‑led episode, Fallon sits down with Jonathan Holmick and Jasmine Bloch of Mama D and the Vexations, a seasoned New Jersey cover band with over a decade of wedding experience.

They break down what couples actually need to think about when choosing between a band and a DJ, how music controls the flow of the night, why acoustics and venue layout matter more than most people realize, and the biggest mistakes couples make when they try to micromanage music instead of trusting professionals.

This episode is a must‑listen for couples who want a packed dance floor, smooth transitions, happy guests, and zero musical regrets.

🎬 Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome + Episode Overview

01:00 – Meet Mama D and the Vexations

03:00 – What Makes a Wedding Band Truly Different

06:30 – Band vs DJ: The Question Couples Get Wrong

09:00 – Why Music Sets the Flow of the Entire Night

12:00 – Acoustic Realities Most Couples Never Consider

16:00 – Ceremony Sound + Amplification Mistakes

19:30 – Questions Couples Forget to Ask Bands

22:00 – The Truth About “Agency Bands” vs Local Bands

25:00 – How Bands Read the Room in Real Time

28:00 – The Band’s Role as MC and Timeline Driver

31:00 – Working With Coordinators and Timelines

35:00 – Outdoor Weddings: Why They’re Not Cheaper

39:00 – Sound Ordinances, Weather, and Guest Comfort

43:00 – Top Advice for Couples Who Want Perfect Music

49:00 – Where to Find Mama D and the Vexations

52:30 – Wise Words of the Week

👤 Guests

Jasmine Bloch

• Role: Bassist & Marketing

• Band: Mama D and the Vexations

• Background: Music Education (TCNJ)

• Expertise: Performance planning, guest experience, acoustics, vendor coordination

Jonathan Holmick

• Role: Drummer & Booking Manager

• Band: Mama D and the Vexations

• Background: Music Education (TCNJ)

• Expertise: Wedding band logistics, timelines, MC flow, sound planning

Band Website: https://mamademusic.com
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: Mama D and the Vexations

📲 Follow & Connect

💻 Website: ⁠Devoted New Jersey⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠@devotednewjersey⁠

📘 Facebook: ⁠Devoted New Jersey Weddings⁠

💌 Email: ⁠info@devotednewjersey.com

In this episode of WeddingWise, hosts Fallon and Holly discuss the intricacies of wedding planning in New Jersey, focusing on the bride's perspective. Holly shares her personal journey as she prepares for her wedding, including the challenges of budgeting, selecting vendors, and navigating family opinions.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of enjoying the planning process, understanding costs, and making informed decisions while keeping the experience fun and memorable.

In this kickoff episode, Fallon is joined by her assistant and real-life NJ bride, Holli, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like planning a wedding in New Jersey. From budget shock to vendor regrets to unexpected beauty costs, Holli shares her honest take on how much things actually cost, what she'd do differently, and the real reason she’s living with her in-laws. Whether you're engaged, overwhelmed, or just curious — this episode spills it all, with love and laughter.

🎬 Chapter Markers

00:00 Deep Breath & Welcome

00:09 Meet Fallon & Holli

01:00 Holli’s Love Story & Engagement

02:45 Who's Paying for the Wedding?

04:20 Choosing a Venue (Golf Course Shock!)

06:00 Vendor Search & IG Sleuthing

08:30 The Real Cost of Photography

10:00 Budget Surprises & Beauty Upcharges

13:00 Curly Hair Brides, Take Note!

14:00 Tracking the Wedding Budget

16:30 Advice Holli Would Give Her Past Self

18:00 Dealing with Outside Opinions

19:00 How to Keep Planning Fun

21:00 Final Words & Wise Words of the Week

23:00 Socials & Farewell

Wise Words of the Week

"Ask questions, even the awkward ones, especially about money. You're not being annoying; you're protecting your peace and your wallet."

📲 Follow & Connect

💻 Website: Devoted New Jersey

📸 Instagram: @devotednewjersey

📘 Facebook: Devoted New Jersey Weddings

💌 Email: info@devotednewjersey.com

Planning a wedding in New Jersey? You’re not alone, and you're not wrong for feeling overwhelmed. In this kickoff episode of Wedding Wise: Engaged and Informed in New Jersey, Fallon King is joined by her virtual assistant (and real-life NJ bride!) Holli to dive into what makes planning in this state so uniquely intense.

From traffic and weather to unrealistic expectations and endless opinions, they break down how to stay focused, find your starting point, and actually enjoy the process. You’ll learn why local vendors matter, how to use your existing vendor team to build your dream squad, and what sets NJ apart from the rest of the country when it comes to wedding culture.

📍 NJ region deep-dive

📸 How to find vendors who vibe

🚗 Yes, traffic is a main character

Wise Words of the Week

Just Start: Pick the most important element to you and build from there.

Use Your Vendor Network: Look at who your current vendors follow and collaborate with.

Stay True to Your Vision: It’s your day. Don’t get lost in everyone else’s opinions.

Lean On Your People: Delegate, but with clear direction and realistic expectations.

Follow us:
Website: www.devotednewjersey.com

Instagram: @devotednewjersey

Email: info@devotednewjersey.com

Join the couples community: Devoted VIP Club

⭐️ Leave a review, share with a friend, and tag us on Instagram if you’re listening! We LOVE hearing from our engaged community.

#WeddingWise #EngagedInNJ #DevotedNewJersey #NJWeddings #WeddingPodcast

00:00 - Welcome & Introductions

01:45 - What Makes NJ Weddings So Overwhelming?

04:00 - Real Talk: No One Prepares You for Planning

05:20 - Where to Start: Not TikTok!

07:45 - The Power of Real Experience vs. Realistic Advice

09:50 - Focus on What Matters to You

11:00 - Local Vendors and NJ Traffic Pitfalls

14:00 - Planning as a Team (Or Learning to Delegate)

16:30 - NJ Wedding Regions & Vibes Breakdown

19:00 - Venue Logistics: Hotels, Travel, and Seasons

21:00 - Fallon & Holli’s Personal Wedding Planning Stories

23:00 - Why Vendor Relationships Matter So Much in NJ

25:00 - Wise Words of the Week

26:30 - What’s Next on Wedding Wise