Air Date: Oct 04 2026
Shawna Patruno welcomes wedding planner Stephanie Banks of New Berlin Events to discuss practical wedding-planning guidance. Stephanie shares that the first step is for couples to set a realistic budget to avoid getting carried away by social media inspiration and debt, then each partner should identify their top three priorities and agree on shared non-negotiables to stay grounded amid outside opinions. She emphasizes the wedding should reflect the couple’s wants, not family or internet expectations, and suggests splurging on a planner/coordinator and a DJ to reduce stress and manage the day smoothly. They cover self-care during planning—maintaining healthy routines, meditation, nutritious food, facials or massages—and recommend an ideal 12–16 month planning window. Stephanie also advises building extra time into the timeline and considers a first look helpful for nerves, photos, and being present at cocktail hour.
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED:
- 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
- 00:56 First Steps Budget and Priorities
- 02:53 Make It Your Wedding
- 04:22 Where to Splurge
- 05:56 Self Care While Planning
- 08:07 Ideal Planning Timeline
- 09:50 Money Stress and Budgeting
- 12:07 Timeline Tips and First Look
- 14:56 Wrap Up and Where to Find
RESOURCES
SHAWNA PATRUNO (HOST OF REAWAKENING BEAUTY)
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawna.patruno/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reawakeningbeauty/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnapatruno/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/patruno_shawna
Here are some resource you might find helpful
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCETE6UWBTHb1-RQZoMgFrBA
- Free Smoothie Guide: https://reawakeningbeauty.ca/free-healthy-smoothie-recipe-book/
- Recipe Cookbook: https://reawakeningbeauty.ca/reawakening-beauty-vegan-gluten-free-healthy-glow-recipes/
PUBLISHED WORK ON CONFIDENCE AND SKIN CARE TIPS
- Published Articles on Confidence: https://issuu.com/futurefemalemag/docs/ffm_fallwinterissue_final2/s/11329571
- Skin Care Tips: https://issuu.com/futurefemalemag/docs/ffm_summerspringissue_finalj2019_on/16?ff=
STEPHANIE BANKS (GUEST ON REAWAKENING BEAUTY)
Bio:
Hey there! I’m Steph, the face behind New Berlin Weddings & Events. Let’s ditch the formal intros and get real. When I’m not knee-deep in event planning, you’ll find me curled up with a book and a glass of wine, or probably re-watching Brooklyn 99 (again). I’m a sucker for the outdoors, scary movies, and getting my hands dirty in the garden. And yes, I’m a total fall fanatic – those cozy vibes are just unbeatable, right? (Oh, and green’s my colour, if you couldn’t guess!)
So, how did I get here? After ten years in hospitality, I decided to chase my childhood dream of being an event planner. I’ve always been obsessed with creating unforgettable moments. My PR diploma and my experience across the hospitality world have given me the perfect toolkit to make your wedding vision a reality.
Lastly, it is so very important that I convey that LOVE IS LOVE. Ethnicity, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual views and anything else that makes a human unique is welcome in this space. Period.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:
- Instagram:
SPEAKER WEBSITE: https://www.newberlinevents.ca/