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Intentional wedding planning & design for couples who want to be fully present.

NCW BLOG
A Wedding Worth being Present for.
Expert guidance and practical advice to help you navigate wedding planning with less stress, more intention, and confidence in your decisions. From budgeting and vendor selection to timelines, design, and the little details that make a big difference, we're here to help you make informed choices and create a wedding experience that feels true to you.



5 Tips to Keep Your Wedding Guest List Manageable
Your wedding guest list can quickly become tangled in family expectations, budget pressure, and guilt. These five grounded tips will help you make clearer decisions, set thoughtful boundaries, and create a celebration filled with the people who matter most.

Brandi Swanson
Aug 283 min read
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When Love Isn’t Safe Anymore: What I Learned About Strength and Surrender
This deeply personal story explores the true meaning of strength and surrender through heartbreak, motherhood, and the courage to leave what was no longer safe. It’s a reflection on love, boundaries, healing, and what it means to choose peace over image when everything changes.

Brandi Swanson
Jun 192 min read
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Blending Family and Business: Creating a Supportive Home Environment
Running a business while raising a family can feel rewarding and overwhelming all at once. In this blog, Brandi shares how blending family and business has shaped her life, why a supportive home environment matters, and the simple ways open communication, shared responsibility, and strong boundaries can make both home and work feel more sustainable.

Brandi Swanson
May 153 min read
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Choosing My Dreams: How I Found Purpose, Passion, and Strength Through Wedding Planning
Brandi Swanson, founder of Next Chapter Weddings, shares the personal story behind her leap from dance studio owner to wedding planner. From heartbreak to healing, she built a business rooted in love, purpose, and courage—while raising a family as a single mom. This blog is an open letter to every woman chasing big dreams, reminding you that your purpose is valid, your vision is powerful, and your next chapter starts with one bold step.

Brandi Swanson
Jan 23 min read
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Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: My Journey
Being a mom and running a business isn’t always graceful — it’s messy, magical, and deeply personal. In this blog, I share my journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, including the struggles, lessons, and small wins that keep me grounded. If you’re a mom chasing a big dream, I hope this reminds you: you’re not alone, and you’re more capable than you think.

Brandi Swanson
Dec 19, 20252 min read
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12 Unique Tips to Write a Best Man or Maid of Honor Speech the Bride and Groom Will Love
Being chosen to give a best man or maid of honor speech is an honor and a big responsibility. This guide walks you through how to craft a heartfelt, authentic toast that celebrates the couple, shares meaningful stories, and keeps guests engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re aiming for humor, sentiment, or a mix of both, you’ll find actionable tips to make your speech unforgettable.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 31, 20255 min read
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Balancing Family, Passion, and Business Without Losing Yourself
Being a business owner, a mom, and a human all at once? It’s a lot. In this post, Brandi shares real talk and practical tips for finding balance, setting boundaries, and building a life that actually works—for your family and your dreams.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 3, 20253 min read
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Finding Support: The Role of Encouragement in Pursuing Your Passion
Pursuing your passion isn’t a solo journey. This blog explores how encouragement, community, and genuine support can help you stay inspired, push through doubt, and turn your dreams into reality.

Brandi Swanson
Sep 5, 20252 min read
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Building a Wedding Planning Business From Scratch as a Single Mom
Starting a wedding planning business as a newly single mom wasn’t easy but it was Brandi’s way of rebuilding. From working late nights in a tiny apartment to booking her first wedding, this is the honest story of how grit, motherhood, and purpose built something beautiful from scratch.

Brandi Swanson
Aug 8, 20253 min read
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