#49: Pay for What You Value: Why Wedding Budgeting Often Works Against You with Jordan Roepke

In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Jordan Roepke, award-winning wedding photographer and videographer, to unpack one of the most confusing parts of wedding planning: budgeting.Jordan shares why most couples feel sticker shock when they start planning—and why that’s completely normal. Together, they break down the difference between “one-size-fits-all” budget advice and a values-based approach that prioritizes what actually matters to you as a couple. From photography and DJs to guest experience and expectations set by social media, this conversation helps couples understand where their money makes the biggest impact.They also dive into why booking key vendors early matters, how experience often outweighs aesthetics, and the hard truth behind the phrase “you get what you pay for.” Jordan offers practical examples, real-world perspective, and reassurance for couples who want a meaningful wedding without blindly following tradition.Jordan Roepke is an award-winning wedding photographer and videographer based in Nashville, Tennessee, traveling nationwide to create artful, adventurous, and epic imagery for couples who want photos that go beyond ordinary.HighlightsWhy wedding budgets often feel confusing and overwhelmingWhat “pay for what you value” really means in practiceHow social media can distort wedding expectationsWhere couples commonly under-invest (and later regret it)The importance of booking experienced vendors earlyHow to prioritize meaning over comparisonConnect with Jordan:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTokLinkedInConnect with Kevin & August: WebsiteInstagramYoutubeTikTokPinterestLinkedIn