For Real: Life, Leadership, & Unlearning

Today's guest is Margaux Fraise from Harmony Creative Studio in Los Angeles. Margaux has been planning weddings and events for 8 years. She's also a cancer survivor, which in 2014 knocked her out of running her business for about two years. Through that experience, she learned to appreciate life, the little things, and the gestures that go a long way. So today we talk about gifting for both clients and vendors – why that’s the right thing to do but can also be used as a strategy to get more business. On the episode, you heard Margaux talk about a Client Gifting for Wedding Pros Cheat Sheet, and you can find that at bit.ly/weddingprogifting! Harmony Creative Studio on Social Media: Instagram: @HarmonyCreative Facebook: @HarmonyCreativeStudio Pinterest: @harmonycreativestudio Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal As you heard at the top of the show, Southern Bride and Groom Magazine has rebranded to Heart of NC Weddings! Check out their website at HeartOfNCWeddings.com or visit them on social AT HeartOfNCWeddings. And be sure to celebrate with them on December 19th at Parlour at Manns Chapel in Chapel Hill NC. Information on their website. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Aneesa Glines can best be described as a force of nature with a huge smile and even bigger laugh, whose kind nature is matched by her business drive and desire to grow professionally. She's the owner and lead consultant of Harmony Weddings and Events, the owner of Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, AND the owner of the upcoming venue The Graham Mill. And she only got into weddings - while still in college - in 2015! So with the growth, she has become a master at building her team - all very different, but all with shared values. Harmony Weddings and Events on Social Media: Instagram: @HarmonyWeddingsNC Facebook: @HarmonyWeddingsEvents The Graham Mill on Social Media: Instagram: @TheGrahamMill Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal At about 22 minutes into the show, you heard the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT from Jenna Parks, who you may know as the owner and editor of Southern Bride and Groom Magazine, which has now rebranded to Heart of NC Weddings! Check out their website at HeartOfNCWeddings.com or visit them on social AT HeartOfNCWeddings. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Cindy Novotny has been called "The Radical Mentor" for good reason. She is a no-nonsense, call-it-like-it-is, whether-you-want-to-hear-it-or-not speaker and hospitality consultant. Today she comes on the show to talk about her upcoming book, The Secret to My Stamina, and her previous work, Living with No Balance and Loving It. Cindy has run her consulting business Master Connection Associates with her husband for over 30 years and tours internationally 50 weeks out of the year. She is a keynote speaker at events like Engage, Wedding MBA, and many more conferences (not just in the hospitality field). In the episode, you heard about the She Creates Content Calendar from Kinsey Roberts. By clicking on this link and entering coupon code WFR at checkout by December 1st, you get 10% off an already ridiculously priced $127 for a year-long content calendar! With the calendar, you get: - 10 Page Welcome Guide with Your 10-page welcome guide that includes marketing channel ideas, best practices, daily prompt ideas, and monthly themes to keep in mind as you're creating content. - 365 Days of Content Prompts for Wedding Business Owners. If you're in the wedding industry, serving engaged couples, this content is for you. - 30 Day Sample Strategy Prompts to boost your creativity when it comes to creating a consistent marketing strategy for your wedding business. Cindy Novotny on Social Media: Instagram: @cindy_novotny Facebook: @MasterConnectionAssociates twitter: @cindynovotny Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

If you're anything like Megan, 2019 has been all about personal and professional growth - how to be a better boss, friend, partner, and mom. And one of the most fascinating ways that she has found to analyze how she can improve overall is the Enneagram personality assessment. So on today's show, Megan talks to Joanna Kenney (also of Jo's Paper Kitchen in Montgomery TX) about what makes the Enneagram different from other personality tests, the nine numbers, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use your number to better yourself! In the episode, you heard about the She Creates Content Calendar from Kinsey Roberts. By clicking on this link and entering coupon code WFR at checkout by December 1st, you get 10% off an already ridiculously priced $127 for a year-long content calendar! With the calendar, you get: - 10 Page Welcome Guide with Your 10-page welcome guide that includes marketing channel ideas, best practices, daily prompt ideas, and monthly themes to keep in mind as you're creating content. - 365 Days of Content Prompts for Wedding Business Owners. If you're in the wedding industry, serving engaged couples, this content is for you. - 30 Day Sample Strategy Prompts to boost your creativity when it comes to creating a consistent marketing strategy for your wedding business. Jo's Paper Kitchen on Social Media: Instagram: @JosPaperKitchen Facebook: @JosPaperKitchen Pinterest: @JosPaperKitchen Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

If you’re a member of the Rising Tide Society Facebook Group, you might have seen a post (since deleted) a few months ago from a photographer who said that when a wedding planner is involved, it makes other wedding vendors’ jobs more difficult and it messes up the flow of a wedding day. From his perspective, it’s better to have a wedding WITHOUT a planner. Well as you either saw or can imagine, this sparked a lot of debate, and shockingly, many people agreed with his perspective. Danielle Pasternak, wedding planner at DPNAK and co-host of the Put A Ring On It Podcast, has some thoughts, and she shares them on the show today! DPNAK on Social Media: Instagram: @dpnak Facebook: @dpnak Podcast: Put A Ring On It Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Jose Rolon is the lead wedding planner at Jose Rolon Events in New York City. Jose is a single father of 3 children, a 6 year-old and 5 year-old twins, and today he shares such incredible insight into how his children have helped him grow his business in this touching, funny, and emotional episode. Jose Rolon Events on Social Media: Instagram: @JoseRolonEvents Facebook: @JoseRolonEvents Pinterest: @JoseRolonEvents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Among other incredible accolades, Francie Dorman and Britt Cole of 42 North Weddings in New England have been named one of the top planning companies by Brides Magazine in 2019. With their success, they wanted to mentor up-and-coming wedding planners in the New England area. And so they founded a completely separate brand to do just that - Mavinhouse Events. 42 North on Social Media: Facebook: @42NorthWeddings Instagram: @42_North Pinterest: @42NorthWeddings Mavinhouse on Social Media: Instagram: @Mavinhouse_Events Facebook: @mavinhouse Pinterest: @mavinhouse Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Megan and Jason went onto the couples' therapy couch and got some amazing advice from their own therapist, Christian Charette from Couple Forward in Raleigh NC. This episode is part two of a two-parter. Last week, Christian shared what roadblocks in a relationship can lead to tension. This week, it's all about tips for better communication. About Christian Charette: Christian specializes in helping couples navigate their relationships. Christian has 15+ years of experience guiding others through their journey. Married for 25 years, and having raised three daughters has uniquely prepared him for being a reflective therapist with whom clients feel connected. Specifically trained and licensed in Marriage & Family Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Christian combines his creative personality to bring clients lasting solutions. Couple Forward on Social Media: Facebook: @coupleforward Instagram: @coupleforward Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Megan and Jason went onto the couples' therapy couch and got some amazing advice from their own therapist, Christian Charette from Couple Forward in Raleigh NC. This episode is a two-parter, and today Christian shares what roadblocks in a relationship can lead to tension. So let's get uncomfortable and learn how we can be better partners. And next week, he'll share tips for better communication. About Christian Charette: Christian specializes in helping couples navigate their relationships. Christian has 15+ years of experience guiding others through their journey. Married for 25 years, and having raised three daughters has uniquely prepared him for being a reflective therapist with whom clients feel connected. Specifically trained and licensed in Marriage & Family Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Christian combines his creative personality to bring clients lasting solutions. Couple Forward on Social Media: Facebook: @coupleforward Instagram: @coupleforward If you haven't already, get your tickets to see Megan Gillikin speak WIPA Toronto on October 22nd! Get your tickets at Eventbrite now. This session will remind and enlighten industry vendors that the client experience starts way before the client books you and ends months after the event is over. Broken into three sections (pre-booking, working together, and post booking phases), Megan will highlight some of biggest missed opportunities when it comes elevating your client experience from start to finish and will provide tangible tips and takeaways on how to streamline this experience and exceed client expectations time and time again!! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Alisha Chadee is the co-owner of Events by Whim Event Planning in Toronto Ontario, and she comes on the show today to talk about how to make your clients feel like they're the only ones you're working with. It takes strategic time management and boundaries, and Alisha gives some amazing tips! At the top of the show, you heard host Megan Gillikin mention that she will be speaking at WIPA Toronto on October 22nd! Get your tickets at Eventbrite now. This session will remind and enlighten industry vendors that the client experience starts way before the client books you and ends months after the event is over. Broken into three sections (pre-booking, working together, and post booking phases), Megan will highlight some of biggest missed opportunities when it comes elevating your client experience from start to finish and will provide tangible tips and takeaways on how to streamline this experience and exceed client expectations time and time again!! About Alisha Chadee (and if you listen to the show, you'll know where she got this wonderful bio from): Alisha has a project management background in learning and development, plus 5+ years of experience coordinating corporate events and the director of education for WIPA Toronto. She’s developed a proven planning process for couples who want to know how to create magic on their wedding day. (But not throw money off yachts like they’re in a rap music video.) She thinks in floor plans, endorses moving if you find a spider in your house, and has an oyster obsession. Events by Whim on Social Media: Facebook: @EventsByWhim Instagram: @EventsByWhim Pinterest: @EventsByWhim Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Amanda Writesman is screaming from the rooftop that - if you're a wedding vendor - you need to get your Pinterest game back on point! Will you listen to her? If you want an easy way to put content out there that you already have, with the purpose of driving couples to your website, in a place where your competitors are slacking, you'll want to tune in! Also, at the end of the episode, Amanda mentions a place for Weddings for Real listeners to go for Pinterest resources, and that at https://www.curatedmarketingsociety.com/weddingsforreal. Also, in the intro of this episode, you heard a message from Wedding Business Bosses about the live show, which you can find at http://www.weddingbusinessbosses.com/wbb-live/. WBB Live is for wedding industry entrepreneurs who are looking for an in-person workshop experience to help them grow themselves AND their business. It’s from January 19-22, 2020 in Birmingham, Alabama at the historic Tutwiler Hotel. It has 3 components: presentations from educators, masterminding with fellow attendees and an entire day dedicated to creating an action plan for your business based on what you have learned at the conference for 2020 & beyond. Come learn from Laura Foote, Lauren Carnes, CeCe Todd of CeCe Designs, Kristin Kaplan and many more! Early bird registration ends October 14th so grab your ticket now at WeddingBusinessBosses.com. About Amanda Writesman: Amanda is the Editor and Creative Director for The Bridal Theory. She also owns Bel Momento Photography, a Memphis based wedding photography studio available worldwide. Amanda’s passion for helping both engaged couples and wedding vendors lead to the creation of The Bridal Theory, a publication with the goal of celebrating the beauty and joy surrounding weddings. Amanda also runs CuratedMarketingSociety.com. Amanda Writesman on Social Media: Pinterest!: @TheBridalTheory Instagram: @TheBridalTheory Facebook: @TheBridalTheory Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Artem Lomaz is DJ Times' Entertainer of the Year two years in a row, in 2018 and 2019! Today he talks about what he does to go the extra mile for his clients, from sentimental cards, to trying (and still trying!) to get Lil Jon to send a message to one of his clients. Artem gives some great advice and tips in this episode so that we don't just do the bare minimum - and instead, we truly make it memorable! On the show, Artem mentions Lil Jon schools in Ghana, which you can see at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrRiWry8Djg And the organization, Pencils of Promise, is at https://pencilsofpromise.org/donate/ About Artem Lomaz: Artem Lomaz is a multi-award winning event entertainer, public speaker, and entrepreneur. Known for his extreme attention to detail, personalized methodology, and refined performance style, Artem continues to personally cultivate his top-tier event entertainment entity, NinetyThree Entertainment, while in high demand with event planners and selective clientage. Artem Lomaz on Social Media: Instagram: @ninetythreeentertainment Vimeo: @93entnj Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Support this show by supporting our sponsor, HelloFresh! Get $80 off your first month of HelloFresh (!) by going to HelloFresh.com/WeddingsForReal80 - with code "WeddingsForReal80" - and start enjoying some of their 5-star recipes! Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Engagement season is right around the corner, and you don't want a website that repels your ideal client right? On this episode, Megan and Jason Gillikin give 3 easy tips to audit your website so you can book more clients! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Valerie Gernhauser runs two wedding planning companies - Sapphire Events and Ruby and Pearl Events - in the same market (New Orleans). Why did she decide to do that? She wanted to diversify her business to reach different clientele at different price points. But why not just offer different packages? Valerie explains her strategy behind separating the brands and how it's worked for her so far! About Valerie Gernhauser: Valerie is a recovering attorney, Yale grad, pug lover, Springsteen fanatic, and Florida native. She has shared her knowledge on national platforms such as the Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summit, Trouvaille Workshop, Cultivate Retreat, Bliss and Bespoke, and honored to present as a keynote speaker at SEPA, ILEA, NACE, and WIPA events across the country. Sapphire Events on Social Media: Facebook: @sapphireeventsnola Instagram: @sapphireevents Ruby and Pearl on Social Media: Facebook: @rubyandpearlevents Instagram: @rubyandpearlevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Wedding photographer Rachel May talks to Megan about motherhood, and they come up with the definitive guide to how to be an amazing mother, be ever-present with your kids, run your business well, be always put-together, give your kids the right amount of screen time and social media, and never feel guilt about anything. With a combined six kids, Megan and Rachel know exactly what needs to be done! (Hopefully you read this in extreme sarcasm mode.) About Rachel May: Rachel fell in love with photography after her first daughter, Kylie, was born. Her husband Justin was deployed overseas, so she wanted to document every little thing. She chased after those once-in-a-lifetime moments knowing how much they would mean. Today, she carries that same passion with her, chasing after the once-in-a-lifetime moments her clients will treasure. Rachel May on Social Media: Facebook: @raymayphoto Instagram: @rachelmayphoto Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Kevin Dennis has been in the wedding industry for 30 years (!!) as the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services near San Francisco and the Napa Valley. He's also the international president of WIPA, the Wedding International Professionals Association. He's also involved in NACE and many other network associations. So needless to say, he knows his networking. Today, he shares how to use that networking (and other strategies) to get on preferred vendor lists! Support this show by supporting our sponsor, HelloFresh! Get $80 off your first month of HelloFresh (!) by going to HelloFresh.com/WeddingsForReal80 - with code "WeddingsForReal80" - and start enjoying some of their 5-star recipes! About Kevin Dennis: As an event industry veteran and owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, Kevin takes pride in his leadership of and involvement in industry associations. He is a past chapter president of the Silicon Valley NACE as well as the national president for WIPA. Recognizing a need for networking in his own region, Kevin founded the Tri Valley Wedding Professionals in 2010 and the association has now grown to a membership of nearly 700 pros. A respected thought leader and national speaker, Kevin was recently ranked as one of the top 3 speakers at NACE Experience. He is an ongoing contributor to Catersource and SpecialEvents.com and has been featured in BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings and the Travel Channel, among others. He recently received the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation from NACE. Kevin Dennis on Social Media: Facebook: @fantasysound twitter: @fantasysound Instagram: @FSEevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Imposter Syndrome: a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud". Sometimes as creatives, we experience this, and it can be crippling to our success and our mental state. So what do we do? Megan talked to Nikki Whitt Belch from Fancy This Photography, and they share their struggles as well as some strategies for coping with it. We'd love your feedback on our social media platforms. Let us know if YOU'VE ever dealt with imposter syndrome - and what have you done about it? Support our Sponsors! 1) Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes! 2) The Carolina Wedding Market is an new outdoor wedding-planning show that you’ll love attending. With local beer, artisans, food trucks, and a beautiful outdoor-industrial setting this show is not your usual wedding show. Think art market meets dance party meets pig-picking! The Carolina Wedding Market will take place on September 8th, 2019 just south of Raleigh. Visit their website for details, TheCarolinaWeddingMarket.com. Fancy This Photography on Social Media: Instagram: @nikki_fancythis Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Sam Jacobson, founder of Ideaction Consulting, has found that there are 4 types of buyers in the wedding market - The Relator, the Analyzer, the Boss, and the Dreamer. And today, Sam gives some ways to identify what each of your clients are, how to sell them, how to work best with them, and how you need to change your sales strategy if you want to maximize the opportunities for clients to work with. About Sam Jacobson: Sam is a business consultant, coach, and mentor for wedding pros across the country, whether they’re solopreneurs who are trying to level up, or established veterans who are trying to figure out how to not work quite so much. Prior to starting Ideaction in 2016, Sam was the director of operations for Todd Events out of Texas, and before that the lodging director and sales manager at a resort venue in Washington State, where he discovered the concept of the 4 Buying Types. Ideaction on Social Media: Instagram: @IdeactionConsulting Facebook: @SellWeddingsLikeAPro Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

When Cavin Elizabeth moved to the San Diego market, she was wondering if making educational videos and sharing them on YouTube would be a way to attract clients and grow her business. After 140 videos and over 1,700 subscribers, YouTube has been a resounding success. But why aren't most of us taking advantage of video marketing? We talk all about it in this week's episode! Support this show by supporting our sponsor, HelloFresh! Get $80 off your first month of HelloFresh (!) by going to HelloFresh.com/WeddingsForReal80 and start enjoying some of their 5-star recipes! Announcement as heard on the show: We are beyond excited for our first LIVE recording on August 21st in Raleigh at The Laurelbrook from 10am-12pm! Our topic will be “How to Stay Committed to Boundaries”, and we invite you to submit a story about when a client might have gone a liiiiitttttle bit past the boundaries on respect, budget, contract, comfort zone, or anything else really. Feel free to email your story to [email protected], and if we use it in the live show (anonymously, no names!) we’ll send you a little thank you gift! Tickets are available here and include fresh coffee, delicious donuts, some guaranteed laughter and camaraderie. Hope to see you there! About Cavin Elizabeth: As a photographer who fully believes in the value of client education, Cavin published a book that teaches brides how to make the most out of their wedding photography and have magazine worthy images entitled A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding. Her passion for helping clients make the most out of their photos has often been described as one of their favorite things about working with her. Cavin lives in San Diego with her husband David, founder of Aventrix, and their two cats, Boots and Kudzu. Cavin Elizabeth on Social Media: Instagram: @cavinelizabeth YouTube: @cavinelizabeth Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

At the Engage Luxury Wedding Summit in June, therapist and entrepreneurial coach Andy Maurer gave the most impactful and self-reflective speech at a breakout session - "Toxic Stress and How It's Killing Your Business". Many people left that session crying. I told as many people I could about it but could never do the speech justice. So I had to have Andy back on the show today to share his breakout session, what toxic stress is and where it comes from, and some tips on how to alleviate it. If you have stress in your life - hello wedding industry! - you won't want to miss this one! Announcements as heard on the show: 1) Come join me and some of the top wedding vendors in the Triangle THIS SUNDAY, Aug 4th from 4-6pm at the Barn of Chapel Hill Open House! It is planned by our good friends and podcast supporters over at Harmony Weddings and Events. Tour one of our very favorite venues, sample food, drinks and cake and meet wedding vendors of all kinds. Tickets are FREE. See you there! 2) We are beyond excited for our first LIVE recording on August 21st in Raleigh at The Laurelbrook from 10am-12pm! Our topic will be “How to Stay Committed to Boundaries”, and we invite you to submit a story about when a client might have gone a liiiiitttttle bit past the boundaries on respect, budget, contract, comfort zone, or anything else really. Feel free to email your story to [email protected], and if we use it in the live show (anonymously, no names!) we’ll send you a little thank you gift! Tickets are available here and include fresh coffee, delicious donuts, some guaranteed laughter and camaraderie. Hope to see you there! About Andy Maurer: As a speaker and licensed therapist, Andy works with high performance leaders, including CEO’s, founders, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and TV personalities, educating and equipping them on the issue of toxic stress and trauma and its impact on their work and relationships. He uses mindfulness and experiential based exercises to help leaders build awareness, develop meaningful relationships, and create a purposeful and successful life. Andy Maurer on Social Media: Instagram: @andymaurer_ LinkedIn: @andymaurer Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Styled Shoots. You get your friendors together and create a completely unique pretend wedding that you don't have to plan out for months. They seem easy right? Well, not exactly. Styled shoots can cost money, time, and sanity, so today, Leah Weinberg from Color Pop Events in New York City comes on to share her 3 Do's and 3 Don't's for Styled Shoots! Support this show by supporting our sponsor: BetterHelp.com is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. Color Pop Events on Social Media: Instagram: @colorpopevents Facebook: @colorpopevents twitter: @colorpopevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Weekend Wine Down Time! Megan and Jason talk about the live show coming up in August, where to spend a long weekend, and 9 years of A Southern Soiree! The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

In a wedding market already filled with planners, photographers, videographers, DJs, florists....every wedding vendor you can possibly imagine, how can you possibly stand out? Raleigh-based wedding photographer Julia Wade is one of a kind, and she shares her tips for individuality in a saturated market! Support this show by supporting our sponsors: Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes! BetterHelp.com is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. Julia Wade on Social Media: Instagram: @juliawade Facebook: @juliawadephotography Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Michelle Loretta from Sage Wedding Pros is a wedding business consultant with a mind for numbers and a passion for business plans! Today she comes on the show to talk all about how to make your big business decisions, and it can't be just because your competitors are doing it. Sage Wedding Pros on Social Media: Instagram: @SageWeddingPros Facebook: @SageWeddingPros twitter: @SageWeddingPros Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Kinsey Roberts is the owner Vista View Events on Open Heart Ranch in Colorado, but you probably know her best as the fabulous host of the She Creates Business Podcast! Today, Kinsey comes on the show to talk all about opening up a wedding venue! What are some tips and recommendations to help you through the process? And what are some potential landmines to avoid? Kinsey Roberts (image by Mekina Saylor Photography) On the show, Kinsey recommends hiring Lindsay Lucas if you're interested in guidance on how exactly to open up a venue and how to deal with some of the county ordinances (and other things you don't even think about). Lindsay can be found at https://thelindsaylucas.com/. Support this podcast by supporting our sponsor, BetterHelp.com! BetterHelp is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. She Creates Business Links: Instagram: @SheCreatesBusiness Facebook: @SheCreatesBusiness Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

The latest Engage! Summit was June 10-13th in the Bahamas, and Megan was there for the full luxury wedding and event education experience! And today, she shares her top ten takeaways from the speakers she heard. Tips are from: 1) Hayley Paige (14:10) 2) Amirah Kassem (18:40) 3) Cindy Novotny (22:30) 4) Duncan Wardle (26:50) 5) Julian Leaver (31:55) 6) Tracie Domino (35:10) 7) Tracie Domino again (36:55) 8) Andy Maurer (37:55) 9) Jove Meyer (40:55) 10) Mike Michalowicz (43:50) Support this podcast by supporting our sponsor, BetterHelp.com! BetterHelp is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. Engage Summits on Social Media: Facebook: @EngageSummits Instagram: @EngageSummits twitter: @EngageSummits Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Generation Z is the next generation of consumers and (wedding) clients. Christie Osborne from Mountainside Media is an expert on analytics and marketing, specifically for the wedding industry. And today she comes on to talk about what's different about Generation Z, what's the same, and what we as wedding vendors should be doing to get ready for this group! Christie Osborne, Mountainside Media (image by Dustin Osborne) Support this podcast by supporting our sponsor, Storyworth! For a really cool Father's Day (or any time) gift, visit StoryWorth.com/WeddingsForReal for $20 off your subscription! With Storyworth, you or a loved one answers questions about your life weekly, and at the end of the year, those stories are bound into a keepsake book! Mountainview Media on Social Media: Facebook: @mtnsidemediaco Instagram: @mtnsidemediaco Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Some believe the creative path is a winding road from zero to (one-day) reaching your full creative potential. But for destination wedding photographer Perry Vaile, that didn't work for her. Because as creatives, some days are more productive than others, and sometimes we have feel like everyone else is doing so much more than us, and sometimes we’re on a roll, and sometimes we want to be proud of our accomplishments, and some days, we fail. It’s a mindgame. And so Perry came up with an amazing metaphor called The House of Creativity! Perry Vaile on Social Media: Instagram: @perryvaile Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Brittny Drye started Love Inc Magazine in October 2013 as the first equality-minded wedding publication. And although the wedding industry has come a long way, we still have so much further to go to make sure that LGBTQ couples aren't discriminated against. Part of that is looking into our content - are we using bride- and groom-specific verbiage on our websites, contracts, and proposals? And even in our own language? Sha'Quitta Brown just got married to her wife L'Erin in July 2018. And for them, they didn’t feel welcome by all wedding vendors. Some were downright bigoted, and some just didn’t have the collateral on their website to make Sha’Quitta and L’Erin comfortable in contacting them. For those who are outwardly intolerant, Sha’Quitta doesn’t have any time for them. But for those who WANT to be inclusive and who WANT more LGBT weddings, Sha’Quitta has some great advice. Brittny Drye (Image by Brandi Gard) L'Erin and Sha'Quitta (image by Cedrick Forrest of Showtime Studios) Love Inc on Social Media: Instagram: @loveincmag twitter: @loveincmag Facebook: @loveincmag Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

If you've been in business long enough, you've probably had a negative online review (or several). Whether the review was fair or not, you NEED to respond. Not so much to the person who wrote the review, but for the potential clients who are reading your reviews. So how do you do it? We give some tips on today's show! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Lindsay Longacre from LVL Events (Southern California) and LVL Academy comes on the show today to talk all about pricing for profitability, a vision for creating pricing standardization, whether or not she takes on partial planning (or is it day-of coordination? or month-of? or wedding management), and the best way new vendors can connect with vendors in their market (hint: it's not a mass bcc email). On the show, we also talk a lot about LVL Academy, and Lindsay is bringing their wedding planner workshop here to North Carolina in June and yours truly (Megan Gillikin) is on the planner panel! Join us June 7-8th at Muse at the Mill in Winston-Salem for 2 full days of learning best practices, ways to refine your planning process, resources and tools to grow your business, and more! Use the code WEDDINGSFORREAL by May 10th for $200 of your registration at lvlacademy.com. See you there! Lindsay Longacre and Heather Hoesch LVL Academy (photo by Lorely Meza) LVL Events on Social Media: Instagram: @LVLWeddings Facebook: @LVLWeddings twitter: @LVLWeddings LVL Academy on Social Media: Instagram: @LVL_Academy Facebook: @LVLWeddingAcademy twitter: @LVL_Academy Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

On this Mother's Day Weekend Wine Down, we have interviews with Megan, Megan's mom, and oldest daughter Emma. Happy Mother's Day! The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Happy Mother's Day! Today we give a real, honest, vulnerable, and hilarious look at the balancing act of being a mom and a business owner. Our guests today are Ginny Corbett from Ginny Corbett Photography, Kim Holderness from the Holderness Family Podcast and all those crazy YouTube videos, Grace Beason from Grace Leisure Events, Perry Vaile from Perry Vaile Photography, and Jessica King from Happily Ever After. These ladies share funny stories, best and worst advice, what they would tell their moms, and more! Ginny Corbett with Twins (image by Sara Davis) Kim Holderness and Family Grace Beason and Her Boys Perry Vaile and Family (image by Ally and Bobby) Jessica King, Happily Ever After (image by Annie Timmons) Ad sponsor: My friends at LVL Academy are bringing their wedding planner workshop here to North Carolina in June and Weddings for Real Host Megan Gillikin is a speaker! Join us June 7-8th at Muse at the Mill in Winston-Salem for 2 full days of learning best practices, ways to refine your planning process, resources and tools to grow your business, and more! Use the code WEDDINGSFORREAL by May 10th for $200 of your registration at lvlacademy.com. See you there! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Meghan Ely, Wedding PR and Marketing Expert at OFD Consulting comes on to share the best ways to promote your business. Most of us creatives have very little time, so we need to figure out the most efficient strategies for maximizing exposure. And with the craziness of the past year or so – with WeddingWire and The Knot merging, with Southern Weddings shutting down, with Style Me Pretty shutting down and opening back up – it’s hard to know if we should be focusing on the bigger publications. So I asked Meghan what we should all be doing, and she shares some great tips! Meghan also talks about her two other websites, WeddingIndustrySpeakers.com and OFDCollective.com (see promo code below). We mentioned 3 promos on this show! 1) My friends at LVL Academy are bringing their wedding planner workshop here to North Carolina in June and Weddings for Real Host Megan Gillikin is a speaker! Join us June 7-8th at Muse at the Mill in Winston-Salem for 2 full days of learning best practices, ways to refine your planning process, resources and tools to grow your business, and more! Use the code WEDDINGSFORREAL by May 10th for $200 of your registration at lvlacademy.com. See you there! 2) For a really cool Mother's Day (or any time) gift, visit StoryWorth.com/WeddingsForReal for $20 off your subscription! With Storyworth, you or a loved one answers questions about your life weekly, and at the end of the year, those stories are bound into a keepsake book! 3) The OFD Collective. Go to OFDCollective.com, and at checkout, enter the promo code "weddingsforreal" for $20 per month off! Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section! Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting OFD Consulting on Social Media: Facebook: @ofdconsulting Instagram: @ofdconsulting Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Life is stressful. Owning a business is stressful. Clients are stressful. Parenting is stressful. Relationships are stressful. As a creative entrepreneur, it's not possible to be all things to everybody at all times. Sometimes it feels like life is in complete disarray. Catrina Ballard from Root and Restore has been both a creative entrepreneur AND a counselor, and she comes on the show today to give some tips for managing stress! Support this show by supporting our sponsors: For clothing made specifically for wedding planners, designed by a wedding planner, visit Working Wear at WorkingWearCo.com! Visit GreenChef.US/WeddingsForReal for $50 off your first box of Green Chef! Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section! Catrina Ballard, Root and Restore (all images by Becki Smith of Smith House Photo) Root and Restore on Social Media: Instagram: @RootAndRestore Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Jacob Boehm, owner and head chef of Snap Pea Creative Dining, doesn't run a typical catering company. He caters a few weddings, but not many. He doesn't do menu tastings. In fact, if you're working with him for your wedding, the menu that you pick...well, he might change it by the time your wedding comes around. And for his clients, that's one of the reasons he's so unique and in-demand. Find out more about what makes Jacob and Snap Pea special by tuning in! Support this show by supporting our sponsors: Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes! Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section! Jacob Boehm, Snap Pea Creative Dining (image by Tim Lytvinenko) (image by Food Seen) Snap Pea on Social Media: Instagram: @snappeanc Facebook: @snappeanc Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

International Wedding Planner Eva Clark from Eva Clark Events has planned over 400 events. Some of those clients have been more difficult to work with than others. But still, she wants to make sure that everyone getting married has a memorable experience in a positive way. How does she do that? By making sure she infuses compassion into her professional and personal life. Support this show by supporting our sponsors: If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year! Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section! International Wedding Planner Eva Clark (image by Shauna Veasey) Eva Clark on Social Media twitter: @evaclarkevents Instagram: @evaclarkevents Facebook: @evaclarkevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us over the past year plus! And we're so excited to announce that we've been nominated for Best Local Podcast on IndyWeek! Even though we have very little chance to win, we would love for you to vote for us (starting Monday April 8th)! And on today's Weekend Wine Down, we talk about our one year anniversary, weddings on other planets, wedding season, podcast recommendations, and more! The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Rachel Sheerin is a keynote speaker and trainer focused on helping hospitality professionals sell more and be happy! Featured in Inc. Magazine for her unorthodox, high energy style, Rachel has been an advocate for authentic sales and preventing burnout in our industry. Today she talks all about the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80-20 Rule, and how it applies to wedding vendors. Images from the amazingly talented Jeremy & Debby Deal, Lunahzon Photography, www.LunahZon.com If you're making the world better, then she's your sales whisperer. Rachel currently serves as International Director of Education for WIPA, is a long time NACE member and takes her margaritas on the rocks. Rachel Sheerin Contact Info: www.rachelsheerin.com [email protected] www.instagram.com/rachel.sheerin www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsheerin www.facebook.com/rachelsheerinspeaker Support our Sponsors: Visit GreenChef.US/WeddingsForReal for $50 off your first box of Green Chef! This Sunday from 4-7pm head over to one of the most stunning wedding venues in the Triangle, The Parlour at Manns Chapel for their Spring Open House hosted by our good friends at Harmony Weddings. This event is FREE and open to the public. It is especially perfect for engaged couples- come tour the beautiful venue and meet some of the top local vendors, all in one day! As a thank you for attending, if you book the Parlour as your venue, you can enjoy FREE use of all Parlour Vintage Rentals. This event is also wonderful for local vendors to get to tour The Parlour, network and meet new vendor friends. Last but not least, they will be unveiling a big bridal suite surprise!! Eventbrite Link here to register. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about making sure your website is found instead of your competitors' websites, when people are searching on Google for your service or product. In today's episode, digital marketing veteran Jason Gillikin gives four basic tips (Keyword Research, Google Business, Title Tags, and Content) to improve your website's rankings in Google, plus a few bonus tips. Jason and Megan Gillikin (image by Morgan Caddell Photography) Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Nightmare Clients. If you've been in the wedding industry long enough, no matter what vendor category you're in, you've had them! So what do you do? Erin McLean, owner of McLean Events in Raleigh North Carolina, comes on the show today to give her tips on avoiding the nightmare clients before booking, what she has done differently to avoid creating overbearing or nervous clients, the "Come to Jesus" talks with her clients who are not being realistic, and when it's time to fire a client. Support this show by supporting our sponsors: If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year! Visit TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code WEDDINGSFORREAL50 for 50% your first month of Care/Of Vitamins! Listeners, please nominate us in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to the IndyWeek's nominations, and in the Out & About Section, we're under "Best Local Podcast". Thanks so much! Erin McLean, McLean Events (image by Perry Vale) Erin McLean, McLean Events (image by Cyn Kain) McLean Events on Social Media: Instagram: @mcleanevents Facebook: @McLean-Events Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Candice Coppola - wedding planner at Jubilee Events, business mentor, podcaster at Power in Purpose, author of The White Dress in Color: Inspirations for the Modern Bride, Barbados resident (I'm not jealous, YOU'RE jealous!), and more - comes on the show today to talk all about the importance of making a business plan! Whether you're just thinking about starting a business, in your first couple of years, or you're an industry veteran, you need a business plan - and Candice tells you why! Support our Sponsor: BeautyByDesign.com/WeddingsForReal for 20% you first order! Listeners, please nominate us in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to the IndyWeek's nominations, and in the Out & About Section, we're under "Best Local Podcast". Thanks so much! Candice Coppola (image by Steve Depino) Candice Coppola (image by Carla Ten Eyck) (image by Steve Depino) Candice Coppola on Social Media: Instagram: @Candice.Coppola Facebook: @TheCandiceCoppola twitter: @Candice_Coppola Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Madeleine Kojakian, better known as Maddy K, is a wedding planner and serial entrepreneur. She has had many successes (and many failures) in diversifying her business, and she comes on today to talk about if YOU should diversify your business, when the right time is, when is NOT the right time, hiring tips, and how she works less now than when she did years ago. This episode is packed with great information about taking that next step in your business! Support our Sponsors: Couples, setting up your own personal wedding website at Zola is super easy, and it's a great way to tell your guests everything about your wedding (where to stay, if you can bring kids, where you're registered). And couples who go to Zola.com/WeddingsForReal get $50 off your registry! Listeners, please nominate us in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to the IndyWeek's nominations, and in the Out & About Section, we're under "Best Local Podcast". Thanks so much! Maddy K (Images by Teresa Ste Marie) Maddy K on Social Media: Facebook: @MaddyKAtelier Instagram: @MaddyKAtelier Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Sam Dockery is the former owner of Bliss by Sam, wedding planning company in both Raleigh and Chicago, until she abruptly left the industry altogether in October 2018. Why did she do it? Sam has her reasons, both personal and professional, and she talks all about it on this week's episode! Support this show by supporting our sponsors: If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year! The Wedding Photo Hangover Podcast is a light-hearted look at wedding photography. Go listen, these guys are awesome! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Support our Sponsor: Visit Audible.com/WeddingsForReal for a free 30-day Trial of the world's largest collection of Audiobooks! Veronica Armstrong, head of marketing at Mayflower Venues, is all about that startup life. She was the 4th employee and General Manager of the Wedding Market at Lovepop and helped grow that company to what it is today. She loves taking a small marketing budget and turning it into something amazing. As wedding vendors, we have small budgets as well. So what strategies should we be using to maximize our time and budget? What tools are available to help? Veronica gives her tips on today's show! Veronica Armstrong, Mayflower Venues Mayflower Venues on Social Media: Instagram: @mayflowervenues Facebook: @mayflowervenues Veronica sharing a meme on twitter: @Veronicatheblog Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

At the Carolina Inn (Chapel Hill NC) Event Showcase on January 27th, Megan and Jason Gillikin walked around and interviewed 15 couples to get their take on what it's been like to find their vendors, where they're looking, what role social media played (Instagram!), and what they would tell wedding vendors to do differently. Wedding vendors, this is some easy market research for you!Support our Sponsors:Couples, setting up your own personal wedding website at Zola is super easy, and it's a great way to tell your guests everything about your wedding (where to stay, if you can bring kids, where you're registered). And couples who go to Zola.com/WeddingsForReal get $50 off your registry!Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!Carolina Inn Chapel Hill NCThank you to all of the couples who participated, because it couldn't have been easy to randomly be interviewed, but all of these couples were amazing!Katie and CharlieMegan and ForestSummer and GregJessica and DylanSarah and RobertAmy and Matt (married three years ago)Jackie and HaydenChris and CoreyTaylor (who was with wedding planner Gina)Tim and JuliaB and WillTeressa and NickBrienne (with mom Jewel)Molly and TomAllison and Al Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected] for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Support our Sponsors: If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year! Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes! Are you in the side hustle mode of your business? Are you trying to figure out when to take it to the next level? That's where Hair and Makeup Artist Nina McCaskey was just a few months ago when she hit the Raleigh wedding scene strong. And today, she comes on the show to tell her story of deciding to go full-time with her business Wedded Kiss, and some tips for all the side-hustlers out there! Wedded Kiss on Social Media: Instagram: @weddedkiss Facebook: @weddedkiss Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Support our Sponsors: Visit GreenChef.US/WeddingsForReal for $50 off your first box of Green Chef! Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes! Wilmington NC wedding planners Sally Lindroos and Courtney Stone from Kickstand Events come on the show today to talk all about what happened when Hurricane Florence cancelled FIVE of their events in October 2018! All 5 were on Bald Head Island which was completely closed after the hurricane. They talk how they and their couples handled that, what they would do differently, and what advice they have to couples who are getting married in hurricane season. Courtney Stone and Sally Lindroos, Kickstand Events (images by Kate Supa Photography) Kickstand Events on Social Media: Instagram: @kickstandevents Facebook: @kickstandweddings Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Support our Sponsors: Visit TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code WEDDINGSFORREAL50 for 50% your first month of Care/Of Vitamins! Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes! Ivy Robinson is the wedding planner for celebrities like Dale Earnhardt Jr and Emily Maynard, has been on wedding reality TV shows like Whose Wedding Is It Anyway, and has been designing big budget weddings in the south for 16+ years. Today, she comes on the podcast to talk about longevity, motivation, clients' trust, and why she gets those big name clients! Ivy Robinson on Social Media Instagram: @ivyrobinsonevents Facebook: @ivyrobinsonevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Wedding Education Seminar February 4th from 9:30am-12pm at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC. Purchase tickets by following this link. In this intimate and educational seminar, we will cover two distinct topics relevant to purposefully growing your event business! Jason Gillikin will cover digital marketing and SEO tips for helping your ideal client find YOU, and Megan Gillikin will cover the client experience from start to finish. This seminar is ideal for wedding vendors that have a high touch relationship (multiple interactions) with their clients such as: planners, venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, DJs, bakeries, florists, hair and makeup artists, and stationers. Whether you're an up and coming vendor or a veteran member of the event industry, you are certain to walk away with an increased knowledge on digital marketing and gain invaluable insight from this seminar on how to best serve your client. Get your tickets at Eventbrite! We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more. Engaged Couples, on Sunday January 27th from noon to 4PM, come check out the Carolina Inn Showcase in Chapel Hill NC! Eat some sample desserts, check out some of the latest designs, and meet some photographers, planners, DJs, and other vendors. Also, for a future episode of Weddings for Real, Jason and Megan will be walking around the Carolina Inn talking to couples to get their perspective on what planning a wedding has been like so far, so we’re very excited about that. Tickets to the showcase are just $15, and you can find them at CarolinaInn.com. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.

Finding the right employee in any business is challenging, but it's a unique challenge in the wedding industry because it's "so glamorous". And they can be, but working a wedding involves long hours and sometimes difficult clients. So how do you find the right hires? Gina Johnston, Senior Wedding Coordinator at A Southern Soiree and Megan's luckiest hire, comes on the show to discuss the hiring and onboarding process (and mistakes made) at A Southern Soiree. Megan Gillikin and Gina Johnston, A Southern Soiree (image by Ginny Corbett Photography) A Southern Soiree on Social Media: Instagram: @asouthernsoiree Facebook: @asouthernsoiree twitter: @asouthernsoiree Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Wedding Education Seminar February 4th from 9:30am-12pm at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC. Purchase tickets by following this link. In this intimate and educational seminar, we will cover two distinct topics relevant to purposefully growing your event business! Jason Gillikin will cover digital marketing and SEO tips for helping your ideal client find YOU,and Megan Gillikin will cover the client experience from start to finish. This seminar is ideal for wedding vendors that have a high touch relationship (multiple interactions) with their clients such as: planners, venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, DJs, bakeries, florists, hair and makeup artists, and stationers. Whether you're an up and coming vendor or a veteran member of the event industry, you are certain to walk away with an increased knowledge on digital marketing and gain invaluable insight from this seminar on how to best serve your client. Get your tickets at Eventbrite! We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more. Engaged Couples, on Sunday January 27th from noon to 4PM, come check out the Carolina Inn Showcase in Chapel Hill NC! Eat some sample desserts, check out some of the latest designs, and meet some photographers, planners, DJs, and other vendors. Also, for a future episode of Weddings for Real, Jason and Megan will be walking around the Carolina Inn talking to couples to get their perspective on what planning a wedding has been like so far, so we’re very excited about that. Tickets to the showcase are just $15, and you can find them at CarolinaInn.com. If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to [email protected]. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com. The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at [email protected]. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.