The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

On the most important day of a couple's life,, family and friends gather to share a moment with two people committing their lives to one another. However, there's one person everyone is going to be looking at all night—the bride. Selecting the right dress is one of the most stressful decisions in the whole process, as any bride will tell you. Julie Sabatino is here to take some of that stress off. Julie the original wedding fashion stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride Listen in and see what Julie has to say about her experience, the biz, and some of the things most brides don't consider when shopping for "the dress". We're excited to announce that she'll soon be releasing her new podcast on our network tomorrow! Be sure to subscribe to her show, "The Stylish Bride". Show Highlights: Julie's first step when working with a new client What techniques Julie uses to determine the bride's style Julie's experiences with working with brides with different body types The most enjoyable part about what she does Advice to Wedding Planners if a bride isn't able to get a Bridal Stylist What you should do before you start shopping for your dress Why you should start shopping for the dress in advance Julie shares some of her favorite weddings she's worked Suggestions on how to interact with the wedding photographer What to consider when it comes to the hair and makeup artist Resources: The Stylish Bride Stylish Bride on Instagram Stylish Bride on Facebook Stylish Bride on Twitter

In this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and Melissa unpack all of the lessons from Michele Hodges show. Michele shared exactly the steps she goes through when she plans an event, and then she also shared some of the unique aspects of her business - the fact that she has very little social media presence and mainly builds her customer base from referrals. There's a lot more to catch up on as Andy and Melissa also discuss: The importance of entertainment at an event Michele's sequential process for planning an event A calm demeanor during the frenzy of an event is critical Spending time with a client to make sure their event is reflective of them, and not Michele. Previous Episodes Mentioned: Valerie Romanoff

The way the world runs today, it often feels as if it's impossible to make it in the Wedding Business without a strong social media presence as well as participating in a plethora of networking events. While it may seem like the only way to stay relevant these days, Michele Hodges is here to share otherwise. Michele is here to share how she never intended to fall into Event Planning, and her secret on how she's managed to do well in the field. Show Highlights: Michele's perspective on Social Media, networking, and Event Planning How Michele gets her ideas when getting to know her clients Michele's preference when it comes to deciding between a DJ or band for weddings The most important elements to consider when it comes to choosing a band Michele shares her order of constructing a wedding for a new client The key factor to look for when it comes to Floral Designers What Michele recommends on how to confront challenges The biggest changes in the industry Michele's become more aware of What Michele would tell experienced planners on what they need to know to be successful

We know it isn't just luck that separates the most successful entrepreneurs in our industry from the rest of the pack. Success leaves clues and we are uncovering those clues to success on every single episode of THE NEXT LEVEL! Today, Andy and Melissa dive into the amazing Christian Oth interview! Christian was so open about sharing his keys to success and he was amazingly open about his tough road to the top! It hasn't been without challenges. Listen in as Andy and Melissa discuss: Christian's openness and humility about his journey to success. The customer experience that Christian focuses on. Making each experience unique and different. Plus, they answer a listener question! Previous Episodes Mentioned: Colin Cowie Sign up for the detailed guide to Christian Oth's interview for even more information!

As any Creative knows, getting started can be a challenge. Christian Oth is no stranger to the effort that goes into success. He moved to New York City when he was 19 years old in order to go to photography school, and he went from having to pawn his only camera, to owning his own wedding photography business. Today, Christian sits down with Andy to tell his story and to offer advice to aspiring photographers and Creatives. Show Notes: How Christian knew he wanted to be a photographer since he was 17 How having his own website in 2001 put him ahead of the competition The value of constantly being aware of your surroundings Christian shares how his approach varies with each wedding and couple The most important ingredient between a couple and photographer Why it's vital to let go and trust your wedding photographer The role environment plays when it comes to photography What Christian enjoys about his clients who are more visually aware The approach Christian takes when it comes to his business and being the "boss" How social media is changing the business of photography Suggestions and the importance of networking His major announcement about his innovative new program:Jetsetters Resources: Christian Oth Studio Jetsetters Christian Oth Instagram Christian Oth Facebook

In today's episode, Andy and Melissa dive a little deeper into Chef Roy Yamaguchi's interview on The Wedding Biz. Roy is our first Chef to appear on the show and he really brought the value. In this episode we discuss: The unexpected humility that Roy displays How focusing on culture cause Roy to make some out of the box business decisions Why creating the right culture can allow you to hire the right team The difference that Mastery brings to any skill Roy's focus on creating an experience and a feeling, rather than just serving technically perfect food. Previous Episodes Discussed: Preston Bailey Christian Oth - coming soon!

On today's episode, Andy shares with us the honor of sitting down with renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi, as he shares his story. Chef Roy shares his experiences from coming to the United States for the first time to attend culinary school, starting his first restaurant in Los Angeles, and finally creating Roy's in Hawaii. Listen in as Roy shares with Andy, as well as the rest of us, his passion, his mission, and his hopes for the future. Show Highlights: How HomeEc sparked Roy's culinary path The moment he decided to commit to cooking and pursue Culinary school in America Roy shares his first experience of New York compared to living in Japan The reason Roy went with his gut on opening his restaurant in Hawaii, when everyone told him not to What Roy took away from Cheers and the influence that played in creating his restaurant Roy shares the value of having a team and the importance of everyone having a voice Why sometimes you've got to let ideas marinate The difference in what makes a great Chef versus what makes a great Cook How social media has helped Roy personalize his guests' dining experience How Roy manages to balance his work and personal life Resources: Roy Yamaguchi Roy's Story Roy's Fish & Seafood Cookbook Roy's Feasts from Hawaii Cookbook Roy's Hawaii Cooks Cookbook Roy's Twitter Roy's Facebook

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy and Melissa unpack all the lessons and strategies that Mindy Weiss shared in her interview. Mindy was so open with her knowledge and she gave some very specific strategies tips that you can implement in your business. Show Highlights: Make each client feel they are your only client Be a stress reducer for your brides How to balance your personal and business lives Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Become your client's friend There is nothing better than hearing it first hand, so tune in to today's show and learn all you can! Resources: Harmony Walton's TWB Episode

Mindy Weiss is a force in the high-end wedding and event planning business. Since her early beginnings, she has delighted celebrity and non-celebrity clients alike with her ability to build meaningful relationships every step of the way. On this episode, Mindy shares her wealth of knowledge about what it's like to maintain an A-List clientele. But while there certainly are additional factors to consider when planning luxury events for celebrities, Mindy's insights from years of experience working with families and couples are applicable to anyone in the event planning industry. From getting to truly know your clients-- both financially and personally-- to how you might be able to successfully evade the paparazzi, Mindy Weiss dives in with honesty and humor to share her wisdom on this episode. About Mindy: Mindy Weiss is based in Beverly Hills and is the best-selling author of 3 books: The Wedding Book, The New Mindy Weiss Wedding Organizer, and The Baby Keepsake Book and Planner. She is also a product innovator and spokesperson, planning celebrations all over the world for celebrity clients like Fergie, Ellen Degeneres, Pink, Jessica Simpson, Serena Williams, and Heidi Klum, among many others. What you can expect from this episode: How Mindy stays on the top event plan and design lists year after year The unexpected venue where Mindy celebrated her Sweet 16 party How Mindy got her first event planning gig and what it was Mindy explains how events for celebrity clients are different Clever tips for managing paparazzi How to build your business with celebrity and VIP clients The top qualities needed to be a successful wedding and event planner What common phrase to never say to your clients Mindy shares some of her all-time favorite celebrity client weddings How to maintain respect from your high-end clients Simple ways to improve your quoting and pricing How to build and manage a team that creates a healthy workspace Links Mentioned in the Show: MindyWeiss.com Mindy Weiss on Instagram - @mindyweiss and @under30over50 Vow To Be Chic - The Mindy Bridesmaid Dress The Mindy Weiss Rollasole The Wedding Book by Mindy Weiss The New Mindy Weiss Wedding Organizer The Baby Keepsake Book and Planner by Mindy Weiss Wedding Paper Divas Invitation Collection

Considering the incredible success Mark Held has had by focusing on doing one thing - flowers - and doing them better than anyone else, it's no surprise that Andy and Melissa are able to extract many strategies from Mark's interview. Join Andy and Melissa as they delve further into the following topics: Continually innovating is necessary for the success of a business. Spending time understanding your client and what they want is always time well-spent. The power of knowing your market and your demographic. The importance of re-inventing yourself with every event - especially when you use the same venues multiple times. Anticipate how your craft will affect the final outcome of the event. The only criteria for judging flowers is - are they beautiful? Your only limitation is yourself. Episodes Mentioned: Kristin Banta

Mark Held didn't originally see himself as a florist. His first arrangement-- a project assigned to him at summer camp as a young boy-- turned out to be poison ivy. But after a successful dance and theater career as a young adult, Mark wanted to continue his creative expression. His partner, Richard David, had just the outlet: a flower shop he was opening up. And he convinced Mark to join him for a bit. At the time, Mark thought it would be a temporary arrangement. Fast forward a couple decades, and Mark Held is a prominent name in floristry. As a grounded, creative mind, he believes that flowers "breathe life into events" and is always looking forward to the future of his business and clients. In this episode, Mark shares his perspective on career development, crafting a quality event, and the way he navigates the Hollywood scene as a professional florist. About Mark Born in Chicago, Mark Held is the son of a preacher and attended the University of Redlands in California. Together with Richard David, Mark Held created Mark's Garden, which is a self-described "part retail flower shop and part creative design studio". Mark's team has crafted floral design for the Academy Awards Governors Ball for the past 24 years, plus Television Emmy Awards, Golden Globes Awards, top level civic events and a long list of celebrity weddings including Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Pink, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, and Adam Sandler, among others. Mark is also the co-author of a book titled, Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant Entertaining. Show Highlights: How Mark transitioned his career from dance to floristry Why you shouldn't worry so much about your career path The original concept for Mark's Garden that caught on and grew the business How Mark views running a business with a romantic partner What experience inspires Mark time and time again A few of Mark's insights into this year's upcoming Governors Ball floral design Insight into how Mark's experience working with large celebrity events Some of Mark's biggest day-of mishaps and how he managed them How Mark has seen the floral industry evolve since he began his business Links Mentioned in the Show: Mark's Garden Mark's Garden Instagram - @marksgarden Mark's book - Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Fabulous Entertaining

Andy and Melissa take a second listen to Preston Bailey's interview about his design process. There's so much that can be learned from Preston's interview! In this episode, Melissa and Andy discuss: How Preston embraces new technology Preston's work for Joan Rivers and how it changed his life How to solve problems as things get a little crazy The difference dramatic entrances can make in an event Andy and Melissa also answer a listener question! Be sure to join us!

REVISIT: The year is 1980. The place is New York City. And the person is Preston Bailey, who at the time was just looking for a way to pay the bills and not get evicted from his apartment. What started as a small time floral business blossomed into what we know as Preston Bailey's immaculate and stunning work. For Preston, it's been a long journey to get to the top tier of wedding and event designing. He's had to overcome challenges and obstacles, both personally and professionally, including drug addiction and taking his business and clients more seriously. But at 68 years young, Preston's career is far from the home stretch, as he's still as passionate about pushing boundaries and discovering new designs as he's ever been. In this illuminating interview, Andy and Preston explore Preston's meandering path to present. The two discuss his most life-changing moment back in 1990, how Preston truly wows guests with his decor and designs, and how he orchestrates his own work to be in perfect synchronicity with all the other moving parts of an event. Check out the full interview right here. Links Preston Bailey [Website] Preston Bailey [Instagram] Preston Bailey [Facebook] Preston Bailey [Twitter] Morning Pages by Julia Cameron

Today, Melissa and Andy are recording this episode of TNL from the Engage! Conference in Banff, Canada! Listen in as Andy answers a listener question that may also be a question you've been wondering about too! Stephanie Bradshaw's interview was amazing for a lot of reasons, but certain aspects of it particularly resonated with Andy and Melissa. If you haven't listened to Stephanie's interview yet, definitely make sure you listen because it is packed full of value! In this episode, Melissa and Andy take a deeper dive into the following topics from Stephanie Bradshaw's interview: How Stephanie used being fired from a job she loved as a launch pad for her business. Andy's book recommendation for dealing with challenges and failure. The unique program that Stephanie has developed for internships and mentorships. The philosophy Stephanie implements company-wide for self-care - for herself and her team. Resources Mentioned: The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday Follow us on Instagram: @Weddingzbizshow Stephanie's Full Interview

Stephanie Bradshaw has more than just impeccable taste, she has a knack for project management and has a very diverse business portfolio-which in our opinion has lead to ultimate success! Growing up in a traveling military family, she quickly found inspiration through other cultures, colors, and textures from around the world, and she's translated that into her love for event design and production. But even more than the art of an event, Stephanie is a fearless business leader who has endless inspiration and skill to offer when it comes to team development, taking on the right clients for your brand, and creating truly inspiring events-- all while balancing print publications, industry summits, and raising a family. Tune into this episode to be inspired by Stephanie's drive, all while picking up some invaluable tips along the way. About Stephanie Bradshaw Currently based in Baltimore, Stephanie spent her childhood traveling through the world in a military family. Inspired by her travels through Germany and Asia, Stephanie is now an event planner, designer, mentor, and owner of a highly successful business with her name on the door. Show Highlights: How Stephanie started expressing her interest in design How early childhood travels inspire her on a creative level Stephanie's surprising first job out of college How Stephanie made her transition into event design Why getting fired was so incredibly monumental for her How to set up an effective internship program Stephanie gives tips and advice on how to manage a group of staff and interns Why you benefit from having a graphic designer on your event production team Questions you can ask your next clients to get to know them-and serve them best Touching stories from Stephanie's favorite events she's designed How to know when to say no to clients or projects-and feel OK about it The difference between branding and marketing Methods Stephanie uses to stay organized and balanced Links Mentioned in the Show: Stephanie Bradshaw on Instagram - @sbcreative_ Videos: SB Brand: https://vimeo.com/175449250 Pendry Grand Opening: https://vimeo.com/218023079 OUTSPIRE: https://vimeo.com/243173774 Websites: www.stephanie-bradshaw.com www.outspiresummit.com www.sbhues.com

This episode of The Next Level dives deeper into the interview with Tara Dowburd. You may be wondering what a makeup designer can tell you about your business, but Tara is full of great ideas. Andy and Melissa discuss the particular wisdom that Tara shared about networking for your business. As someone whose business depends on relationships, networking has been the key to propel Tara to success. In this episode, Andy and Melissa also mention Bryan Rafanelli'sshow, as well as Lynn Easton'sshow. So if you have not listened to either of those shows yet, please check them out!

Tara has always known that creativity needs to be at the center of her career. She's an artist. What she didn't expect was that makeup would be her medium. But after seeing how involved she could be in the lives of her clients and the craft of building confidence inside and out, she realized there was no other place that would be more suitable for her. After spending over 20 years in the field, Tara has the skills and experience to give solid business advice in the wedding and event makeup realm. About Tara Dowburd: Born just outside Philadelphia, Tara Dowburd moved to LA and founded Make-Up Therapy, where she and her hand-selected Beauty Team specialize in hair and makeup for celebrities and other high end clients-- from red carpet to weddings and more. A few notable clients include Fergie, Kristen Bell, Ervin "Magic" Johnson, and more. Show Highlights: How Tara named her business, Make-Up Therapy Tara's earliest memories of makeup, and her first reactions to it Why Tara thought she'd never get into makeup Her experience moving across the country with no job, and what happened next How Tara got her first high-end makeup gig before even she had a beauty kit The way Tara helps her clients to be themselves through their wedding day makeup How to prioritize being present with your client through all the event logistics Tara explains how it's different working with men's makeup vs women's makeup How to work well with wedding and event photographers Weather and environmental factors to consider when you do professional makeup Tara shares some of her go-to products, plus tips for buying your own How Tara secures a stable team and return clients Links Mentioned in the Show: Tara Dowburd on Instagram and Twitter- @makeuptherapy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeuptherapy/ Make-Up Therapy

Join Andy and Melissa for today's Next Level episode, where they break down the amazing interview with Kevin Lee. Kevin sat down with Andy and shared his story of coming to the US and in the process, completely changing careers. What started as a love for flowers, quickly blossomed into the event planning business he has today. Kevin became known for some of the most glamorous events and his over the top flair for artistry made him a beloved movie character. Andy and Melissa dive deeper into the strategies that Kevin shared and they pull out the practical tips that you can use to build your business. In this episode, Andy and Melissa also mention Preston Bailey's episode, so if you haven't listened to that one yet, check it out here.

Wedding Biz - Kevin Lee Kevin Lee loves living a glamorous lifestyle, and he's proved time and time again, he's willing to work for it. He learned the value of true discipline early in life through ballet and becoming a talented clarinet player. Coming from South Korea to America, changing lanes and opening a flower shop-he created his business from continual learning, humility and a true thirst for creating the best and most beautiful experiences possible for his high end clientele. About Kevin Lee Kevin Lee is known for the most innovative designs and cutting edge events, from grand awards shows such as the Oscars, Grammys and Emmys, to over the top weddings, private celebrity events and Hollywood premiers. He has designed weddings and events for A-list celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, and Kate Hudson, among others. Show Highlights: The career Kevin had in South Korea, prior to becoming an event designer in the US. The family hardships that prompted Kevin's family to move to the US as a young adult How Kevin got his start in weddings and events in the US Kevin shares about his favorite place to live in the States Mentors who have helped Kevin's professional development over the years Kevin's experience working alongside Mary Micucci How observing event design for years helped Kevin to leap into his own business The funeral that got Kevin his first break into the public eye Kevin shares how he gets to know his brides How Kevin determines whether the bride is working with a large or small budget, and why that is important. Stories from one of Kevin's favorite weddings he produced How to manage stressful situations at weddings and events Kevin's philosophy and insights on running his business Why you should switch up your vendor partners from time to time Kevin dishes on why he's not interested on being on every television show Links Mentioned in the Show: Kevin Lee Productions

REVISIT: Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce are powerhouse team is the force behind the wedding and honeymoon industry consulting firm Engaging Concepts. In this episode, we talk about their road from their Disney Weddings days to their own Engage! Summits events.

Join Andy Kushner and Melissa Fancy as they digest the value-packed episode with Harmony Walton! Tune into this episode to get some major insight on how to maintain a creative and flourishing business with multiple revenue streams! Show Highlights: Everyone looks at every detail of a wedding Keeping relationships alive and nurtured Becoming a person everyone wants to work with Writing handwritten "thank you" notes Never letting limitations get in your way Keeping an open mind when things don't go as planned Being willing to embrace change Look at what you already have and improve it Resources: Sign up for the newsletter for the deep dive into the tips: theweddingbiz.com Instagram: @Weddingbizshow Email: [email protected]

It takes but a moment to see that Harmony Walton's path to success had everything to do with how she handled perceived challenges along the way. Her career is marked by her own fearless ability to focus on giving direction to her dreams and focus on doing work that she loved and would succeed at. She credits her work with a well-known Hollywood Celebrity as the best training she could have had, especially when it comes to high touch client service. About Harmony: Harmony Walton is the founder of The Bridal Bar and a luxury destination wedding and honeymoon blog, Jet Fete. She hosts Bridal Bar Radio, powered by Clear Channel, airing weekly and on demand at iHeart Radio. Since it's inception, The Bridal Bar has been featured in over 100 media outlets, including The New Yorker, The NY Times, Entertainment Tonight, People magazine, Martha Steward Weddings, US Weekly, and many, many more. She also has over a decade in marketing, consulting, and brand-representation experience in the luxury wedding industry. Some of her celebrity clientele include Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett, and Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelly. As a wedding business consultant and wedding expert, she speaks frequently worldwide to both consumers and companies. Show Highlights: Harmony grew up in San Diego, went to UCLA, and worked for Dustin Hoffman's family for 3 years Why she wanted to do something completely different from everyone else in her family How her competitive nature manifested itself brought challenges that lead to success At 24, she started her first business, always knowing she would find her way to entrepreneurship How she took a course on how to be a wedding planner, and it made it clear to her that wedding planning wasn't necessarily for her The biggest lessons she took from her work for the Hoffmans, learning the "other" side of the service industry, and realizing it really is "who you know" Truly understanding the service side of what it takes to create parties and luxury events Having a focus on legacy clients: becoming AND remaining the person everyone wants to work with How Harmony maintains relationships with great communication, attending networking events, always remaining organic, authentic, and true to who she really is How little gestures of "thank you" can go a long way When she took a job in a Hollywood PR firm for 9 months and had an "I can't go back there ever again" moment How she started a party and gifting business, and discovered something more enjoyable How she traded content for advertising in Inside Weddings--and actually got them to pay her! How the idea of The Bridal Bar came about, even though Inside Weddings wasn't interested in her original pitch Being open to pivoting, learning not to give up, changing when you need to, and staying ahead Why you shouldn't be disappointed with your failures The mission statement for The Bridal Bar: to "educate and inspire couples in order to influence their vendor decisions" How The Bridal Bar works, as a marketing agency for vendors and as a free service to the public: "an interactive concierge experience" Why many creative businesses struggle with the business side The consulting side of The Bridal Bar and how it grew as Harmony tried to help other businesses The ability to successfully market with creativity Working with social media platforms, and how it can be "a necessary evil" Going deeper to create emotional connection Harmony's biggest Master Class tips to take your biz to the next level" It IS who you know It costs more than you think and less than you have The hustle / "bootstrap" mentality is important Resources: www.bridalbar.com www.harmonywalton.com www.jetfeteblog.com Find Bridal Bar on iHeart Radio

It hardly seems possible that today's show is the celebration of the One Year Anniversary of The Wedding Biz podcast! When Andy started the show a year ago, he began as a passion project, but since that time, it has turned into so much more! Andy knew he wanted his podcast to be different, and he certainly accomplished that. One of the things that makes The Wedding Biz so unique is that Andy only does interviews in person. So for the past year, he has visited the homes, offices, and event venues with his guests, in order to sit down and conduct a face to face interview. Andy says it's one of his secrets to making a real connection with his guests! Listen to the episode as Andy introduces you to his team - Marketing Director, Melissa Fancy, and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Christy Haussler. Together they share their favorite things about the show, re-live some highlights of their favorites guests on the show, and they also reveal the strategic direction of the podcast of 2018 and beyond! This star-studded show also features some heartfelt congratulations from some of our favorite guests. Be sure to listen to this episode to get this behind the scenes look at The Wedding Biz!

In this companion episode of David Tutera's interview, Andy and Melissa Fancy take a deeper dive into the strategies that David shared. David insists that you don't have to love your clients, as long as you love what you do for your clients. This concept and many more are discussed in this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL! Don't forget to visit the website - www.theweddingbiz.com and sign up for the additional information to help grow your business! Previous Episodes Mentioned: Sean Low Ian Prosser Bryan Rafanelli Lynn Easton Matthew Robbins David Stark

If you've heard of David Tutera, you know he's done it all. He's a leading expert in the wedding and entertaining business with a list of accomplishments almost too long to mention. From sharing how he found himself in the events industry, to his foresight for where the industry is going, David dishes on everything you want to know-with the incredible motivation you need. About David Tutera: Originally from New York, David Tutera is a celebrity wedding planner and designer, author of seven books, television personality, and bridal fashion and wedding accessories designer. His work has graced both television for 14 years, from regular spots on The View to his own collection of television series like My Fair Wedding. David has created weddings and events for Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barbara Walters, the White House, the Grammy Awards, and countless others. David currently lives in Malibu, California with his husband Joey, daughter Ceilo, and their rescue dog Lucy. Show Highlights: David's unexpected childhood upbringing that heavily influences his outlook on life David shares how to avoid burnout in a fast-moving industry Why strategically re-inventing yourself in your career is crucial David's short college experience and his first post-college business How old David was when he planned his first wedding What David thought most wedding planners were missing when he started his event planning business The challenges of starting a new wedding planning business The two pivotal years that put David's business on the map His experiences on television, including the launch of his first series David shares his two biggest fears, and how he uses them to find empowerment The process David takes with his clients to create custom events Some of David's favorite weddings of all time (including his own!) About David's product line How David has seen the wedding/event industry change over the past 30 years Links Mentioned in the Show: David Tutera David Tutera Event Planning Symposium Video links - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlWg-AwV0Zw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31jCjwUe8fs&t=3s https://youtu.be/hoSwFXaVleA

Join The Wedding Biz host, Andy Kushner and Marketing Director Melissa Fancy as they break down Lisa Gooder's interview. Lisa Gooder is the Executive Director of Brides Magazine. Andy and Melissa dive a little deeper into the content from Lisa's interview and discuss the following: Current trends in weddings Why the story is the main thing Why some wedding traditions no longer matter Exclusivity in the wedding industry Why you want to be a "friendor", not a vendor How social media has forever changed the wedding landscape for both the couples and industry professionals The case for social media in your business Why relationships really do matter at the end of the day Join us right here each week as Andy and Melissa dig deeper into the expert interviews and give you tips, tricks, and strategies to take your business to the next level! Other shows mentioned in the show: Jose Villa Colin Cowie Shawna Gohel

Lisa Gooder was always passionate about telling stories. No matter the workplace-- from artifact appraisals to digital media, to Lisa, the way a story could connect others and draw interest were obvious. Enter her break into the wedding industry, where the story has been culturally set for decades - that is, until Lisa began to see changes with the demographic and wanted to help tell their honest stories. Get ready to dive deep with Lisa on how she's seen the answer to the question, "why get married?" change drastically over the years, why that matters, and what it means for brands in the wedding industry. About Lisa Gooder: Lisa Gooder has been at the intersection of digital media and the wedding industry for years - from her time working at The Knot to her current position as Executive Director for Brides Magazine. Lisa attended Brown University and lives in New York with her family. Show Highlights: Lisa's early eclectic career beginnings that immersed her in story Why Lisa put off going to college The funny story of being turned down for an internship at Conde Nast How Lisa ended up researching dinosaur bones at her first job The unexpected way Lisa broke into weddings and digital media Experiences from working at The Knot when it was a start-up Lisa discusses how she thinks wedding culture has changed over time Why marriage now is more of a choice than ever How Lisa has helped to reimagine the Brides brand The role of female empowerment in the wedding industry How Lisa has balanced raising a family and progressing her career Stress dreams Lisa has heard of (and had) before weddings The type of content Brides looks for, to tell engaging stories Links Mentioned in the Show: Lisa Gooder on Instagram - @lisagooder Brides.com

Initially, Jose's parents were nervous about him becoming a photographer. As recent US immigrants, they didn't think his dreams of making money in portrait photography would come to fruition and wanted to see him take on a more traditional career path. But Jose knew he was onto something when he started taking photos in high school, and his friends started paying him for senior portrait sessions. He loved portraits, he loved film, and he never looked back. Since then, Jose has been shooting film professionally for all of his clients. He's been photographing weddings for about 16 years and finds them to be completely immersive, personal, and life-changing for everyone involved. In this episode, Jose sits down to share his perspective and tips on what it's like to be a professional wedding photographer who has an eye for fine art, and how his niche in film photography plays out in the digital age. About Jose Jose Villa is a fine art wedding photographer known for crafting vibrant, energetic, fine art images that are as unique as the people in the photographs. Jose has been published in many magazines around the world, including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, Instyle Weddings, Inside Weddings, Brides Magazine, Modern Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Pacific Weddings, Southern Weddings, and many more. He has been named a top wedding photographer in Martha Stewart Weddings, Harper's Bazaar, Style Me Pretty, and Vogue, and was recently listed in the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by American Photo Magazine. Jose is the author of Fine Art Wedding Photography. Jose was born in Mexico and grew up in Solvang, California. He attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. Show Highlights: Jose open up about his parents' initial reaction to him wanting to be a photographer What motivated Jose originally to take photography classes in high school The one person who helped boost Jose's confidence as a young photographer How Jose got his first gig as a wedding photographer Jose defines what fine art photography is when it comes to weddings Why Jose continues to shoot in film even after the rise of digital photography The things Jose worries about when waiting for developed film to come back Why candid photos mean so much especially to friends and family The way a photographer's presence at a wedding impacts the event as a whole as well as the bride and groom's wedding day experience. What to do if guests pull out cameras or cell phones during the ceremony Jose shares his go-to gear for shooting weddings in film Links Mentioned in the Show: Jose Villa - Fine Art Wedding Photography Jose Villa on Instagram - @josevilla Jose's book - Fine Art Wedding Photography The Man Who Listens To Horses by Monty Roberts

To Ron Ben-Israel, a cake is far more than a cake. It's equal to a performance. And if anyone knows about performance, it's surprisingly the master of couture celebration cakes. After graduating college with a Fine Arts degree, Ron saw the world through two distinct lenses: the Israeli military, and a ballet company he joined after serving in his early 20's. He traveled around the world, performing with two companies over nearly 15 years before finding himself in New York City and wanting to make a career transition. This is where he began to discover his talent for baking. From never having baked a professional cake to founding Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, Ron shares the path and experiences that got him there. His practical and disciplined approach to growth illustrates the level of passion, dedication, and humble learning that successful pastry chefs possess. About Ron Ben-Israel Ron Ben-Israel is a renowned pastry chef originally from Israel and currently based in New York. Ron is the founder of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, where he and his team create delectable cakes for luxury events. From 2011-2013 hosted a Food Network show Sweet Genius, and was also a judge on the network's reality competition series, Cake Wars. His specialty and wedding creations are consistently featured in national periodicals, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides Magazine and New York Magazine and are also prominently highlighted in books. Show Highlights: -The two characteristics innate in Ron that make him a successful pastry chef -How Ron's education in fine art made for an inspirational platform for his career -Ron shares how he came to love ballet while he was serving in the Israeli military -Where Ron was when he first began designing artisanal cakes -How Ron acquired professional pastry chef mentors -The importance of learning how to develop new skills in person -The benefits of making new mistakes -The two necessities that you should prove when managing your business -The difference between being an artist and providing a creative service -Ron shares about his experience being on two Food Network TV series -Ron gives tips on how to truly experience cakes, understand and describe flavors Links Mentioned in the Show: https://www.weddingcakes.com/ www.asthecaketurns.com Links: Social Media: Instagram @rbicakes Facebook Twitter https://www.youtube.com/user/RonBenIsraelCakes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NVfxmUo2iM

Peter Callahan almost didn't become a world-famous caterer. Growing up around successful finance businessmen, he felt as if that was his destiny and attended undergraduate programs for business. But with every elaborate party Peter designed and catered in college, he learned more about crafting incredible experiences through creativity and food. It would still take him multiple failed college classes and several more years to finally make the leap from a career as a precious metals bonds trader, but at 26 he left to start his own food business and has never looked back. In his adult life, Peter embraced his creativity and learned it's never too late to start doing more of what you love. His famous artisanal miniature bites have become the cornerstone of his culinary brand, but with a mind like Peter's, there is always more on the horizon. About Peter: Peter Callahan is the iconic owner and Creative Director of New York City-based Peter Callahan Catering. Widely credited with having created the mega trend of miniature savory and dessert comfort food hors-d'oeuvres, Peter has been a caterer, food stylist, and culinary innovator for more than twenty-five years. Seen countless times on the Today Show and Martha Stewart Show, Peter is also a Contributing Editor for Martha Stewart Weddings and is the author of best-selling book, Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party as well as his newest book, Party Food. Peter has created sensational events for Martha Stewart, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, JP Morgan, Tory Burch, Valentino, Regis and Joy Philbin, Tony Bennett, Kelly Ripa, Google, and Al Gore, among many other clients. Peter and his wife, fashion designer Josephine Sasso, divide their time between New York City and Nantucket. Show Highlights: How Peter realized he is a creative How Peter's grades struggled in undergrad while his grand parties flourished The career Peter took prior to making the leap into the culinary business Peter shares stories of his first experience catering for an unsuspecting event How Peter managed a business transition from Philadelphia to New York What Peter did to obtain steady business catering in NYC What inspired Peter to start "shrinking" food, and how he did it The importance of finely crafted appetizers in a dining experience Insights to help you free yourself up to focus more on your creative work Ways to find the best partners for your business Why you shouldn't let fear stand in your way of chasing your business goals Peter hints at his hopes for the next exciting steps in his business Links Mentioned in the Show: Peter Callahan Peter's books - Bite by Bite and Party Food

Simon T. Bailey is no stranger to success, even though he's quite familiar with failure. At a young age, Simon was turned down for multiple sports teams-but he didn't let that stop him. He left his first college after just one year and moved into a low-income neighborhood. His path took him to a high-level role, which he transitioned away from when it became clear his days as an employee there were numbered. But in every situation, Simon was constantly searching for a way to use what he was truly passionate about-- helping others to discover their inner brilliance. Simon is unafraid to transform himself, to recognize the need to evolve. He understands this means putting yourself out there and potentially failing. He spends this episode sharing his experiences and dropping life-changing perspectives on how you can help yourself grow, forgive others, and take responsibility for pursuing your dreams and find success. About Simon T. Bailey: Simon T. Bailey helps people discover their inner brilliance. A best-selling author, Success Magazine's 2018 Top 25, and renowned teacher, Simon has shaped the lives of more than 2 million people in 45 different countries. Simon is one of America's Top 10 Most-Booked Corporate and Association Speakers and recently was inducted into the National Speaker's Association Hall of Fame. Whether advising CEOs or speaking at a conference, Simon knows that everyone has the potential to be brilliant. Simon T. Bailey grew up in Buffalo, New York. Show Highlights: What Simon was doing at 8 years old that forecasted his successful career today Simon's experience trying out for sports and the impact failure had on him The surprising and memorable first public speech Simon gave Simon shares his experience moving by himself into a low-income neighborhood at 19 The 3 questions Simon asked himself that were the catalyst for him to move into his business How Simon transitioned from a high-level leadership role at Disney to follow his dreams Why it's important to have a mentor and how they make a difference How you can make a tangible impact in your life starting with 15 minutes each day The benefits of really engaging in therapy, especially for men Links Mentioned in the Show: SimonTBailey.com Simon T. Bailey - Lynda Courses Video Links: https://vimeo.com/242164507 https://vimeo.com/247528559 https://vimeo.com/236607218 Other Links: The Hottest Event Keynote Speakers for 2018 | ITA Group https://www.success.com/article/25-successful-people-wholl-help-change-your-life-in-2018 Our Courses: https://www.simontbailey.com/courses - In particular, our Brilliant Presenter and Shift Your Brilliance courses Social Media: Twitter - @simontbailey Facebook – www.facebook.com/simontbrillionaire/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontbailey/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simontbailey/

Troy Williams is a successful event designer, planner and lifestyle influencer, but his success didn't happen overnight. It took years of hard work and persistence in following his dream, including cold-calling producers in Hollywood, finding an opportunity to be an intern at Warner Brothers Studios and helping to style celebrities who happened to shop during his shifts at Banana Republic.Above all, Troy credits his career to his passion, talent, and being truly kind to everyone he met. In this episode, Troy recounts his experience steadily blossoming into an event designer at Warner Brothers, and how he made the leap from a successful career in Hollywood premiere parties to taking on his own business: Simply Troy - where his A-List Celebrity network now recognizes him as a go-to for their own personal celebrations. About Troy: Troy Williams is enthusiastically motivated by the sparkle in his client's eye when they realize their vision has been spectacularly brought to life. He is inspired by any element he can incorporate into their event that has particular personal meaning. He creates incredibly personalized event +branding experiences for Celebrity, Corporate, Social and Charity clients. His attention to every detail, both big and small, is held to a consistently high standard of perfection. During his rewarding 14-year tenure, as a Senior Publicist for Premieres and Special Events at Warner Bros. Pictures, he was involved in the planning and implementation of over 450 special events from coast to coast, including Academy Award and Golden Globe parties. Some of Troy's most noteworthy clients include Eva Longoria, Seth McFarlane, Julianne Hough, Fergie, Carol Burnett and IMDb. Troy lives in Southern California with his husband, Craig, their toddler son, Finnley and their dogs. Show Highlights: How Troy's college internship experience at Warner Bros. impacted his career The early professional projects he earned from persistence and cold-calling The importance of networking and being kind to your contacts Troy recounts his experience putting on Hollywood premiere events Troy's favorite premiere parties he's created-- and some of his most stressful moments What motivated Troy to take the leap into his own business from his successful career The biggest differentiator between party planners and event professionals A few tips to organically incorporate branding or personal client elements at an event How Troy currently structures his business, Simply Troy Why Troy started the Simply Smart Book Club Links Mentioned in the Show: Simply Troy - Lifestyle + Events Simply Smart Book Club

At 15 years old, Ian Prosser's love of floral design began when he took an elderly woman in his community to flower-arranging night classes. Through apprenticeships and competitions-- and some strong reservations from his family-- Ian's talent grew tremendously, turning him into the youngest person to receive Scotland's Floral Designer of the Year at just 19 years old. As a self-proclaimed "detail freak", Ian built a successful business for himself in Scotland with his eye for detail and made the transition to the United States 32 years ago, where he re-launched his business with great success in his very first year. Ian's passion and knowledge of the industry includes work with luxury and celebrity clients alike-- even royalty! Learn what you need to know about building an iconic design and decor business in the luxury wedding niche through Ian's stories, experiences, and advice. About Ian: Ian Prosser, originally from Glasgow, Scotland and currently residing in Florida, was the youngest person to receive Scotland's Floral Designer of the Year. He earned the National Diploma of the Society of Floristry-- the highest European honor in floristry. His willingness to learn his entire career set him up for total success when he was tasked with a project so large and logistically complicated as the American Inauguration - he was able to create systems that made everything run smoothly and his design execution run perfectly. He currently resides in Florida and owns Botanica International Design and Decor Studio. Through Ian Prosser Productions, he creates stunning, innovative floral design for luxury weddings and events, serving celebrity clients like Queen Elizabeth, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Donna Summer, Kirstie Alley, and others. He's also done the inaugurations for Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Show Highlights: Hear how Ian Prosser honed his skills at an early age to become a professional floral designer The steps Ian took to build a wedding floral design business from scratch The importance of being detail-oriented in the design business His perspective on floral design is so wide reaching because of his experience from outside the US. He helped bring European floral design influence to the US. Listen to how he opened his own floral shop in the US and within a year was more successful than existing flower shops that had been running for many years. What it's like to create and design for Queen Elizabeth Anecdotes from working with celebrity clients for weddings and events The process of creating floral arrangements for Presidential inaugurations How to help your clients conceptualize an event based on attire, setting, and weather The tools you can use with clients to find the right design style for them, and how to know when you're on the right track during a design consultation Ian recounts wedding day disasters and how he resolved them Links Mentioned in the Show: Botanica International Design and Decor Studio Ian Prosser Productions

If you've never had the joy of working with a partner who absolutely lives to utterly blow the clients' mind, then you will find this interview with today's guest, Eddie Zaratsian a breath a fresh air. Eddie's abundant energy and passion for creating a feast for the senses, allow him to reflect the very essence of his clients in an unimaginable way. Eddie Zaratsian is the Owner of Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle and Design. Eddie was born in Armenia and came to the US when he was 5 years old. Eddie watched his parents come to the US, unable to speak English, without the promise of a career, and yet they still set out to pursue their dreams. The family eventually arrived in Hollywood and built the life they had dreamed of. Eventually, Eddie started his own business that grew over time and became a luxury lifestyle and design company serving A-list clients and creating events that cultivate a sense of wonder and delight the senses. Show Highlights: Hear the unexpected way that Eddie started his business - it even took Andy by surprise! Eddie loves using natural elements to create his masterpieces Hear the one simple choice that every Bride makes that becomes the inspiration origin for Eddie's design. Hear Eddie's philosophy on why he doesn't normally bid again competitors. Turning clients into friends isn't an easy task, but Eddie does it - hear how he does it. Eddie's is finally letting himself loose, and you won't believe the difference it makes in his videos. Eddie Zaratsian will eventually create a product line - stay tuned for that! Learn the type of guidance that Eddie gives to the clients he mentors. Hear Eddie describe some of his favorite events Want to increase your proposal close rate? Eddie's learned the secret of closing the deal. When clients have budgets that are too low to create a fabulous event, Eddie is able to get his clients to spend at least 20% over their budget! Have you ever turned down a client? Eddie shares how he's done it and why. Money is energy. Hear why Eddie pays very close attention to that exchange of energy.

Kirsten Ott Palladino & Maria Palladino are co-founders of Equally Wed, an online wedding magazine celebrating love and weddings in the LGBTQ+ community. It also provides education and resources for same-sex couples and equality-minded wedding professionals. But this is far more than just a business venture. In 2004, Kirsten and Maria fell in love, getting engaged just before Kirsten's 30th birthday in Central Park. When Kirsten began searching online and in book stores for wedding planning resources as a same-sex couple, she didn't see any content out there that reflected her relationship with Maria. Initially sad, Kirsten channeled her emotions into a project called Equally Wed-- an online journal and national wedding magazine for LGBTQ+ couples. With Maria's background in graphic design and web development and Kirsten's experience in writing editorial content, the two created a national wedding magazine and resource guide for people in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies who want to learn, connect, and feel validation that love is love, no matter who you are. At the time Equally Wed launched, only 6 US states had marriage equality, making Equally Wed not only an online resource for community and wedding resources for the LGBTQ+ community, but also a news and activism site during the movement toward national marriage equality. As the political and social conversation continues to evolve around same-sex marriage, so does the wedding market. Kirsten and Maria continue to push the envelope by developing relevant, thoughtful resources, including the publication of a wedding guide in 2017 specifically for LGBTQ+ couples planning their own weddings. About the Interviewees: Kirsten Ott Palladino grew up in Georgia and is the co-founder and online editor for Equally Wed, the online journal and author of Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding. She has served a variety of magazine outlets and freelance clients with her editorial skills over the years before co-founding Equally Wed. Maria Palladino hails from Florida and has a background in graphic design, marketing, and web development. After moving to Atlanta, she formed her own firm early in her career to work with a variety of clients before becoming the co-founder and creative director of Equally Wed. How Kirsten and Maria developed their careers in the editorial and graphic design fields Kirsten and Maria's personal story that was the catalyst for Equally Wed Why wedding resources for same-sex couples are important Personal stories from Kirsten and Maria about vendor and community reactions to planning their wedding as a same-sex couple A brief overview of the same-sex marriage movement in the US The importance of cisgender allies in the LGBTQ+ community The types of questions same-sex couples ask themselves about creating an entire wedding experience-- from traditions to honeymooning How vendors who advertise their support of LGBTQ+ couples can impact their business Ways vendors can act as inclusive partners to better support LGBTQ+ couples Links Mentioned in the Show: Links Mentioned in the Show: Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LQBTQ+ Wedding Equally Wed - Online wedding magazine and resource Wedding Equality Alliance Also listen to Andy's interview on his other podcast Extraordinary Ordinary People with Zoila Fajardo: Tolerance, Love, and Raising a Transgender Child Connect with Kirsten and Maria: Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

When innate creativity and business collide, the world benefits from the amazing products and services those businesses provide. Creative businesses aren't easily defined and many times, don't fit neatly into established business niches. This episode will provide clarity and direction for any creative business owner. Today, Andy Kushner, the host of The Wedding Biz podcast, sits down for an insightful conversation about the business side of running a creative business with Sean Low, the Founder and President of The Business of Being Creative, LLC. The most obviously amazing thing about Sean is that he can see the big picture and connect the dots for any business and lead them to success - it's part of a special magic he seems to have. Sean Low is an entrepreneur at heart. He has a law degree and even did a stint at a Wall Street investment bank, but he didn't let any of that stop him from seeing the potential to start a creative business. Sean knows the ups and downs of being a small business owner, as he risked and lost almost everything at the altar of his small business. Eventually, Sean really dialed in his own business acumen and went to work for Preston Bailey Designs. Sean put his skills to work and completely changed the business structure of Preston Bailey Designs, and in doing so, he breathed new life into the business and set it up for considerably higher degrees of success. Since then, Sean has worked with a host of other high profile creative business owners like Vicente Wolf, Style Me Pretty, Marcy Blum, Michelle Rago, Christian Oth and Sylvia Weinstock to name a few. Show Highlights: Learn why Sean and Preston Bailey worked through some key differences in philosophical ideas concerning some early business decisions. Creative business is not about the money; learn what really drives a creative entrepreneur. Hear his philosophy on pricing your products and services. The emotional side of business can unravel a business; Sean shares why his job sometimes has more aspects of a therapeutic nature than you would imagine. Sean makes sense of business structures and processes for maximum impact to the bottom line. Knowing your own business identity helps you communicate what you do,\ so that your tribe can find you. Resources: Sean's Website - www.thebusinessofbeingcreative.com and www.thebbccollective.com. Sean's Email - [email protected] Sean on Twitter - @seanlow Sean on Facebook The BBC Collective on Facebook

So far on the Wedding Biz, we have had multiple perspectives on planning and executing traditional Western weddings. Therefore, I am incredibly thrilled to bring you Nikki Khan, founder of L.A-based Exquisite Events. Nikki has found her place as the luxury wedding planner for traditional, yet magical South Asian weddings. The scale of Nikki's events can be difficult to wrap your mind around. For some perspective, her own wedding had over 1,000 guests! Luxury South Asian weddings are multi-day events filled with spectacular design, entertainment, ceremony, and family. Nikki has the right mixture of business savvy, taste, and attention to detail to be able to pull off events of this scale. The daughter of a Pakistani diplomat, Nikki grew up with an international perspective and multiple cultural influences. She attended finishing school in Switzerland, and while her family was living in Europe, she was able to travel all over. These travels filled Nikki with a sense of awe that she uses as fuel for her splendid events. However, Nikki was not always determined to be in the wedding business. She was almost a nutritionist! Knowing her passions were found in entertaining and producing masterful events, Nikki started in the business a bit later than most of us—after her own children were older! Now her daughter is right by her side as an executive for Exquisite Events. Pulling off a multi-day event like a South Asian wedding boils down to the details. Nikki keeps herself grounded amidst the multiple events, ceremonies, and receptions that comprise a South Asian wedding by meditating on what really matters. Nikki has always placed her family foremost in her life, and at the heart of every wedding are two families joining together forever. She cherishes the valuable connection of family and builds a sense of worth into every detail from the moment the doors open. The word Nikki uses most often to describe these events is "magical," and I know you will agree once you hear all of what Nikki has to share. "It's all about the details in weddings, and I am a stickler for details!" –Nikki Khan Show Highlights: Nikki shares her international experiences and cultural Pakistani and Swiss influences on her style. One trip across countries that do not exist anymore was formative and awe-inspiring for Nikki. Nikki's father was a source of inspiration for entertaining others in her business. Learn all about the Swiss finishing school that taught Nikki the skill she needed to put on high-end weddings and events. Nikki listened to her inner voice and chose a career path counter to her parent's wishes. Nikki's heart was not in nutrition. It's in weddings. Discover the story of Nikki's own 1,000 guest wedding! Family is important for Nikki, so she did not start her business until her children were older. Hear the story of Nikki's first magical event that garnered her future clients. 90% of Nikki's weddings are South Asian, and she is working all over the world. Nikki also mediates to stay grounded during such intense and high-pressure multi-day events The time investment it takes to put on a typical South Asian wedding. Hear all about Nikki's favorite wedding. Balance between work and family are paramount for Nikki. Links: Exquisite Events Wildflower Linens Sim + Aron from Avec Lumiere Productions on Vimeo.

Wedding planning, production, and design seem to require a bit of tenacity. To make it in the wedding and event industry, you have to be willing to take a risk and execute a vision. It turns out that you also need to be a bit opportunistic and ready to jump when the stars align. This philosophy has carried Pauline Parry very far in the business. She is the esteemed founder of Good Gracious, a Los Angeles-based company that is creating masterful events worldwide. Pauline and her team at Good Gracious specialize in production and event design, gourmet cuisine, and flawless execution at any location. I have Pauline on the show today because her success in business wasn't a one-shot effort, and her diverse experiences make for some wonderful storytelling. Pauline decided to seize the opportunity to move with her new husband and two children from her home country of Great Britain to L.A. With no money, no business plan, and a passion for food and good company, Pauline dared to start her own catering business. This one venture led to many more, including a failed café, planning a few weddings, and now a high-end event production company. Pauline has learned more from her failures than her successes, and she encourages anyone in the business to keep following where passion leads. Pauline's business had so much organic growth, and that was nurtured by her enterprising spirit and ahead-of-her-time ideas. Events by Pauline are masterfully conducted. She is most certainly shaping the industry in the best ways. Listen today to hear her inspiring story. "The event is all about the flow, the logistics, and the experience the guest has from the moment they get there." - Pauline Parry Show Highlights: Pauline shares how she seized an opportunity to leave the UK and move to the United States with her family. After having just about every job in a small restaurant, Pauline decided hospitality would be her industry. Hear the exciting story of learning the foundation of her industry in a castle, turned chateau bistro. Seeing the next adventure ahead, Pauline started a catering company one year into her move to the US. Pauline's business started to grow by word of mouth and school events. What steps Pauline took to scale her business and a story of great failure that became a teacher. How a very public wakeup call caused Pauline to take her business seriously. Opening a restaurant focused Pauline towards catering. Hear the story of Pauline's first wedding. Pauline organically moved from catering into planning. An invitation or an entrance sets the tone. When you are in entertainment, you should be masterful. It is important that the partners Pauline works with have a compatibility before they work an event. Why it is important to stay ahead of the market and not stay in the "bubble." Pauline shares a story of how smart networking got her high profile jobs. What causes burnout, and how Pauline has prevented it. Links: Paddington Bear Pauline's Points Fall Fete September Celebration Instagram Facebook Twitter

When it comes to luxury weddings and events, every detail can become a work of art. Today, I am talking all about business with Wombi Rose, CEO of Lovepop. Lovepop specializes in 3D greeting cards that are truly works of art. Whether it is a card for someone you love or unique invitations to a wedding, Lovepop communicates your message and affection in a unique and surprising way you just can't find anywhere else. I am excited to have Wombi on the show today because his business is transforming the greeting card game. It is an unusual story that I know you are going to want to hear. Lovepop cards are a feat of both artistry and engineering, which makes sense once you know about Wombi's background. Before turning to business, Wombi's attended school for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Encouraged by friend and future business partner, John Wise, to join him at Harvard Business school, Wombi found a new avenue that combined his love of learning and desire to solve real-world problems. While completing his studies, Wombi experienced firsthand the beautiful paper art of kirigami in Vietnam. He and John were mesmerized by the cards and knew they were something special. Neither of the guys felt inclined towards consumer goods, but the kirigami cards demanded to be brought to the rest of the world! These 3D cards combine artistry and architecture in a beautiful way that is very much like Wombi himself, a juxtaposition of art and science. "We memorized our entire business and our entire financial model. You have to know your numbers on Shark Tank." - Wombi Rose If the name Lovepop sounds familiar, it's most likely because Wombi's company is one of the greatest success stories from Shark Tank. I asked Wombi all about the process of applying for and then being on Shark Tank, and he was more than happy to share the experience. What compelled Kevin O'Leary to back Lovepop was their desire to spread some love with beautiful art. These guys are turning out a new magnificent design each week, and it is evident that talent runs deep in the DNA at Lovepop. Wombi and his team have a strong business model and a deep desire to make the world a little more beautiful, and that is the heart of so many of us in the Wedding Business. Show Highlights: Wombi shares his international history as well as his love of learning. Hear how Wombi fell in love with one unique school, and the art and science he learned about constructing ships. How one internship and the team atmosphere there led him to consulting and starting a business with John. Why designing a ship and designing a 3D card has striking similarities. Wombi and his colleagues took a huge risk, and boy has it paid off! What compelled Wombi to apply to appear on Shark Tank, and what it takes to survive. Discover what happens after the cameras stop rolling. Wombi and John made it to the Billboard Music Awards. Learn all about the Possible Project. An engineering education and an artistic perspective are the motivating forces behind Lovepop's philanthropy. Why "Customer Happiness" is a core value at Lovepop. Every week, they launch a new design! Links: Lovepop Online The Possible Project Lovepop Team Video

It takes a certain level of skill, a problem-solving attitude, and more than a dash of creativity to throw a spectacular wedding. Between coordinating the client's vision, compiling vendor partners, troubleshooting setup, and sending the bride down the aisle, wedding planners have a lot on their plate. After creating absolutely stunning weddings and high-profile events for 20 years, Debbie Geller, my guest today, knows a thing or two about event planning and design. Geller Events operates out of Los Angeles, but she's been designing events all over the world. Her high-profile clients come from a long legacy of word-of-mouth business. She does little to no PR, instead relying on client referrals and legacy clients who keep coming back for Debbie's personalized touch on everything from weddings to corporate events. She breaks some of the typical event planning stereotypes to provide a unique experience tailored to each couple. Debbie is the heart and soul of her business, though none of these events could be accomplished without the help of her teams. Today, Debbie will share with us how she creates an environment where the clients, the vendor partners, and her team all feel valued and cared for. If Geller Events is a ship, then Debbie Geller is the captain, and it's all hands on deck. "There is no such thing as a typical wedding because all of our couples are unique. We focus on getting to know the couple very well." ~ Debbie Geller The secret sauce to Debbie Geller's amazing success is the amount of time and personal attention she puts into every event. If there is a snag with the venue or a last minute emergency, Debbie assures her client that is her problem, not theirs. Debbie's dedication to every step of the process is absolutely inspiring. We all have a thing or two to learn from her experience, and as Debbie will say, "Experience is everything!" Listen this week as we learn a thing or two about how to throw a fantastic event! Show Highlights: Debbie shares with us why she started cooking, and how food makes wherever she lives, feel like home. After working in real estate and law, Debbie left when the wedding biz came knocking at her door. Early on, cold calling was the key to Debbie's success. Hear all about the kinds of high-profile events Debbie works on. How Debbie builds a creative team to execute an event. The process of a "typical wedding" from start to finish. The story of the favorite wedding of all time. Debbie takes care of her teams. A tale of the biggest and hardest event that Debbie has ever worked. What Debbie loves about doing events for families. Personal touches for the guests create business through legacy clients. How Debbie is a workaholic who takes care of herself. Debbie defines success by the excitement and next-level commitment to an event. The internet has been the biggest change for Debbie to build up the best team. Connect with Debbie: [Debbie's Website] [Debbie on Instagram]

When we think about wedding and event floral designs, our imagination is often limited to bouquets and centerpieces. Today, I am talking to one of the premier event designers in the world. She sees flowers and foliage as a way to create lasting memories of events your guests will never forget. Mindy Rice, of Mindy Rice Design, is a native Californian with a creative lineage. Growing up, Mindy was taught how to think like a designer. Never feeling confined by the "rules" wedding floral arrangements like to follow, Mindy seemed to fall into the wedding business after designing events for the corporate world. What makes Mindy unique is how she encourages her clients to step into their most daring self. She turns dreams into reality—no Pinterest board copy-cat ideas here! Today, Mindy is going to walk us through her process, from the exciting ideation stages to actually executing her most memorable pieces. She will share stories of how she has transformed a simple barn into a Redwood wonderland. Mindy will describe her favorite pieces, and how she uses color and perspective to transform any event space. Mindy's goal is to create unique elements for each event that guests will really remember. She is not afraid to take a risk because she knows the risky pieces will always pay off. Every bloom and bough is placed thoughtfully so that guests will feel something long after the last toast and dance. "Everybody has two personalities—who they really are, and who they dare themselves to be." ~Mindy Rice Today is not just about flowers and spectacle! Mindy and I will chat about what it means to own our own business, and how we can successfully balance our creative endeavors with family life. The event design business sometimes feels as though it could take over everything! Mindy embraces the life she's been given and chooses jobs that will both fulfill her creatively and best support her family. Mindy is inspiring in so many ways, and I know she is going to transform the way you've always thought about flowers. Expect the unexpected when Mindy is around! Show Highlights: Mindy's family has always been creative, and she uses that history to infuse design into her floral arrangements. Mindy's first job was raising show rabbits! High school wasn't Mindy's thing, so she quickly entered design school. Hear all about some of Mindy's less successful design ventures. Experience the amazing transformation of a simple barn into an enchanted wonderland. Mindy explains her process of working with a client to translate their dreams into a perfect event. Mindy wants her clients to be free to choose what they love, and dare to be a little different from the Pinterest trends. Build client trust through visuals and pictures. Mindy designs using color and proportion. Hear the inspiring story about how Mindy made her passion into a business. We discuss the common pitfalls of creative business owners: delegating to a team. Mindy is still learning the balance between family life and operating her business. Mindy and I share our favorite moments in this life we live and the business we love. Connect with Mindy: Mindy Rice Design [Website] Mindy Rice Design [Instagram] Mindy Rice Design [Pinterest]

These days, The Knot is largely synonymous with planning a modern wedding. It is often the first resource brides will use to feel empowered during an uncertain time. There's a reason for that! Founder of The Knot, Carley Roney, and Brand Builder, Anja Winikka, are innovating the wedding business through authentic connection and female empowerment. The Knot is the #1 Mobile Wedding App, and most bride's first destination after getting engaged. What started as a small company trying to simplify wedding planning has grown to become one of the most innovative and female-focused entrepreneurial endeavors. Innovation and inclusivity were at the heart of Carley Roney's vision for The Knot when she and her husband started the company in the early 90's. With the brand mastery of Anja Winnika, The Knot has solidified its identity as the authority on just about every facet of the wedding business, while also empowering brides to create a wedding that is personal and fun. A lot has changed about the wedding industry since The Knot was founded, but their core community values of trust, style, and inclusivity haven't. In today's episode, you will learn all about Carley's ahead-of-her-time vision for how the Internet could bring unparalleled innovation to the wedding business. You will also learn how The Knot has continued to evolve and grow by listening to users and cultivating resources with a personal touch. The Knot encourages brides, planners, and vendors to connect in the moment. With resources like The Ultimate Wedding Planner and their wealth of information online, brides can trust that The Knot is working to empower them through the wedding process. Listen this week to learn how The Knot is empowering their employees, building innovation into their DNA, and paving the way for female entrepreneurs within the wedding business. Show Highlights: The slightly ironic story behind Carley's relationship with the wedding world. The Knot was launched as an opportunity to tailor weddings to the people throwing them and change the business forever. Anja's past with the cookie-cutter wedding industry led her to the relatable branding in The Knot. Carley and Anja's story of mentorship and personal growth. How a female-focused company is changing the business and sticking to their brand. What it took Carley and her team to stick to the name, "The Knot." How things have changed since The Knot was founded, but not their core values. There are new traditions evolving all the time. The Knot listened to their community and expanded into nesting and parenthood to rise to the demand. Carley and Anja's motherhood journey has influenced their company identity. The community around The Knot is the biggest driving force behind what they do. Links: The Knot [Website] The Knot Pro blog [Website] The Knot [Instagram] The Knot [Twitter] The Knot [Pinterest] Carley Roney [Instagram] Carley Roney [Twitter] Anja Winikka [Instagram] Anja Winikka [Twitter] The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner and Organizer

Edgar Zamora is the founder and lead designer of the highly acclaimed Revelry Event Designers, the industry's go-to event and interior design company specializing in designing and installing private, as well as corporate events worldwide. Edgar is a "Transformer of Spaces", having an innovative and progressive design view. As president and CEO of Revelry Event Designers, Edgar's exquisite event furniture has transformed events such as the opening of Disney Hall, celebrity weddings including Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston, Shaquille O'Neal and Sofia Vergara (just to name a few) and a slew of Oscar parties including the famous post-Oscars Governors Ball. Listen along as Edgar and Andy discuss how he seamlessly translated his talent for draping mannequins to event design. Stories of his childhood inspirations and travel adventures are shared between the two. Together, they also recall the tour Andy personally received of Edgar's venerate 125K square foot company warehouse which not only showcased the level of esteem Revelry Event Designers but also the connection Edgar has with each of his employees. Listen here for more! Links Revelry Event Designers [Website] Revelry Event Designers [Instagram] Revelry Event Designers [Facebook] Revelry Event Designers [Twitter] Revelry Event Designers [Pinterest] Revelry Event Designers [Google+] Revelry Event Designers [Linkedin]

Today, we welcome Claudia Hanlin of the Wedding Library! Claudia has an extensive resume behind her as a Contributing Editor to Martha Stewart Weddings, having received numerous honors including the prestigious Modern Bride Innovators Award, four International Special Events Society Big Apple Awards for Design, The Knot's Best of New York Wedding Planner and Juli B's Top US Shopping Service Award. Also, previously Claudia produced several years of The Wedding Party with Martha Stewart Weddings, a luxury bridal showcase taking place in both New York City and Chicago, and will soon announce a new sponsor. Andy sits down with Claudia to discuss life, career and her most memorable moments on the job. She shares extravagant tales of a celebration for composer Howard Shore, weddings she has produced, as well as details about her innovative resource for brides for the entire planning experience, called The Wedding Library. Details about Claudia's upcoming Destination Masterclass Conference are revealed in this episode. Tune in to listen! Links The Wedding Library [Website] The Wedding Library [Facebook] The Wedding Library [Twitter] The Wedding Library [Instagram] The Wedding Library [Pinterest] Martha Stewart's Wedding Party by Claudia Hanlin Destination Masterclass

Sharon Sacks is the epitome of a multi-tasking go-getter! Early in her career she caught her first big break working with Berry Gordy Jr. and his Motown Records label during its peak which included projects with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. From there, Sharon went on to work with Jerry Perenchio, who turned out to be her greatest mentor yet. Through working with him, she got the opportunity to explore her love of creation through various weddings and events such as a grand celebration for Prince Andrew. Sharon ultimately emerged into the world of business and since then conquered numerous other projects such as creating a collection of home decor for Alchemy Fine Home and fine china for Lenox. Her passion for creation and desire to foster memorable moments has flourished and helped her become the prestigious and creative business woman she is today. Today's interview is one you will not want to miss. Sharon Sacks sits down with Andy to share stories about her her road to success. She also shares details of superb weddings, phenomenal celebrations and intimate gatherings. As well as tips on crafting the perfect team to pull of such events. Tune in to listen! Links Sacks Productions [Website] Sacks Productions [Instagram] Sacks Productions [Twitter] Sacks Productions [Facebook] Sacks Productions [Linkedin] China by Sharon Sacks Cosmo Happy Hour Podcast In Style "7 Celebrity Wedding Planners to Put On Your Radar" Montecito Wedding Featured on Vogue Sharon Sacks Inducted into Bizbash Hall of Fame

As Owner, CEO and Creative Director of AOO Events of Los Angeles since 1989, David Merrell has seen and done just about everything there is in the world of events. David's start in life may sound unusual compared to other wedding professionals. He worked several 9 to 5 office jobs, including a position as an underwriter for an insurance company. His journey from office worker to owner of an award winning event planning, designing and producing company is truly unique and inspiring. Today, Andy and David share a chat filled with stories about his path to professional success, and how he handles the pressures and logistics of such a complex industry. The pair also touch on what's changed in the wedding and corporate event world, how to set the best price points and margins for maximum success and satisfaction, and how to balance creativity with acting as the boss. Prepare to be inspired! Listen to the entire interview right here! Links David Merrell [Instagram] David Merrell [Facebook] David Merrell [Twitter] AOO Events [Website] AOO Events [Instagram] AOO Events [Facebook] AOO Events [Twitter] AOO Events [Pinterest] AOO Floral [Website] AOO Floral [Instagram] AOO Floral [Facebook]

When you think of experiencing personalized and experiential destination weddings, you most likely need to be thinking of Harlan and Kara, The Travel Siblings. This duo has been designing private and intimate events and luxury travel experiences around the globe for years through their affiliation with the Elite Division of Travel Leaders - Tzell Travel Group and were recently recognized by Conde Nast as the "Best Agents for Destination Weddings". The pair found their love for travel when Harlan was working as a traveling opera singer as a young teen. He would often bring his younger sister Kara on a few getaways in between tours. There, they both fell in love with the art of luxurious travel, fine dining, and unique global experiences. These moments informed and influenced the pair's business of offering unforgettable luxury travel experiences uniquely catered to their clients whom wish to wed at a magical destinations. Today, Andy, Harlan, and Kara share a fun and lively talk about how the sibling's upbringing shaped their passions and careers, and how they manage to work together creatively and professionally. The three also chat about how they create experiences out of each destination, some of their favorite and most wild honeymoon and wedding stories to date, and what the best part of their job really is to them. This luxurious and decadent episode will have you ready to book your own destination wedding with the one and only Harlan and Kara. Listen to their full episode right here. Links The Travel Siblings The Travel Siblings [Facebook] The Travel Siblings [Twitter] The Travel Siblings [Instagram] The Registry at Bloomingdales

Darcy Miller has always had creative inspirations around her. From growing up with creatively inclined parents, to creating her own crafts and projects in 6th grade, she's had the gene in her. Her design and editorial contributions during the early days of Martha Stewart Living would eventually lead her to becoming the Editor -at-Large at Martha Stewart Weddings. Her journey, full of fascinating jobs, integral connections, and chances to pursue her own creative ideas, remind us all to stay true to our passions, and to always be willing to do whatever it takes to keep your dreams alive. Today, Andy and Darcy share stories about how the wedding industry has changed so completely over the years, and how Martha Stewart Weddings became one of the main driving forces of the explosion of creativity and options in the wedding arena. The pair also discuss how Darcy's positions changed and pivoted over her years at several publications, what her DIT philosophy means, and her own take on celebrating everything life has to offer. Her entrepreneurial spirit and determination is an inspiration for anyone in the business, no matter how experienced or new to the field they might be. Check out her full interview right here. Links Darcy Miller Designs Darcy Miller [Martha Stewart Weddings] Darcy Miller [Celebrate Everything] Darcy Miller [Facebook] Darcy Miller [Instagram] Darcy Miller [Twitter] Darcy Miller [Pinterest]

Michelle Rago has always had wanderlust flowing through her veins. It's what has inspired her to build her massively successful career as a wedding and event destination producer and expert. She's now one of the most sought-after destination event planners in the world, in large part because of her vision, relationship building skills, and meticulous attention to every possible detail. Her love for travel and experiencing new cultures came from a study abroad trip in Greece when she was just 15. Ever since, she's been exploring new ways to bring stunning events and weddings to the most inspiring and beautiful locations around the globe. Today, Andy and Michelle chat about the steps she took to growing her passions and her business, and some of the major epiphanies and milestones she realized along the way. The pair also dive into how she untangles the vastly intricate puzzles of destination weddings, her process of making an event come to fruition, and some of her favorite and most satisfying events to date. This week's episode taps into the idea that following what your heart desires can truly lead to a career full of personal and professional achievements. Check out the full episode now. Links Michelle Rago [Michelle Rago Destinations] Michelle Rago [Instagram] Michelle Rago [Facebook] Michelle Rago [Twitter]