The Wedding Biz - Behind The Scenes Of The Wedding Business

Join Andy as he revisits his September 2021 interview with Colin Cowie this week! Having had celebrity clients such as Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Kim Kardashian, Lil Wayne, Nicole Kidman, and Demi Moore, this episode’s returning guest has enjoyed quite the career so far. Colin Cowie has also had many corporate clients such as Dom Pérignon, Warner Brothers, CBS, Whitney Museum of American Art, Architectural Digest, and so many more! Colin is also a published author, having written books such as Dinner After Dark: Sexy, Sumptuous Supper Soirees, Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life as It Should Be, and Colin Cowie Wedding Chic: 1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration. Colin, as he discusses with Andy in this episode, is all about making sure that he delivers the ultimate experience for his clients. Colin and Andy also talk about Colin’s new book, The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted, which is Colin’s eleventh published book! Colin discusses lu

In this truly enriching episode, join Andy as he connects with Liene Stevens, the acclaimed author, behavioral psychologist, and CEO of Think Splendid! Liene brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive experience in the global wedding market, having collaborated with clients across 97 countries and revolutionized operations for numerous luxury brands and resorts! Tune in as Liene shares her unique journey from an unexpected promotion at a nonprofit right out of high school to becoming a key player in negotiating the release of hostages with the U.S. State Department! Her unorthodox path led her to found Think Splendid in 2005, where she has since become a trailblazer in wedding industry consulting. Andy hopes that you will listen in to hear insight into the intricacies of running a successful wedding business! Liene discusses the current challenges facing the industry, including the implications of a slowing market in 2024. Contrary to popular belief, Liene clarifies that the dip in engagements post-pande

Listen in to this revisit as Andy chats with two guests, both of whom have been featured on the podcast multiple times in the past. Laurie Arons is a planner and designer of Laurie Arons Special Events and has been featured in numerous magazine publications and has been listed in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the top worldwide planners. Her clientele is made up of trendsetters such as Sophia Coppola, Vanessa Getty, and Christy Turlington as well as prominent business moguls like Gary Friedman, Frank Caufield, and Eddie DeBartolo. Laurie has also created and runs a very successful wedding planner master class. Also joining Andy is Jose Villa, a fine art photographer who is considered by many to be the top event photographer in the world. He has been published in numerous magazines and was named one of the top wedding photographers by Martha Stewart Weddings, Harper’s Bazaar, Style Me Pretty, and Vogue. He was also named one of the top ten photographers in the world by American P

Join Andy this week as he sits down with Susan Lacz, the CEO of Ridgewells Catering. With a career spanning over three decades, Susan has been a pivotal force in the catering and events industry, steering Ridgewells Catering through significant transformations and challenges. Listen in as Susan shares her inspiring journey, starting with her early influences, notably her grandmother, whose culinary skills and hospitality left a lasting impression on her. She discusses her initial foray into the food business, from working at a deli in Wyckoff, New Jersey, to bartending in Washington, D.C. Her passion for sales and marketing, paired together with her love for food, set the stage for her ascent in the catering world. In this candid conversation, Susan recounts the challenges and triumphs of taking over Ridgewells Catering in 1997, a company with deep roots dating back to the 1920s. She describes her mission to restore the company’s former glory by emphasizing quality, creativity, and fresh culinary approaches.

Andy welcomes Kerry Bracken and Jennifer Rocher of Lavender & Rose this week! Lavender & Rose is an exclusive event planning company based in the enchanting French Riviera. Join Andy as he explores their captivating journey and how they have crafted bespoke weddings in the stunning locales of Southern France and Paris! Listen as Jennifer and Kerry share personal stories of how they first got into wedding planning, with Jennifer bringing her local French expertise and Kerry contributing her British flair after moving to France in 2007. They reveal how their partnership began organically, evolving over time as they discovered their complementary skills and shared passion for creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Kerry and Jennifer offer valuable insights into the unique aspects of planning high-end weddings in France. They discuss the allure of the French Riviera and Paris as prime wedding destinations, emphasizing the luxurious venues, from coastal estates to historical buildings. They also highl

Andy is so honored to bring Tori Williams of Tori Williams Events onto the show today! Tori is a world renowned luxury event curator who has showcased her work on major television networks such as Lifetime, Bravo, and The Food Network, and she is even the star of the VH1 original series My Celebrity Dream Wedding! She joins Andy today to discuss everything from childhood influences to pivotal moments that shaped her career! Tori shares her journey from cosmetology to becoming a sought-after event curator and designer. With a client list featuring names like Tyler Perry Studios and the Atlanta Ballet, Tori's expertise extends beyond simply planning events; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences! Listen in, and discover the secrets behind Tori's rapid success as she sheds light on the importance of client experience, the creative process, and the challenges of balancing business with creativity. From TV appearances to hosting workshops, Tori's passion for her craft shines through as she discusses her pla

Tune in to this episode of the podcast as Andy talks with Christina Matteucci, executive director of David Beahm Experiences! Christina has actually been on the podcast before in episodes 188, 307, 346, and 214, and she joins Andy in this episode to discuss how everything that we do in business has an element of performance involved and how we can best understand and use performance when dealing with clients and giving presentations. The main focus of Andy’s and Christina’s conversation is the importance of using storytelling – especially storytelling that employs effective imagery – when engaging in a sales pitch, corresponding with clients, and with public speaking. Storytelling is an interwoven part of what it means to be human because we love to both tell and hear stories. Stories draw us in, and, in fact, Christina even recommends starting a sales pitch with a story even if the story isn’t relevant to what you’re selling or proposing! Christina talks about what techniques that she has learned as far

Join Andy in welcoming Kathleen Deery, the creative force behind Kathleen Deery Design and the Chief Creative Officer of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events, to The Wedding Biz! With a childhood steeped in floral admiration, Kathleen recounts her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the bustling design studios of San Francisco. She shares insights into her role as a tastemaker within the prestigious catering company, highlighting her knack for infusing events with innovation and creativity. From collaborating with renowned planners to crafting immersive environments, Kathleen's expertise shines through. Listen in as she offers insights into the intricacies of event planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' visions and creating memorable experiences. Drawing on her experience with high-profile events, Kathleen also shares anecdotes, including a whimsical Bridgerton-themed wedding set amidst lush gardens. Kathleen also reflects on the demands of her multifaceted role and the perpet

Andy is so pleased to be bringing Jacin Fitzgerald of Jacin Fitzgerald Events onto The Wedding Biz this week! Join Andy as he and Jacin discuss the world of event planning and hospitality, with Jacin sharing her journey from working in corporate events to launching her own business in 2009. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Jacin developed a strong work ethic and a passion for hospitality, and she emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and making clients feel welcomed and valued. The conversation also involves Jacin's approach to event planning, which prioritizes getting to know clients on a personal level. From handling unexpected challenges like sprinkler mishaps at events to orchestrating last-minute Super Bowl parties on yachts, Jacin shares how she navigates the complexities of destination weddings and high-profile events with grace and adaptability. Andy's and Jacin's discussion also touches on pricing philosophy, marketing strategies, the transformative power of meditation in maintaining menta

Andy is so happy to welcome Akeshi Akinseye to The Wedding Biz this week! Akeshi is a luxury wedding planner and designer based in Chicago. Running Kesh Events, Akeshi specializes in creating extraordinary celebrations all around the world. She is not only a luxury wedding planner and event designer but also an international speaker, author, and business coach, and she joins Andy for this episode to discuss how she came into the business, from where she finds inspiration, and how to open oneself up creatively. Listen in to hear Akeshi also discuss current trends in the industry, how she goes about building an event team, how she has managed to garner such a big social media following, how she draws inspiration from her upbringing in the hospitality industry and her transition into event planning. Discover how Akeshi found her calling in event planning, shifting from a career path in psychology to creating unforgettable experiences for her clients. She delves into her creative process, highlighting the importa

Andy dives into an enriching conversation this week with Anna Roussos, a prominent wedding photographer renowned across Europe. Anna shares her journey from a TV director to a distinguished wedding photographer, unveiling the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Discover how Anna's childhood fascination with romance and artistry steered her towards capturing timeless moments of love and emotion through her lens. From her early days in fashion photography to her transformation into a leading figure in luxury wedding photography, Anna's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Anna has a truly unique approach to wedding photography, blending elegant reportage with a touch of fashion, and she shares insights into storytelling, aesthetic coherence, and client satisfaction. She also discusses the intricacies of branding and niche development in the wedding photography industry and unveils the key elements of building a successful luxury brand. She even elaborates upon the impact of technol

Returning to the podcast this week is none other than Jennifer Stein, editor-in-chief, publisher, and co-owner of Destination I Do Magazine, a magazine that can be found online and on newsstands. Jennifer joins Andy today to explore the journey of building a renowned brand in the destination wedding industry, sharing how she and her business partner started Destination I Do twenty years ago to fill a gap in the wedding industry by showcasing real couples celebrating their destination weddings worldwide. From humble beginnings with an amateurish first issue to becoming sought-after across various platforms, Jennifer reveals the challenges they faced, including financial struggles and burnout. Despite setbacks, they persevered, eventually turning a profit after three years of hard work and reinvestment. She also discusses their staffing approach, emphasizing flexibility with independent contractors and prioritizing long-term relationships. She shares insights into their decision not to use virtual assistants an

Andy is happy to welcome Fallon Carter to the show this week! Fallon is a renowned founder and creative director of Fallon Carter Events, and she is acclaimed for her fusion of southern hospitality with international luxury in event planning. Listen in as she shares insights into her childhood inclinations towards hosting and entertaining, tracing her journey from contemplating law school to discovering her passion for event planning after a pivotal experience in Paris. The conversation unfolds into Fallon's distinctive approach as a planner and designer, characterized by a blend of southern tradition with modern aesthetics. She elaborates on her process of understanding clients' personalities and intentions through non-wedding-related photos, crafting unique experiences tailored to their desires. Navigating challenges, Fallon also emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous improvement, sharing her aspirations for building a solid business foundation and exploring additional revenue streams, such

“I resonate with the client that wants to make you a part of their family throughout the wedding weekend.” Listen as Andy and his guest Caleb Jordan Lee discuss Caleb’s early passion for travel and filmmaking, Caleb starting his LLC at sixteen and why he decided to film weddings, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz. Caleb is a brilliant filmmaker and the owner of East West Production, a full-service event filmmaking company with award-winning coverage. Caleb’s work has been showcased in publications such as People’s Magazine, particularly for shooting Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding. He has also been featured in Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Brides Magazine, and Harpers Bazaar named Caleb as one of the world’s top filmmakers. Caleb speaks about his first year in business and how his sister’s wedding was the catalyst for his business boom. He speaks about how important he feels relationships are with the creative partners and planners and how he works with the planners to create th

Andy is thrilled this week to take listeners on a journey through the inspiring world of makeup artistry with sought-after makeup artist and educator, Kellsie Bain! Join Andy and Kellsie as they dive into Kellsie's upbringing in Sydney, Australia, where she draws inspiration from the strong, hardworking women in her family. From her corporate beginnings to her transition into the world of makeup artistry, Kellsie shares how her experiences have shaped her signature style and approach to her craft. Discover the secrets behind Kellsie's global success as a makeup artist, from leveraging social media platforms like TikTok, to connecting with clients worldwide, to overcoming the challenges of working as a destination makeup artist. Gain insights into her mentoring and coaching programs, designed to empower emerging makeup artists to achieve their goals and build successful businesses. Be sure to also explore Kellsie's online store, where she offers a wealth of resources, including masterclasses and templates, to

Join Andy for this episode of The Wedding Biz as returning guest Simon T. Bailey sits down with him to talk about his latest book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself into a Thriving Future! Simon shares insights on bouncing back better, the metaphor of surfing as a universal concept for resilience, and the significance of intentional actions and relationships. Their discussion delves into the practical techniques for building resilience, including reflecting at the end of each day, maintaining mental health, and expressing gratitude, with Simon emphasizing the value of therapy, the impact of a positive workplace culture, and the helper's high attained through intentional kindness. Andy and Simon also discuss reframing worry and anxiety, encouraging listeners to spiral up rather than down. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for cultivating resilience in both personal and professional spheres. Simon's expertise and positivity make for an engaging and uplifting conversa

Join Andy as he welcomes Alex Le Roux, the CEO and founder of ALR Music based in London, back to the show! ALR Music specializes in providing entertainment for luxury events worldwide, boasting an impressive clientele, including Idris Elba, members of the Royal Family, the Beckham-Peltz’s and events for high-profile brands like Google, Jo Malone, and Chanel. In this engaging conversation, Alex shares insights into the expansion of ALR Music, which has nearly doubled in size since the last interview. The company now employs 400-500 musicians monthly, orchestrating 650 events annually across the globe. Notably, they've also successfully ventured into the competitive American market. The discussion covers Alex's creative approach to designing unique and memorable performances for luxury weddings and events, and he emphasizes the importance of staying open-minded, drawing inspiration from various sources, and tailoring each experience to the client's vision. Alex shares anecdotes about crafting personalized cere

“Before I know what flowers I’m going to use, I need to know what backdrop I’m going to create to show off those flowers.” Listen as Andy and his guest Lewis Miller discuss how Lewis came to be in New York City, his process with clients, how he gets inspired for his designs, how he has been able to maneuver through the pandemic, and so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz! Lewis is a floral designer and founder of Lewis Miller Design out of New York City. His client list includes leading industry professionals in fashion, design, photography, art direction, and architecture such as Bulgari, Carolina Herrera, Mayor Blumberg, Chanel, Tiffany, Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, the Whitney Museum, and more. Lewis discusses how his pop-up flower flashes started and where he did his first one. He shares why he moved from Seattle, Washington to New York City and how he opened his small flower shop without fear or hesitation because he knew that was what he was supposed to be doing. Listen as Lewis shares his proces

Andy really hopes that you will embark on a journey through the vibrant world of public speaking with returning guest Christina Matteucci, also known as Teucci Mama. In this lively conversation, Christina, the executive director of David Beahm Experiences, draws on her two decades of global event execution experience. With a theatrical background from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Christina explores the power and artistry of public speaking. Christina delves into the essence of being a successful speaker, likening it to a competitive sport that demands dedication and consistent effort. From choosing a relevant and impactful topic to delivering a compelling performance, Christina shares her insights on crafting a talk that resonates with the audience. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, drawing from her own experiences, including a TED talk on the "mystique of freak." The conversation spans the preparation process, from writing and rehearsing talks to dealing with unexpected chal

Andy hopes that you will join him for this captivating conversation with two prominent lighting designers, Ray Thompson and Jackson Flagg of Images by Lighting in Los Angeles. Images by Lighting boasts an extensive portfolio, having worked on high-profile events with major film studios, award shows, and renowned musical artists. Ray, who Andy has had on the show before, is the co-owner who founded the company in 1982, and he discusses the philosophy of the "choreography of emotion" in lighting design, emphasizing the transformative power of lighting to guide guests through an event's emotional journey. Jackson Flagg, another talented lighting designer at the company, delves into the storytelling aspect of lighting, especially in weddings, where direction and intensity can be used to draw attention and set the tone. The conversation also covers various aspects of lighting design for different segments of events, from ceremonies and cocktail receptions to dance floors and after-parties. Ray and Jackson provide