The Wedding Biz - Behind The Scenes Of The Wedding Business

Do you prefer to take photographs digitally or with film? Listen as Andy and Rachel discuss Jose Villa and why he uses film almost exclusively. Rachel is the Owner and CEO of The Lake Como Wedding Planner based in Como, Italy. She works with clients directly but also has the pleasure of morphing into the local team for many foreign agencies such as planners in the states like Lisa Vorce on Chrissy Tegan and John Legend's wedding, Colin Cowie, and many more.  Jose Villa is a celebrity photographer known for crafting vibrant, fine art images that are as unique as the people in the photographs. Jose has been published in many magazines around the world and was listed in the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by the American Photo Magazine. This interview from two years ago is being re-released to get you ready for Part 2 coming out in a few weeks. Rachel has worked with Jose many times and shares how focused he is on-site, his underlying intuition and empathy when shooting weddings. They chat about how im

REVISIT: Jose Villa is a fine art wedding photographer known for crafting vibrant, 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, Weddings, Brides, Pacific Weddings, Southern Weddings and many more. Jose 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 was born in Mexico but grew up in Solvang, California. He attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California and is the author of Fine Art Wedding Photography. Show Highlights: Jose opens up about his parents’ initial reaction to him wanting to be a photographer. What motivated Jose initially to take photography classes in high school. The one person who helped boost Jose’s

Listen to Andy and Bruce Russell as they discuss Tara Fay and her interview with Andy last Monday. Bruce is the owner and managing director of By Bruce Russell, based in London. He plans, designs, and coordinates wedding parties and other events around the globe. Bruce is also the co-star of RTE Ireland’s production of My Big Day: Home or Away along with Tara Fay.     Tara is the owner of Tara Fay Events, based in Dublin, Ireland. She has produced some of the most high profile events and weddings in Ireland and throughout Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. Tara has won several event industry awards, and is the co-star of RTE Ireland’s TV production of My Big Day: Home or Away with Bruce.    Listen as Andy and Bruce speak about the TV show My Big Day: Home or Away. Also, hear about Tara’s ability to be observant and know what her guests want and need and how planners are not paid for what goes right; they are paid for how they handle what goes wrong. They talk about how Tara likes to tie referral cli

“You have to be open to listening because you are never going to pick something up; otherwise.” Tara Fay has become an icon in the wedding and event industry by listening. When she got the opportunity to intern with a seasoned event planner, she soaked up everything about the business and now teaches interns herself.   Tara is the owner of Tara Fay Events, based in Dublin, Ireland. She has produced some of the most high profile events and weddings in Ireland and throughout Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. Tara has won several event industry awards, was previously voted Ireland's Premier Wedding Planner by Social and Personal Magazine, and is a sought after speaker at wedding events and lectures students on wedding and event planning. Tara is the co-star of RTE Ireland’s TV production of My Big Day: Home or Away along with Bruce Russell.    Listen in as Tara speaks about being lucky and how she believes everything is chance. Tara shares a story about the first event she planned when she started her

Tara Fay and Andy discuss Bruce Russell in this episode of The Next Level. Tara is a brilliant planner and designer based in Dublin, Ireland, who is also the co-star of RTE Ireland’s production of My Big Day: Home or Away along with Bruce Russell. Tara will also be on The Wedding Biz next week, so tune in then to hear more about her and her events. Bruce is the owner and managing director of By Bruce Russell, based in London. He is a planner, designer, and coordinates wedding parties and other events around the globe. He was named Best Wedding Planner by Belle International Bridal Awards and has been featured in International Publications such as Brides, Mayfair Magazine, and Hello Fashion, to name a few.  Listen in as Tara shares how she handles clients that aren’t a good fit and why she feels it is her job to help couples make more informed decisions around their weddings. Tara also speaks about teaching hoteliers how to show venues for wedding couples. Tara and Andy discuss timelines for events, they talk

“An event is theatrical, and it’s more than just a wedding or an event; it brings people together.” This is what fuels the passion that Bruce Russell has for planning weddings and events. His goal with each event is to produce the most memorable experience possible. Listen as he shares how he started in the industry and his journey to success.    Bruce is the owner and managing director of By Bruce Russell, based in London.  He is a planner, designer and coordinates wedding parties and other events around the globe. He was awarded Best Wedding Planner by Belle International Bridal Awards and has been featured in International Publications such as Brides, Mayfair Magazine, and Hello Fashion, to name a few. He is the co-star of RTE Ireland’s production of My Big Day: Home or Away, with Tara Fay, and has appeared on many other TV shows.   Bruce shares his journey of growing up in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia to  New York after 9/11 to end up in London. He speaks about leaving his corporate job, startin

Andy recently attended the Bridelux Conference in New York City. He was asked to select a panel of professionals to discuss the importance of personal connection in the wedding and events industry. His panel consisted of Sylvia Weinstock, Ceci Johnson, and Christian Oth; three amazing innovators in their fields of culinary arts, invitation design, and photography. Listen in as they chat about client relationships, establishing trust, and how to break the ice in the first interview. Sylvia, at 90 years young, is one of the great industry entrepreneurs and is best known for creating edible art. Ceci is the Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York and has been called an invitation design icon. Christian is the Founder and Creative Director of Christian Oth Studio. He is a world-renowned editorial photographer and has pioneered a distinctly evocative and authentically emotional editorial style. All three of these amazing professionals have been interviewed on The Wedding Biz. Andy highly respects each of th

Greg Finck is Andy’s guest on this episode of The Next Level. Greg is a wonderful and brilliant photographer, based in Paris, and is here with Andy to discuss Alejandra Poupel. Alejandra is the owner of Alejandra Poupel Events and is based out of Paris as well, she plans and designs for a wide variety of events all over the world. Greg and Alejandra both work all over the globe, and they believe that when you operate internationally, you must plan your events to work with different cultures. Hence, her events and his photographs tend to be tailor-made for those unique clients. He also agrees with her that to have a successful company the business side is just as important as the creative side. Andy and Greg also dive into what Alejandra said about the importance of using Instagram to not only focus on the client but when possible, to help showcase yourselves and the other vendors at events. You must always put the client first, but helping the other vendors when you can, helps build a camaraderie that can lan

Creating events for international clientele is Alejandra Poupel’s realm of expertise. Alejandra is the owner of Alejandra Poupel Events based out of Paris. She caterers to an international clientele, all of whom have different expectations based on their cultural perspective. Listen in as they chat about her early position at Christie’s, taking a pause to raise her daughters, and how she made the transition from art to event planning and design. Event planning to Alejandra means providing each client with a tailor-made event crafted just for them. She is multicultural and can speak six languages, which helps her to understand different cultures when working internationally. As examples, Alejandra shares a story about some of her biggest middle-eastern weddings. The fashion industry sets the trends when it comes to the decor at an event. Alejandra’s goal is to create an event that has a theatrical point of view, meaning a beginning, middle, and end. She chats about some of the over-the-top requests, she has re

Andy welcomes Jennifer Stein back to The Next Level. Jennifer is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Destination I Do Magazine, which can be found at newsstands in all fifty states and twelve countries. She also publishes a daily blog, consults, custom publishes, and is about to launch a new podcast.   Michelle is a destination planner, producer, and designer based out of New York City who works all over the world. She has a book called “Signature Weddings - Creating A Day Uniquely Your Own,” and she does many different types of events, she has even produced an event at the Vatican in Rome.   They talk about how Michelle brings in clients and builds relationships, using print to market your business and the power that Michelle brings from a chaotic childhood to her business mindset today. Jennifer also talks about taking a step back, thinking things through before responding, and how critical conversations need to happen in person or on the phone.   Did you know that fear can be a motivator? Listen in as An

Andy is happy to welcome Michelle Rago back for a second episode of The Wedding Biz. Michelle is a destination planner, producer, and designer based out of New York City who works all over the world. She has a book called “Signature Weddings - Creating A Day Uniquely Your Own,” and she does many different types of events and has even produced an event at the Vatican in Rome. Michelle and Andy discuss an event she produced, in Rome, at the Vatican and a dinner for 400 that she did outside of the Vatican on the same day. She speaks about the challenges of planning events in foreign markets and how they are the same but different than planning them in the U.S. Michelle says having extreme patience is the only way she can do what she does all over the world. Michelle speaks about some of her favorite events of the last few years, how she builds the teams she needs both internationally and locally, and the challenges she faces with the countries that have a more laid back sense of time than what she is used to. Sh

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy welcomes back Sean Low. Sean’s consulting firm, The Business of Being Creative, focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the who’s who of the wedding industry and design community. John Emmanuel is the premier floral designer out of Sydney, Australia. He is best known for creating exquisite grand scale floral installations, and whatever he creates has a stunning element of luxury. A known leader in his market, John has worked alongside many high profile Australian wedding planners in continuous collaboration to some of Sydney’s most luxurious events. He also hosts “The John Emmanuel Luxury Wedding Masterclass.” Listen in as Andy and Sean discuss John’s insight on being uncomfortable and how that keeps you from becoming complacent. They talk about how staying on brand is more important than losing clients and how being passionate about what you do is essential, but ultimately it is about making money.  Joh

In today’s episode of The Wedding Biz, Andy is excited to welcome John Emmanuel. John is the premier floral designer out of Sydney, Australia. He is best known for creating exquisite grand scale floral installations, and whatever he creates has a stunning element of luxury. A known leader in his market, John has worked alongside many high profile Australian wedding planners in continuous collaboration with some of Sydney’s most luxurious events. He also hosts “The John Emmanuel Luxury Wedding Masterclass.”   John takes us on a journey of his childhood, the tragedy of losing his mother at age three, and working at his grandma and aunt’s floral shop at thirteen. He speaks about going to trade school on an apprenticeship at the age of fifteen to learn the floral business and why he has such a strong passion for weddings. He has a strong drive to succeed and he believes he got that from wanting more for himself and his children.   Listen in as John discusses how he felt when he sold the retail part of his busines

Andy welcomes Sean Low to this episode of The Next Level. Sean’s company, The Business of Being Creative, focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the whos who of the wedding industry and design community.   Clane is an award-winning international photographer. His images have been featured in dozens of magazines, including PDM, National Geographic and Smithsonian. And he was inducted into all of the National Geographic Fine Art Galleries across the world!   Sean and Andy talk about Clane’s vulnerability, his perspective on people living the life they allow themselves to live, and why he believes that we should try to live in the moment. They speak about what Clane told us about his upbringing, leaving the Mormon church to be able to live the life he wanted and the hardships that came from it.   Listen in as they discuss and bring their insights into some of the fantastic things that Clane said in the interview. How he captures the essence of a

Andy is excited to welcome Clane Gessel to this episode of The Wedding Biz. Clane is an award-winning international photographer. His images have been featured in dozens of magazines, including PDM, National Geographic and Smithsonian. He was also inducted into all of the National Geographic Fine Art Galleries across the world!   Clane speaks about growing up in a Mormon family in Seattle, where he got the inspiration to get into photography. He also talks about the reason he lived in his car during some tough times. Growing up the way he did allows him to understand vulnerability, and believes that you have to understand vulnerability to understand art. Clane feels that behind each of his iconic images is a fantastic love story.   Listen in as Clane tells us his process for picking clients to work with, how he gets the amazing unexpected shots, and how he uses the rules of the camera against it to get the pictures he wants. He describes what he means when he says he wants to capture the essence of the weddin

This episode of The Wedding Biz is Andy’s first roundtable event held on the last day of Engage at Nizuc, Mexico. The roundtable guests for this episode are Rishi Patel, the CEO of HMR Designs, Carrie Goldberg, the Travel and Weddings Director at Harpers Bizzaar, and Christina Matteucci, the Executive Director of David Beahm Destinations. During the roundtable, Andy and each of his guests bring up a key takeaway that they got during the conference and discuss them as a group.  Andy’s takeaway from the conference was from Christina’s message of “audacious transparency.” Christina speaks about what she meant by that, and the group talks about vulnerability and owning your own personality. They discuss how social media can give a client a false perception of who you are, so when you meet the client for the first time, it is like an audition. Christina’s surprising takeaway was from a breakout session with Bruce Russell and Tara Fay wedding and event planners with their TV show, My Big Day: Home Or Away. She love

Andy is speaking with Carrie Goldberg on this episode of The Next Level. Carrie is the Travel and Weddings Director at Harpers Bazaar. She oversees all things, bridal, weddings, and travel for Bazaar.com. Carrie is also responsible for content strategy and visuals for Bazaar's digital travel and wedding verticals, and is the editor of Bazaar's new program called Bazaar Brides. Rime is a wonderful designer whose company is known as the “bridal house for rebel goddesses.” Greg has been running the business side of Rime's business as her general manager for a little over a year, and they are engaged. Greg is a wonderfull photographer who was interviewed on The Wedding Biz this past October.  Carrie and Andy speak about the edge that Rime’s designs have, the different types of brides designers face, and how sometimes planners can focus on the person writing the check and not the bride herself. They also chat about the inherent issues with business that creative people can sometimes have and the challenges that ca

In this episode of The Wedding Biz, Andy is speaking with Rime Arodaky & Greg Finck. Rime is a brilliant designer based in Paris. She calls her Maison the Bridal House For Rebel Goddesses, inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves. Rime has been designing wedding gowns for and considers herself part of the new generation who decided to shake up the traditional wedding codes to bring style and attitude to a very static and conventional industry. Greg has been running the business side of Rime’s business as her general manager for a little over a year and they are engaged. Greg is also a wonderful photographer who was interviewed on The Wedding Biz this past October.  Rime tells us about growing up, knowing that she wanted to be a fashion designer. As a child, she designed gowns for her barbies and made up fashion catalogs with her designs for her mother and sister. Her father told her, when she was eighteen, that if this is what she wanted to do, she needed to pay her way through design school.

The Next Level welcomes Shannon Leahy to the show. Shannon is the owner of Shannon Leahy Events, based out of San Francisco and Los Angeles. She designs weddings and events worldwide and has been named one of the top wedding and event planners in the world by Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Harpers Bazaar. Shannon has also authored an online course called WED School to teach aspiring wedding professionals about the world of high-end weddings and event design. Although Adam isn't in the events industry, he has a lot of great ideas on how to most effectively use Instagram. He speaks about how to improve your Instagram presence, gives great tips on how to engage followers, and advice for people who conduct workshops or even just a creative way to partner with friends in the industry. He also talks about IGTV and how to use this to your advantage to gain followers. Have you ever left a voice DM instead of just writing a message? Andy and Shannon give their insights to Adam's thoughts on why a voice DM is bet

In this episode, Andy is speaking with Adam Schaeuble. Adam is the host of the top-ranked podcast, The Million Pound Mission, where his goal is to inspire one million pounds of healthy results. However, Andy met Adam at PodFest 2019 in Orlando, where Adam gave a dynamic presentation on expanding your Instagram presence. Since wedding and event industry professionals use Instagram more than any other social media platform, it is fascinating to have Adam on this episode of The Wedding Biz. Have you ever thought your Instagram page could do more? Listen in as Adam gives tips that event professionals can use to increase their audience on Instagram. Asking questions, an Instagram story poll, use voice messaging, and how to use an Instagram live event quiz to grow your audience. He also explains how bringing in other people to your live event can get you exposure to not only your audience but also theirs! Adam discusses Instagram TV and how to use it to your advantage for your events, or by showing behind-the-scene