The Wedding Biz - Behind The Scenes Of The Wedding Business

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy and Jes Gordon, the rockstar event producer, chat about Darren Olarsch’s interview on The Wedding Biz. Jes has been involved in planning and visualizing top tier events for huge companies and has a lot to say about the space. Listen in to hear her input on the live music scene for occasions and how passion is the driver of business.   Andy and Jess dive deep into the need for, and the push towards, live music and how a hybrid model of a particular type of live music and DJ entertainment is a key to capturing our short attention spans. Many event planners and organizers enter the space as a way of life and that passion is what makes them great. Learn more on this episode!   Show Highlights: [00:58] - Welcome back to the show the amazing Jes Gordon! [03:16] - Learn why Jes supports Darren’s use of live bands for events. [05:40] - Have you ever thought about who plays in these live bands?  [07:15] - Is live music making a resurgence? [09:15] - Where is the hybrid model go

Darren Olarsch, Founder of On The Move Entertainment, has built a business out of creating the ultimate music-scapes for every event he puts on.  He is sought after for his focus on live bands and orchestras and creating the most amazing dramatic music scenes for his events.  Learn how music is the keystone of each event and how Darren layers his musical themes to create a magical dream-scape for all of his events. Also, learn how Darren manages his business and vision for every event. You won’t want to miss this amazing inside look at how Darren blends business and creativity in creating the ultimate experience! Show Highlights: [02:45] Welcome Darren to the show! Andy and Darren talk about their musical influences and when the bug got them! [06:15] What happened that pushed Darren toward music vs archeology? [07:50] Learn how taking a chance outside of school made all the difference. [09:42] Building the form of each specialized event has become the soul of Darren’s business. [11:38] Fast forward to 1990 wh

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Sean Low, chat about key topics from Andy’s interview with David Monn. Sean has been featured on several of THE NEXT LEVEL conversations and always provides wonderful insights into the businesses of The Wedding Biz guests. This episode is no different. Amongst other valuable topics, Sean and Andy discuss the details of David’s philosophy on light and creativity in business. They then take that further and share how his philosophies are revealed in every event that he puts on. This conversation is a deep dive view of how to merge life and business for ultimate success. Show Highlights: [00:54] - Welcome back Sean! [02:49] - Sean comments on how loving oneself is the first step to success. [04:35] - Andy and Sean discuss David’s belief that the senses have to be linked for a complete experience and how that belief has impacted his business. [06:49] - Learn how David’s views of light and illumination speak to his beliefs. [09:52] - Your business

Join David Monn and Andy as they travel down memory lane to discover the events and steps that led David to develop a unique sense of design in the event industry. Join Andy and David as they travel down memory lane to discover the events and steps that led him to develop a unique sense of design in the event industry. David’s unique ability to align the senses to create the most effective event tapestry is what sets him apart from his fellow planners and designers. David’s fascinating career trajectory involved finally realizing his calling was in event planning and design. His use of authenticity, scale, and attention to detail along with igniting the senses of smell, sound, and sight have made him an industry leader and one of the most highly sought-after event planners/designers in the world. His goal is to craft an event that shares your true story and personality, not the fantasy that you’ve created for yourself.  His years in the corporate environment prepared him by giving insights into the mechanics

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Sean Low, discuss key topics from last Monday’s interview with Meryl Snow. Sean is a big-picture thinker who connects the dots for creative business owners to find high levels of success.    On this episode of The Next Level, Sean and Andy discuss the way Meryl Snow built her business to where it is now. From becoming a trendsetter to creating a defined hiring practice, Meryl has built her business for ultimate success. Sean also chats about Meryl’s belief that traditional sales tactics no longer work, and those trained in sales should start from scratch.   You won’t want to miss out on Sean’s insights into the many effective practices Meryl has put into place to build multiple successful businesses. Tune in to hear his take on her best practices.   Show Highlights: [01:15] Andy recaps the work and accomplishments of Meryl Snow, the topic of this The Next Level episode.  [02:04] Sean chats about how Meryl jumped in and did it herself and the c

Meryl has spent 28 years in the special event & catering industry as co-founder of Feastivities Events, along with its subsidiaries OffShoots Decor and Philadelphia's Picnic Company.  She also is the author of Booked It! Selling, Closing And Standing Out In The Special Events Industry. Meryl also authored Cha Ching There’s No Money In Sales For 2nd Place. And three how-to Style & Design videos. Her experience in the events industry is unmatched, and in the wedding industry, invaluable. Meryl reveals nuggets about how she started, the path her businesses took after the 2008 recession, and what it means to truly be successful. We dive deep into her businesses and their allure. Meryl also shares her path and struggles, and encourages others in the industry. Neither inexperience nor the recession could keep her down and she shares what her next steps look like for her business. Tune in to learn all you can from this events industry legend. Show Highlights: [01:28] Welcome back! Today we are talking with M

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Andre Wells, discuss key topics from this week’s interview with Mark Ingram. Andre is a renowned event planner and designer known for creating high caliber parties for his many high-profile clients.  On this episode of The Next Level, Andy and Andre discuss the wonderful nuggets of wisdom Mark Ingram provided in his interview. First off, Andre and Mark are colleagues and friends in the industry. Andy and Andre discuss some of the concepts Mark mentioned such as his belief in the art of dressmaking and dressing other people, the need for dressers at the event, and how each wedding gown should reflect the style and feel of the venue.  Boutique owners, brides, and bourgeoning bridal gown designers should all listen to his interview and our discussion to learn how Mark’s experience and tips shine in every aspect of the wedding day production. Show Highlights: [01:31] Since Andre’s own interview, on The Wedding Biz, he’s been honored by Biz Bash a

Mark Ingram has spent his life studying, admiring, and sharing fashion. After spending years in the fashion industry in various positions, he decided to open his own boutique bridal salon in New York City called Mark Ingram Atelier. His new line of wedding dresses are now available worldwide, which can currently be seen in person in his atelier. Mark shares how his family influenced his love of fashion and how it shaped his passion. A true connoisseur of taste and style, he reveals his process for choosing designers represented in his store. He believes that each and every bride should be listened to, heard, and catered to when they walk into his salon. In this episode, learn how Mark got his start in the fashion industry, his transition to owning his own store, and how he built his brand within the bridal industry. For many years he’s been asked about his line of dresses, that didn’t exist, until now. You won’t want to miss all the wonderful tips Mark shares from preparing for trunk shows to managing bridal

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Rachel Birthistle, discuss last week’s interview with Kiana Underwood. Rachel is the CEO and owner of The Lake Como Wedding Planner and happens to be in Italy overlooking beautiful Lake Como during this interview. Welcome to another episode of The Next Level. Today, Andy is joined by co-host Rachel Birthistle to discuss his amazing interview with Kiana Underwood of Tulipina. Kiana is a true artist and couture floral designer for luxury weddings and events. Rachel is the perfect guest for this episode because she has worked with Kiana and loves her creativity. We have a great interview in which we discuss parallels in our own lives with Kiana’s and the need for pushing past the fear and letting true artistry shine. We also discuss clients, pricing, and what it really means to be a couture floral designer. Show Highlights: [02:48] Rachel says that Kiana is quite remarkable to see at work and the fear element isn't visible at all. [05:04] Rachel

Floral artist Kiana Underwood is the celebrated owner of Tulipina an internationally renowned floral design studio that creates bespoke experiences for luxury weddings throughout the world. She has been named one of the top wedding floral designers in the US and is the most followed floral designer on Instagram. She is the author of Color Me Floral and the host of sold-out international workshops. She has also been featured in many magazines, and her work is always in demand. Kiana and I talk about the importance of bravery and pushing past fear to create what you desire. Her life and her work is an example of how she has pushed passed this fear to create the art and life that she wants. She shares her story of moving to the US and how freeing her new school experience was. We get to learn how flowers were always part of her life and culture, but it took bravery, tenacity, and out-of-the box thinking to make floral art her business and life’s work. Show Highlights: [00:23] Andy discovers that Kiana and her h

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Jennifer Stein, discuss key topics from last week’s interview with Meghan Ely. Jennifer is the Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief of Destination I Do Magazine. Welcome to another episode of The Next Level, in which I have a guest co-host, and the two of us talk about my recent interview of the week. This week we discuss how Meghan Ely was able to combine her love of marketing, PR, and wedding planning to carve a unique niche in the lux wedding industry. Another important topic that Meghan has a great handle on is the evolution of the industry. Jennifer and I discuss how important it is to stay relevant and not be dependent on other outlets for PR, marketing, or other revenue-generating activities. We also talk about outside the box thinking, pitching, and so much more. Show Highlights: [02:32] We kick off the show with Jennifer sharing a little bit about her magical trip to Sorrento, Italy. [03:36] We discuss how Meghan talked about stayin

PR is actually a big part of lux weddings. Getting the word out in a positive light can build an exciting event that everyone wants to attend or at least hear about. Meghan Ely is a creative with marketing, PR, and wedding planning education and experience under her belt. In this podcast, she shares how she had an epiphany to niche down her business and combine the things she loved an knew. She learned early on how to hone in on the right questions to find out what a client really wants their wedding to be like. She also makes extensive work of technology and writing to make sure the best-planned event is also one of the best-known events. Meghan shares her origin story and answers question all about PR, wedding planning, and how she was able to pull it all off. Along with tips for others trying to up their marketing, PR, or speaking game. Show Highlights: [00:37] Megan has always considered herself a pre-serial podcaster for years. [00:53] She actually received clients from people talking about the importan

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Zachary Oxman, discuss key topics from last week’s interview with Ray Thompson. Zack is a true artist and creative who has quite a story as a sculptor and how his work ties in to what Ray does.    Welcome to another episode of The Next Level, in which I have a guest co-host, and the two of us talk about my recent interview of the week. This week we discuss lighting pioneer, Ray Thompson who is an icon in the event and lux wedding industry.  As an artist and creative, Ray has a lot to add to how powerful of an impact lighting can make. This is a fun episode to talk about because Ray is the founder of Images by Lighting and a true innovator in the field of lighting design. His award-winning team create emotional environments for events including lux weddings, major film events, and lighting designs for superstar musical artists.   Show Highlights: [02:49] Zack finds it fascinating that Ray creates works of art through the manipulation of light.

Lighting designer and owner of Images by Lighting Ray Thompson is here today to talk about storytelling with lighting for events and designing lighting for lux weddings. He has over 30 years of experience and an amazing passion for creative design. He also pioneered the modern event lighting industry. His company has created the lighting for events at major corporations like Adobe, Taco Bell, Gillette, NFL Super Bowl and many more. He has also been involved in premieres and events for major movies and entertainers like HBO, DreamWorks Pictures, Disney/Buena Vista, Elton John and more. In this episode, Ray shares how he got started and was able to transition his passion into a career and an award-winning company. He also talks about the evolution of lighting, changes in technology, tools smaller designers can use to create amazing lighting, how he finds inspiration and more. Show Highlights: [00:15] Ray Thompson is one of the true icons in the industry for what he does with lighting design. [00:34] Lighting is

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy Kushner and guest co-host, Bill Bowen, discuss key topics from last week’s interview with Andrea Eppolito. Andrea is an experienced and enthusiastic event planner, who brings a profound perspective of celebration and love to every event. Andy and Bill take Andrea’s vision and turn it into tangible and attainable tactics for you to incorporate into your own life and business. Join Andy and Bill in this episode of The Next Level as they explore Andrea’s radiant ideas and find new ways for you to bring celebration into your own life. Show Highlights: Finding significance in events and moments Celebrating relationships and creating something magical that couples will cherish The importance of establishing relationships with clients and understanding who they are Evaluating whether or not you connect with the client The therapy aspect of being in the event industry Having emotional intelligence and relieving clients fears The disconnect and misunderstandings technology can

In today’s episode, guest Andrea Eppolito, founder of Andrea Eppolito Events, shares her journey of becoming an event planner, how she establishes relationships with her clients and the magic of creating a unique and personal experience for couples. Andrea is all about bringing dreams to life and celebrating the miracle of love. To learn more about Andrea and her approach to life and planning, join Andy Kushner in this interview. Show Highlights: How Andrea got into event planning Making the most out of good experiences    The miracle of finding your passion and what fulfills you Celebrating relationships and establishing friendships with clients   Uncovering who people are and incorporating it into their wedding Creating casual settings to uncover who people truly are Building an environment to create a unique experience Anticipating unforeseen challenges and solving them with ease The importance of having emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with people Adapting with technology and learning to

Carl Ray, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert, has mastered the art of highlighting the inner beauty of each individual client. And, in the service industry, how you make people feel is the most important part of the job. Today, Andy Kushner and Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride dissect Carl’s recent interview into tangible ideas and tips to help you apply them to your business. To learn more about how to empower your clients, create a sense of comfort in vulnerability for others, and how to manifest authenticity, tune into this episode of The Next Level.   Show Highlights:   Empowering clients and bringing out their inner beauty Creating a personal connection with clients Making clients feel comfortable in their vulnerability Being authentic and open with personal insecurities Highlighting unique characteristics about each individual Finding a way to push clients out of their comfort zone while still respecting their boundaries Creating opportunity for yourself   CARL RAY LINKS Website: carlraymake

According to celebrity makeup artist, Carl Ray, makeup is a reflection of inner beauty and Carl is an expert on helping individuals express this. He is an esteemed professional with years of experience working with numerous individuals and high-profile clients. From weddings, celebrities, to traveling with Michelle Obama, Carl has seen it all. In this episode, Carl shares his experience and tips he’s learned throughout his career that you can apply to your own daily routine. To learn more about Carl and how he’s established himself as a makeup artist, tune into this episode of The Wedding Biz.   Show Highlights: Bringing out people’s inner beauty by getting to know them What influenced Carl to become a makeup artist and how he got his big break How Carl got the position to work with Michelle Obama The pressure that comes from working with celebrities and fashion icons Honoring the culture and paying homage with the makeup choices in different places Conflicts that can occur when working with a team Creating

The backbone of any successful business starts with the quality of your connections. There are many ways to establish long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships, which Debbie Geller of Geller Events shares in this week’s episode. Today, Andy Kushner and Guest Co-Host Sean Low, of The Business Of Being Creative, dissect these tips in order to help you break them down into smaller and conquerable steps to apply to your own business. To learn more about how you can set yourself up to have the business you’ve always dreamed join Andy and Sean in this episode of The Next Level.   Show Highlights:   Defining your intentions and facilitating a lasting relationship with clients Maintaining the trust necessary to prove that you won’t put your clients at risk Being committed to clients and establishing a mutual understanding of your value Dictating how to charge and charging your worth Investing in what you believe in Tapping into where people feel most comfortable and being themselves   Debbie Geller’s Links

Orchestrating an event that leaves a lasting imprint on the guests and hosts is no small feat. There are a plethora of factors that combine to create a high-end and luxurious experience, and that is a skill that can take years to perfect. Today’s guest, Debbie Geller of Geller Events, is an experienced event planner who designs stunning and intricate events for high net worth families and more. Debbie shares her tactics to establish and maintain legacy clients and her experiences with managing large-scale events. She also talks extensively about her pricing philosophy. To hear more about Geller Events join Andy Kushner in this episode of The Wedding Biz.   Show Highlights:   Events that were challenging and pushed Debbie to the next level Having staff that makes clients feel comfortable without being too informal Establishing long-term relationships with clients Being clear and specific about your limitations Creating a unique and lasting experience for guests Embracing obstacles and turning them into memora