The Wedding Biz - Behind The Scenes Of The Wedding Business

REVISIT: Colin Cowie is a top designer for all things weddings—as well as galas, charitable events, corporate and destination celebrations. He's beloved by the likes of Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld, Elton John, Michael Jordan, Bruce Willis, Jennifer Aniston, and countless other A-list celebrities. Ever since Colin arrived in Los Angeles from Kitzwe, Zambia at the height of apartheid in 1985, his professional life has soared. While teaching cooking lessons at age 23, he met a woman whose chance encounter soon led to his first wedding assignment for a local bachelor: Hugh Hefner. Thirty-one years of parties, weddings, and multi-day events later, he’s never created the same event twice. The degree to which Colin cares for and personalizes his work is not just unmatched, it's nearly indescribable, and precisely why he’s consistently relied upon by the most discerning of clientele. He learns everything there is to know about his clients, over hors-d'oeuvres and champagne, until the event he crafts (and the journey on whi

Having a set expectation of goals implemented is important for any company. This structure helps eliminate losing direction and the impact of confrontation. In today’s episode, Andy and renowned New York City based event producer and designer, David Stark discuss this week’s episode with Cindy Novotny. Their commentary covers advice Cindy shared on how to embrace confrontation, creating unification in the workplace, how to set prices, and combatting fear. Tune into this episode of The Next Level with Andy Kushner and David Stark to embark on your own journey in changing the culture of your business.   Show Highlights:   Embracing confrontation in corporate issues Developing personal touch points in larger companies Having a dedicated mission so that everyone is unified Having direction and collective goals Talking about challenges and giving feedback in real time Separating emotion to have structure for growth Creating a foundation to anchor your mission Factors that contribute to setting prices What determi

Have you come across challenges in life with your business? Most companies do, and today we hear from motivational and leadership expert, Cindy Novotny. Handling employees and financials in the event industry is indeed a challenge and Cindy is here to share the secrets of her success and the companies she consults for.   Cindy, “the Radical Mentor,” joins us again in this New Year.  She is a powerful and innovative speaker and consultant, helping all sorts of entrepreneurs and anyone interested in fulfilling their dreams with their businesses. She started her company Master Connection Associates, in 1989. Tune in today and hear her talk about issues with delegating to employees, effective employee communication, motivation, brainstorming, pricing, and how she feels about dealing with fear.   Show Highlights: Listen to Part One if you have not already One of the biggest lessons Cindy learned in 2018 The family-friendly environment at Cindy’s company Cindy’s mantra for 2019 How Cindy gives feedback Motivating

Today it's all about Andy! For quite a while now, people have been asking him to air an interview about himself. Andy has been interviewed on many different podcasts, so today he decided to publish the most recent of these, with Mary Swaffield, of the Wedpreneur Podcast. Andy and Mary will be talking about what Andy has learned from all the amazing icons whom he has interviewed on The Wedding Biz Podcast. Mary asks Andy about the common threads in the more than seventy-five interviews he's done with some of the biggest names in the wedding and events’ industry. Andy addresses topics like cyclical struggles, dealing with anxiety and fear, and also his changing perspective about the way he views the business aspect of this highly creative industry. Show Highlights: Andy talks about his role in the wedding industry. Andy explains what inspired him to start a podcast. Some of the incredible event-icons Andy has worked with through his music & entertainment business, Kushner Entertainment. Sylvia Weinstock, c

Today we have part two of our interview with Lynn Easton. Lynn is a very popular planner and designer in the industry, who also speaks at various conferences. She has created Easton Destination Events, a luxury destination wedding design and planning company that works worldwide, with offices in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Our guest co-host for today is the prestigious Sean Low. Sean has a consulting firm called The Business of Being Creative, with a focus on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. Today Sean and Andy discuss Lynn's signature, which is that no two events of hers ever look the same. One of the ways that she manages to achieve that is by picking just the right team for each client. And this means that she has to create an entirely different team for every single client. Today they also discuss creating legacy clients, Lynn's concept of high-touch service, and the very sensitive issue of pricing. Lynn has about ten favorite photograph

Do you know how important branding yourself and your events is? On today’s show, our guest will go more in-depth on this topic as well her perspective on choosing her support team of creative partners, for events, and on the sensitive industry issue of pricing your services.   Lynn Easton of Easton Destination Events joins us again. Her attention to detail has made her an icon in the industry.  Making every wedding unique is what Lynn and her company strive for. Easton Destination Events carved their way into this big noisy world. Listen in today and hear what Easton Destination Events has in store for 2019!   Show Highlights: One of the hardest events Lynn put on and why More on how Lynn feels about branding and why it is so important How Easton carved their way into this big noisy world Lynn describes her brand and gives examples Lynn is known for her attention to detail and gives us examples Using different vendor/partners for her weddings What Lynn loves about her job the most Topics that came up during

Today we discuss Julie Novack, CEO and Co-Founder of PartySlate and some of the ways in which she has created such a successful business that is still very much in the process of expanding. Sean Low, of The Business of Being Creative, joins our Host, Andy Kushner. Forming relationships is a key factor when creating your own business. Also, learn about raising funds from Venture Capitalists. Listen in today and hear how getting feedback from people you trust is a major element when owning your own company. Show Highlights: Dreaming out loud, don’t keep ideas to yourself Getting feedback from people you trust Building a Venture Capital-based business and how it is important to Julie Making PartySlate global in the next 5 years Why Julie is so uccessful with her business Nurturing and growing your business Resilience and making numerous pitches Having thick skin is the main quality to have when raising capital Resources: The Wedding Biz Website Instagram: @weddingbizshow Guest Co-Host, Sean Low’s Website Sean’

There are many digital platforms that provide inspiration for designing and organizing events, however, PartySlate is an especially curated platform, using images, that offers such inspiration and connections to local professionals. Creating such a well-orchestrated and impactful company is no small feat, which is what makes building this creative source so impressive. Julie Novack is not only the mastermind and CEO behind PartySlate, but also has 20 years of marketing experience working for top tier digital agencies. Join us in this episode of The Wedding Biz with Andy Kushner to learn more about raising venture capital, building a digital platform, and how to expand and continue to stay relevant.  And check out The Next Level episode, releasing Wednesday, in which Andy and guest co-host Sean Low, of The Business Of Being Creative, discuss Julie’s interview. Show Highlights: How childhood passion carries over to current career Finding ways to get connected with local professionals and the best in the event

Do you allow opportunities to enter your life? Some do not know an opportunity when it comes to them. Today we hear how you need to maximize opportunities and discuss the interview with Brett Culp. Brett Culp an acclaimed filmmaker and social entrepreneur. What is interesting about Brett is that he started in the luxury end of weddings with quite a run in it and ended up going through a fascinating transformation. If you haven’t heard the Brett Culp podcast, it is very inspiring and please take the time to listen to Brett speak.  Join us today as Andy and today’s Cohost Zach Oxman, who has quite a story as a sculptor, discuss the interview with Brett Culp. Show Highlights: The three key elements in business Brett broke it down too Quote by Brett that is very applicable The goal as a creative; do great work Getting the foundation down first  Maximizing opportunity to create more opportunities Brett’s short films almost like a video blog Intention verse flow, being ready for the unknown Hanging onto an identit

What does leadership mean to you? Leadership has many meanings, and everyone may have their own perspective on it. Today’s guest has a wonderful point of view on leadership and has built an amazing foundation for his life.   Brett had a very successful career as a videographer in the lux wedding market, for ten years,  until the recession of 2008 forced him to pivot. Now a filmmaker and keynote speaker, Brett Culp films is based out of Tampa FL.  He also is an author, and produces short films such as “How to stay positive when the world feels negative.” Brett has 3 main key elements he has come up with to live by, do great work, show it to lots of people, and be real nice. Join us today as we learn that people love to work with people they like.   Show Highlights: How Brett built his foundation When Brett became passionate about film How Brett transitioned into a film career Having a large goal, and breaking it into smaller and achievable goals 3 key elements Brett came up with to foster success The story be

In today's episode, Andy is joined by guest co-host Michele Hodges of Michele Hodges Events. They discuss Andy's interview with Amy Moeller and pull out some of the highlights. Andy and Michele discuss: Current wedding trends  Why wedding trends have a really long shelf life Some wedding trends that are definitely out The future of print wedding magazines If you haven't already listened to Amy's interview, you can find it here. You can connect with Michele Hodges here. Resources: The Wedding Biz Website Instagram: @weddingbizshow The Stylish Bride with Julie Sabatino Sponsor: ODF Consulting Website Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment Website Washingtonian Weddings Website Amy’s email:  amyemoeller@washingtonian.com   Connect with Washingtonian: Our annual Love Unveiled wedding showcase Follow on Facebook Podcast mentioned in show about elements we've never seen before Follow on Instagram

Want your wedding featured in a magazine? Real weddings are becoming more popular to feature in magazines, whether online or on the printed version. Today’s guest will help you learn the best way to submit as well as discuss a host of pertinent topics. Amy Moeller, the Editor-In-Chief of Washingtonian changed her major 7 times in college, at the University of Tennessee. Journalism and electronic media with a concentration in sports journalism was the one she landed on in the end. Join us today and also hear how Amy balances home life with her 3-month-old, and a 2-year-old while working.   Show Highlights: The path Amy tried to find and realizing the path was there all along What about weddings that pulled Amy in Amy’s most memorable moment of her own wedding Day to day life of being the editor in chief Setting trends and current trends coming Winter weddings becoming more popular Patterns such as plaid trending instead of just two colors Taking inspiration from pieces of tile Couples now contributing to thei

Join Andy and guest co-host, Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride, as they discuss Lynn Easton's amazing interview. It's easy to admire Lynn's business, but don't let her calm demeanor make you think her business is no big deal. Lynn Easton has built an empire and she works tirelessly to keep all of her balls in the air while building a solid base of raving fans! Learn how she does it all.   If you haven't listened to Lynn's full interview, you can find that here. You can find Julie Sabatino at www.thestylishbride.com. On The Wedding Biz Network: The Stylish Bride with Julie Sabatino This Episode is Sponsored by: OFD Consulting Contact OFD Consulting   OFD Consulting is an awarding-winning publicity agency that focuses on the wedding industry. Client portfolios range from top-tier planners and venues to well regarded national brands and industry thought leaders. Owner, Meghan Ely is regarded as the leading PR Expert in the industry education space. She is a WeddingWire education expert and has spoken most rece

REVISIT: Lynn Easton is a busy woman. Between managing her destination wedding design business Easton Events and growing her Easton Porter Group luxury properties, she’s got a lot of balls in the air. But for her, that’s all just part of the fun. Lynn started her wedding planning career over twenty years ago almost by accident. She offered to help a friend plan and design her wedding, back before planners were really around. One wedding turned into another and another, and soon Lynn realized she had a true thriving business. But she wanted more; her beautiful designs were only being noticed regionally, and she was ready to go national, and even international. Lynn’s story is one of how to make it on the big stage, and her sage advice goes a long way in inspiring and educating others in the industry. In this week’s episode, Andy and Lynn talk all things business, family, and pleasure, and how she truly does it all. She shares her take on what an Easton event really is, what she attributes most to her success,

Join Andy and guest co-host, Sean Low as they dig deeper into Sylvia Weinstock's interview. Both Andy and Sean know Sylvia very well and they are still just blown away by her story. Andy and Sean discuss: Sylvia was 50 years old when she started her current career. It's important to recognize the pressure brides are under to have a fairytale wedding. The cakes Sylvia makes are considered to be art and every wedding vendor contributes their own art to the wedding. How Sylvia wasn't taken seriously when she started. Sylvia's retirement plans. If you haven't listened to Sylvia's full interview, you can listen here. On The Wedding Biz Network: The Stylish Bride with Julie Sabatino This Episode is Sponsored by: OFD Consulting Contact OFD Consulting   OFD Consulting is an awarding-winning publicity agency that focuses on the wedding industry. Client portfolios range from top-tier planners and venues to well regarded national brands and industry thought leaders. Owner, Meghan Ely is regarded as the leading PR Expe

REVISIT: It’s hard to overstate how glad I am to share my conversation with Sylvia Weinstock with you. I am thrilled that you’ll get to spend some time with her, as I’ve been lucky enough to. If you’re in the wedding business or familiar with it, Sylvia needs no introduction. Sylvia Weinstock reinvented the tradition of the wedding cake, and for 37 years she and her team set a standard for wedding creations—quality, workmanship, pride—that few have matched, and few will match. In this episode, I talk with Sylvia about her amazing life and career in the wedding business, her philosophy on both, and about this amazing time in Sylvia’s life as she closes one chapter and opens a new one. Links About Sylvia Weinstock Cakes My Dinner With Andre Babette’s Feast On The Wedding Biz Network: The Stylish Bride with Julie Sabatino This Episode is Sponsored by: OFD Consulting Contact OFD Consulting   OFD Consulting is an awarding-winning publicity agency that focuses on the wedding industry. Client portfolios range from

Andy and first-time co-host Cindy Novotny, of Master Connection Associates, discuss the incredible interview with David Stark. David opens up about his business and his business structure. David really does so many things in his business incredibly well. Andy and Cindy also discuss: There will always be parts of your business that are out of balance. It's important to build a business structure from which you can create. You have to empower your employees. Storytelling is at the heart of everything David does. David's own aesthetic never comes out in his creations for his customers. How to find client partners who understand your value. Pushing boundaries is how David has made a name for himself. If you haven't listened to David's full episode, you can listen here. Check out Cindy Novotny and Master Connection Associates here.

REVISIT: “You’re only as good as your last party.” This old adage is something that renowned event producer and designer David Stark holds in high regard. David has produced events for noteworthy celebrities like Glenn Close and Brad Pitt, organizations like Saturday Night Live, the Whitney Museum, and the Metropolitan Opera, has 5 books published, and the list goes on in similar fashion. David’s career in design started in college when he pursued studies in painting. After finishing graduate school in New York with an MFA in painting, he realized he, in fact, did not want to become a painter. While waiting tables in New York in his twenties, he and his boyfriend began diving into the floral scene, slowly growing from a small job operation to eventually a larger-than-life business 12 years later. Though David didn’t end up becoming a professional painter, he attributes his success in large part to what he learned in art school; not to paint, but to solve problems creatively, how to put together teams, and inv

Just in time for Engage!, Andy and Melissa are discussing all of the best networking techniques to make you stand out among your competition. The topic of today's episode comes from lessons learned from Andy's interview with Phillip Van Norstrand. He's a master networker! In this episode, Andy and Melissa also discuss: Techniques to make the most of any conterence or networking event. How to make deeper connections to last your whole career. Ways to help remember important things about the people you meet. The power of networking and why it is so important for your business! Resources: Phillip Van Norstrand Interview Bryan Rafanelli Interview On The Wedding Biz Network: The Stylish Bride with Julie Sabatino   This Episode is Sponsored by: OFD Consulting Contact OFD Consulting OFD Consulting is an awarding-winning publicity agency that focuses on the wedding industry. Client portfolios range from top tier planners and venues to well regarded national brands and industry thought leaders. Owner, Meghan Ely is

Has your religion influenced you through your whole life? On today’s show that is just the case as our guest grew up in a Christian family with good clean fun all around him, despite the influence of a “hippy commune.” Starting off his career path as part of the church, he eventually found a new devotion to photography when he fell in love with traveling.   Phillip Van Nostrand of Phillip vn  Photography not only has the talent of capturing perfect photos for weddings and other events, but also has photographed in 30+ countries as he travels somewhere new, abroad every year. Phil already has his ultimate formula for life complete, as most people are still trying to figure out how to build an ideal life for themselves. Listen in and hear how Phil’s fascinating and unique upbringing transformed into his passion for traveling and photography.   Show Highlights: The influence growing up Christian had on Phil When photography came into Phil’s life Phil’s first travel experience Falling into his career Wedding pho