The Wedding Biz - Behind The Scenes Of The Wedding Business

On today’s show, we get to hear from Preston Bailey with a brand new conversation to follow up from the first time we had him on the show. Preston was named one of the best wedding designers in the world by Vogue Magazine. Preston’s client roster includes celebrities, royal families, CEO’s and athletes. He has created a number of art installations which are featured across the world with showcases in NY, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Taiwan, Macao, and London.   Preston has a table top linen collection, which is a collaborated effort with Nuage Designs. He also supports the industry through his Preston Bailey protégé program through a series of specialized master classes that offer mentorship and education to industry professionals. Preston is the Author of 7 books, 5 of which are best sellers, and also does speaking engagements, seminars, editorial profiles, television and radio interviews.   Show Highlights: Biggest issue still coming up is pricing How Preston handles pricing with clients Showing clients

In this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and Melissa are breaking down lessons learned from Abby and Tait Larsen of Style Me Pretty.  Abby and Tait have had a journey that most bloggers will never experience - being bought by AOL and eventually on the chopping block, but given the chance to take their business back and make it better than ever. Today Andy and Melissa discuss: Abby says she made every mistake you could possibly make in business. Why it is better to go deeper and tell a bigger story. How to gauge your success - it's about having a blast doing what you love! Authenticity has been the key to success for Style Me Pretty.   Don't forget that next week we have the amazing Preston Bailey back for a second interview - and it's even more amazing than the first!

To get the full scoop on one of the hottest topics in the world of wedding inspiration, we are invited into the home of Abby & Tait Larson to learn more about their story, and the oh so popular wedding resource: Style me Pretty.   They started when the the blogging world was fresh, and not nearly as creative. You will learn how they both started this amazing business that has grown with them and the industry-including details on how they’ve reacquired Style Me Pretty!     Show Highlights: How Tait and Abby met after College Abby worked for a Stationery Company that helped her path to Blogging Abby’s first invitation for a friend’s wedding led her to start her own stationery business that she later sold Doing stationary for Oprah, and why she never cashed the check Style Me Pretty’s early days started from a type pad account, Abby even created her own logo Abby noticed there was an enormous gap from what was happening offline and what was happening online for brides Abby feels her vendors she originally r

Today's episode of THE NEXT LEVEL is a very special one! For the first time in TNL history, we have a guest co-host. Since Melissa Fancy is on vacation, Andy has the incredibly smart and insightful Sean Low as his guest co-host today. Sean is the founder and President of The Business of Being Creative. Sean is also a previous guest on the Wedding Biz, so if you have not listened to that show yet, you can listen here. Andy and Sean also discuss: How Bryan resisted the family pressure to become a lawyer Time is money and Bryan really figured out early on how to get paid for his emotional labor. Ways Bryan has created legacy clients It's not easy to put a number on the emotional value that you bring to clients. Bryan is outrageous and he knows exactly who he is, which allows him to be outrageous! In case you haven't listened to Bryan's full show yet, you can listen here.

REVISIT: If you’ve ever felt family pressure to pursue a certain career, then you can relate to today’s guest. When he realized the careers his family had chosen were not for him, he didn’t let it stop him. Today, you’ll hear the story of forging a completely new path and struggling, but being determined enough to succeed at the highest levels, as told by the amazing Bryan Rafanelli! Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli events grew up in Rhode Island with an Italian family and was taught to be his own boss. Bryan’s passion in crafts was encouraged by the women in his family. Bryan went to college in Syracuse and in his senior year of college he just knew he could not be a lawyer. Bryan always had in the back of his mind he wanted to go to art school, though he knew he still wanted to be successful. Bryan started his own company designing events, and Rafanelli Events was born and has made him one of the best planners in the world. Show Highlights: Growing up self-made, and his passions Deciding not to go to law schoo

Buckle your seat belts because this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL is quite a ride. Andy and Melissa dig deeper into the amazing interview with Cindy Novotny and this show is full of actionable items. Andy and Melissa give some practical advice about how they have implemented some of Cindy's strategies. Andy and Melissa also discuss: Paying yourself first  Properly saving money even in lean times Turning fear into a motivator - you have the choice Cindy's process for responding for client inquiries Organization can keep you from getting overwhelmed   If you haven't listened to Cindy's full episode, you can catch that here.

As anyone knows, sometimes we need a little motivation, a push in the right direction. Maybe we’re not as focused as we need to be and just need someone to motivate us to reach our potential.   Cindy Novotny is with us today, and she’s here to give some of her signature “straight talk” advice. Listen in and find out why you should embrace public speaking, set goals, and stay focused on what you want out of your life.   Show Highlights: Why you should speak more often at public functions Cindy explains how she has crafted herself today The 3 things you need to write down when speaking at intimate gatherings Why you have to be a salesman first when becoming an entrepreneur Advice for artists on realizing your value The no-brainer, biggest issue Cindy’s noticed in the wedding industry Turn fear into motivation The benefit of being honest with your boss or supervisor Why you must fight complacency constantly The problem with the younger generations coming up Resources: Cindy Novotny Cindy on Instagram Cindy on

In today's episode, Andy and Melissa dig into the interview with Norma Cohen. If you haven't listened to Norma's full interview, you definitely should go back and listen. Norma is a very unique planner. She's been working in her community since she was a child and she's spent years building those relationships that have been the bulk of her business! Listen as Andy and Melissa also discuss: How has Norma survived in business without business cards? Norma's ability to build a referral based business The bold boundaries that Norma sets for her clients Plus, Andy answers a listener question!   Other episodes mentioned: Preston Bailey

If there’s anyone who knows all the ins and outs of party planning, it’s Norma Cohen. Norma started planning parties on her own for her friends when she was only 12 years old. Later, she became the youngest female, at 16, on an Executive Board of Directors of the community center. And at 18 she opened her own business, Party Expressions. Listen in to find out why, after several attempts to leave the business, she just couldn’t keep away for long.   Show Highlights: The first time lighting was used to change the ambiance of a room Norma shares her process for planning an event What she recommends on how to bring out a client’s personality How it is possible to have a successful career without a college education Where and how Norma discovers new ideas for future events What the biggest turn ons and turn offs are from a Planner’s perspective Why it’s important to prepare for unexpected outcomes The moment that caused Norma to completely change her style of design and planning What success means to Norma and th

This episode of THE NEXT LEVEL is all about brides! Well, actually Julie Sabatino is all about brides and as the creator of The Stylish Bride, she performs a valuable service for brides. Julie's entire business model is based on providing a much-needed service for brides during a stressful time. Learn how she's made herself an invaluable part of any wedding! In this episode, Andy and Melissa discuss: The types of services Julie provides, not just to brides, but also to grooms and anyone else that is a part of the wedding. Julie's secret for scaling her business to multiple cities, even though she offers a highly personalized service. It's all about the experience, and Julie does what it takes to give her brides a fantastic experience. How to let your clients tell you what they need from you. Previous episodes mentioned: Mindy Weiss   Sylvia Weinstock    

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 s

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

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 th

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 m

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 innovat

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