THE Podcast for Wedding and Events Industry Professionals
All Episodes
All Episodes
277 THE NEXT LEVEL: JENNIFER STEIN discusses MATT PORTEOUS/Photographer: The Way He Sees The World
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 has a podcast called CONFETTI.
Matt is an award-winning photographer who has gained a world-class reputation for his exquisite documentary style photography. Matt is considered the Royal photographer for his work with the Cambridges. He helps change-makers make a difference and shoots on behalf of Ocean Culture Life, a global community of storytellers, photographers, filmmakers, and environmentalists whose lives have been shaped by the sea.
Jennifer and Andy discuss Matt’s love of travel, how he immerses himself into the culture of the people he photographs and how he connects with his clients by taking them to the places they love and getting them to relax. They also speak of Matt’s charity work and the fact that he doesn’t just take photos of beautiful things, he takes photographs that can change lives.
If you knew this pandemic had an end date, would you change how you live your life right now? Andy shares that he is using this time to take a day to himself to recharge and how it is allowing him to come up with fresh ideas. Jennifer speaks about the Black Lives Matter movement, and how it’s coming on the heels of the pandemic has allowed people to think about what it means and take the time to listen.
If you haven’t listened to Matt’s interview, sit down, give yourself a moment to listen and be inspired to look for the positive things when right now it seems easier to focus on the negative.
276 MATT PORTEOUS/Photographer: The Way He Sees The World
“I’m lucky now because I get to go to really beautiful places and photograph wonderful people.” Listen, as Andy Kushner and his guest Matt Porteous discuss the small island he was born and raised on, when he became interested in photography, how the way he saw the world differed from other kids his age, his years surfing and taking pictures plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz
Matt is an award-winning photographer who has gained a world-class reputation for his exquisite documentary style photography. Matt is considered the Royal Photographer for his work with the Cambridges. He helps change-makers make a difference and shoots on behalf of Ocean Culture Life, a global community of storytellers, photographers, filmmakers, and environmentalists whose lives have been shaped by the sea.
Matt speaks about the small channel island near France where he grew up, how he became a stonemason when he left school, then took off for two years to travel and surf. Matt shares that when he takes photographs, he likes to immerse himself in the culture of whoever is being photographed and how he balances all the different genres and projects he is involved with.
Have you ever heard of the documentary style of wedding photography? Matt shares his process with his clients and how he gets the guys he photographs to relax for photos. Matt discusses how he became known as the Royal Photographer, his work with Ocean Culture Life, and with some charities that helps rescue children in India from child labor.
Matt says he feels very blessed to live the life he has and he doesn’t take one moment for granted. During the pandemic, he put together a tutorial to help others navigate the world of photography. This was a very dynamic conversation that you won’t want to miss.
275 Forming An Event Coalition With Jeannette Tavares, Michelle Durpetti, Ali Phillips
Andy’s guests today are three people who have been involved with forming and running coalitions to advocate on behalf of networks of hundreds of small businesses and contractors in the event industry during the pandemic. The one in Chicago is spearheaded by Michelle Durpetti, Ali Phillips, and Colin Pearson, and Jeannette Tavares formed the one in Washington DC.
Michelle Durpetti is a Chicago based wedding planner, venue owner, and restaurateur with Michelle Durpetti Events. Ali Phillips is also a Chicago event producer with Engaging Events by Ali. Jeannette Tavares is the owner of Evoke Design & Creative, an event planning and production company out of Washington, DC.
Listen as these amazing women discuss why they thought it was necessary to start these Coalitions to help small businesses and people in the event industry, what they see happening because of this pandemic, and the response they have received. Michelle, Ali, and Jeannette share what they want to happen and why they believe that the Coalitions will continue long after the pandemic has run its course.
They saw a need and have set out to bring the plight of small business owners, and people who support the event industry, to the elected officials in their cities. Could you do something like this in your area? We all have a voice and it’s time to use it.
274 KUNBI ODUBOGUN – A Celebration of Life, The Perfete and Not So Perfete
“We share the Perfete and the not so Perfete things about life.” Listen, as Andy Kushner and his guest Kunbi Odubogun discuss her backstory and this wonderful site she created. We also talked about when she appeared on an Engage panel discussing her perspective on racial injustice and so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Kunbi is the founder of Perfete, a celebration centered digital publication, providing tips and tools for celebrating all of life’s joyous moments from stylish parties and weddings to decor, inspiration, and gift guides. Kunbi is also the host of the Perfete Podcast, a bi-weekly podcast featuring relatable stories from female thought leaders…Creatives and professionals who share their tangible takeaways for living one’s Perfete life.
Listen as Kunbi shares growing up in Nigeria and moving to Kansas at fifteen, why she got a business degree and then a law degree and how she got into the wedding industry by planning her two wedding celebrations. Kunbi blogged about her wedding as a way to stay in touch with her friends in Nigeria, and it turned into Perfete.
“Life isn’t perfect, but we can navigate the journey together.” Kunbi discusses what Perfete is all about and why she celebrates beautiful things but also talks about the hard things in life. Kunbi also speaks about how she is handling the pandemic with both Perfete and her legal blog as well.
“Do not be afraid to disrupt any place that you want to be.” Listen as Kunbi addresses racial discrimination, the inequality in the event industry, and what young people of color should do if they want to get into the industry. Kunbi says that now is the time to get your voice heard, so speak out.
We are all experiencing quite a bit of stress and other issues during this pandemic. Andy has put together a list of the top ten tips for dealing with stress, which he has compiled from interviews with icons of the wedding and event industry. If you would like a copy, go to www.theweddingbiz.com/toptips.
273 ALEX LE ROUX – Designing Musical Entertainment In An Extraordinary Way
“If you don’t have a star in the band, you are a cover band.” Listen as Andy Kushner and his guest Alex Le Roux discuss what he looks for when auditioning musicians and singers, what makes a band extraordinary, and why he keeps the same musicians together for every event plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Alex is the Founder and CEO of ALR Music based in London. Alex and his team of music and wedding specialists provide entertainment for over 450 luxury events around the world each year. With high profile clients ranging from rock n roll to British royalty, their exclusive roster, and unrivaled level of service and expertise has led to an impressive client list including the United States Ambassador to the UK, Simon Cowell, Google, Chanel and more.
Alex speaks about why he transitioned from singing to music production and management, and how he keeps his musicians loyal by keeping them busy, playing over 150 events a year. Alex allows each band to voice the music they play, their style, and the vibe that makes them unique.
Listen as Alex describes how he designed the music for Engage London, how the pandemic has impacted his business and what he sees happening in the event industry as the end of the year approaches. Alex’s vision for his company is intuitive, and where he is taking his bands is extraordinary, don’t miss this episode.
272 A Conversation with: Simon T. Bailey
This is a second appearance with Simon T. Bailey. His is a very popular Speaker, author and leader of the “brilliance movement” – helping more than 1 million people find their brilliance, shift their thinking and produce sustainable results. According to The Speakers Experts, Simon is one of America’s top ten most booked corporate and association speakers. In 2015 Simon was inducted into the prestigious National Speakers Association Hall of Fame. Speaker magazine cited Simon as one of the top 25 “hot speakers” shaping the profession. And, in 2018, he was awarded one of “25 successful people who’ll help change your life in 2018.” His popular “Building Business Relationships” micro-learning course has been viewed by 10,000+ professionals in 100 countries. He has spoken on six continents to 1,000+ organizations.
In today’s episode, Andy discusses life during the current pandemic, with Simon, and asks how he keeps up his motivation during the slow-down. Simon gives his perspective on pivoting, how to consider whether or not it’s even necessary, and how he recommend we approach the concept.
Simon also has a frank conversation with Andy sharing his thoughts about the issue of racial injustice, given the recent and on-going national protests. Andy asks Simon what he would advise young people of color consider in navigating this difficult and challenge issue in today’s society. He also asks Simon how he recommend others think about and discuss the issue.
Simon is a gifted talent and we are so happy to have him on the show again!
271 NATALIE DENYSE – Building A Strong Brand To Weather The Storm
“The best-laid PR & marketing strategies are rooted in intent and purpose.” Listen as Andy Kushner and his guest Natalie Denyse discuss essential building blocks of a strong PR and marketing strategy, how to create a culture for your brand, and rethinking your brand message plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Natalie is the founder of In Good Company Public Relations, a boutique PR and marketing firm servicing distinguished brands in the wedding, events, and hospitality industry. She uses a forward-thinking approach, combining media relations, social content, and off-line marketing tactics into one holistic strategy. Natalie is also the creator of The Essential PR & Marketing Field Guide, a digital education resource for creative brands looking to propel their businesses to new heights.
“Reach your clients where they are.” Listen, as Natalie shares, the first thing you need to build a strong PR and marketing strategy is a powerful message or elevator pitch. She also discusses ways to keep your brand secure and build relationships even when things get a little unpredictable, like they are now with the pandemic, but also think about strategies that will pay off in the long term.
“A post should feel thought out.” Natalie shares examples of what she means by keeping up with your social media by curating photos on Instagram and telling stories by utilizing the full capabilities of a caption. Another way is to put out an email newsletter sharing something of value to let them know you are thinking of them. Don’t miss a word of what she has to say.
Also, Andy has launched a new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, in which he produces podcasts for other people in the event industry, with Sean Low being its first member. Sean’s show, The Business Of Being Creative, comes out every Tuesday and stay tuned for more new show announcements coming soon.
270 MICHAEL UNCAPHER discusses LISA VORCE- The Intangible Soul Of An Event
Listen as Andy Kushner and Michael Uncapher discuss Lisa’s winding road to the event industry, how she taps into the “intangible soul” for an event, how important she feels lighting is to any event, plus much more on this episode of The Next Level.
Michael is the Co-Owner and Managing Director with Mark’s Garden out of Los Angeles. Mark’s Garden has crafted floral designs for the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball for the past twenty-six years, plus television Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, top-level civic events and a long list of celebrity weddings including Pink, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson to name a few.
Lisa is a world-renown celebrity event planner, receiving accolades from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, BizBash, Martha Stewart, and many more. She planned events for Kobe Bryant and produced some of the most iconic celebrations, including the weddings of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, and Kate Upton and Justin Verlander.
Listen, as Andy and Michael chat about Lisa’s unique perspective on finding the intangible soul of an event, how important lighting is for an event, and Lisa’s preference for natural light. Michael shares how important Instagram is for showcasing your work and why he sometimes takes the unique approach of taking a picture with his phone at an event to see how his creations will look on Instagram, what a great idea!
Also, Andy has launched a new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, in which he produces podcasts for other people in the event industry, with Sean Low being its first member. Sean’s show, The Business Of Being Creative, comes out every Tuesday and stay tuned for more new show announcements coming soon.
269 LISA VORCE – The Intangible Soul Of An Event
“My proudest moments aren’t only about design. They are about how my clients feel when they see and experience the design.” Listen as Andy and his guest Lisa Vorce discuss Lisa’s love of celebrations, what inspired her to leave corporate America to launch her own business and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Lisa is a world-renown celebrity event planner, receiving accolades from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, BizBash, and Martha Stewart, to name a few. She planned several events for Kobe Bryant and produced some of the most iconic celebrations, including the weddings of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and Kate Upton and Justin Verlander. Lisa is a speaker and headliner at conferences worldwide, including WPPI, Engage, and DWP.
Lisa shares that the first event she worked at was a birthday party for George Clooney’s mom, how the referrals from the first wedding she planned led her down the destination wedding path, and the process she follows for each client. Lisa also shares the roles each of her treasured team members play in the events they produce.
Listen as Lisa describes an event she did recently, how she helps her clients choose a venue for their wedding and why each client is set up with a website and email address so they can communicate not only with Lisa’s team but so that the team can communicate with the guests that are attending the wedding.
Also, Andy has launched a new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, in which he produces podcasts for other people in the event industry, with Sean Low being its first member. Sean’s show now comes out every Tuesday and stay tuned for more new show announcements coming soon.
268 Alan Shukovsky: Protocols for Running Events During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Alan Shukovsky is located in NYC and is the Executive Director of Event Sales & Marketing for Glasshouses, which has new venues in NYC, including The Glasshouse, the highly anticipated new venue with a capacity of 1,850 located on the west side of the city. He is a member of a Manhattan-based task force for events and catering in NYC. The task force is made up of 30 plus of some of the most prominent properties and local event professionals in the City. Their purpose was essentially to collaborate and create a system of protocols, checks and balances, for running events during and after the Covid-19 pandemic and for both event professionals and their clients to feel safe. At a minimum, listening to this conversation will give you a host of important issues and ideas to think about. Below are the documents that resulted.
267 A Conversation With: Colin Cowie
I recently started a series, coming out from time to time called “A Conversation With,” which will feature general conversations with a variety of previous and new guests. Today’s conversation is with Colin Cowie, who has been on the show two previous times: Part 1 was episode #128 and Part 2 was #135. I urge you to check them out as they were both absolutely engaging interviews.
Colin was my first entre into the luxe wedding market, with Kushner Entertainment when he hired myself and one of my bands, SoundConnection, to perform for two of his major wedding clients. Those two experiences, with Colin, taught me the true meaning of luxury and I will forever be grateful to him for such invaluable lessons.
In today’s release, Colin talks about what a typical day is like now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and what he has learned about himself. He also talks about how his brand is diversified, working in hospitality outside of the event business, having launched a new division of his event planning and design business.
Colin is currently working on his 11th book, which he tells us all about, as well as a television program of which he will give details another time. Colin also talks about how he is staying connected with future clients and how he’s dealing with his team during this difficult time. We also discuss what the event industry will look like, in the future, and his suggestion for couples whose weddings have had to be postponed. Colin addresses how he’ll run his event business, moving forward, and defines what true luxury is all about.
This is not a conversation to be missed!
266 KATHI SHARPE-ROSS: Author of Re:Invent Your Life! What Are You Waiting For?
“Reinvention is a personal intervention with yourself.” Listen as Andy, and his guest Kathi Sharpe-Ross discuss her book Re:Invent Your Life! What Are You Waiting For? Kathi gives specific ideas for moving forward and reimagining our lives and careers on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Kathi shares that this book was something she decided to write ten years ago and how she had to reinvent her entire book launch plan since the pandemic. She speaks about how important it is to listen to yourself and acknowledge when we could use a little tweak. Kathi says that sometimes you need to reframe the brain and reframe your point of view.
Are you so caught up in your life that you forget how important self-care is? Kathi shares that you need to permit yourself to take a breath or a moment to clear your head. Self-care and occasionally being selfish is good for you and can be good for everyone around you. Take time and listen, so you will know when ah-ha moments happen.
Listen as Kathi shares how to change up the routines in your life, one of the 26 power tools from her book, and how important it is to schedule a time for yourself, even if you have to put it on your calendar. Kathi also discusses how to reinvent our lives while being cautious and mindful as we reopen after the pandemic.
“Failure can be your biggest success.” Kathi talks about what she means by this statement, and why sometimes we have to reframe our notion of failure. Andy’s conversation with Kathi is uplifting and inspiring. Read her book if you need a helping hand, getting your life back on track.
Also, Andy has launched a new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, in which he will produce podcasts for other people in the event industry, with Sean Low being its first member. Sean’s show now comes out every Tuesday and stay tuned for more new show announcements coming soon.
265 PRESTON BAILEY: Racial Injustice, A Conversation
I wanted to give floral designer Preston Bailey a platform to share his thoughts, given what is currently going on with the protests and increased public consciousness about race relations. As usual, Preston allows himself to be vulnerable and refreshingly direct. We touch on his personal experience, experiencing racism for the first time, when he moved to New York City from Panama at the age of 19. Preston also talks about his early and continued experiences, as a black man, working in the event industry. And he gives wonderful advice, to people of color, both in and out of events. Please enjoy this very special episode of A Conversation With: Preston Bailey.
264 THE NEXT LEVEL: JOHN EMMANUEL discusses DIANE KHOURY, Australia’s Premier Event Planner & Designer
“Diane has impeccable taste and style, she is a style queen” Andy and John Emmanuel discuss Diane’s social media following, and why she believes the more genuine you are on your feed, the more prospective clients will understand your style and who you are as a designer. John is Australia’s premier floral designer who appeared on The Wedding Biz in January, find the link to his episode here.
Diane Khoury is a Sydney-based event planner, with over 360,000 Instagram followers. Diane Khoury Weddings and Events has been credited for revolutionizing the planning, styling, and concept design of luxury weddings and events in and out of Australia. With her financial background, she can meld the creative and business sides of her company to create a uniquely successful business.
John handles the floral design for most of Diane’s events, and really has to understand what she wants so he can make it happen. Listen as they speak about the imagery she described from a christening she did in Lebanon, and how special she made her son’s virtual birthday party by sending all the kids gift bags with props for the party to their houses.
Diane has been in the industry for a relatively brief time to have achieved all that she has accomplished. She is an example of what you can do with hard work, determination, and the guts to take a chance.
Also, Andy is announcing the official launch of his new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, in which he will produce podcasts for other people in the event industry, with Sean Low being its first member. Sean’s show now comes out every Tuesday and stay tuned for more new show announcements coming soon.
263 DIANE KHOURY: Australia’s Premier Event Planner & Designer
Have you ever heard of a bride planning her own wedding with 500 guests and with no experience in planning an event of any size? Listen as Andy and his guest Diane Khoury discuss how she was able to pull it off and why it was the reason she started her own wedding and event business plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Diane is a Sydney-based event planner, with over 360,000 Instagram followers. Diane Khoury Weddings and Events has been credited for revolutionizing the planning, styling, and concept design of luxury weddings and events both in and out of Australia. Diane’s weddings stand out as stunning works of art with a passion for glamorous detail and an appreciation for unique displays. After being sought after by celebrities and socialites, Diane continues to catapult the definition of celebrating love and luxury in Australia.
Listen as Diane speaks about how COVID-19 is affecting her business, planning her son’s virtual birthday party so he could have a celebration and her first retail job at age 13. She also speaks about guests at her wedding wanting her help to plan theirs, which gave her the idea that this might be what she should be doing.
Diane describes a magical christening she did for a client in Lebanon and a time when she almost had to cancel a wedding because of technical difficulties. Diane says that balancing her personal life with her professional life is difficult, but she makes it work with the support of her husband.
In six years, Diane has taken her business from nothing to amazing. Listen as she shares how she used social media to share her personality and cultivate clients. Showing her children that working hard and following your dreams can lead to success is something that Diane is passionate about.
Also, Andy is announcing the official launch of his new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, in which he will produce podcasts for other people in the event industry, with Sean Low being its first member. Sean’s show now comes out every Tuesday and stay tuned for more new show announcements coming soon.
262 THE NEXT LEVEL: HEATH ALAN RAY discusses NEILLIE BUTLER, Delivering a Bride’s Vision & More
Listen, as Andy and Heath Alan Ray discuss Neillie’s insights into having different streams of income under one umbrella, how using this pause for the pandemic to reassess your company can be beneficial and much more. Heath is the owner and Creative Director of Jackson Durham, a full-scale event design house.
Neillie Butler is the Founder of Mariee Ami, a multimillion-dollar wedding and event planning firm in the Southeast. Ami a Vie, their new lifestyle brand, extends their community beyond their clients by engaging blog content, social media, and an online shop of entertaining artisanal essentials.
Listen, as Heath shares how his company is using the downtime to reorganize and downsize inventory. They discuss Neillie’s pricing model and how using a percentage-based model instead of a flat rate model allows for better cash flow and budget distribution.
Do you ever caption your pictures on Instagram? Andy and Heath talk about how this is an enormous part of what Neillie does on social media. Instead of just posting a picture, she adds a caption to enhance the emotional impact so you can feel the meaning behind the image. Heath and Andy have a great conversation about Neillie that you won’t want to miss.
Look for Andy’s new podcast network called The Wedding Biz Network, where he produces podcasts from creatives in the industry.
261 NEILLIE BUTLER: Delivering A Bride’s Vision & More!
“As planners, we need our clients to trust us.” Listen as Andy and his guest Nellie Butler discuss why she says becoming a bride’s friend is the only way she can do an event justice, and getting a bride to trust her makes her job easier. Neillie is the Founder of Mariee Ami, which means ‘a bride’s friend.’
Mariee Ami is a multimillion-dollar wedding and event planning firm in the Southeast, recognized for producing celebrations that reflect a genuine sense of hospitality. Their new lifestyle brand Ami a Vie naturally translates to “a friend for life,” and it’s meant to extend their community beyond their clients by engaging blog content, social media, and a shop of entertaining artisanal essentials.
Listen as Neillie shares when she launched her business, how she used blogs about creative content to get her name recognized, and when she started hiring employees. Neillie speaks about her process from start to finish, with a client, and that her personal signature is doing what her clients want no matter what.
Neillie discusses why she brought graphic design, lighting, and drapery all under the Mariee Ami umbrella and the benefits she sees from having different revenue streams. She also speaks about social media and why she has an intentional marketing strategy on Instagram.
Neillie started with nothing and has built a multimillion-dollar company, but she still has the same mission; be a friend to the bride, give them what they want, and tell their story in the best way possible. This is a delightful conversation with many tips that can be used in any industry.
260 A Conversation with: Phil Van Nostrand
This is the first of a series of conversations, called “A Conversation with,” beginning with photographer Phil Van Nostrand. Phil was first interviewed by Andy on 12/3/18 (see link below).
Taking good care of ourselves, during this pandemic, is critical to our mental and physical health. Although Phil had been traveling 100-200 days per year, he has adapted fairly well to living as we now know it. Andy and Phil discuss whether or not they feel fear about their finances and what their perspectives are on the topic. Phil brings up a discussion on mini-matrimonies for clients and the mini-wedding society for the B2B market.
They also discuss the need for pivoting and reinventing themselves doing what they love and feel passionate about. Andy takes this opportunity to announce the launch of The Wedding Biz Network, featuring leading voices across the wedding and events industries exploring topics with and gaining inspiration from other industry leaders and upcoming notables. The first Network member, who launched his show on the 26th, is Sean Low of The Business Of Being Creative.
And Phil mentions the mastermind group he’s started as well as discovering old passions.
Listen in to gain inspiration from these two industry experts as they examine how to best get through the current pandemic.