THE Podcast for Wedding and Events Industry Professionals
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All Episodes
42 Equally Wed: Kirsten & Maria’s Revolutionary Online Guide to Planning an LGBTQ+ Wedding
Kirsten Ott Palladino & Maria Palladino are co-founders of Equally Wed, an online wedding magazine celebrating love and weddings in the LGBTQ+ community. It also provides education and resources for same-sex couples and equality-minded wedding professionals. But this is far more than just a business venture.
In 2004, Kirsten and Maria fell in love, getting engaged just before Kirsten’s 30th birthday in Central Park. When Kirsten began searching online and in book stores for wedding planning resources as a same-sex couple, she didn’t see any content out there that reflected her relationship with Maria. Initially disappointed, Kirsten channeled her emotions into a project called Equally Wed — an online journal and national wedding magazine for LGBTQ+ couples. With Maria’s background in graphic design and web development and Kirsten’s experience in writing editorial content, the two created a national wedding magazine and resource guide for people in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies who want to learn, connect, and feel validation that love is love, no matter who you are.
At the time Equally Wed launched, only 6 US states had marriage equality, making Equally Wed not only an online resource for community and wedding resources for the LGBTQ+ community, but also a news and activism site during the movement toward national marriage equality. As the political and social conversation continues to evolve around same-sex marriage, so does the wedding market. Kirsten and Maria continue to push the envelope by developing relevant, thoughtful resources, including the publication of a wedding guide in 2017 specifically for LGBTQ+ couples planning their own weddings.
41 Sean Low: The Business of Being Creative
Sean Low is an entrepreneur at heart. He has a law degree and even did a stint at a Wall Street investment bank, but he didn’t let any of that stop him from seeing the potential to start a creative business. Sean knows the ups and downs of being a small business owner, as he risked and lost almost everything at the altar of his small business. Eventually, Sean really dialed in his own business acumen and went to work for Preston Bailey Designs. Sean put his skills to work and completely changed the business structure of Preston Bailey Designs, and in doing so, he breathed new life into the business and set it up for considerably higher degrees of success. Since then, Sean has worked with a host of other high profile creative business owners like Vicente Wolf, Style Me Pretty, Marcy Blum, Michelle Rago, Christian Oth and Sylvia Weinstock to name a few
40 Nikki Khan: Creating Exquisite South Asian Weddings
So far on the Wedding Biz, we have had multiple perspectives on planning and executing traditional Western weddings. Therefore, I am incredibly thrilled to bring you Nikki Khan, founder of L.A-based Exquisite Events. Nikki has found her place as the luxury wedding planner for traditional, yet magical South Asian weddings. The scale of Nikki’s events can be difficult to wrap your mind around. For some perspective, her own wedding had over 1,000 guests! Luxury South Asian weddings are multi-day events filled with spectacular design, entertainment, ceremony, and family. Nikki has the right mixture of business savvy, taste, and attention to detail to be able to pull off events of this scale.
The daughter of a Pakistani diplomat, Nikki grew up with an international perspective and multiple cultural influences. She attended finishing school in Switzerland, and while her family was living in Europe, she was able to travel all over. These travels filled Nikki with a sense of awe that she uses as fuel for her splendid events. However, Nikki was not always determined to be in the wedding business. She was almost a nutritionist! Knowing her passions were found in entertaining and producing masterful events, Nikki started in the business a bit later than most of us—after her own children were older! Now her daughter is right by her side as an executive for Exquisite Events.
Pulling off a multi-day event like a South Asian wedding boils down to the details. Nikki keeps herself grounded amidst the multiple events, ceremonies, and receptions that comprise a South Asian wedding by meditating on what really matters. Nikki has always placed her family foremost in her life, and at the heart of every wedding are two families joining together forever. She cherishes the valuable connection of family and builds a sense of worth into every detail from the moment the doors open. The word Nikki uses most often to describe these events is “magical,” and I know you will agree once you hear all of what Nikki has to share.
39 Pauline Parry: The Masterful Orchestration of Good Gracious Events
Wedding planning, production, and design seem to require a bit of tenacity. To make it in the wedding and event industry, you have to be willing to take a risk and execute a vision. It turns out that you also need to be a bit opportunistic and ready to jump when the stars align. This philosophy has carried Pauline Parry very far in the business. She is the esteemed founder of Good Gracious, a Los Angeles-based company that is creating masterful events worldwide. Pauline and her team at Good Gracious specialize in production and event design, gourmet cuisine, and flawless execution at any location. I have Pauline on the show today because her success in business wasn’t a one-shot effort, and her diverse experiences make for some wonderful storytelling.
Pauline decided to seize the opportunity to move with her new husband and two children from her home country of Great Britain to L.A. With no money, no business plan, and a passion for food and good company, Pauline dared to start her own catering business. This one venture led to many more, including a failed café, planning a few weddings, and now a high-end event production company. Pauline has learned more from her failures than her successes, and she encourages anyone in the business to keep following where passion leads. Pauline’s business had so much organic growth, and that was nurtured by her enterprising spirit and ahead-of-her-time ideas. Events by Pauline are masterfully conducted. She is most certainly shaping the industry in the best ways. Listen today to hear her inspiring story.
38 Wombi Rose: Shark Tank, LovePop & Inspiration
When it comes to luxury weddings and events, every detail can become a work of art. Today, I am talking all about business with Wombi Rose, CEO of Lovepop. Lovepop specializes in 3D greeting cards that are truly works of art. Whether it is a card for someone you love or unique invitations to a wedding, Lovepop communicates your message and affection in a unique and surprising way you just can’t find anywhere else. I am excited to have Wombi on the show today because his business is transforming the greeting card game. It is an unusual story that I know you are going to want to hear.
Lovepop cards are a feat of both artistry and engineering, which makes sense once you know about Wombi’s background. Before turning to business, Wombi’s attended school for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Encouraged by friend and future business partner, John Wise, to join him at Harvard Business school, Wombi found a new avenue that combined his love of learning and desire to solve real-world problems. While completing his studies, Wombi experienced firsthand the beautiful paper art of kirigami in Vietnam. He and John were mesmerized by the cards and knew they were something special. Neither of the guys felt inclined towards consumer goods, but the kirigami cards demanded to be brought to the rest of the world! These 3D cards combine artistry and architecture in a beautiful way that is very much like Wombi himself, a juxtaposition of art and science.
“We memorized our entire business and our entire financial model. You have to know your numbers on Shark Tank.” – Wombi Rose
If the name Lovepop sounds familiar, it’s most likely because Wombi’s company is one of the greatest success stories from Shark Tank. I asked Wombi all about the process of applying for and then being on Shark Tank, and he was more than happy to share the experience. What compelled Kevin O’Leary to back Lovepop was their desire to spread some love with beautiful art. These guys are turning out a new magnificent design each week, and it is evident that talent runs deep in the DNA at Lovepop. Wombi and his team have a strong business model and a deep desire to make the world a little more beautiful, and that is the heart of so many of us in the Wedding Business.
37 Debbie Geller: Creating Legacy Clients
It takes a certain level of skill, a problem-solving attitude, and more than a dash of creativity to throw a spectacular wedding. Between coordinating the client’s vision, compiling vendor partners, troubleshooting setup, and sending the bride down the aisle, wedding planners have a lot on their plate. After creating absolutely stunning weddings and high-profile events for 20 years, Debbie Geller, my guest today, knows a thing or two about event planning and design.
Geller Events operates out of Los Angeles, but she’s been designing events all over the world. Her high-profile clients come from a long legacy of word-of-mouth business. She does little to no PR, instead relying on client referrals and legacy clients who keep coming back for Debbie’s personalized touch on everything from weddings to corporate events. She breaks some of the typical event planning stereotypes to provide a unique experience tailored to each couple. Debbie is the heart and soul of her business, though none of these events could be accomplished without the help of her teams. Today, Debbie will share with us how she creates an environment where the clients, the vendor partners, and her team all feel valued and cared for. If Geller Events is a ship, then Debbie Geller is the captain, and it’s all hands on deck.
“There is no such thing as a typical wedding because all of our couples are unique. We focus on getting to know the couple very well.” ~ Debbie Geller
The secret sauce to Debbie Geller’s amazing success is the amount of time and personal attention she puts into every event. If there is a snag with the venue or a last minute emergency, Debbie assures her client that is her problem, not theirs. Debbie’s dedication to every step of the process is absolutely inspiring. We all have a thing or two to learn from her experience, and as Debbie will say, “Experience is everything!” Listen this week as we learn a thing or two about how to throw a fantastic event!
36 Mindy Rice of Mindy Rice Design: Creating Feelings Instead of Just Events
When we think about wedding and event floral designs, our imagination is often limited to bouquets and centerpieces. Today, I am talking to one of the premier event designers in the world. She sees flowers and foliage as a way to create lasting memories of events your guests will never forget. Mindy Rice, of Mindy Rice Design, is a native Californian with a creative lineage. Growing up, Mindy was taught how to think like a designer. Never feeling confined by the “rules” wedding floral arrangements like to follow, Mindy seemed to fall into the wedding business after designing events for the corporate world.
What makes Mindy unique is how she encourages her clients to step into their most daring self. She turns dreams into reality—no Pinterest board copy-cat ideas here! Today, Mindy is going to walk us through her process, from the exciting ideation stages to actually executing her most memorable pieces. She will share stories of how she has transformed a simple barn into a Redwood wonderland. Mindy will describe her favorite pieces, and how she uses color and perspective to transform any event space. Mindy’s goal is to create unique elements for each event that guests will really remember. She is not afraid to take a risk because she knows the risky pieces will always pay off. Every bloom and bough is placed thoughtfully so that guests will feel something long after the last toast and dance.
“Everybody has two personalities—who they really are, and who they dare themselves to be.” ~Mindy Rice
Today is not just about flowers and spectacle! Mindy and I will chat about what it means to own our own business, and how we can successfully balance our creative endeavors with family life. The event design business sometimes feels as though it could take over everything! Mindy embraces the life she’s been given and chooses jobs that will both fulfill her creatively and best support her family. Mindy is inspiring in so many ways, and I know she is going to transform the way you’ve always thought about flowers. Expect the unexpected when Mindy is around!
35 The Knot, Carley Roney & Anja Winikka: Empowering Employees + Building Innovation Into the DNA of Your Business
These days, The Knot is largely synonymous with planning a modern wedding. It is often the first resource brides will use to feel empowered during an uncertain time. There’s a reason for that! Founder of The Knot, Carley Roney, and Brand Builder, Anja Winikka, are innovating the wedding business through authentic connection and female empowerment. The Knot is the #1 Mobile Wedding App, and most bride’s first destination after getting engaged. What started as a small company trying to simplify wedding planning has grown to become one of the most innovative and female-focused entrepreneurial endeavors. Innovation and inclusivity were at the heart of Carley Roney’s vision for The Knot when she and her husband started the company in the early 90’s. With the brand mastery of Anja Winnika, The Knot has solidified its identity as the authority on just about every facet of the wedding business, while also empowering brides to create a wedding that is personal and fun.
A lot has changed about the wedding industry since The Knot was founded, but their core community values of trust, style, and inclusivity haven’t. In today’s episode, you will learn all about Carley’s ahead-of-her-time vision for how the Internet could bring unparalleled innovation to the wedding business. You will also learn how The Knot has continued to evolve and grow by listening to users and cultivating resources with a personal touch. The Knot encourages brides, planners, and vendors to connect in the moment. With resources like The Ultimate Wedding Planner and their wealth of information online, brides can trust that The Knot is working to empower them through the wedding process.
Listen this week to learn how The Knot is empowering their employees, building innovation into their DNA, and paving the way for female entrepreneurs within the wedding business.
34 Edgar Zamora: Transformer of Spaces
Edgar Zamora is the founder and lead designer of the highly acclaimed Revelry Event Designers, the industry’s go-to event and interior design company specializing in designing and installing private, as well as corporate events worldwide. Edgar is a “Transformer of Spaces”, having an innovative and progressive design view. As president and CEO of Revelry Event Designers, Edgar’s exquisite event furniture has transformed events such as the opening of Disney Hall, celebrity weddings including Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston, Shaquille O’Neal and Sofia Vergara (just to name a few) and a slew of Oscar parties including the famous post-Oscars Governors Ball.
Listen along as Edgar and Andy discuss how he seamlessly translated his talent for draping mannequins to event design. Stories of his childhood inspirations and travel adventures are shared between the two. Together, they also recall the tour Andy personally received of Edgar’s venerate 125K square foot company warehouse which not only showcased the level of esteem Revelry Event Designers but also the connection Edgar has with each of his employees. Listen here for more!
33 Claudia Hanlin: From Bride to Wedding Planner
Today, we welcome Claudia Hanlin of the Wedding Library! Claudia has an extensive resume behind her as a Contributing Editor to Martha Stewart Weddings, having received numerous honors including the prestigious Modern Bride Innovators Award, four International Special Events Society Big Apple Awards for Design, The Knot’s Best of New York Wedding Planner and Juli B’s Top US Shopping Service Award. Also, previously Claudia produced several years of The Wedding Party with Martha Stewart Weddings, a luxury bridal showcase taking place in both New York City and Chicago, and will soon announce a new sponsor.
Andy sits down with Claudia to discuss life, career and her most memorable moments on the job. She shares extravagant tales of a celebration for composer Howard Shore, weddings she has produced, as well as details about her innovative resource for brides for the entire planning experience, called The Wedding Library.
Details about Claudia’s upcoming Destination Masterclass Conference are revealed in this episode. Tune in to listen!
32 Sharon Sacks: The Magic of Making Memories
Sharon Sacks is the epitome of a multi-tasking go-getter! Early in her career she caught her first big break working with Berry Gordy Jr. and his Motown Records label during its peak which included projects with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. From there, Sharon went on to work with Jerry Perenchio, who turned out to be her greatest mentor yet. Through working with him, she got the opportunity to explore her love of creation through various weddings and events such as a grand celebration for Prince Andrew. Sharon ultimately emerged into the world of business and since then conquered numerous other projects such as creating a collection of home decor for Alchemy Fine Home and fine china for Lenox. Her passion for creation and desire to foster memorable moments has flourished and helped her become the prestigious and creative business woman she is today.
Today’s interview is one you will not want to miss. Sharon Sacks sits down with Andy to share stories about her her road to success. She also shares details of superb weddings, phenomenal celebrations and intimate gatherings. As well as tips on crafting the perfect team to pull of such events. Tune in to listen!
31 David Merrell: Businessman to Award Winning Event Planner
As Owner, CEO and Creative Director of AOO Events of Los Angeles since 1989, David Merrell has seen and done just about everything there is in the world of events. David’s start in life may sound unusual compared to other wedding professionals. He worked several 9 to 5 office jobs, including a position as an underwriter for an insurance company. His journey from office worker to owner of an award winning event planning, designing and producing company is truly unique and inspiring.
Today, Andy and David share a chat filled with stories about his path to professional success, and how he handles the pressures and logistics of such a complex industry. The pair also touch on what’s changed in the wedding and corporate event world, how to set the best price points and margins for maximum success and satisfaction, and how to balance creativity with acting as the boss. Prepare to be inspired! Listen to the entire interview right here!
30 The Travel Siblings: Experiential Destination Travel
When you think of experiencing personalized and experiential destination weddings, you most likely need to be thinking of Harlan and Kara, The Travel Siblings. This duo has been designing private and intimate events and luxury travel experiences around the globe for years through their affiliation with the Elite Division of Travel Leaders – Tzell Travel Group and were recently recognized by Conde Nast as the “Best Agents for Destination Weddings”.
The pair found their love for travel when Harlan was working as a traveling opera singer as a young teen. He would often bring his younger sister Kara on a few getaways in between tours. There, they both fell in love with the art of luxurious travel, fine dining, and unique global experiences. These moments informed and influenced the pair’s business of offering unforgettable luxury travel experiences uniquely catered to their clients whom wish to wed at a magical destinations.
Today, Andy, Harlan, and Kara share a fun and lively talk about how the sibling’s upbringing shaped their passions and careers, and how they manage to work together creatively and professionally. The three also chat about how they create experiences out of each destination, some of their favorite and most wild honeymoon and wedding stories to date, and what the best part of their job really is to them. This luxurious and decadent episode will have you ready to book your own destination wedding with the one and only Harlan and Kara. Listen to their full episode right here.
29 Darcy Miller: Martha Stewart Weddings & Self-Made Designer
Darcy Miller has always had creative inspirations around her. From growing up with creatively inclined parents, to creating her own crafts and projects in 6th grade, she’s had the gene in her. Her design and editorial contributions during the early days of Martha Stewart Living would eventually lead her to becoming the Editor -at-Large at Martha Stewart Weddings. Her journey, full of fascinating jobs, integral connections, and chances to pursue her own creative ideas, remind us all to stay true to our passions, and to always be willing to do whatever it takes to keep your dreams alive.
28 Michelle Rago: Weddings Around the Globe
Michelle Rago has always had wanderlust flowing through her veins. It’s what has inspired her to build her massively successful career as a wedding and event destination producer and expert. She’s now one of the most sought-after destination event planners in the world, in large part because of her vision, relationship building skills, and meticulous attention to every possible detail. Her love for travel and experiencing new cultures came from a study abroad trip in Greece when she was just 15. Ever since, she’s been exploring new ways to bring stunning events and weddings to the most inspiring and beautiful locations around the globe.
Today, Andy and Michelle chat about the steps she took to growing her passions and her business, and some of the major epiphanies and milestones she realized along the way. The pair also dive into how she untangles the vastly intricate puzzles of destination weddings, her process of making an event come to fruition, and some of her favorite and most satisfying events to date. This week’s episode taps into the idea that following what your heart desires can truly lead to a career full of personal and professional achievements. Check out the full episode now.
27 Angela Desveaux: Editor-in-Chief of WedLuxe Media
Angela Desveaux is the founder, publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of WedLuxe Media, which includes her print and online magazines, a trendsetting blog, a wedding show, an online boutique, and many other facets. But the path to all this success wasn’t easy, as she shares in this week’s episode. Angela recalls her first few years of building the magazine with her husband Bruce and what it was like to bet it all on the business. It’s a story many entrepreneurs can relate to, and she gives sage advice to anyone looking to strike out on their own in the industry.
In today’s episode, Angela and Andy explore the ever-challenging path to success, and how with enough determination and often sheer willpower, you can achieve what you set out to. The pair also discuss how to find balance professionally and personally, the secret to running a business with a spouse, and what’s on the horizon for WedLuxe Media. It’s a tale of following your gut and setting out to do a difficult but immensely rewarding task. The full interview is available right here.
26 Kristin Banta: Upending Wedding Traditions
Just because something is tradition doesn’t mean you can’t play by your own rules. For Kristin Banta, that’s the name of the event designing game. From her youth to present, Kristin has always marched to the beat of her own drum, questioning the status quo and asking the question many of us forget to: why are some things done a certain way, and who says we can’t change them? Her background in a variety of positions ranging from acting to set design led her to eventually creating her own business, Kristin Banta Events. Kristin helps her clients throw amazing events and weddings that celebrate the guests of honor using some unconventional and out of the box ideas.
In today’s interview on The Wedding Biz, Andy and Kristin share what it means to throw tradition out the window, and how creatively satisfying it can be to see events through a whole new perspective. She shares insights into how she’s put on weddings without a single flower, how she tells her client’s stories using unique materials and designs, how she’s found the way to actualize her career in the most fulfilling and creatively charged way imaginable. Her interview is available right here.
25 Jes Gordon: Bringing Personality to Every Event
How do you truly entertain without boundaries? Just ask event designer, producer, and planner Jes Gordon. Designing and planning events that are constantly pushing creative and innovative limits is what she does best. From getting inspired by her clients and their families to seeing what’s on the streets of cities and incorporating that into her work, she’s got no short supply of amazing ideas. Though Jes technically started her career in the design world working in a floral shop at the tender age of 13, she hit it out of the park big-time at 19, where her innate ability to design and produce fabulous events became apparent. After a few serendipitous turning points in her life, she started her own business Proper Fun, which encapsulates what Jes’ style and process is all about.
Today, Jes and Andy delve into how the wedding industry has changed, and how there can still be a balance of professionalism and personality if you do it right. She shares what her most and least favorite events to produce are, why she deems herself an event producer rather than just a designer, and how her upbringing shaped her path to becoming a world-renowned event creator. Jes’ interview brings her splash of personality and vivid inspiration to listeners, showing that there’s always something new to create and be inspired by every single day. Check out the full episode right here.