The Business of Luxury Weddings

Latest Episodes:

Melina Glavas & Stewart Mann: Inside The Little Nell and 30 Years of Five-Star Excellence in Aspen Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to stay at the top for thirty years? Melina Glavas and Stewart Mann lead event sales at The Little Nell, Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond hotel, where weddings happen at eleven thousand feet and Forbes has awarded five stars every year since 1996. In this conversation they join James and Otto to talk about the thing that actually drives it all: relationships.

Melina, who has been at the Nell for twenty years, and Stewart, who joined recently and plans never to leave, get honest about how they build partnerships that last, why they believe everyone succeeds or fails together, and how a new planner or photographer can genuinely break into a place like this. Along the way they share the culture behind three decades of five-star service, the story of one of the best wine programs in the world, and what it really takes to pull off a wedding on top of a mountain.

Part masterclass, part love letter to Aspen.

Haley Paige: Who Am I If I'm Not a Designer?" On Identity, Reinvention, and Protecting What You Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you lose the legal right to use your own name? Wedding dress designer Hayley Paige spent nearly five years, and every dollar she had ever earned, fighting to win back her name and her right to design. In this conversation she joins James and Otto to trace the whole arc: the identity crisis of asking "who am I if I'm not a designer?", the businesses she built in the wilderness years, and the surreal comeback of seeing one of her dresses on a real bride during the Super Bowl halftime show.

It's an unusually honest look at the machinery behind the beauty. Hayley shares how creatives can protect their work before it's out in the world, why a strong business structure frees your creativity rather than dilutes it, and how to build a brand on trust that can survive almost anything. For any designer, photographer, or small business owner, it's part cautionary tale, part permission slip to begin again.

Shelby Wax: Inside the Mind of a Wedding Editor - Taste, Timing, and the Stories That Actually Get Published Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, James sits down with writer and contributing editor Shelby Wax for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how wedding editorial really works—and what it actually takes to get published.

Shelby shares how her path through Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and now freelance work shaped her perspective on storytelling, curation, and taste. Together, they unpack what most photographers and planners misunderstand about editorial, why "beautiful" isn't always enough, and how timing, brand alignment, and narrative all play a role in what gets selected.

They also dive into the realities behind submissions—why great weddings get passed on, how SEO and internal goals shape decisions, and what editors are really looking for when they open a gallery.

If you've ever felt confused or frustrated by the editorial process—or wondered how to get your work published—this conversation will reframe it completely and give you a clearer path forward.

Kiran + Leigh: On Taste, Trust & Never Doing the Same Wedding Twice Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Some planners execute a vision. Natalie Kiran Laskowski and Chelsea Leigh Wenner of Kiran + Leigh are the vision.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings, the co-founders of one of the most quietly compelling destination wedding studios in the country sit down with hosts James Christianson and Otto to talk about what it actually takes to build something with taste — and keep it that way. How they left a firm, launched a brand during a pandemic, and decided early on that they would never compromise on quality, creativity, or each other.

They talk vendor relationships, editorial design, the guest experience as the true measure of luxury, and the kind of partnership that only works when the friendship comes first.

No formulas. No repeats. Just two women who built exactly what they set out to build.

Samkoma: How to Build a Brand People, Feel, Follow and Never Forget Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with the creative minds behind Samkoma—a collective that's redefining what it means to build a brand in the luxury event world.

From their roots in nightlife and cultural production to curating experiences for global fashion houses and elite weddings, Samkoma brings an entirely different energy to the table. Josiah and Otto open up about the intentionality behind every decision—the lighting, the sound, the scent, the pacing—and how those details create more than a mood… they create memory.

You'll hear what makes a brand feel unforgettable, why culture is your most valuable currency, and how collaboration is the new competitive edge.

If you're a creative, planner, or brand-builder looking to stand out without selling out, this conversation will challenge the way you think about value, vision, and what it takes to move people—not just impress them.

Kimberley Curtin: The Quiet Power of Trust, Timing, and Unshakable Calm Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Kimberley Curtin, Senior Event Producer at JZ Events, for a rare and generous conversation about what it really takes to operate at the highest level of luxury event planning. As the right hand to Jennifer Zabinski—one of the most sought-after planners in the world—Kimberley brings an extraordinary combination of calm precision, deep intuition, and flawless execution to every wedding she touches.

They talk about the quiet power of being a number two, how to lead from behind without needing credit, and why trust is the most valuable currency in this business. From 4 a.m. vendor calls to anticipating needs before they're spoken, Kimberley shares the mindset that allows her to show up with confidence, excellence, and ease—no matter the pressure.

If you've ever wondered what true behind-the-scenes leadership looks like in this industry, this one's a masterclass.

Kayley Watson: The Art of Connection, Culture, and Celebrations at Belmond Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Kayley Watson—Account Director of Celebrations at Belmond—for a journey through the soul of luxury hospitality. With her signature blend of warmth, wit, and unshakable professionalism, Kayley pulls back the curtain on what truly sets Belmond apart: curated experiences rooted in place, culture, and human connection.

From designing unforgettable moments across Belmond's legendary global portfolio to nurturing the kind of planner partnerships that last a lifetime, Kayley shares what it means to lead with generosity, curiosity, and joy.

This isn't a conversation about logistics—it's about legacy. It's about turning every celebration into a love letter to a destination.

If you're a planner, creative, or hotelier who believes in the magic of service done well, this episode will leave you inspired (and probably craving an Italian rail journey).

Amrit Dhillon-Bains: On Belonging, Boundaries, and Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Amrit Dhillon-Bains—founder of Anais Events—for a conversation that goes beyond weddings and deep into identity, resilience, and leadership.

Known for her powerful presence and soulfully intentional celebrations, Amrit shares what it's meant to build a globally recognized brand while holding true to her values. From navigating cultural expectations to setting healthy boundaries in a demanding industry, she reflects on how her own journey has shaped the way she leads, serves clients, and shows up in her work.

She also talks candidly about the pressure of representation—what it's like to lead with excellence while carrying the weight of being "the first" or "the only." And why, in her words, belonging isn't something you find—it's something you build.

If you've ever wrestled with identity, struggled to set boundaries, or wondered if you're allowed to do things differently—this episode is a quiet permission slip to trust yourself.

Emily Coyne: The Power of Clear Standards, Quiet Confidence, and Luxury that Feels Personal Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Emily Coyne—creative director, founder, and force behind Emily Coyne Events—for a masterclass in elegance, leadership, and intentionality.

Known for her elevated simplicity and seamless execution, Emily shares how her team creates weddings that feel effortless, emotionally resonant, and deeply personal—without sacrificing operational precision. From her background in finance to building a high-performing team grounded in trust and clarity, she unpacks the systems, rituals, and values that drive her world-class client experience.

She also opens up about the quieter side of leadership—why presence is more powerful than performance, and how grace under pressure builds more than events; it builds reputation.

And in one of the episode's most personal moments, James, Otto and Emily reflect on a real-life rupture in their working relationship—what went wrong, how it almost cost them future projects, and what it looked like to repair trust with honesty, humility, and a phone call.

It's an episode full of depth—for anyone who values integrity, growth, and beauty.

Julian Leaver: Why Good Taste Isn't Enough—It's How You Make People Feel Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Julian Leaver, the celebrated event planner of Julian Leaver Events, former hotelier, and master of gracious hosting, for a conversation that redefines what luxury really means. Julian shares why beautiful design is only the beginning—and how emotional intelligence, anticipation, and warmth create the kind of experiences that guests never forget. With roots in Southern hospitality and a sharp understanding of client psychology, Julian unpacks how he makes people feel cared for at every turn—without ego, noise, or theatrics. He talks about navigating the luxury market as a man in a traditionally female-led industry, the leadership lessons learned from hospitality giants, and how confidence and kindness can (and should) coexist at the highest level. If you've ever wondered how to build a brand that feels as good as it looks—or how to lead without overpowering—this episode is your guide to thoughtful luxury and modern creative leadership.

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