The Wedding Biz &#8211; Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PartySlate - the first website designed specifically for event professionals and venues!

Mentioned:

Simon T. Bailey Episode 46 on The Wedding Biz

Simon T. Bailey Episode 272 on The Wedding Biz

Rebecca Grinnals & Katheryn Arce Episode 1 on The Wedding Biz

337 THE NEXT LEVEL: SEAN LOW discusses IRA LEVY - Tastefully Using Technology to Create Lighting Designs Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

Andy welcomes Sean Low back to the show. Sean is the owner of the consulting firm The Business of Being Creative, which focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. He also has a podcast on The Wedding Biz Network called The Business of Being Creative. Listen as they discuss Ira Levy, the Creative Director of Levy NYC Design & Production, a full-service design and production company focused on lighting, sound, and video for events, architecture, and what he calls architainment. Ira has been the lighting designer for such event luminaries as Preston Bailey and Colin Cowie. Past clients include Martha Stewart Weddings, Dolce Gabbana, and the American Museum of Natural History.

336 IRA LEVY: Tastefully Using Technology to Create Lighting Designs Mar 01, 2021

Show notes

"Light starts in the ceiling and ends in the floor, and there is nothing in between." Listen as Andy and his guest Ira Levy discuss his journey from pre-med to concerts, lighting design, and entertainment, why he uses the term architainment, his process when working with clients, designers, and planners, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Ira is the Creative Director of Levy NYC Design & Production, a full-service design and production company focused on lighting, sound, and video for events, architecture, and what he calls architainment. He has also been the lighting designer for such event industry luminaries as Preston Bailey and Colin Cowie. Past clients include Martha Stewart Weddings, Dolce Gabbana, and the American Museum of Natural History.

"It's not the turning of the screw; it's knowing which screw to turn." Ira believes that the mood you create with lighting is part of the experience. Ira shares mixing entertainment and architecture to create architainment, which happens when light touches inanimate material.

Listen as Ira speaks about the need for event industry professionals to allow more time before an event so that lighting designers can work their creative magic. Ira also shares what he still hopes to accomplish and what he is looking forward to.

Do you need some tips on handling stress during this crazy year? 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.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show: If you are so inspired: contribute.

Show Highlights:

[01:30] Welcome to the show, Ira!

[02:15] Ira shares his background and when he left pre-med for concerts, nightclubs, and lighting.

[04:40] Ira discusses getting involved with a company that did the moving lights.

[05:50] Ira speaks about producing rave shows in the late 80s.

[07:11] Preston Bailey was someone who helped Ira's career take off.

[08:10] What is your overall philosophy concerning design?

[09:28] Ira believes that the mood you create with lighting is part of the experience.

[10:37] Ira works the dimmer, and he says that can make the entire event.

[11:42] "It's not the turning of the screw; it's knowing which screw to turn."

[12:39] During an event, are you in contact with the designer, or are you on your own?

[13:28] Ira shares his process and who he works with most: clients, designers, or planners.

[15:45] Ira describes a project he did with Preston Bailey and how he created the event's lighting design elements.

[17:35] Ira speaks about the biggest challenges he faces when doing the lighting.

[20:16] Were you asked to do anything special for LeBron James' wedding?

[22:29] Ira discusses doing the lighting he calls architainment.

[24:41] How far do you dig into the brand when creating designs for companies?

[26:08] Ira shares his view on technology and where he sees it going in the future.

[28:36] There is a lot of technical equipment out there, but few people know how to use it.

[30:25] Ira believes that time is so important. It takes time to make it look good.

[32:52] Ira shares some things he thinks event industry professionals need to consider when working with lighting designers.

[34:04] What do you still want to accomplish? What are you looking forward to?

[35:46] Thank you for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Ira:

Levy NYC

Video Reels

@levynyc

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Valerie Romanoff Episode 24 on The Wedding Biz

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Mentioned:

Preston Bailey Episode 66 on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Episode 88 on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Episode 265 on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Episode 321 on The Wedding Biz

Colin Cowie Episode 128 on The Wedding Biz

Colin Cowie Episode 135 on The Wedding Biz

Colin Cowie Episode 267 on The Wedding Biz

LeRoy Bennett Episode 35 on The Music Makers

335 A Conversation With: VALERIE ROMANOFF Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

"Music is a force and power tool for our well being." Valerie Romanoff, founder of Starlight Music, is Andy's guest on the show today. Valerie was on episode 24 of The Wedding Biz back in October 2017 and has had quite a pivot since. So, Andy wanted to have her on the show to catch up and find out what she has been doing.

Listen as Valerie shares why she uses the terms "still," "chill," and "thrill" when discussing the different segments of life, how the vibrations of music can shift energy, and what she does that is so unique and different when putting on a performance. Valerie also talks about having performers who do more than just show up; performers who are aware and more intentional about their performance.

Valerie discusses what she likes to talk about when she coaches her band leaders and why to her every moment, every night is different, and it's not just a show; it's an interactive collaboration with everyone who is there. Valerie believes a home run when you have everyone on the dance floor and in a certain state of mind.

Valerie believes we should all look at the gifts this time off has given us instead of focusing on the negatives. She discusses events' potential to have more meaning and awareness once people can get out and enjoy them again, and where she thinks the industry will go once this pandemic is over.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show: If you are so inspired: contribute.

Show Highlights:

[01:45] Welcome back to the show, Valerie!

[02:35] Valerie shares the pivot she has had in her business.

[03:31] "Parties are like a microcosm of life."

[05:17] Valerie discusses how she believes the vibrations of music can shift energy.

[08:02] What are you doing that is so unique and different when putting on a performance?

[11:04] Valerie speaks about having the band show up and be more aware and intentional.

[13:46] Valerie discusses what she likes to talk about when coaching band leaders.

[14:31] "Every moment and every night is different because it's not just a show, it's an interactive collaboration with everyone that is there."

[18:31] Valerie speaks about event professionals and how their identities are so wrapped up in what they do.

[19:53] Valerie believes we should all be looking at the gifts during time.

[21:15] Valerie talks about having time to collaborate with friends and the creative ways you can be creative.

[22:47] Valerie discusses the potential of events having more meaning because of increased awareness.

[24:39] Where do you think parties will go once we are out of this pandemic?

[26:29] Why being able to play outside moved Valerie to tears.

[27:23] Thank you for listening to the show!

RESOURCES

Find Valerie:

Valerie Romanoff Music

Starlight Music

@valerieromanoff

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

334 REVISIT DAVID TUTERA: Finding True Success in Self Reinvention Feb 22, 2021

Show notes

This is a revisit of Andy's popular interview of David Tutera from May of 2018 with a new introduction. Show Highlights:

David's unexpected childhood upbringing that heavily influences his outlook on life
David shares how to avoid burnout in a fast-moving industry
Why strategically re-inventing yourself in your career is crucial
David's short college experience and his first post-college business
How old David was when he planned his first wedding
What David thought most wedding planners were missing when he started his event planning business
The challenges of starting a new wedding planning business
The two pivotal years that put David's business on the map
His experiences on television, including the launch of his first series
David shares his two biggest fears, and how he uses them to find empowerment
The process David takes with his clients to create custom events
Some of David's favorite weddings of all time (including his own!)
About David's product line
How David has seen the wedding/event industry change over the past 30 years

333 THE NEXT LEVEL: LAURIE ARONS discusses ERICH MCVEY/Combining Documentary and Fine Art Style Photography Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

Andy welcomes Laurie Arons back to The Next Level. Laurie is with Laurie Arons Special Events. She has been featured in numerous magazine publications and was listed in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the top planners worldwide. Listen as they discuss how Erich got his start in photography and how important he feels it is to keep his passion for the art without getting lost in the business side, plus much more.

Erich McVey is a wedding, portrait, and editorial film photographer with a love for medium format cameras, natural light, and incredible scenery. Erich was named by Harpers Bazaar, Brides, and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the world's best wedding photographers and twice selected as film Photographer of the Year.

Listen as Laurie gives her insights into Erich's preference of shooting with film instead of digital, how she loves the look of film and only works with such photographers for her events. Laurie talks about how she gets butterflies before an event because it's so intense and there is so much on the line. Laurie also discusses what she looks for when hiring a photographer, for her events, and why she loves Erich's style and the way he shoots photographs.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show: For as little as $6 per month, or $0.75 per episode, are you willing to support the industry insights Andy brings on his podcast? If you are so inspired: contribute.

Show Highlights:

[00:59] Welcome back to the show, Laurie!
[03:24] Laurie shares how she was able to balance her creative and business sides.
[04:35] Laurie gives her insights into Erich's preference for shooting film instead of digital.
[05:48] Laurie talks about loving film's look and has always sought film photographers throughout her career.
[06:48] Laurie discusses Erich's style and the way he shoots.
[10:07] Laurie shares that she still gets butterflies when they approach the ceremony part of the event.
[12:14] Laurie says that It's so intense, it's live, and there is so much on the line.
[13:45] Laurie speaks about what she looks for when choosing a photographer for a client.
[15:56] Thank you so much for being on the show!

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Laurie Arons - Laurie Arons Special Events

Laurie's email

Laurie on Vimeo

Laurie@lauriearons

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

@lauriearonsevents

Facebook

Laurie Arons Episode 290 on The Wedding Biz

Laurie Arons Episode 139 on The Wedding Biz

Find Erich:

Erich McVey

@erichmcvey

Instagram | Pinterest

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

www.KushnerEntertainment.com

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

332 ERICH MCVEY: Combining Documentary and Fine Art Style Photography Feb 15, 2021

Show notes

"What I strive to do for every couple I shoot is to deliver variety, quality, and consistency throughout." Listen as Andy and his guest Erich McVey discuss a variety of topics, including how he got started in photography and what he means by combining documentary and fine art styles when he shoots weddings plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Erich is a wedding, portrait, and editorial film photographer with a love for medium format cameras, natural light, and incredible scenery. Erich was named by Harpers Bazaar, Brides, and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the world's best wedding photographers and twice selected as film Photographer of the Year.

Listen as Erich discusses controlling variables to position couples to give them a moment and not let the business and repetition kill his zest for creating unique imagery. Erich also shares what drew him to film over digital and why he believes he can live in the camera when he shoots with film instead of dealing with the distraction of digital.

Erich believes that lighting is a photographer's best friend. Using light is probably the most enjoyable aspect of being a photographer and is a major way to distinguish photographers from one another. Erich says that he loves the fact that this gets to be his job and that it's totally interpretive.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show: If you are so inspired: contribute.

Show Highlights:

[02:22] Welcome to the show, Erich!

[03:26] Erich shares how his mom got him an interview to shoot an ad campaign before he ever even had a camera.

[05:17] Erich speaks about traveling the country for his first job, shooting at different locations for the company, and how the person they paired him up with eventually became his wife.

[08:02] Erich believes his parents were an enormous influence on him becoming a photographer.

[09:15] He shot a family friend's wedding, and his career started from word of mouth.

[12:01] Erich describes what he means by combining documentary and fine art style.

[14:48] Erich tells every couple he talks to, whether or not they hire him, to look at full wedding galleries from wedding photographers.

[16:12] Erich discusses how he goes about putting couples in a position to have a moment.

[18:52] Having the headspace to roll with and address the variables as they come is very important.

[20:08] Erich believes you can lose your zest and artistry to create unique imagery when business and repetition kill the soul.

[24:13] Why did you choose film over digital?

[26:39] Once Erich determined how he wanted his photography to look, he reached out to Jose Villa and signed up for his workshop.

[28:32] Erich talks about why he likes the look of film over digital.

[30:08] Erich lives in the camera when he shoots film instead of the disruption of using digital.

[31:28] How do you think about framing and composition?

[33:18] Erich believes that light is a photographer's best friend, and there is a learning curve when you go from digital to film.

[35:40] "Utilizing light is probably the most fun aspect of being a photographer and the way that maybe even distinguishes photographers the most from one another."

[38:53] What still challenges you and gives you anxiety?

[40:28] Erich loves that this is his job and that he can take a wedding in many directions, which he says is terrifying, but it keeps him motivated.

[42:36] Erich discusses the online photography course he and his wife put together.

[45:23] What is the latest equipment that you are using?

[46:08] Thank you for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Erich:

Erich McVey

@erichmcvey

Instagram | Pinterest

Erich's online course if i made

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

www.KushnerEntertainment.com

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Mentioned:

Jose Villa Episode 49 on The Wedding Biz

Jose Villa Episode 228 on The Wedding Biz

Jose Villa Episode 235 on The Wedding Biz

331 THE NEXT LEVEL: PHIL VAN NOSTRAND discusses JOSH SPIEGEL/Using Social Media to Create Business During the Pandemic Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

Andy welcomes Phil Van Nostrand back to The Next Level. Phil is based out of New York and Los Angeles. Phil photographs weddings, commercial, and lifestyle projects and is an expert at capturing bright cinematic lifestyle imagery. Listen as they discuss Josh Spiegel, the Creative Director and President of Birch Event Design, a high-end decor, production, and floral company.

Phil speaks about a support group of industry professionals that Josh is a part of during the shutdown and how he himself created his own network of people to reach out to. Phil also talks about the challenge Josh had to create something different for each event while planning daily weddings within the same group of individuals.

Phil discusses how Josh used social media to garner business during the pandemic while staying safe by doing smaller events, having the host testing each guest, and social distancing. Phil agrees with Josh that the smaller events will carry over because people see the beauty in creating an experience for their guests and being able to connect on a deeper level.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:12] Welcome back to the show, Phil!
[02:08] Phil shares that he has traveled at least once a month since the pandemic.
[04:59] Phil discusses the support group that Josh is a part of that has helped him stay connected and grounded during the pandemic.
[05:49] Phil says that he created his own support network during the shutdown.
[07:04] Phil speaks about the challenge Josh had to make each wedding different when working with the same group of people for every event.
[09:35] Phil discusses the events that Josh got from social media during the pandemic.
[11:35] Phil shares his theory on people's beliefs.
[13:32] Phil agrees with Josh on creating a more special experience when you have smaller events.
[15:10] Phil thinks that more intimate weddings are less about showing off and more about the meaning.
[15:42] Phil discusses what he thinks the industry will be like post-pandemic.
[17:08] Thank you so much for being on the show!

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Phil Van Nostrand - Photographer based out of New York and Los Angeles

PhillipVN

Phillip Van Nostrand Photography

Phil Van Nostrand Episode 109 on The Wedding Biz

Phil Van Nostrand Episode 260 on The Wedding Biz

@phillipvnweddings

@phillipvnphoto

Find Josh:

@bircheventdesign

Birch Event Design Videos

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Birch Event Design Videos

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PartySlate - the first website designed specifically for event professionals and venues!

330 JOSH SPIEGEL/Birch Event Design: Using Social Media to Create Business During the Pandemic Feb 08, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of The Wedding Biz Andy is talking to Josh Spiegel, the Creative Director and President of Birch Event Design, a high-end decor, production, and floral company located out of the New York City area. Josh has had a lot of business during the pandemic and shares the story of how he is accomplishing that feat. Josh also talks sincerely about many issues, especially how he is dealing with things now and how he feels the event industry might be different once it fully comes back.

Josh also shares how he got into the event industry and the challenge of creating different designs for the same group of people, sometimes every day. Josh talks about how he failed and learned in the early years of his business and how his business has thrived over the years.

Listen as Josh discusses his process from the first contact with a client through the event and what he did during the pandemic that has kept him and his team busy. Josh is also very open about the deep depression he fell into in the early months of the pandemic and what brought him out and gave him focus as the crisis continued.

Josh speaks about social media and how he uses it to grow his business and what he believes will change in the event industry post-pandemic. He also shares what he has learned during COVID that he believes will carry over and what the hardest part of the past year has been. Andy wraps up the interview by asking Josh how he defines success.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show: If you are so inspired: contribute.

Show Highlights:

[02:55] Welcome to the show, Josh!

[03:33] Josh shares how he got into the event industry.

[05:31] Most of Josh's business has been large events with Orthodox Jews.

[08:56] Because he worked with the same group of people all the time, it was very challenging to come up with something new for each event.

[10:36] How did you put together a tight business that has lasted all these years?

[12:53] Josh discusses his process from the first contact with the client through the actual event.

[14:47] Josh speaks about how talking to clients through zoom calls was less fun and disconnected at first.

[18:27] Josh shares the deep depression he went into at the beginning of the pandemic because his identity was so wrapped up in his company.

[21:21] Were you able to thrive again even before the work started coming back in?

[23:27] Josh speaks about the measures he took to keep his company going.

[24:40] Josh tells the story of creating backyard weddings for clients during the pandemic.

[27:06] Josh discusses designing events during the pandemic and how they stay safe.

[29:28] Josh shares how he priced these events and how he explained it to the clients.

[31:15] Do you believe that the event industry will change post-pandemic?

[33:22] Josh speaks about how he uses social media to get business and show people they are attainable.

[35:58] Josh shares what the hardest part of this past year has been.

[37:28] Success now is being able to put food on the table for those you care about and the feeling of validation through this crazy time.

[39:25] Thank you for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Josh:

Birch Event Design

@bircheventdesign

Instagram | Facebook

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: