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

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

328 A Conversation With: RON BEN-ISRAEL Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

Andy has the funny and forthcoming Ron Ben-Israel on the show today. Listen as they discuss the second season for his new show, The Big Bake, and his new venture called RBI Treats. We also talk about how the pandemic has impacted both his business and personal life, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Ron is the Founder of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes. In addition to creating stunning and delectable cakes, he hosted the cooking competition TV show Sweet Genius from 2011 to 2013, and was a judge on Food Network's Cake Wars. He now has a new television show called The Big Bake on Food Network, Canada.

Listen, as Ron discusses how the pandemic has affected his business and how he has kept himself busy and continued to create. Ron talks about his Instagram (IGTV) show called Cake Talk and how he believes it helped him exercise his creativity and get back to work. Ron also shares about his television show, the Big Bake, and talks about the judges who are on the show with him.

Have you always wanted to try Ron's amazing desserts? Ron speaks about RBI Treats, the new retail division of RBI Cakes. He shares how it got started, the challenges of selling online, shipping to customers, and how much fun he had deciding what to sell and how to package it. Check out his website for RBI Treats, www.RBITreats.com, and start taste testing.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

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

Show Highlights:

[02:07] Welcome back to the show, Ron!

[04:14] Ron shares he is in Toronto getting ready to film his TV show on Food Network, but they had to quarantine first.

[06:25] Ron reveals the concept of the show.

[08:34] Ron talks about who the other judges for the show are.

[10:57] Ron says that a lot of his business expenses have continued during the pandemic, so he is trying to stay out of debt.

[13:34] Ron shares what he has done since the pandemic to keep busy.

[15:20] Going live on Instagram, IGTV, he hosted Cake Talk from his couch.

[19:53] Ron believes that Cake Talk is a way to exercise his creativity and get ready to get back to work.

[21:59] Ron discusses how RBI Treats started.

[24:07] Ron talks about Shopify and how they are taking a stand on what they are allowing on their platform.

[26:31] Ron shares they started on Shopify to sell their retail products and the challenge of getting their product shipped.

[29:19] They ship all over the US and Puerto Rico, go to www.RBItreats.com.

[32:30] Ron's show is The Big Bake, which will be on Food Network Canada.

[34:29] Andy shares a story about Harriet Rose Katz, an acclaimed event planner.

[36:20] Thank you for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Ron:

Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

RBI Treats

Ron Ben-Israel Episode 48 on The Wedding Biz

@RBIcakes

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

327 A Conversation With: NIKKI KHAN Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

Today, Andy's guest is Nikki Khan, the Founder of Exquisite Events, specializing in South Asian weddings out of Los Angeles and working worldwide. Listen as Nikki shares how meditation helps her stay grounded, how the pandemic has changed her perspective on time spent with family and the way they enjoy each other's company, and to never take things for granted, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Nikki shares how she spends her days now versus how they were spent before the pandemic, the walks she takes, and how she spends time noticing the beauty of nature. Nikki also talks about the fun she had planning micro weddings for her two youngest sons, the joy she felt watching her grandkids on the dance floor, and how she took time to appreciate each moment with family.

Nikki believes that smaller, more intimate weddings will be the focus in 2021, but she hopes that by 2022 the larger events will be back in full force. The weddings may be smaller, but Nikki shared she will not slash her prices. The time and effort she puts into each detail won't change; smaller is sometimes better.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

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

Show Highlights:

[02:42] Welcome back to the show, Nikki!

[04:23] Nikki shares that meditation keeps her grounded and helps her immensely.

[07:40] Nikki believes that meditating multiple times a day keeps you humble and gives you perspective.

[09:20] Nikki speaks about how the pandemic has affected her business and her personal life.

[11:34] Nikki shares about a canceled wedding one week before the event because of the COVID shutdown.

[14:57] What is a day like for you now versus pre-pandemic?

[18:10] Nikki has a very exciting venture coming up that they will launch in a few months.

[19:09] Nikki discusses planning mico weddings for her two sons in 2020 and the joy of watching her grandkids on the dance floor and savoring each moment.

[20:54] Nikki believes that initially, weddings are going to be smaller and more intimate post-pandemic.

[22:51] How do you think this will affect pricing?

[25:22] From a business perspective, Nikki would love the big weddings to come back, and she believes they will be in 2022.

[27:37] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Nikki:

Exquisite Events

Nikki Khan Episode 40 on The Wedding Biz

@xquisiteevents

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

@exquisevents

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

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Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

326 A Conversation With: CECI JOHNSON Jan 25, 2021

Show notes

Ceci Johnson is recognized as the founder of couture invitation design and her design studio, Ceci New York, having worked in over 40 countries, is globally renowned as the leader in luxury invitation design. Her client list reads like a who's who of A-list celebrities, royalty, international sports stars, fashion icons, dignitaries and global luxury brands. As a celebrated artist her paintings hang in private collections worldwide. Ceci's fashion-forward style and sophisticated aesthetic have lead her to be named by Tory Burch as a "Woman to Watch", and called by Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine "a favorite designer". Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, The New York Times, USA Today, InStyle, W Magazine, Town & Country and many more too numerous to mention. Listen as Ceci shares what she has been doing to stay creative during the slowdown, how she has kept busy expanding her company to include a Palm Beach presence, how she is creating the lifestyle brand she has always dreamed of and how she is now getting into fashion by collaborating with women's clothing designers and working on product launches with her art on them. Ceci believes if you set small achievable goals it will bring back your positive energy. Ceci speaks with us about expanding her business and her new IGTV series which showcases some of the rebranding work she and Ceci New York are doing for companies around the world. She shares how she is seizing this unique moment in time to set herself up for when the pandemic is over, and life and events resume, so that her company will reap the benefits of having a forward-looking vision and preparing for what people will desire in the future.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

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

Show Highlights:

[02:53] Welcome back, Ceci!

[05:22] Ceci speaks about how the pandemic has impacted her business.

[08:28] Ceci shares how hard it's been.

[10:23] "As a creative, I miss the collaborative energy in the room."

[12:05] Andy discusses a form of journaling that he started in the 90s and has resumed doing since the pandemic.

[15:21] Ceci shares what she is doing to stay creative and grow her business during the slowdown.

[20:13] Ceci discusses being strong for her team and finding ways to expand the path she has always been on.

[21:38] Ceci takes us through the timeline as she created the lifestyle brand she has dreamed about.

[23:56] Ceci talks about her collaboration designing masks with Nuage Designs.

[27:07] Ceci shares she had to pick herself up from the floor, be strong, and get through because failing was not an option.

[29:22] Ceci believes that you get your passion and positive energy back when you set small goals that you feel you can achieve.

[31:19] Ceci speaks about rebranding herself and starting an IGTV series that shows her creative process.

[34:05] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Ceci:

Ceci New York

Ceci Johnson Episode 94 on The Wedding Biz

Ceci Johnson Episode 223 on The Wedding Biz

@cecijohnson

Instagram | Facebook

@cicinewyork

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Check out Ceci's IGTV @cecinewyork

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Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

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 231 on The Wedding Biz

325 THE NEXT LEVEL: VALERIE GERNHAUSER discusses MATTHEW MYHRUM, Event Visualization & Communicating Design Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

Andy welcomes Valerie Gernhauser back to The Next Level. Valerie is the Owner, Planner, and Designer with Sapphire Events working worldwide out of New Orleans. Listen as they discuss Matthew Myhrum's definition of what he does and the events Valerie has worked on with Matthew, plus much more.

Matthew is the Founder of Matthew Myhrum Event Visualization, where they provide concept renderings, design drawings, and production design services for event professionals. Matthew shares that they essentially communicate design not only for his clients who are event planners and designers but also to be able to sell their concepts to their clients more effectively and help them with their design process in telling a story.

Listen, as Valerie shares that for her, design isn't just decor; it involves constant innovation, and hiring Matthew allows her to show her clients exactly what the design will look like. Valerie tells a story of a wedding she worked on with Matthew to create a 360-degree presentation with a virtual reality headset and the reaction she got from her clients.

Valerie discusses the small nuances and details that Matthew puts in his presentation and how these elevate the level of reality for the client. Valerie also speaks about the importance of lighting and how it can be manipulated in Matthew's presentation to create the look that will be achieved with her design. Valerie believes that in time Matthew will figure out how to add taste and smell to his presentations to elevate the client's experience.

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:

[00:56] Welcome back to the show, Valerie!
[02:44] Valerie speaks about how Matthew defines what it is he does.
[04:30] Valerie shares that design isn't just decor for her, and it involves constant innovation.
[05:25] What percentage of time do you hire someone like Matthew?
[06:32] Valerie discusses how she works and how she does nothing unless she is under contract.
[08:54] Valerie shares about working with Matthew using a VR headset so the client can visualize the experience.
[11:54] Valerie discusses setting up the presentation for the clients.
[14:03] Valerie speaks about the things you can design to set the ambiance and how lighting is an integral part.
[15:31] Andy shares the details that can be put in these interactive presentations.
[16:33] Valerie talks about how Matthew nails the little nuances that elevate the level of reality in his visual presentations.
[17:31] Thank you so much for helping today!

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Valerie Gernhauser - Owner, Planner, Designer with Sapphire Events

Sapphire Events

Valerie Gernhauser Episode 19 on The Wedding Biz

@sapphireeventsweddings

Matthew Myhrum Event Visualization

@sapphireevents

Instagram | Pinterest

Find Matthew:

Unreal Engine

@matthew.myhrum

@mmyhrum

Instagram | Twitter

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Matthew Myhrum Event Visualization

324 MATTHEW MYHRUM/Rendering Artist: Event Visualization & Communicating Design Jan 18, 2021

Show notes

"Design is about making things either work properly or better and to bring purpose and direction to chaos." Listen as Andy and his guest Matthew Myhrum discuss his company, what they do, and how he got interested in creative visualization. Matthew also speaks about his background in set and video design for theater and working with Preston Bailey, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Listen, as Matthew, his process from the first meeting with the designer to the actual event, and the benefit designers get from hiring him to do renderings of the events. Matthew believes that everyone should have the ability to take risks creatively, but it's important to have a way to test that risk properly.

Matthew shares how the technology behind video games allows him to show the same detail, pick and choose backgrounds, add people, and change the lighting on his presentations to understand better what the event will look like. Technology is changing, and Matthew believes that he has to use all the tools available to stay competitive and keep his business growing.

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.

Have you heard about the brand new show on The Wedding Biz Network, Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. You will also discover more about the man behind the magic as Preston reveals how his focus on personal growth has been the root of his professional success. You will have the opportunity for him to answer your questions along the way, plus Preston will invite to the show many of the star celebrities he has worked with in the past. Check out The Wedding Biz Network for Preston's new show and Sean Low's show, The Business of Being Creative. See you there.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

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

Show Highlights:

[02:06] Welcome to the show, Matthew!

[02:20] Matthew describes what he does in the most abstract of terms.

[04:14] Matthew discusses training as a set designer and video designer for theater.

[06:42] Matthew speaks about working with Preston Bailey and what he learned.

[08:25] "Design is the point at which order and chaos sit down and have a cup of coffee."

[11:19] Matthew believes that there needs to be as many people as possible with the intent to figure out how something can be different and better.

[12:15] Matthew describes his process from the first meeting with a designer to the final product.

[14:01] When it comes down to logistics, Matthew is there asking for all the puzzle pieces so he can assemble them.

[17:30] Matthew shares the designer's benefit for him to show them what their idea looks like.

[21:03] Matthew believes that everyone should be able to take creative risks, but you should also have a way to test that creative risk properly.

[22:22] What kind of immersive element can you show with your renderings?

[25:20] Matthew discusses how lighting can create a moment of magic during an event.

[27:58] Matthew shares about the virtual concerts, virtual and extended reality worlds Fortnite has created.

[30:50] Matthew speaks about the Unreal Engine by the creators of Fortnite.

[32:20] Matthew explains how this technology is helping him when he presents to clients.

[35:29] Being able, in a rendering, to switch things around in the space is much more visually intuitive.

[39:48] Matthew talks about how the things that are possible in a video game are now possible to do with presentations.

[42:33] Matthew believes that technology is always changing, and it's necessary to know how to use these tools to stay competitive.

[44:25] Always think more about the experience you want to create, not about how you go about getting it.

[45:19] Thank you for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Matthew:

Unreal Engine

@matthew.myhrum

Madison Venue Walkthrough

@mmyhrum

Instagram | Twitter

Videos

Unreal Engine Interactive Event Walkthrough

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

The Business of Being Creative LLC

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

Sean Low Episode 41 on The Wedding Biz

Sean Low Episode 248 on The Wedding Biz

323 THE NEXT LEVEL: SEAN LOW discusses MARIANNE BENNETT, Scoring Music To Tell A Story Jan 13, 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 Marianne Bennett, the Founder and CEO of Element Music, a highly successful music and entertainment company in the event industry out of New York City.

Sean speaks about Marianne's understanding of the difference between "custom" and "personal," her storytelling abilities, and how she takes a client's story and gives it back after adding her vision. Sean loves the fact that Marianne states that it isn't just about enjoying the entertainment; it's about the experience.

Marianne believes that you have to be creative with your company's business side, and Sean agrees 100% with her view on combining the business and creative aspects to keep the company balanced. Marianne says you can love business and still be a great creative.

Don't forget to listen to Andy's other podcast, The Music Makers. It's behind-the-scenes stories from some of the most influential music industry pros around, including artists, recording engineers, record producers, songwriters, managers, record industry executives, and more. You can find The Music Makers podcast by searching for that term in your cell phone's podcast app or visiting www.themusicmakers.com.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:16] Welcome back to the show, Sean!
[03:05] Sean speaks about Marianne's understanding of the difference between custom and personal.
[05:29] Sean says that Marianne is a storyteller, and her job is to take that story and give it back through her vision.
[08:41] Sean loves the fact that it's not just about enjoying the entertainment; it's about the experience.
[11:28] Sean discusses Marianne's views on being creative in the business of your company.
[14:27] Thank you so much for being on the show!

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Sean Low, Founder and President of The Business of Being Creative LLC.

Sean Low Episode 41 on The Wedding Biz

Sean Low Episode 248 on The Wedding Biz

Email Sean: sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com

Sean:@seanlow1

Twitter | Instagram

Find Marianne:

Element Music

@elementmusicnyc

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

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

322 MARIANNE BENNETT: Scoring Music To Tell A Story Jan 11, 2021

Show notes

"I love creating an amazing soundtrack for a ceremony." Listen as Andy and his guest Marianne Bennett, the Founder, and CEO of Element Music, a very successful music and entertainment company in the event industry out of New York City, discusses why she believes that music should be scored to tell a story, how someone at the top of the industry handles her business and brings creativity to what she does plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Marianne shares how she gets to know her clients and discovers the music that makes them feel something. She says that knowing a client's favorite songs isn't enough; you need to know how they want to feel during the event. Marianne also takes us through her interview process when she meets clients for the first time to determine their relationship with music.

Listen, as Marianne discusses why she believes that music should score a ceremony, as well as other segments of the celebration, and tell the story of the couple at their wedding. The decor, along with the music, set the tone for an event and make the experience special for the guests from the minute they walk in the door. Marianne also describes what she thinks is the hardest part of what she does overall.

Marianne believes it is possible to love the business side and still be an amazing creative. To balance both, you need to learn to look at business creatively and marry the two together because you can't be a successful creative if you don't make sure business is being taken care of.

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, Marianne!

[03:25] Marianne shares when she first started writing and creating music.

[05:26] Marianne speaks about being exposed to big names at CBS Records when she was hired as a mail clerk.

[07:00] She was offered an opportunity to work with CBS Records as an artist but turned it down.

[09:54] Marianne gives her definition of producing music.

[12:10] Marianne shares what she learned by working with Hank Lane Music and Starlight Orchestra.

[14:09] It's not just about the band; it's about connecting with the audience.

[16:10] Marianne speaks about what she does to get to know her clients.

[18:35] Knowing a client's favorite songs is not enough; you need to know how they want to feel.

[19:09] Marianne discusses her process when meeting with a client the first time and finding out their relationship with music.

[21:27] Marianne says that when you really understand a person, you can bring them into your creative process.

[23:21] Marianne shares what she has learned during the pandemic and working remotely.

[25:32] Marianne believes that music should score a ceremony.

[27:14] Mariane speaks about what she means by the music should be scored to tell their story.

[28:46] "I love creating an amazing soundtrack for a ceremony."

[31:16] The important thing to know about music is that you need to choose the music that makes the client feel something.

[32:22] How do you look at the cocktail hour musically?

[34:32] Marianne believes that music and decor set a tone immediately when guests are walking in.

[37:59] How do you handle the music for dinner?

[40:06] Marianne chats about how she produces the music to get people on the dance floor.

[42:55] Marianne says that just because you like to sing a song doesn't mean it's great to dance to.

[43:39] What's the hardest part of what you do overall?

[46:18] Marianne discusses how she balances her creative side with the business side of her company.

[48:42] Marianne believes you can love business and still be a great creative.

[51:31] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Marianne:

Element Music

@elementmusicnyc

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

VIDEO LINKS:

Element Music Commercial

Element Music Medley

Summer in the City

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Stop and Smell the Roses Podcast

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:

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

Bryan Rafanelli Episode 84 on The Wedding Biz

Bryan Rafanelli Episode 247 on The Wedding Biz

David Stark Episode 111 on The Wedding Biz

David Stark Episode 132 on The Wedding Biz

David Stark Episode 242 on The Wedding Biz

321 PRESTON BAILEY'S Big Announcement! Jan 06, 2021

Show notes

Andy is excited for this special episode with floral and event designer Preston Bailey. Listen as they discuss how Preston is handling the pandemic both personally and professionally, what he's learned about himself, and how he's using the slow down to further his path both personally and in the industry. Preston also has a big announcement he is sharing with us, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Preston shares how he is handling the pandemic and what he has learned during 2020. Preston discusses how he thinks the event industry will change once the pandemic has been eradicated. He believes that event professionals will need to become better salespeople because consumers will want more value for their money.

Preston is hosting his own podcast called Stop and Smell the Roses! Listen as he shares why this is a dream come true and the content listeners can expect to hear. Preston also speaks about his segment called Dear Preston, where he will answer listeners' questions live on air. His podcast will air every other Thursday starting January 14th on The Wedding Biz Network. See you there!

Don't forget to listen to Andy's new podcast, The Music Makers. It's a podcast about behind-the-scenes stories from some of the most influential music industry pros around, including artists, recording engineers, record producers, songwriters, managers, record industry executives, and more. You can find The Music Makers podcast by searching for it in your cell phone's podcast app or visiting www.themusicmakers.com.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[02:06] Welcome back to the show, Preston!
[02:48] Preston shares how the pandemic has affected him.
[04:12] Preston has learned that the only certainty is that nothing is certain.
[05:00] How has the pandemic impacted your business?
[06:58] Preston believes that once they have eradicated the pandemic, the event industry will be different.
[09:05] Preston speaks about pricing post-pandemic and learning to be better salespeople.
[11:35] The big announcement is that Preston Bailey will host his podcast!
[12:02] Preston discusses why this is a dream come true for him.
[14:56] What can the listeners expect to hear about on your podcast?
[17:28] Preston shares what listeners can ask during his Dear Preston segment.
[18:21] Andy shares how you can leave Preston a voicemail question.
[19:24] Starting January 14th, the podcast will air every other Thursday.
[21:19] Thank you for listening!

Find Preston:

Preston Bailey

@prestonbailey

Instagram | Pinterest

@prestonbaileyonline

Preston Bailey Episode 66 on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Episode 88 on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Episode 265 on The Wedding Biz

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

http://www.themusicmakers.com

http://www.theweddingbiznetwork.com

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment