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

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298 MARIA BOUSTANY discusses YARA ESTEPHAN Planning and Designing in 3D Out Of Beirut Oct 14, 2020

Show notes

Andy's guest co-host today is Maria Boustany, from Chateau Rweiss in Lebanon. Listen as they discuss the beauty of the Chateau, the weddings and events she has done with Yara Estephan, an extremely gifted planner and designer out of Beirut, and much more on this episode of The Next Level.

Maria and Andy discuss the 3D renderings that Yara uses when designing weddings and how the finished product looks like she envisions. Maria describes the fun wedding Yara planned for the owners of a major ice cream brand at the Chateau and how the design reflected the couple to perfection.

Listen as Maria speaks about how, because of the pandemic, the Chateau has had only about 10% of the weddings they usually have in 2020 and how the weddings they had were significantly smaller than what they usually are. Maria shares that although the weddings were smaller, Yara's were exquisite because she could focus better on the details.

Yara and Maria have used the pause to focus on advancing their learning, and bringing Lebanon and the Chateau to the forefront as the place to have your destination wedding. Are you planning a destination wedding? The Chateau might be the hidden gem you've been looking for.

Are you a creative who wants to turn your craft into a business or take it further? Head to the Wedding Biz Network and listen to The Business of Being Creative podcast with Sean Low. Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more.

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:

[01:06] Welcome to the show, Maria!
[01:36] Maria describes the Chateau and where it is located.
[02:44] Maria speaks about when she met Yara.
[04:07] Listen as Maria discusses the 3D renderings that Yara uses when designing weddings.
[06:21] Maria describes the ice cream wedding Yara designed at the Chateau.
[07:46] There are eighteen different religions in Lebanon, and Yara and Maria have to be familiar with all the traditions for their events.
[11:08] Maria shares that the Chateau has had 10% of their yearly weddings in 2020.
[12:18] Designing smaller weddings and the ability to concentrate on the details is where Yara excels.
[14:19] Andy and Maria speak about Yara giving employees days off after events, which is rare in the industry.
[15:54] Listen as Maria shares how she is advancing her learning during the pandemic and increasing Lebanon's visibility with destination weddings.
[16:56] Thank you so much for being on the show!

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Maria Boustany, Chateau Rweiss in Lebanon.

Chateau Rweiss

@chateaurweiss

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Find Yara

Yara Estephan

@yaraestephan

@yaraestephanweddings

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

297 YARA ESTEPHAN: Planning And Designing In 3D Out Of Beirut Oct 12, 2020

Show notes

"I think my background in graphic design helps me because I focus a lot on the details of a wedding." Andy's guest on the show today is Yara Estephan, a wonderful planner and designer out of Beirut. Listen as they discuss Yara's early interest in weddings, how she uses her graphic design background in her current work, some great stories about some major over-the-top and high-exposure weddings, and how she is handling the pandemic plus so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Yara shares her background and a story about planning a fake wedding for her five year old sister, when she was twelve, that guests actually showed up for. Yara believes that her graphic design background helps her when designing weddings because she can show a couple her vision in 3D.

Yara shares her process for planning and designing weddings, and describes some major weddings that she has created. She talks about how she comes up with the amazing designs she is known for and how the pandemic is affecting her business. Yara also speaks about how the small intimate weddings, that are trending, have affected her design concepts.

Yara discusses what she thinks will change in the event industry, once the pandemic is over, and some advice for young planners just starting. She is an eloquent speaker and can bring her designs to life with just her words. You don't want to miss this episode.

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:

[02:09] Welcome to the show, Yara!

[02:40] Yara shares her background and how she planned her "first wedding" at age 12.

[04:10] Yara went to college for graphic design and then moved into event planning.

[05:37] Yara describes her signature details for weddings she plans.

[06:32] Listen, as Yara talks about creating with 3D wedding renditions and how virtual reality is being used.

[07:19] Yara speaks about her process from start to finish for weddings.

[08:45] She shares a story about a wedding she did for a social media influencer.

[11:02] Yara discusses a wedding she planned for the owners of a major ice cream brand in Lebanon.

[13:09] What are some countries people come from to do destination weddings in Lebanon?

[15:38] Yara shares how she comes up with ideas for the amazing designs she is known for.

[18:31] Listen, as Yara discusses how she is handling the pandemic professionally.

[20:03] How are the required small weddings changing your design concepts?

[20:47] Yara shares how she is adapting to the shutdown and how she is keeping her spirits up.

[23:37] Yara speaks about what she believes will happen in the event industry once the pandemic is over.

[25:08] She is strong on the creative side, and has managed the business side with some college knowledge.

[27:18] What does work-life balance look like for you?

[28:29] Yara shares some tips she would give to young planners that are just starting.

[29:18] Success for Yara is a balance between a good personal life and loving what you do.

[29:49] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Yara

Yara Estephan

@yaraestephan

@yaraestephanweddings

Facebook

Ice Cream Wedding

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

296 CEO of VOW To End Child Marriage Oct 07, 2020

Show notes

Every year, millions of couples celebrate their love by getting married and millions of their family and friends celebrate with them. In the U.S. alone, Americans spend $100 billion on weddings annually. Think invitations, wedding dresses, rings, venues, flowers, gift registries, honeymoons and more all on saying "I do." But at a time when a child is married somewhere in the world every three seconds, who's invested in making sure that girls can say, "I don't" or "not yet"? Let's work together to create a world in which every girl can decide if, when and whom to marry. Clay Dunn is the Chief Executive Officer of VOW To End Child Marriage, a nonprofit that mobilizes the multi-billion dollar wedding industry in support of ending child marriage and empowering girls around the world to choose their own futures. Prior to VOW, Clay held roles with No Kid Hungry, National Geographic and the City of New York. Amongst other topics, Clay tells Andy about VOW Pro - a network of passionate wedding professionals helping to give girls a voice and a choice. vowpro.org instagram.com/vowforgirls facebook.com/vowforgirls vowtoendchildmarriage.org

295 A Conversation With: RIME ARODAKY & GREG FINCK Oct 05, 2020

Show notes

Listen, as Andy and his guests, Rime Arodaky and Greg Finck,discuss how the pandemic affected them personally and professionally, what they have been doing with their time and where they see the industry post-pandemic, plus so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Rime is a popular gown and dress designer out of Paris, and her company is considered a "Bridal House For Rebel Goddesses and inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves." Greg runs the business side of Rime's company, as General Manager, and is also a wonderfully gifted and admired photographer.

Listen as Rime and Greg discuss how their businesses were flourishing before the shutdown and how they have kept communications up with clients during the pandemic.

Rime shares how the three ways she sells her bridal gowns have helped keep her company growing and has allowed them to maintain their twenty employees.

Rime and Greg both believe that the trend with weddings for the next three to five years will be more understated, with couples pleasing themselves instead of worrying about what others want. They all agree that the shutdown, although painful financially, has been rewarding personally, pushing them to make decisions they have been putting off.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

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

Join Andy and help Vow to End Child Marriage, a nonprofit that empowers girls worldwide to say I don't to child marriage. Become a member by going to www.Vowpro.org and donate.

Show Highlights:

[02:47] Welcome back to the show, Rime and Greg!

[03:21] Rime discusses her reaction to the pandemic shutdown.

[05:18] Greg speaks about how the pandemic affected them personally and professionally.

[07:32] Listen as Rime shares what was happening with her business before the shutdown and the challenge of getting her dresses delivered.

[09:19] Greg discusses the busy season he had scheduled before the shutdown and how his business is down to zero.

[11:33] Greg talks about keeping all of Rime's twenty employees without furlough.

[13:01] Rime speaks about the three ways they have to sell her gowns.

[16:26] Listen as Rime and Greg discuss what they are doing with their time now.

[18:12] Rime shares that their day-to-day routine has changed little because they need to be there for their team.

[20:09] Rime speaks about having strategy meetings with their team and planning the future.

[21:01] Greg discusses the importance of communication with their team and clients.

[23:10] Andy shares how the pandemic has made him think about what he really wants to do with his life and reevaluate what's important.

[25:09] Rime talks about what she believes will change in the bridal industry post-pandemic.

[26:40] Greg believes that people are rethinking their weddings and pleasing themselves.

[27:38] Thank you both for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Rime

Rime Arodaky

Rime Arodaky and Greg Finck Episode 212 on The Wedding Biz

@rimearodaky

Pinterest | Instagram

@rimearodakyparis

Facebook

Find Greg

Greg Finck

Greg Finck Episode 194 on The Wedding Biz

@gregfinck

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Mentioned:

Carrie Goldberg Episode 285 on The Wedding Biz

294 AMANDA HEARST & MICAELA ERLANGER: Gowns, Jewelry, Sustainability and a Fairytale Wedding Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

Do you know how to have a responsibly sourced wedding? Listen, as Andy and his guests Amanda Hearst and Micaela Erlanger discuss their process of working together to style Amanda's outfits and jewelry for her extended wedding weekend and the aspects of sustainability that were considered and incorporated. Amanda makes an exciting announcement at the end of the show about a new product line and so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Amanda is the Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Maison De Mode. She is also the Co-Founder of Well Beings. This next-gen movement brings attention and action to the interconnections between animal welfare and climate change. Amanda is also a contributing editor at Town & Country Magazine.

Micaela is a sought-after celebrity stylist and has been profiled by Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, and several other publications. The Hollywood reporter has repeatedly named her one of the "Most Powerful Stylists." Her clientele includes Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong'o, Common, Shailene Woodley, and Diane Kruger. In 2019 Micaela launched her Bridal Styling business and is the author of "How to Accessorize: A Perfect Finish to Every Outfit."

Listen, as Amanda shares how she met and started working with Micaela and her concept for sustainable outfits and accessories for her wedding weekend. Micaela shares details of the gowns Amanda wore for each event and her favorite look of the weekend. Additionally, Micaela speaks about the vegan shoes that Amanda wore with her wedding gown.

Amanda shares some recommendations for brides who want to have sustainable dresses and jewelry for their weddings. Both Amanda and Micaela speak about their new products; Amanda has designed a sustainable fashion jewelry line, and Micaela has a sustainably sourced engagement ring line through Forevermark. If you were wondering how to have an environmentally friendly wedding, you won't want to miss this conversation.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

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

Show Highlights:

[02:26] Welcome to the show, Amanda and Micaela!

[03:20] Amanda speaks about how she met and started working with Micaela.

[04:51] Micaela shares how exciting it was to get the call to work with Amanda.

[06:08] Amanda discusses her concept for sustainable outfits for her wedding weekend.

[07:41] They share the experience collaborating with Oscar de la Renta's designer.

[08:22] Amanda explains what sustainability is and the steps to creating all the looks.

[10:40] Amanda and Micaela share details on the attire and accessories Amanda wore throughout the wedding.

[13:14] Amanda speaks about her husband's Norwegian heritage and how it was weaved into the design.

[14:53] Listen as Amanda describes what responsibly sourced diamonds are.

[16:39] They discuss the wedding day and the main gown and jewelry Amanda wore.

[18:17] Micaela shares that Amanda wore vegan shoes.

[19:07] Amanda describes her and her new husband walking through the castle doors to be announced and having her veil trimmed to be able to wear it all evening.

[21:24] Micaela talks about her favorite look for the evening.

[24:01] Amanda shares three recommendations for brides who want to have sustainable dresses.

[26:32] Micaela speaks about how the bridal companies produce to demand, so they are inherently sustainable.

[28:20] Amanda discusses her company Maison De Mode.

[29:52] Amanda shares the launch of her sustainable fashion jewelry designs.

[31:17] Micaela shares her line of engagement rings through Forevermark, which is a sustainable company.

[33:19] Thank you both for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Amanda

Maison-De-Mode

@maisondemode

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

@amandahearst

Instagram | Twitter

@vraiofficial

Micaela Erlanger Episode 208 on The Wedding Biz

Well Beings Charity

Find Micaela

Micaela Erlanger Episode 259 on The Wedding Biz

@stylelistbymicaela

@micaela

@micaelaerlanger

Micaela in Town & Country

Forevermark x Micaela Engagement Collection

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David Monn Episode 166 on The Wedding Biz

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Mentioned:

David Monn Episode 192 on The Wedding Biz

293 THE NEXT LEVEL: SOFIA CROKOS discusses LEWIS MILLER The "Banksy of Floral Design" Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

Andy's guest co-host today is Sofia Crokos. Sofia is a planner/designer based out of Hamptons, New York City. She has also partnered with The Heritage Collection behind four exclusive private properties in Europe. Listen as they discuss the flower flashes Lewis he does to give back and creatively challenge himself. He also discusses his process with his clients, and much more on this episode of The Next Level.

Lewis Miller is a floral designer and founder of Lewis Miller Design out of New York City. His client list includes leading industry professionals in fashion, design, photography, art direction, and architecture such as Bulgari, Carolina Herrera, Mayor Blumberg, Chanel, Tiffany, Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, the Whitney Museum, and more.

Listen, as Sofia speaks about following Lewis on Instagram to see where his flower flashes pop up, how his client process is similar to hers and how important it is to talk to clients to discover how they want their wedding designed. Sofia also shares a story about purchasing one of Lewis's flower boxes and how she paid it forward by sharing the beauty with a friend.

They discuss slowing down, getting off the hamster wheel, and reconnecting with friends, family, and nature during the pandemic. Andy and Sofia have a wonderful conversation, so tune in and enjoy!

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:00] Welcome back to the show, Sofia!
[02:34] Sofia shares that she has missed the flower flashes live, but she follows him on Instagram.
[04:37] Sofia speaks about Lewis's process with his clients and how her process is similar.
[06:52] Sofia discusses how they discover the design and backdrop of a client's wedding over many conversations.
[10:20] Sofia tells a story about ordering one of Lewis's flower boxes he made during the pandemic.
[12:30] She shares that she wanted to spread the beauty, so she took some of the flowers and gave them to a friend.
[14:04] Andy speaks about some new idea he's come up with during the pandemic because of the downtime.
[14:58] Sofia discusses slowing down, taking a step back, and connecting with nature to get off the hamster wheel.
[17:28] Thank you for listening to the show!

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Sofia Crokos, Planner/designer based out of New York City

Sofia Crokos

Sofia Crokos Episode 243 on The Wedding Biz

@sofiacrokosevents

Instagram | Facebook

@sofiacrokos

Twitter | LinkedIn

@sofiac

Find Lewis

Lewis Miller Design

The Lewis Miller Design Flower Class

@lewismillerdesign

Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook

@flowerflashnyc

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The Lewis Miller Design Flower Class

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

292 LEWIS MILLER: The "Banksy of Floral Design" Sep 21, 2020

Show notes

"Before I know what flowers I'm going to use, I need to know what backdrop I'm going to create to show off those flowers." Listen, as Andy and his guest Lewis Miller discuss how he came to be in New York City, his process with clients, how he gets inspired for his designs, how he has been able to maneuver through the pandemic, and so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Lewis is a floral designer and founder of Lewis Miller Design out of New York City. His client list includes leading industry professionals in fashion, design, photography, art direction, and architecture such as Bulgari, Carolina Herrera, Mayor Blumberg, Chanel, Tiffany, Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, the Whitney Museum, and more.

Lewis discusses how his pop-up flower flashes started and where he did his first one. He shares why he moved from Seattle, Washington to New York City and how he opened his small flower shop without fear or hesitation because he knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.

Listen, as Lewis shares his process when speaking with clients, a story about one particular wedding he did, in an unappealing ballroom, and the curveball he was thrown. Lewis also shares how he merges his company's business aspect with his creative side and how the pandemic has affected him both personally and professionally.

Lewis is a poster child for how to run a business that can tackle a pandemic and come back bigger and stronger. He believes that if you trim the fat every few years and watch where you spend money, you will still be around when others are not. He is an inspiring creative, and you don't want to miss this episode.

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.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:52] Lewis, it's so good to have you back on the show!

[02:21] Lewis shares how he got the moniker, the "Banksy of Floral Design."

[03:42] He discusses the pop-up flower flashes he does in the middle of the night.

[06:38] Lewis speaks about what led him to create the pop-ups and where he did his first one.

[09:25] Lewis shares his background and journey into floral design.

[12:20] Listen as Lewis discusses his move from Seattle, Washington to New York City.

[15:11] He speaks about moving to New York and opening his flower shop.

[17:25] Lewis didn't have any fear or hesitation when he opened his business and started small.

[19:24] What percentage of your business is weddings?

[21:15] Lewis speaks about his process and how he comes up with unique designs.

[23:46] "Before I know what flowers I'm going to use, I need to know what backdrop I'm going to create to show off those flowers."

[24:20] Lewis shares a story of a wedding he did the floral design for.

[27:01] He shares this story because there were so many battles to win and problems to solve, making it fun for a designer.

[30:04] When planning events with people who have money, you are dealing with many personalities.

[31:51] How do you balance the business aspect with the creative side?

[33:38] Lewis discusses what he believes has kept his business alive.

[36:38] Listen as Lewis shares how he is doing during the pandemic, personally and professionally.

[37:34] Lewis describes what flash boxes are and how he came up with the idea.

[40:35] He speaks about the flower design classes he is doing on his studio's ground floor.

[43:52] What are you doing on social media to get the following that you have now?

[46:37] Thank you so much for being on the show!

RESOURCES

Find Lewis Miller

Lewis Miller Design

@lewismillerdesign

Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook

@flowerflashnyc

Ted Talk

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Sofia Crokos Episode 243 on The Wedding Biz

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

Mentioned:

291 A Conversation With: CINDY NOVOTNY Sep 16, 2020

Show notes

"When life gets tough, it takes guts to keep going." Andy is excited to have Cindy Novotny back on the show. Cindy is the founder of Master Connections Associates, an internationally renowned leader in sales, leadership, and customer service. The Association of Talent Development has recognized her as one of the nine most powerful and innovative speakers. Cindy is also the author of the book Living with No Balance and Loving it.

Listen as Cindy speaks about where she was when the pandemic hit, and how she immediately jumped on webinars with her clients at no charge to help them navigate the crisis. Cindy discusses some common issues she has been helping clients with and why she believes that non-stop communication with your clients and team is important.

"You have to be in charge of your own destiny." Not everyone is in the same boat; some industries are busier than they have ever been. Cindy shares what she tells people in the event industry about looking at an empty calendar and how you have to be flexible with your business model.

"Never ever reduce your prices." Listen, as Cindy says, that reducing your prices will take you five years to recover. Instead of lowering your rates, she says to take on more clients. Cindy also touches on the vaccine controversy and shares that she has gotten every available vaccine and will get the COVID-19 one when it is available.

Cindy believes that you need to be humble if you have no clients and are in trouble financially, use what you know, and get a job. She believes that you need to do what's necessary and remember this will pass. What a powerful and inspiring interview!

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 by going to www.themusicmakers.com.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Show Highlights:

[01:17] Welcome back to the show, Cindy!
[01:40] Cindy always says what got you here today won't take you into the future.
[02:40] Listen as Cindy speaks about where she was when the pandemic hit.
[04:10] Cindy shares that she immediately jumped on webinars with her clients at no charge to help them.
[06:32] Cindy discusses some of the most common things she has been helping clients with.
[09:18] Non-stop communication with clients and your team is something Cindy believes in.
[11:10] Cindy says you have to be in charge of your own destiny.
[12:33] Not everyone is in the same boat. Some businesses are going over the top crazy during the pandemic.
[14:31] What do you tell people in the event industry looking at an empty calendar for the rest of the year?
[17:28] Cindy talks about being flexible with your business model.
[19:02] Listen as Cindy shares what she would say to someone who is struggling financially.
[21:15] Cindy speaks about the controversy surrounding vaccines.
[23:53] Cindy says to never, ever reduce your prices.
[24:52] Lowering your price will take you five years to recover.
[27:59] Thank you so much for taking the time to be on the show!

Find Cindy

Cindy Novotny

Master Connection

Master Connection Associates

Book: Living with No Balance and Loving It

Cindy Novotny Episode 82 on The Wedding Biz

Cindy Novotny part 2 Episode 126 on The Wedding Biz

@cindy_novotny

Instagram | LinkedIn

@cindynovotny

Twitter

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment