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

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

The Business of Being Creative LLC

248 SEAN LOW: Your Voice Matters Apr 22, 2020

Show notes

In this stand-alone episode of TNL, Andy and his guest, Sean Low, discuss how the pandemic is affecting the event industry and much more. Sean is the owner of The Business of Being Creative, which focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the who's who of the wedding industry and design community. Sean was on The Wedding Biz in February of 2018, so check out that episode if you haven't already.

Listen as Sean speaks about the constraints the pandemic is putting on everyone, the issues people in the event industry are struggling with, and how to do a hard reset during this time of forced separation. Sean also shares about a business exercise he does that allows people to redefine their businesses.

Sean believes that at the end of the day, your voice matters. No one needs what you offer; they want it. Your job is to make them need it. It's not a question of if you are going to use your voice, the question is when are you going to use it. Sean shares a lot of tips and ideas to help you take advantage of this pause in time to do a re-evaluation of your business so that when this is over, you will come out stronger than you were before.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show: For as little as $0.75 per episode, the cost of a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich per month, are you willing to support the industry insights Andy brings on his podcast? If you are so inspired, click here: contribute. AND please insert this paragraph before the sponsor info like I did with the revision of the notes: Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Show Highlights:

[01:05] Sean, thank you for being on the show again!

[01:13] Sean tells us how he is doing with quarantine from the pandemic.

[03:04] He speaks about the constraints on everyone until we have a vaccination.

[04:51] What issues are people in the event industry dealing with the most?

[07:43] Sean believes you should be transparent in your pricing.

[11:04] Sean speaks about taking the time to take a pause and do a hard reset.

[13:18] Sean chats about an exercise he does to define your business, the steps, and processes.

[17:21] Sean gives an example that shows how his training works.

[18:51] What do you say to people who are afraid to keep their pricing the same?

[22:24] They speak of the stock market crash of 2008 - 2009 and how everyone came out of it busier than ever.

[24:21] At the end of the day, you are an artist; at the end of the day, your voice matters.

[26:26] Sean believes that you should get paid first, be selfish.

[28:11] No one needs what you offer, it is a want, but you want to try to make it a need.

[29:01] Andy says that now is the time to stay the course and nurture ourselves. No one knows what tomorrow holds.

[30:22] The question isn't are you going to use your voice, it's when are you going to use it.

[31:10] Sean shares that his next blog release, The Business of Being Creative, occurs at the end of the week.

[31:36] Thank you for being on the show, Sean!

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Sean:

Sean Low on the Wedding Biz

Email Sean: sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com

Sean:@seanlow

Twitter | Instagram

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

247 BRYAN RAFANELLI: Always Having a Plan B Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

"What would you do if you lost everyone and everything in your life and then got it all back again?" Listen in as Andy and his guest, Bryan Rafanelli, discuss this and how Bryan is handling the effects of the pandemic both personally and professionally, and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Bryan is the go-to planner for some of the nation's most exclusive and high-profile events. He has been named an innovator and Event Producer of the Year by BizBash, was one of Out Magazines One Hundred Most Compelling People, a Top 25 Trendsetter of the Year by Modern Bride, and more. Bryan was on The Wedding Biz in September of 2018. It was a fantastic episode so if you haven't listened to it, you should.

Bryan shares how the pandemic has impacted the events he had scheduled this spring and summer and how they are getting everyone rescheduled. He speaks about talking to his clients and how he reassures them. Bryan also talks about how he communicates with his team and keeps them motivated.

Listen, as Bryan describes how his days now differ from a few months ago, his advice to people new to the industry who are scared they are going to lose their businesses and what he believes the event industry will look like once the country reopens. Andy and Bryan have a great conversation that is both uplifting and real, so sit back and enjoy.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show: For as little as $0.75 per episode, the cost of a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich per month, are you willing to support the industry insights Andy brings on his podcast? If you are so inspired, click here: contribute.

Show Highlights:

[02:56] Bryan, thank you for being on the show again!

[04:25] How are you dealing with everything that is happening right now on a personal level?

[06:13] Bryan shares how the pandemic has impacted his business and the events he had scheduled.

[08:05] Bryan speaks about how they are handling the rescheduling of weddings and events.

[10:25] Bryan chats about how he talks to his clients when they are emotional about their wedding being pushed so far out.

[12:51] How are you handling deposits?

[15:37] Bryan shares how he feels about charging an upcharge fee to reschedule events next year during peak times.

[17:48] Bryan discusses how he has taken care of his team and if he has had to furlough anyone.

[19:55] How are you keeping your team motivated? How is your communication with clients?

[21:13] Bryan speaks about how his days are different now from what they used to be.

[23:29] Bryan says that he is still working every day, though has learned he needs to learn to take a breath once in a while.

[25:17] Bryan says that people with new businesses should ask for help, talk to their clients and mentors, and know that we will come out of this. Have a Plan B.

[28:47] Bryan shares what he thinks the event industry will look like when we get the country reopened.

[30:59] Do you think things will be more casual and laid back in the future?

[32:18] Bryan believes we are in a time when we need to think about what we would do if we lost everyone and everything in our lives and then got it back again. Think about it.

[32:42] Thank you so much, Bryan, for being on the show.

[33:43] If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and give a review.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Bryan:

Bryan Rafanelli on The Wedding Biz

Rafanelli Events

@rafanellievents

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Norma Cohen Productions LTD

246 THE NEXT LEVEL: DARREN OLARSCH discusses NORMA COHEN Part 2 - Creating Positive Energy While Planning Elaborate Events Apr 15, 2020

Show notes

"If you don't have lighting, you can't see the beauty you've created." Listen as Andy and Darren discuss Norma Cohen, her elaborate designs, her attention to lighting and how it affects her vision and more. Darren Olarsch founded On The Move Entertainment in 1993, an event production company that specializes in entertainment, and appeared as a guest on The Wedding Biz on July 15th, 2019.

Norma started her company, Norma Cohen Productions, nearly thirty years ago. She is a powerhouse and has planned numerous events at New York's most iconic spaces and Europe's most luxurious destinations. Norma believes that you have to get rid of the negative energy in your life and the company to thrive.

Listen as Darren shares how involved Norma is with her events, from lighting to wardrobe and everything in between. She even makes sure the lights and music are choreographed and work together. He says that he has seen Norma stand by the Lighting Director and verbally make changes to match what she wants to see.

Andy and Darren discuss Norma's views on live bands versus DJ's and how a great stage for the band can make all the difference. Darren speaks about wardrobe and how instrumental Norma was in his company having different looks from stock-looks to custom-looks depending on what the client wants.

Darren has worked many events with Norma and gives us a look into her events from the inside. Her attention to the smallest detail and the trust she has in her creative partners is unique, and it's those qualities that make her the success she is today.

Show Highlights:

[00:32] Darren, welcome back to the show!
[01:52] Darren has worked with Norma many times and shares what he knows about her.
[03:21] They speak about the need to trust your creative partners and how important it is to help each other.
[04:35] Darren talks about how faithful Norma is to her creative partners.
[05:28] Darren shares how involved Norma is with her events and how she uses light.
[06:51] They chat about how aware she is about music.
[07:52] Do you believe that a live band can give more to an event than a DJ?
[09:45] Darren shares what the secret sauce is for events.
[10:55] They discuss designing a great stage for the band.
[12:30] Darren speaks about wardrobes and how Norma has taught him the importance of having different looks.
[14:08] Do you know the difference between a coordinated stock-look versus a custom-look?
[15:02] Darren, thank you for being on the show.

Find Norma:

Norma Cohen on The Wedding Biz

@normacohenproductions

Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Darren Olarsch

Darren Olarsch on The Wedding Biz

On The Move Entertainment

@on-the-move-events-entertainment

Instagram | LinkedIn

@onthemoveevents

Facebook

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Norma Cohen Productions LTD

245 NORMA COHEN Part 2: Creating Positive Energy While Planning Elaborate Events Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

"Growing is my daily goal, and I live every day to be better." Listen in as Andy and his guest, Norma Cohen, discuss why she strives to grow daily, how getting rid of negative energy has helped her, some wild challenges she has been through since the last time she was on the show and what she does for fun on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Norma started her company Norma Cohen Productions nearly thirty years ago. She has planned numerous events at New York's most iconic spaces and Europe's most luxurious destinations. Norma has never needed to promote herself and has never even had a business card. Her success has always been through word of mouth.

Listen in as Norma shares how she handles stress when producing elaborate events and how she handles challenges. Norma shares a story about building an event on a beach during hurricane season and how she overcame the challenges. She also describes what having three weddings in the same neighborhood at the same time looks like and how she made it all work.

Norma and Andy speak about how important music and lighting are when doing events and why she likes to use live bands. They also talk about how she finds her creative partners when she is planning and designing destination events. Norma has done it all and keeping each event different and unique is an art she has perfected.

Norma has so much to share in this Part 2 episode. So grab a drink, relax and push play.

Show Highlights:

[01:42] Norma, it's so good to see you again!

[02:31] Norma speaks about the last year and a half and why she removed all negative energy from her life.

[06:37] Do you feel stressed when you put on these elaborate events even after all of these years?

[08:44] Norma shares a story about a wedding that was a challenge because of an extreme weather issue.

[11:29] Norma describes having three exact duplicate tents. All three looked different, and the clients all had different views.

[13:03] How do you plan and produce four elaborate events in ten days?

[14:32] Norma shares a story of another challenge she had last year with a wedding in Anguilla.

[19:01] Andy speaks about staying calm so that your team and clients don't get anxious.

[20:16] Norma talks about how important lighting is at her events.

[22:09] How do you view music in your events?

[24:56] Norma chats about often having bands on small stages because of space limitations in New York City.

[26:07] Norma shares about being good with numbers and budgets and how important staying on budget is.

[27:43] How do you find your creative partners when you do events locally, and when doing destination events?

[29:33] Norma discusses her goals and how she keeps from getting burned out.

[31:21] She talks about maintaining a balance between work and life.

[34:02] What would you tell your twenty-five-year-old self about getting into this industry? What advice do you have for someone just starting out in this business?

[35:12] Norma, thank you for being on the show again!

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Norma:

Norma Cohen on The Wedding Biz

@normacohenproductions

Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

244 THE NEXT LEVEL: LEWIS MILLER discusses SOFIA CROKOS - Connecting With Clients And The Beauty Around Her Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

Listen as Andy and Lewis discuss Sofia Crokos and her love of fashion and beauty. Lewis Miller is the founder of Lewis Miller Design, a floral design company based in New York City. Lewis's clients include the world's leading industry professionals in fashion design, photography, art direction, and architecture.

Sofia is a planner/designer based in New York City. She has also partnered with The Heritage Collection behind four exclusive private properties in Europe. She shows us her vulnerable side while explaining who she really is.

Andy and Lewis discuss who has mentored them over the years, their insight into what Sofia said about attracting who you are and what you put out and disconnecting from their businesses for a time so they can reconnect with more passion for what they do. Andy shares a story about being alone on Maui and what he found out about himself.

With all of us being instructed to shelter at home, are you taking this time to rethink your life? Lewis believes that right now is a great time to be fearless and take a chance in your business, do what you have been putting off, and don't worry about what other people think.

Show Highlights:

[00:45] Lewis, welcome to the show!
[02:14] Lewis shares that he has people in his life that he looks too, but has never had a mentor.
[04:25] Lewis agrees that you attract what you put out, but he still has to run a business; he rarely has a problem with people.
[08:23] Lewis shares that he doesn't really have an actual separation from his work and life, and he doesn't do well with downtime.
[09:58] Andy shares a story about being alone in Maui and what he found out about himself.
[12:38] Can you embrace the opportunity we have right now to rethink your life?
[13:28] Lewis believes that right now is a great time to be fearless and take a chance and not worry about what anyone thinks.
[13:50] Thank you for being on the show, Lewis!

Find Sofia:

Sofia Crokos

@sofiacrokosevents

@sofiacrokos

Twitter | LinkedIn

@sofiac

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Lewis Miller - Lewis Miller Design

Lewis Miller

@lewismillerdesign

Instagram | Pinterest

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

243 SOFIA CROKOS: Connecting With Clients And The Beauty Around Her Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

"I love fashion, and I appreciate everything beautiful because I love to surround myself in beauty" Listen in as Andy and his guest, Sofia Crokos, discuss personally connecting with clients, her love of fashion, and creating beautiful events. Sofia is a planner/designer based out of New York City. She has also partnered with The Heritage Collection behind four exclusive private properties in Europe.

Sofia discusses her journey from fashion to planning, where she got her love of everything beautiful and the mentor that gave her the knowledge she needed to plan events. Sofia speaks about being a mentor herself and the joy it brings her. She tells us she lives by connection, and without a link to her clients, she wouldn't be able to plan their weddings.

Listen as Sofia shares her process for opening the lines of communication with her clients, and why she studies the dynamics of the couple when planning a wedding. Sofia shares a story about the wedding she did for Robert Downy and the catastrophe she had to overcome with only four days until the event.

Are you a seeker and curious about life? Listen as Sofia shares her belief that you need to reinvent and keep up with what really speaks to you. Sofia talks about where she sees herself in five years and her being the U.S. Ambassador for The Heritage Collection properties in Europe.

Sofia has learned, through years of running full throttle, that you have to take time for self-care, or you will burn out. Sofia shares what she did in the year she disconnected from her business, and why she is now ready to connect again. This conversation is a joy to listen to and you don't want to miss it.

Show Highlights:

[01:02] Sofia, it's so good to see you!

[01:46] Sofia shares what it was like to grow up in a Greek family in Brooklyn, New York.

[02:42] How did your interest in entertaining and food come about?

[03:43] Sofia speaks about fashion being her first love and getting her degree in Fashion buying and merchandising.

[05:02] Sofia believes that her love of beauty came from her time in France and Italy.

[05:56] How did you transition from the fashion business to planning events?

[07:44] Sofia speaks about a planner that became her mentor and shared all aspects of the company.

[10:43] Sofia chats about being a mentor herself and the joy and healing it gives her.

[12:18] Sofia shares that she lives by connection; without connection, she can't give her clients what they want.

[15:46] How do you open up the lines of communication with your clients? What is your process?

[17:33] Sofia speaks about studying the dynamics of the couple when she is planning a wedding.

[19:58] Sofia shares a story about the wedding she did for Robert Downey and the challenges she had finding a new venue four days before the wedding.

[22:00] Sofia believes that if she pauses and takes a breath, everything will work out.

[25:02] She speaks about a time when she disconnected from her business and let her team take more responsibility.

[27:50] What did you do during that year you took away from your company?

[30:08] Sofia shares about finding herself and her need for quiet and alone time.

[32:16] She talks about the changes she made during her time away from her business.

[35:24] Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

[36:53] Sofia speaks about partnering with The Heritage Collection and being their U.S Ambassador.

[38:35] Sofia is a huge believer in reinvention and keeping up with what really speaks to you.

[40:12] Sofia, this has been wonderful, and thank you for being on the show!

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Sofia:

Sofia Crokos

@sofiacrokosevents

@sofiacrokos

Twitter | LinkedIn

@sofiac

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

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

242 DAVID STARK: Dealing With The Impact Of The Pandemic Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

This is a bonus episode featuring my conversation with David Stark, a renowned NYC-based event producer and designer whose team creates events worldwide for weddings, entertainment, fashion, publishing, arts, media, and for consumer product industries. We discuss his personal response to dealing with the pandemic as well as how he's handling it with his business. David talks about what he's learned from the experience as well as how he's dealt with reducing the number of employees and how he keeps his current team motivated. David also gives advice to those of us who don't have the level of experience he has in dealing with an economic challenge. I believe we'll all get a lot out of this special appearance with David Stark. Links

Resources:Instagram: @weddingbizshow

Facebook

David Stark Design and Production Website

Instagram: @david_stark_design

Facebook

Twitter

David's Part 1 Interview

Part 2 Interview

Sponsors:

Kushner Entertainment Website

241 THE NEXT LEVEL: SEAN LOW discusses ROBBINS OTOYA - Loving What They Do And Doing It Together Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

Seeing locations through color and shapes is a unique way to design events. Listen as Andy and Sean Low discuss this and much more on this episode of The Next Level. Sean's company, The Business of Being Creative, focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the who's who of the wedding industry and design community.

Together, they own Robbins Otoya, a design and event planning firm that designs and produces destination weddings and events all over the world. They each individually own companies also, Matthew founded a company called Matthew Robbins Design based in New York City, and Luis has a catering company called Evento & Cocina based in Cartagena.

Listen as Sean and Andy discuss the unique way Matthew and Luis approach finding a destination with their clients for their event, and how they always use local talent instead of bringing a team from New York to keep it authentic. Additionally, they speak about the fascinating way Matthew and Luis use color in their designs and how they aren't afraid to use it.

Sean gets specific on what Matthew and Luis mean by pricing their events by the scope of work and how they don't want their design decisions to be motivated by how much money they are going to make. Robbins Otoya is an exciting collaboration of two brilliant minds working together to build an unforgettable experience, don't miss this episode.

Show Highlights:

[00:27] Sean, welcome to the show again!
[01:57] Sean speaks about Matthew and Luis's approach to finding a destination for their clients.
[04:46] Andy and Sean thought it was fascinating how Robbins Otoya uses color and isn't afraid to use it differently.
[06:59] Sean chats about the way Robbins Otoya prices their events.
[07:48] Sean talks about them using local talent to do the events but doing it with New York standards.
[10:42] Andy shares that Matthew and Luis don't want their decisions to be motivated by how much money they are making.
[11:26] Sean gets specific on what Matthew and Luis are doing and how they price their scope of work.
[13:20] Sean, as always, I really appreciate you being on the show.

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Find Robbins Otoya:

Robbins Otoya

@robbinsotoya

Luis Otoya Evento & Cocina

Matthew Robbins Design

@matthewrobbinsdesign

Instagram | Pinterest.

Twitter

Matthew Robbins on The Wedding Biz

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

Sean Low on the Wedding Biz

The Business of Being Creative LLC

Email Sean: sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com

Sean:@seanlow

Twitter | Instagram

Mentioned:

Ray Thompson on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz

240 ROBBINS OTOYA: Loving What They Do and Doing it Together Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

"It's not about producing a New York wedding in Provence; it's about producing a Provence wedding in Provence with New York standards." Listen as Andy, and his guests Matthew Robbins and Luis Otoya discuss their process and dig deep into the creative aspect. They also have an exciting conversation about their use of color and a discussion about their pricing philosophy.

Matthew has a company called Matthew Robbins Design based in New York City, while Luis has a catering company called Evento & Cocina based in Cartagena. Together, they own Robbins Otoya Destinations, a design and event planning firm that designs and produces destination weddings and events all over the world.

Luis shares meeting Matthew for the first time at a convention, their long-distance relationship, and whether there was any sense of competition between them with their individual companies. Listen as they reveal why they started a business together, what it's like to work together and be a couple, and how they push each other creatively to be the best they can be.

Matthew and Luis open up and share their process for finding locations and planning events, and how they price their events. They both share that having jobs, they love, going to incredible places, and making people happy is what success means to them. During this crazy uncertain time in the world, it's nice to hear about something positive, and fun so push play and get ready to smile.

Show Highlights:

[03:37] Welcome to the show, Matthew and Luis!

[04:18] Luis shares a little about his background and what inspired him to get into the business.

[07:21] Luis speaks about his different approach to catering and the creative element he has a flair for that helped him launch his company.

[08:37] Luis shares about meeting Matthew at a conference.

[11:07] Was there ever a sense of competition between you two with your businesses being so similar?

[13:08] They discuss both the creative and business aspects of their company.

[15:04] They discuss forming the company that they own together above and beyond their individual businesses.

[17:00] Matthew and Luis describe the difference between Robbins Otoya Destinations and the companies they own individually.

[19:54] How do you work and live together and still keep the relationship going?

[20:49] Luis and Matthew speak about pushing each other creatively to make each other better.

[23:13] They share their process when designing destination weddings and events.

[26:08] Can you give us a story or an example of your process when creating an event?

[29:42] Matthew and Luis speak about getting their clients to first narrow the destination down.

[32:28] Matthew bypasses design themes and sees events in colors and shapes.

[34:06] Luis chats about not being afraid of using color and how he and Matthew most times agree on what color they use.

[37:01] How does light play into the way you design your events?

[38:49] Luis and Matthew share their pricing and how they charge clients.

[41:27] Matthew discusses being respectful in their pricing and pricing for where you are in the industry.

[42:28] Matthew speaks about what the word "success" means to him.

[43:14] Luis chats about how he feels about success and how much happiness plays a role.

[45:11] Thank you both for being on the show!

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Robbins Otoya:

Robbins Otoya

@robbinsotoya

Luis Otoya Evento & Cocina

Matthew Robbins Design

@matthewrobbinsdesign

Instagram | Pinterest.

Twitter

Matthew Robbins first appearance on The Wedding Biz

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment