Event: Crushed for Wedding Pros

Welcome to episode 75! This will be the *last* episode as "Event: Crushed," but don't worry -- we're not going anywhere! Things are evolving and I am excited to be back in a couple of weeks with a brand new vision for the podcast. I hope you'll stick around! In this episode, Becky chats with copywriter Laura Paetkau of Copy by Laura about the power of connection-driven copy and how wedding pros ca...

In this inspiring episode, Becky sits down with Kerrie Hileman, founder of The White Magnolia Bridal Collection and Magnolia Laine, to explore her journey from CPA to bridal boutique founder to multi-location business owner and franchisor. Kerrie shares how she turned her love for bridal fashion into a thriving brand with 15 locations across the U.S., leading an all-female team and creating unforg...

If video still feels intimidating, time-consuming, or like something you “should” be doing but can’t keep up with, this episode will change your mind. Montana-based photographer, videographer, and educator Shayna Lloyd of Montana Diaries joins Becky to unpack the real purpose of video marketing — connection, not perfection. Shayna shares how she went from travel vlogs to running a thriving photo +...

Wedding season takes a toll on all of us — emotionally, physically, and mentally — and as wedding pros, we often put everyone else first while pushing through our own challenges. In this episode, I’m sharing openly about the weight we carry during the season, from difficult clients to personal struggles we work through quietly, and even the physical exhaustion of long wedding days. I’ll also share...

In today’s episode of Event: Crushed, Becky is joined by Taylor Fail, CEO and lead planner of Lace & Bow Bridal, a destination wedding planning and design company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Taylor’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often comes from bold decisions—like leaving behind a veterinary career during COVID to pursue wedding planning full-time. Since then, she’s built a thr...

Gen Z is changing the wedding industry in big ways — from how they search for vendors to how they prefer to communicate. In this episode of the Event: Crushed Podcast, Becky sits down with Amanda Writesman of the Bridal Theory, marketing strategist, educator, and small business coach with over 14 years of experience in the wedding and creative industries. Amanda shares her insights on how wedding...

In this episode of Event: Crushed, I’m joined by the talented Samantha Leenheer — creative director and principal planner of House of Joy, founder of Kinetic Experiences, and educator under House of Samantha. We dive deep into two powerful themes that tie beautifully together: Storytelling in wedding design – how uncovering your clients’ stories, values, and quirks can spark your creativity and le...

We talk a lot about red flags in the wedding industry… but what about the green flags? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the vendor green flags that make me so excited to work with someone again and again. These are the qualities I noticed when I looked at my own preferred vendors list — the traits that every single one of them has in common. If you want to know what makes planners (and other vendor...

Your website images do so much more than “look pretty.” They set the tone for your brand, communicate the kind of experience you provide, and can even make or break whether a potential couple decides to reach out. In this episode of Event: Crushed, I’m joined by website strategist and designer Emily Jane Lee of By Emily Jane. With her background as both a photographer and web designer, Emily bring...

Hearing “we’ve decided to go in a different direction” from a potential client never feels great — especially when you were excited about working together. In this short and encouraging solo episode, I’m sharing how to navigate those moments without losing confidence, and how to turn a ‘no’ into a tool for growth in your wedding business. I’m opening up about a recent experience, the ways I’m work...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry Barrett, event pro turned tech founder and the creator of The Wedding App, a modern, private social platform for weddings. From real-time updates to guest messaging and RSVP reminders, this app is a game-changer for planners and couples alike. We talk about: How The Wedding App works and why Kerry built it Improving guest experience before and during the wed...

In this episode, Becky sits down with returning guest Heidi Thompson, the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business, to talk about how wedding pros can rise above the noise in a crowded industry. From navigating inconsistent inquiries to creating messaging that actually connects with your ideal clients, Heidi offers insight into what’s working right now, and what to stop wasting time on. They also d...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with SEO — or confused about how AI tools like ChatGPT are starting to impact how couples search for vendors — this episode is for you. Becky is joined by Sara Dunn, the go-to SEO expert for wedding professionals, to talk about what’s actually changing in the world of search (and what isn’t), how wedding pros can start showing up in AI-driven searc...

Instagram is a critical part of how many wedding pros market their businesses — which makes the potential of getting hacked feel absolutely devastating. In this solo episode, Becky shares her recent experience getting locked out of her business account, how she got back in quickly, and the exact steps she’s taking now to prevent it from happening again. You’ll hear: The play-by-play of how the hac...

We've all been there... a frantic email comes in from a client, and we realize we've been leaving them in the dark. When expectations aren't clearly communicated, confusion and frustration creep in — and nobody wants that! In this solo episode, Becky breaks down exactly how wedding pros can manage client expectations from the inquiry stage throughout the entire planning process. From the initial d...

In today’s solo episode, Becky dives into the beauty and strength found in all stages of business — from the hustle and high-energy experimentation of your early years to the wisdom, clarity, and confidence that come with years of experience. Whether you're brand new to the wedding industry or you’ve been in it for 10+ years, this episode is packed with validation, encouragement, and reminders tha...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not just a wedding pro — but also expected to be a full-time content creator — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Mimi of Wed & Wilder (formerly Wilder Social), to talk about the rising pressure wedding professionals are feeling when it comes to social media and content creation. We recorded this episode a couple of months ago, so a few things have...

In this episode, Becky dives into six practical and impactful ways wedding professionals can stand out this wedding season. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, caterer, or any other vendor, these tips will help you create memorable experiences for your couples and your vendor partners—without adding more to your plate. Topics covered: Stellar communication with couples and vendors Going above...

Conversations on motherhood have been no stranger to the Event Crushed podcast, but every guest brings a unique perspective and viewpoint. In today's episode, Becky chats with Jamie and Alex from Cameras and Car Seats — a podcast designed to support mom photographers who are chasing their dreams while raising babies. Jamie and Alex share their journeys as photographers and moms, how they met, and...

Feeling like leads are slower than usual this year? You're not alone, and this week we're diving in to why this is happening, and what you can do about it! In this episode, Becky discusses the reasons she believes 2025 has felt funky for so many wedding pros and shares three tangible, strategic ways you can start increasing your leads this week. She also reminds us why now is not the time to back...

In this episode, I chat with wedding planner and systems expert Danielle Pasternak about something we don’t talk about enough in the wedding industry: how to run a business with structure and heart. We explore what it looks like to balance backend systems with empathy — for your clients, for your vendor team, and  for yourself. Danielle shares her favorite tools, how she organizes her week, what s...

This week marks one whole year of Event: Crushed, and I’m celebrating with a solo episode that’s part reflection, part encouragement, and part behind-the-scenes look at what podcasting has taught me. I’m sharing: The imposter syndrome I had to overcome to launch this podcast A few listener reviews and DMs that kept me going A super embarrassing mistake I hoped no one would notice  My top 3 most-do...

This week, Aislinn is BACK with more wedding pro mindset shifts for us! If you haven't already, make sure to tune into Aislinn's first episode on Event: Crushed - Episode 14 . In this inspiring episode, former luxury wedding photographer, Aislinn McKenna helps us tackle the mindset challenges wedding pros are facing right now. We talk about the myths that hold entrepreneurs back, how to reframe sl...

Today, I’m chatting with Cody McDonald of Mac Wedding Films about what it really takes to build a wedding business that’s rooted in genuine connection. Cody shares his refreshing perspective on staying creatively inspired, avoiding burnout, and leading with curiosity and care — not just behind the camera, but in every client and vendor relationship. If you’ve ever felt pressure to keep up with tre...

This week on Event: Crushed, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to run a wedding business while raising a family. I’m joined by Oralia Aguirre, owner of Dream Decorations in Northern California. Oralia started her event décor business at just 19 and has grown it into a thriving full-time career — all while raising two daughters and creating a life they love.  In this hones...