The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

REVISIT: Colin Cowie is a top designer for all things weddings—as well as galas, charitable events, corporate and destination celebrations. He's beloved by the likes of Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld, Elton John, Michael Jordan, Bruce Willis, Jennifer Aniston, and countless other A-list celebrities. Ever since Colin arrived in Los Angeles from Kitzwe, Zambia at the height of apartheid in 1985, his professi...

Having a set expectation of goals implemented is important for any company. This structure helps eliminate losing direction and the impact of confrontation. In today's episode, Andy and renowned New York City based event producer and designer, David Stark discuss this week's episode with Cindy Novotny. Their commentary covers advice Cindy shared on how to embrace confrontation, creating unificatio...

Have you come across challenges in life with your business? Most companies do, and today we hear from motivational and leadership expert, Cindy Novotny. Handling employees and financials in the event industry is indeed a challenge and Cindy is here to share the secrets of her success and the companies she consults for.   Cindy, "the Radical Mentor," joins us again in this New Year.  She is a power...

Today it's all about Andy! For quite a while now, people have been asking him to air an interview about himself. Andy has been interviewed on many different podcasts, so today he decided to publish the most recent of these, with Mary Swaffield, of the Wedpreneur Podcast. Andy and Mary will be talking about what Andy has learned from all the amazing icons whom he has interviewed on The Wedding Biz...

Today we have part two of our interview with Lynn Easton. Lynn is a very popular planner and designer in the industry, who also speaks at various conferences. She has created Easton Destination Events, a luxury destination wedding design and planning company that works worldwide, with offices in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Our guest co-host for today is the prestigio...

Do you know how important branding yourself and your events is? On today's show, our guest will go more in-depth on this topic as well her perspective on choosing her support team of creative partners, for events, and on the sensitive industry issue of pricing your services.   Lynn Easton of Easton Destination Events joins us again. Her attention to detail has made her an icon in the industry.  Ma...

Today we discuss Julie Novack, CEO and Co-Founder of PartySlate and some of the ways in which she has created such a successful business that is still very much in the process of expanding. Sean Low, of The Business of Being Creative, joins our Host, Andy Kushner. Forming relationships is a key factor when creating your own business. Also, learn about raising funds from Venture Capitalists. Listen...

There are many digital platforms that provide inspiration for designing and organizing events, however, PartySlate is an especially curated platform, using images, that offers such inspiration and connections to local professionals. Creating such a well-orchestrated and impactful company is no small feat, which is what makes building this creative source so impressive. Julie Novack is not only the...

Do you allow opportunities to enter your life? Some do not know an opportunity when it comes to them. Today we hear how you need to maximize opportunities and discuss the interview with Brett Culp. Brett Culp an acclaimed filmmaker and social entrepreneur. What is interesting about Brett is that he started in the luxury end of weddings with quite a run in it and ended up going through a fascinatin...

What does leadership mean to you? Leadership has many meanings, and everyone may have their own perspective on it. Today's guest has a wonderful point of view on leadership and has built an amazing foundation for his life.   Brett had a very successful career as a videographer in the lux wedding market, for ten years,  until the recession of 2008 forced him to pivot. Now a filmmaker and keynote sp...

In today's episode, Andy is joined by guest co-host Michele Hodges of Michele Hodges Events. They discuss Andy's interview with Amy Moeller and pull out some of the highlights. Andy and Michele discuss: Current wedding trends  Why wedding trends have a really long shelf life Some wedding trends that are definitely out The future of print wedding magazines If you haven't already listened to Amy's i...

Want your wedding featured in a magazine? Real weddings are becoming more popular to feature in magazines, whether online or on the printed version. Today's guest will help you learn the best way to submit as well as discuss a host of pertinent topics. Amy Moeller, the Editor-In-Chief of Washingtonian changed her major 7 times in college, at the University of Tennessee. Journalism and electronic m...

Join Andy and guest co-host, Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride, as they discuss Lynn Easton's amazing interview. It's easy to admire Lynn's business, but don't let her calm demeanor make you think her business is no big deal. Lynn Easton has built an empire and she works tirelessly to keep all of her balls in the air while building a solid base of raving fans! Learn how she does it all.   If you...

REVISIT: Lynn Easton is a busy woman. Between managing her destination wedding design business Easton Events and growing her Easton Porter Group luxury properties, she's got a lot of balls in the air. But for her, that's all just part of the fun. Lynn started her wedding planning career over twenty years ago almost by accident. She offered to help a friend plan and design her wedding, back before...

Join Andy and guest co-host, Sean Low as they dig deeper into Sylvia Weinstock's interview. Both Andy and Sean know Sylvia very well and they are still just blown away by her story. Andy and Sean discuss: Sylvia was 50 years old when she started her current career. It's important to recognize the pressure brides are under to have a fairytale wedding. The cakes Sylvia makes are considered to be art...

REVISIT: It's hard to overstate how glad I am to share my conversation with Sylvia Weinstock with you. I am thrilled that you'll get to spend some time with her, as I've been lucky enough to. If you're in the wedding business or familiar with it, Sylvia needs no introduction. Sylvia Weinstock reinvented the tradition of the wedding cake, and for 37 years she and her team set a standard for wedding...

Andy and first-time co-host Cindy Novotny, of Master Connection Associates, discuss the incredible interview with David Stark. David opens up about his business and his business structure. David really does so many things in his business incredibly well. Andy and Cindy also discuss: There will always be parts of your business that are out of balance. It's important to build a business structure fr...

REVISIT: "You're only as good as your last party." This old adage is something that renowned event producer and designer David Stark holds in high regard. David has produced events for noteworthy celebrities like Glenn Close and Brad Pitt, organizations like Saturday Night Live, the Whitney Museum, and the Metropolitan Opera, has 5 books published, and the list goes on in similar fashion. David's...

Just in time for Engage!, Andy and Melissa are discussing all of the best networking techniques to make you stand out among your competition. The topic of today's episode comes from lessons learned from Andy's interview with Phillip Van Norstrand. He's a master networker! In this episode, Andy and Melissa also discuss: Techniques to make the most of any conterence or networking event. How to make...

Has your religion influenced you through your whole life? On today's show that is just the case as our guest grew up in a Christian family with good clean fun all around him, despite the influence of a "hippy commune." Starting off his career path as part of the church, he eventually found a new devotion to photography when he fell in love with traveling.   Phillip Van Nostrand of Phillip vn  Phot...

In today's conversation, Andy talks with Kimi Werner, the U.S. National Spearfishing Champion of 2008 who transformed her passion for discovery and the sea to inspire others and travel the world. Why is Andy releasing this episode on The Wedding Biz ?  Because it's a very touching and courageous story, and ultimately deeply inspiring. Kimi's story is about something all of us creatives, in the eve...

Join Andy and Melissa Fancy as they dissect the lesson from Alison Hotchkiss Rinderknecht, of Alison Events. Alison has been named one of the top wedding planners in the world by Vogue Magazine and she shared all of her best tips in her interview! Andy and Melissa also discuss: Setting boundaries and how that can make for a better working relationship. The daily rituals that keep Alison grounded a...

Have you ever wondered how can you work and travel the world at the same time? Today's guest not only does just that, but also excels in her industry planning and designing weddings and events worldwide. Working with top vendors such as caterer Paula LeDuc, she is always seeking projects that expose her to new challenges.   Alison Hotchkiss Rinderknecht, of Alison Events, is not only a destination...

Join Andy and his co-host, Melissa Fancy as they discuss the many unique aspects of Robert Fountain's business that was discussed in the full interview. Robert isn't worried about what anyone else is doing - he's doing what he does best and being true to himself along the way. Andy and Melissa also discuss: How anxiety aids creative people Why he is the only person in his business that clients eve...

Have you ever felt the satisfaction of reorganizing the furniture in your home?  Today's guest, is quite familiar with that feeling, in fact, he's been redesigning his spaces since he was young. Now a leader in event design, he stays under the radar with most events, but deserves a serious moment in the spotlight.     Robert Fountain of Robert Fountain International is known all over the world. Cr...