The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

In this episode, Andy and Melissa pull out their favorite parts of the Paula LeDuc interview. Paula was such a unique guest, and she's done amazing things in her niche, so there was a lot of ground to cover. Andy and Melissa also discuss: Paula believes she is in the business of happiness Hiring people who love what they do is the key to her success Paula does theater with every event - why it's m...

Did you grow up knowing what you wanted to do with your life? Most people change their minds multiple times before they decide on their career. Today's guest grew up always being creative, as her father was an engineer, building things. If you asked her then, she would not have an idea she would be where she is today - an entrepreneur growing something from nothing, and knowing what her skills wer...

In today's episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and guest co-host Sean Low really take a deep dive into the interview with the ladies behind the Oh So Inspired Conference. There's a lot this duo covered in their interview about partnerships and creating live events that we haven't had a chance to discuss with other guests. Andy and Sean also discuss: Don't mistake fun for whimsy Everyone you work with...

On today's show, we hear from Kelly McLeskey-Dolata and Nancy Liu Chin, Co-Founders of Oh So Inspired. Each successful in their own right, Kelly in planning and Design with her own company, Savvy Event. Nancy, a floral designer with her company, Nancy Liu Chin Designs. Oh So Inspired, is an annual 3-day retreat for wedding professionals. We will get to hear about Nancy and Kelly and what led them...

In this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and Melissa come together to dive into Andrè Maier's interview. Andrè is a wedding photojournalist and his path to success has been anything but conventional. In this episode, Andy and Melissa also discuss: How Andrè makes his photos evoke emotion. Ways to determine if a client is a good match. The relaxed way Andrè views networking opportunities. Don't comp...

Have you ever felt stifled by the exactness and predictability of your chosen career? Today's guest spent years studying science, such as molecular biology and organic chemistry, all the while his creative side was calling.. Eventually, he transitioned to photojournalism and found that he was really good at it, and more importantly, it fed his soul. Andrè Maier of Andrè Maier Photography has a spe...

In this episode, Andy and Melissa discuss Andy's interview with Jennifer Zabinski, of JZ Events. Jennifer's interview presented so many tangible takeaways for other Designers, so listen in and learn the biggest takeaways from this episode. In this episode, Andy and Melissa discuss: The work of a Designer is a certain form of therapy How Jennifer honed her business skills Ways that working in a res...

This week's episode features  Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events. Jennifer is a dedicated and talented wedding planner, known for being cool under pressure, great with communication and always looks out for the vendors while honoring the clients.   About Jennifer: Jennifer Zabinski is all about the details. She tailors every event to the couple, adding stylish elements and engaging all the senses in t...

On today's show, Andy has Sean Low joining as a guest co-host. Today's episode focuses on all of the nuggets that can be extracted from Ceci Johnson's interview. Ceci has an incredibly creative business, so Sean is able to offer some insights on the creative business side. Sean Low is the Founder of The Business of Being Creative.  In this episode, Andy and Sean also discuss: The hustle of startin...

This episode features Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York. We have the privilege to listen to how Ceci built her business from the ground up. Ceci of New York is an artist and designer of not only invitations and stationery but art and branding materials as well. Ceci tells stories of her client's life in her design of invitations and stationery, and about being in the business of happiness.   Show High...

On today's show, Andy and Melissa are joined by Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride podcast on The Wedding Biz Network. Today's discussion centers on Ines and Veronica DiSanto's show. In this episode, Andy, Melissa and Julie discuss: The determination of Ines and how that impacted the start of her business. Properly outfitting a bride really isn't about what the designer thinks about the dress - f...

On today's show we hear from Ines and Veronica of Ines Di Santo, a bridal and evening gown couture dress designer. We learn how Ines grew up with the deep creative passion to having her business now.     Show Highlights: Where the passion got ignited Ines tells her incredible and unique story about growing up including her traumatic move from Buenos Aires to Toronto Ines's biggest dream in her lif...

In today's episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and Melissa join forces to discuss all of the amazing insights from Pablo Oliveira's episode. Pablo has a unique niche in the wedding industry and he's managed to rise to the very top of his game and he works with many high profile clients. Andy and Melissa also discuss: Every aspect of your business can be creative - even doing your books! Bootstrapping...

Pablo Oliveira's work is so elegant and sophisticated, his portfolio images alone are a feast for the eyes. Nuage Designs, the name of Pablo's company, is growing internationally. From royal weddings to inaugural balls, Nuage Designs has been dressing the tables of some of the most prestigious events globally including Chelsea Clinton's Wedding.   Pablo grew up in Brazil, and with no history of de...

In this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and Melissa are focused on the most impactful parts of Preston Bailey's second interview with Andy. Preston has been in the wedding business almost 40 years, so he has a tremendous amount of knowledge to share.   In this episode Andy and Melissa also discuss: No one can get away from pricing - even Preston has to educate his clients on the true cost of their...

On today's show, we get to hear from Preston Bailey with a brand new conversation to follow up from the first time we had him on the show. Preston was named one of the best wedding designers in the world by Vogue Magazine. Preston's client roster includes celebrities, royal families, CEO's and athletes. He has created a number of art installations which are featured across the world with showcases...

In this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL, Andy and Melissa are breaking down lessons learned from Abby and Tait Larsen of Style Me Pretty.  Abby and Tait have had a journey that most bloggers will never experience - being bought by AOL and eventually on the chopping block, but given the chance to take their business back and make it better than ever. Today Andy and Melissa discuss: Abby says she made eve...

To get the full scoop on one of the hottest topics in the world of wedding inspiration, we are invited into the home of Abby & Tait Larson to learn more about their story, and the oh so popular wedding resource: Style me Pretty.   They started when the the blogging world was fresh, and not nearly as creative. You will learn how they both started this amazing business that has grown with them and t...

Today's episode of THE NEXT LEVEL is a very special one! For the first time in TNL history, we have a guest co-host. Since Melissa Fancy is on vacation, Andy has the incredibly smart and insightful Sean Low as his guest co-host today. Sean is the founder and President of The Business of Being Creative. Sean is also a previous guest on the Wedding Biz, so if you have not listened to that show yet,...

REVISIT: If you've ever felt family pressure to pursue a certain career, then you can relate to today's guest. When he realized the careers his family had chosen were not for him, he didn't let it stop him. Today, you'll hear the story of forging a completely new path and struggling, but being determined enough to succeed at the highest levels, as told by the amazing Bryan Rafanelli! Bryan Rafanel...

Buckle your seat belts because this episode of THE NEXT LEVEL is quite a ride. Andy and Melissa dig deeper into the amazing interview with Cindy Novotny and this show is full of actionable items. Andy and Melissa give some practical advice about how they have implemented some of Cindy's strategies. Andy and Melissa also discuss: Paying yourself first  Properly saving money even in lean times Turni...

As anyone knows, sometimes we need a little motivation, a push in the right direction. Maybe we're not as focused as we need to be and just need someone to motivate us to reach our potential. Cindy Novotny is with us today, and she's here to give some of her signature "straight talk" advice. Listen in and find out why you should embrace public speaking, set goals, and stay focused on what you want...

In today's episode, Andy and Melissa dig into the interview with Norma Cohen. If you haven't listened to Norma's full interview, you definitely should go back and listen. Norma is a very unique planner. She's been working in her community since she was a child and she's spent years building those relationships that have been the bulk of her business! Listen as Andy and Melissa also discuss: How ha...

If there's anyone who knows all the ins and outs of party planning, it's Norma Cohen. Norma started planning parties on her own for her friends when she was only 12 years old. Later, she became the youngest female, at 16, on an Executive Board of Directors of the community center. And at 18 she opened her own business, Party Expressions. Listen in to find out why, after several attempts to leave t...

This episode of THE NEXT LEVEL is all about brides! Well, actually Julie Sabatino is all about brides and as the creator of The Stylish Bride, she performs a valuable service for brides. Julie's entire business model is based on providing a much-needed service for brides during a stressful time. Learn how she's made herself an invaluable part of any wedding! In this episode, Andy and Melissa discu...