The Michael Coombs Show

In this episode, we hear from Phong, who shares his remarkable path from being a mechanical engineer and personal trainer to becoming a successful wedding filmmaker with his company, Modern Frame. Phong discusses how his diverse background in engineering and personal training has given him a unique edge in the wedding videography industry. He delves into the emotional aspects of wedding filmmaking...

In this episode, Michael Coombs speaks with acclaimed International Wedding Photographer Raphaëlle Granger, who shares her journey through two major rebrands. Starting as an adventure elopement photographer, Raphaëlle found herself disconnected and later redefined her brand to align more with weddings that evoke human connection. She discusses emotional intelligence on wedding days, the impact of...

In this episode of the Michael Coombs Show, Michael talks with a multicultural and destination wedding specialist Fidan Ismayilova, from Designed Dream Events. Fidan discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in planning weddings that blend different cultural traditions. Fidan elaborates on the importance of communication, managing family expectations, and the logistics of running des...

In this episode of The Michael Coombs Show, Michael interviews Michelle Cundari, an international wedding planner and founder of Sincerely Yours Events and Fancy Puffs. Michelle shares insights on how she juggles the responsibilities of being a new mom while running a successful business. She discusses her day-to-day life, the importance of building strong vendor relationships, and how she manages...

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Todd Kjargaard, the Creative Director of Jackie O Floral Affairs and Event Design. They discuss Todd's unique approach to collaborating with a wide variety of designers, the importance of maintaining creativity in event design, and the impact of AI in the planning process. Todd shares his insights on balancing client desires with innovative designs,...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Sara Lam from August in Bloom on her unexpected journey from executive roles to wedding planning. Sara shares how her passion for pastry led her to start a sweet table company, which eventually evolved into a wedding planning business. She discusses the importance of project management, sales skills, and automation in her success. Sara also explains...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Abdul and Hafsa, the sibling co-founders of Ethereal Creators. They share their fascinating journey from crafting DIY home events to founding a renowned event design company. Abdul recounts his struggle to leave his uninspiring job to pursue his passion for event design, while Hafsa discusses her artistic inclinations and their first grand event, which...

In this episode hosted by Michael Coombs, Derek and Cece from DC Film Co. dive into the balance between artistry and high-touch service in the wedding cinematography industry. They discuss the importance of collaboration, hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail learned from attending Engage conferences. The duo shares how their unique filming style is shaped by personal experiences and hig...

Bianca and Erica, co-owners of Estera Events in Chicago, share their inspiring journey from starting as interns in 2010 to taking over the business in 2019. They discuss key moments and challenges that shaped their leadership, the influence of their mentor Hillary, and their unique approach to blending minimalist and maximalist design styles. The conversation highlights their transition to a perce...

In this episode, Shealyn Angus discusses how she built meaningful friendships with her competitors in the event planning industry. She explains how these relationships began organically through shared values of community over competition and how they have positively impacted both her personal life and business. Shealyn highlights the importance of cooperation to push the Canadian event industry fo...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Kristi Drago-Price, the founder and creative director of Editor's Edge, a New York City-based boutique creative agency. They discuss the nuances of branding, highlighting the importance of a strategic approach that goes beyond mere logos or websites. Kristi explains the structured 'house analogy' methodology for brand development and emp...

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Matthew Myhrum, a concept artist specializing in luxury weddings and events. Matthew shares his career journey, starting as a set designer in theater and transitioning to the event industry, working with prestigious clients like Preston Bailey. He elaborates on the role of a concept artist, which involves creating detailed 2D and 3D visualizations for eve...

In this episode, Sasha shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, co-founding multiple businesses including Purple Tree Photography, Indigo Events, August Media, Mint Room Studios, and Preto Loft Studio. He discusses the serendipitous start of Purple Tree Photography in 2011, born out of a casual conversation at a Halloween party. Sasha highlights the importance of adapting to challenges, nurtur...

In this engaging episode, Nadia Colella of Nadia & Co. discusses how scaling back has enhanced her creativity and allowed her to explore other artistic ventures. Nadia shares her approach to custom wedding cake design, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding her clients' visions. She talks about her transition from a busy luxury cake market to a more selective and creatively ful...

In this episode, Michael Coombs welcomes Sarah Singleton from Hype Gal Media to discuss the evolving role of content creation in weddings and events. Sarah explains how content creators complement traditional photo and video services, the challenges she faced entering the industry, and her transition from wedding coordinating to content creation. The conversation covers her creative process, deali...

In this episode of the show, host Michael Coombs interviews Mariangel Urdaneta, the Director of Event Experience and Hospitality at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Mariangel, who was recently recognized by BizBash Magazine as one of 2025's 40 under 40, shares insights on her journey from Venezuela to Toronto, her dream role at TIFF, and the complexities and highlights of event...

In this episode of the Michael Coombs Show, Michael Coombs welcomes Leah Weinberg of Weinberg Legal. They discuss Leah's dynamic career journey from being a lawyer to a wedding planner and back to a lawyer serving the events community. The episode dives into the risks of using AI for drafting legal contracts, clients using AI to threaten vendor lawsuits, and essential legal protections for ev...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes wedding photographer and health coach Julian Ribinik. Julian shares his personal transformation story, detailing how he lost 90 pounds by changing his diet and lifestyle, which improved his health dramatically. He discusses the impact of sugar, the benefits of staying hydrated with electrolytes, and the detrimental effects of caffeine. Julian also offe...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs sits down with Melissa Baum, who transitioned from a wedding blogger to a full-time wedding and event producer. Melissa shares her unconventional journey into the wedding industry, starting with a blog that led to planning small parties, and eventually taking her passion full-time. They discuss the importance of assembling the right team, staying calm under pre...

In this episode, Michael Coombs chats with Becky De Oliveira from Blush & Bloom about her journey into floral design, her unique approach to creativity, and the evolution of her career from delivering flowers in a small town to running a successful business in Toronto. Becky shares insights on collaboration with planners, adapting to economic challenges, and how her personal transformation, in...

In this episode, Rachel and David Clingen, co-owners of separate but supportive companies, Rachel A. Clingen Designs and Eventure share how their businesses have grown and evolved over the years. They discuss the importance of distinguishing between their personal and professional lives to maintain a strong marriage, which has flourished for 33 years. The couple attributes much of their business s...

In this episode, Michael Coombs hosts Nicole Pieckenhagen , founder and managing director of Graydon Hall Manor and Couture Cuisine. They discuss the 25-year journey of transforming the historic 90-year-old mansion from a dilapidated state to a premier event venue, the challenges of maintaining such a property, and the importance of authentic hospitality in making client's events truly memora...

In this episode, Michael Coombs discusses the intricate relationship between PR and marketing with Natalie Denyse, founder of In Good Company PR. Natalie emphasizes that clients buy trust, not just brands, and elaborates on the importance of building genuine connections and authenticity. She shares her personal journey in the PR field, highlighting the significance of understanding a brand’s ethos...

In this episode, Michael Coombs talks with Sean Low about the current state of the wedding and event industry as of May 14, 2025. They cover the challenges posed by tariffs, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI. Sean emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes by focusing on creating emotional resonance and making 'outrageous promises' to clients. He also discusses the dan...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs talks with Michelle and Tamara from Fab Fête about the intricacies of planning weddings and events. They break down the importance of honest client communication and share insights on managing realistic budgets and expectations. The duo also discuss how they incorporate clients' personal styles into their event designs, creating immersive experiences. They...