Category: All Podcast Episodes

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

Episode 461 MATTHEW ROBBINS: Catching Up Since the Pandemic

1x

0:00

...

Episode 461 MATTHEW ROBBINS: Catching Up Since the Pandemic

Episode 357: REVISIT: MATTHEW ROBBINS: Creative Process and Connecting with Couples

Matthew Robbins joins Andy in this episode to be featured on the show three times! Matthew is the founder and creative director of Matthew Robbins Design, an event-planning firm with a focus on design and production for weddings and other events, and he is the co-owner of Robbins Otoya, a company which focuses on destination events internationally. Matthew is also an author whose work has been featured in many publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, etc., and he has been a featured guest on Martha Stewart Living Radio and The Today Show.

Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Matthew and his businesses and what he learned from the experience. Also, what you should do if you’re a planner who wants to start doing events overseas, how he navigates burnout and angst, and more! Andy is so appreciative that Matthew returned to the show, and if you enjoy this conversation with Matthew, then Andy would be grateful if you were to share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode and to leave a top review wherever you listen, as that really helps people find the show!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:17] – Andy updates on his comedy class.

[2:39] – Today’s guest is revealed to be Matthew Robbins of Matthew Robbins Design!

[4:04] – How did the pandemic change the way Matthew runs his businesses?

[7:35] – Matthew shares a couple of his favorite design stories from last year.

[10:24] – Matthew gives advice to planners who want to do international events.

[11:38] – Who does Matthew contact for referrals?

[14:58] – Does Matthew ever experience burnout?

[17:19] – How does Matthew stay inspired and grounded?

[19:21] – What does Matthew do to circumvent artist angst?

[22:03] – Matthew really wants to write another book.

[23:20] – Andy shares where Matthew’s businesses can be found online.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Episode 240 ROBBINS OTOYA: Loving What They Do and Doing It Together

Find Matthew:

Matthew Robbins Design – Website
Robbins Otoya Destinations – Website

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

Episode 460 LYNN EASTON: Taking Planners from Luxury to Ultra-Luxury

1x

0:00

...

Episode 460 LYNN EASTON: Taking Planners from Luxury to Ultra-Luxury

Lynn’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz

The creator of Easton Events, Lynn Easton returns to the podcast today! Easton Events is a luxury destination wedding design and planning company that works all over the world. Lynn is also the creative force and co-founder of Easton Porter Group, a luxury hospitality company with a portfolio of award-winning boutique hotels, vineyards, restaurants, and event venues in North America and Europe.

Since last on the podcast, Lynn has launched a digital course for luxury planners who are looking to take their business from luxury to ultra-luxury, and she discusses what inspired it, what she loves the most about it, and so forth. She also talks about the differences between luxury and ultra-luxury, the greatest challenges that she has had planning ultra-luxury events (especially in Europe), and so much more!

This is definitely an episode that you are going to want to tune in for because Lynn’s enthusiasm and passion for what she does is practically infectious, and Andy is so grateful for the opportunity to have her back on the show! If you enjoyed this conversation with Lynn Easton, then Andy would appreciate it if you were to share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode and to leave a top review wherever you listen, as that really helps people find the show!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:17] – Andy updates us on his comedy class.

[2:25] – Today’s guest is Lynn Easton!

[3:58] – Why did Lynn recently create a course?

[5:14] – Lynn reveals how she differentiates between luxury and ultra-luxury.

[7:53] – Lynn points out that you have to be very transparent with ultra-luxury clients.

[10:36] – Lynn argues that the industry should work together more.

[12:17] – What have Lynn’s greatest challenges been?

[15:30] – Lynn explains how she overcomes the challenges.

[17:33] – How does Lynn go about finding local teams?

[21:05] – What sets Lynn’s course apart from similar courses?

[23:01] – Ultra-luxury planners need to have confidence.

[24:10] – Lynn touches upon how she battles burnout.

[26:27] – What hasn’t Lynn done that she would still love to do?

[29:11] – Lynn explains why her course is not for everyone.

[30:40] – Andy gives Lynn’s contact information.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Lynn:

Easton Events – Website
Easton Events – Instagram Page
Easton Education – Website
Easton Porter Group – Website

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

Episode 459 CINDY NOVOTNY: Defining Iconic Luxury & Identifying Its Heart

1x

0:00

...

Episode 459 CINDY NOVOTNY: Defining Iconic Luxury & Identifying Its Heart

Cindy’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz

Andy is so happy to welcome Cindy Novotny of Master Connection Associates back to the podcast to catch up! Cindy is an icon in the hospitality industry and is the original founder of MCA. She is an internationally renowned leader in sales, leadership, and customer service and has been recognized by the American Society of Training and Development as one of the most powerful, innovative, and passionate speakers in the industry. Cindy has also been named one of the top 25 most extraordinary minds in sales and marketing and is the author of the book Living with No Balance… and Loving It!.

In this episode of the podcast, Cindy discusses how nerves and being out of your comfort zone can help you grow, what iconic luxury in the weddings and events industry means to her, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the industry, and so much more!

Andy really appreciates Cindy taking the time to come back to the show with updates and hopes that you enjoy his conversation with her! If so, then please share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode and to leave a top review wherever you listen, as that really helps out the show and helps people find it!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:21] – Discover how Andy’s stand-up comedy routine went.

[2:13] – Today’s guest is returning guest Cindy Novotny of Master Connection Associates.

[3:20] – Cindy is constantly pushed out of her comfort zone.

[5:56] – What is the heart of iconic luxury?

[8:07] – Cindy explains what the key components of creating a luxury experience are.

[10:27] – Cindy discusses AI.

[13:04] – How does Cindy approach luxury meaning different things to different people?

[16:33] – Cindy discusses upselling.

[19:56] – How did COVID impact luxury travel?

[22:38] – What does social selling mean to Cindy?

[25:44] – Cindy argues that luxury involves being humble.

[26:51] – Andy reveals Cindy’s social media handles.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Find Cindy:
Cindy’s Book
Cindy’s Website
Master Connection Associates – Website
Cindy’s Instagram Page
Cindy’s Twitter Page
Cindy’s YouTube Page

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

Episode 458 REVISIT Debbie Geller: Creating Legacy Clients

1x

0:00

...

Episode 458 REVISIT Debbie Geller: Creating Legacy Clients

It takes a certain level of skill, a problem-solving attitude, and more than a dash of creativity to throw a spectacular wedding. Between coordinating the client’s vision, compiling vendor partners, troubleshooting setup, and sending the bride down the aisle, wedding planners have a lot on their plate. After creating absolutely stunning weddings and high-profile events for over 20 years, Debbie Geller, my guest today, knows a thing or two about event planning and design.

Geller Events operates out of Los Angeles, but she’s been designing events all over the world. Her high-profile clients come from a long legacy of word-of-mouth business. She does little to no PR, instead relying on client referrals and legacy clients who keep coming back for Debbie’s personalized touch on everything from weddings to corporate events. She breaks some of the typical event planning stereotypes to provide a unique experience tailored to each couple. Debbie is the heart and soul of her business, though none of these events could be accomplished without the help of her teams. Today, Debbie will share with us how she creates an environment where the clients, the creative partners, and her team all feel valued and cared for. If Geller Events is a ship, then Debbie Geller is the captain, and it’s all hands on deck.

“There is no such thing as a typical wedding because all of our couples are unique. We focus on getting to know the couple very well.” ~ Debbie Geller

The secret sauce to Debbie Geller’s amazing success is the amount of time and personal attention she puts into every event. If there is a snag with the venue or a last minute emergency, Debbie assures her client that is her problem, not theirs. Debbie’s dedication to every step of the process is absolutely inspiring. We all have a thing or two to learn from her experience, and as Debbie will say, “Experience is everything!” Listen this week as we learn a thing or two about how to throw a fantastic event!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Show Highlights:

Debbie shares with us why she started cooking and how food makes wherever she lives feel like home.
After working in real estate and law, Debbie left when the wedding biz came knocking at her door.
Early on, cold calling was the key to Debbie’s success.
Hear all about the kinds of high-profile events Debbie works on.
How Debbie builds a creative team to execute an event.
The process of a “typical wedding” from start to finish.
The story of the favorite wedding of all time.
Debbie takes care of her teams.
A tale of the biggest and hardest event that Debbie has ever worked.
What Debbie loves about doing events for families.
Personal touches for the guests create business through legacy clients.
How Debbie is a workaholic who takes care of herself.
Debbie defines success by the excitement and next-level commitment to an event.
The internet has been the biggest change for Debbie to build up the best team.

Connect with Debbie:

Debbie’s Website

Debbie’s Instagram Page