Event Planners and Designers

Today, we welcome Claudia Hanlin of the Wedding Library! Claudia has an extensive resume behind her as a Contributing Editor to Martha Stewart Weddings, having received numerous honors including the prestigious Modern Bride Innovators Award, four International Special Events Society Big Apple Awards for Design, The Knot’s Best of New York Wedding Planner and Juli B’s Top US Shopping Service Award. Also, previously Claudia produced several years of The Wedding Party with Martha Stewart Weddings, a luxury bridal showcase taking place in both New York City and Chicago, and will soon announce a new sponsor.

Andy sits down with Claudia to discuss life, career and her most memorable moments on the job. She shares extravagant tales of a celebration for composer Howard Shore, weddings she has produced, as well as details about her innovative resource for brides for the entire planning experience, called The Wedding Library. 

Details about Claudia’s upcoming Destination Masterclass Conference are revealed in this episode. Tune in to listen!

Sharon Sacks is the epitome of a multi-tasking go-getter! Early in her career she caught her first big break working with Berry Gordy Jr. and his Motown Records label during its peak which included projects with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. From there, Sharon went on to work with Jerry Perenchio, who turned out to be her greatest mentor yet. Through working with him, she got the opportunity to explore her love of creation through various weddings and events such as a grand celebration for Prince Andrew. Sharon ultimately emerged into the world of business and since then conquered numerous other projects such as creating a collection of home decor for Alchemy Fine Home and fine china for Lenox. Her passion for creation and desire to foster memorable moments has flourished and helped her become the prestigious and creative business woman she is today.

Today’s interview is one you will not want to miss. Sharon Sacks sits down with Andy to share stories about her her road to success. She also shares details of superb weddings, phenomenal celebrations and intimate gatherings. As well as tips on crafting the perfect team to pull of such events. Tune in to listen!

As Owner, CEO and Creative Director of AOO Events of Los Angeles since 1989, David Merrell has seen and done just about everything there is in the world of events. David’s start in life may sound unusual compared to other wedding professionals. He worked several 9 to 5 office jobs, including a position as an underwriter for an insurance company. His journey from office worker to owner of an award winning event planning, designing and producing company is truly unique and inspiring.

Today, Andy and David share a chat filled with stories about his path to professional success, and how he handles the pressures and logistics of such a complex industry. The pair also touch on what’s changed in the wedding and corporate event world, how to set the best price points and margins for maximum success and satisfaction, and how to balance creativity with acting as the boss. Prepare to be inspired! Listen to the entire interview right here!

Darcy Miller has always had creative inspirations around her. From growing up with creatively inclined parents, to creating her own crafts and projects in 6th grade, she’s had the gene in her. Her design and editorial contributions during the early days of Martha Stewart Living would eventually lead her to becoming the Editor -at-Large at Martha Stewart Weddings. Her journey, full of fascinating jobs, integral connections, and chances to pursue her own creative ideas, remind us all to stay true to our passions, and to always be willing to do whatever it takes to keep your dreams alive.

Michelle Rago has always had wanderlust flowing through her veins. It’s what has inspired her to build her massively successful career as a wedding and event destination producer and expert. She’s now one of the most sought-after destination event planners in the world, in large part because of her vision, relationship building skills, and meticulous attention to every possible detail. Her love for travel and experiencing new cultures came from a study abroad trip in Greece when she was just 15. Ever since, she’s been exploring new ways to bring stunning events and weddings to the most inspiring and beautiful locations around the globe.

Today, Andy and Michelle chat about the steps she took to growing her passions and her business, and some of the major epiphanies and milestones she realized along the way. The pair also dive into how she untangles the vastly intricate puzzles of destination weddings, her process of making an event come to fruition, and some of her favorite and most satisfying events to date. This week’s episode taps into the idea that following what your heart desires can truly lead to a career full of personal and professional achievements. Check out the full episode now. 

Just because something is tradition doesn’t mean you can’t play by your own rules. For Kristin Banta, that’s the name of the event designing game. From her youth to present, Kristin has always marched to the beat of her own drum, questioning the status quo and asking the question many of us forget to: why are some things done a certain way, and who says we can’t change them? Her background in a variety of positions ranging from acting to set design led her to eventually creating her own business, Kristin Banta Events. Kristin helps her clients throw amazing events and weddings that celebrate the guests of honor using some unconventional and out of the box ideas.

In today’s interview on The Wedding Biz, Andy and Kristin share what it means to throw tradition out the window, and how creatively satisfying it can be to see events through a whole new perspective. She shares insights into how she’s put on weddings without a single flower, how she tells her client’s stories using unique materials and designs, how she’s found the way to actualize her career in the most fulfilling and creatively charged way imaginable. Her interview is available right here.

How do you truly entertain without boundaries? Just ask event designer, producer, and planner Jes Gordon. Designing and planning events that are constantly pushing creative and innovative limits is what she does best. From getting inspired by her clients and their families to seeing what’s on the streets of cities and incorporating that into her work, she’s got no short supply of amazing ideas. Though Jes technically started her career in the design world working in a floral shop at the tender age of 13, she hit it out of the park big-time at 19, where her innate ability to design and produce fabulous events became apparent. After a few serendipitous turning points in her life, she started her own business Proper Fun, which encapsulates what Jes’ style and process is all about.

Today, Jes and Andy delve into how the wedding industry has changed, and how there can still be a balance of professionalism and personality if you do it right. She shares what her most and least favorite events to produce are, why she deems herself an event producer rather than just a designer, and how her upbringing shaped her path to becoming a world-renowned event creator. Jes’ interview brings her splash of personality and vivid inspiration to listeners, showing that there’s always something new to create and be inspired by every single day. Check out the full episode right here.