Your backstage pass to the “Happily Ever After”
world of professional dream makers
Rishi Patel: CEO of HMR Designs
Today, CEO of HMR Designs, Rishi Patel, talks about how service and luxury work cohesively to create astonishing events and a mutually fulfilling experience for the client and their designers.
Andre Wells: Fashion-Forward Event Design & Planning
Today Andre Wells, event planner, designer, and fashion enthusiast, shares his own personal growth process and how it led him to create his own flourishing business.
Laurie Arons: Fast-Tracking To The Lux Level
We’ve all been told to “fake it till we make it,” but sometimes honesty and tenacity are all it really takes to succeed. Today’s guest, Laurie Arons, is a luxury event planner who has been named one of the top planners in the industry by esteemed magazines such as Vogue, Harper Bazaar and Martha Stewart Weddings.
Natasha Miller: Overcoming Adversity To Thrive
In today’s episode, Natasha Miller, President and CEO of Entire Productions, talks about how hardship in her youth drove her to create the empire she has today.
Colin Cowie: Part 2 Creating Groundbreaking Luxury Experiences
Designing and planning an event is creating theater and telling a story. Today’s guest has a unique set of skills that he uses to tell these wonderful stories that we call weddings and special events.
Greg Lawson: Photography & Love Of The Planet
In this week’s discussion, photographer Greg Lawson takes Andy through his museum-like gallery in Sedona, Arizona, to explore the fundamentals of his philosophy on human nature.
David Stark: Part 2 Creativity In Design & Business
Today’s guest is a Part 2 interview with renowned New York City event designer and producer David Stark, Chief Creative Officer of David Stark Design and Production, whose team creates events worldwide for weddings, entertainment, fashion, publishing, arts, media, and consumer product industries.
Bill Bowen: Videography With Heart
Join us today as we discover why Bill finds his job so satisfying and learn why it’s his heart that guides him. Prior to becoming a Videographer, Bill was a private investigator, so listening to his personal story is not only fascinating but also educational and inspirational.
Colin Cowie: Part 1 Creating Groundbreaking Luxury Experiences
Join your host, Andy Kushner as he talks to Colin Cowie about his incredible life and the secrets of his success!
Cindy Novotny: Part 2 Master Connection Associates
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Cindy Novotny: Part 2 Master Connection Associates iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS Have you come across challenges in life...
ANDY KUSHNER: Interviewed By Mary Swaffield of The Wedpreneur
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.
LYNN EASTON: PART 2 – Branding, Pricing & Choosing A Team
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.
Julie Novack: PartySlate & Building A Venture-Capital Backed Business
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.
Brett Culp: Obstacle Or Opportunity
What does leadership mean to you? Leadership has many meanings, and everyone may have their own perspective on it. Today’s guest, Brett Culp, has a wonderful point of view on leadership and has built an amazing foundation for his life.
Amy Moeller: Editor-In-Chief, Washingtonian Weddings
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.
Lynn Easton: Destination Weddings with a Classic Touch, Part 1
In this week’s episode, Andy and Lynn talk all things business, family, and pleasure, and how she truly does it all. She shares her take on what an Easton event really is, what she attributes most to her success, and how she and her husband are taking on now more than ever in the business- and still loving it. Lynn also gives pointers to other up and coming event planners on where to focus efforts most to get the more clientele. This perceptive interview is a perfect reminder of how someone with a strong vision and a great business plan can create one of the world’s most sought-after companies. The full interview is available now.
Sylvia Weinstock: The Queen of Cakes
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.
David Stark: Creativity in Design, Creativity in Business
“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.
Phillip Van Nostrand: Photography & Designing Your Lifestyle
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.
Kimi Werner: Trusting Your Inner Voice
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 event industry, can resonate with, which is to fully trust our inner yearnings and choose how we want to express ourselves and how we want to experience this world in which we live.
Alison Hotchkiss Rinderknecht: Maintaining Balance Within The Adventure
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.
Robert Fountain: Forging Your Own Path
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.
Paula LeDuc: Fine Catering, Design, Emotion and Relationships
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
Kelly McLeskey & Nancy Liu Chin – Oh So Inspired
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.
Andre Maier: Photography from the Heart
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.
Jennifer Zabinski: High-Touch Planning
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.
Ceci Johnson: Designing Stationery, Lifestyle and Business
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.
Ines and Veronica Di Santo: Bridal Couture Brilliance
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.
Pablo Oliveira: Combining Business Savvy with Impeccable Design
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.
Preston Bailey: Part 2 Interview
We’re so excited to have Preston Bailey as a returning guest today. We take a deep dive into Preston’s business, his success and what he’s planning as his next act!
Abby + Tait Larson: Saving Style Me Pretty
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.
THE NEXT LEVEL: Bryan Rafanelli: Part 1 – Telling Clients’ Stories Through Event Design
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 Lowe as his guest co-host today. Sean is the founder and President of The Business of Being Creative.
Bryan Rafanelli: Part 1 – Telling Clients’ Stories Through Event Design
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!
Cindy Novotny: Mastering Motivation
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 out of your life.
Norma Cohen: Building A Thriving Business Within A Community
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 the business, she just couldn’t keep away for long.
Julie Sabatino: The Stylish Bride
On the most important day of a couple’s life, family and friends gather to share a moment with two people committing their lives to one another.
Julie Sabatino is here to take some of that stress off. Julie the original wedding fashion stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.
Michele Hodges: Building A Successful Referral Based Business
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Michele Hodges: Building A Successful Referral Based Business iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS The way the world runs...
Christian Oth: Innovative Wedding Photojournalism
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Christian Oth: Innovative Wedding Photojournalism iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS As any Creative knows, getting started...
Chef Roy Yamaguchi: Cuisine, Culture & Community
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Chef Roy Yamaguchi: Cuisine, Culture & Community iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS On today’s episode, Andy shares with...
Mindy Weiss: Setting the Standard
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Mindy Weiss: Setting the Standard iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS Mindy Weiss is a force in the high-end wedding and event...
Mark Held: A Lifetime Of Floral Innovation
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Mark Held: A Lifetime Of Floral Innovation iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS Mark Held didn’t originally see himself as a...
Preston Bailey: Designer for the Ages, Part 1
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Preston Bailey: Designer for the Ages, Part 1 iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS The year is 1980. The place is New York...
Stephanie Bradshaw: Dynamically Branding Your Business & Events
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Tara Dowburd, Makeup Therapy: “Achieving Success in the Client Experience”
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Tara Dowburd, Makeup Therapy: “Achieving Success in the Client Experience” iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS...
Kevin Lee, Celebrity Event Designer: Dedication and Finding the Flair
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Harmony Walton: The Bridal Bar and Jet Fete
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Harmony Walton: The Bridal Bar and Jet Fete iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS It takes but a moment to see that Harmony...
The Star-Studded Anniversary Show: Celebrating One Year of The Wedding Biz
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume The Star-Studded Anniversary Show: Celebrating One Year of The Wedding Biz iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS It hardly seems...
David Tutera: Finding True Success in Self Reinvention
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume David Tutera: Finding True Success in Self Reinvention iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS If you’ve heard of David Tutera,...
Lisa Gooder, Brides Magazine: The Passion of Storytelling
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 0:00 volume Lisa Gooder, Brides Magazine: The Passion of Storytelling iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS Lisa Gooder was always...
Rayshun Lamarr: The Voice Finalist Who Honed His Talents as a Wedding Entertainer
Play / pause 1x 1.5x 2x 0:00 0:00 01:24:40 volume Rayshun Lamarr: The Voice Finalist Who Honed His Talents as a Wedding Entertainer iTunesLeave a ReviewDownloadGoogle PlayShare Clammr ItListen in a New WindowSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSS...
