The Podcast for Wedding and Events Industry Professionals

Andy’s Latest Episodes:

35 The Knot, Carley Roney & Anja Winikka: Empowering Employees + Building Innovation Into the DNA of Your Business

35 The Knot, Carley Roney & Anja Winikka: Empowering Employees + Building Innovation Into the DNA of Your Business

These days, The Knot is largely synonymous with planning a modern wedding. It is often the first resource brides will use to feel empowered during an uncertain time. There’s a reason for that! Founder of The Knot, Carley Roney, and Brand Builder, Anja Winikka, are innovating the wedding business through authentic connection and female empowerment. The Knot is the #1 Mobile Wedding App, and most bride’s first destination after getting engaged. What started as a small company trying to simplify wedding planning has grown to become one of the most innovative and female-focused entrepreneurial endeavors. Innovation and inclusivity were at the heart of Carley Roney’s vision for The Knot when she and her husband started the company in the early 90’s. With the brand mastery of Anja Winnika, The Knot has solidified its identity as the authority on just about every facet of the wedding business, while also empowering brides to create a wedding that is personal and fun.

A lot has changed about the wedding industry since The Knot was founded, but their core community values of trust, style, and inclusivity haven’t. In today’s episode, you will learn all about Carley’s ahead-of-her-time vision for how the Internet could bring unparalleled innovation to the wedding business. You will also learn how The Knot has continued to evolve and grow by listening to users and cultivating resources with a personal touch. The Knot encourages brides, planners, and vendors to connect in the moment. With resources like The Ultimate Wedding Planner and their wealth of information online, brides can trust that The Knot is working to empower them through the wedding process.

Listen this week to learn how The Knot is empowering their employees, building innovation into their DNA, and paving the way for female entrepreneurs within the wedding business.

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34 Edgar Zamora: Transformer of Spaces

34 Edgar Zamora: Transformer of Spaces

Edgar Zamora is the founder and lead designer of the highly acclaimed Revelry Event Designers, the industry’s go-to event and interior design company specializing in designing and installing private, as well as corporate events worldwide. Edgar is a “Transformer of Spaces”, having an innovative and progressive design view. As president and CEO of Revelry Event Designers, Edgar’s exquisite event furniture has transformed events such as the opening of Disney Hall, celebrity weddings including Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston, Shaquille O’Neal and Sofia Vergara (just to name a few) and a slew of Oscar parties including the famous post-Oscars Governors Ball.

Listen along as Edgar and Andy discuss how he seamlessly translated his talent for draping mannequins to event design. Stories of his childhood inspirations and travel adventures are shared between the two. Together, they also recall the tour Andy personally received of Edgar’s venerate 125K square foot company warehouse which not only showcased the level of esteem Revelry Event Designers but also the connection Edgar has with each of his employees. Listen here for more!

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33 Claudia Hanlin: From Bride to Wedding Planner

33 Claudia Hanlin: From Bride to Wedding Planner

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!

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32 Sharon Sacks: The Magic of Making Memories

32 Sharon Sacks: The Magic of Making Memories

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!

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31 David Merrell: Businessman to Award Winning Event Planner

31 David Merrell: Businessman to Award Winning Event Planner

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!

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30 The Travel Siblings: Experiential Destination Travel

30 The Travel Siblings: Experiential Destination Travel

When you think of experiencing personalized and experiential destination weddings, you most likely need to be thinking of Harlan and Kara, The Travel Siblings. This duo has been designing private and intimate events and luxury travel experiences around the globe for years through their affiliation with the Elite Division of Travel Leaders  – Tzell Travel Group and were recently recognized by Conde Nast as the “Best Agents for Destination Weddings”.

The pair found their love for travel when Harlan was working as a traveling opera singer as a young teen. He would often bring his younger sister Kara on a few getaways in between tours. There, they both fell in love with the art of luxurious travel, fine dining, and unique global experiences. These moments informed and influenced the pair’s business of offering unforgettable luxury travel experiences uniquely catered to their clients whom wish to wed at a magical destinations.

Today, Andy, Harlan, and Kara share a fun and lively talk about how the sibling’s upbringing shaped their passions and careers, and how they manage to work together creatively and professionally. The three also chat about how they create experiences out of each destination, some of their favorite and most wild honeymoon and wedding stories to date, and what the best part of their job really is to them. This luxurious and decadent episode will have you ready to book your own destination wedding with the one and only Harlan and Kara. Listen to their full episode right here.

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29 Darcy Miller: Martha Stewart Weddings & Self-Made Designer

29 Darcy Miller: Martha Stewart Weddings & Self-Made Designer

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.

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28 Michelle Rago: Weddings Around the Globe

28 Michelle Rago: Weddings Around the Globe

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. 

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27 Angela Desveaux: Editor-in-Chief of WedLuxe Media

27 Angela Desveaux: Editor-in-Chief of WedLuxe Media

Angela Desveaux is the founder, publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of WedLuxe Media, which includes her print and online magazines, a trendsetting blog, a wedding show, an online boutique, and many other facets. But the path to all this success wasn’t easy, as she shares in this week’s episode. Angela recalls her first few years of building the magazine with her husband Bruce and what it was like to bet it all on the business. It’s a story many entrepreneurs can relate to, and she gives sage advice to anyone looking to strike out on their own in the industry.

In today’s episode, Angela and Andy explore the ever-challenging path to success, and how with enough determination and often sheer willpower, you can achieve what you set out to. The pair also discuss how to find balance professionally and personally, the secret to running a business with a spouse, and what’s on the horizon for WedLuxe Media. It’s a tale of following your gut and setting out to do a difficult but immensely rewarding task. The full interview is available right here.

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450+ episodes and counting!

Reviews for The Wedding Biz Podcast

*I’m Addicted!*

I’m absolutely addicted to this podcast! I find it fascinating to learn about the backstory of each industry influencer as an entrepreneur in the event space myself.

Ellaella5148
United States

*A Sincere Thank You*

I am sincerely thankful for this podcast. Listening to the interviews gave me a huge portion of courage to launch my own bridal design business this year.

SpacePirateTomatoBride
United States

*A Must-Listen for Wedding Professionals*

This podcast is a must-listen for wedding professionals. It is engaging and informative, giving you insight into the behind the scenes of the wedding industry in real time

morganmoana
United States

*Great Inside Perspective*

Andy’s interviews offer listeners an inside perspective into industry veterans’ journeys and revealing insights and advice for wedding pros to leverage in their own businesses.

K Bella Events
United States

*Amazing Opportunity*

It’s amazing to have the opportunity to listen to some of the industry’s finest talk about their work, life, and craft… this podcast is an incredible resource!

TheWedding AC
United States

Amazing Podcast

I have been listening to the Wedding Biz podcast for over a year now and absolutely love it! I find every interview to be very inspiring with a ton of interesting information for anyone working in wedding industry. There is so much to learn from each guest and I find that the Wedding Biz host Andy Kushner does an amazing job with interviews. If you want to learn from the best in the industry and take your business and creativity to the next level – make sure to check out this podcast.

Kurni5
Australia

An Amazing Resource

I am so glad to have come across The Wedding Biz podcasts. The interviews are incredible. It is so hepful and encouraging to hear the stories of the wedding industries’ best. I have picked up so many pearls of wisdom. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the wedding industry. Thank you so much Andy for such a fabulous resource.

Fen Bolodeoku, MonAnnie Cakes
United Kingdom

Honest and Fresh Storytelling

Andy and his guests engage the listener into their discussions – and we love this! A deep dive into the real life of wedding pros, with invaluable tips for us all!

n Good Company PR
United States

Podcast of the Year!

I listen to tons of podcasts in lots of genres, and although there are many ‘interview-style’ podcasts out there, few are jam-packed with as many takeaways as The Wedding Biz. I only discovered it towards the end of 2019 and I’ve been quickly working my way through the back catalogue. Andy has such a great interview style and provides so much value to everyone working in the wedding industry. As a photographer/film-maker, I’ve taken away so much. Definitely my podcast of the year.

StoryOfEve
United Kingdom

So Inspiring!!!

Yes, the wedding biz is definitely different from all other business. Thank you for sharing all these experiences!

Letydupyla
France

Great Interviewer and Interviewees!

The commentary between Andy and his guests is always flawless and so smooth – you can tell he works in audio 😉 I always appreciate his conversational lead to keep his guest’s words flowing and keep his listeners on our feet for more! Likewise, unlike some other podcast hosts that try to take the limelight at any moment, Andy keeps his ego in check at all times and gives his guests the proper treatment and time to share their thoughts. I look forward to his podcasts every week, and makes driving/treadmilling so much more enjoyable and productive haha

Grrr@
Canada

One of the Best Wedding Podcasts

Thank you for your incredible interviews, Andy!

AJE1205
United States

Love It!

Just started listening to this podcast a few days ago, and as someone just starting out in the wedding planning industry, this is exactly what I needed! Andy is so down-to-earth, really knows how to converse with his guests, he’s super personable. Clearly, he has put a lot of time and effort into his work, and has spoken to so many icons in the business! Amazing work Andy, thank you!! ✨
Kaleidoscope Weddings
Canada