The Business of Luxury Weddings

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with the creative minds behind Samkoma—a collective that's redefining what it means to build a brand in the luxury event world. From their roots in nightlife and cultural production to curating experiences for global fashion houses and elite weddings, Samkoma brings an entirely different energy to the table. Josiah and Otto open up about the intentionality behind every decision—the lighting, the sound, the scent, the pacing—and how those details create more than a mood… they create memory. You'll hear what makes a brand feel unforgettable, why culture is your most valuable currency, and how collaboration is the new competitive edge. If you're a creative, planner, or brand-builder looking to stand out without selling out, this conversation will challenge the way you think about value, vision, and what it takes to move people—not just impress them.

Kimberley Curtin, Senior Event Producer at JZ Events, shares her journey from Australia with a background in theater to becoming a key player in luxury wedding production. She discusses the art of leading from behind, highlighting the importance of trust as the ultimate currency in event planning. Kimberley reveals her unique approach to ensuring calm on event day through meticulous planning and anticipation of needs. They also explore the value of building strong vendor relationships and the bravery required to work with new collaborators in the industry.

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Kayley Watson—Account Director of Celebrations at Belmond—for a journey through the soul of luxury hospitality. With her signature blend of warmth, wit, and unshakable professionalism, Kayley pulls back the curtain on what truly sets Belmond apart: curated experiences rooted in place, culture, and human connection. From designing unforgettable moments across Belmond's legendary global portfolio to nurturing the kind of planner partnerships that last a lifetime, Kayley shares what it means to lead with generosity, curiosity, and joy. This isn't a conversation about logistics—it's about legacy. It's about turning every celebration into a love letter to a destination. If you're a planner, creative, or hotelier who believes in the magic of service done well, this episode will leave you inspired (and probably craving an Italian rail journey).

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Amrit Dhillon-Bains—founder of Anais Events—for a conversation that goes beyond weddings and deep into identity, resilience, and leadership. Known for her powerful presence and soulfully intentional celebrations, Amrit shares what it's meant to build a globally recognized brand while holding true to her values. From navigating cultural expectations to setting healthy boundaries in a demanding industry, she reflects on how her own journey has shaped the way she leads, serves clients, and shows up in her work. She also talks candidly about the pressure of representation—what it's like to lead with excellence while carrying the weight of being "the first" or "the only." And why, in her words, belonging isn't something you find—it's something you build. If you've ever wrestled with identity, struggled to set boundaries, or wondered if you're allowed to do things differently—this episode is a quiet permission slip to trust yourself.

Emily Coyne, the creative director and founder of Emily Coyne Events, shares her journey from a finance background to luxury wedding planning. She highlights the importance of emotional care in hospitality, revealing how small details can create remarkable experiences. Emily discusses her innovative production systems that prevent failures and stresses the significance of clear communication in building trust. In a candid moment, she reflects on repairing a past rupture in a working relationship, showcasing the power of honesty and open dialogue.

Julian Leaver, an esteemed event planner and former hotelier, redefines luxury through the lens of emotional intelligence. He emphasizes that good taste goes beyond aesthetics—it's about how guests feel. Julian shares insights into nurturing connections in the wedding industry and the importance of adaptability in a changing market. He also discusses the shift from visual design to experience design, navigating budget dynamics, and the increasing demand for emotional depth in wedding photography. His approach champions warmth and kindness as key ingredients for memorable events.

In this engaging discussion, Michelle Rago, founder of Michelle Rago Destinations, reflects on how her childhood influences her calm leadership style. She emphasizes that true confidence doesn't require loudness, and her journey in luxury weddings showcases the power of quiet strength. Michelle shares insights on accountability and collaboration in event planning, highlighting the importance of strong vendor relationships. This conversation inspires anyone grappling with their voice in high-pressure environments to embrace presence and kindness as their superpowers.

Beth Helmstetter, a renowned planner and designer celebrated for her emotionally intelligent approach to luxury weddings, joins the discussion. She emphasizes the importance of hospitality over mere aesthetics, sharing insights on building human connection in event design. Beth reveals her philosophy on emotional safety, advocating for soft leadership that commands respect. She also introduces The Good Beginning, her charitable registry platform, encouraging couples to start their marriage with intention and generosity, redefining luxury with presence and purpose.

What does it really take to thrive in the luxury wedding world—not just creatively, but personally? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Jespersen of Storybox Cinema to unpack the risks, identity shifts, and real growth that come with building a creative life in a high-stakes industry. Chris shares the wild story behind one of his earliest career-defining moments (spoiler: it involved a one-way international flight, no passport, and a suitcase full of dreams), how dancing became a metaphor for his approach to business, and why authenticity is still the rarest luxury. Whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, planner, or designer—this conversation will leave you rethinking how you show up, how you serve, and how you grow. If you've ever felt like you're faking it, playing small, or stuck in a creative rut… this one's for you. Subscribe now to The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast—and get ready to dream a little bigger.

Alicia Fritz, founder of A Day in May Events, is a nationally recognized event designer known for her commitment to authenticity and client-focused experiences. In a heartfelt conversation, she explores how true success in luxury is about making others feel valued rather than seeking the spotlight. Alicia discusses the importance of preserving clients' legacies and how small-town values shape her esteemed brand. She emphasizes honesty, teamwork, and genuine relationships as keys to thriving in the luxury wedding space, reminding listeners that these moments are truly for the families.