In this episode, we sit down with Mollie & Sunna, the powerhouse duo behind Bash Please, one of the most forward-thinking event planning and design firms in the industry. With backgrounds in luxury hospitality, private catering, and large-scale event production, they’ve built a firm known for its intentionality, authenticity, and ability to create multi-day experiences that leave a lasting impact. They dive into why experience matters in event planning, how they’ve strategically navigated both weddings and corporate events, and what it truly takes to stand out in an industry saturated with trends and Instagram-driven expectations. From why they prioritize hiring local vendors in destination events to their perspective on elevating corporate retreats beyond the boardroom, this conversation is packed with wisdom for planners, photographers, and creatives alike. If you’re looking to level up your business, refine your brand, and break free from the noise, this episode is a must-listen.

John Dolan, a legendary wedding photographer known for his minimalist style and the philosophy of 'The Perfect Imperfect,' shares his insights on capturing life’s emotional moments. He emphasizes the art of storytelling through photography, revealing how he focuses on quality over quantity by delivering just 15 curated images. Dolan discusses the importance of authenticity in wedding photography, adapting to the spontaneity of life, and fostering trust with clients and planners. His approach advocates for a more intimate understanding of wedding rituals, leaving creatives inspired to seek depth in their work.

Katherine Gray, Senior Event Producer at Michelle Rago Destinations, has climbed the ranks in luxury wedding planning thanks to her background in theater and her exceptional knack for anticipation. She discusses the vital role of a supportive 'number two' in high-pressure settings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and humor. Katherine shares insights on maintaining professionalism with confidence and simplicity, as well as effective communication with vendors. Her advice on building trust and authenticity is invaluable for anyone in the wedding industry.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco, the powerhouse duo behind Estera Events, a luxury wedding planning and design firm based in Chicago. Starting as interns and eventually purchasing the business in 2019, Bianca and Erica share their incredible journey of transforming Estera into a global brand known for stunning destination weddings and exceptional client experiences. They discuss how they navigated the challenges of taking ownership right before the pandemic and how this “trial by fire” shaped their approach to resilience and innovation. Tune in to learn how they craft highly personalized vendor teams, balance authenticity with ambition, and stay inspired by their clients and travels. With insights on their transition to a percentage-based pricing model and their passion for breaking industry norms, this conversation is packed with inspiration for wedding professionals and creative entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Gainey, the visionary behind Lemiga Events, a luxury event design and planning company based in Atlanta. Michelle opens up about her inspiring journey of breaking racial barriers in the wedding industry while staying true to her authentic self. She shares how she overcame societal assumptions as a Black woman in the luxury market, transforming those challenges into opportunities to create meaningful and breathtaking events. With 20 years of experience, Michelle reveals how her focus on storytelling, collaboration, and authenticity has set her apart and earned her the trust of high-profile clients. She also discusses the importance of embracing your uniqueness, diversifying your offerings, and designing with purpose. Whether you’re a wedding professional, creative entrepreneur, or simply seeking inspiration, Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity in achieving extraordinary success.

Jose Villa, a highly influential wedding photographer with over 20 years of experience, shares his unique journey from humble beginnings to capturing million-dollar events. He discusses the art of mastering film photography amidst a digital era and the vital role client relationships play in his success. Jose emphasizes the importance of humility, discipline, and lifting others within the industry. This engaging conversation reveals how personal experiences, like fatherhood, shape his artistic perspective and the drive needed to navigate the competitive luxury wedding landscape.

In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Connely, owner and creative director of Downey Street Events, a premier wedding planning firm. Kelsey shares her fascinating journey from corporate HR to the world of luxury weddings and how she successfully took over an established event planning business. She dives into the importance of vendor relationships and how these partnerships are the backbone of her firm’s success. Kelsey also discusses the creative vision she brings to each event, shaping a unique brand aesthetic that attracts high-end clients. Wedding professionals will find her insights on leadership, team dynamics, and maintaining long-term sustainability invaluable. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, or videographer, Kelsey’s story offers a wealth of inspiration on how to excel in the luxury wedding industry.

In this episode of the Business of Luxury Weddings, we sit down with Melissa Sullivan, founder of Studio Sully, a renowned event design and production firm based in Los Angeles and New York. Melissa shares her unique journey from assistant planner to headlining her own firm—right as the pandemic hit. Tune in to hear how Melissa navigated the challenges of launching a business during unprecedented times, built invaluable vendor relationships, and found her creative voice. For wedding pros looking to make their mark, Melissa’s insights on authenticity, design inspiration from fashion, and the importance of a strong support system are gold. Get ready to be inspired by Melissa’s story and learn how she turned obstacles into opportunities.

Colin Cowie, a renowned figure in luxury events, shares his nearly 40 years of experience planning for Hollywood's elite. He reflects on his transformative journey from South Africa to LA, emphasizing the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Colin discusses the importance of proactive customer service and how personalization enhances guest experiences. He delves into the evolving luxury wedding landscape, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of balancing technology with personal connections.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Fournier, one half of the power duo behind a flourishing luxury wedding photography brand. Coming from a medical background, Joshua and Leidy share how they transitioned from physician assistant studies to photographing weddings full-time—all while balancing the demands of medicine and life as new parents. They discuss their early success, booking 19 weddings in their first year, and their consistent growth, even during the challenges of COVID. Josh opens up about the lessons learned from both the medical field and running a business, including the discipline and empathy that have shaped their approach to wedding photography. Discover how they've mastered the art of client connection, the importance of taking calculated risks, and the mindset shifts needed to break into the luxury market. If you're curious about the crossover between high-stakes careers and high-end photography, this episode offers a fascinating look into how one couple built an elite brand from the ground up.