The Business of Luxury Weddings

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.

In this episode—our second in a special series on great number twos in the industry—hosts James and Otto sit down with Dawson Mitchell, Director of Operations at Easton Events, the globally respected luxury event firm founded by the legendary Lynn Easton. Dawson shares the now-iconic story of getting fired on her first day—then showing back up the next morning with quiet determination and a plan to become undeniable. Nearly a decade later, she’s not just part of Easton Events—she’s integral to how it runs, scales, and protects its gold standard. This episode is a rare look inside the operations, philosophy, and expectations that have made Easton Events one of the most trusted names in high-end weddings. Dawson pulls back the curtain on ruthless self-editing, shaping team culture, and how she internalized Easton’s voice so completely she could finish Lynn’s sentences—and sometimes her emails. For planners, creatives, and leaders alike, this is a masterclass in earning trust, maintaining excellence, and growing inside a vision bigger than yourself.

In this episode, hosts James and Otto sit down with Bryan Rafanelli, founder of Rafanelli Events, the creative force behind some of the most iconic celebrations in the world—including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and major White House events. But Bryan’s story doesn’t start with celebrity clients and presidential galas—it starts with frat parties, hand-drawn flyers, and a deep love for storytelling through design. Bryan shares how he built an industry-defining brand by focusing on relationships, risk-taking, and original creative thinking. From his “Rafanelli Rules” to his obsession with spatial scale, authenticity, and emotional connection, he opens up about the power of designing moments that feel deeply personal. Whether you're a planner, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in longevity, leadership, and standing out in a world of trends. Bryan doesn’t just chase beautiful—he chases the extraordinary. 🎧 Hit play, and don’t be surprised if you leave rethinking your entire approach to creativity.

Most wedding professionals think they’re selling a brand. They’re wrong. Clients don’t buy logos, color palettes, or fancy websites—they buy trust. And no one understands that better than Natalie Denyse, founder of In Good Company PR. In this episode, Natalie breaks down why most businesses struggle with branding (hint: it’s not about aesthetics), how to build a brand that actually lasts, and why high-end clients are making decisions differently than ever before. She also dives into the biggest marketing mistakes creatives make, how to break free from the Instagram hamster wheel, and why every business owner needs to sit down and redefine their mission at least once a year. Whether you’re a photographer, planner, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will shift the way you think about branding, marketing, and business longevity.

Weddings aren’t about perfect pictures—they’re about the in-between moments, the blurry edges, the unscripted, beautiful chaos. And no one captures that better than Preston Utley, a photojournalist-turned-wedding photographer who sees beyond the surface. In this episode, Preston takes us deep into his philosophy of shooting from the gut, anticipating emotion, and embracing imperfection. We talk about his early days covering ski races and crime scenes at the Vail Daily, why he left news photography for weddings, and how his daily meditation practice makes him the calmest person in the room. He shares why one honest frame can say more than 1,000 perfect images, the myth of timeless wedding photography, and how the best moments aren’t found—they’re felt. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a truly impactful photograph, this episode will change the way you shoot forever.

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.