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.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, James and Otto chat with Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events. Rosemary's journey started in the film industry as a line producer, where she worked with A-list directors. Now, she brings that same level of attention to detail and collaboration to luxury weddings. Rosemary shares what it takes to succeed in high-end event planning—confidence, experience, and a solid team that’s willing to go the extra mile. She talks about how timelines are key, and how finding the right people who value the process is crucial. Rosemary also opens up about the importance of kindness and treating your team with respect, from small gestures like snacks on the job to making sure everyone feels valued. For anyone looking to break into the luxury market, she emphasizes patience, preparation, and waiting for the right moment. It’s a heartfelt, real conversation packed with insights for anyone aiming for excellence in the industry.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, hosts James and Otto sit down with Sneh Diwan of Diwan by Design. Sneh opens up about her journey from studying design and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology to becoming a "timekeeper" in wedding planning, where her love for watches perfectly complements her passion for crafting unforgettable events. Sneh shares the profound emotional impact of weddings, those rare moments where all the important people in your life come together in one place. She reflects on how high-end weddings create meaningful connections, blending stunning locations with genuine relationships. Sneh also talks about the critical role of communication and collaboration, likening wedding planning to a team sport where success depends on everyone working together. She recounts a past experience where miscommunication taught her the importance of clear expectations with vendors. Tune in to hear Sneh’s insights and learn how industry leaders are redefining luxury weddings.

This week’s guests are Britt, a skilled wedding planner managing clients and vendors, and Francie, the co-founder of a successful event planning business. They describe the art of wedding planning, comparing it to orchestrating a Broadway show without rehearsals. Britt shares a gripping tale of making quick decisions during a monsoon at a wedding in New Mexico. They also discuss the importance of trust and collaboration in their decade-long partnership, emphasizing how adaptability and empathy shape the wedding planning experience.

Alison and Bryan Destinations prioritize creating exceptional events by focusing on vulnerability and authenticity. They discuss the importance of finding the right fit for clients, building strong relationships, and constantly innovating. The conversation highlights the challenges of managing destination events, emphasizing quality over quantity and the rewarding nature of working with high-end clients.