The Business of Luxury Weddings
Episodes
Kiran + Leigh: On Taste, Trust & Never Doing the Same Wedding Twice
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Some planners execute a vision. Natalie Kiran Laskowski and Chelsea Leigh Wenner of Kiran + Leigh are the vision. In this episode of The Business of...
Samkoma: How to Build a Brand People, Feel, Follow and Never Forget
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Kimberley Curtin: The Quiet Power of Trust, Timing, and Unshakable Calm
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Kimberley Curtin, Senior Event Producer at JZ Events, for a rare and generous conversation about what it...
Kayley Watson: The Art of Connection, Culture, and Celebrations at Belmond
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Amrit Dhillon-Bains: On Belonging, Boundaries, and Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 in...
Emily Coyne: The Power of Clear Standards, Quiet Confidence, and Luxury that Feels Personal
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Emily Coyne—creative director, founder, and force behind Emily Coyne Events—for a masterclass in ele...
Julian Leaver: Why Good Taste Isn't Enough—It's How You Make People Feel
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James and Otto sit down with Julian Leaver, the celebrated event planner of Julian Leaver Events, former hotelier, and master of grac...
In the Margins: Strength Doesn't Need to Be Loud — with Michelle Rago
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this In the Margins episode, we step into a quiet but powerful moment with Michelle Rago, one of the most respected voices in luxury event producti...
Beth Helmstetter: Designing With Heart—Luxury Hospitality as a Love Language
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James and Otto sit down with renowned planner and designer, Beth Helmstetter, for a masterclass in emotionally intelligent event des...
Chris Jespersen: Big Swings, Bold Moves & The Hidden Cost of Playing Small
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Jesperse...
In the Margins: These Moments Aren't for Us — With A Day in May
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if success in luxury wasn't about being seen—but about helping others feel seen? In this intimate In the Margins episode, Alicia Fritz—founde...
Dawson Mitchell: From Fired to Thriving – What It Takes to Become Undeniable
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Bryan Rafanelli: From Frat Parties to the White House—How Connection Built an Iconic Brand
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ce...
Natalie Denyse: Clients Don't Buy Brands—They Buy Trust
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Preston Utley: Blurred Lines, Messy Love, and Finding the Soul of a Wedding
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Weddings aren't about perfect pictures—they're about the in-between moments, the blurry edges, the unscripted, beautiful chaos. And no one captures ...
Bash Please: Reinventing Weddings & Corporate Events—What Planners Need to Know
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fi...
John Dolan: The Perfect Imperfect—How 15 Frames Can Tell the Story of a Lifetime
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with John Dolan, the legendary wedding photographer who has spent decades redefining what it means to capture life's most...
Katherine Gray: The Art of Anticipation, Authenticity and being Number Two.
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Katherine Gray, Senior Event Producer at Michelle Rago Destinations, a globally renowned luxury wedding planning firm. Kat...
Estera Events: How Partnership and Passion Built a Global Wedding Brand
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Michelle Gainey: Authenticity, Resilience, and Breaking Barriers in Luxury Events
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Gainey, the visionary behind Lemiga Events, a luxury event design and planning company based in Atlanta. Mi...
Jose Villa: How Film Photography, Humility and Bold Choices Built an Icon in Luxury Weddings
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Jose Villa, arguably the most influential wedding photographers of our time. With over 20 years in the industry, Jose's jo...
Downey Street Events: How Strong Relationships and Profit First Drive Success in Luxury Weddings
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Connely, owner and creative director of Downey Street Events, a premier wedding planning firm. Kelsey shares ...
Studio Sully: How Vendor Partnerships and Creative Vision Fuel Success in Luxury Weddings
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Colin Cowie: The Gold Standard — Lessons in Luxury, Culture, and the Pursuit of Excellence
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this captivating episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings, we're honored to be joined by the renowned Colin Cowie, an iconic figure in the world ...
The Fourniers: Risk, Resilience, and the Road to Luxury Wedding Success
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 we...
Rosemary Hattenbach: Experience is Everything - Mastering the Art of Flawless Execution
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, James and Otto chat with Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events. Rosemary's journey starte...
Diwan by Design: Keeping Time - Where Watches, Design and Weddings Converge
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
42 North: Together We Shine - The Beauty of Partnership and a Collaborative Spirit
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Britt and Francie from 42 North, a weddings and event planning business. While much of their ...
Alison Bryan Destinations: The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Alison and Bryan from Alison Bryan Destinations. The couple has an impressive portfolio, w...
Erik Clausen: From Creativity to Content: The Power of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As photographers and business owners, continuous growth is the name of the game. What gets in the way of this growth are the blindspots we all have. I...
Manda Worthington: How to Craft A Wedding Around Wellbeing and Happiness
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unique experiences, powerful emotions, beauty, family, love and legacy…these are some of the words planners use to describe the service they provide...
Brooke Keegan: It's a Party! But it's Still a Business
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Luxury weddings involve so many great things like travel, amazing experiences and glamorous events. Because all these facets are so fun and exciting, ...
Le Rêve Films: How to Turn One Industry Relationship Into a Lifetime of ROI
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most wedding professionals are taught to grow by way of digital marketing, but there's something with a much higher ROI - relationship marketing. When...
Lea Stafford: How to Intentionally Fold Familiarity and Coziness Into a Wedding
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you work in the fast-paced, demanding world of luxury weddings, it's easy to run on reactivity - to act first and then think later. Running on in...
Augusta Cole: Atmospheric, Tangible and Organic: How to Create An Heirloom Experience
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A special event is made up of 3 types of experiences - the atmospheric, the tangible and the organic pieces of what's happening in the moment. Wedding...
Don't Devalue Yourself: How to Triple Your Price w/John Moler
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Offer a discount, drop your rates, or put more into the package - this is what most people will do when they want to get more business. The problem is...
Jack Ezon: Experience First, Location Later: The Secret to Luxury Travel
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As luxury shifts from conspicuous consumption to conscious consumption, we have to change how we think about the services we provide. It's not that pe...
Sofia Crokos: How to Chase Beauty, Inspiration, and Collaboration
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every human being has moments where inspiration strikes them, but not everyone will chase it. A great creative concept, collaboration, or business ide...
Lindsey Morgan: Letting a Profitable Business Go For Something Better
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When your successful planning business has a thriving floral arm, why would you shut it down? To make room for more creativity and collaboration! Most...
Them, Not You: How to Adapt a Better Branding Mindset
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to branding and approach, most photographers are focused on themselves. It's all about their aesthetic and getting clients to fit into i...
Photographer's Edit: Creating Desire in the Mind of Your Buyer w/Nathan Holritz
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get to know your client and match yourself up to that. That's the format of traditional marketing we're taught to use. What if we could accomplish mor...
B&H Photo: Shifting From Cost to Want Transformed Our Business
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For many photographers, weddings are a highly intimidating niche. The idea of shooting a once in a lifetime event, at the highest spectrum of emotions...
Alicia Fritz: Staying Grounded in the High Gravitas World of Luxury Weddings
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At the luxury level of weddings, it's easy to think you have to live in an epicenter city and have a ton of notoriety to succeed. The whole world has ...
Jennifer Zabinski: Make Weddings Authentic To Who You're Celebrating
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Creating a magical wedding is a dance of balancing contradictions. You have to saturate the senses without over-producing, steep the event with indivi...
How to Strip Success Down to the Exceptional Essentials w/Steph Kadlicko
02 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this business, the biggest leaps don't come from adding bells and whistles to our approach. They come from stripping what we do down to the cleares...
Joshua Coombes: The Powerful Ripple Effect of One Free Haircut
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A simple, kind and meaningful act can have a powerful ripple effect, like giving a haircut to someone in need. Not only does it create doorways to con...
Barbi Walters: Beyond Ballrooms: The Rise of Interior-Informed Wedding Design
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Interior design and wedding design have always had a natural synergy. Inspiration from interiors has always trickled into events. Now that there's a h...
Sarah Tivel: From Formulaic to Intentional: The Beautiful Evolution of Wedding Planning
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just like dress trends and decor trends, weddings and how they are planned have gone through a huge evolution of their own. How the special day w...
Wendy Jacobs Hampton: Indecisiveness is the Downfall of Luxury Events
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Among the many superpowers of a luxury wedding planner, is the ability to turn 18 months of planning into a timelined, well-executed event with hundre...
Shut Up and Listen: How to Elevate Events into Experiences w/David Beahm
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Luxury is the ability to surprise, delight, anticipate, and deliver. In the wedding space, it's ultimately the difference between planning an event an...
Every Detail For a Reason: The Secret to Precise, Elevated Design w/Rishi Patel
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the realm of ultra-luxury event design, the pressure to exceed the client's high expectations comes with the territory. Creatively speaking, it's h...
Relationships Are the Job: The Highest ROI Decision You'll Ever Make w/Sarah Bradshaw
14 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an industry like wedding photography, "there are as many opinions as there are planners". It's easy to get caught up in groupthink and herd mentali...
Obsessive Craftsmanship, Relentless Collaboration: What Wedding Photography Means to Us
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Obsessive craftsmanship, storytelling, collaboration. If we could sum up wedding photography, it would be in these 4 words. It's not just about taking...
"Your Vision's Safe With Me": The Number 1 Rule of Luxury Event Planning w/ Michelle Rago
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Your vision is safe with me." That's what a planner needs to say and deliver to their clients. When you're at the helm of a magical moment where ever...
Focus On Worth, Not Work: The Secret to Quadrupling Your Rate w/Sidonie Vidal
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're good at the craft, raising your rates isn't a question of skill. It's more about doing the mindset work so you can confidently elevate how y...
Read the Room, Collaborate & Serve: What It Takes to Pull Off Seamless, Fairy Tale Experiences w/Peyton Frank
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Luxury wedding or not, we're in the business of serving our clients and pulling off a once-in-a-lifetime fairytale for them. Of course, we have to be ...
Through the Lens of An Elite Planner: How to Get Your First Ultra-Luxury Wedding w/Lynn Easton
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An emotion-provoking image that speaks to the planner, not a wasteful unsolicited gift. Steady, quiet persistence, not annoying pushiness. Unders...
From Charging $500 per Wedding to a 7-Figure Wedding Photography Business & Our Vision for This Podcast
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"If only I was just better at the craft...." If you're a creative in the wedding industry struggling to get those next level weddings, you've proba...