This Week in Weddings

Giving your clients a good experience is key to growing your business and word-of-mouth referrals. But, what are some simple ways to elevate the client experience without selling your soul or working 24 hours a day? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about some simple tips to elevate your client's experience in a manageable way. About our guest: Behind the lens of Lynne Reznick Photography, Lynne Reznick is an educator-turned-photographer on a mission to share her knowledge and lessons learned from nearly a decade of industry experience. A lifelong learner at heart, Lynne combines her passion for training and mentoring with a unique teaching approach grounded in proven educational practices. As the founder of The Wedding Client Experience Academy, Lynne offers an easy-to-digest online curriculum based on four fundamental pillars. The result establishes deeply rooted trust with clients, streamlined systems for the busiest workflows, and empowers pros to create bespoke moments for their couples. In addition to providing ongoing mentoring and coaching intensives, Lynne shares several complimentary resources on her site's educational hub-including the Styled Shoot Planning + Timeline Spreadsheet and The Manual Mode Pocket Guide. A sought-after expert in her field, Lynne's insight has been recently published with Rangefinder Magazine, the Rising Tide Society, SpecialEvents.com, and the Knot. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Lynne's background and how she got into the wedding and event industry after being a teacher How proactive communication is a key to giving your client's a good experience Using automation to schedule communication with clients Tips for making email templates sound more personal Ideas for connecting with clients both before, during, and after their wedding Lynne's "Wedding Client Experience Academy" course Want to connect with Lynne? Online: https://www.lynnereznickphotography.com Instagram: @lynnereznickphoto Facebook 

Getting your work published in a wedding magazine or blog is an aspirational goal for many. But with fewer publications out there, it's more competitive than ever. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about best practices for finding the right publications to submit to, getting your work published, and following up. About our guest: Jainé Kershner is a wedding photographer based in New York. Jainé Kershner Photography was handpicked as one of NY's best wedding photographers to know by BRIDES and has been featured in several publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot. In 2018, Jainé launched "Tea with Jainé" to directly educate wedding photographers with honest answers, actionable steps, and tangible tips to successfully grow and create a profitable photography business. She hosts her weekly podcast “Tea with Jainé” where she chats with wedding industry insiders who share their knowledge, experience, and expertise directly with her audience. Jainé is a dedicated business coach who offers one-on-one sessions along with submission curations services for wedding photographers.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Jainé's background and how she got into the wedding and event industry Finding the right publication match for your work The benefits of print vs. online publication What publications are looking for in terms of images When to submit based on wedding seasonality Jainé's suggestions for following up once a wedding has been submitted Want to connect with Jainé? Online: https://www.jainekershner.com/ Instagram: @jainekershner Tea with Jainé podcast for wedding photographers

Many wedding industry entrepreneurs overlook Pinterest as a marketing tool, but it's still around and still generating leads. In fact, proper use of Pinterest can even help your work get noticed by search engines like Google. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a Pinterest strategist about the platform, how it's changed in recent years, and the basics for getting the most out of it. About our guest: Gabby Pinkerton is an adventurous Wedding Planner, Pinterest Strategist, Youtuber and Wedding industry speaker. Her YouTube channel aims to help wedding pros grow their business by using Pinterest and targeting their ideal clients. During the Pandemic, she launched a Pinterest Strategy company, Gabby Pinkerton Co. that focuses on helping wedding pros attract their ideal clients on Pinterest. She and her team offer done-for-you Pinterest Management as well as a robust, no-fluff Pinterest course for those who want to tackle it themselves.  Gabby is a recurring speaker at the Wedding Summit Series, Book More Weddings Summit and participates in several wedding bundles offering Pinterest mini courses. She has taken the stage at the National Association of Catering and Events, The Rising Tide Society and virtual gatherings over the last few years. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Gabby's background and how he got into the wedding and event industry How Pinterest has changed in the last two years The new "Idea Pins" on Pinterest and how their similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels Want to connect with Gabby? Online: https://gabbypinkerton.com/  YouTube: https://youtu.be/U0NN-Enorqk Instagram: @gabbypinkerton and @causewecanevents

Growing a team requires you to take on a new title – boss. But for so many entrepreneurs, being a boss is uncharted territory. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a wedding industry entrepreneur with 60 team members all about being a better boss, including some best practices and things to avoid. About our guest: After Graduating from Grambling State University and leaving his home state of Louisiana, Chris Harmon moved to Dallas, Texas to start his business Harmland Visions. Harmland Visions is a Production and Entertainment company that specializes in Videography, Photography, DJ, AV, Lighting, Photobooth, and Special Effects within the Weddings and Events, Corporate and High School markets. Chris has 60 team members that focus on different aspects of the business while he remains the lead videographer and owner of the company. Chris has taken on leadership positions in several local organizations and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events. After winning several awards within the Dallas Fort Worth area from various event organizations, Chris's biggest accomplishment is the success of his teammates. He has been known to train and produce top talent stars, helping them to achieve their goals. Outside of the wedding industry, Chris also owns several companies that bring smart, residual income to his family. This includes a real estate business focusing on Airbnb properties and an RV rental business. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Chris's background and how he got into the wedding and event industry The importance of getting to know your team and what motivates each of them Giving feedback to employees Finding different ways to recognize employees Lessons learned from leading a team Want to connect with Chris? Online: http://www.harmlandvisions.com/  Instagram: @chrisharmonfilm

Where do you want your business and life to take you? People from Oprah to Deepak Chopra believe in manifesting their future with the use of vision boards. But what is a vision board, how do you make one, and what can it do for you? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about vision boards and how to use them to design the life and work that you love. About our guest: A life-long learner with nearly a decade behind the lens. Rosy is self-taught in her chosen medium of film and digital photography. She thrives on the incredibly special moments her clients invite her to be a part of, sharing - “You know something's coming, but you don't know what it's going to be until you get it”, and adding that her clients feed her creative soul while making her feel alive. More than just a wonderful and gifted photographer, Alba Rose's clients mention time and time again how much of a wonderful human Rosy is. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Rosy's background and how she got into the wedding industry What a vision board is and how to create one How often you should make a vision board and when to add to it or change it Using vision boards for both personal and business goals Want to connect with Rosy? Online: https://albarosephotography.com/ Instagram: @albarose.co

It's true what they say – it's all about who you know. And in the wedding and event industry, that could not be any more true. From knowing your clients to the vendor team you're working with on the event day, it's all about relationships. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about the best ways to build relationships with both clients and vendor partners as well as tips for maintaining them. About our guest: Sacia Matthews is a destination wedding photographer based on the East Coast.  Sacia focuses her work around artistry and intention, merging her signature style of honest editorial documentation. She is a former high school English teacher that is translating those skills to coaching creatives. Her zone of genius is helping strategize and cultivate businesses that coexist with the owner's dream life. She believes in the power of relationship-building in all that you do. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Sacia's background and how she went from being a high school English teacher to a destination wedding photographer and educator Tips for connecting authentically with both your fellow vendors and your potential clients Using social media to stay continuously connected with clients and vendor partners The importance of sustaining your relationships over time Suggestions for working with wedding planners when they are the conduit to the client Want to connect with Sacia? Online: www.saciamatthews.com Instagram - @saciamatthews

Is confidence something you're born with or something you can learn? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about confidence and doubt and breaking patterns of negative stories we tell ourselves. About our guest: Rocky knows firsthand how difficult it can be to identify what makes us unique on our own. We get caught in insecurities and fears. We tend to spend too much time looking outside, comparing ourselves to what others project, and say about us. Rocky's childhood tells a tale of having moved 10 times and having to make new friends at every new school. He ended up spending more time trying to impress or please everyone else; going from one extreme of the pendulum by sailing along on charisma to the other end by living a life of self-sacrifice. No matter how hard he worked, nothing seemed to make sense and he was never able to see his real value or worth. That is until he took a step back and had a long hard look at WHO he was, not just WHAT he did.  After graduating with a communications degree from Texas A&M University, Rocky has spent the past 15 years walking alongside thousands of individuals at Sky Ranch Summer Camp as Director and counseled and supported hundreds while on the pastoral staff at Chase Oaks Church. Now, as a top keynote speaker and culture consultant, he has taken thousands through the Identity Mapping™ process. As a result, they have all been led to understand the most vivid picture of who they are and how they operate best as individuals. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Rocky's background and how he went from the wedding industry to coaching and consulting entrepreneurs and corporate leaders How clarity and confidence go hand in hand How our protective nature and defense mechanisms can affect our confidence How what we've been told by others can create doubt, even if those stories are not true Rocky's Book, "Be Confident: A Pocket Guide to Killing Doubt and Building Conviction" Want to connect with Rocky? Online: https://rockygarza.com/ Instagram - @rockygarza Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rockygarza LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockygarza/ 

We all know that Instagram is a powerful social media tool for the wedding industry, particularly since it's so visual. But are you using Instagram as a sales tool as opposed to just a portfolio? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about how you can use Instagram to promote your business well beyond pretty pictures. About our guest: Maria Oliva is the CEO & Founder of SMS Media, a social media coaching business for wedding vendors in the DC area. Maria's main goal is to change the way wedding vendors approach Instagram and have fun while they're at it. She has a passion for teaching wedding vendors how to build sustainable Instagram strategies that work around their schedule & feels good for THEM. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has been in the Digital Marketing world for over 7 years! Her sassy & badass personality is what sets her apart from everyone else. She will always tell it how it is and doesn't like cutting corners for anyone, especially her clients (it's the Puerto Rican in her). She is changing the wedding industry, one account at a time! In this episode, listeners will hear about: Maria's background and how she became interested and involved in the wedding industry Using a variety of content pillars as the foundation for your Instagram posts Promotional posts and ways you can use them without being pushy How to niche down your hashtags, including the ideal number of hashtags to use Want to connect with Maria? Instagram - @sms_mediaPR

Small businesses definitely need policies, procedures, and contracts in order to stay organized and to set boundaries. But when is it ok to be flexible and make an exception? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about exceptions, when to (and not to) make them, and some things to think about as you're making the decision on bending your rules. About our guest: Our guest today is Jennifer Trotter, the owner and principal artist behind one of Dallas/Fort Worth's top bridal beauty teams, Lip Service Makeup. Known for flawless looks, a diverse portfolio and impeccable customer service, Jennifer and her team provide hair and makeup for a variety of projects, including major motion pictures, Dateline NBC, commercial and media clients, tv and film projects with Oxygen, Netflix and others, as well as beautifying around 175 brides each year. This beauty pro also happens to be a communications expert with a background that includes stints in PR, corporate training and serving for nearly 10 years as the Program Director for the Make A Wish Foundation. Through articles, coaching sessions and speaking engagements, Jennifer uses her communications background to help business owners skillfully navigate the awkward conversations and stressful situations that we all face. She not only knows how to manage the occasional bridezilla, she's passionate about sharing proven techniques to create strong relationships with clients and other vendors while reducing conflict.   In this episode, listeners will hear about: Jen's background and how she got into the wedding industry Reasons that business owners may want to break away from their "rules" and make an exception The one reason you should absolutely not make an exception Saying no, but still making it a positive conversation Questions to ask yourself as you're deciding to make an exception or not The importance of having Standard Operating Procedures in your business Want to connect with Jen? Online: https://www.lipservicemakeup.com/  Instagram - @lipservicemakeup

We're all busy. But are you just staying busy? Or are you actually moving things forward in your business? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about the differences between action and motion, and how simply doing the preparation isn't necessarily moving the ball forward. Listen in as we chat with a return guest about some tips for making that busy work actually work for you and your business. About our guest: With a background in producing and directing live and recorded television for the better part of 10 years, Wendy is the definition of “quick on your feet.” She prides herself on being a solution-oriented problem solver—which has served her well in her 12 years of planning and executing flawless events. Wendy's passion to create and execute original ideas for each of her couples' weddings means that in addition to running smoothly, they are a fun, enjoyable, memorable, and tangible pieces of fine art. With a straightforward approach, Wendy builds a rapport with her clients. She believes that the more she gets to know her couples, the better (and more personal) the wedding will be.  Birds of a Feather Events was named a Top Wedding Planner and Event Designer by Martha Stewart Weddings as well as a Best Planner in America by BRIDES. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Wendy's previous podcast episodes – Episode 99: How to End a Client Relationship and Episode 163: Turning Your Volume-Based Business Into a Value-Based Business The difference between action and motion How procrastination plays a role in moving from motion to action Accountability groups and how they can help move things forward How fear of failure plays a role in being stuck in a cycle of motion Profit First book and how it has helped Wendy, Annie, and Kimberly Want to connect with Wendy? Online: http://birds-of-a-feather-events.com/ Instagram - @birdsofafeatherevents

Pricing in the wedding industry is admittedly all over the board. Not only do various vendors charge in vastly different price ranges, but even the pricing strategies are all over the board (flat fee, packages, percentages, oh my!) In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about pricing your art, and the necessarily mindset shifts that are needed in order to get the price you deserve and work with the clients who believe in you and your art. About our guest: Matthew Wengerd makes holy shit stationery for brave and daring clients under the name A Fine Press. His work with couples, individuals, and brands blurs the line between function and form, inspiring and engaging at least as much as it informs. More importantly, Matthew's clients are an incredible group of people who seek to be known and remembered by their people. They bring open hearts and boundless trust to the process - allowing themselves to be known and seen and reflected in the work. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Matthew's background and he went from jazz musician to the wedding industry Matthew's previous podcast episode Getting Clients to Trust You Matthew's process in the sales consult, booking, and creative process How trust is the most important factor in the client/vendor relationship How your own mindset about money can affect your view of your pricing How turning away work that you're not passionate about can make your business thrive Want to connect with Matthew? Online: https://www.afinepress.com/ Instagram - @afinepress

In a creative industry, it's often challenging to stay creative 24/7. And with so much coming at us constantly – from social media to the news – it's no wonder that it's easy to get caught up in what's trendy as opposed to being innovative. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with an industry veteran about being your own inspiration and keeping the creativity alive.  About our guest: Kristy's work, like her personality, is at times difficult to pin down. Her brushstrokes can ebb and flow from highly detailed and meticulous to free-flowing and boundless, all the while remaining captivating and unmistakable. For the last 19 years, Kristy's obsession with paint and paper has evolved into the innovative and wildly recognized brand, Momental Designs. Kristy has transformed event stationery into a persuasive and compelling medium that garners global attention from media, celebrities and some of the world's most creative individuals. Widely regarded as an industry tastemaker, Kristy's styling, painting and stationery innovations have been featured in creative editorials and installations in some of the world's most famed publications. Kristy's work has been credited in People Magazine, OK! Magazine, Good Morning America, New York Live, The Knot, Inside Weddings and Brides Magazines, Vanity Fair, Martha Stewart Weddings, Flutter, You and Your Wedding, Brides UK along with countless blogs. Kristy's work has also crossed over into fine art and lifestyle markets with licensing and the development of branded product lines for the top Arts & Crafts stores nationwide. Her licensed artwork can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target, Walmart, Anthropologie, Chatbooks and more. She is an 9-time author with Schiffer Publishing. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Kristy's background and she got into the wedding industry How to involved your wedding clients in the design process How social media should be used (and not used) as a source of inspiration Looking outside the wedding industry for inspiration The wedding aspect of TikTok Taking advantage of your creativity when it strikes Want to connect with Kristy? Online: http://www.momentaldesigns.com/ Instagram - @momental  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/momentaldesigns/

In this casual episode of the This Week in Weddings podcast, Kimberly, Annie and Lance reflect on 2021. Listen in as we do a little bit of recapping, a little bit of goal-setting, and a lot of group therapy.

In a world where Amazon prime can get you almost anything you need in a day, it's easy to carry the idea of instant gratification into other areas of your life, including your business. But real results take time and often can't be rushed. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about Julie Bunkley's theory about the 18-month time frame, and why it takes that amount of time to see results manifest themselves. About our guest: Julie Bunkley, the owner & creative director of Invision Events, is a PR and design maven as well as a longterm, strategic visionary. With a degree in Public Relations and self taught in In Design, Julie's aesthetic and passion for building a brand is well over a decade in the making. Her eye is always on the long game, reminding us that a sustainable and successful business is a marathon and not a sprint. Her work has been featured on countless occasions in Martha Stewart Weddings, BRIDES, People, The New York Times, Fortune, InStyle, Bridal Guide and Southern Living, among others.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Julie's background and she got into the wedding industry Julie's theory about the 18-Month Rule, and why it takes that long to see results Long-term planning in your business Several examples of the 18-Month Rule in Julie's business Want to connect with Julie? Online: https://invevents.com/  Instagram: @invisionevents Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/invisionevents/ 

Did you know that This Week In Weddings has a book club? We're all about improving ourselves personally and professionally, and we love connecting with our audience at the same time. TWIW Book Club is where we connect online to discuss our latest read. (BYOB!) In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a business coach, author, and avid reader about the details of the next TWIW Book Club event. About our guest: Heather Vickery is an award-winning business owner and global leader with over 20 years as an entrepreneur. She leverages her entrepreneurial skills and expertise to coach individuals towards greater personal and professional fulfillment by helping them leverage their fear into intentional bravery. Heather says “When we choose bravely, on purpose, we choose bigger, have bigger successes and it's contagious. A celebrated public speaker, Heather inspires audiences and empowers attendees with the tools they need to live bold and successful lives through creating balance, time management, mindfulness, as well as countless systems, strategies, and boundaries.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Heather's background in the wedding industry and her transformation into coaching The next This Week in Weddings Book Club book – The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks How to join the TWIW Book Club on Wednesday, December 15th Heather's tips for finding time to read How Annie incorporates reading into family time Heather's newest book F*ck Fearless, Making the Brave Leap Libro.fm audio books ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week's episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

The saying goes that people do business with those that they know, like, and trust. And when you're an entrepreneur, it's safe to say that YOU are your business, but many people aren't putting themselves out there so that people can see the person behind your brand. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about personal brands, and ways to promote the person behind the company (both on and off social media) while still staying professional. About our guest: Mateo 'Matt' Diaz is a luxury wedding photographer, marketing strategist, professional party thrower, socialite, and so much more. Mateo has multiple companies (Mateo & Company & Relevate) and serves in the community through multiple organizations, committees, and boards. He loves throwing events that bring people together, that strengthen community relationships, and that give back to the community. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Mateo's background, and he got into the wedding industry What a personal brand is and how it differs from your company brand The importance of a personal brand for giving you flexibility into the future How maintaining a personal brand and allowing others to see you can lead to increased connection and even referrals The pros of having both business and personal accounts on social media, particular Instagram Want to connect with Mateo? Online: https://mateoco.com/  Instagram: @mateoandcompany and @themateodiaz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mateoandcompany/ 

We've never been ones to not tell it like it is, and let's be honest... a lot of people are being dicks these days! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about the state of the wedding industry, what's causing so much frustration (among both clients and vendors), and a few ways to approach the challenges without losing your professionalism.  About our guest: Leah Weinberg is the Owner & Creative Director of Color Pop Events and best selling author of The Wedding Roller Coaster. Her colorful work and party planning tips have been published online and in print with Vogue, the New York Times, People, CNBC, Bravo, Martha Stewart, and The Knot, among others. 

Recently, Leah has been recognized as a 20 on the Rise winner by Honeybook and the Rising Tide Society, one of the 25 Young Event Pros to Watch by Special Events Magazine, and one of BizBash's Top 500 Event Pros in the US. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Leah's background and how she got into the wedding industry (including what careers she almost got into instead) The entitlement we're all seeing in the world as a result of Covid-19 and how it's affecting the wedding industry Shortages in the event industry – from flowers to paper to labor – and how as vendors we can present the situation professionally to our clients The importance of having a support system of wedding industry peers Leah's Book - The Wedding Roller Coaster: Keeping Your Relationships Intact Through the Ups and Downs Want to connect with Leah? Online: http://colorpopevents.com/ Instagram: @colorpopevents Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colorpopevents  Twitter: @colorpopevents

When you're focused on serving your clients well, it's easy to forget about focusing on your own self care. And keeping on top of your health and wellness, including your fitness, isn't always a priority. But it should be! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about incorporating fitness into your routine and how doing so can have a positive impact on your business. About our guest: Chris J. Evans is a luxury wedding and destination photographer who creates photographs you not only see but truly feel. His images  transport you back to the very instant they were created. That cool breeze fluttering the back of your neck, the warmth of your soulmates embrace, this is his art. Chris has photographed weddings in Italy, Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach, Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Lana'i, with features in Brides, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Destination Ido and Wedluxe. Your wedding will be told through style, grace and gratitude. From this moment forward, you'll never walk alone. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Chris's background and how he got started in the wedding industry The turning point that made Chris want to focus on his health and wellness Some ways Chris fits in exercise in small pieces throughout the day How having accountability partners helps Chris with his fitness routine The positive effect that fitness has had on his business Chris' first TWIW podcast episode: Episode 159: Embracing Fear in Your Wedding Business Want to connect with Chris? Online: www.chrisjevans.com Instagram: @chrisjevansphoto

It's safe to say that many wedding pros thought if we could just get through 2020, we'd be in a good place. And then 2021 happened. Not only did we continue to see events getting cancelled and postponed in the first half of the year, but now that weddings are back, we're seeing supply chain issues, staffing issues, and wedding pros with a lack of work/life balance just to get everything accomplished. Ugh! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about this and a few tips for thriving during this time. About our guest: Andrea Smith is the owner of SoiréeSmith, an event planning company that serves Chicago's North Shore. After a decade in catering sales for prestigious brands — such as Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria — and two children later, she was inspired to start creating events from all angles of the guest experience. Founded in 2017, the SoiréeSmith mission is to ensure their clients feel like guests at their own events. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Andrea's background and how she got started in the wedding industry How Andrea adjusted to 2020 when events weren't happening How and why Andrea made her mental health a priority Andrea's quarterly goal-setting habits Being selective with what you say yes to Want to connect with Andrea? Online: https://soireesmith.com/  Instagram: @soireesmith

Not all couples consist of a bride and a groom. And not all wedding guests self identify as simply male or female! Although the wedding industry follows a long history of traditional gender roles, times they are a changin'! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about the small steps and shifts in mindset you can make to ensure your business is being fully inclusive.  About our guest: Jess McSweeney has been a writer for as long as she can remember and a calligrapher since 2014, when she launched her business helping couples and stationers add a touch of extra romance to their wedding paper through beautiful custom lettering. After 7+ years in the industry and one major global pandemic that stopped all weddings, she turned her love of writing beautifully into a thriving copywriting service for creative business owners. Her clients are artists and industry experts who produce inimitable and inspiring work but who struggle to tell their story in a way that connects with those they serve. Jess herself is queer, and she specializes in writing gender and sexuality inclusive copy for luxury wedding and lifestyle brands. She is currently based in Baltimore, Maryland, where she watches way too many reality TV shows and Nick Cage movies in between her wedding and writing projects.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Jessica's background and how she got started in the event industry How Jess' personal story prompted her to be passionate about inclusive language The importance of doing an audit of your marketing materials for inclusive language Alternative ways to say "bride" and "groom" on your website copy How to incorporate pronouns on your website and contact form Jessica's article/podcast episode for Etiquette for Creatives  Want to connect with Jess? Online: www.jessica-mcsweeney.com Instagram: @jess.mcsweeney 

While actually having a contract is basic Business Ownership 101, actually sticking to your contract and enforcing its policies is another story. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a stationery designer about sticking to your contract, why it's important to do so, and how your contract and boundaries go hand in hand. About our guest: A graduate of Marymount University, Claudia received her specialization in brand identity at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan, then received her Masters in Industrial Design from the prestigious Domus Academy, also in Milan. Prior to launching Fig. 2, Claudia worked as a designer for design firms in the Washington, DC area, designing and interacting with various types of clients. Since launching Fig. 2, Claudia has won several awards for her graphic design work. In 2011, Fig. 2 officially launched at the National Stationery Show where Claudia created and sold a wholesale line of paper goods and wedding invitations sold in top tier stationery shops across the country and worldwide. Having now closed the wholesale and retail portions of the business, Claudia's main focus is on creating custom wedding invitations and brand strategy and design.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Claudia's background and how she got started in the wedding industry and her progression from wholesale accounts to custom work A few work boundaries that Claudia specifies in her contract Having clients initial key portions of a contract Phrases about respecting your time that you might consider adding to a contract Project delays and how you may be able to incorporate that language into a contract How to deal with contract violations Want to connect with Claudia? Instagram: @fig2design Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fig.2Design

In this casual episode of the This Week in Weddings podcast, Kimberly, Annie and Lance catch up on the craziness that has occurred with the quick increase in weddings. If you're struggling with the change of pace in the recent weeks, listen in! You're not alone!

When you own a small business, planning for retirement is not always easy. We're often working "in" our businesses and not "on" our businesses and that includes planning for the future. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a financial advisor about ways that we can save for retirement, plan for the future, and ready our businesses for sale. About our guest: Ken Jones has been in the financial services industry since graduating with a degree in Economics from Texas A&M University. He has been serving business owners of small to mid-sized companies as a financial advisor for most of his 30-year career. In his role, he advises on everything from retirement planning to helping business owners sell or buy a business.  Ken considers his practice just as much financial therapy as money management.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Ken's background and how he got interested in financial planning The different types of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) The importance of setting money aside for retirement and tactical ways to do it consistently Why a financial planner can help you plan for the future What small businesses should be doing in order to make sure their business is prepped to sell Why a transition plan can increase the value for your business in a sale brokercheck.com Want to connect with Ken? Phone: 512-422-3893 Email: soulhat91@gmail.com 

Another crazy, busy week, another re-release! We're digging into the This Week In Weddings archives with one of Annie's favorite episodes – Networking for Introverts with Alicia Keats. The saying goes that it’s all about who you know, and being well connected in the wedding industry can certainly be helpful for building and growing your business. But when you’re shy or an introvert, networking can be terrifying. In this week’s episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we’re chatting with a successful wedding planner who has learned how to turn her introvert tendencies into strengths when networking and operating her business. About our guest:  With over thirteen years of experience, award winning wedding planner Alicia Keats has earned her place among the most sought after wedding planners in Canada. Alicia is known to be a passionate, devoted wedding planner who is always graceful under pressure. Her desire to create, not only an individualized planning experience but also to create an extraordinary, personalized wedding celebration for her couples, has earned her the reputation of being one of the best. In addition to being named one of the best wedding planners in the world by Vogue Magazine two years in a row, her work has been featured in numerous publications and top wedding blogs including Wedluxe, Real Weddings Magazine, WeddingBells, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings and 100 Layer Cake. In 2012, she was awarded the Industry Achievement award by her peers at the BC Wedding Awards as well as many WeddingWire Couple Choice awards over the years. When Alicia is not planning weddings, she can be found cuddling her sweet baby boy, cooking with her husband or searching for the next tasty culinary experience. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Alicia’s background and how she went from pursuing an acting career to becoming a wedding planner How Alicia’s shyness has served her well with building genuine relationships Alicia’s strategies for psyching herself up before attending networking events Strategies for networking when you’re a natural introvert, including Alicia’s go-to strategy for breaking the ice How being shy and introverted has successfully served her clients Want to connect with Alicia? On the web: http://www.aliciakeats.com/ Instagram: @aliciakeats

This week, we're digging into the This Week In Weddings archives to pull out an oldie but a goodie! Living Your Brand with Andrea Eppolito. Is your business model a true reflection of who you are? Are you carrying out your brand's image in your every day life? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with event planner Andrea Eppolito, of Andrea Eppolito Events about living your brand. From what you wear and how you present yourself in public to having an understanding of the restaurants your ideal client frequents, this week's episode is all about keeping your brand top of mind. About our guest:  Having worked a wedding show at fifteen, Andrea fell in love with the beauty, the timeless traditions, and the transformative qualities of weddings and events. During her time at UNLV, she planned weddings while working in restaurants and studying her craft. In 1998, Andrea opened the iconic Bellagio Resort; the first of many she would ultimately come to work with. Andrea founded her eponymous event planning business, Andrea Eppolito Events, in 2011. In the years that followed, her work received numerous awards and has been featured by the likes of BRIDES, WedLuxe, Grace Ormonde, and more. Renowned for designing weddings with soul, and called "vibrant, chic, and impeccably organized” Andrea prides herself on the deep relationships she creates with her clients and partners. A custom magazine she gifted to her clients went viral in 2016, leading to the creation of The Wedding Editorialist. This self publishing platform creates story-driven issues published both online and in print. The Wedding Editorialist believes that every story deserves to be told, and services couples, creatives, and venues. Committed to collaboration and education, Andrea is a keynote speaker, eternal student, and eager participant in think tanks and book clubs. Born in New York, Andrea lived bi-coastally between there and LA before relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. After over 20 years she considers herself "nearly a native" of the city she now resides in with her husband and children In this episode, listeners will hear about: Andrea's background and why luxury weddings are a fit for her Why looking the part is important when running a business How to familiarize yourself with high-end restaurants without having to spend the money on a 5-course meal How Andrea has added to her business through the Wedding Editorialist Want to connect with Andrea? Website: http://www.andreaeppolitoevents.com/  Instagram: @andreaeppolito Facebook:@andreaeppolito  Email: andrea@eppolitoevents.com

McDonald's may have coined the term "special sauce" but we all have something unique that sets us apart from our competitors.  Do you know what yours is? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a wedding industry copywriter about the importance of identifying and promoting your unique brand position as well as how to figure out what yours is in case you're not quite sure.  About our guest: Taylor de la Fuente is an award-winning writer, champion for inclusive language and the owner of Lemon Tree Editorial. As a website copywriter serving the wedding industry, Taylor writes authentic and inclusive web copy for wedding pros who want to sell their services while they sleep. Before starting Lemon Tree Editorial, she worked in journalism, SEO and marketing.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Taylor's background in copywriting and what she does in the wedding industry What "special sauce" means when it comes to being a wedding industry entrepreneur How to find your special sauce through your peers and past clients Once you determine your special sauce, where on your website that should live The importance of having confidence to turn away potential clients Want to connect with Taylor? Online: www.lteditorial.com Instagram: @lteditorial

Building any business takes hustle and grit. But constant hustling without taking a break is a sure way to hit burnout. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with an established wedding planner about her thoughts on hustling, resting, and how the two go hand in hand.  About our guest: Spreading her metropolitan style throughout the low country, Terrica has been creating exquisite weddings and events in the Golden Isles area for the past fifteen years. Specializing in modern Southern weddings, she believes in creating custom experiences inspired by her clients’ love stories while infusing technology and efficiency. A contributing board member of the North American Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, Terrica’s weddings and expertise have been featured in The Knot, Reader’s Digest, Martha Stewart Weddings, HLN tv, Style Me Pretty and a host of others. In addition to leading a rockstar team at her planning and design firm, she also owns The White Lounge— a contemporary wedding planning studio for couples and wedding professionals. A wave maker nominated for Honeybook’s 20 on the Rise and a current Educator with The Knot and Wedding Wire, she launched her new wedding industry education system, “Here Comes the Brand“. Terrica is an ardent educator of those in the wedding industry, also hosting the “She Doesn’t Even Go Here” podcast. As an avid lover of cake and champagne, you'll find her at home in the Golden Isles with her four “fabutots”, and when not entertaining family and friends, she’s frequently binging on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Game of Thrones. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Terrica's background and how she got started in the wedding industry Why it's important to hustle for your success instead of wish for it The importance of setting boundaries and periods of rest as a business owner Why keeping focused on your own business instead of comparing yourself to others is beneficial to your success The pros and cons of Clubhouse Tips for protecting your peace  Want to connect with Terrica? Online: http://terricainc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocktailterrica Instagram: @cocktailterrica Twitter: @terrica

We're constantly involved with negotiations in our daily lives – from discussing where to eat for lunch with friends to reviewing contracts with service providers. But as a wedding industry business, are you willing to negotiate in your own business in order to close the deal? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a negotiation strategist about this very topic.  About our guest: A highly sought-after leadership and negotiation strategist, Elizabeth Suárez is committed to helping professionals and their organizations establish working environments where people are empowered to be skilled leaders and negotiators. After climbing the ranks of corporate America, she spent the last decade creating the impactful and interactive platform Negotiation Unleashed, a coaching, training and facilitation resource for professionals.  As a previous corporate executive turned negotiation influencer, she created this platform to guide leaders into thriving decision-makers and strategists. Elizabeth holds an MBA from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, and a BS in chemical engineering from Cornell University. She completed the Executive Management Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.   She is a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership, National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI) and Leadership Denver.  She is a certified MBTI practitioner and mediator trained by the Colorado Council of Mediators and the Colorado Bar Association. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Elizabeth's background and how she became an expert in negotiation Ways to negotiate that don't necessarily come down to price Elizabeth's thoughts on pricing your services in order give flexibility for negotiation Knowing when it's time to walk away from the negotiation Want to connect with Elizabeth? Online: https://negotiationunleashed.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalaryQueen/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerelizabeth/  Twitter: @elizabethsuarez 

As busy entrepreneurs with full plates, it's not uncommon to experience bouts of anxiety. Or maybe you're one who has always been wired to worry. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a coach about anxiety, what it is, and some tips for combating it. From daily manifestations to breaking negative self talk, our guest is sharing her top tips for being the powerful you (and not the puny you). About our guest: Bambi Thompson, is a transformational speaker and “Brain Coach” for success acceleration and anxiety transformation, and an Occupational Therapist who has gone wildly woo. She’s the creator of the Slay Your Days Momentum Club, the co-founder of the Corporate Unicorn’s Women’s Success Summit in Maine, co-author of Dare to Be Authentic, and the former producer and host of Power Me Up Radio on the Amazing Women of Power Network. She teaches success oriented women how to leverage neuroscience, mindset, the human energy body, and the Law of Attraction to build their lives and businesses from an energetic foundation. She provides the toolbox for living life with more ease and joy while achieving more with vitality, power, confidence, and success. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Bambi's background in holistic healing, occupational therapy, and non-medicinal anxiety work The science behind anxiety Why entrepreneurs in particular often suffer from chronic worry Tips to identify negative self talk and quickly turn it around A quick exercise for immediately feeling relief from stress and anxiety The power in asking open ended questions as it relates to the law of attraction Bambi's Free Momentum Accelerator Success Kit: https://www.bambithompson.com/gift Want to connect with Bambi? Online: https://www.bambithompson.com/  Instagram: @bambithompson  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BambiThompsonCoach Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/BambiThompson

Being a perfectionist is often used as a badge of honor. But in actuality, the desire to make things absolutely perfect is likely holding you back from achieving great things. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a coach and business strategist who explains why perfectionism isn't something positive to be proud of, but something based on fear that needs to be worked through. About our guest: Stephanie Hayes works with experienced entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses but aren’t sure what’s next. She helps them create a business model that works for them and a plan to get to their next level of growth so they can become more profitable, and do the work they really want to do.  Stephanie has been working with entrepreneurs and small businesses for over 20 years, and has built a number of her own businesses. She launched her business strategy and coaching practice in 2015 so she can focus on helping solo entrepreneurs align their businesses with their big goals.  Stephanie believes that business owners are looking for direct, actionable help and teaches her clients how to be self-sufficient and develop a foundation for continued growth.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Stephanie's background and how she became a recovering perfectionist How perfectionism is not a positive thing and actually can be debilitating and how entrepreneurs back The signs that someone is struggling with perfectionism The difference between being a perfectionist and having high standards or values Some small steps perfectionists can take to change their mindset Stephanie's podcast "Real People, Real Business" Stephanie's free download 14 Ways to Keep Perfectionism from Running the Show Want to connect with Stephanie? Online: www.stephaniehayes.biz Instagram: @stephaniehayes.biz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniehayescoach/ Twitter: @stephaniehayes

At some point in the cycle of your wedding industry business, you may start thinking about growing your team. But before you post that you're desperate for help on Facebook, there are some things to think through. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a floral designer with nearly 20 years of business experience about hiring and things to keep in mind. About our guest: In 2002, Kelly Marie Thompson opened Fleur, a special event custom design floral studio paired with a brick and mortar lifestyle boutique. She and her work have been featured in many print magazines including Martha Stewart Weddings, Town and Country, Vogue, The Knot, Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, as well as online blogs including Martha Stewart Weddings and Style Me Pretty. Listed as a Top Martha Stewart Florist, Kelly has created beautiful floral designs for almost two full decades, and is the Operations Manager for the company as a whole. She is the founder of "The Art of Growing an Extraordinary Floral Business", a 6 six-module, online education course, and is a Be Sage Coach. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and their two cats. They spend their free time cooking, traveling, gardening and raising urban chickens. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Kelly's background in the floral and wedding industry Kelly's experience with hiring employees and the things that she learned along the way The first steps businesses should take when they're thinking about bringing on an employee The importance of creating job descriptions for new positions Want to connect with Kelly Marie? Online: http://www.fleurchicago.com/ Instagram: @fleurinc

We made it to 200 episodes!! In this casual episode of the This Week in Weddings podcast, Kimberly, Annie and Lance, along with contributors from the This Week In Weddings community share their thoughts on the podcast after 200 episodes. You'll hear from: Saundra Hadley from Planning Forever Events and A Great Wedding Interview Podcast Carmela Heintzelman from Fiore Press Kelly McWilliams from Kelly McWilliams Celebrations, Weddings & Parties and This vs. That, Wedding Decisions Podcast Meghan Ely from OFD Consulting Dan Quinn from DQB Entertainment Sara Bauleke from Bella Notte Amy Burke from Amy Burke Events Alicia Keats from Alicia Keats Weddings + Events Lin Pernille from Lin Pernille Photo + Video

Making money is certainly about dollars and cents, but how you think about money can have an impact on your financial success. Are long held beliefs about money, also known as money blocks, holding you back? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with author and money coach Denise Duffield-Thomas about money mindset and how thoughts about money an impact us, both negatively and positively.  About our guest: Denise Duffield-Thomas is the money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world. She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives.   Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abudnance without burnout. Her Money Bootcamp has helped over 6,000 students from all around the world. She’s a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She owns a rose farm and lives by the beach in sunny Australia. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Denise's background as a coach and how she became a money mentor The biggest blocks that entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs have around money Some commonly held beliefs about money and how being aware of them can positively impact your feelings about money Denise's book - Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success Denise's book - Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First-Class Life Denise's book - Chillpreneur: The New Rules for Creating Success, Freedom, and Abundance on Your Terms Other books mentioned in the episode: The Luck Factor: The Scientific Study of the Lucky Mind Want to connect with Denise? Online: www.denisedt.com Free Money Blocks Workshop: www.denisedt.com/blocks  Instagram: @denisedt  ------- THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IDEACTION CONSULTING They help wedding pros book more couples using science-backed sales methods and conversion copywriting. Ideation Consulting designs sales processes around how clients want to buy, and teach wedding pros how to confidently guide each couple along the way. Ideaction Consulting is offering a FREE Workshop Series on pricing and building value in the sales process, February 22nd-25th. To sign up, visit www.thisweekinweddings.com/sam today!

When the going gets tough, you have to keep going. And for some, being resilient is easier said than done. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a business coach about resiliency and some tips for keeping your eyes on the prize even in the face of diversity. About our guest: Anna Lundberg is the founder of One Step Outside, where she helps experienced professionals around the world design a career, a business and a lifestyle that brings them more freedom, flexibility and fulfillment - outside of the conventional 9 to 5. Ex-Oxford, ex-Procter & Gamble, today she combines her 10+ years of experience in global branding and digital marketing roles with her training in coaching and positive psychology techniques to help people reimagine the next phase of their career.  Anna offers a blend of life coaching and business mentoring on a one-on-one basis and in a group setting. She is the host of the Reimagining Success podcast and author of Leaving the Corporate 9 to 5: Stories from people who’ve done it (and how you can too!). In this episode, listeners will hear about: Anna Lundberg's background and her transition into business coaching What resilient means based on it's Latin origin How having a sense of overall purpose and bigger picture goals can help with resiliency in the face of struggle Vision boards and how they can be helpful Defining success in all areas of your life, not just business Anna's book - Leaving the Corporate 9 to 5 Anna's podcast Reimagining Success Other books mentioned in the podcast - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Want to connect with Anna? Online: onestepoutside.com Instagram: @annaselundberg LinkedIn: Anna S. E. Lundberg YouTube: Anna S. E. Lundberg  ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

In a world that's full of uncertainty, it can be challenging to maintain your sense of inner peace. And for wedding pros who are used to the constant hustle, maintaining any sort of balance can be difficult as well. But there are steps you can take right now to get your zen on! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a wedding industry veteran who shares some practical tips for finding time for yourself and getting more calm and centered. About our guest: We may recognize Gurminder for his versatility as a creative photographer with Banga Studios. But, what you may not know is in the last 3 years, Gurminder has developed a fond and growing interest in spirituality and mindfulness. A lover of several meditation practices, ranging from Breath-work, Mantra, Question, or Silent Meditation, Gurminder is on a journey to uncover more of the teachings of his inner world, so he can live by them in his outer world. His practice begins at 5am daily, and the results speak for themselves; more grounding, less anxiety, more love, less fear, more conscious choices, and less impulse decisions. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Gurminder's background and how he got started in the wedding industry What initiated Gurminder's interest in better balance and zen Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) - what they are and how to switch them around The benefits of journaling The power of meditation Gurminder's morning routine, and the things he does every day to carve out time for self improvement Gurminder's first podcast episode with TWIW - Breaking Into South Asian Weddings Want to connect with Gurminder? Online: https://www.bangastudios.ca/  Instagram: @g.banga Guided Meditations: https://gbanga.podia.com/  ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

If the majority of your business is in your head, it's time to get a better system. Systems and software can help manage your tasks, streamline communication with clients, and even track your money, not to mention make it easier for your customers to do business with you. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about systems in business, why you need them, the first steps in creating one, and when it's time to hire a professional to help you get started. About our guest: Nikisha Hidalgo is the founder and creative director of two thriving companies: Inviting Treasures, a custom illustration design agency specializing in wedding stationery; and ANH Design House, an online stationery store that brings joy to family and friends through paper goods.     In addition to being a successful Black female entrepreneur and business owner, Nikisha is deeply committed to her family. The daughter of Elmore and Agnes, wife to John, mother of two beautiful and strong girls, Haley and Eryn, and a dog mom to her Labradoodle, Cocoa, Nikisha balances work and family life with love and intention. As a lifelong learner who earned both her Master's in Public Health and a Master's in Business Administration, Nikisha is passionate about developing and implementing systems to assist women-owned businesses in creating an organized and easy workflow so they can scale their businesses and level up their earnings. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Nikisha's background and how she got started in the wedding industry Why systems are important in business, particularly as your company scales The different types of systems in business - from accounting and bookkeeping to customer relationship management (CRM) The first step in creating a system with a brain dump of the steps you take in your business How to create a system without making automation feel impersonal When to look for help from a professional for creating a system The next book for the TWIW Book Club! Want to connect with Nikisha? Online: Invitingtreasures.com and ANH Design House Instagram: @nikisha.king Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/invitingtreasuresllc  ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

If you have an established, respected business in the wedding industry, chances are high that you've had people reach out to "pick your brain" for advice and guidance. But at what point do you go from being an open book about your process to actually monetizing it? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about making the transition into coaching and consulting, including running memberships. With a completely different target audience and structure, there are certainly things to know before jumping in head first. About our guest: After a decade in weddings and events, Amber Anderson, founder of Heavenly Day Events, pivoted her career into coaching others while maintaining a role in her planning company in Austin, Texas. As the host of Refine for Wedding Planners, Amber desires to coach and mentor planners via the largest Facebook group exclusively for wedding planners by offering a course, retreat, membership and templates. Amber is known for having radical honesty, often saying what most people are thinking but won’t say, striving to elevate the industry one conversation at a time. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Amber's background in the wedding industry How Amber became a business coach by purchasing an established community and brand The costs associated with running a coaching business or membership, and how it's not exactly passive income Determining your ideal client for your coaching business or membership offering How running a membership or coaching program requires an entire new skillset, including sales funnels and email marketing Want to connect with Amber? Online: https://refineforweddingplanners.com/  Instagram: @refineforweddingplanners Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/REFINEforWeddingPlanners/  ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

It's a fresh year and for our first episode of 2021, we're talking about intuition and how you can tap into this additional sense. Do you "trust your gut" when you make a decision in life and business? Or are you ignoring your own intuition? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a life coach all about intuition, what it is, and how we can be more aware of the intuitive hits that are coming at us. About our guest: Danielle Vaughn is a Life Coach, writer, workshop facilitator, meditation guide, and speaker. Danielle works with clients one-on-one and in group settings guiding them to connect with their innate wisdom through their intuition. Teaching various modalities that open and expand on limiting beliefs, insecurities, and self-doubt, Danielle leads her clients to breakthroughs and alignment with the truth of their hearts' desires. Through transformations, transitions, or turmoil, Danielle offers her clients an open space to be seen and heard without judgement, allowing for true change to occur. Danielle has created guided meditations, an Activate Your Intuition Guide, an Inner-Visioning Template to connect you with your soul blueprint, and many other helpful tools to help clients live a life of authenticity, joy, and fulfillment. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Danielle's background and how she became a life coach What intuition is and how we all have this sense How intuition can feel in your body How clearing your mind can help you better get in touch with your intuition Previous episode Meditation and Mindset Work for the Wedding Industry Some fun games you can play to tap into your intuition Using intuition to make decisions in business Want to connect with Danielle? Online: www.daniellevaughn.com Instagram: @danielle.vaughn Facebook: DanielleVaughnLifeCoach ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Just when you've figured out Instagram Reels, the social media platform changes it up with a whole new feature to figure out. Enter Instagram Guides. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a social media educator about the newest Instagram feature and how it can be used by wedding pros to curate their content. Grab your phone and follow along as we take it step-by-step! About our guest: K.M. Robinson is a social media educator and speaker who helps entrepreneurs build profitable businesses through smart social media marketing. She’s been spotlighted by Facebook for her innovative work in the field, and has been appeared on CBS News nationally, NBC news nationally, Business News Daily, Writer’s Weekly, New York Comic Con, Penned Con Charleston, Penned Con St Louis, MerMagic Con, Live Con, and more. She specializes in livestreaming, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok growth. She’s also a best-selling fiction author. In this episode, listeners will hear about: K.M.'s background and how she became an educator in the social media space The basics of Instagram Guides and how it differs from Instagram Stories, IGTV, and Reels The three different types of Instagram Guides content - places, products, and posts A step-by-step walk-through for creating a Guide in Instagram A TWIW Instagram Guides challenge by January 1st Want to connect with K.M.? Online: http://livestreamactionplan.com/  YouTube: youtube.com/kmrobinson  ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

We've all heard at some point that it's important to get 8 hours of sleep each night. But for busy entrepreneurs, it's certainly not uncommon to trim back on sleep when things get busy and you need more hours in your day. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're talking to a a neurologist and sleep expert about the importance of sleep for our bodies and minds and some tips for getting more quality sleep over time. About our guest: Dubbed “The Sleep Whisperer” by Arianna Huffington, Dr. Winter has been involved in the field of sleep medicine for twenty five years. A fully board certified neurologist and double board certified sleep specialist, Dr. Winter has been helping individuals sleep better through his private clinic, group consultations, work with professional athletes, and dynamic media presence. His first book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix It has received high praise both in the United States and internationally as a fresh and effective approach to a growing problem. Dr. Winter is board-certified by both the American Board of Sleep Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is separately board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (under the American Board of Medical Specialties) as a sleep medicine subspecialist. He is a member in good standing of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine the Sleep Research Society, and the Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Dr. Winter's background in neurology and how he became interested in the study of sleep How sleep affects every aspect of our lives – from creativity and problem solving to even appearance The characteristics that one typically associates with being a "good" sleeper Best practices for those in the wedding industry who often work late into the evening for weddings and have a forced delay of sleep The effects of alcohol and sleep Physiological differences between those that are considered a morning person vs. a night owl Tips for getting a better night sleep, including a discussion on weighted blankets, white noise machines, and ideal room temperatures Electronics and sleep Dr. Winter's book The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix it ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Getting all the things checked off the to do list, staying focused for extended periods of time, and wrapping up at a decent hour feeling completely accomplished and successful... sounds like a perfect work day, right? But most entrepreneurs aren't running their businesses that way and could take small steps to make each day more productive. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're talking to a business coach lets us in on how block scheduling can be game changing for productivity, focus, and intention. About our guest: Heather Vickery is an award-winning business owner and global leader with over 20 years as an entrepreneur. She leverages her entrepreneurial skills and expertise to coach individuals towards greater personal and professional fulfillment by helping them leverage their fear into intentional bravery. Heather says “When we choose bravely, on purpose, we choose bigger, have bigger successes and it’s contagious. A celebrated public speaker, Heather inspires audiences and empowers attendees with the tools they need to live bold and successful lives through creating balance, time management, mindfulness, as well as countless systems, strategies, and boundaries.  She’s the author of Gratitude Journal: Shift Your Focus and Grow Grateful: A Gratitude Journal for Kids and Families. Heather is also the host and executive producer of The Brave Files Podcast. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Heather's background in the wedding industry and her transformation into coaching What block scheduling is and how it works Why block scheduling helps you get things done more efficiently Best practices for planning out your day Tips for managing your email on a schedule How block scheduling and boundaries go hand in hand Heather's tips for starting and ending your day in order to increase your intention and productivity Heather's podcast The Brave Files Commit to Three app for daily goal setting Want to connect with Heather? Online: www.vickeryandco.com  Instagram: @vickeryandco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickeryandCo/ ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

It's certainly not uncommon for weddings to be planned by more than one person – bride and groom, bride and mom, groom and groom, bride and her bff! And when you're a wedding pro trying to sell, it's challenging to know who you need to actually sell to. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with Sam Jacobson about the best ways to sell when there are multiple people in the room, checking out your website, and potentially reading your email responses. About our guest: Sam Jacobson helps event pros book more couples with science-backed sales approaches honed over 15 years in the wedding industry. He focuses on how to guide the buyer’s journey, discover couples’ real needs, and create sales proposals that sell themselves. Sam’s led companies in venues, catering, planning, design, décor, and floral. He’s personally responded to thousands of inquiries, and booked hundreds of couples for millions in revenue. He knows how and why couples make decisions. Sam founded Ideaction four years ago with his wife, Katy. Since then, their team of seven has worked 1:1 with nearly 200 clients. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Sam's background in the event industry and how his company, Ideaction Consulting, helps wedding pros with the sales process Sam's first episode on the podcast - Episode 11: The Four Types of Business Personas The potential decision makers that wedding pros are simultaneously selling to – brides, grooms, moms dads, and more! The importance of determining who the actual decision makers are and what their needs and concerns are before trying to sell How to use your website to speak to multiple people involved in the buying process Questions to ask during the discovery phase of the sales process to better determine the clients' pain points Tips for working with wedding planners when they are part of the sales process and therefore one of the decision makers Want to connect with Sam? Online: https://www.ideactionconsulting.com/ Instagram: @ideactionconsulting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sellweddingslikeapro ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

In this casual episode of the This Week in Weddings podcast, Kimberly, Annie and Lance chat about the episodes from 2020 that they are most thankful for. If you haven't listened to every single episode, this quick catch-up will point you in the direction of the episodes that have been the most impactful for the trio so far this year.

Weddings are so personal. And in business, we have the choice to focus on the transaction of booking clients or the relationship we're building and experiences we're creating. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a DJ who has made a shift from playing a numbers game to an experience and relationship game. Listen in as we hear how making that shift has given him more job satisfaction than ever before. About our guest: Dan is a Dallas-based DJ, Musician & Educator who specializes in weddings and creating very personal entertainment experiences for clients.  With a background in engineering and international sales, Dan left his tech career in 2014 to throw himself 100% into music and events, and has since found himself doing things he hadn’t thought of at the time. In addition to helping produce 40-50 weddings and a handful of other events each year, Dan is a Pro Educator for The Knot Worldwide, a Columnist for DJ Times Magazine, has been an invited speaker and performer at The NAMM Show and Wedding MBA, and in 2016, founded OontzKids DJ Academy- an initiative focused on summer camps and after school programs that teaches kids, teens, and even adults how to DJ and Produce Music.  He lives in the Dallas suburbs with his wife, 4 kids, 2 dogs, a cat, and a backyard full of wildlife. He can always be found cooking family dinner by late afternoon, even while dialed into a TWIW Book Club Zoom Call. In this episode, listeners will hear about: How Dan got started in the wedding industry How shifting from a numbers game to a people game changed Dan's business, including his own job satisfaction How Dan builds relationships with his clients leading up to the wedding day Dan's use of social media as a marketing tool with clients and potential clients How Dan continues the client relationship after the wedding day is over The next TWIW Book Club: Get Rich Lucky Bitch Want to connect with Dan? Online: www.dqbentertainment.com Instagram: @dqb_entertainment Facebook: DQB Entertainment ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Being an excellent accountant might not be one of your biggest strengths, especially for those of us who consider ourselves creatives. But if you're running a business of any sort, you have to at least understand your numbers and not be afraid to look at them! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with stationer turned business coach about a few simple steps wedding industry entrepreneurs can take to get more comfortable with their books. With the end of the year quickly approaching, now is a great time to become BFFs with your books. About our guest: Emily Roach, the founder of Biz BFF, is a community leader, speaker, business coach, and professional best friend. Through her online community and group coaching program, The Hive, Emily empowers small business owners to show up authentically, think creatively, and act courageously to make their wildest effing dreams come true! When she’s not teaching her rule-breaking business and marketing strategies to entrepreneurs all over the world, Emily’s reveling in the messy middle of life with her family, their bus, Hank, and an absurd stash of yarn in Portland, Oregon. In this episode, listeners will hear about: How Emily got started in the wedding industry and then transitioned into coaching Emily's recommendations for accounting software if you're looking for alternatives to QuickBooks Suggestions for getting over the fear of looking at your finances and getting pumped up for finance days Emily's Money Making Magic Playlist on Spotify How often you should be looking at your business banking accounts and budgets Creating a budget to better see where you're spending How Profit First by Mike Michalowicz helped Emily get better control of her business finances The Soul of Money by Lynn Twist Make sure to listen to the end as we reveal the next This Week In Weddings Book Club book related to money and mindset Want to connect with Emily? Online: www.bizbff.com Instagram: @biz_bff Facebook: facebook.com/mybizbff ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

When the pandemic began causing the shutdown of weddings and events across the country, many of us thought it would be a short-term situation. Not having new wedding images to post on social media seemed like no problem... for a few months. But those few months have turned into nearly nine. How can wedding industry entrepreneurs still showcase their talent on social media without current wedding images? In this week's episode, we're chatting with a marketing expert about the best way to stay active on social media in spite of the lack of new images to show off. About our guest: Aleya Harris, CPCE is the founder and owner of Flourish Marketing, an agency dedicated to helping wedding, catering, and event professionals reach their full potential through fresh, cutting-edge marketing strategies that get and keep a consistent stream of clients. She is a firm believer that business owners should make good money doing what they love and she spreads this message through her role as a thought leader in the industry. Aleya has made it her personal mission to support catering and event businesses in their growth and help them to reach their definition of success. Her decade-plus long career as a chef and catering company owner, paired with her wealth of expertise in marketing, are matched with a remarkable work ethic, providing her clients with an engaging and interactive experience that inspires them to take action. As a professional speaker, she fosters valuable discussion about actionable marketing strategies and profit-driven storytelling in an effort to inspire her audience to take charge of their businesses’ financial futures. Her in-depth knowledge about social media marketing, branding, sales conversions, and effective marketing tools have earned her spots and top rankings on stages across the nation, including The Special Event and Catersource. She also serves as the marketing committee chair for NACE National and is a StoryBrand Certified Guide.  Aleya recently received The Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation to add to her list of accolades In this episode, listeners will hear about: How Aleya got started in the catering and events industry, including the famous musician for whom she was a private chef The purpose of social media as both a marketing and relationship building tool The importance of captions on social media and why they are just as important as the image itself Using captions to connect with your ideal buyer and their problems How to share your unique business and process in social media captions Why showing your face on social media is important if your business is also a personal brand Aleya's social media services through Flourish Marketing Aleya's Social Media Collective membership Get 20% off Aleya's Social Media Collective for the first month through November 13th using the discount code: TWIW20 Get 10% off Aleya's Social Media Collective after November 13th using discount code: TWIW Want to connect with Aleya? Online: https://www.flourishmarketing.co/  Instagram: @aleyaharris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleyaharrisgrowth  ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

"A rising tide lifts all ships" the saying goes, and in entrepreneurship, that means surrounding yourself with people who will help you improve and grow while also challenging you. An accountability group can do just that. If you've heard the term before but don't exactly know what an accountability group entails or how to start one, this week's episode is one you won't want to miss. We're chatting with two members of a wedding industry accountability group that credit their peers for not only supporting them in business, but helping them grow theirs. About our guests: Beth Bernstein is the owner and creative director of SQN Events in Chicago. Beth founded SQN in 2009 and along with a push from and the support of her accountability group, added a small weddings arm, Essential I Dos, in 2020. Valerie Gernhauser is a New Orleans based wedding planner for ten years. She owns three companies: Sapphire Events, Ruby & Pearl Events, and Minimal Matrimony, and is also a wedding industry educator for profitable pricing and processes through her course, The Valerie Gernhauser Method. Beth and Valerie met at Engage in December of 2012 and became fast friends. While they stayed in touch between conferences, their friendship grew deeper in 2017 when they, along with three other planners, formed an accountability group. Within a year, the group grew to seven members and they have been planning world domination ever since. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Beth Bernstein's original podcast episode #86 - "Getting Ghosted by Potential Clients"  Valerie Gernhauser's original podcast episode #87 - "Weathering a Drought in Business" How their accountability group got started three years ago How they added members to the accountability group The structure for the accountability group, including how frequently they meet The benefits of being in an accountability group with people in your same field but different markets The extreme levels of trust required amongst the group How to tell if an accountability group might not be right for you Want to connect with Beth? Online: https://www.sqnevents.com/  Instagram: @sqnevents and @essential.i.dos Want to connect with Valerie? Online: https://sapphireevents.com/ and https://minimalmatrimony.com/  Instagram: @sapphireevents and @minimalmatrimony ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Just when you think you have Instagram mastered, they change it up! The new Reels feature launched in August of 2020, and just like all things social media, there's a bit of a learning curve to figuring out how to make it work for you. But we're here to help! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about Instagram Reels, how to use it, and how it's different from Stories and the feed. About our guest: Millie is an Online Educator and YouTuber who teaches entrepreneurs the latest strategies and trends on social media to help them skyrocket their brand.  Millie has been studying the creative space for a little over 10 years now. Applying the concepts she's learned from being a real-life Project Manager in the corporate world and now growing and managing her own personal brand the past three years, Millie has found her passion in helping others create stability, structure & strategy within their business. From landing brand collaborations to figuring out the ever-evolving Instagram algorithm with Reels, she has figured out the secrets to increase efficiency, simplicity and stand out among the saturation—all because she believes:  Running a successful business doesn’t have to be confusing and complicated. IT IS POSSIBLE to make your dreams a reality. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Millie's background and her experience with online education and content creation What the Instagram Reels feature is How Instagram Reels differs from the feed, Stories, and IGTV A work-around for business accounts to get the music option on their Reels Why posting to Reels is ideal for reaching new followers Tips for posting to Instagram Reels, including things to avoid Millie's YouTube tutorial on Instagram Reels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOGT4ktjhZc&t=1s Want to connect with Millie? Online: https://modernnmilliee.com/  Instagram: @itsmodernmillie Millie's YouTube Channel ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Who would have thought way back in 2019 that virtual events would be a thing? You guys... it's a thing, and they don't seem to be going away anytime soon. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about virtual events, some tips to know if you're trying to take them on, as well as what vendor categories in the wedding industry are best suited to get in on the action.  About our guest: Amy Nichols has been planning bespoke weddings and celebrations for over a decade. Born and raised on an avocado and lemon farm in Southern California, she has always had a love of nature, design and entertaining! After graduating from Middlebury College, she began her career in finance in New York City and quickly realized that passion for celebrating life’s moments could be a rewarding and fulfilling profession. From there, she made her way back to California and founded Amy Nichols Special Events, where her affinity for details and welcoming personality have earned her a sterling reputation. Amy believes that life is full of reasons to celebrate. She cherishes the role she gets to play in the lives of her clients, serving as both a close confidant and a trustworthy advocate as she works tirelessly to execute the refined, effortless events for which she is known. Amy understands that the little things in life – the perfect glass of wine, a stunning sunset over an exotic beach, or that first mouthwatering bite of an extraordinary meal – should be revered, and she brings a deep appreciation for these fleeting moments to every event she designs. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Amy's background and how she got started in the wedding and event industry The inherent challenges of live broadcasts and why they aren't as easy as many people like to think that they are Technical tips for moving from in-person events to virtual events Ideas for how various vendor categories that can take advantage of virtual events, including stationers, videographers, DJs, hair and makeup artists and planners Thinking through pricing for virtual events  Want to connect with Amy? Online: www.amynichols.com and Intimate I Do's by Amy Nichols Special Events Instagram: @amynicholsse and @intimate.i.dos ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Getting found by potential buyers is key for any business, and the wedding industry is no exception. Being in business means being a marketer, and in this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting all about marketing, what it means, and tips for doing it successfully. Our guest is not only in the wedding industry, but joined it with an extensive background in the corporate world and an MBA. Listen is as she shares her advice for marketing your business effectively. About our guest: Courtney Wolf is Invision Event’s principal planner and a founder of Educate | Empower | Encourage, a private, members-only online learning community for high achieving creatives - the dreamers and the doers. A business and life coach wrapped up in a wedding planner’s body, she's been dubbed a “personal trainer for your small biz” and a “small business therapist”. Her background includes a degree in Marketing as well as her MBA and with this lens she views our industry objectively and runs all things operational and client facing for Invision. Together alongside Julie Bunkley, Invision's owner and creative director, they serve couples from coast to coast and are known for their refined and tailored aesthetic as well as their thoughtful and intentional approach. Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, People, The New York Times, Fortune, BRIDES, In Style and Bridal Guide, they've been named by Southern Living as one of the South's Best Wedding Planners. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Courtney's background and how she got started in the wedding industry The 4 P's of Marketing How Courtney tracks client inquiries in order to determine what channels are the most effective The importance of understanding your ideal client, including where they shop and how they celebrate Looking through the lens of your client vs. your own Why cutting marketing isn't the first thing you should do during a downturn The value of networking and relationship building Want to connect with Courtney? Online: http://www.invision.events/ and https://www.educateempowerencourage.com/ Instagram: @invisionevents / @courtney_invision Facebook: www.facebook.com/invisionevents ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.

Owning a wedding business right now is certainly not as profitable as it used to be. With events postponing and cancelling and fewer new bookings coming in, many wedding industry entrepreneurs are looking at their finances wondering if it's the time to get a "real job." In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a wedding photographer who has done just that in order to sustain her family during the rough patch that is a pandemic. Listen is as she shares her story and gives advice on making this tough decision. About our guest: Tracy Autem is the owner and photographer of Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography. She is often described as talkative, transparent, emotionally invested and joyful. She lives in Texas with her hubby JW and their 3 kids: Alexander, Gideon, & Josephine. She loves to go on adventures and her house is full of laughter (and noise!) Her business is built on the value of relationships and lifting up those around her. This passion is reflected in her photography, her interactions with clients and how she leads her studio. She is proudest of her team and the compassion they continue to show to each other and their couples.  In addition to her business, Tracy has been teaching "continuing education" at the University of Texas at Arlington and served on industry boards.  This year, amidst the pandemic, she returned to the classroom to ensure the financial security of her family and allow for the success of her photography team in the future. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Tracy's background and how she got started in wedding photography The structure of Tracy's photography business, which includes associate photographers The analysis that Tracy did in her business that led her to decide to take on a full-time job outside the industry How Tracy furloughed and restructured her team Tracy's approach to communicating her employment move to wedding planners, other vendors, and her clients How Tracy manages working a full-time job while also maintaining her wedding business (all while being a parent!) What entrepreneurs need to do before making the tough decision of getting outside employment Want to connect with Tracy? Online: www.tracyautem.com and www.lightlyphoto.com Instagram: @tracyautemphotography and @lightlyphoto ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.