The Wedding Biz  By  cover art

The Wedding Biz

By: Andy Kushner
  • Summary

  • Andy Kushner offers an inside look behind-the-scenes of the wedding and event world for both industry experts and bridal couples by featuring in-depth and transformative conversations with event industry icons. The Wedding Biz is also the only global platform of its kind to serve the business development needs of wedding and events professionals. As the host, Andy interviews the most prolific thought leaders and talent, taking you behind the curtain and revealing their personality, character, passions, and secrets to their success. Andy’s powerful, yet casual and comfortable interview style gives you access to the authentic story each of these incredible industry leaders has to share. The Wedding Biz podcast is your opportunity to really get to know the amazing personalities that endlessly elevate the world of weddings and special events.
    Copyright of The Wedding Biz, LLC. 2021.
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 505 KATHLEEN DEERY: Bridging Creativity from Floral Fantasies to Culinary Theatrics
    May 20 2024
    Join Andy in welcoming Kathleen Deery, the creative force behind Kathleen Deery Design and the Chief Creative Officer of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events, to The Wedding Biz! With a childhood steeped in floral admiration, Kathleen recounts her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the bustling design studios of San Francisco. She shares insights into her role as a tastemaker within the prestigious catering company, highlighting her knack for infusing events with innovation and creativity. From collaborating with renowned planners to crafting immersive environments, Kathleen's expertise shines through. Listen in as she offers insights into the intricacies of event planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' visions and creating memorable experiences. Drawing on her experience with high-profile events, Kathleen also shares anecdotes, including a whimsical Bridgerton-themed wedding set amidst lush gardens. Kathleen also reflects on the demands of her multifaceted role and the perpetual quest for balance, yet amidst the whirlwind, she finds solace in cultivating her own flower garden and nurturing her team's creativity. Looking ahead, Kathleen expresses optimism for the future of Paula LeDuc, fueled by a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit. Andy had a great time sitting down with Kathleen and really hopes that you enjoy the conversation. If you do, then he would appreciate it if you didn’t keep it to yourself! He would love it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:03] - Andy shares how he has found renewed passion in podcasting and revitalized his music business. [1:46] - Today’s guest is Kathleen Deery of Kathleen Deery Design and Paula LeDuc! [2:58] - Kathleen reveals how her lifelong love for flowers, nurtured by her mother, led to her successful design company. [5:09] - Hear how Kathleen's role as a tastemaker and co-owner revitalizes Paula LeDuc. [7:16] - Kathleen emphasizes the importance of relationships in event planning, focusing on personalized, theatrical experiences. [10:11] - Kathleen thrives on building heartfelt connections with clients, adding value to event planning experiences. [12:51] - Hear Kathleen reminisce about a Bridgerton-themed wedding, showcasing meticulous details and personalized touches for 350 guests. [15:56] - Kathleen touches further upon the dramatic touches of the event. [18:25] - Listen as Kathleen shares an anecdote about resourcefulness in event planning, highlighting the importance of a reliable team. [20:22] - Kathleen recounts a fabric mishap at a wedding, saved by the timely intervention of a friend in the tenting business. [22:36] - Despite having initial doubts, Kathleen embraces the opportunity for growth and learning in her new role. [24:50] - Kathleen relishes her decision despite challenges, including balancing responsibilities and missing hands-on floral work. [27:40] - What does success mean to Kathleen? [28:58] - Andy reveals where Kathleen can be found online. LINKS AND RESOURCES Find Kathleen: Kathleen’s Website Kathleen’s Instagram Page Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events - Website Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events - Instagram Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here. Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • 504 JACIN FITZGERALD: Providing “Unreasonable Hospitality”
    May 13 2024
    Andy is so pleased to be bringing Jacin Fitzgerald of Jacin Fitzgerald Events onto The Wedding Biz this week! Join Andy as he and Jacin discuss the world of event planning and hospitality, with Jacin sharing her journey from working in corporate events to launching her own business in 2009. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Jacin developed a strong work ethic and a passion for hospitality, and she emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and making clients feel welcomed and valued. The conversation also involves Jacin's approach to event planning, which prioritizes getting to know clients on a personal level. From handling unexpected challenges like sprinkler mishaps at events to orchestrating last-minute Super Bowl parties on yachts, Jacin shares how she navigates the complexities of destination weddings and high-profile events with grace and adaptability. Andy's and Jacin's discussion also touches on pricing philosophy, marketing strategies, the transformative power of meditation in maintaining mental well-being amidst the demands of the industry, and more! Listen in to discover how Jacin's blend of meticulous planning and “unreasonable hospitality” sets her events apart and ensures unforgettable experiences for her clients. If you enjoy this episode, then Andy asks that you not keep it to yourself! He would really appreciate it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [0:03] - Andy reveals today’s guest to be Jacin Fitzgerald and reflects on having invested in his band's growth by treating them to dinner and a concert. [2:41] - Jacin emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm energy as event planners facing various challenges. [4:27] - Jacin shares a funny anecdote from a chaotic wedding event, reflecting on her entrepreneurial family background. [6:33] - Jacin highlights her strong work ethic, sharing experiences of teamwork and inclusivity from her upbringing. [8:19] - How did Jacin get involved in the wedding business? [9:21] - Jacin explored various jobs, including event planning, through temporary work, ultimately founding her own wedding planning business. [12:07] - Jacin's team focuses on two weddings annually, prioritizing hospitality and accessibility while also setting boundaries. [13:57] - Learn how Jacin prioritizes understanding clients' preferences to create events where they feel at home. [15:36] - Jacin reveals how she adapted to clients' true preferences, shifting to meaningful simplicity. [18:05] - Jacin's team smoothly turns mishaps into memorable experiences, like a spontaneous water party. [19:59] - Hear how Jacin's team swiftly relocated an event to avoid clashes, [22:14] - Engage revolutionized Jacin's networking, fostering a global community for idea-sharing and support. [24:07] - Jacin discusses her pricing philosophy. [26:50] - Social media is not Jacin's forte, as she prefers authentic sharing and traditional networking for reputation building. [29:56] - We learn that Jacin values resilience and meditation, learning to balance work and life for fulfillment and success. [32:12] - Jacin recommends the book Unreasonable Hospitality. [33:27] - Jacin reflects on the intense demands of the event industry during COVID, finding solace in meditation. [36:21] - Jacin feels that having tools like breathing techniques helps manage stress in high-stakes event planning effectively. [37:15] - Andy reveals where Jacin can be found online. LINKS AND RESOURCES Book: Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect Videos: Caleb Lee Wedding Ceremony Trailer Jennifer + Michael | Highlights Romavera Films Find Jacin: Jacin’s Website Jacin’s Instagram Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here. Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • 503 REVISIT HAROLD JAMES: How a Hair & Makeup Artist Prioritizes Inner Beauty and Confidence
    May 6 2024
    Tune in as Andy interviews Harold James, a unique French hair and makeup artist in that he prioritizes the individual beauty and personality of each and every one of his clients. Harold is a pretty prolific makeup artist, having done work for celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Amber Valetta, Angelina Jolie, Karlie Kloss, Susan Sarandon, and Kendall Jenner. He has also contributed to a number of top publications like Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair Italy, Elle Italia, Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan, as well as many others. When Harold was a young boy, he would often advise family members such as cousins and sisters what they should do with their hair, and it eventually got to the point at which they would approach him for recommendations! Although he didn’t really become interested in beauty magazines until he was well into his teens, he loved watching his mother do her hair and makeup. He also didn’t immediately go into a beauty profession, initially going into finance, but he was inspired to go into beauty because of a friend whom he loved to watch do it as a hobby. He also talks about how he finds a balance between being forward with current fashion and current trends while also being aware of what is age appropriate and what is appropriate for a specific event that a client might be attending. He stresses how important that it is that, no matter what, his clients feel beautiful and confident. He also deals with a very wide range of different personalities amongst his clientele which, as he shares, is the most challenging aspect of his job but is also something that he finds exciting. In closing, Harold is gracious enough to offer advice to anyone who might be up and coming in a similar line of work and wants to take their work to the next level, encouraging people to find their own version of perfection. He also defines success, in so far as what it means to him, saying that he feels that he has been successful when he feels happy and satisfied with his work. Andy is a big admirer of Harold and his work and had a great time chatting with him. Be sure to check Harold out online using one of the resources mentioned, and you are also encouraged to share this episode with friends and/or colleagues who might enjoy it! A review would also be very much appreciated, as would tuning in next time on The Wedding Biz! Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network. SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute! Time Stamps [00:29] – Today’s episode is a revisit of Andy’s interview with Harold James. [01:23] - Harold reveals what aspirations that he had as a child that led to his eventual work in hair and makeup. [03:06] - Harold details the funny story around the first time that he served a client in the beauty industry. [06:25] - Harold discusses how he was initially working in fashion but not hair and makeup. [08:05] – Harold explains why doing makeup in France is very different from doing makeup in the United States. [10:01] - Harold's journey from LA to Japan led to global beauty exploration and cultural understanding. [12:07] - Harold's passion spans makeup, hair, vintage movies, fashion exhibits, and empowering women through photography. [14:00] - Harold comments on the composition and texture aspects of his work. [17:24] - Harold explains how he balances being fashion forward but also being age appropriate and event appropriate. [19:01] - We hear how Harold applies nearly the same beauty principles with his celebrity clientele as he does his other clients. [21:33] - Harold enthusiastically shares that he still feels a lot of pressure when he does work for celebrities and brides, and he explains why. [24:11] - Harold describes how his approach is similar and different when he does work for an advertising campaign or an editorial. [25:09] - We learn what the most difficult aspect of Harold’s job is – dealing with different personalities – and how this is also something that he loves. [26:03] - Harold tells a story involving one of his biggest challenges and how he overcame it. [27:47] - Harold offers advice to people who want to go down a similar path as his. [29:19] – Harold defines success as happiness and satisfaction with your work. [30:40] - Andy reveals where Harold can be found online. LINKS AND RESOURCES Find Harold: Harold’s WebsiteHarold’s Instagram Page Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @...
    Show more Show less
    31 mins

What listeners say about The Wedding Biz

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.