The Michael Coombs Show

Michael Coombs
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Welcome to The Michael Coombs Show, where we'll be having conversations with tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the wedding and event industry. So sit back and enjoy The Michael Coombs Show. 

  1. Tyler Speier on Carefully Executed Restraint and Executing Luxury Events at Scale

    3D AGO

    Tyler Speier on Carefully Executed Restraint and Executing Luxury Events at Scale

    Host Michael Coombs interviews Santa Barbara planner, designer, and florist Tyler Speier, creative director for Engage! Santa Barbara, about executing luxury at scale under industry scrutiny, short turnarounds, and high expectations. Speier explains the intentional Santa Barbara story he designed for Engage—from natural beauty and monarch migration to agriculture, downtown, Fiesta, cowboy history, and old Hollywood—and why he took on the project for both challenge and ROI, citing amplified reach, stronger venue relationships, and new contracts. He shares how his company began after high school with budget weddings, grew alongside a nonprofit career, and expanded rapidly after an analytical decision to go full-time. Speier emphasizes venue relationships, kindness, hospitality, and on-site presence, and details his philosophy of “carefully executed restraint”: strategically balancing wow moments with restraint to highlight architecture, natural beauty, and impact. He describes an integrated planning/design/floral process, logistical realism, solution-oriented client communication, collaborative team structure, and educational offerings on tylerspeier.com. 00:00 Executed Restraint Teaser 00:39 Engage Creative Pressure 02:02 Santa Barbara Story Arc 03:16 Why Take The Risk 05:05 Finding Daily Inspiration 06:23 From Budget To Luxury 08:29 Going Full Time 10:06 Venue Relationships Matter 12:02 Kindness As Leadership 13:25 Being Present Onsite 15:44 Defining Executed Restraint 18:04 Origins Of The Philosophy 18:24 Design With Restraint 19:25 Guiding Budget Choices 21:05 Client Process Breakdown 22:28 Hands On Or Hands Off 23:40 Creativity Meets Logistics 25:05 Truth Moments With Clients 26:34 Backup Plans Under Pressure 28:01 Team Candor And Brainstorms 30:05 How The Team Is Structured 31:40 Education And Giving Back 32:48 Engage Santa Barbara Reflections 34:35 Final Thanks And Sign Off Michael Coombs

    35 min
  2. Manifesting Success: Ashley Pigott and the Art of Event Planning Excellence

    MAR 3

    Manifesting Success: Ashley Pigott and the Art of Event Planning Excellence

    In this episode,  Ashley Pigott shares her insights on the power of manifestation, the importance of obsession with excellence, and the personal costs of growth in the event planning industry. She discusses the calculated risks involved in expanding her business internationally and the significance of building collaborative partnerships. Ashley emphasizes the need to stay true to oneself amidst industry noise and the evolving definition of success. She also highlights the importance of creating memorable experiences for clients and managing pressure during high-stakes events. Finally, she reflects on her journey of manifesting opportunities and her recent work with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 00:50 The Power of Manifestation 04:10 Obsessed with Excellence 05:10 The Cost of Growth 07:10 Calculated Risks in Expansion 11:10 Building Collaborative Partnerships 13:40 Staying True to Yourself 15:45 The Importance of Experience 19:50 Defining Success 22:20 The Little Things 23:50 Handling Pressure  32:10 Do Your Own Thing 35:30 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Launch

    37 min
  3. Brandee Gaar on Confident Selling: Consultation Frameworks, Pricing Transparency, and Closing Wedding Clients

    FEB 24

    Brandee Gaar on Confident Selling: Consultation Frameworks, Pricing Transparency, and Closing Wedding Clients

    Brandee Gaar, founder of Wedding Pro CEO, explains that many wedding professionals undercharge and avoid leading clients to a decision because they fear sounding pushy, which leaves couples confused about next steps. She outlines a four-part consultation framework: deep discovery to uncover motivations and pain points; pitching only in direct relation to those pain points rather than listing generic service bullet points; securing small verbal “yeses” throughout (including addressing budget and pricing in the call instead of deferring it); and then assuming next steps by confidently guiding clients into a contract when readiness is confirmed. She emphasizes not sending a contract unless the client explicitly wants it, and if they are not ready, ending the call by setting a specific follow-up date rather than leaving the process open-ended. Brandee argues for putting ballpark pricing on websites to help leads self-qualify, noting modern buyers expect immediate information; she recommends ranges like “starts at” or “average client spends,” and suggests that strong marketing and nurturing should make consultations largely a formality. She discusses differentiation by knowing competitors and proactively addressing comparison points during consultations, including using AI to analyze competitor reviews and clarify unique value. Brandee also distinguishes selling to planners/venues versus couples, advising vendors to avoid cold pitching, seek warm introductions (especially via networking event hosts), follow up effectively, and understand that planners need direct information rather than a full sales funnel. She strongly discourages sending proposals after calls as it delays pricing clarity and increases ghosting, advocating instead for handling objections live and moving straight to contract; she notes florists may still need proposals but should give an in-call price range first to prevent sticker shock and proposal-shopping. She recommends meeting clients where they communicate, including email, DMs, and even text consultations. Throughout, she reframes sales as serving: providing a solution to a couple’s need and leading them clearly so they don’t book a poorly fit vendor with better marketing. 00:00 Meet Brandee Gaar: Sales Strategy for Wedding Pros 00:29 The #1 Sales Pitfall: Being Afraid to Lead the Client 01:54 Consultation Framework Part 1: Deep Discovery That Uncovers Real Motivations 03:04 Part 2: Pitch to Pain Points (Not Boring Bullet Points) 04:30 Part 3: Get Mini ‘Yeses’ + Talk Budget Before the Proposal 06:34 Part 4: Assume the Sale & Walk Them Through Next Steps 07:41 When They’re Not Ready: Don’t Send the Contract Yet 10:23 Why Pricing Belongs on Your Website (Without a ‘Menu’) 13:46 Will Pricing Scare People Off? How Marketing Should Pre-Sell the Consult 16:03 Instagram vs Reality: Reviews, Reputation, and the Couple’s Vendor Journey 19:03 Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Differentiation Beyond Extra Bullet Points 20:10 Why a Full-Time Planning Team Beats a Solo Planner 20:49 Know Your Differentiator: Selling Against Competitors (with AI Help) 22:18 Selling to Planners & Venues vs. Selling to Couples 23:48 Networking the Right Way: Warm Intros, No Cold Pitches 27:21 Stop Sending Proposals After Calls: Close in the Consultation 29:47 Follow-Up Strategy: Set the Next Step + Florist Proposal Caveat 35:08 Meet Clients Where They Are: Email, DMs, and Text Consultations 36:33 Final Mindset Shift: Sales as Service (and Why It Matters) Links: Michael Coombs Wedding Pro CEO

    39 min
  4. Resilience and Reinvention: The Journey of Bridal Designer Hayley Paige

    FEB 17

    Resilience and Reinvention: The Journey of Bridal Designer Hayley Paige

    In this episode, renowned bridal designer Hayley Paige, shares her inspiring journey from loving dresses as a young girl to navigating a tumultuous legal battle over her own name. Hayley discusses her early influences, including her grandmother who taught her to sew, and her academic journey, which initially included pre-med at Cornell before pivoting to fiber science and apparel design. She reflects on her professional experiences, including creating a 10-piece bridal collection at Cornell and working with top designers like Jill Stewart. Hayley opens up about her time at JLM Couture, her public legal battles, and the emotional toll it took. She also talks about her rebranding efforts with Cheval, the support she received from the bridal community, and her nonprofit organization, A Girl You Might Know Foundation, which aims to protect young creators' intellectual property. Lastly, Hayley shares her excitement about re-entering the bridal industry, planning her own wedding, and her continuous commitment to her craft and her values. 00:00 Introduction: Who is Hayley Paige? 01:43 Early Life and Inspirations 02:51 From Science to Fashion 04:30 Breaking into the Bridal Industry 06:08 Challenges as a Young Designer 08:15 The JLM Couture Journey 12:52 The Legal Battle and Its Impact 17:36 Rebuilding and Moving Forward 22:52 Cheval: A New Beginning 23:50 The Importance of Faith and Community 32:44 A Girl You Might Know Foundation 35:57 Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter Links: Michael Coombs Hayley Paige A Girl You Might Know Foundation

    38 min
  5. Maximizing Visibility and PR Strategies in the Wedding Industry with Meghan Ely

    FEB 10

    Maximizing Visibility and PR Strategies in the Wedding Industry with Meghan Ely

    In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Meghan Ely, a renowned expert in wedding and event PR. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong digital presence and the role of PR in achieving credibility, bookings, and growth. Meghan emphasizes the need for customized PR strategies based on specific goals within the event industry, such as wedding submissions, increasing brand awareness, and diversifying into B2B. She addresses current shifts in media publications, the impact of AI, and the significance of in-person conferences and associations. Meghan concludes with practical advice for wedding professionals looking to improve their PR efforts. 00:00 Introduction to Visibility and Digital Presence 00:29 Meet Meghan Ely: PR Expert 00:53 Is It Too Late for PR in 2026? 02:02 Effective PR Strategies for Event Professionals 03:46 The Importance of Real Wedding Submissions 04:56 Choosing the Right Publications for Wedding Features 06:57 Measuring ROI on Media Publications 09:27 Big PR Shifts and Trends for 2026 13:58 The Role of Conferences in Building Visibility 14:59 Choosing the Right Conference 16:01 Evaluating the Costs and Benefits 16:41 The Importance of Associations 19:48 Digital Detox and Print Media Revival 22:26 The Role of AI in Wedding PR 24:49 Advertorials and Ethical Concerns 26:46 Quick PR Tips for Wedding Professionals Links: OFD Consulting Michael Coombs Entertainment

    27 min
  6. Navigating Wedding Planning's Worst-Case Scenarios with Wassal Seddiqi of Petals and Pearls

    FEB 3

    Navigating Wedding Planning's Worst-Case Scenarios with Wassal Seddiqi of Petals and Pearls

    In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Wassal Seddiqi, the founder and creative force behind Toronto-based planning and design boutique Petals and Pearls. They discuss the challenges of wedding planning, including a worst-case scenario where a venue canceled last minute. Wassal shares her strategies for managing crises, the importance of education and certifications, and how she uses social media to showcase her personality and attract clients. They also delve into her passion for interior design and the value of workshops for aspiring planners. 00:00 Introduction and Business Philosophy 00:27 Meet the Guest: Wassal Seddiqi 00:43 Handling a Wedding Crisis 06:32 Sourcing and Working with Vendors 10:17 Wassal's Journey into Event Planning 13:55 The Importance of Education and Certifications 19:06 Leveraging Social Media for Business 24:03 Expanding Beyond Weddings 26:31 Future Plans and Workshops 27:25 Conclusion and Farewell Links : Petals and Pearls Michael Coombs

    28 min
  7. Blending Creativity and Intention: An Interview with Lisa Zachery of Papered Wonders

    JAN 28

    Blending Creativity and Intention: An Interview with Lisa Zachery of Papered Wonders

    In this episode of the show, host Michael Coombs interviews Lisa Zachery, the CEO and creative director of Papered Wonders. Known for her custom stationery work for brands like BET, Essence Magazine, and Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman Tour, Lisa discusses her unique approach to design. She explains how she incorporates personal elements from her clients' lives into their invitations to set the tone for unforgettable events. Lisa also shares insights on the importance of personal connections, her self-taught design journey, the evolving role of digital invitations, and her passion for brand identity. Additionally, she touches on work-life balance and the significance of taking care of oneself as an entrepreneur. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:56 The Art of Invitations 02:26 Personalizing the Design 06:01 Self-Taught Success 09:02 Bold and Unique Stationery 15:21 Digital vs. Print Invitations 19:37 Seamless Event Stationery 24:36 Brand Identity Expansion 27:06 Defining Success and Final Thoughts Links : Papered Wonders Inc. Michael Coombs

    32 min
  8. Aligning Creative Business Strategies with Sean Low

    JAN 21

    Aligning Creative Business Strategies with Sean Low

    In this episode, host Michael Coombs talks with Sean Low, the founder and president of the Business of Being Creative. They discuss the importance of emotional connection, value, and alignment in running creative businesses. Sean emphasizes the pitfalls of using packages in luxury and creative businesses, advocating for a focus on personalized value instead. He explains how businesses can pivot from package-based models to valuing their unique talents and how to effectively structure pricing and contracts. Sean also touches on the significance of intellectual property provisions and the necessity of aligning business operations with creative goals. The conversation concludes with insights into the shifting landscape of creative industries and the importance of faith in one’s work. 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Emotional Connection 00:19 Guest Introduction: Sean Low 00:45 The Problem with Packages in Creative Businesses 01:37 Moving Beyond Packages: Defining Your Value 04:24 Revenue Goals and Business Strategy 07:17 Maximizing Value in Creative Work 12:45 Percentage vs. Flat Fees 18:23 Essential Contract Clauses for Creatives 26:33 Looking Ahead: Trends for 2026 30:28 Personal Philosophies and Closing Remarks

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Michael Coombs Show, where we'll be having conversations with tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the wedding and event industry. So sit back and enjoy The Michael Coombs Show. 

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Coombs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Michael Coombs Show
  • Show Website
    The Michael Coombs Show