Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast

Kevin Dennis
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

The Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast provides actionable strategies and resources for business-minded wedding professionals who love love — but also care about their bottom line. Host and owner of the WeddingIQ blog, Kevin Dennis, welcomes industry experts to each episode to share their best advice, biggest mistakes, and proven strategies for business growth and client satisfaction. Kevin brings his own share of industry knowledge to the table. He is the founder of lighting and A/V company, Fantasy Sound Event Services, as well as a national speaker and regular contributor to B2B publications across the event industry. He has served on the board for the Foundation of NACE, NACE Silicon Valley, and WIPA. He is also the founder of the Tri-Valley Wedding Professionals Networking Group. Tune in each week to learn about sales, marketing, client service, event technology, and more — all with the intention to help wedding professionals grow their businesses and achieve their goals. 

  1. 18h ago

    #96: Building a Business in a Country Where Nobody Knows Your Name with Olha Barabash

    Starting a wedding business in a new market is challenging, but what happens when you're starting over in an entirely new country where you don't know anyone? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Olha Barabash, founder and creative director of Sense of Moment, to discuss her journey from building a career in Ukraine to starting from scratch in New York City. Olha shares how she established credibility, built industry relationships, and found opportunities without an existing network. Olha discusses the importance of putting yourself out there, staying consistent, and building genuine connections with fellow wedding professionals. She also shares why authenticity matters more than appearing successful, how to adapt to a new market without losing your creative identity, and why taking risks is essential to growing your business. Olha Barabash is the Founder and Creative Director of Sense of Moment, a luxury wedding planning and event design studio based in New York City. With over 14 years of experience designing high-end celebrations across the US and Europe, Olha takes a concept-first approach — every event begins with what she calls an "origin audit," a process for uncovering a couple's real story before any design decisions are made. Originally from Ukraine, Olha built her US business from the ground up with no existing local network, an experience that continues to shape how deliberately she approaches every client relationship and project. Highlights: The challenges of starting a wedding business in a new country without an established client base, professional network, or local reputationHow to establish credibility in a new market by leveraging previous experience, exploring new opportunities, and collaborating with fellow wedding professionalsWhy genuine relationships, consistent networking, and community over competition are essential to building a strong referral networkHow stepping outside the wedding industry and taking on different types of events can create unexpected opportunities for business growthThe importance of staying authentic, embracing rejection, and adapting to a new market without losing your creative identityOlha's advice for wedding professionals starting over, including staying curious, remaining flexible, practicing emotional intelligence, and taking risks Connect with Olha: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #96: Building a Business in a Country Where Nobody Knows Your Name with Olha Barabash

  2. Oct 27

    #95: SEO Basics for Your Wedding Business with Sara Dunn

    Getting found online is essential to growing your wedding business, but SEO is more than just adding keywords to your website. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Sara Dunn of Sara Does SEO to break down the basics of search engine optimization, how Google decides which businesses to recommend, and why SEO is becoming increasingly important as couples turn to AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to find their wedding vendors. Sara shares some of the most common SEO mistakes wedding professionals make. She talks about overusing keywords and overlooking the importance of their online reputation. Sara offers practical advice on optimizing your website, creating blog content that attracts the right clients, building quality backlinks, and making the most of your Google Business Profile. She also explains how AI is changing how couples search for wedding vendors and what wedding pros can do to stay visible. Sara Dunn is the go-to Wedding SEO expert for planners, photographers, venues, and other wedding pros who want to rank higher on Google without the tech overwhelm. As the founder of Sara Does SEO, she offers done-for-you services, coaching, and courses built on her proven Wedding SEO Framework. A sought-after speaker and educator, Sara’s strategies help over a million searchers connect with wedding professionals each year. Highlights: Why SEO is an important marketing tool for wedding professionals and how it helps connect you with couples who are actively searching for your servicesThe biggest SEO mistakes wedding pros make, from keyword stuffing to combining multiple services onto one website pageHow to choose the right keywords for your business and why attracting qualified leads matters more than generating high website trafficWhy blogging is still valuable for SEO and how to prioritize quality content over posting frequencyHow backlinks, online reviews, and brand mentions influence your visibility on Google and AI search tools like ChatGPT and ClaudeSimple ways to improve your SEO, including optimizing your Google Business Profile, building your online reputation, and knowing when to hire an SEO professional Connect with Sara: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #95: SEO Basics for Your Wedding Business with Sara Dunn

  3. Oct 20

    #94: The Most Used Platform in Your Business Isn't What You Think, and I Bet It's Not Organized... with Becca Mai

    Running a successful wedding business takes more than creativity and passion. It also requires systems that keep everything organized and running smoothly. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Becca Mai of Wed 2 You to discuss why your inbox and cloud storage might be two of the most overlooked tools in your business and how better organization can save time, reduce stress, and improve the client experience. Becca shares why wedding pros shouldn't rely on a CRM to solve every problem, how standard operating procedures (SOPs) can make growing a team easier, and why documenting your processes is so important. She also offers practical advice on organizing emails and files, creating effective workflows, knowing when to outsource, and regularly reviewing your systems to make sure they're actually working for your business. Becca Mai is the founder of Wed 2 You, a business coaching and mentorship firm built on 14+ years of experience in weddings and events. She works with wedding professionals who are ready to stop winging it and start running their businesses with the systems, workflows, and SOPs that actually stick. Through 1:1 coaching and group masterminds, Becca helps her clients build operations that give them their time back without sacrificing the client experience they've worked so hard to craft. Highlights: Why your inbox and cloud storage may be the most overlooked tools in your wedding businessHow SOPs can help streamline operations, set expectations, and prepare your business for growthWhy a CRM isn't always the solution to your organizational challengesSimple ways to organize your emails, files, and workflows to save time and improve the client experienceHow to recognize when your systems need improvement versus when it's time to outsource or hireWhy regularly reviewing your processes is essential and how to make improvements without getting overwhelmed Connect with Becca: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #94: The Most Used Platform in Your Business Isn't What You Think, and I Bet It's Not Organized... with Becca Mai

  4. Oct 13

    #93: The Lost Art of Networking: Building Genuine Industry Relationships That Lead to Luxury Opportunities with Jade Ladson

    Networking is about more than collecting business cards and making small talk. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Jade Ladson of Jade Ladson Weddings to discuss the lost art of networking and how building genuine industry relationships can lead to long-term business opportunities. Jade shares how networking helped her grow her luxury wedding planning business, why meaningful connections matter more than simply meeting as many people as possible, and how wedding pros can approach networking with more intention. She also offers advice on following up after events, becoming a valuable connector in the industry, maintaining vendor relationships, and building a reputation that keeps referrals coming. Jade Ladson is the Founder and Creative Director of J. Ladson Weddings, an Atlanta-based luxury wedding and event planning company. With over 22 years of experience, she is known for creating elegant, thoughtfully designed celebrations and building meaningful industry relationships. Jade is also the founder of A Match Made in Wedding, an experiential bridal event, and the author of Whispers of a Wedding Planner. As a mentor and advocate for collaboration, she is passionate about educating and supporting fellow wedding professionals. Highlights: Why networking is still essential for growing a successful wedding businessCommon networking mistakes wedding pros make and how to avoid themHow to build genuine industry relationships instead of simply collecting contactsThe importance of following up and staying connected after networking eventsHow being a connector and helping others can lead to long-term referralsWays to maintain vendor relationships and build a reputation that keeps people recommending you Connect with Jade: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Whispers of a Wedding Planner Book Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #93: The Lost Art of Networking: Building Genuine Industry Relationships That Lead to Luxury Opportunities with Jade Ladson

  5. Oct 6

    #92: How to Build Backlinks That Actually Help Your Wedding Business with Renée van den Kerkhof

    Your website may be your own piece of online real estate, but how are people actually finding it? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with live wedding painter Renée van de Kerkhof to talk about backlinks, why they matter for your website, and how wedding pros can start building them in practical ways. Renée breaks down what makes a backlink valuable, why quality and relevance matter, and how relationships with fellow wedding pros can help strengthen your online presence. She also shares creative ways she's earned backlinks through blogging, vendor collaborations, styled shoots, guest posts, media opportunities, and even stock photography—plus common backlink mistakes wedding pros should avoid. Renée van den Kerkhof is a live wedding painter and courtroom sketch artist from the Netherlands. She specialises in portraits that actually resemble the wedding couple, in a romantic and detailed style. She services couples (and their loved ones) across Europe. Renée is autistic, a dog mom, and lives with her partner in Dordrecht (near Rotterdam). Highlights: What backlinks are and why they matter for your wedding business websiteWhy relevant, reputable backlinks are more valuable than simply having a lot of linksHow blogging and sharing your expertise can naturally lead to backlink opportunitiesHow vendor relationships, guest blogs, styled shoots, and directories can help build backlinksWhy spammy links and outdated backlink strategies can actually work against youSimple ways to start building backlinks without a large audience or marketing budget Connect with Renée: WeddingIQ Article Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #92: How to Build Backlinks That Actually Help Your Wedding Business with Renée van den Kerkhof

  6. Sep 29

    #91: Your Social Media Is Either Booking You Clients…or Confusing Them with Nina Addeo

    Social media can bring potential clients to your business, but what happens once they land on your profile? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Nina Addeo of I Do Wedding Marketing to talk about how wedding pros can create social media that attracts the right audience instead of leaving potential clients confused. Nina shares how clear messaging, an optimized profile, strong storytelling, and a mix of polished and real-life content can help potential clients better understand who you are, what you offer, and whether you’re the right fit. She also explains why your inquiries and sales conversations can be some of your best tools for figuring out what your social media may be missing. Nina Addeo is the founder of I Do Wedding Marketing, a social media and marketing company dedicated to helping wedding professionals turn their online presence into a consistent source of inquiries and bookings. With a background in digital marketing and a deep focus on the wedding industry, Nina is known for her practical, no-fluff approach to content that prioritizes clarity, strategy, and results. She is also the host of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, where she shares actionable insights to help wedding pros grow sustainable, profitable businesses. Highlights: How to tell if your social media is attracting the right potential clientsWhy your profile should clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and where you workHow storytelling can help educate couples and create warmer leadsWhy polished portfolio content and real, behind-the-scenes content both have a place in your strategyHow your inquiries and sales calls can reveal gaps in your social media messagingWhy relying too heavily on AI-generated content can cause your personality to get lost Connect with Nina: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #91: Your Social Media Is Either Booking You Clients…or Confusing Them with Nina Addeo

  7. Sep 22

    #90: How to Stand Out in a Marketing Theme Park World with Becca Pountney

    Standing out in the wedding industry can feel harder than ever, especially when couples have so many options competing for their attention. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with wedding business marketing expert Becca Pountney to rethink the traditional marketing funnel and explore a new way to approach the customer journey. Becca breaks down her “marketing theme park” approach and SCREAM framework, sharing how wedding pros can stand out, create better experiences, generate recommendations, and give potential clients more ways to connect with their business. Becca is the UK’s leading wedding business marketing expert. With a background in film and production, she has scaled her consultancy business to help and develop other wedding pros. Becca has also written a book and hosts a successful, award-winning podcast that allows her to further share her expertise with the wedding industry and help wedding pros grow. Highlights: Why the traditional marketing funnel doesn’t always reflect how today’s couples make booking decisionsHow the “marketing theme park” offers a different way to think about the customer journeyThe SCREAM framework and how wedding pros can apply it to their marketingWhy transparent pricing, recommendations, and client experience matterHow personality can help your business stand out in an increasingly AI-driven marketing landscapeWhy your inquiry and booking data can help you understand what’s actually working Connect with Becca: Website Instagram LinkedIn Podcast Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #90: How to Stand Out in a Marketing Theme Park World with Becca Pountney

  8. Sep 15

    #89: What Your Contract Needs and Why It Matters with Casey Glasser

    Contracts may not be the most exciting part of running a wedding business, but understanding what you’re signing can save you from major headaches. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Casey Glasser, founder of Foundwell Legal, to break down the contract terms wedding pros should actually be paying attention to. Casey shares what to know about common clauses like force majeure, indemnification, cancellation policies, and liability, along with when to push back on a contract and why your agreements shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Casey Glasser is the founder of Foundwell Legal, a law practice focused on event contract review. After noticing how often contracts in the event industry are signed without a clear understanding of key terms, she started the firm to work with event planners and their clients on reviewing vendor and venue agreements, as well as drafting and refining planner agreements. Her work focuses on helping clients identify risk, understand their obligations, and approach negotiations with clarity. Highlights: Contract clauses wedding pros should pay closer attention to before signingWhat force majeure, indemnification, and other common contract terms actually meanWhy copying and pasting contract language can create problems for your businessHow strong contracts can help set expectations and prevent miscommunicationWhen to negotiate a contract term and how to approach the conversationWhy it’s important to periodically review and update the contracts you use Connect with Casey: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    #89: What Your Contract Needs and Why It Matters with Casey Glasser
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5
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About

The Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast provides actionable strategies and resources for business-minded wedding professionals who love love — but also care about their bottom line. Host and owner of the WeddingIQ blog, Kevin Dennis, welcomes industry experts to each episode to share their best advice, biggest mistakes, and proven strategies for business growth and client satisfaction. Kevin brings his own share of industry knowledge to the table. He is the founder of lighting and A/V company, Fantasy Sound Event Services, as well as a national speaker and regular contributor to B2B publications across the event industry. He has served on the board for the Foundation of NACE, NACE Silicon Valley, and WIPA. He is also the founder of the Tri-Valley Wedding Professionals Networking Group. Tune in each week to learn about sales, marketing, client service, event technology, and more — all with the intention to help wedding professionals grow their businesses and achieve their goals. 

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