The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business Andy Kushner

Andy dives into an enriching conversation this week with Anna Roussos, a prominent wedding photographer renowned across Europe. Anna shares her journey from a TV director to a distinguished wedding photographer, unveiling the pivotal moments that shaped her career.
Discover how Anna's childhood fascination with romance and artistry steered her towards capturing timeless moments of love and emotion through her lens. From her early days in fashion photography to her transformation into a leading figure in luxury wedding photography, Anna's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
Anna has a truly unique approach to wedding photography, blending elegant reportage with a touch of fashion, and she shares insights into storytelling, aesthetic coherence, and client satisfaction. She also discusses the intricacies of branding and niche development in the wedding photography industry and unveils the key elements of building a successful luxury brand. She even elaborates upon the impact of technology and social media on wedding photography, from the demand for quick turnaround times to the rise of drone photography and content creation.
Gain valuable tips on portfolio curation, client communication, and balancing artistry with business acumen in the dynamic world of wedding photography. You won't want to miss out on this insightful conversation with Anna Roussos, and if you do enjoy it, then Andy would really appreciate it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy 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
[0:55] - Andy reveals this episode’s guest to be Anna Roussos!
[3:26] - When did Anna realize that she wanted to do photography as a career?
[5:44] - After discovering the joy of capturing love, Anna transitioned to full-time wedding photography.
[8:47] - Anna reflects on her style, revealing that her style style blends elegance with storytelling, emphasizing aesthetic cohesion and client satisfaction.
[11:42] - Anna prioritizes thorough client engagement, crafting detailed timelines and mood boards for personalized wedding photography.
[14:47] - Andy points out how collaborating with planners on draft timelines allows for optimal event coordination and enhancements.
[15:38] - Having input on draft timelines is crucial to Anna for capturing specific moments and adjusting as needed.
[18:44] - How does Anna describe her niche?
[19:43] - Anna argues that building a strong brand image through portfolio selection is vital for attracting ideal clients.
[22:46] - In today's fast-paced world of social media, quick delivery times are essential for photographers.
[25:59] - Anna feels that creating a luxury brand for wedding photography involves rarity, exclusivity, prestige, and authenticity.
[28:47] - Andy asserts that establishing immediate connection and excitement enhances the client experience from the first interaction.
[30:50] - Learn what equipment Anna is currently using.
[32:21] - Andy touches upon where Anna can be found online.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES

Find Anna:
Anna’s Website
Anna’s instag

Returning to the podcast this week is none other than Jennifer Stein, editor-in-chief, publisher, and co-owner of Destination I Do Magazine, a magazine that can be found online and on newsstands.
Jennifer joins Andy today to explore the journey of building a renowned brand in the destination wedding industry, sharing how she and her business partner started Destination I Do twenty years ago to fill a gap in the wedding industry by showcasing real couples celebrating their destination weddings worldwide. From humble beginnings with an amateurish first issue to becoming sought-after across various platforms, Jennifer reveals the challenges they faced, including financial struggles and burnout. Despite setbacks, they persevered, eventually turning a profit after three years of hard work and reinvestment.
She also discusses their staffing approach, emphasizing flexibility with independent contractors and prioritizing long-term relationships. She shares insights into their decision not to use virtual assistants and how they adapted during the pandemic by listening to clients’ needs and offering tailored solutions. With destination weddings making a strong comeback post-pandemic, Jennifer reflects on the industry's resilience and the evolving trends that she is observing.
Throughout the interview, Jennifer's passion for storytelling and commitment to serving her clients shine through, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned over two decades in the business. Andy had such a great time having her back on the show, especially since he feels that their conversations together are always especially animated and electric! 
If you enjoy this conversation with Jennifer Stein, then please don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy 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
[0:00] - This is episode 500, and Andy expresses gratitude for all of his loyal listeners!
[0:51] - Today’s guest is returning guest Jennifer Stein of Destination I Do!
[2:44] - Launching Destination I Do filled a gap for couples seeking more than tropical destinations.
[4:23] - How long was it before Jennifer turned a profit?
[5:55] - Jennifer touches upon how initial setbacks led to learning from mistakes, paving the way for eventual success and growth.
[8:06] - Jennifer reveals how limited resources led to self-financing without investors or loans, navigating challenges like the mortgage crisis.
[10:38] - Flexible staffing, Jennifer explains, includes hiring contractors for roles like sales, creating long-term mutual relationships.
[13:08] - Hear why Jennifer prefers not to use virtual assistants.
[15:24] - Jennifer nearly sold her business three times, prioritizing buyers who understand the wedding industry intricacies.
[16:34] - Despite setbacks and burnout, Jennifer avoided selling her company, realizing buyers misunderstood her situation and intentions.
[19:31] - Jennifer's realization in 2020 prompted her to pay herself what she's worth.
[20:53] - Andy reflects on a time when he felt burnt out and found relief by getting a business part

Andy is happy to welcome Fallon Carter to the show this week! Fallon is a renowned founder and creative director of Fallon Carter Events, and she is acclaimed for her fusion of southern hospitality with international luxury in event planning. Listen in as she shares insights into her childhood inclinations towards hosting and entertaining, tracing her journey from contemplating law school to discovering her passion for event planning after a pivotal experience in Paris.
The conversation unfolds into Fallon's distinctive approach as a planner and designer, characterized by a blend of southern tradition with modern aesthetics. She elaborates on her process of understanding clients' personalities and intentions through non-wedding-related photos, crafting unique experiences tailored to their desires.
Navigating challenges, Fallon also emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous improvement, sharing her aspirations for building a solid business foundation and exploring additional revenue streams, such as the We Do Collective aimed at budget-friendly brides. Touching on industry insights and the societal pressure surrounding weddings, Fallon advocates for more accessible and personalized celebrations, highlighting the importance of emotional resonance over extravagant displays.
 
Andy hopes that you enjoy and get wonderful insight from this interview with Fallon Carter! If so, then Andy would really appreciate it if you were to share the episode with a few good friends who might also enjoy it, and be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen to the show, as 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
 
[0:04] - Andy is committing to taking several breaks a day, crucial for productivity and mental recalibration.
[1:24] - Today's interview is with Fallon Carter of Fallon Carter Events!
[2:37] - Even as a child, Fallon was always drawn to hosting and entertaining, from baking to building projects in school.
[3:44] - We learn that, after saving a wedding crisis, Fallon realized her passion for event planning, leading her to New York.
[6:16] - Fallon discusses the invaluable lessons that she learned from the challenges around her first wedding.
[8:18] - Fallon describes her personal signature.
[9:31] - Fallon begins her usual process with clients by requesting five non-wedding-related photos, revealing their personalities and priorities.
[11:25] - Learn about Fallon's creative process, in which she compiles a Pinterest board based on client images, focusing on evoking the desired feeling.
[14:29] - Andy discusses challenges and how they're inevitable; he has, however, learned to manage them calmly with experience.
[17:39] - Navigating between creativity and business is a challenge, and finding harmony is essential for success.
[18:21] - Balancing a business's style with structure is important for success in diverse methods.
[20:48] - Fallon argues that stress drives us in this industry; she has faced breakdowns but keeps pushing.
[22:24] - Hear how Fallon started the We Do Collective, catering to budget-friendly brides, exploring further market opportunities.
[23:54] - Fallon feels that a lack of education fuels pricing misconceptions and that weddings can be

“I resonate with the client that wants to make you a part of their family throughout the wedding weekend.” Listen as Andy and his guest Caleb Jordan Lee discuss Caleb’s early passion for travel and filmmaking, Caleb starting his LLC at sixteen and why he decided to film weddings, plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Caleb is a brilliant filmmaker and the owner of East West Production, a full-service event filmmaking company with award-winning coverage. Caleb’s work has been showcased in publications such as People’s Magazine, particularly for shooting Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding. He has also been featured in Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Brides Magazine, and Harpers Bazaar named Caleb as one of the world’s top filmmakers.
Caleb speaks about his first year in business and how his sister’s wedding was the catalyst for his business boom. He speaks about how important he feels relationships are with the creative partners and planners and how he works with the planners to create the best product.
Listen as Caleb shares a story about Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding and how iconic his shot of her walking down the aisle with her 70 foot train was. Caleb also discusses how he and his team edit and how everything plays a part in getting the perfect film for his clients.
Caleb shares the work he does commercially and how he brings emotion to each small snippet, and he talks about the challenges he faces when telling a client’s story, his perspective on social media, the equipment he uses, and how he keeps up with the constant technology change. Caleb started as a teenager and has been in the industry for over ten years. His is a success story you don’t want to miss!
If you enjoy this revisit with Caleb Jordan Lee, then please don’t keep it to yourself! Share the episode with some good friends who might also get something out of it, and be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen to the show, as 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
[01:27] - Today’s episode is a revisit of Andy’s 2020 interview with Caleb Jordan Lee of East West Production!
[02:49] - Caleb shares where he grew up and how he ended up back in the area.
[03:40] - Caleb speaks about how family values have shaped the man he is today.
[05:08] - Caleb began shooting videos in the Himalayas, transitioned to weddings, and found passion and success.
[08:31] - Caleb talks about where the idea of filming weddings came from.
[09:42] - Hear how Caleb's career blossomed through learning from experienced mentors and prioritizing relationships, particularly with wedding planners.
[12:16] - Caleb discusses his process and how it’s all about his relationships with planners.
[13:24] - Caleb realized the importance of scaling his business wisely, opting for quality over quantity in client experiences.
[14:18] - Caleb speaks about how he works with the planners when getting to know the clients.
[16:04] - Caleb shares about some standout events he has done throughout the years.
[17:58] - Caleb discusses the experience he had when filming Nick Jonas’ and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding.
[21:09] - Caleb speaks about catching Priyanka walking down the aisle

Andy is thrilled this week to take listeners on a journey through the inspiring world of makeup artistry with sought-after makeup artist and educator, Kellsie Bain! Join Andy and Kellsie as they dive into Kellsie's upbringing in Sydney, Australia, where she draws inspiration from the strong, hardworking women in her family. From her corporate beginnings to her transition into the world of makeup artistry, Kellsie shares how her experiences have shaped her signature style and approach to her craft.
Discover the secrets behind Kellsie's global success as a makeup artist, from leveraging social media platforms like TikTok, to connecting with clients worldwide, to overcoming the challenges of working as a destination makeup artist. Gain insights into her mentoring and coaching programs, designed to empower emerging makeup artists to achieve their goals and build successful businesses.
Be sure to also explore Kellsie's online store, where she offers a wealth of resources, including masterclasses and templates, to support makeup artists at every stage of their journey. From email templates to price guides, Kellsie provides the tools necessary to elevate professionalism and streamline business operations.
You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation filled with valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring makeup artists and industry professionals alike. If you enjoy this conversation, then Andy would really appreciate it if you were to share the episode with a few good friends who might also enjoy it, and be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen to the show, as 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
[0:02] - Andy shares that he finds solace and inspiration in his rejuvenating walks amid hectic schedules.
[1:07] - Today’s guest is makeup artist Kellsie Bain!
[2:19] - Kellsie explains how her upbringing and corporate experience shaped her journey into makeup artistry and entrepreneurship.
[4:24] - Kellsie's business-focused approach and signature style have driven her success in makeup artistry.
[5:23] - Establishing a personal connection with clients informs Kellsie's tailored approach to bridal makeup.
[7:16] - Hear how Kellsie used TikTok to leverage her passion for makeup and travel to become a sought-after destination artist.
[10:16] - To attract destination clients, Kellsie advises, elevate your brand and maintain connections to combat loneliness while traveling.
[13:22] - Consistently showcasing her presence on social media fosters trust and connection with Kellsie's audience.
[15:54] - Kellsie identifies her biggest challenge as having to balance personal challenges while maintaining professionalism in her work.
[18:51] - Kellsie loves working for herself and connecting with fellow makeup artists.
[19:39] - Learn about the mentoring that Kellsie offers.
[20:56] - Kellsie's online store offers masterclasses and templates, aiding makeup artists in their professional journey.
[22:08] - Andy shares where Kellsie can be found online.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
 
Find Kellsie:
Kellsie’s Website
Kellsie’s Instagram Page
Kellsie’s TikTok Page
Kellsie’s Online Store
Kellsie’s Online Masterclass
Kellsie’s Workshops


Follow The We

Join Andy for this episode of The Wedding Biz as returning guest Simon T. Bailey sits down with him to talk about his latest book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself into a Thriving Future! Simon shares insights on bouncing back better, the metaphor of surfing as a universal concept for resilience, and the significance of intentional actions and relationships.
Their discussion delves into the practical techniques for building resilience, including reflecting at the end of each day, maintaining mental health, and expressing gratitude, with Simon emphasizing the value of therapy, the impact of a positive workplace culture, and the helper's high attained through intentional kindness.
Andy and Simon also discuss reframing worry and anxiety, encouraging listeners to spiral up rather than down. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for cultivating resilience in both personal and professional spheres. Simon's expertise and positivity make for an engaging and uplifting conversation, leaving listeners inspired to embrace change and foster resilience in their own lives.
If you enjoy this insightful interview with Simon, then please share the episode with a few good friends who might also enjoy it, and be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen to the show, as 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
[0:04] - After a month in Hawaii, Andy reflects on the challenges of returning, emphasizing manifesting dreams through belief.
[1:28] - Andy introduces returning guest Simon T. Bailey!
[3:23] - In Solana Beach, Simon draws a life lesson from surfing, urging resilience and bouncing back.
[4:38] - Simon embraces failure as a feedback mechanism, emphasizing learning, intentionality, and focusing on successes over setbacks.
[6:10] - Hear Simon share a significant business investment, highlighting the value of saying yes and embracing growth through challenges.
[8:59] - Simon emphasizes the importance of leaders setting the tone for positive environments.
[11:42] - Andy reveals how he has learned to focus on positive aspects before addressing improvement opportunities.
[13:42] - Andy gains show inspiration from wedding industry success, discussing key insights like personal responsibility and positive change reframing.
[16:40] - Simon explains that he builds resilience by prioritizing mental health and pursuing continuous learning.
[18:21] - To cultivate resilience, Simon advocates for daily reflection, prioritizing well-being, and fostering gratitude through showing appreciation to others.
[21:19] - To combat anxiety, Simon advises visualizing past successes, creating a positive interruption and taking control of thoughts.
[22:32] - Andy praises Simon's concept of "spiraling up" as a visual tool for reframing challenges positively, fostering resilience.
[23:51] - Andy reveals where Simon can be found online.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Simon’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
 
Find Simon:
Simon’s Website


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