The Venue Success Podcast

Tirzah Caffee
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

While owning a wedding venue has its amazing perks, the reality is that daily life is often exhausting, frustrating, and lonely. The wedding industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge to stay relevant and successful. The goal of The Venue Success Podcast is to introduce you to venue pros across that nation that will help you think outside the box, share their stories, bring you education, tools, and a place where you can feel a little less alone. Join host and venue owner, Tirzah Caffee, for a fun-filled, authentic, and sometimes overly transparent peek behind the veil of venue life.

  1. May 27

    Wedding Planner to Venue Owner // Brittany Schrader

    In this episode, Tirzah interviews Brittany Schrader shares her journey from wedding planner to successful venue owner, offering insights on building a venue, vendor relationships, family dynamics, and lessons learned in the industry. Learn practical tips and lessons learned from her first years in the industry. Brittany Schrader is a multifaceted entrepreneur with experience in events, operations, and business development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from East Carolina University, which shaped her approach to leadership and client experience.Brittany has been immersed in the wedding industry since 2017, building her career across planning, wedding and event sales, and business ownership. She developed her foundation working alongside other businesses in the industry, gaining insight into best practices and operations before launching and acquiring businesses of her own. She went on to found Elle Gray Events, where she produced over 200 events. She also acquired and sold a table and chair rental company, later expanding into venue ownership in 2022.Alongside her work in weddings, Brittany is a licensed real estate agent and investor, bringing a strategic and creative approach to both hospitality and property ventures.Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mom of nine year old twins, Brittany blends family, business, and community into everything she does. Her career reflects both her professional experience and her belief in creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home.Brittany Schrader is a multifaceted entrepreneur with experience in events, operations, and business development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from East Carolina University, which shaped her approach to leadership and client experience.Brittany has been immersed in the wedding industry since 2017, building her career across planning, wedding and event sales, and business ownership. She developed her foundation working alongside other businesses in the industry, gaining insight into best practices and operations before launching and acquiring businesses of her own. She went on to found Elle Gray Events, where she produced over 200 events. She also acquired and sold a table and chair rental company, later expanding into venue ownership in 2022.Alongside her work in weddings, Brittany is a licensed real estate agent and investor, bringing a strategic and creative approach to both hospitality and property ventures.Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mom of nine year old twins, Brittany blends family, business, and community into everything she does. Her career reflects both her professional experience and her belief in creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home. @colonialsunset thecolonialatsunset.com @venuesuccesspodcast tirzahcaffee.com

    35 min

  2. May 13

    Microweddings, Maximum Impact // Dixie Bagley

    In this episode, Tirzah interviews wedding venue veteran, Dixie Bagley. Dixie shares her journey from accidental venue owner to successful wedding entrepreneur, including innovative micro wedding strategies, the decision to sell her venue, and insights on building a resilient business and life balance. Dixie Bagley is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur based in Rome, Georgia with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry. Specializing in venue operations, she is the venue owner of The Farm — a European farm estate with lodging set in the northwestern Georgia mountains. In addition to owning and operating a venue, she also owns The Sweet Bar Bakery, Tillman Hangar, Dixie Events Planning, and founded The Southern Wedding Collective. She uses her 12 years of experience guiding other wedding professionals to become the boss in their businesses. Between managing her brands and consulting, you’ll find her enjoying family time with a good wine in hand. dixiebagley.com @dixiedoesweddings www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast

    1 hr

  3. Apr 29

    Inside the Vendor-Venue Partnership // Fausto Pifferrer

    In this episode, discover the insights from Fausto Pifferrer, a seasoned venue and event expert, on optimizing venue-caterer relationships, navigating challenges, and creating memorable events. Perfect for venue owners, caterers, and event professionals seeking practical tips and inspiring stories to elevate their business partnerships. blueelephantcatering.com @blueelephantcatering www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast Co-founder of Blue Elephant Events and Catering, Maine Venue Partners, and Co-owner of Real Maine Weddings magazine, Fausto began his career in catering and event planning 40 years ago in Philadelphia. He has an eye for detail and production and is passionate about creating high-quality, memorable events for his wedding and corporate clients. Fausto is a member of the Leading Caterers of America, sits on the board of directors of the International Caterers Association and Seeds of Hope Community Center, and is a past President of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club. He recently published his first book: Temporary Friends: A Caterer’s Guide to the Perfect Day.

    36 min

  4. Apr 15

    Experiencing the Soul of Your Venue // Mary Luz Rodriguez

    As we start a new season, Tirzah will return to interviewing venue owners across the nation! In this inspiring episode, venue owner Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez shares her unique journey from law to creating a sanctuary that blends nature, legacy, and love. Discover how her heart-driven approach transforms the venue experience into a spiritual and emotional journey, emphasizing the importance of purpose, healing, and authentic leadership. Interested in being on the show? Email venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com https://www.livingsculpturesanctuary.com/ @livingsculpturesanctuary tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez, Esq. is the co-founder of Living Sculpture Sanctuary, one of South Florida’s most distinctive and spiritually immersive wedding destinations. Since opening in 2015, she has helped shape the Sanctuary into a beloved venue known for its emotional warmth, nature-forward design, and focus on wellness. Under her leadership, it has hosted more than a thousand weddings and milestone celebrations, each created with intention, empathy, and a genuine commitment to bringing couples’ visions to life in a meaningful, heart-centered way.Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Mary Luz has always felt a deep respect for the Earth. This passion led her to study environmental law and explore holistic wellness, two paths that eventually inspired the idea behind Living Sculpture Sanctuary. She studied law at La Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City and later earned her Juris Doctor, with honors, from St. Thomas University School of Law. Today, she continues to work as an environmental attorney while directing the Sanctuary, a combination that grounds her leadership in purpose, integrity, and environmental stewardship.Her legal career includes work on complex cases involving toxic exposure, pollution, and environmental harm. These experiences shape her perspective as a venue owner. She believes that spaces of celebration should honor the planet and that the most meaningful venues lead with authenticity, connection, and service. This philosophy shows up in everything she does, from the way she guides couples during their tours to how the Sanctuary’s design reflects the five natural elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. The result is an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply symbolic.Mary Luz and her husband, attorney Robert J. McKee, built the Sanctuary themselves over the course of two years. What started as a personal dream and the setting for their own wedding eventually grew into a thriving event space where couples immediately feel grounded, welcomed, and emotionally supported. Today, the Sanctuary is known for its thoughtful wellness offerings, including sound baths, guided meditations, spa rituals, and private photoshoots. Each experience is designed to elevate the wedding journey and help couples create intentional, memorable, and transformational moments.Beyond weddings, she has expanded the Sanctuary into a holistic gathering space that hosts bonsai workshops, floral design classes, yoga sessions, meditation practices, and corporate retreats. Through all of these offerings, Mary Luz champions the idea of Living the Sanctuary Life, a philosophy that blends natural connection, mindful leadership, and the belief that working in harmony with nature enhances personal well-being and professional success.Mary Luz continues to balance her work as an environmental trial attorney with her role as director of the Sanctuary. Whether she is advocating for environmental justice in the courtroom or curating unforgettable wedding experiences, she remains deeply committed to helping others find meaning, healing, and genuine connection with each other, with nature, and with the milestones that shape their lives.

    44 min

  5. Apr 1

    Tip from Tirzah #9: Selling Your Venue

    In this heartfelt episode, Tirzah shares her personal journey of selling her family-owned venue, the challenges faced during the transition from private to corporate ownership, and her plans for future seasons focused on venue owners and industry insights. tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast

    41 min

  6. Mar 18

    Tip from Tirzah #8: Need a Venue Tune-Up?

    In this episode, Tirzah shares her extensive experience in the wedding venue industry, introduces her 'Venue Tune Up' service, and offers valuable insights on how venue owners can optimize their operations, marketing, and profitability. She also discusses her journey, resources, and how she supports venue owners across the country. @venuesuccesspodcast tirzahcaffee.com

    19 min

  7. Mar 4

    Tip from Tirzah #7: The Importance of Tracking Data

    summary In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah Caffee emphasizes the critical role of data in managing a successful venue. She discusses key metrics to track, such as leads, tours, and conversions, and shares insights on creating effective tracking systems. Tirzah also addresses the natural fluctuations in the wedding industry and the importance of setting goals and incentives for sales teams. The episode concludes with encouragement for venue owners to embrace data tracking as a means to navigate their business challenges. hello@tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast tirzahcaffee.com

    20 min

  8. Feb 18

    Tip from Tirzah #6: Working With Family

    In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah discusses the complexities of working with family in the venue business. She explores various dynamics, including hiring family members, working with spouses, and managing parent-child relationships in a business context. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication, boundaries, and job descriptions to foster a healthy work environment while navigating the challenges that come with family dynamics. www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast

    25 min
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Trailer

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out of 5
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About

While owning a wedding venue has its amazing perks, the reality is that daily life is often exhausting, frustrating, and lonely. The wedding industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge to stay relevant and successful. The goal of The Venue Success Podcast is to introduce you to venue pros across that nation that will help you think outside the box, share their stories, bring you education, tools, and a place where you can feel a little less alone. Join host and venue owner, Tirzah Caffee, for a fun-filled, authentic, and sometimes overly transparent peek behind the veil of venue life.

Information

  • Creator
    Tirzah Caffee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tirzah Caffee
  • Show Website
    The Venue Success Podcast

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