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

Andy is excited to be speaking with Greg Finck on this episode of The Wedding Biz. Greg is a brilliant photographer based in Paris. He studied business in France then came to the U.S to get his MBA. Greg was a marketing executive for ten years with Proctor and Gamble and at first, was doing wedding photography on the side as a hobby. 
Greg is now a major photographer even though he’s technically only been doing it full-time for five years. Besides shooting significant weddings, he is doing fantastic work in the fashion world and has mastered marketing digitally in social media. He also gives master classes on photography and speaks at Engage.
“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades,” a quote on his website from Audrey Hepburn summarizes the approach that Greg has to photography. Black and white photos are what he started out doing, giving him the ability to really focus on what he wanted to shoot in order to hone his eye.
Greg talks to us about many things; his life in marketing, the catalyst for moving into photography professionally, and how glad he was that he took that leap of faith. He speaks about the niche he found with destination wedding photography, mostly taking place in Paris and other parts of Europe, doing fashion photography during the slow wedding season, and why he uses medium format film.
Listen in as Greg shares with us his secrets to rapid success, how to manage your client’s expectations and the tools to choose the right photographer. He discusses his tricks for calming the nerves of a bride and tells us what equipment he uses to get such fantastic shots.
The knowledge Greg has acquired in his relatively short time as a full-time professional photographer is immense. His business acumen is on point, and his humility is second to none. If you want to learn how to build your business in any industry, this is a conversation you shouldn’t miss. 
 
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
[02:02] - Andy welcomes Greg Finck to the show!
[02:34] - Greg says that timeless elegance is what he wants to bring to his photography.
[03:49] - Greg’s childhood was spent in darkrooms developing film with his dad.
[04:28] - Greg shot mostly black and white at first.
[05:08] - Greg feels like he has always been a portrait photographer.
[06:24] - When he was in college getting his MBA, photography was just a hobby for Greg.
[06:56] - Greg went to work with Proctor and Gamble and is very grateful for what he learned.
[07:58] - The most significant thing Greg learned from working for such a large company is how to be humble.
[08:43] - Humility and hard work are fundamental values in this saturated market.
[10:50] - Greg went to a workshop held by Feather and Stone out of California which changed his perspective on being a professional photographer.
[15:26] - Was Greg financially prepared when he quit his job or did he take a leap of faith?
[17:35] - Greg explains his initial marketing approach.
[19:31] - Greg speaks about branding and shooting with film.
[22:18] - Listen as Greg tells us what it means to have a European touch.
[23:58] - Hear Greg define medium format.
[26:32] - What percentage of Greg’s business is related to fashion and editorials?
[27:44] - The total expectations from clients are much higher today than in times past.
[29:19] - Greg gives us his process when working with a client.
[30:37] - Being di

Andy has known today's guest for a really long time so is very excited to have him on the show for the first time! Join him as he sits down with luxury wedding and destination photographer Chris J. Evans, who has photographed weddings all over the world such as in Italy, Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach, Hawaii, and Napa Valley!
Chris discusses how lucky he feels to have been raised in a creative household where his mother was a couture wedding dress designer and his father was a sculptor, painter, and philosopher. He enthusiastically shares how these influences shaped his artistic sensibilities and love for photography.
He and Andy also dive into Chris’ journey into photography and how he found his way to wedding photography, and the conversation delves into various aspects of Chris's photography style such as his approach to lighting, composition, and the importance of dressing appropriately for events. Chris also discusses the significance of building relationships with clients, staying present in the moment, creating a memorable experience for wedding guests, the importance of creating a supportive community of like-minded professionals, and so much more!
It was truly a pleasure for Andy to sit down with Chris and have this intimate conversation with him, and he is very appreciative of Chris and his time. He hopes that you enjoy listening to it, and if so, then he would really love it if you were to share it with colleagues and leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps the show out! Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode, and we will catch you next week 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
[0:30] - We learn that today’s guest is destination wedding photographer Chris J. Evans!
[1:38] - Chris expresses his gratitude for having grown up with creative parents.
[3:47] - Hear how Chris discovered his passion for photography via modeling in the early 2000s.
[4:49] - How did Chris transition to full-time?
[6:41] - Chris believes in the power of relationships, using authentic storytelling.
[8:01] - Chris initiated the "monologue" to combat smartphone distractions during weddings.
[11:26] – Learn how Chris builds profound connections during engagement sessions.
[12:52] - Chris emphasizes entering the room with calm energy, gradually elevating vibes.
[14:56] – What are some of the biggest challenges of doing destination weddings?
[16:13] – Chris and Andy agree that it's important for a photographer to dress for success.
[17:23] – How does Chris feel about film vs. digital?
[18:17] – We hear Chris share his perspective on lighting, composition, and style.
[20:20] - Chris stresses creating a memorable presence at weddings via guest interactions.
[21:31] – Chris also argues that we should not fear putting ourselves out there.
[22:38] – How is Chris maximizing PR to help him get the next high profile wedding?
[24:24] - Publishing enhances social proof; shooting for magazines involves logistical planning.
[25:55] – Chris discloses what gear he is currently using on film.
[26:44] – Success involves supporting family, traveling, capturing love stories, and community.
[28:35] – Andy shares Chris' contact information with us.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Books:

Eckhart Tolle - The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Eckhart Tolle - A

Welcome to another episode of The Wedding Biz, with Andy interviewing Renny Pedersen, the owner of Bliss Events based out of Chicago! Bliss Events is an award-winning company renowned for its creativity and unique approach to wedding planning, and Renny truly has a remarkable entrepreneurial journey dating back to her childhood when she started her first venture at only ten years old!
Tune in to learn how, over the years, Renny has fine-tuned her approach to creative flair by focusing on personalization and unique experiences for her clients. She and Andy discuss how her creative process involves understanding each couple's personality, history, and preferences to create events that truly reflect their essence, and she gives such a wonderful example of how she did just that! She also addresses the challenges of setting a minimum budget for her services and her decision to limit the number of weddings she takes on, as well her biggest struggle being the common entrepreneurial plight – finding a balance between her professional life and her personal life.
Renny’s dedication to constant evolution, learning, and staying open to change has enabled her to stay relevant and thrive in the dynamic wedding industry, and she also shares what she most looks forward to in the future at 50 years old. This is such an insightful episode in which Andy really appreciates Renny’s participation, and he hopes that you enjoy listening to it! If so, then he would love it if you were to share it with colleagues and leave a top review wherever you listen. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode, and we will catch you next week 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
[0:33] - Andy announces that Renny Pedersen of Bliss Events is today’s guest!
[1:29] - Learn about how Renny embraced entrepreneurship from a very young age.
[3:03] - Renny predicts that she likely got her entrepreneurial flair from her mother.
[3:44] - Renny reflects on her time in culinary school which sparked a passion for hospitality.
[5:07] - How did Renny make the transition over to the wedding industry?
[8:24] - Renny describes her signature.
[11:29] - Renny shares an example of a modern couple's unconventional celebration.
[13:03] – Renny describes the event: its incorporation of Hamilton and chocolate chip cookies.
[15:26] – Hear how various unexpected delights left attendees feeling awestruck.
[17:11] – Renny gets a lot of ideas during walks.
[19:35] - Years of experience led to personalized event planning for fewer clients.
[21:39] - Renny expanded to balance business and creativity, allowing space for innovation.
[23:11] - Driven by creativity, Renny's personality prioritizes aligning work with aspirations.
[25:24] – Hear how setting a minimum budget clearly communicates Bliss's value.
[27:25] – Learn why Bliss charges a percentage rather than a flat rate.
[28:13] – Remy thinks about the balance between ultra-luxury and her happiness.
[31:18] – Renny argues that it's fine to not always chase ultra luxury.
[33:08] – Renny recognizes her ability to constantly evolve as a strength.
[34:53] – What about the future excites Renny?
[37:59] - Andy provides us with Renny’s contact information.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Vimeo - Bliss Events Chicago Reel
 
Find Renny:
Bliss Events - Website
Bliss Events - Insta

Andy is so excited to have Julie Novack of PartySlate back on the show yet again! While he would highly recommend that you go back and listen to the previous episodes she has been on, in case you aren’t familiar with Julie, she is the CEO and co-founder of PartySlate, a groundbreaking photo-rich website connecting event professionals, planners, and venues.
Join Andy today as he and Julie delve into artificial intelligence and how it is revolutionizing the industry. Julie also shares insights into the evolving landscape of digital marketing and how AI is becoming increasingly crucial for building and enhancing brand presence as an event professional. No longer just a thing of the future, AI is here to stay, and it is going to continue to change the face of media as we know it.
Perhaps what is most exciting is how AI is even seeping into familiar software platforms, making its benefits more accessible and integrated into our daily workflows, and Julie even predicts that Google will basically be unrecognizable five years from now! As she has discussed on the show before, Julie also emphasizes the importance of having a well-organized digital footprint, so if you’re looking to stay ahead in the digital realm, then this episode is definitely for you!
Andy is, as always, so grateful for Julie’s time and really appreciates how much knowledge and wisdom she is able to pack into just a small amount of time. If you enjoy this interview with Julie, be sure to check out PartySlate, and Andy would love it if you were to share it with colleagues and leave a top review wherever you listen. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode, and we will catch you next week 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
[0:38] - Andy announces today’s guest - returning guest Julie Novack of PartySlate!
[2:29] - Where does Julie see digital marketing going in 2024?
[4:23] - Julie highlights Party Slate's role in centralizing event content.
[6:26] - Julie offers her opinion on Threads.
[8:39] - Julie begins to underscore the impact of AI on the wedding and event industry.
[12:54] - Andy acknowledges that AI might be a little overwhelming for some people at first.
[14:22] - Utilizing AI as a productivity tool can lead to generating innovative ideas.
[17:40] - Many software and websites are now integrating AI elements and have been for years.
[19:02] - Julie predicts that Google will be essentially unrecognizable in five years.
[19:57] - Julie highlights a shift toward hybrid and remote work in the events industry.
[22:46] - Julie discusses challenges of dealing with shorter notice bookings since the pandemic.
[24:18] - Julie doesn’t really like the word “vendor” and prefers “event professionals.”
[25:27] - Listeners are advised to conduct quarterly reviews of their digital presence.
[26:43] - Andy touches upon where we can find Julie online.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Julie’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
 
Find Julie:
julie@partyslate.com
PartySlate – Website
Sign up for PartySlate
PartySlate Review
PartySlate - Instagram Page
Julie’s Instagram Page
PartySlate - TikTok Page
PartySlate - Facebook Page

 
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The Music Makers

Today’s guest on the show, Tyler Speier, is the genius behind Tyler Speier Events, a luxury event planning, designing, and floral company based in Santa Barbara, California, and Andy is truly excited to have him on for this episode!
Tyler isn’t just an expert at crafting dream weddings either; he's also a social media maestro, and he and Andy dive into how wedding professionals can make the most of these platforms. From Instagram to TikTok to new platform Threads, Tyler breaks down the power of authenticity and connection, sharing how his journey on social media took unexpected twists and turns – and how it transformed his business.
Listen to learn firsthand how to elevate your online presence, connect authentically with your audience, and transform followers into loyal clients. Andy and Tyler also delve into the captivating journey of how Tyler was a young florist who unexpectedly rose to the top and discovered how social media would be his game-changer. From sharing heartwarming stories to viral moments on TikTok, Tyler spills the secrets of building a strong online community and translating it into a flourishing business.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, this episode will likely be a treat for you, and Andy is so grateful for the time that Tyler took to be on the show. If you enjoy this engaging conversation with Tyler, then Andy would love it if you were to share it with colleagues and leave a top review. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode, and we will catch you next week 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
[0:26] – Today’s guest is Tyler Speier of Tyler Speier Events!
[2:10] – Hear how Tyler's company came to be.
[4:48] – Tyler emphasizes what makes his services distinct.
[6:04] – Tyler comments on how social media can be an incredible marketing tool.
[7:25] – Learn how Tyler's social media journey began with overcoming fear.
[9:53] - Tyler emphasizes the importance of authenticity and expertise.
[11:52] - A common pitfall of social media is the balance of authenticity.
[14:48] – Learn why, although initially skeptical of it, Tyler now loves TikTok.
[16:15] – Discover how a viral TikTok video led to a substantial following.
[19:14] – Tyler offers his feelings on Threads.
[20:24] – Tyler encourages fellow wedding professionals to recognize their expertise and value.
[22:50] – Andy shares with us where we can find Tyler online.
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Videos:
Kushner Entertainment - SoundConnection

Ruthie & Simon - Spin the Dial Films
Victoria & Faben - AK Film Co
Camille & Kevin - BStudios
 
Find Tyler:
Tyler’s Website
Tyler’s Instagram Page
Tyler’s TikTok Page
Tyler’s Pinterest Page
Tyler's Facebook Page
Floral Design Mini Course
Coffee with Tyler Master Class
 
Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:
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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.

Andy hopes that you will join him in this insightful conversation with Nora Sheils of Rock Paper Coin, a pioneer in wedding industry automation! Listen in as Nora talks about all things automation, explaining how it can save events and wedding pros considerable amounts of time and money while boosting efficiency and reducing mistakes. She recommends starting with calendar automation so clients can easily schedule appointments without email tag, recommending a number of platforms including her favorite, cloudHQ.
Nora goes on to discuss how workflow automation platforms can automate multi-step processes using triggers and conditions. She also advises that even though some luxuries may prefer less automation, platforms like Rock Paper Coin allow automating contracts, invoices, and client communications while boosting sales, and she encourages us that while she completely understands being weary of tech, this is very user-friendly and intuitive.
The implications of intuitive automation in business are ultimately enormous - saving up to a third of time spent on manual tasks while boosting professionalism and sales. Again, although it can absolutely be daunting at first, starting small and giving new tech a chance can yield big rewards. Andy himself even hopes to try out some of these suggestions and see how automation can help simplify and scale his own creative event business.
Andy found this conversation to be so helpful and really hopes that you do as well! If you do, then please share this episode with at least three good friends who would benefit from it. Andy would also appreciate it if you would subscribe to the podcast and leave it a top review wherever you listen because that really helps the show out.
 
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
[0:06] - This is a slow time of year, and Andy has done a lot of traveling.
[1:35] - Today’s guest is Nora Sheils of Rock Paper Coin!
[2:55] - Nora explains how automation can help those in the event and wedding industry.
[4:16] – Nora understands reluctance to automate but recommends starting simple.
[6:52] - Nora particularly likes cloudHQ and also recommends 1Password.
[10:11] – Nora argues that transitioning to a password manager app is simple and gradual.
[12:02] - Nora also recommends resources like Honeybook, 17Hats, and Dubsado.
[15:57] - Rock Paper Coin can automate contracts, invoices and client communications.
[18:08] - What are the broader implications of automation in business management?
[19:37] – Learn why Nora recommends automation tools like Zapier and IFTTT.
[22:21] - Many find tech intimidating, but they should take advantage of free trials and demos.
[24:23] – Andy gives out Nora's contact information.
 
LINKS & RESOURCES

cloudHQ - Website
1Password - Website
HoneyBook - Website
17hats - Website
Dubsado - Website
Zapier - Website
IFTTT - Website


Find Nora:
Email: nora@rockpapercoin.com
Rock Paper Coin - Website
Rock Paper Coin - Our Story
Rock Paper Coin - Tips to Improve Workflow and Time Management for the Self Employed
Rock Paper Coin - Automate Your Business Instant Download
Rock Paper Coin - Instagram Page
Rock Paper Coin - Facebook Page
Rock Paper Coin - App (Use code THEWEDDINGBIZ for one free year!)
 
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The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz
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