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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Erin from Bustle Events, a talented wedding planner and designer with over 16 years of experience in creating unique and personalized weddings. Erin shared her journey into the wedding industry, which began when she planned her own wedding. After a stint in corporate event planning, she took the leap to start her own wedding planning business, driven by her passion for connecting with couples and crafting memorable experiences.

We discussed the evolution of wedding budgets over the years, noting how what was once considered a "big budget" wedding has changed dramatically. Erin emphasized the importance of educating clients about the costs associated with producing a wedding, especially in the luxury market, where expectations can often exceed budgets.

Erin also shared her creative process, which begins with understanding her clients' stories and preferences, allowing her to design weddings that truly reflect their personalities. We touched on the challenges of originality in the wedding industry, with Erin advocating for personalization over imitation.

As we explored her transition into destination weddings, Erin highlighted the unique experiences these events offer, fostering deeper connections among guests. She also provided insights into how she curates vendor teams, emphasizing the importance of chemistry between clients and photographers.

Overall, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the wedding industry with their eye on breaking into luxury, showcasing the artistry and dedication that goes into creating unforgettable celebrations.

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Happy Holidays!

No new episode this week as we celebrate the holidays and the new year. I'll be back with a brand new episode on January 7th! 

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On this episode of Behind the frame, I had the pleasure of chatting with the dynamic duo, James and Otto from James and Schulze, renowned luxury wedding photographers and educators. During our conversation, James and Otto shared their journey of coming together as business partners after years of individual success in the photography industry. They discussed the challenges they faced in transitioning to the ultra luxury market and the importance of collaboration in their business.

James and Otto touched on the balance between creativity and business acumen in their work, highlighting the fulfillment they find in both aspects of their careers. They shared insights on the importance of personal connections, family, and finding purpose in their work.

We also chat about their venture into education with their course, "The Business of Luxury Weddings." They emphasized the significance of having a strong business foundation in order to succeed in the luxury market. You can check out their course here.

This episode is a deep dive into the world of luxury wedding photography, the challenges and rewards of running a successful business, and the importance of continuous learning and growth in the industry. It was a truly inspiring conversation that shed light on the behind-the-scenes of their successful journey.

View more of James and Schulze work here
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Happy Thanksgiving!

In honor of the holiday week we're replaying an old episode from the start of the season you might have missed all about goal setting!

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On today's episode Rebecca discusses the importance of goal setting and why it's a vital first step for any successful entrepreneur. Plus she does the first behind the frame and takes you inside the creation of one of her favorite photographs:

https://bit.ly/49tvaY3

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In this episode of Behind the Frame, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jaime Kostechko, the talented wedding planner and designer behind Wild Heart Events. With a background in sociology from UCSB and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Jamie has been creating unforgettable celebrations since 2008. Her unique approach to design incorporates color, pattern, and texture, resulting in trendsetting details that have garnered attention from major publications like People Magazine and Vogue.

We discussed Jaime's journey into the wedding industry, which began after a personal turning point when she decided to pivot from managing restaurants to becoming a business owner. Inspired by her mother, an interior designer, Jaime sought to blend her design influence with her hospitality background. She shared how the wedding industry has evolved over the years, particularly in terms of design aesthetics and the shift towards experiential events.

Jaime also opened up about her approach to client relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration. She highlighted the significance of creating immersive designs while ensuring that each wedding reflects the couple's unique style. We touched on the challenges of destination weddings, including the need for strong vendor relationships and the complexities of working in different cultures.

Throughout our conversation, Jaime shared valuable insights on mentorship, the importance of setting up a business correctly, and the evolving definition of luxury in the wedding industry. She also discussed her plans for future mentorship opportunities, including group retreats for creatives in the wedding industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the wedding planning business, as Jaime's passion for design and commitment to creating memorable experiences shine through. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation!

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In this episode of Behind the Frame, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jamie Kostechko, the talented wedding planner and designer behind Wild Heart Events. With a background in sociology from UCSB and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Jamie has been creating unforgettable celebrations since 2008. Her unique approach to design incorporates color, pattern, and texture, resulting in trendsetting details that have garnered attention from major publications like People Magazine and Vogue.

We discussed Jamie's journey into the wedding industry, which began after a personal turning point when she decided to pivot from managing restaurants to becoming a business owner. Inspired by her mother, an interior designer, Jamie sought to blend her design influence with her hospitality background. She shared how the wedding industry has evolved over the years, particularly in terms of design aesthetics and the shift towards experiential events.

Jamie also opened up about her approach to client relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration. She highlighted the significance of creating immersive designs while ensuring that each wedding reflects the couple's unique style. We touched on the challenges of destination weddings, including the need for strong vendor relationships and the complexities of working in different cultures.

Throughout our conversation, Jamie shared valuable insights on mentorship, the importance of setting up a business correctly, and the evolving definition of luxury in the wedding industry. She also discussed her plans for future mentorship opportunities, including group retreats for creatives in the wedding industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the wedding planning business, as Jamie's passion for design and commitment to creating memorable experiences shine through. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation!

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Check out Wild Heart Events Website

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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I welcome the incredibly talented photographer, Eric McVeigh, as my guest. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Erich shares his journey from stumbling into photography during college to becoming a world-renowned wedding photographer. He credits his success to a combination of luck, hard work, and the support of his wife, Amy, who plays a crucial role in his business.

Rebecca and Eric delve into the evolution of Eric's photography style, discussing his intentional shift towards a more intentional and purposeful approach. They touch on the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision while adapting to changing trends in the industry. Eric emphasizes the significance of being intentional in every aspect of photography, from composition to editing, to create a cohesive and unique body of work.

The conversation also explores the role of collaboration and seeking help from others in enhancing creativity and productivity. Eric shares how having a supportive team, including his agent Lisa, has allowed him to focus on his craft and stay creatively refreshed. They discuss the balance between staying informed about industry trends and maintaining a sense of individuality in one's work.

Furthermore, the episode highlights the importance of being intentional in all aspects of photography, from capturing moments to curating a website. Eric's bold decision to simplify his website design, despite differing opinions, reflects his commitment to showcasing his work in a way that aligns with his artistic vision.

Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into the journey of a successful wedding photographer, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, collaboration, and staying true to one's unique style in a constantly evolving industry.

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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I welcome the talented wedding photographer, Valorie Darling, as her special guest. Valorie's decade-long experience and accolades have positioned her as a leader in the industry, with her work featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, Elle, and The New York Times.

The conversation delves into Valorie's journey into wedding photography, starting with her co-founding a nonprofit and transitioning into photography to document their work. Valorie shares how she started by learning through trial and error, and the pivotal moment when she was thrust into wedding photography by a friend's wedding. The discussion highlights the importance of connection, authenticity, and continuous learning in Valorie's approach to her craft.

Valorie and I discuss the significance of building relationships in the industry and the importance of finding community. Valorie reflects on the evolution of her business, from initially shooting for free to establishing herself as a top photographer in the luxury wedding market. She shares insights on the importance of strategic partnerships, self-publishing, and staying true to her artistic voice.

The conversation shifts to Valorie's personal experience as a bride, where she gained a newfound perspective on the emotional rollercoaster of wedding planning. Tune in to be inspired by Valorie's journey, her dedication to authenticity and connection, and her unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of each wedding with passion and creativity.

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In this episode of Behind the Frame, I had the pleasure of welcoming Laura from Grit and Grace, a wedding planner and designer whose work I have admired for years. Laura is known for her vibrant, unique style and her ability to push the boundaries of wedding design. We chatted about her journey into the wedding world, starting from her early love for fashion and design, through her experiences working in hospitality and catering, which laid the groundwork for her successful career.

Laura shared her insights on the evolution of wedding design over the past 15 years, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal expression in her work. She discussed how she approaches each wedding as a unique collection, much like a fashion designer, and how her distinctive style attracts her ideal clients who trust her vision.

We also explored the vibrant creative community in Washington, D.C., where Laura operates, and how events like fam trips and networking gatherings foster collaboration among vendors. Laura provided valuable advice for up-and-coming planners and designers on how to stand out and build genuine relationships in the industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over traditional marketing tactics.

Throughout our conversation, Laura's passion for her craft shone through, and her candidness about the challenges of the industry, including dealing with imposter syndrome and the realities of running a business, made for an inspiring and relatable discussion. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed chatting with Laura!

Check out Grit and Grace's work here.
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