Behind the Frame with Rebecca Yale

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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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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On this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented and innovative wedding content creator, Lauren Laudeser of Plan With Laur. As the number one wedding content creator on social media, Lauren has revolutionized the wedding industry by introducing a new category of vendors. Throughout our conversation, Lauren shares insights into her journey, from her background in social media and marketing to her foray into wedding content creation during the pandemic.

We talked about the evolution of wedding imagery and media, discussing how Lauren's unique approach has garnered millions of views and recognition in prestigious publications like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Knot, and Brides. Lauren's ability to educate her audience on the intricacies of the wedding industry in a natural and energetic manner has set her apart as a trailblazer in the field.

As we explored Lauren's business model and the services she offers, she highlighted the importance of understanding cameras, lenses, and visual priorities on a wedding day. She emphasized the significance of collaboration with photographers and videographers to ensure a seamless workflow and cohesive storytelling approach. We walked about the need for standard practices in collaboration and some much needed education for newbie content creators who are ruffling the feathers of many photographers and videographers. If you’re a photographer, videographer, planner, or content creator, this episode is a MUST LISTEN!

Throughout the episode, Lauren reflected on her experiences and shared valuable insights for aspiring wedding content creators. From navigating challenges with photographers to learning from past mistakes, Lauren's journey serves as a testament to the dedication and passion required to succeed in the competitive wedding industry.

Lauren serves as artist in residence at Vow for Girls, an organization we're both very passionate about and brought us together! Check out Vow's work here.

This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of wedding content creation! Join us as we uncover the artistry and innovation behind creating captivating wedding content with Lauren Laudeser of Plan With Laur.

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On this episode of Behind the Frame, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible wedding planner and designer, Jove Meyer. Jove shared his journey from working at a balloon and flower store in high school to becoming a world renowned wedding planner and designer in New York City.

Jove's story is one of transformation and self-discovery. He talked about how he left behind his conservative upbringing to embrace authenticity and celebrate diversity in his work. Jove's weddings and events have been featured in top publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The Today Show and more.

We talked about Jove's creative process and how he pushes boundaries in wedding design. He shared anecdotes about designing unique installations, like hanging greenery from the ceiling and creating an all-white wedding in Spain. Jove's passion for creating one-of-a-kind experiences for his clients shines through in every project he undertakes.

Despite his success, Jove opened up about his moments of anxiety and nervousness when presenting his designs to clients. He emphasized the importance of staying true to his artistic vision and always striving to create something new and exciting.

Throughout the episode, Jove's dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for his clients is evident. His journey from self-doubt to creative confidence serves as an inspiration to all aspiring artists and designers. Join us as we explore the world of wedding design through the eyes of the visionary Jove Meyer!

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Check out Jove's Podcast Weddings-ish
Check out Jove and Kyle's Proposal
Check out Jove's Counter Proposal on Vogue

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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the multi-talented Magi Fisher of The Artist's Lawyer. Magi shared her fascinating journey from photographing professional surfers to becoming a luxury wedding photographer and receiving a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law and starting the Artists Lawyer along the way.

Magi's story is a unique blend of artistry and legal expertise, showcasing her ability to navigate both worlds with finesse. She shared how her passion for photography led her to document the lives of surfers and engage in philanthropic work, which eventually evolved into a thriving photography business.

One of the key highlights of our conversation was Magi's transition from shooting weddings for lower prices to focusing on luxury events with higher price points, going from dreaming of charging $1500 to charging well over $20,000. She discussed the importance of building a strong brand, setting minimum pricing standards, and the gradual evolution towards shooting luxury weddings.

Magi also delved into the dynamics of managing a team of photographers and the joy she finds in supporting and empowering other women in the industry. She emphasized the significance of providing high-paying jobs with flexible schedules and creating a supportive work environment.

Throughout the episode, Magi shared insights on the intersection of artistry and business, the importance of having strong contracts, and the value of building trust with clients and planners. Her journey serves as an inspiration for creative entrepreneurs looking to carve their path in the industry and find success through dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

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Check out Magi's portfolio.
Check out the Artist's Lawyer Contracts.

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On this week's solo episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I dove into the much requested topic of creating a unique artistic voice and shifting your mindset to truly see yourself as an artist. I share insights and tips on how to develop your voice and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

I discuss the mindset shift required to see yourself as an artist and the importance of understanding what you want your art to look and feel like. I stress the need to express your inner voice, emotions, and perspective through your work rather than copying others.

Throughout the episode, I emphasize the significance of intentionality in every artistic choice you make, from composition and perspective to color, tones, mood, posing, lighting, and narrative. By understanding and mastering these building blocks, you can create images that resonate with your clients and reflect your unique artistic voice.

I share insights on the concept of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, and how understanding visual language can help you create images that convey meaning and emotion.

If you enjoyed the episode please tune in to my free masterclass on August 13th, where I will dive deeper into my 10-step blueprint to shooting luxury weddings and share more insights on developing your artistic voice.

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For those looking for personalized feedback and a comprehensive art and business education, I encouraged them to explore my Weddings 201 program, designed to help artists hone their craft and stand out in the industry.

Check out Weddings 201.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Behind the Frame podcast. I hope you find inspiration and valuable insights on connecting with your inner artist and creating work that speaks to your unique voice. Remember, practice makes perfect, and your artistic journey is a continuous evolution towards mastery. Feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts, and stay tuned for more episodes filled with creativity and inspiration.

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On this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with wedding planner and business coach, Courtney Wolf of Invision Events and E3. Courtney shares her journey into the world of weddings, her experience expanding her business beyond wedding planning, and her insights on finding work-life balance as a mother and business owner.

We dive into Courtney's decision to raise her minimum pricing from 30K to 50K, the impact of the pandemic on her business, and her approach to taking a six-month maternity leave while still maintaining her business. We also discuss the importance of internal validation and the journey of self-discovery in the creative industry.

Courtney provides extraordinary insight into how she coaches her creative entrepreneur clients to overcome obstacles and reach their goals. If you're curious to learn more about Courtney's inspiring story and valuable insights, be sure to tune in to this episode!

Freebie mentioned in episode: Wedding Investment Levels Guide By Tier (a $198 value) 

E3: www.educateempowerencourage.com

E3 Learning Library: www.educateempowerencouragelibrary.com

Follow Courtney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educateempowerencourage/

Book Mentioned in Episode: How luxury lost its luster

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