In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Gabrielle Hurwitz, a talented New York City based bridal fashion stylist. Gabrielle shared her journey from leaving the corporate world of magazines to starting her own successful business in the luxury wedding industry.

Gabrielle's passion for weddings and fashion was evident from a young age, as she shared her love for bridal magazines and wedding rom-coms. After interning at Martha Stewart Weddings and working at Cosmopolitan and Style Me Pretty, Gabrielle decided to take the leap and launch her own bridal styling business in 2018.

Throughout the episode, Gabrielle discusses her approach to bridal styling, emphasizing the importance of curating a personalized wedding wardrobe reflective of each couple's individual style. She highlighted the role of a bridal stylist as a creative director and planner for all things fashion related to a wedding, from the wedding dress, to the bridesmaids dresses and even guest attire.

We went Behind the Frame together of a pivotal image from a shoot Gabrielle did with photographer KT Merry for Flutter magazine, which represented her brand aesthetic inspired by Sophia Coppola and Marie Antoinette, which you can view here.

Gabrielle's journey and expertise in the bridal styling industry provides valuable insights for aspiring wedding professionals and showcases the importance of creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail in the luxury wedding market.

Follow along with Gabrielle's work here.

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In this episode of Behind the Frame, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly talented photographer and educator, Caroline Tran. Caroline shared her journey from being a physics teacher to becoming a successful wedding and portrait photographer.

Caroline's story is one of resilience and adaptability. She started her photography career by photographing her hand made couture outfits for dolls, which eventually led her to the world of weddings. As she delved deeper into the wedding industry, Caroline realized the importance of balancing work and personal life, especially as a mother. This realization prompted her to pivot towards building a booming portraiture business while still maintaining her presence in the wedding industry.

One of the key takeaways from Caroline's journey is her strategic approach to business growth. She shared valuable insights on how she transitioned from primarily focusing on weddings to expanding into portraiture and building her empire by utilizing systems. By setting clear goals, investing in a studio space, and offering clients options, Caroline was able to triple her income while working less and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Caroline's story serves as a reminder that as creatives and entrepreneurs, it's essential to value our time and expertise. By setting boundaries, pricing services accordingly, and staying true to our vision, we can achieve success and fulfillment in our careers. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Caroline's inspiring journey and her valuable insights on building a thriving photography business.

Check out her Behind the Frame here.
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Check out Caroline's Educational Offerings here.
Caroline's Website.

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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Peyton Anne Frank, a destination wedding filmmaker based in Austin, Texas. Peyton is known for her romantic and cinematic style of cinematography and has been recognized as one of the top videographers in the world by Harper's Bazaar.

During our conversation, Peyton shared her journey into the wedding industry, starting from her college job at a wedding planning company to discovering her passion for videography during a photography class. She discussed how she skyrocketed her business to success by saying yes to every opportunity, learning from each experience, and building a strong team to support her.

We delved into the importance of collaboration between photographers and videographers at weddings, highlighting the need for clear communication, mutual respect, and adaptability to different styles. Peyton shared insights into her approach to working with various photographers and how she navigates different creative visions to ensure a seamless and successful collaboration.

In the "Behind the Frame" segment, Peyton shared a stunning still from a multi-day wedding in Greece, capturing a custom-dyed gown in a vibrant lavender color. She described the behind-the-scenes process of capturing this unique fashion moment and the challenges and rewards of working in destination weddings. View Peyton's video here.

Lastly, Peyton reflected on the less glamorous aspects of her job, including the constant travel, gear management, and the grind of the wedding boom in 2022. Despite the challenges, Peyton's passion for storytelling and capturing special moments shines through in her work.

This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of wedding cinematography, highlighting the dedication, creativity, and collaboration required to create stunning visual narratives for the top tier of the wedding industry.

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https://www.instagram.com/peytonfrank/

http://www.peytonannefrank.com/

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In this episode of Behind the Frame, I had the pleasure of chatting with the uber talented photographer and educator, Sacia Matthews. Sacia shared her journey from being an English teacher to becoming a successful destination wedding photographer and creative business consultant.

During our conversation, Sacia discussed the process of transitioning into the luxury wedding market and the importance of establishing a unique voice. She shared her personal experiences and insights on how she navigated the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the significance of intentionality and building a strong team to support your creative vision. Sacia emphasized the importance of self-reflection, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with the right people and experiences to elevate your brand to the next level.

We also explored the concept of teaching and mentorship in the photography industry. Sacia shared her passion for education and empowering others to reach their full potential. She highlighted the joy of witnessing those "light bulb" moments in her students and the fulfillment that comes from guiding others on their creative journey.

In addition, Sacia took us behind the scenes of a stunning image she captured in New York City and talks us through what went into the creation of it in her mind.

This episode was another deep dive into the world of luxury wedding photography, creative entrepreneurship, and the transformative impact of mentorship and education in the industry. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes stories and insights that shaped Sacia’s career.

Sacia's Behind the Frame
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I am thrilled to share with you the latest episode of the Behind the Frame podcast featuring part two of my insightful conversation with the amazing Sarah Love. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of luxury weddings, branding, and the behind-the-scenes of the wedding industry.

We discuss what it takes to make it in the luxury wedding industry and how to catch the eye of an editor. We discuss the importance of storytelling through details, the significance of color stories, and the impact of personal experiences on our professional journeys. Sarah shares valuable insights from her time in the editorial world and how it shaped her approach to branding.

We also touch on the challenges of imposter syndrome, dealing with competition, and finding your voice in a crowded industry. It's a candid and honest conversation that will resonate deeply with anyone whose felt those challenges.

If you're looking for inspiration, tips on standing out in a competitive market, and a dose of encouragement to stay true to yourself, this episode is a must-listen!

Tune in to the podcast to hear Sarah's journey from leaving a corporate job to starting her own business, the lessons learned along the way, and the growth that comes from facing challenges head-on.

Sarah's wedding on Over The Moon.
Sarah's wedding invite flat lay.

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In this episode of the 'Behind the Frame' podcast, I welcome branding and marketing guru, Sarah Love . Sarah shares her journey from working at InStyle Magazine and with 'America's Next Top Model' photographer Nigel Barker, to leading a digital creative agency specializing in branding, digital marketing, and content strategy for the creative entrepreneurs.

The conversation dives into the importance of branding for wedding professionals, how to use styled shoots properly to fill in portfolio gaps, and the evolution of a business's branding needs. Sarah and Rebecca also discuss their personal and professional relationship, providing insights into how industry relationships can evolve and be a vital piece of the puzzle to success in the wedding industry. 

The episode offers valuable advice on developing a cohesive brand strategy to attract ideal clients and establish your brand as an authority in the wedding industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reevaluate your branding strategy, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you take your business to the next level.

Tune in to hear our candid conversation about the power of branding and how it can impact your success in the industry. You won't want to miss this episode!

You can follow Sarah at https://sarahkaylove.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkaylove/

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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I welcome a very special guest, Hannah Bergland, a talented photographer and entrepreneur. We chat about Hannah's journey from averaging $3,000 to over $10,000 per wedding in just two years, offering valuable insights for listeners looking to break into the luxury wedding industry.

We discuss the importance of work-life balance and self-care, highlighting the challenges and rewards of running a successful photography business. Hannah opens up about her struggles and pivotal moments, including a breakdown moment that led to a significant shift in her approach to her work.

The conversation touches on key steps that Hannah implemented to elevate her business, such as investing in branding, curating her portfolio, and building strong relationships with planners and working with a mentor. They emphasize the significance of consistency, authenticity, and building genuine connections in the industry.

Throughout the episode, Hannah provides practical tips and strategies for aspiring photographers looking to grow their businesses. We chat about the importance of finding a supportive community, setting boundaries, and focusing on long-term sustainability in a competitive market.

View Hannah's BTF
Check out Hannah's portfolio
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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the talented Lea Stafford, the visionary founder of Stafford Creative & Co. Lea shared her inspiring journey from her background working in interior design and studying political science to becoming a renowned event planner in the luxury wedding industry.

Lea's passion for fine dining led her to the world of catering and hospitality, where she honed her skills in event production and design. Her unique fusion of creativity and a purpose driven mission propelled her to establish an award-winning brand that fosters a profound sense of belonging and community in every endeavor.

During our conversation, Lea shared insights into her transition into the wedding industry, emphasizing the importance of connecting with clients on a personal level and infusing intention and passion into every project. She highlighted the significance of sustainability in the industry, advocating for responsible practices and mindful planning.

We chatted about Lea's exciting new venture, S E V E N - E I G H T, Inc.®, a lifestyle POV that aims to redefine luxury from a fresh perspective. With pillars focusing on events, travel, e-commerce, and in-home entertaining, S E V E N - E I G H T, Inc.® promises to offer a unique and inclusive experience for all.

Join us as we explore Lea's journey, her commitment to excellence, diversity, and environmental responsibility, and her vision for the future of luxury living. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by Lea's passion and dedication to creating meaningful experiences in the world of events and beyond.


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Check out the Stafford Creative Co here.
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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the talented artist, designer, and planner, Barbi Walters of Lynden Lane Co. Barbi shared her journey into luxury weddings and events, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of their transformative designs.

Barbi walks us through the intricacies of working with ultra high net worth clients, exploring the unique challenges and rewards that come with creating unforgettable experiences for those with discerning tastes and high expectations. We also chat about Barbi's pivot during the pandemic that led her into starting a new branch of Lynden Lane, expanding into interior design with her partner Jenna.

Barbi takes us behind the scenes of what went into building Italy in Malibu for a very special client, showcasing the magic and meticulous planning that goes into crafting such immersive experiences. Read more about how Lynden Lane Co created Italy in Malibu here (images by KT Merry).

Throughout our conversation, Barbi's insights and experiences shed light on the dedication and attention to detail required to excel in the luxury wedding industry. Join us as we uncover the artistry and craftsmanship behind creating truly exceptional events that leave a lasting impression.


And follow along with them on Instagram here.

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In this episode of the Behind the Frame podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming the esteemed photographer John Dolan as my special guest. Together, we delved into the world of luxury wedding photography, exploring the intricate balance between being an artist and creating commissioned work for clients. John shared his journey of weaving a career in photography over the past 30 years, offering valuable insights into his unique approach to capturing weddings.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss the importance of establishing a distinct artistic voice in wedding photography and the challenges of creating commissioned art. John's perspective on the genre sheds light on the nuanced process of capturing authentic moments while navigating the demands of the industry.

One of the standout moments we discussed was John's iconic photograph of Naomi Biden at the White House on her wedding day. We go behind the frame of what went into capturing a poignant and emotional moment before her walk down the aisle, which you can view here. John's emphasis on authenticity and genuine emotion resonates deeply, emphasizing the power of storytelling through photography.

Our discussion was a blend of stories from the field, professional insights, and practical advice, offering listeners a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind one of the most talented and iconic wedding photographers working today. Join us as we uncover the magic behind the lens of John Dolan.

View more of John Dolan's Work Here.

Follow John on Instagram here to keep up with his work and for more news on the release of the next edition of his incredible book, The Perfect Imperfect. 

View the Richard Avedon Image of Marilyn Monroe we discussed here.

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