Behind The Veil

With over 20,000 views on YouTube (and counting) we knew that that we needed to do a part two - and to remember that the origin of TIPS meant to To Insure Proper Service...but is it?

Vendor tipping seems to be a touchy subject!  It's the one thing that many planners and pros shy away from.  This week our panel will discuss all that goes into vendor tipping - Who What When and If?

Our Panel:

Host: Keith Willard, CWP - Owner of Keith Willard Events.  Creator and host of Behind the Veil.  Keith's past events include Mark Cubans 40th Backyard Birthday Party as well as comedian's Michelle Buteau's wedding.  Keith has seen and done it all, and makes the most out of every situation!  Past position includes President of the South Florida Chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering and Events) as well as being honored with Innovator of the Year, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame - The Knot.  

Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, founder/owner/president of An Affair To Remember By Marci, is a highly seasoned wedding and event invitation consultant who curates creative, custom, and couture invitation, favors, and accessories for events. Her passion is to make you look fabulous in setting the tone to make a tremendous first tangible impression your guests will experience. Make it An Affair To Remember!

CeCe Todd - Self-proclaimed queen of pink & a one-woman party in a box, CeCe Todd is an award-winning and renowned floral designer and third-generation entrepreneur. Both entertaining and talented, CeCe’s style and attention to detail have allowed her to become one of America’s leading floral designers and industry leaders. CeCe has been a KnotPro Educator and named to the Biz Bash Top 500. She has been invited to share her expertise on the national stage at such prolific events as Wedding MBA, David Tutera Experience, Fleursociety Summit, and Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Annual Conference. CeCe’s passion for teaching the next generation of floral designers lead her to found CeCe School Online Membership group and she hosts multiple hands-on workshops each year. 

Brooke Logan Stoner - A one woman show that keeps it real.  Brooke comes from a long history of hospitality focused companies.  Several of her past positions include Regional General Manager of several restaurants, Managing Director for a catering company, and lead logistics for Keith Willard Events.  Being focused on those that provide service, she thanks each and every server and kitchen staff, at every single event.

Helene Parsons - Senior Catering Manager at the Addison. Helene has been in the wedding and event planning industry for over 25 years, working in major cities such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and currently in Boca Raton, Florida, where she calls home.  Over the decades, she has witnessed thousands of ceremonies that simply “went through the motions” and lacked the emotion it takes to unite two people in love. A wedding ceremony – regardless of the size or location - is a special moment and she makes it personal.  She is also the owner of Hitched by Helene

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

This week on Behind The Veil: Vendor Tipping!

Vendor tipping seems to be a touchy subject!  It's the one thing that many planners and pros shy away from.  This week our panel will discuss all that goes into vendor tipping - Who What When and If?

Marci Guttenberg will be hosting this week while Keith is in Greece.

Our Panel:

Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, founder/owner/president of An Affair To Remember By Marci, is a highly seasoned wedding and event invitation consultant who curates creative, custom, and couture invitation, favors, and accessories for events. Her passion is to make you look fabulous in setting the tone to make a tremendous first tangible impression your guests will experience. Make it An Affair To Remember!

CeCe Todd - Self-proclaimed queen of pink & a one-woman party in a box, CeCe Todd is an award-winning and renowned floral designer and third-generation entrepreneur. Both entertaining and talented, CeCe’s style and attention to detail have allowed her to become one of America’s leading floral designers and industry leaders. CeCe has been a KnotPro Educator and named to the Biz Bash Top 500. She has been invited to share her expertise on the national stage at such prolific events as Wedding MBA, David Tutera Experience, Fleursociety Summit, and Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Annual Conference. CeCe’s passion for teaching the next generation of floral designers lead her to found CeCe School Online Membership group and she hosts multiple hands-on workshops each year. 

Brooke Logan Stoner - A one woman show that keeps it real.  Brooke comes from a long history of hospitality focused companies.  Several of her past positions include Regional General Manager of several restaurants, Managing Director for a catering company, and lead logistics for Keith Willard Events.  Being focused on those that provide service, she thanks each and every server and kitchen staff, at every single event.

Helene Parsons - Senior Catering Manager at the Addison. Helene has been in the wedding and event planning industry for over 25 years, working in major cities such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and currently in Boca Raton, Florida, where she calls home.  Over the decades, she has witnessed thousands of ceremonies that simply “went through the motions” and lacked the emotion it takes to unite two people in love. A wedding ceremony – regardless of the size or location - is a special moment and she makes it personal.  She is also the owner of Hitched by Helene

To chime in live - make a comment during the show.  If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen...  and you may be invited to appear on the show!!  

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday June 14th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu2E4Hfbxew

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PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players- 

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of the Telly Awards for best online unscripted series two years in a row - 2021 & 2022

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

Everything you wanted to know about Wedding Cakes

It's the one tradition that seems to keep going even against the test of time. But how has it changed?  What does it symbolize now versus 10 or 20 years ago.  And...is it here forever?

Our guest this week is Mikiayla (Miki) Dames with the amazing cake producer Earth and Sugar!

Miki has been a fixture in the South Florida community for many years.  An expert in customer service and "bride talk". Miki has honed her skills to make the most of her current position.  A force to be reckoned with on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok, Miki always ensure that she is on the front row of the latest trend.  Funny, vivacious, and ridiculously smart, Miki has brought her many talents to one of the best cake vendors in South Florida - Earth & Sugar!  It's never as simple as it seems.  The wedding cake is not only a decor pieces, it's a way for couples to present who the really are.

To chime in live - make a comment during the show.  If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen...  and you may be invited to appear on the show!!  

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday May 27th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – https://www.youtube.com/c/BehindTheVeilByKeithWillard/

.

PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players- 

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of the Telly Awards for best online unscripted series two years in a row - 2021 & 2022

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

This week on Behind The Veil - How to Successfully Plan South Asian Events.

It's an area that many planners are not familiar with.   Everything from the customs to the décor can be different.  This week we get tips from a pro!

Ayesha Hakki -

Ayesha Hakki (she/her) is the founder of Events by Ayesha, a event planning company that caters to the luxury market. With 20 years as the founder and publisher of Bibi
bridal magazine, an art director and an event producer, she has put together hundreds of events from social parties, fashion shows, corporate events and of course, beautiful weddings. One of her events was featured on Bravo’s The  Newlyweds, and the Houston Chronicle named her The Wedding Guru in their “Best of the Best” annual roundup. She has been quoted in the New York Times and been featured on ABC’s Nightline. Most recently, the former mayor of New York City sent her a letter of commendation for producing the first ever multicultural bridal show in New York City featuring keynote speaker Preston Bailey and wedding styles from Asian, South Asian, African and Latin cultures. She is viewed as a cultural and style expert and has been featured on the E! Channel, Associated Press, USA Today, The Houston Chronicle and many other media. 

What
sets Ayesha apart as an event planner is her ability to tell stories through her events. She uses her experience as an award-winning art director and journalist to help clients realize their vision and goals by taking their unique story and telling it through every detail of their event. She has won many awards for her work and continues to learn so that she may bring the best for each client. Ayesha has certificates with the Preston Bailey Protege Program: PB Live for Luxury Events and in Contract Law by Harvard University, amongst others. She prides herself on never duplicating the same thing twice because she believes that every story is unique, and considers it her personal responsibility to make each event new and exciting.

When not dreaming about events, Ayesha enjoys traveling and has been to over 45 countries. As an avid cook, instead of souvenirs, she brings back recipes and spices and then hosts themed dinner parties at her home. She enjoys painting and exploring new restaurants, theatre and art shows. Ayesha currently divides her time between New York City and Miami. 

To chime in live - make a comment during the show.  If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen...  and you may be invited to appear on the show!!  

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday May 27th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – https://www.youtube.com/c/BehindTheVeilByKeithWillard/

PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players- 

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of the Telly Awards for best online unscripted series two years in a row - 2021 & 2022

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

This week we are repeating a post show about wedding shaming.  

It may come off as a snide remark but what happens when it cuts a little too deep?  Everything from you shouldn't have invited so and so, you spent to much on flowers, why did you have to do a destination wedding?  These little questions can get under your skin, reduced your overall enjoyment of your day, and could actually be considered abuse!

We welcome back Dr. Tania Paredes to answer these questions and more!  Tania is a clinical social worker in Miami with a private practice in Brickell Avenue in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale specializing in Individual & Relationship counseling, as well as the treatment and management of stress, anxiety and depression, among others.   If you feel like you've been wedding shamed - then you are going to want to watch this show!!

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

With clients like Jennifer Anniston, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Cruise, and Oprah Windfry, Colin is well established as the go to planner for all of their events.  Now he is out with a new book, The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn't Know They Wanted - Colin's newest  book where he shares insight into his success and what you should start doing today!

As an all-encompassing wedding and event planner, Colin is a global citizen in every sense of the term. Having traveled over 13 million miles and visiting nearly 100 countries, he creates excitement and finds inspiration wherever he goes. Empowering people to live their best life is at the top of what motivates him to share his lust for life. Through his website, books and television appearances, as well as by example, he consistently sends that message to the world.

Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, he is an avid supporter of several charities focused on children’s education and health. The party planner of choice for celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest and Kim Kardashian, what sets Colin apart is his experiential approach to design; what you smell, touch, taste, see and hear are carefully orchestrated to create the ultimate experience for Colin’s clients.

The wedding planner to the stars - Colin's clients include celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest and Kim Kardashian.

And now he is out with a new book - The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn't Know They Wanted - where he shares insight into his success and what you should start doing today!

More about Colin:

As an all-encompassing wedding and event planner, Colin is a global citizen in every sense of the term. Having traveled over 13 million miles and visiting nearly 100 countries, he creates excitement and finds inspiration wherever he goes. Empowering people to live their best life is at the top of what motivates him to share his lust for life. Through his website, books and television appearances, as well as by example, he consistently sends that message to the world.

Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, he is an avid supporter of several charities focused on children’s education and health. The party planner of choice for celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest and Kim Kardashian, what sets Colin apart is his experiential approach to design; what you smell, touch, taste, see and hear are carefully orchestrated to create the ultimate experience for Colin’s clients.

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday May 10th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – https://www.youtube.com/c/BehindTheVeilByKeithWillard/

PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players- 

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of 2021 @TellyAwards for best online unscripted series & 2021 @NACE ONE Award for Innovator of The Year

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

In this age to be all things to all people, is this really true?  What do planners bring to the table that other vendors don't?  Are they worth the money and how much does a planner cost?

This weeks guest is Elizabeth Hollman - owner of Everlasting Event Coordination. 

For as long as she can remember, Elizabeth has always been obsessed with planning the perfect party and a hopeless romantic. When she was 14, she was watching a show about wedding planners and it hit her then and there that was the career she wanted.  Elizbeth was barely out of my teens when she was had the opportunity of shadowing one of the best planners around at a beautiful country club. After her first day, she knew this was the path that she was meant for. 

Now the owner of Everlasting Event Coordination - Elizabeth treats every bride as if she were her only bride and holds her as close to her heart as a best friend. After years of working with budgets large and small, every package is customized to meet your needs and ensure your event is one of elegance and class.

To chime in live - make a comment during the show.  If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen...  and you may be invited to appear on the show!!  

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday May 3rd, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – https://www.youtube.com/c/BehindTheVeilByKeithWillard/

.

PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players- 

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of 2021 @TellyAwards for best online unscripted series & 2021

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

In the two and half years doing the show, we have never had a live band on.  This show rectifies that!  The Leafy Greens band is a local favorite and it won't be long before you know their name!

A local band about to go big!  How Covid was the best thing that could have ever happened to them, and life on the road, going from one event to another.

With a name that embodies being green in the sense of always growing, this acoustic rock and soul duo settled into the Americana genre with their music incorporating several styles. When writing songs, they don’t limit themselves to one style, but instead create music to tell their stories that they hope will inspire others. With the dream of energizing the spirit and freeing the audience of all concern through an immersive, passionate musical experience, Ellen Skogman and Billy Kensinger started performing together in January 2019. The audiences felt such a connection with The Leafy Greens Band that the duo played over 150 shows around Florida that first year. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, they continued to play and began recording their first original album, “A Song About…” releasing 11/10/2021! With only 3 years into their music careers, they are on their way to a long standing journey pursuing their passion with each other and sharing it all with the world. 

The Leafy Greens Band are taking that in-person immersive, passionate musical experience and channeling it into recording their first album with the help of producer, Randy Wolan, who has recorded live bluegrass albums which included The Avett Brothers and The SteelDrivers. Ellen and Billy are proud of the songs they have written together, with “A Song About Hope” and “A Song About Redolence” being incorporated into their live shows. After performing at The Sutler Saloon in Nashville in 2020, they met platinum-selling songwriters and saw an opportunity to grow by setting up writing sessions that could influence the flow of the album.

As a duo, they are no strangers to collaboration, which began when they met in Florida six years ago. Ellen, who you can find on vocals, tambo and shaker, grew up in Jupiter, but has Minnesota roots. A classically-trained choral singer, Ellen began her performing career in high school as the President of Jupiter High Choir. Ellen's vocal styling has been described as having the electric rasp of Janis Joplin, the sultry tone of Natalie Merchant, and the feathery gruff of Stevie Nicks.

Billy, on guitar and vocals, hails from Kenai, Alaska where, as a young teen, he cut his teeth playing classic rock and blues with his brothers in their band, Badge. Touring all over the Kenai Peninsula gave Billy a solid foundation in performing arts which led to a deep passion for a variety of musical stylings. Billy's biggest influences are Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray, Joe Cocker, Johnny Winter, Rory Gallagher, Paul Rodgers, B.B. King, Albert King, Paul Byrd and The Escalators, Robert Pepper and Gary Superman.

This collaboration also extends to the venues they play. They not only work to connect with the audiences by playing what the fans want to hear, but they consider themselves employees of the venue because it’s their jobs to make sure people are being entertained during their shows. And that's exactly what they do every single time.

To chime in live - make a comment during the show.  If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen...  and you may be invited to appear on the show!!  

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday April 26th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – 

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

This week we welcome Brittny Drye who just finished attending NY Bridal Fashion Week - which is the worlds largest bridal fashion show where all of the biggest names in bridal wear showcase the newest lines.

Want to be in the know?  Check out this episode to hear all about the Fashion, Trends, and Drama!

Brittny Drye

is the founder and editor - in - chief of Love Inc., the leading equality - minded wedding blog and print publication, and host of Inclusively Yours, an LGBTQ - inclusive podcast highlighting wedding planning tips and love stories. Her inclusive efforts and thought leadership within the wedding industry have been celebrated by the New York Times, Forbes, The Advocate, OUT Magazine, Refinery29, NY Daily News, The Washington Post, and more. She was recently nominated for NACE Speaker of the Year. She currently serves as the VP of Marketing for The National Gay Wedding Association

To chime in live - make a comment during the show.  If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen...  and you may be invited to appear on the show!!  

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday April 19th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf2TB-6ui0Q

.

PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players- 

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of 2021 @TellyAwards for best online unscripted series & 2021 @NACE ONE Award for Innovator of The Year.

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

Behind The Veil: From Winning a Deal on Shark Tank to Today - the Story of Honeyfund...and what you should be doing to prepare for your honeymoon.

Sara drew from her background in digital marketing to launch Honeyfund in 2006. Now as CEO of the popular honeymoon registry service, Sara is ushering the company into its next phase as a life-long funding site where couples can receive the support of friends and family for all of life’s milestones and mishaps.

Sara's winning appearance on Shark Tank in 2014 and partnership with Kevin O’Leary (‘Mr. Wonderful’) propelled her into regional, national and international media. She’s sought as an expert on a variety of topics including weddings and honeymoons, crowdfunding, personal finance, entrepreneurship

We are excited to have Sara on the show - to not only hear all about her experience from Shark Tank, but what happened next, and what she thinks is the most important thing for couples, and vendors, to start doing today!

To chime in live - make a comment during the show. If you are watching via You Tube, we can pull your comment right up on screen... and you may be invited to appear on the show!!

Join Behind the Veil Show with host Keith Willard, CWP, and co-hosts Marci Guttenberg, CPCE, CWP, and Brooke Logan Stoner for our LIVE SHOW - Tuesday April 12th, 2:00pm, 2022, EDT – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I6PteL20YI

.

PODCAST SHOW - Available after 5:00 PM EDT in iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or any major podcast players-

Ask Alexa - "Play the latest podcast episode of Behind The Veil"

BEHIND THE VEIL Show: Winner of 2021 @TellyAwards for best online unscripted series & 2021 @NACE ONE Award for Innovator of The Year.

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
 www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
 www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci