Bosses & Bourbon | Wedding & Event Podcast

In today's mini-episode, I am talking style shoots. Jen Creed (of Jen & Chris Creed Photography) and I touched on this some during our boss chat and I wanted to share the 7 key things I look to when planning and coordinating style shoots for my clients - be them wedding style shoots, brand style shoots or event photos. Setting a goal for your shoot, being mindful of contributing vendor needs and creating a plan are all part of my formula for effective photo shoots that are beneficial for all involved. 

Have a marketing or business question for me? Send me your questions at [email protected]. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast as well as leave a review to let me know if you like the show and what else you want to hear. 

Get full show notes HERE.

Jason Middleton, owner-operator of Premier | The Entertainment Company loves music and full dance floors. It’s in his blood after all, having followed in the footsteps of his dad, the Music Man. Honing his craft as a Dj and master of ceremonies, Jason’s company has grown into a respected entertainment company that now serves it’s Middle Tennessee clients with DJ’s, Photobooths & Green Screens, Lighting, Dance floors and even dance instructors - but most of all with an unparalleled committed to creating a Premier experience for his clients.

For today’s episode, we talked through his tested system reading a room and managing the energy of a party (again, full dance floors are his jam!), his process to fostering new talent and building a team, and how needing a website (in 2012, say what?!) turned a good friendship into a business partnership - all of which contributes to his business’ continued growth and success.

See Complete Show Notes here.

In today's mini-episode, I am sharing my tactics for getting clients to leave you a review or testimonial after the event as well as what to do when you get a bad review. Listen to the episode for my additional strategies and actionable tips for wedding and event businesses regarding client reviews.

And don't forget - what did you think? Review the podcast and subscribe to Bosses & Bourbon. Have a question or suggestions for improvement? Email Krista at [email protected].

See complete show notes.

On today’s episode, I met up with Jim Hagy of Chef’s Market for tea and bourbon treats (caterers are the best hosts!). A longtime resident of Middle Tennessee, Jim and I chatted about his family roots in the hospitality business and his long path to entrepreneurship which included stints with then-new concept called Cracker Barrel (for the record there are 645 stores around the USA today) as well as O’Charley’s and Pargo’s where he honed his skill as a restauranteur. Jim also shares how a research trip to California’s wine country where a hidden cafe called Jim’s Town would inspire him and his wife to open Chef’s Market. Catering would soon grow out of the cafe as clients demand as their fresh, chef-inspired cuisine at their weddings & events.

After this trip down memory lane, we talked about the evolution of catering over the years, the influence of Millenials on events and where Jim looks for inspiration after decades in the hospitality business. And finally, why the parties and weddings we plan do does make a difference, even if we aren’t curing cancer.

See complete show notes here.

For today’s episode, I sat down with Amanda Stone - the “A” of A&M Events. We talked about her entrepreneurial parents (making her a natural business owner), how she found her footing and passion for the event industry and the benefits of a business partnership. And then we dug into the stuff - sexism, ageism, generational challenges in business and knowing the work you do matters (even when it involves pretty things). While we didn’t chat over drinks, it was an enlightening and timely conversation nonetheless.

See complete show notes here.

In today's mini-episode, I am sharing my thoughts about wedding blog, Style Me Pretty's decision to close up shop, what this says about the state of the wedding industry and how wedding pros need to respond (hint: focus on what you own and not what you rent in business). Listen to the episode for my actionable advice for wedding and event businesses alike that want to build a company that will sustain and adjust to evitable market changes.

Have a marketing or business question for me? Send me your questions at [email protected]. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast as well as leave a review to let me know how you like the show and what else you want to hear. 

Get full show notes HERE

For today’s episode, I visited with the lovely and talented Jen Creed of Jen & Chris Creed Photography. While still a teenager, Jen started shooting and over time her side hustle hobby became a grown-up business, one she now runs in partnership with her husband, Chris.

Chris was our pre-conversation bartender so we first had to talk about delish drinks (recipes are noted in the show notes so be sure to check it out at the link below). After reminiscing about poorly chosen college majors, we discussed the challenges and benefits of having a business with your spouse, how Jen finds inspiration that keeps her connected to her why and some cool ways past couples has personalized their wedding days. We also chatted about style shoots, current photography trends and creating an intentional business.

See complete show notes here.

Introducing Q&A with Krista! In today's mini-episode, I answer one of the most common questions I get asked - 'How do reach more wedding and event clients?' (a.k.a 'How do I book more business?')

While I do share my current favorite marketing tools to reach engaged couples and people planning an event, I also share the core questions you need to be asking yourself before you get too committed to any marketing tool or platform. 

Have a marketing or business question for me? Send me your questions at [email protected]. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast as well as leave a review to let me know if you like the show and what else you want to hear. 

Get full show notes HERE.

For today’s episode, I sat down Robyn Bass at her Nashville office to talk shop over coffee (too early for bourbon!). Robyn is the CEO and owner of destination event management company, Maple Ridge Events. Robyn’s path into the event industry began after a short live dream to be a country music singer. When a career as a country music superstar wasn’t in the cards, Robyn began working for local restaurants and event companies, cultivating the knowledge and passion that serves her now. It was a natural disaster that became the catalyst for her transition to business ownership. We talk through how a not so great job connected her to the key players of her current success, how failures are where you learn the best (and hardest) lessons and how building a team around the company culture she envisioned has helped her take her company to the next level. Plus some notes on luck and her extensive home bourbon collection. Pretty sure our next conversation will be at her place!

Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn and learn more about Maple Ridge Events by visiting their website.

See complete show notes here.

For my very first episode, I had long-time Nashville industry pro, Adam Loeffler of Details Nashville, over to my office for a chat and a bit of bourbon. His multi-media company specializes in Wedding & Corporate Photography & Videography as well as Photo & Video Booths. We talked about Adam’s start in the industry, how he sets and measures goals for his company and the things he considers when making important business decisions. That and why he uses personality tests and sometimes day drinking to maximize the efforts of his team.

Connect with Details Nashville at their website and as he mentioned, Adam can be reached at [email protected]. While we didn’t have time to touch on this, I recommend checking out his food truck Califarmia, too.

Get full show notes HERE.