Welcome to episode 75! This will be the *last* episode as "Event: Crushed," but don't worry -- we're not going anywhere! Things are evolving and I am excited to be back in a couple of weeks with a brand new vision for the podcast. I hope you'll stick around!

In this episode, Becky chats with copywriter Laura Paetkau of Copy by Laura about the power of connection-driven copy and how wedding pros can use their words to build trust, attract dream clients, and convert inquiries into bookings.

Laura shares her journey from government communications to becoming a full-time copywriter for creative entrepreneurs, and the lessons she’s learned about writing website copy that not only sounds good — but strategically sells. Together, Becky and Laura dive into the psychology behind what makes website copy convert, how to show your personality without losing professionalism, and why today’s buyers are craving authenticity over “pain point” marketing.

If you’ve ever looked at your website and thought, “This doesn’t sound like me,” this episode is a must-listen.

Special Offer: Get $200 off Laura’s Core Website Copy package (three custom-written pages of your choice) when you mention Becky and Event: Crushed! Offer valid for 30 days after this episode airs (until 11/29/25). 

In this inspiring episode, Becky sits down with Kerrie Hileman, founder of The White Magnolia Bridal Collection and Magnolia Laine, to explore her journey from CPA to bridal boutique founder to multi-location business owner and franchisor. Kerrie shares how she turned her love for bridal fashion into a thriving brand with 15 locations across the U.S., leading an all-female team and creating unforgettable experiences for brides.

Together, Becky and Kerrie discuss:

How Kerrie transitioned from an accounting career to entrepreneurship

The intentional growth behind expanding to multiple locations

How franchising works (and what it really takes to do it well)

Why creating a personalized experience is the foundation of a successful bridal or wedding business

What it’s like to lead and empower women in business

The importance of strong company culture and consistent client experience

Kerrie’s best advice for new or growing wedding professionals

Whether you’re a planner, photographer, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll leave this episode with valuable insights on scaling sustainably, maintaining your brand integrity, and leading with purpose.

You don’t have to be everything to everyone—focus on your niche and ideal client.

A consistent client experience starts with clear systems, training, and shared values.

Franchising isn’t as intimidating as it seems—but it requires strong operations and alignment.

Building an uplifting company culture eliminates drama and encourages growth.

Your skin will get thicker over time—growth and resilience come with experience.

Instagram:

Websites:

If video still feels intimidating, time-consuming, or like something you “should” be doing but can’t keep up with, this episode will change your mind.

Montana-based photographer, videographer, and educator Shayna Lloyd of Montana Diaries joins Becky to unpack the real purpose of video marketing — connection, not perfection. Shayna shares how she went from travel vlogs to running a thriving photo + video business and how video became the most powerful tool for growing trust and visibility in her brand.

You’ll hear how she uses “function-first” content to bring in aligned clients, why your video strategy should start with your buyers’ needs — not trends, and why filming should feel natural, not forced. Shayna breaks down the difference between behind-the-scenes content and face-to-camera video, how to use each at different stages of the client journey, and tips for using video you probably already have on your camera roll.

Key Takeaways

Resources & Links

Connect with Becky

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Wedding season takes a toll on all of us — emotionally, physically, and mentally — and as wedding pros, we often put everyone else first while pushing through our own challenges. In this episode, I’m sharing openly about the weight we carry during the season, from difficult clients to personal struggles we work through quietly, and even the physical exhaustion of long wedding days.

I’ll also share practical and restorative ways to recharge, reset, and re-energize before diving into all those projects you’ve been saving for the off-season. Think staycations, massages, creative hobbies, rest, and reconnecting with community. This is your reminder that you’re human first, wedding pro second, and you deserve to fill your cup back up.

Whether you’re wrapping up your last wedding of the year or still in the thick of it, this episode will encourage you to pause, rest, and prepare to thrive in the season ahead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The unique emotional toll of being a wedding pro (and why our work can feel heavier than other industries).

Personal stories from my own career, including tough seasons and missed family moments.

The physical demands of long wedding days and the importance of recovery.

Practical ways to re-energize after wedding season: rest, self-care, staycations, hobbies, and movement.

Why community is a powerful form of self-care, and how to connect with peers who truly “get it.”

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

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In today’s episode of Event: Crushed, Becky is joined by Taylor Fail, CEO and lead planner of Lace & Bow Bridal, a destination wedding planning and design company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Taylor’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often comes from bold decisions—like leaving behind a veterinary career during COVID to pursue wedding planning full-time. Since then, she’s built a thriving team of planners and support staff, expanding her business while maintaining her high-touch, intentional approach to weddings.

Together, Becky and Taylor dive into:

Taylor’s journey from marine biology and veterinary medicine into wedding planning

What it looked like to go from a solo business owner to leading an 8-person team

Why hiring for initiative and personality often beats hiring for experience

How to maintain high standards and consistent client experiences while scaling

The importance of SOPs, communication, and leadership in business growth

Strategies for building a recession-resilient wedding business

The myth of “losing control” when building a team—and how to see expansion as a brand strength

The importance of hiring slow and firing fast when growing your team

Taylor also shares what’s next for her and Lace & Bow Bridal, including a new rebrand and the exciting launch of her own podcast focused on education and inspiration for wedding pros.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a team while keeping your business sustainable and your reputation strong—even in uncertain times—this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Taylor on Instagram: @laceandbowbridal

Visit Lace & Bow Bridal: laceandbowbridal.com

Follow Becky on Instagram: @eventcrush.ed

Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you’re subscribed!

Gen Z is changing the wedding industry in big ways — from how they search for vendors to how they prefer to communicate. In this episode of the Event: Crushed Podcast, Becky sits down with Amanda Writesman of the Bridal Theory, marketing strategist, educator, and small business coach with over 14 years of experience in the wedding and creative industries.

Amanda shares her insights on how wedding pros can adjust their marketing and sales strategies to connect authentically with Gen Z couples. From texting etiquette to social media trends, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you stay relevant and confident when working with the next generation of couples.

If you’ve been wondering how to attract and book Gen Z clients without feeling like you’re chasing trends, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Gen Z approaches wedding planning differently than past generations

How to adapt your communication style (including when and how to text)

Marketing shifts wedding pros need to make right now

What authenticity really looks like when speaking to Gen Z couples

Practical steps to update your sales process for today’s couples

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

ClickSend – a text messaging platform for communicating with clients professionally

Google Voice – a tool for managing calls and texts without using your personal phone number

AmandaWritesman.com – learn more about Amanda’s programs and resources

Follow Amanda on Instagram: @thebridaltheory

Connect with Becky: @eventcrush.ed

In this episode of Event: Crushed, I’m joined by the talented Samantha Leenheer — creative director and principal planner of House of Joy, founder of Kinetic Experiences, and educator under House of Samantha.

We dive deep into two powerful themes that tie beautifully together:

Storytelling in wedding design – how uncovering your clients’ stories, values, and quirks can spark your creativity and lead to designs that feel authentic and deeply personal.

The power of listening – how asking better questions, staying curious, and practicing active listening can transform fleeting interactions into lasting partnerships with clients and fellow vendors.

Samantha shares her approach to weaving personal stories into design, setting creative boundaries, and building vendor relationships rooted in collaboration and trust. We also talk about why vulnerability is essential for genuine connection in our industry.

Whether you’re a new planner or a seasoned pro, this conversation will challenge you to go deeper in your process and relationships, helping you build more meaningful connections and more impactful events.

Where to find Samantha:

Planning & Design: House of Joy

Personal Brand & Education: House of Samantha

Networking & Events: Kinetic Experiences

Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a conversation!

We talk a lot about red flags in the wedding industry… but what about the green flags?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the vendor green flags that make me so excited to work with someone again and again. These are the qualities I noticed when I looked at my own preferred vendors list — the traits that every single one of them has in common.

If you want to know what makes planners (and other vendors) eager to refer you, this episode is for you.

Side note: the audio isn’t quite as polished this time (the wrong mic picked up my audio, woops!) — but the message is too good not to share. Thanks for sticking with me!

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Your website images do so much more than “look pretty.” They set the tone for your brand, communicate the kind of experience you provide, and can even make or break whether a potential couple decides to reach out.

In this episode of Event: Crushed, I’m joined by website strategist and designer Emily Jane Lee of By Emily Jane. With her background as both a photographer and web designer, Emily brings a unique perspective on how wedding pros can make their websites visually cohesive and effective.

We’re talking about:

Why your images are just as important as your copy when it comes to booking clients

How to choose which photos to showcase (and which to leave out)

Tips for creating consistency across your website when you work with many different photographers

What to do if you don’t have high-quality images yet 

How often you should refresh your site photos for the best results

Common mistakes wedding pros make with their website visuals—and how to fix them

Grab your free ticket here: www.eventcrush.com/summit

Resources from Emily:

Website: byemilyjane.com

Instagram: @byemilyjane

Book a Design Day for Done-For-You Image Curation: byemilyjane.com/designday

The Image Curation Lab: Get it here

Free Image Optimization Guide: Download here

Special Offer: Mention the Event: Crushed podcast when booking Emily’s VIP Day Image Curation service and receive 15% off through the end of 2025!

Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you’re subscribed!

Hearing “we’ve decided to go in a different direction” from a potential client never feels great — especially when you were excited about working together. In this short and encouraging solo episode, I’m sharing how to navigate those moments without losing confidence, and how to turn a ‘no’ into a tool for growth in your wedding business.

I’m opening up about a recent experience, the ways I’m working with my business coach to strengthen my sales process, and the important perspective shift that comes with realizing you don’t actually want every single lead to book you.

You’ll also learn why “no” isn’t always personal, practical ways to refine your process, and how to keep relationships positive even when you don’t book the client — because you never know where that connection might lead down the road.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why a ‘no’ isn’t always about you (and what it might really mean)

The surprising reason you don’t want every single client to book you

How to evaluate your sales process and messaging

Why following up with kindness can lead to future opportunities

How to turn rejection into motivation and business improvements

Resources & Links:

Sign up for the FREE Book More Weddings Summit (Aug 18–22): Unveiled: A Night Out for Wedding Pros (Oct 16 in Eugene, OR) — 20% off through Aug 16

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