What does the future of weddings look like, and how can today’s pros prepare for it?

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Nora Culley Tuck, Owner and Creative Director of Engaged with Nora, to forecast where the wedding industry is headed. From the decline of “Pinterest weddings” to the rise of experiential design and Gen Z’s bold approach to tradition, Nora shares how shifts in culture, tech, and client priorities are reshaping the way we plan and celebrate.

Together, they unpack what today’s couples really want, why smaller guest counts can mean bigger impact, and how pros can adapt their systems, communication, and offerings to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market. Nora also opens up about building her company in 2020, the lessons she’s learned about innovation, and why “don’t get comfortable” is her mantra for future-proofing any business.

Highlights:

• Why “Pinterest weddings” are fading, and what TikTok and short-form video mean for future trends
• How guest counts are shrinking, and why intimate weddings benefit couples and pros
• What true personalization looks like (and why it goes far deeper than choosing a color palette)
• How Gen Z couples are rewriting traditions and embracing risk-taking in their events
• The role of technology - from AI and 3D renderings to wedding websites and automation
• Why continual innovation is the key to surviving (and thriving) in the wedding industry

Whether you’re a planner, DJ, florist, or any creative vendor, this episode offers an inside look at the trends, client behaviors, and industry shifts shaping the future of weddings, and what you can do now to prepare.

Connect with Nora:

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What does it take to build a thriving business in a niche corner of the wedding industry? And what lessons can every wedding pro (no matter their service) take from it?

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Brittany Branson, a destination live wedding painter and creative coach, to unpack the marketing strategies that helped her turn a little-known service into a sustainable business. From selling herself before the art to leveraging unique personal assets, Brittany shares how niche vendors can stand out, grow, and stay relevant as competition intensifies.

They delve into what the wedding industry often misunderstands about niche services, why novelty alone won’t sustain a business, and how strategy and storytelling create lasting impact. Brittany also opens up about facing the challenges of comparison in a social media-driven world, making values part of your brand, and showing clients the person behind the service.

Highlights:

• Why niche vendors have an initial advantage, and what happens when the novelty fades
• The most important marketing lesson Brittany has learned in 10 years of live painting
• How to lean into your personal assets and values to build trust and connection
• What the industry gets wrong about niche vendors, and what Brittany wishes more people understood
• Why “selling yourself first” applies to every wedding professional, no matter the service
• How transparency, storytelling, and education can set you apart in a crowded market

Whether you’re a planner, DJ, florist, or niche creative, this episode is packed with practical insights on building a brand that lasts and standing out for more than just what you sell.

Connect with Brittany:

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Connect with Kevin:

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What happens when your passion project grows into multiple businesses? For many wedding pros, diversification is no longer optional; it’s the future.

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Raman Bains—CEO of R&R Event Rentals and Creative Director of Brownstone Gardens—to talk about integrating two wedding businesses into one seamless brand. From daydreaming about opening a venue to managing the realities of décor rentals, Raman shares what it’s really like to expand beyond your core business.

They explore why more professionals are diversifying in today’s evolving industry, the surprises that come with stepping into a new sector, and the strategies that make balancing two businesses possible without burning out. Raman also opens up about building a cohesive brand identity, making both companies work together without confusing clients, and how smart marketing and education can create a seamless experience for couples.

Highlights:

• Why more wedding pros are expanding their services and ventures
• The unexpected realities and lessons of running both a décor company and a venue
• How to balance staffing, inventory, and operations across multiple businesses
• Ways to build a brand identity that’s cohesive, but not confusing
• Marketing and education strategies that position your offerings clearly for clients
• Why being vendor-friendly pays off in buzz, referrals, and loyalty

Whether you’re considering adding a new service, opening a venue, or simply curious about what it takes to scale, this conversation will help you see diversification as both a challenge and an opportunity.

Connect with Raman:

Website ~ R&R Event Rentals

Website ~ Brownstone Gardens

Instagram ~ R&R Event Rentals

Instagram ~ Brownstone Gardens

Connect with Kevin:

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What’s actually working right now to book more weddings? Let’s find out.

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with wedding business coach, marketing strategist, and best-selling author Heidi Thompson to pull back the curtain on her signature event: the Book More Weddings Summit.

If leads have slowed down, inquiries are ghosting you, and bookings feel harder to close, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. The wedding industry is shifting, and what used to work just isn’t cutting it anymore. That’s why Heidi has gathered over 45 experts across five learning tracks to share proven, right-now strategies for standing out, attracting ideal clients, and creating a steady stream of bookings—without working 60+ hours a week.

From AI tools to referral strategies, high-paying clients to systems that save you time, the Book More Weddings Summit is designed to help wedding pros in every category—planners, photographers, DJs, florists, venues, and more—take clear, actionable steps to get results now. And the best part? It’s completely free to attend.

Highlights:

• Why the booking slowdown is happening and how to adapt to it
• The five learning tracks covering everything from lead generation to systems
• How to stand out without slashing your prices or burning out
• Why “doing all the things” isn’t the answer, and focusing on the right strategies is
• The power of learning from 46+ industry experts with diverse perspectives
• How the Summit format lets you learn at your pace and on your schedule
• Why this year’s event is the most robust and action-packed yet

Whether you’ve been in the industry two years or twenty, this online conference will give you a preview of what’s possible when you stop guessing, start applying what’s working now, and learn from the best in the business.

🎟️ The Book More Weddings Summit runs August 18–22 and is completely free to attend.

Grab your ticket here and get ready to book more of the clients you love!

Connect with Heidi: 

Free Ticket 

Website 

Instagram 

Connect with Kevin: 

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What does climate change have to do with your wedding business? More than you think.

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Jamie Chang, destination wedding planner and founder of Mango Muse Events, to talk about what it means to future-proof your business in the face of a changing climate. From orange skies to overheated team members, Jamie shares her firsthand experiences with extreme weather and why it’s time for wedding professionals to rethink how we plan, protect, and show up for our clients, our teams, and the planet.

Together, they explore the business case for sustainability, the health realities of working in extreme heat, and the simple swaps that can reduce your impact while improving your client experience.

Highlights:

• What climate change really looks like in weddings today
• Why adapting to extreme weather starts with internal business audits
• Small shifts that reduce your carbon footprint and boost efficiency
• How to care for your team’s health and safety onsite
• The surprising link between sustainability and long-term resilience
• What younger generations expect and why vendors can’t ignore it
• Ways to start making climate-conscious choices
• How to stand out by aligning your business values with your operations
• Why “pretty and sustainable” is the new gold standard

Whether you’re a planner, florist, rental company, or DJ, this conversation will challenge you to think beyond the timeline—and embrace change as a tool for growth, impact, and a better future for everyone in the industry.

Connect with Jamie:

Website

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Connect with Kevin:

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We told you we'd be back! In the second live episode of Mind Your Wedding Business from NACE Experience 2025, Kevin is back on the mic for Day Two in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (aka MKE), with honorary co-host, Michelle Stansfield, chatting with even more industry leaders, chapter trailblazers, and conference MVPs.

From teleprompter drama to bold ideas for the future of NACE, this episode dives deep into the conversations, laughs, and lightbulb moments happening on the conference floor.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee, a seasoned NACE pro, or just curious about what really goes on behind the scenes, this part-two episode delivers connection, inspiration, and plenty of conference buzz.

Highlights:

• The friendly rivalries fueling chapter growth
• How students are shaping the next generation of event pros
• Fundraising wins, scholarships, and the Foundation’s big goals
• The magic of chapter shirts, cowbells, and showing up as a team
• Why sustainable swaps aren’t as simple as they seem—but matter more than ever
• From prosciutto debates to New Orleans excitement: planning for 2026

Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at NACE Experience!

Connect with our Guests:

Michelle Stansfield, CPCE, 2025 NACE President, with Terramar

Anne Harper, CPCE, Deputy Executive Director at NACE

Lawrence Leonard, Executive Director at NACE

Jill Vidal-Raines, CPCE, 2025 NACE President Elect, with Elegant Beginnings Inc. 

Kelly Dalisa, CPCE, 2025 NACE At-Large Director, with Cort 

Sir J Starks, with Your Turn Entertainment

Virginia Santa Ines, CPCE, CWIP, CWC, 2025 NACE Foundation Co-Director of Fundraising, with San Jose Marriott

Judy Philip, with Beyond 

Christie Osborne, with Mountainside Media

Mallory Mullen, with Good Shuffle Pro 

Connect with Kevin:

Wedding IQ

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We often think luxury has to come with a high price tag, but what if it’s really about how you make people feel?

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Kawania Wooten, owner of Howerton + Wooten Events and founder of The Enlightened Creative, to unpack what it truly means to democratize luxury in the wedding industry. From handwritten notes to CRM-powered magic, Kawania shares how thoughtfulness, hospitality, and intentionality can elevate every client experience—no matter their budget.

Together, they explore the difference between hospitality and customer service, how to empower your clients (instead of overwhelming them), and the surprising ways technology can help you show up with more heart, not less.

Highlights:

• What “democratizing luxury” actually means and why it matters
• The difference between hospitality and customer service (and how to spot it)
• Why luxury is a mindset, not a dollar amount
• How to make every client feel like a VIP, no matter the service tier
• Small touchpoints that leave a big impression (including your voicemail!)
• Using CRMs, DoorDash, and Instacart to create concierge-level care
• Why vendors are your clients too, and how to treat them that way
• The power of being present long after the wedding ends
• Practical ways to elevate proposals, emails, and client interactions
• How empowering your team to bring the magic can strengthen your brand

Whether you're working full-service or “month-of,” this episode will challenge the way you define luxury, and inspire you to build a business rooted in care, connection, and consistency.

Connect with Kawania:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Connect with Kevin:

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In the very first live episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin brings the podcast to NACE Experience 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—or as the cool kids call it, MKE. He’s joined by a powerhouse lineup of NACE leaders, past presidents, chapter founders, and an Icon Award winner for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt look behind the scenes of this year’s conference.

From wild conference memories and industry predictions to the importance of building connections, this episode is packed with honest conversations and real insight from the people shaping the future of the events industry.

Whether you’re a NACE newbie, a conference vet, or someone wondering what the big deal is about joining an association, this episode is the ultimate crash course on community, leadership, and the get sh*t done spirit that keeps this industry thriving.

Highlights:

• The rise of the Central Coast chapter and its GSD vibes
• A heartfelt tribute to mentorship, leadership, and legacy in the NACE community
• Why joining an association takes patience, presence, and a few business cards
• Wine industry facts you didn’t know you needed (and yes, espresso martinis are breakfast drinks now)
• A peek at the Foundation’s 40th anniversary goals, scholarships, and fundraising success
• Starting a chapter, building community, and why the first “yes” is the hardest

So grab a glass of wine (or root beer, we don’t judge) and settle in for a jam-packed episode filled with laughs, legacy, and the magic of Milwaukee.

And stay tuned for part two...coming very soon!

Connect with our Guests:

Michelle Stansfield, CPCE, 2025 NACE President, with Terramar

Holly Holiday with Tar Creek Ranch

Terry Shields, CPCE, CSEP, 2025 NACE Foundation Trustee, NACE Hall of Fame Inductee, with Terry Shields Event Design

Dana Blaugrund, CPCE, CWC, 2025 NACE Foundation Immediate Past President with Urban Family Concepts

Monique Studak, CSW, CSS, NACE ICON Award Winner, with Thirst For Knowledge

Dana Kadwell, CPCE, 2025 NACE Secretary/Treasurer, with Anthem House, Hustle & Gather, and Gathered Here Podcast

Connect with Kevin:

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We all want to show off the best version of our work, but clients are craving more than just the perfect final photo. They want to see the process, the people, and the real moments that bring a wedding to life.

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Sheena Kalso, a 20+ year wedding industry veteran and the founder of Behind Your Scenes, to talk about the power of behind-the-scenes content for wedding professionals. From documenting the messy middle to capturing the magic in motion, Sheena shares why showing your work, in real time and in real ways, builds trust and connection like nothing else.

Together, they explore how BTS content can elevate your marketing, make your brand more relatable, and become one of the most valuable sales tools in your business.

Highlights:

• Why behind-the-scenes content builds more trust than a polished portfolio
• How to start capturing BTS content without feeling awkward
• The difference between social media content and legacy media
• Why “pulling back the curtain” helps clients fall in love with your process
• What to do when you're too busy to film yourself
• How to navigate working alongside photographers and videographers
• Why problem-solving moments are pure gold for content and connection
• The real reason face-forward content always performs better
• How to build your “content muscle” through low-pressure InstaStory practice

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode will help you rethink how you show up online and give you the tools to turn everyday work into engaging, trust-building content.

Connect with Sheena:

Behind Your Scences

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Connect with Kevin:

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We all want a team that shows up, cares, and sticks around. But culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s something you build every day.

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Anthony Lambatos, the heart-forward leader behind Footers Catering and MIBE (Make It Better Every Day), to explore the power of heart leadership in the wedding and event industry. From reducing burnout to creating a culture that fuels exceptional client experiences, Anthony shares real-world insights on what it takes to lead with intention and why it starts from the inside out.

Together, they unpack how traditional management styles fall short, why emotional intelligence is the missing ingredient, and how small daily actions add up to a workplace people love.

Highlights:

• What “heart leadership” actually means, and what it isn’t
• Why yelling works in the short term, but fails in the long run
• How to reduce burnout without cutting hours
• The three keys to creating a culture that people stay for
• What solo business owners can do to lead with heart
• Why treating your vendors like humans changes everything
• The truth about flashy perks vs. real company culture
• How to build a team that wants to go above and beyond
• Why the mission statement can’t just live on your wall

Whether you’re building a team or collaborating with one, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about leadership, loyalty, and the culture you’re creating, every single day.

Connect with Anthony:

Website ~ Footers Catering

Website ~ MIBE

Instagram ~ Footers Catering

Instagram ~ MIBE

LinkedIn

Connect with Kevin:

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