The Business of Luxury Weddings

In this episode, we welcome Jose Villa, arguably the most influential wedding photographers of our time. With over 20 years in the industry, Jose’s journey has been about more than just taking photos—it’s been about building a legacy. From his early days charging $400 for weddings to now capturing million-dollar events around the globe, Jose opens up about the power of client relationships, mastering the art of film in a digital age, and the discipline it takes to succeed in an industry fueled by creativity and pressure. Hear how he navigates the expectations of high-profile clients, the role of humility and discipline in his career, and why he believes in lifting others within the industry. This conversation is a must-listen for photographers and creatives looking to make their mark with integrity and passion.

In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Connely, owner and creative director of Downey Street Events, a premier wedding planning firm. Kelsey shares her fascinating journey from corporate HR to the world of luxury weddings and how she successfully took over an established event planning business. She dives into the importance of vendor relationships and how these partnerships are the backbone of her firm’s success. Kelsey also discusses the creative vision she brings to each event, shaping a unique brand aesthetic that attracts high-end clients. Wedding professionals will find her insights on leadership, team dynamics, and maintaining long-term sustainability invaluable. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, or videographer, Kelsey’s story offers a wealth of inspiration on how to excel in the luxury wedding industry.

In this episode of the Business of Luxury Weddings, we sit down with Melissa Sullivan, founder of Studio Sully, a renowned event design and production firm based in Los Angeles and New York. Melissa shares her unique journey from assistant planner to headlining her own firm—right as the pandemic hit. Tune in to hear how Melissa navigated the challenges of launching a business during unprecedented times, built invaluable vendor relationships, and found her creative voice. For wedding pros looking to make their mark, Melissa’s insights on authenticity, design inspiration from fashion, and the importance of a strong support system are gold. Get ready to be inspired by Melissa’s story and learn how she turned obstacles into opportunities.

In this captivating episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings, we’re honored to be joined by the renowned Colin Cowie, an iconic figure in the world of luxury events. With nearly 40 years of experience, Colin shares his fascinating journey from his humble beginnings with just $400 and a dream to becoming the go-to planner for Hollywood's elite. He opens up about the evolving landscape of the event industry, offering invaluable insights into navigating its cyclical nature while keeping elegance and style at the forefront.

Colin also dives deep into the power of creating a rich company culture, proactive customer service, and the importance of personalization in elevating client experiences. From tales of designing stunning events to sharing the wisdom of failure as a stepping stone to success, Colin’s stories will inspire both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. Whether you're in the wedding industry or just passionate about luxury, this episode is brimming with actionable advice and timeless principles.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Fournier, one half of the power duo behind a flourishing luxury wedding photography brand. Coming from a medical background, Joshua and Leidy share how they transitioned from physician assistant studies to photographing weddings full-time—all while balancing the demands of medicine and life as new parents. They discuss their early success, booking 19 weddings in their first year, and their consistent growth, even during the challenges of COVID. Josh opens up about the lessons learned from both the medical field and running a business, including the discipline and empathy that have shaped their approach to wedding photography. Discover how they've mastered the art of client connection, the importance of taking calculated risks, and the mindset shifts needed to break into the luxury market. If you're curious about the crossover between high-stakes careers and high-end photography, this episode offers a fascinating look into how one couple built an elite brand from the ground up.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, James and Otto chat with Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events. Rosemary's journey started in the film industry as a line producer, where she worked with A-list directors. Now, she brings that same level of attention to detail and collaboration to luxury weddings.

Rosemary shares what it takes to succeed in high-end event planning—confidence, experience, and a solid team that’s willing to go the extra mile. She talks about how timelines are key, and how finding the right people who value the process is crucial.

Rosemary also opens up about the importance of kindness and treating your team with respect, from small gestures like snacks on the job to making sure everyone feels valued. For anyone looking to break into the luxury market, she emphasizes patience, preparation, and waiting for the right moment.

It’s a heartfelt, real conversation packed with insights for anyone aiming for excellence in the industry.

In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, hosts James and Otto sit down with Sneh Diwan of Diwan by Design. Sneh opens up about her journey from studying design and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology to becoming a "timekeeper" in wedding planning, where her love for watches perfectly complements her passion for crafting unforgettable events.

Sneh shares the profound emotional impact of weddings, those rare moments where all the important people in your life come together in one place. She reflects on how high-end weddings create meaningful connections, blending stunning locations with genuine relationships.

Sneh also talks about the critical role of communication and collaboration, likening wedding planning to a team sport where success depends on everyone working together. She recounts a past experience where miscommunication taught her the importance of clear expectations with vendors.

Tune in to hear Sneh’s insights and learn how industry leaders are redefining luxury weddings.

On today’s episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Britt and Francie from 42 North, a weddings and event planning business. While much of their clientele is in New England, they also plan destination weddings for clients in New York, Chicago, and LA. Britt and Francie share what a wedding planner does, comparing wedding planning to putting on a Broadway production with no rehearsals. They discuss building their venues and creating beautiful yet functional environments, such as mitigating dust with a water truck for a desert wedding. With a crew of up to 200 people and a multi-million-dollar budget, the stakes are high, and they must make big decisions and manage real emotions from clients who have spent over a year planning their special day.

They discuss the skill set needed for making big decisions, recounting a recent wedding on tribal land in New Mexico. After 16 months of planning, a monsoon forced Britt to make a quick decision to change the reception location. They emphasize that just making a decision is better than not making one and highlight the importance of commitment and respect in their role as planners.

Britt and Francie have been in business for 10 years, with evolving roles. Britt manages clients and vendors, while Francie runs Mavinhouse. They started working together without knowing each other and developed a business partnership based on trust and complementary skills. Francie had years of experience, while Britt brought a fresh perspective and an all-in mentality.

Britt and Francie share their excitement for new ideas and the fulfillment of building a business together. Their motivation is not just about weddings but the joy of running a business and staying true to their values. They also stress genuine connections with vendors and coworkers, describing their team as a family that supports each other.

In the service industry, stepping up to serve with gratitude is essential. They trust their partners and value the months of preparation leading to the wedding day. After each wedding, they review what worked well and what can be improved, bringing in team members with complementary skills.

Before wrapping up, Britt and Francie share how they started a blog called “Caramel O’Clock,” where they write to each other once a week, reminiscing about their experiences. The blog, named after their office caramel breaks, reflects their fun and quirky dynamic.

 Timestamps:

0:30 - Introduction of guests, Britt and Francie from 42 North. 1:54 - What does a wedding planner do? 6:58 - What is the skill set for making those big decisions in the moment? 11:57 - How do you both work together? 17:09 - In the very beginning, what did you all see in each other? 25:35 - When one of you has an epiphany, does the other go with it or is there back and forth? 35:38 - How does it impact your job when you’re in a more tense vs a more inclusive environment? 45:58 - What are you doing to celebrate each other after 10 years? 49:03 - Thanks to Britt and Francie for joining us today                               

Links:  Learn more about 42 North, Mavinhouse, and Caramel O’Clock.

On today’s episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Alison and Bryan from Alison Bryan Destinations. The couple has an impressive portfolio, which includes work around the globe, including Morrocco, Spain, and Greece, Italy and Mexico, just to name a few. Many people use “experience” as a buzzword, but with Alison and Bryan, it is a fundamental part of their ethos.

Kicking things off, Alison and Bryan share their business, which started 16 years ago in Seattle, moved through Michigan and California before going global. Alison explains that their passion for hospitality naturally evolved into a love for event planning, which wasn’t initially planned. The company typically works with around 50-60 guests, allowing them to manage every detail of the guest experience. Their events are more than just weddings; they are like extended vacations, often lasting four days to a week. 

Alison and Bryan emphasize the importance of finding the right fit with their clients and ensuring goals and values are aligned before agreeing to work with someone. The core of Alison and Bryan’s business is a client-centered approach. They aim to provide personalized service that makes every guest feel taken care of, regardless of their background. They believe true luxury means catering to everyone’s needs and ensuring all guests feel at home. Their clients, often philanthropists, appreciate the way their events focus on the guests’ experience. 

Our guests explain that mastering the craft goes beyond these fundamentals to understanding the language of luxury and, more importantly, focusing on how people feel. The true goal is to create an atmosphere that elicits a deep emotional response, which is more significant than the visual appeal alone. For affluent clients, where financial means are not an issue, the challenge is to offer something beyond material extravagance. The real value lies in authenticity and genuine connections. Another important aspect of event planning is building trust with clients, allowing them to relinquish control and fully enjoy their event.

Alison and Bryan acknowledge the intense workload that comes with their commitment to excellence. The demanding nature of their projects requires long hours and dedication, often involving early mornings and extended days. This level of commitment underscores the importance of each project being special and meaningful. They also highlight the importance of having a cohesive team and happy, well-trained staff, especially for destination events. They stress the need for venues to provide exceptional service that reflects the character of the region.

Before wrapping up Alison and Bryan explain that their business model always prioritizes quality over quantity. They turn down many potential clients to maintain their high standards and personal touch. This selective approach ensures they can provide exceptional service and stay true to their ethos. Don’t miss their advice for aspiring luxury event planners: success comes from choosing the right jobs that align with your business and recognizing one’s own talent. They also acknowledge past misconceptions about high-end clients and emphasize how many of their clients, including billionaires, are incredible people. 

Timestamps: 

0:30 – Introduction of guests, Alison and Bryan. 

1:21 – Allison and Bryan give an overview of their business, Alison and Bryan Destinations. 

4:46 – The importance of finding the right clients. 

9:29 – Connecting hospitality and philanthropy. 

13:52 – Understanding client needs and experiences 

26:03 – Being selective and embracing unique opportunities. 

27:19 – The commitment to excellence. 

34:27 – The importance of happy and well trained staff. 

40:24 – Quality over quantity. 

42:52 – Advice for other luxury event planners. 

53:29 – Thanks to Alison and Bryan for joining us today. 

Guest Bio

Established in 2008, Alison Bryan Destinations is an event planning, design and travel firm producing five and six-star weddings and elevated guest experiences globally. Their specialty: joyous, hospitality-centric multi-day celebrations that feel like a vacation; immersing guests in the most unique and remarkable of settings. 

Learn more about Alison and Bryan Destinations on their website or say hi over on their Instagram.

As photographers and business owners, continuous growth is the name of the game. What gets in the way of this growth are the blindspots we all have. If we’re not booking the weddings we want or showing up the way we want to, curiosity and radical self-honesty are the only way to initiate the change we need.

It’s really hard to assess ourselves, and often that process is brought on by a huge life event. Nothing makes us self-reflect more than a moment of transition in our lives, like the end of a relationship.

For Erik Clausen, the last 18 months have been a season of reflection, growth and transformation and his business has benefitted. How did photography go from hobby, to artform and then to a business? How does the process of self-reflection benefit us as business owners? How do you shine a light on your blindspots?

In this episode, Erik shares the story behind his personal growth and why it’s made him better at what he does.

Want a clear and comprehensive roadmap on how to succeed in the luxury wedding market? Check out the Business of Luxury Weddings course. You’ll learn the entire business model and thought process - so you can sign consistent 5-figure contracts, build a powerful network of the right people, and travel to iconic destinations. Learn more and join the waitlist at SageJourney.co.

Guest Bio

The original ‘Mom with a camera’, Erik shot his first wedding in 2007 and has been traveling the world shooting them since. An artist and a storyteller he lives a creative life, seeking to see everything in a new way as often as possible, using light as his muse and relationships the gateway. For more information, go to www.erikclausen.com and follow @erikclausen on Instagram and find him on Facebook.