The Confetti Hour Podcast

Andrew Leavitt is an event safety specialist with a focus on event meteorology. Andrew founded “Ironic” named in honor of Alanis Morissette in 2020 as the first global concierge event meteorology service, focusing on weddings, social, and corporate events.

His journey in the event industry spans over 20 years, beginning with private event planning and gradually expanding into specialized roles in meteorology, crowd management, and risk mitigation. Since launching Ironic, he has had the pleasure of working with some of the largest names in wedding planning, including Bryan Rafanelli Events, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, The Lynden Lane Co., Marcy Blum Events, and many more.

Andrew's core mission is to assist event professionals in adeptly navigating forecasted weather conditions, with a keen focus on ensuring guest safety and reducing legal risks during severe weather. His dedication to his field, combined with a personal passion for event production, shapes his approachable and knowledgeable persona in the world of event meteorology.

You will hear all about Andrew’s journey and he will be giving insight into ‘The Role of a Concierge Meteorologist in Wedding Planning’ and the emerging trend of hiring meteorologists for weddings and their impact. We will finish up with ‘What He Wishes Other Vendors Knew’ and his ‘Confetti Hour Confession.’

Featured Guest: Andrew Leavitt of Ironic Reports Website: ironicreports.com Instagram: @Ironicreports

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Confetti Hour Squad: You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros, digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. 

Rebecca Yale is an internationally acclaimed destination wedding photographer and educator based in California. She was named one of the top wedding photographers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar and BRIDES and has been featured in 100+ publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and People Magazine. Rebecca is dedicated to empowering fellow creative entrepreneurs to find success by making intentional decisions for their art and business.

You will hear all about Rebecca’s journey and she will be sharing tips on fighting imposter syndrome and battling the need for external validation with the goal of finding happiness and gratification in your business. We will finish up with ‘What She Wishes Other Vendors Knew’ and her ‘Confetti Hour Confession.’

Featured Guest: Rebecca Yale of Rebecca Yale Photography

Website: www.rebeccayale.com & https://rebeccayalephotography.com/educational-courses

Instagram: @rebeccayale

Headshot Photography: Anya Kernes

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Confetti Hour Squad: You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros, digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. 

Tanya Pushkine born and raised in Brussels, Belgium to an American born musical conductor and German/Belgian painter. Upon moving to the USA, she was soon accepted to The Juilliard School’s Drama Division.  Immediately upon graduation, she was selected to play Mozart’s wife in Amadeus on Broadway, followed by roles on television, stage and film in both Europe and the US.

After a successful 10-year career, and the birth of two children, Tanya changed paths entirely and joined the corporate world with leading roles at LVMH, Sephora, L’Oréal, Barnes & Noble, Clarins and Nestle Skin Health. From being a Cultural Director to running Public Relations and Corporate Philanthropy departments for luxury brands, Tanya was fortunate to work with Beyoncé Lady Gaga, Naomi Watts, Eva Mendez, John Legend, and many more. As a global communications and brand strategist, she conceived, directed and produced major initiatives, events and philanthropic programs. 

Never letting go of her acting chops, she kept actively using the skills to coach leaders on public speaking and presentations…. until the wedding universe became her calling.

Tanya had been helping friends and family with their vows and toasts for years. Her own second wedding prompted her to become a professional wedding "vow whisperer." She made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and make her way essentially creating a new category in the wedding business.

Tanya’s business, The Vow Whisperer, is a service whereby Tanya helps couples write their vows, but in their own words.  She is not the writer, but brings out everything from anecdotes, memories, obstacles, incredible moments, intentions for the future and much more and collaboratively will craft the vows using the person’s own words. Additionally, Tanya coaches on public speaking which includes enunciation, voice projection, making eye contact while reading off a vow book, poise, confidence and all the tips and tricks to make it a perfect presentation of the most intimate part of a ceremony. Tanya officiates, and offers ceremony planning, as well and coaches family members and friends who want to officiate.  She also works with bridal parties on speeches and toasts.

Tanya is based in New York City with her husband, has two children and works globally in several languages.  She is currently on the board of the New York Chapter of WIPA.

Featured Guest: Tanya Pushkine of The Vow Whisperer

Website: www.thevowwhisperer.com

Instagram: @thevowhisperer

Headshot Photography: Philip Holt

BIG NEWS, CONFETTI HOUR SQUAD! You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. 

New York-based event designer Josh Spiegel of BIRCH began his career selling floral arrangements out of his father's balloon shop in Brooklyn. As founder and Chief Creative Officer of the  high-touch decor, floral, and production company, Josh and the BIRCH team have globally transformed luxury spaces, creating awe-inspiring events that WOW—from weddings to celebrations around the world. As seen in Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, People, Brides, and beyond.

Featured Guest: Josh Spiegel of Birch Event Design

Website: www.birchevents.com

Instagram: @bircheventdesign, https://www.instagram.com/bircheventdesign/

Headshot Photography: @afrikarmando

BIG NEWS, CONFETTI HOUR SQUAD! You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. 

Robyn's journey in the wedding industry is a blend of passion and professionalism. She started at Wedgewood Weddings as a Catering Sales Manager, orchestrating over 100 weddings annually. Since 2012, she's witnessed the company's remarkable growth to 60+ venues nationwide.

Now, as the Director of Sales Training, Robyn is the driving force behind a team of 200+, spanning coordinators to sales directors. She empowers them with knowledge and skills, ranging from coordinating ceremonies to selling weddings successfully. 

Beyond work, she cherishes family time with her husband, 5-year-old, and 6-month-old, and is currently studying for her second wine certification. She also loves seeing live music and even opted for a band at her own wedding over a DJ.

Featured Guests: Robyn Miranda of Wedgewood Weddings

Website: https://www.wedgewoodweddings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wedgewoodweddings/

Headshot Photography: @erinhughesphotography

BIG NEWS, CONFETTI HOUR SQUAD! You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. 

Persephone Maglaya, Chief Executive Officer + Founder, and Eduardo Maglaya, Chief Data Officer of The Media Socialites, are passionate about empowering brands to take control of their narratives and unlock their potential for social growth and conversions. With a boutique approach to social media, TMS specializes in partnering with small to mid-sized businesses, helping them launch and grow across their digital marketing channels.  At The Media Socialites, they are not just a team; they’re a family of unicorns, each bringing their own unique magic to the table. From art and creative direction to social strategy (Instagram, design, TikTok edits, etc.) and influencers, they are known for helping brands achieve their digital marketing dreams through social strategy & execution, content creation and planning, influencer marketing, website design, branding, and more.

Featured Guests: Persephone and Eduardo Maglaya

Website: http://www.themediasocialites.com

Instagram: @themediasocialites BIG NEWS, CONFETTI HOUR SQUAD! You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services.

Phillip Van Nostrand is a photographer and life changing coach based out of New York City. He is an expert in capturing bright, cinematic lifestyle imagery in weddings, events, and commercial projects. He travels abroad once a year and has photographed 40+ countries. Published in the New York Times, Dwell Magazine, Fortune.com, Brides, Vogue, Style Me Pretty, Fast Company, Huffington Post, Forbes.com, Parade Magazine, The Knot NY, and was a Master Class speaker at WPPI in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Clients include Airbnb, Jose Cuervo, Ok Cupid, Louboutin, The New School, Venmo, Condé Nast, and more. You will hear all about Phil’s journey on becoming a photographer and growing in the industry, and we will also be sharing tips on ’Mastering the Conference Game.’ We will finish up with 'What He Wishes Other Vendors Knew' & his 'Confetti Hour Confession.'

Featured Guest: Phillip Van Nostrand 

Website: https://phillipvn.com

Instagram: @phillipvnweddings

- BIG NEWS, CONFETTI HOUR SQUAD! You can find us over on YOUTUBE! Check out our new channel @theconfettihour

THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE Check out my mentoring services for wedding pros digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & much more. 

HELP SUPPORT OUR SHOW | BECOME A PATREON Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. 

Ashley Saffer is an acclaimed wedding planner and designer with nearly two decades of experience across the wedding and hospitality industries. Her well-rounded knowledge makes her uniquely skilled at crafting full-service weddings where she expertly orchestrates each aspect of the couple’s celebration.

Ashley is a sounding board that guides her clients throughout the planning and design process. She’s a master of strategy and stunning designs, and most of all, Ashley is a trusted partner to her clients. She eases their stress and ensures no detail is overlooked to create an unforgettable and effortless experience for couples, family, and friends.

Ashley’s work has been celebrated in publications like Brides, Boston Weddings, and Carats & Cake. She actively serves the wedding industry community through the Wedding International Professionals Association – Boston Chapter as the Director of Membership. 

You will hear all about Ashley’s journey to the wedding industry and becoming a wedding planner, as well as our path to becoming business partners! We will finish up with 'What She Wishes Other Vendors Knew' & her 'Confetti Hour Confession.'

Featured Guest: Ashley Saffer of Baciare Events Website: https://www.baciareevents.com Instagram: @baciareevents

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THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE!

This website is home to my mentoring services for wedding planners, my educational blog, the podcast, & one of my favorite new offerings, THE CONFETTI HOUR SHOP! The shop offers digital resources, fun products, & my go-to business tools for wedding pros & so much more. 

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Join Our Patreon Family! 

Help support The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their journeys & tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. Our Patreon family receives discounts to my education shop & freebie resources throughout the year!

From the stages of Harvard Business School, to pages of Architectural Digest, Rachael is regarded as the in-demand Luxury Strategist for female entrepreneurs seeking to become a top 3% firm. 

Rachael stands for values and brands that last. 

With a storied career monetizing personal brands, she is celebrated for her coined & trademarked work surrounding the psychology of the "Velvet Rope." ™ Her goal? To launch her clients into luxury via "The Four P's" positioning, press, paid speaking and pipeline filling partnerships. 

Her standards are meticulous, her approach is personalized and she is widely known for her boundless ideas and enthusiasm. She is incredibly selective in the clients she serves, as the majority double their sales a year after her esteemed advising. It’s safe to say she was born to do this work and it is miles from traditional consulting.

As a lifelong student of design & fashion, Rachael is a trained interior designer, licensed realtor and recognized tastemaker. Most recently, her wedding was covered by The New York Times. 

On weekends, she loves sipping her matcha & collaborating with her husband to grow their “on-brand” portfolio. Naturally, it encompasses investing in real estate, startups and collecting interesting art. Currently, the duo is planning a trip to Ancient Egypt and exploring a large-scale remodel of a 1920’s historic estate.

You will hear all about Rachel's journey and her expert tips on 'Hhow to Become A Top 3% Firm - Launch Into Luxury.' We will finish up with 'What She Wishes Other Vendors Knew' and her 'Confetti Hour Confession.'

Featured Guest: Rachael Bozsik Johanson with Rachael Johanson Website: www.rachaeljohanson.com  Instagram: @rachaelbozsik_johanson

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THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE!

This website is home for my mentoring services for wedding planners, my educational blog, the podcast, and one of my favorite new offerings -- THE CONFETTI HOUR SHOP! The shop offers digital resources, fun products, and my go-to business tools for wedding pros & so much more. Check out the new site at www.reneesabo.com! 

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Join Our Patreon Family!  Help support Renée and The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the professional maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their incredible journeys and tangible tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. In addition, our Patreon family receives additional discounts to my education shop and freebie resources throughout the year! Consider supporting at https://www.patreon.com/theconfettihour

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Bring Your Event to Life!

Merri is an online visualization platform for event planning that allows planners to bring their client's events to life in 3D. You can visualize your entire event using models of furniture, decor, flowers, and more, all within renderings of your venue! It also allows you to collaborate with your vendor team for seamless planning and execution of events.

If you are a planner and are ready to see how Merri can uplevel your business, head to the MERRI website and use code 'RENEE' for a free 30-day trial! 

For venue or rental companies interested in becoming involved on the platform, you can email [email protected] to get started!

Kawania Wooten brings a unique mix of experience and skills to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and the Enlightened Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality world includes hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30 years as a professional meeting and event planner for the Washington DC elite. Kawania strives for professionalism, creativity and impeccable organization within every function planned by the Howerton+Wooten Events team. She is an adjunct instructor in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts Department at Prince Georges Community College.

Kawania’s advice has been featured in Refinery 29, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo News, Headline News, Martha Stewart Weddings, and ESSENCE magazine. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University in Virginia, and she participated in the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program in June of 2005 under the auspices of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing.

You will hear all about Kawania's journey and her thoughts on 'Democratizing Luxury.' We will finish up with 'What She Wishes Other Vendors Knew' and her 'Confetti Hour Confession.'

Featured Guest: Kawania Wooten with Howerton+Wooten Events and The Enlightened Creative Website: https://www.hwevents.com/ and https://theenlightenedcreative.com/grow-your-business/  Instagram: @howertonwooten and @theenlightenedcreative

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THE CONFETTI HOUR WEBSITE!

This website is home for my mentoring services for wedding planners, my educational blog, the podcast, and one of my favorite new offerings -- THE CONFETTI HOUR SHOP! The shop offers digital resources, fun products, and my go-to business tools for wedding pros & so much more. Check out the new site at www.reneesabo.com! 

———

Join Our Patreon Family!  Help support Renée and The Confetti Hour show with a small contribution per month. Your support goes towards the professional maintenance of the show allowing Renée to continue to bring on reputable professionals to share their incredible journeys and tangible tips to help wedding professionals elevate their services. In addition, our Patreon family receives additional discounts to my education shop and freebie resources throughout the year! Consider supporting at https://www.patreon.com/theconfettihour

———

Bring Your Event to Life!

Merri is an online visualization platform for event planning that allows planners to bring their client's events to life in 3D. You can visualize your entire event using models of furniture, decor, flowers, and more, all within renderings of your venue! It also allows you to collaborate with your vendor team for seamless planning and execution of events.

If you are a planner and are ready to see how Merri can uplevel your business, head to the MERRI website and use code 'RENEE' for a free 30-day trial! 

For venue or rental companies interested in becoming involved on the platform, you can email [email protected] to get started!