Brian Worley - Bold Catering & Design  Brian is a creative entrepreneur with an eye for design. He started his career at the strapping age of 13 with a clothing line. Since then, Brian has designed some of the most elegant weddings and special events across the US including the red carpet in Hollywood.  Atlanta is now home to Brian, and Bold Events snagged him up as the “Director of Design” for their amazing, well known company. This podcast episode is filled with design tips, tricks, and secrets… including where and how Brian gets his inspiration. This is also a great listen for you, the bride-to-be, looking for do’s & don’ts on your big day!   Key Takeaways:   Doing free events and trades are a way to get your foot in the door, and stay friends with wedding pros in the industry.   The design for the entire wedding, many times, starts with the dress.   You should have incredible confidence in yourself, but also know that you can learn something new everyday.    If you really want a fun wedding, take the time to get your guest list right.     More about Brian Worley and see his amazing work: http://bold-events.com/design/ http://www.brianworley.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brian.c.worley/  

Say "Yes" To The Dress & Follow The Rest

   Lauren and her sister Jenny co-own It Takes Two Events. Lauren switched career paths from being a veterinarian to wedding planning after Jenny opened her eyes to world of weddings. Lauren is BIG on being prepared… which is a good thing when you get stuck in an elevator for 3 hours the day of the wedding. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!   Key Takeaways:   Preparedness is key to an amazing wedding!   Meet clients on their turf.   Best marketing is doing a GREAT job!   Book entertainment early 🙂     Mentioned on the show: Aisle Planner https://www.aisleplanner.com/   Also check out It Takes Two Events Online: Website: https://www.takestwoevents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takestwoevents/   Today's show was brought to you by NiceEntertainment.com

Planner Stuck In Elevator Still Rocks Wedding!

Join me on today's show as we interview Jennifer Lott with Weddings by Epic.  Jennifer is one sweet and fun person and it shows in her planning. From understanding the couples vision and love story - to making sure they have an absolute blast on the dance floor... there is no doubt that you will get some inspiration from our conversation.  Key Takeaways:   Personal relationship with client is most important.   Shots after the ceremony… Yas!   Focusing on ONE thing can be freeing!  Wedding planning is not glamorous   As you’ll see, jennifer is a fun girl.   You can contact Jennifer:  Website: WeddingsByEpic.com Instagram: WeddingsByEpic TheKnot: WeddingsByEpic  Today's show was brought to you by Nice Entertainment!  Nice Entertainment is Atlanta’s award entertainment company that specializes in big events. Nice will provide unique entertainment experiences for you and your guests. Now the cool thing is from one company you get to choose from lots of entertainment experiences… DJ’s, bands, photo booths, and live musicians. It’s literally your one stop shop for entertainment. Visit niceentertainment.com and get a copy of the new book “5 reasons your party is boring” for free. Just go to NiceEntertainment.com 

A Fun Wedding Is More Than Taking Shots. (But shots don't hurt!)

Kristen Leen gives us insider information on how How To Get On The Preferred Vendors List at Venues. Kristen is a Wedding Venue Sales & Marketing Manager at https://www.historicmarkethall.com/   Hans Daniels is the host of Nice Weddings Podcast:   He is the CEO of NiceEntertainment.com, a high-end wedding entertainment company, and WeddingCrushers.biz, a wedding business strategy coach. 

How To Get On Preferred Vendor Lists - And Stay On Them

On today's show I get a chance to sit down with special guest, Ashley Charron of Event Pod and Boxwood Bridal Co. Ashley is an entrepreneur that knows how to connect people. She gathered over 1,500 wedding pros to join her Networking Facebook Group "Event Pod " in less than 1 year.  We cover all things networking:  What networking is not. Networking best practices. Networking follow up rules.  Some other key takeaways...  The cupcake marketing method. Your net worth is equal your network! Networking is not handing out business cards. Pro Tip - Find out their dogs name!  Finally we end the show with a new section called Hot Mess where we share personal stories of where things "didn't go so right".  Today's show was brought to you by Wedding Crushers. Go to WeddingCrushers.biz/100k for a free personalized marketing action plan.   

What About Your Networking Game Is Not Working?

If you don't think you have sales experience.. think again. You've been selling ever since you convinced your parents to let you go on that spring break trip.  She also says the best way that she sells is by helping. If you can figure out how you can help your client and make their wedding day amazing.. then you're in business.  And finally, be proactive, reach out... do your best to get and stay in touch with the client.. but do it in a laid back way. We talk about working out and staying mentally fresh and a whole lot more.. Without delay please welcome.. Jessica Smith

Don't "Sale". Have A Helpful Conversation

#1) How Do You Know If Wedding Photography is For You? Andy says to start doing it full time.  You will know very quickly if you really love it.  #2)  Don’t be afraid to teach someone your trade… you can’t fully serve someone if you’re afraid that they’re going to become better than you. If you’re afraid that they will become your competition - and your business will become less. … well you’re in it for the wrong reasons.  #3) Andy gives a little bride advice. Hey listen, when planning out your big day.. Please please pleaes leave enough time for pictures.  We talk about marketing, working with spouses, and an incredible non-profit that he started that helps fight sex trafficing with weddings.  So much good stuff! If you’re listening be sure to subscribe & comment. Let me know what you like and what you don’t like.  Without further ado.. Andy Brophy.

How Do You Know If Wedding Photography is For You?

Tony shares that his company is all about being different each time & making it better & better & better. So much so that he dines out 5 nights per week. So he can try new food, get the vibe of a different place.  Referral marketing is his number one way of marketing. And he doesn't do it by blasting his companies name all over everything in the building. He has found that if a potential client has a great experience - they will seek out his company.  And finally questions. Are you asking your clients good questions? Write down 5 or 6 really really good questions that you can ask your clients to get to know them a little better. Tony shares some of his questions with us. So grab a pen and paper.. or pull up evernote.. Oh, and did I forget to mention he share marketing and branding tips on booking celebs like Opera Winfrey. This is going to be good!

Tony Conway

We have our first bride on the show. We should have know it was just a matter of time to get a real bride on a wedding podcast.  Sarah gives us some great advice as vendors - so be sure to have your Evernote pulled up and ready jot down some ideas.  We talk about exactly how she uses apps like the Knot and Wedding Wire. And why you should make the contact form the number 1 thing clients find on your website. I think you're going to love this interview. With any delay - - Sarah, take it away.

Marketing From The Eyes Of A Bride (Make Contact Easy)

You can see Ashley doing her thing on the TV show "Say Yes to the dress!" https://youtu.be/pPqEWP78rnE  If you're thinking about starting a "Barn Wedding Venue", you may need to look into the legal side of things... and get a realistic start up cost. Ashley said it can cost anywhere from $50 to $250k just to get your doors open.  One of the number one things you can do as a wedding vendor is be nice. We talk about being polite, and understanding.. But hey, I know you guys are down with that because you are plugged into the Nicest wedding podcast on the planet. Let's jump right in our call with Ashley Cudsik

Barn Wedding Venues & Be Nice! Ashley Cudsik from "Say Yes To The Dress"

Jordan talks about how an internship was a great platform to launch her own wedding planning business.  And she also has a great reminder for those that are just using "word of mouth" to market. Word of mouth is great, but online marketing is what's taken her company to the next level. We call this word of mouse marketing.  Enjoy being engaged.

An Internship Is A Great Way To Get Launch Your Own Wedding Business

How a wedding planning class at University of Alabama help launch Sarah's career.  Joining a big event center can be great for networking. But Sarah reminds me - even if you're starting a smaller wedding business - networking is the key to success.  She also share some ideas on types of images that will work well for marketing.

Hey Wedding Planners... Join A Big Event Center & Get Instant Networking

Jamison tells us that wedding shows or bridal shows were a good starting point for him. and he thinks that if you're just getting in the game - bridal shows may be a good way for you to go.   Jamison also shares with us that his super chill approach the day of wedding is intentional - but has a calming effect on the bride. He says that normally he's a pretty firey guy, but the wedding day... everybody's amped up. He just keeps everything cool & fun & light. And it seems to really help.  And he brings up the ongoing tension between photographers and videographers and reminds us that "Hey Videographers are "real" vendors now" haha...  

Hey Videographers are "Real" Wedding Vendors Now!

Elena shares with us that she uses her wedding company and even the name as a reminder of her faith in God and her Walk.   Elena let's us in on her wedding planning system and drops some software bombs for you techy nerds, like "Quip" and "Crowd Fire".   And finally Elena is like the queen of instagram we go into detail on how she gains followers and how the heck she keeps everything so pretty and white.

Time To Step Up That Instagram Game with Elena Balkcom

When it comes to the difference between corporate events and weddings... emotions have a lot to do with it. So is your marketing geared towards that?   Marketing is not just telling your companies story of "why you do what you do". But more importantly - it's hearing the bride & grooms story.   Carly has a great reminder for the bride and groom to choose marriage over wedding.

Choose Marriage Over Wedding with Carly Nash

Clark went to school for real estate, but pinpointed what his passion was - and went after it. One of the reasons he's so successful, is because he takes his work VERY seriously. He puts a lot of weight on his literally and figuratively. He puts so much detail and thought into his work, that it can be a little stressful (or definitely was at the beginning) But his end result is breathtaking.   We talk about how drones have changed the game for wedding videography.

Wedding Vendors - Take Your Job Seriously, and The World Will Notice with Clark Hilton

Steven Dickson - Atlanta History Center - Private Events Manager    Working in the wedding industry can be one of the most fulfilling jobs out there.     Steven has no shame in telling you why he doesn't like partial seating      Trading services can be an economical and efficient way of marketing.  

Drinks Before The Ceremony and Partial Seating Discussion with Steven Dickson

An amazing interview Katie Huebel, the owner and founder of WED, an event design firm in Charleston, South Carolina. Katie shares with me the difference between a wedding planner and an event designer   Branding is important - and the name of your company can paint you in a corner.   tips for brides - Try to think through your design concept 20 years from now. What you like to see in your photo album 20 years from now.  

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