471 CHRISTOPHER CONFERO: Wedding Planning from the Inside Out

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Andy welcomes you to another episode of The Wedding Biz in which he interviews Christopher Confero, a well known wedding planner and designer based out of Atlanta who manages to balance being not only the owner of his award-winning company Confero but also editor of the magazine Alabama Weddings. Christopher describes how his passions for music, performance, and theater shaped him creatively and continues to help him direct weddings and live events. Events, he reveals, allow him to be a creative storyteller and craft bespoke experiences for his clients.

Christopher also discusses his process of connecting with couples and designing weddings to reflect their personality. Although he has systems and processes, he says he tries to meet clients where they are and have natural conversations to make them comfortable, and he describes creativity as combining different elements in a cohesive way to bring life to his clients’ love stories using his “childlike ability to play.”

You can also expect to hear Christopher share specific examples of how he designed weddings using imagination and fresh perspectives, and he even reveals some of the challenges that he faces, especially the weather, and how he overcomes them through preparation and troubleshooting. Andy and Christopher agree on the benefits of having a business partner to manage the business side so that business owners can focus on the creative aspects if that is what they enjoy the most.

Andy had such a blast having this conversation with Christopher and really appreciates Christopher’s willingness to be open and vulnerable. If you enjoy the conversation, then Andy would love it if you were to share it with colleagues and leave a top review. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode, and we will catch you next week on The Wedding Biz!

 

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

 

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

 

Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[1:17] – We learn that this episode’s guest is event designer Christopher Confero!

[2:06] – Christopher confirms that his initial passions were in music and acting.

[2:35] – Christopher touches upon how his passion for music has helped him as a planner.

[4:16] – When did Christopher first feel a pull toward event design?

[5:57] – Christopher describes his personal signature.

[7:47] – Christopher walks us through his usual process with his clients.

[10:36] – Christopher explains his unique approach to wedding design.

[12:16] – We hear an example of how Christopher transforms spaces to reflect personalities.

[15:26] – Weather tends to be Christopher’s biggest obstacle.

[18:26] – Christopher runs his wedding business and magazine from Atlanta and Birmingham.

[19:20] – Balancing event design and magazine editing is harder for Christopher than expected.

[22:52] – Christopher has learned to outsource so that he can focus more on the creative side.

[26:35] – Andy touches upon how travel and nature are inspirations for him.

[28:55] – What do success and legacy mean to Christopher?

[30:10] – Andy provides Christopher’s contact information.

 

Find Christopher:

Confero – Website
Confero – Instagram Page
Christopher’s Instagram Page
Alabama Weddings – Website

 

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

 

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

461 MATTHEW ROBBINS: Catching Up Since the Pandemic

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Matthew Robbins joins Andy in this episode to be featured on the show three times! Matthew is the founder and creative director of Matthew Robbins Design, an event-planning firm with a focus on design and production for weddings and other events, and he is the co-owner of Robbins Otoya, a company which focuses on destination events internationally. Matthew is also an author whose work has been featured in many publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, etc., and he has been a featured guest on Martha Stewart Living Radio and The Today Show.

Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Matthew and his businesses and what he learned from the experience. Also, what you should do if you’re a planner who wants to start doing events overseas, how he navigates burnout and angst, and more! Andy is so appreciative that Matthew returned to the show, and if you enjoy this conversation with Matthew, then Andy would be grateful if you were to share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode and to leave a top review wherever you listen, as that really helps people find the show!

 

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

 

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

 

Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:17] – Andy updates on his comedy class.

[2:39] – Today’s guest is revealed to be Matthew Robbins of Matthew Robbins Design!

[4:04] – How did the pandemic change the way Matthew runs his businesses?

[7:35] – Matthew shares a couple of his favorite design stories from last year.

[10:24] – Matthew gives advice to planners who want to do international events.

[11:38] – Who does Matthew contact for referrals?

[14:58] – Does Matthew ever experience burnout?

[17:19] – How does Matthew stay inspired and grounded?

[19:21] – What does Matthew do to circumvent artist angst?

[22:03] – Matthew really wants to write another book.

[23:20] – Andy shares where Matthew’s businesses can be found online.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

Episode 357: REVISIT: MATTHEW ROBBINS: Creative Process and Connecting with Couples

Episode 240 ROBBINS OTOYA: Loving What They Do and Doing It Together

 

Find Matthew:

Matthew Robbins Design – Website
Robbins Otoya Destinations – Website

 

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

 

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

460 LYNN EASTON: Taking Planners from Luxury to Ultra-Luxury

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The creator of Easton Events, Lynn Easton returns to the podcast today! Easton Events is a luxury destination wedding design and planning company that works all over the world. Lynn is also the creative force and co-founder of Easton Porter Group, a luxury hospitality company with a portfolio of award-winning boutique hotels, vineyards, restaurants, and event venues in North America and Europe.

Since last on the podcast, Lynn has launched a digital course for luxury planners who are looking to take their business from luxury to ultra-luxury, and she discusses what inspired it, what she loves the most about it, and so forth. She also talks about the differences between luxury and ultra-luxury, the greatest challenges that she has had planning ultra-luxury events (especially in Europe), and so much more!

This is definitely an episode that you are going to want to tune in for because Lynn’s enthusiasm and passion for what she does is practically infectious, and Andy is so grateful for the opportunity to have her back on the show! If you enjoyed this conversation with Lynn Easton, then Andy would appreciate it if you were to share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode and to leave a top review wherever you listen, as that really helps people find the show!

 

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

 

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

 

Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:17] – Andy updates us on his comedy class.

[2:25] – Today’s guest is Lynn Easton!

[3:58] – Why did Lynn recently create a course?

[5:14] – Lynn reveals how she differentiates between luxury and ultra-luxury.

[7:53] – Lynn points out that you have to be very transparent with ultra-luxury clients.

[10:36] – Lynn argues that the industry should work together more.

[12:17] – What have Lynn’s greatest challenges been?

[15:30] – Lynn explains how she overcomes the challenges.

[17:33] – How does Lynn go about finding local teams?

[21:05] – What sets Lynn’s course apart from similar courses?

[23:01] – Ultra-luxury planners need to have confidence.

[24:10] – Lynn touches upon how she battles burnout.

[26:27] – What hasn’t Lynn done that she would still love to do?

[29:11] – Lynn explains why her course is not for everyone.

[30:40] – Andy gives Lynn’s contact information.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

Lynn’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz

 

Find Lynn:

Easton Events – Website
Easton Events – Instagram Page
Easton Education – Website
Easton Porter Group – Website

 

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

 

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

431 VICTORIA DUBIN: Creating a Bespoke Event Experience & Collaborating with Competition

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Andy welcomes Victoria Dubin to the podcast today! Victoria runs Victoria Dubin Events located in New York City. After graduating from Cornell University, Victoria began her career in finance and real estate and was later the owner of a successful gift and home design accessories business. She eventually started a highly sought-after event planning firm. Victoria Dubin Events offers a complete scope of services for social, weddings, corporate, and nonprofit events, both in New York City and elsewhere.

Tune in as Victoria reflects on her childhood and how certain aspects of it instilled a love of entertainment and events. She also explains her usual process with new clients and how she matches her plan for them with their personalities, how she thinks about and approaches competition, how she feels about older approaches to the business vs. newer ones, what her retirement plan is, and so much more. She also offers advice to anyone who might be looking to go into this business.

Andy recalls meeting Victoria a while back and being very impressed with her work, and he is so grateful for her time coming on the show to discuss her career and her expertise. If you enjoyed his conversation with Victoria and/or found it insightful, then Andy would be very appreciative if you would share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and would also appreciate it if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure also to leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!

 

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads — all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

 

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

 

Time Stamps

[0:00] – Today’s sponsor is Zola.

[1:19] – We learn that today’s guest is Victoria Dubin of Victoria Dubin Events.

[2:36] – Victoria reflects on her childhood and whether or not it affected her career path.

[5:31] – Victoria walks us through her usual process with new clients.

[7:45] – Where does Victoria get her inspiration and ideas?

[9:48] – Victoria enthuses that she is a very skilled multitasker.

[10:34] – Discover how collaboration with competitors came about for Victoria.

[14:10] – Victoria is going to continue her collaborative model.

[15:14] – How does Victoria determine when to collaborate with competitors?

[18:16] – Andy compliments Victoria on her cutting-edge approach.

[20:58] – Victoria argues that there is a happy medium between old approaches and new ones.

[23:18] – Does Victoria have a retirement plan?

[25:51] – Andy offers insight into his own exit strategy.

[28:52] – Victoria gives advice to people looking to go into the business.

[31:39] – Hear where to find Victoria online.

 

Find Victoria:

Victoria’s Website
Victoria’s Instagram Page

 

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

 

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

 

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

403 REVISIT NORMA COHEN: Building A Thriving Business Within A Community

If there’s anyone who knows all the ins and outs of party planning, it’s Norma Cohen. Norma started planning parties on her own for her friends when she was only 12 years old. Later, she became the youngest female, at 16, on an Executive Board of Directors of the community center. And at 18 she opened her own business, Party Expressions. Listen in to find out why, after several attempts to leave the business, she just couldn’t keep away for long.

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