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

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.

459 CINDY NOVOTNY: Defining Iconic Luxury & Identifying Its Heart

Andy is so happy to welcome Cindy Novotny of Master Connection Associates back to the podcast to catch up! Cindy is an icon in the hospitality industry and is the original founder of MCA. She is an internationally renowned leader in sales, leadership, and customer service and has been recognized by the American Society of Training and Development as one of the most powerful, innovative, and passionate speakers in the industry. Cindy has also been named one of the top 25 most extraordinary minds in sales and marketing and is the author of the book Living with No Balance… and Loving It!.

In this episode of the podcast, Cindy discusses how nerves and being out of your comfort zone can help you grow, what iconic luxury in the weddings and events industry means to her, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the industry, and so much more!

Andy really appreciates Cindy taking the time to come back to the show with updates and hopes that you enjoy his conversation with her! If so, then please 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 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] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:21] – Discover how Andy’s stand-up comedy routine went.

[2:13] – Today’s guest is returning guest Cindy Novotny of Master Connection Associates.

[3:20] – Cindy is constantly pushed out of her comfort zone.

[5:56] – What is the heart of iconic luxury?

[8:07] – Cindy explains what the key components of creating a luxury experience are.

[10:27] – Cindy discusses AI.

[13:04] – How does Cindy approach luxury meaning different things to different people?

[16:33] – Cindy discusses upselling.

[19:56] – How did COVID impact luxury travel?

[22:38] – What does social selling mean to Cindy?

[25:44] – Cindy argues that luxury involves being humble.

[26:51] – Andy reveals Cindy’s social media handles.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

Cindy’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz

 

Find Cindy:
Cindy’s Book
Cindy’s Website
Master Connection Associates – Website
Cindy’s Instagram Page
Cindy’s Twitter Page
Cindy’s YouTube 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.

458 REVISIT DEBBIE GELLER: Creating Legacy Clients

It takes a certain level of skill, a problem-solving attitude, and more than a dash of creativity to throw a spectacular wedding. Between coordinating the client’s vision, compiling vendor partners, troubleshooting setup, and sending the bride down the aisle, wedding planners have a lot on their plate. After creating absolutely stunning weddings and high-profile events for over 20 years, Debbie Geller, my guest today, knows a thing or two about event planning and design.

Geller Events operates out of Los Angeles, but she’s been designing events all over the world. Her high-profile clients come from a long legacy of word-of-mouth business. She does little to no PR, instead relying on client referrals and legacy clients who keep coming back for Debbie’s personalized touch on everything from weddings to corporate events. She breaks some of the typical event planning stereotypes to provide a unique experience tailored to each couple. Debbie is the heart and soul of her business, though none of these events could be accomplished without the help of her teams. Today, Debbie will share with us how she creates an environment where the clients, the creative partners, and her team all feel valued and cared for. If Geller Events is a ship, then Debbie Geller is the captain, and it’s all hands on deck.

“There is no such thing as a typical wedding because all of our couples are unique. We focus on getting to know the couple very well.” ~ Debbie Geller

The secret sauce to Debbie Geller’s amazing success is the amount of time and personal attention she puts into every event. If there is a snag with the venue or a last minute emergency, Debbie assures her client that is her problem, not theirs. Debbie’s dedication to every step of the process is absolutely inspiring. We all have a thing or two to learn from her experience, and as Debbie will say, “Experience is everything!” Listen this week as we learn a thing or two about how to throw a fantastic event!


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!

 

Show Highlights:

  • Debbie shares with us why she started cooking and how food makes wherever she lives feel like home.
  • After working in real estate and law, Debbie left when the wedding biz came knocking at her door.
  • Early on, cold calling was the key to Debbie’s success.
  • Hear all about the kinds of high-profile events Debbie works on.
  • How Debbie builds a creative team to execute an event.
  • The process of a “typical wedding” from start to finish.
  • The story of the favorite wedding of all time.
  • Debbie takes care of her teams.
  • A tale of the biggest and hardest event that Debbie has ever worked.
  • What Debbie loves about doing events for families.
  • Personal touches for the guests create business through legacy clients.
  • How Debbie is a workaholic who takes care of herself.
  • Debbie defines success by the excitement and next-level commitment to an event.
  • The internet has been the biggest change for Debbie to build up the best team.

 

Connect with Debbie:

Debbie’s Website

Debbie’s Instagram Page

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

 

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zola.

457 KRISTIN BANTA: Her Client Process, Navigating Burnout, Pricing, and More

Kristin Banta of Kristin Banta Events, Inc. returns to the podcast today to follow up and share some updates! Kristin Banta Events is headquartered out of Los Angeles and specializes in event design, planning, and production. She has been featured on several television stations such as Bravo, Style, Food Network, and Fox and in countless publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, Inside Weddings, Southern Living Brides, and the Los Angeles Times. She has even been the recipient of numerous awards including Best Social Event by BizBash and Best Wedding by Special Events.

It has been over five years since Kristin was last on the podcast in episode 26, and so much has happened since then, especially the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks today about what she has learned as a result of the pandemic and how her process has changed, what is different about doing a premiere afterparty as opposed to a wedding, how she navigates burnout, how she discusses prices with clients and what her pricing strategy is, and so much more!

Andy really appreciates being able to catch up with Kristin and really encourages listeners to go back and listen to episode 26 if you enjoyed this episode. He would also be really 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 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] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[1:09] – Andy discusses the book that he has been reading recently.

[1:59] – Hear about today’s returning guest, Kristin Banta.

[3:24] – Kristin shares what she has learned about herself as a result of the pandemic.

[5:57] – Kristin agrees that in-person communication is different from virtual communication.

[7:38] – Has Kristin made any significant changes to her process since 2017?

[10:44] – Kristin reveals what’s interesting about doing a premiere afterparty.

[14:23] – Kristin talks on how she deals with burnout.

[16:38] – Does Kristin discuss money with clients or does she appoint someone else to do so?

[19:09] – Kristin explains her pricing strategy.

[19:49] – Why does Kristin no longer engage as much in publicity and media?

[21:40] – What about the near future excites Kristin?

[23:29] – Andy reveals where Kristin can be found online.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

The Wedding Biz – Episode 26 Kristin Banta: Upending Wedding Traditions

Harry Lorayne – Ageless Memory: Simple Secrets for Keeping Your Brain Young – Foolproof Methods for People Over 50

 

Find Kristin:

Kristin’s Website
Kristin’s Instagram Page
Kristin’s Facebook Page
Kristin’s YouTube Page
Kristin’s Pinterest 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.

456 JENNIFER ZABINSKI: Running A Successful Business As A Destination Planner

Andy welcomes Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events back to the podcast for a follow-up interview after initially having been on the show back in episode 96! Jennifer is the founder and CEO of JZ Events and has been named by Vogue and Brides in their listings of the best wedding planners of the world. Martha Stewart Weddings and Harpers Bazaar has also named her a top planner, and JZ Events is a full-service event planning firm that has done work all over the world.

She is here in this episode to discuss her production of Serena Williams’ wedding, the business that she began during the COVID-19 pandemic (Destination Hampton), what she does to feel and stay grounded, how she prevents burnout, what she looks for in a designer, what about the future excites her, and so much more!

Andy is so grateful to Jennifer for coming back on the show to follow up and really hopes that you enjoy the conversation as much as he did having it. If you did enjoy the conversation, be sure to go back and listen to episode 96 if you haven’t already, and Andy would also appreciate it if you would share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also 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] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:17] – Andy has signed up for a comedy class!

[2:09] – Today’s guest is returning guest Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events!

[3:22] – How did the COVID-19 pandemic change Jennifer and her business?

[6:24] – Has Jennifer’s style changed as a result of the pandemic?

[8:09] – Jennifer explains how she approaches assembling a team.

[11:10] – Jennifer loves learning from other cultures.

[13:43] – Learn what Jennifer looks for in a designer.

[16:38] – Jennifer describes her process of having done Serena Williams’ wedding.

[18:43] – Does Jennifer feel more stress when doing a high-profile wedding?

[20:46] – Jennifer talks about how she stays grounded and inspired.

[22:58] – Why does Jennifer exercise early in the morning?

[24:32] – Jennifer feels that she has balance.

[27:54] – Jennifer is really excited about working in new locations.

[29:16] – Andy shares where Jennifer can be found online.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

The Wedding Biz – Episode 96 Jennifer Zabinski: High-Touch Planning

 

Find Jennifer:

JZ Events – Website
JZ Events – 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.