Category: 1The Next Level

Seeing locations through color and shapes is a unique way to design events. Listen as Andy and Sean Low discuss this and much more on this episode of The Next Level. Sean’s company, The Business of Being Creative, focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the who’s who of the wedding industry and design community. 

Together, they own Robbins Otoya, a design and event planning firm that designs and produces destination weddings and events all over the world. They each individually own companies also,  Matthew founded a company called Matthew Robbins Design based in New York City, and Luis has a catering company called Evento & Cocina based in Cartagena. 

Listen as Sean and Andy discuss the unique way Matthew and Luis approach finding a destination with their clients for their event, and how they always use local talent instead of bringing a team from New York to keep it authentic. Additionally, they speak about the fascinating way Matthew and Luis use color in their designs and how they aren’t afraid to use it. 

Sean gets specific on what Matthew and Luis mean by pricing their events by the scope of work and how they don’t want their design decisions to be motivated by how much money they are going to make. Robbins Otoya is an exciting collaboration of two brilliant minds working together to build an unforgettable experience, don’t miss this episode.

Continue reading

We are all having our own reaction to the current crisis. David shares his way of getting through the myriad of challenges facing not only himself, but all of us.

David Beahm, world-class wedding designer and planner, known for his inventive work and trademark lavish flower creations, has designed countless weddings for society, high profile and discerning clients, including the wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as a host of celebrity and Fortune 500 corporate events.

Continue reading

Do you know how digital photos typically look different from pictures taken using film? Listen as Andy and Lynn discuss Jose’s new preset that allows him to use digital but still get the film look plus much more. Lynn Easton of Easton Events is a wonderful planner and designer based out of Charleston and Charlottesville who works worldwide. 

Jose Villa is a film photographer known for shooting wedding photos for celebrities and high profile clients. Jose was named one of the top Wedding Photographers in the world by Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Harper’s Bazaar. Jose has also been recognized as one of the most influential photographers of the decade by PDN.

Listen as Lynn shares what she admires about Jose and his work, and his ability to shoot Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding with only a week and a half’s notice. Andy and Lynn discuss Jose’s ability to shoot photos with a lot of emotion and how amazing and organized his team is. They also chat about Jose’s use of social media and how he answers each email, DM, and text himself. 

Jose is one of those unique individuals that go above and beyond. So much so that Lynn says when he shoots events with her, he always has images to her by the end of the night or the next morning at the latest. Andy and Lynn can’t say enough great things about Jose, so hit play and enjoy!

Continue reading

If you want your weddings to have theatrical productions, listen as Andy and Andre discuss Sonal Shah and her ability to plan and produce events and the challenges she faces when planning celebrity weddings, interracial weddings, and more, all over the world. Andre Maier is a fantastic photographer based in both New York City and Los Angeles, who works worldwide, and appeared on The Wedding Biz.

Sonal is a premier South Asian event planner based in New York City, working all over the world. Sonal is known for planning the most elaborate over-the-top weddings. She also works with both Hollywood and Bollywood stars, and has a book out called “The Complete Guide to Planning the Perfect South Asian Wedding.”

Andy and Andre share Sonal’s ability to mediate between bridal couples and parents, why she decided to plan South Asian weddings, and the need to trust the creative partners with whom she builds her teams. Additionally, Andre says that Sonal brings purpose and passion together, which is why she is so successful. They chat about how each event she plans has to be different from anything she has done before.

Listen as Andy and Andre dive into some of the more interesting nuggets of Sonal’s interview. The enthusiasm she has for what she does is contagious, and you can feel it, and they discuss this amazing woman. 

Continue reading

When does it make sense to change the dynamics of a company? Listen, as Andy and Robert Sherman discuss how changing the leadership of Evoke Design led Jeannette Tavares and Jodi Moraru to greater personal and business success. Robert is the President of Washington Talent and Andy’s business partner with Kushner Entertainment. Andy interviewed him on The Wedding Biz in November of last year as they announced their partnership. 

Evoke Design is based in Washington, D.C, and serving clients worldwide. Jeannette is the Chief Creative Director, and Jodi is a producer; however, it wasn’t always like that. Jodi founded the company, hired Jeannette, who eventually became a producer, and later Jeannette bought out the company. Although their roles have reversed, they are now individually more successful as well as the company as a whole.

Listen as Robert and Andy discuss the similarities between their partnership with Kushner Entertainment and the connection Jeannette and Jodi have with Evoke Design. Jodi and Andy both tired of working the operations sides of their businesses and needed to get their creative juices flowing again, and Jeannette and Robert both excel at the business side. They also speak about the way the Evoke Design team treats their creative partners, the fact that they have both worked with them, and can say from experience they know how to nurture people.

A partnership can be great when it is done the right way, with the right people. Listen in to hear how Jeannette and Jodi did it right and are now thriving in a way that makes them both happy and allows them to both live their best lives.  

Continue reading