241: DEBRIEF: Same Venue, Two Completely Different Experiences

This week on the podcast, Taylor and Kelley walk through two weddings we filmed just weeks apart at the same venue, Santa Lucia Preserve. If you have ever worked a massive property with no cell service, winding roads, and multiple locations that all demand precision and calm, you will feel this one.

We break down the experience of navigating first looks in the Redwoods, dealing with rain delays, swatting off bugs, trusting our team when we cannot communicate, and staying composed when timelines shift unexpectedly. You will also hear the story of how a drone ended up in a very tall oak tree. The memory card survived. The drone did not.

This episode is full of practical takeaways for anyone working in the luxury market. We talk through managing complex timelines, becoming the easy choice for planners, and building strong relationships with photographers that lead to real referrals. These are the skills that elevate your career and help you stand out in rooms that matter.

We also share a deeper look at LEAGUE, our private networking community for photographers, filmmakers, and planners who want real connection and real opportunity. If you know it is time to grow your circle in a more intentional way, this conversation will give you clarity on where to begin.

Applications are open now https://thelevelupco.com/league

It is a good one, and we are excited for you to tune in.

Timestamps
00:00–02:00 | Introduction + Reflection on Last Week’s Episode
02:00–05:30 — Two Weddings at Santa Lucia Preserve + First Impressions
05:30–10:40 | Navigating Logistics: No Cell Service, Routes, Team Communication
10:40–15:50 — Redwoods Portraits, Buggy Ceremony Sites + Multi-Location Timelines
15:50–20:45 | Rain Delays, Guest Movement, Gear Drops + Trusting Your Team
20:45–27:30 — Drone Crash, Travel Costs, Pricing Education + Vendor Etiquette
27:30–39:27 | Photographer Collaboration, Super 8 Moments, LEAGUE Overview + Next Week’s Preview

The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind

📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.

The Level Up Co. Resources:
- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle
- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle
- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list
- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework
- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/reset

Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:
🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/
🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/
🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/
💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/