ABC Weddings Unveiled Podcast

In this episode of ABC Weddings Unveiled, we sit down with entrepreneur and event industry educator Ekima Smith, founder of EDCAC and The Five Collective. With a background in finance and accounting for major corporations like CITI Group, LBrands, and Nationwide Insurance, Ekima brings a unique perspective to the event industry—helping creatives understand the business behind the beauty. We discuss pricing strategies, budgeting, cash flow management, leadership in the wedding industry, and why understanding your numbers is essential for long-term success. Ekima also shares how creatives can build profitable businesses without sacrificing their artistic passion. Whether you're a wedding planner, designer, venue owner, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow sustainably and confidently.

Weddings are built on beautiful details—but what happens when something goes wrong? In this episode, we’re diving into the side of weddings that no one wants to think about—but every professional needs to understand risk, liability, and protection. Natalie Rainey from The Event Helper joins us to break down real-world wedding disasters, what could have been prevented, and how event insurance plays a critical role in protecting couples, planners, and vendors. From unexpected accidents to last-minute chaos, this episode will change the way you think about planning—and help you protect your clients, your business, and your peace of mind.

ABC Weddings Unveiled Live: My First Sandals Group Contract with Casey Pittman In this special live-recorded episode of ABC Weddings Unveiled, we sit down with wedding planner and travel advisor Casey Pittman, PWP, as she shares her real-life experience booking her very first Sandals group contract. From taking a leap of faith and transitioning from a full-time career into the wedding and travel industry, to navigating the complexities of group bookings, Casey offers an honest and insightful look at what it truly takes to step into destination wedding sales. She pulls back the curtain on the fears, challenges, and “baptism by fire” moments that come with managing a group contract for the first time—and how she turned that experience into a profitable and confidence-building milestone. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on: How to move from “I think I can do this” to confidently executing your first group booking What to expect when working with Sandals group contracts Lessons learned from real challenges and how to overcome them The importance of mindset, preparation, and continuous learning in growing your business Whether you’re a wedding planner looking to expand into destination weddings or a travel advisor ready to take on your first group, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical guidance to help you take that next step.

Michele Fox Gott has spent over two decades producing some of the most iconic, globally recognized weddings and celebrity events in the world. As the founder of Center of Attention Events and the creator of Luxury Wedding Escapes, Michele is redefining how destination weddings are planned—and experienced. In this episode, we explore leadership in the wedding industry, the shift away from remote planning, and why today’s luxury couples are demanding immersive, in-person experiences before they ever say “I do.” Michele shares behind-the-scenes insight from celebrity weddings, destination trends, and what wedding professionals must do now to stay relevant in an experience-driven market. This is a must-listen for planners ready to evolve, differentiate, and lead the future of destination weddings.

Styled shoots are more than just beautiful photos—they’re powerful business tools when used strategically. In this episode of ABC Weddings Unveiled, host Veronica Foster sits down with Master Wedding Planner Colleen Bauer, founder of Fairy Godmother Events, to break down how wedding professionals can leverage styled shoots to elevate their brand, build meaningful industry relationships, and ultimately book more weddings. Together, they go beyond the aesthetics and dive into the real strategy behind successful styled shoots—what works, what doesn’t, and how to turn creativity into measurable growth. If you're a wedding planner or event professional looking to stand out in a competitive market, this episode will give you actionable insights to make your styled shoots work for your business—not just your Instagram feed.

Social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — or like a full-time job. In this episode, we’re joined by Nina Addeo, founder of I Do Wedding Marketing, to talk about what’s actually working right now on social media for wedding professionals. Nina shares practical strategies to help planners, designers, and creatives grow their visibility, attract aligned couples, and show up online with confidence — without burnout. We dive into content strategy, trends, reels, consistency, and how wedding pros can stop posting just to post and start marketing with intention. If social media feels confusing, exhausting, or ineffective, this episode will help you rethink how you approach it — and how to make it work for your business. Perfect for wedding planners and creatives who want clarity, consistency, and conversions from social media.

In this episode of ABC Weddings Unveiled, we’re diving into a conversation that every wedding professional needs to hear—but few are having. Veronica Foster is joined by Registered Psychotherapist and founder of I Do Therapy, Anansia Leslie-Bailey, to explore the intersection of mental health, culture, and wedding planning. Together, they unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when couples are labeled “difficult,” how family dynamics and cultural expectations shape the planning process, and why emotional intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most valuable skills in the wedding industry. You’ll also learn what “intersecting identities” mean in the context of weddings, the difference between diverse and inclusive marketing, and how to take a trauma-informed approach—without stepping into the role of a therapist. You can also visit Anansia's website here: https://www.ido-therapy.com/

Weddings rarely go exactly as planned — and that’s where true leadership shines. In this episode, we’re joined by Callie Rackley Carr, an Accredited Wedding Planner with more than a decade of experience planning weddings across the Southeast. Callie shares real-world stories from behind the scenes, offering insight into crisis management, decision-making under pressure, and what it takes to lead confidently on a wedding day. We also explore Callie’s leadership journey within the Association of Bridal Consultants, her role as Georgia State Manager, and her experience becoming a published author. From navigating unexpected challenges to mentoring the next generation of planners, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical lessons for wedding professionals at every stage of their careers. Check out her book here: https://a.co/d/03fYgbAV A must-listen for planners who want to lead with confidence, professionalism, and grace — even when the unexpected happens.

In this episode of ABC Weddings Unveiled, we dive deeper into what it really takes to elevate the wedding industry. From professional standards and certifications to collaboration and leadership, we explore how wedding pros can move from simply booking events to building lasting influence. If you’re ready to grow, connect, and lead with intention — this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Catrina Reese to talk about what it really takes to build a successful and sustainable career in the wedding industry. From navigating growth and change to staying grounded in your values, Catrina shares real-world insights drawn from her experience behind the scenes of weddings and events. We explore leadership, business mindset, and the importance of strong relationships—both with clients and industry partners. Catrina also offers a thoughtful perspective on what wedding professionals should be focusing on now to stay relevant and profitable. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and packed with takeaways for planners and creatives at every stage of their journey.

In our premiere episode, ABC President Veronica Foster is joined by the full ABC leadership team to unpack the biggest shifts from 2025, the trends shaping 2026, new education pathways, travel opportunities, and what’s ahead for World of Weddings. A powerful, honest look at where the industry is—and where it’s going.