LEVEL THE FUCK UP

We’re back with another round of unfiltered wedding truths — because planning your big day shouldn’t feel like a performance. In this episode, we’re diving into seven more spicy takes that might just change the way you think about your wedding.From why a first look might actually save your sanity, to why you should let your dress get dirty, we’re calling out the pressure, perfectionism, and Pinterest expectations that steal your joy.You’ll hear:🔥 Why “the aisle moment” isn’t the only magical first-look option🔥 How candid moments don’t just happen — you have to make space for them🔥 The truth about wedding traditions (spoiler: they’re optional)🔥 Why guests remember the energy, not the décor🔥 How to ditch the rigid timeline and let your day flow naturallyThis isn’t about rules or checklists — it’s about creating a wedding that feels real. So grab your coffee (or champagne), and let’s get honest about what really matters when you say “I do.”

In this episode, Kassidy Marie Photography shares her unfiltered hot takes for brides planning their weddings in 2026 and beyond. She emphasizes that weddings should be a personal reflection of the couple, not influenced by others' opinions. Kassidy discusses the importance of hiring professional photographers and videographers, the pitfalls of following trends, the DIY dilemma, and the significance of maintaining mental health during the planning process. She encourages brides to create guilt-free guest lists and to focus on the marriage rather than just the wedding day.TakeawaysYour wedding is for you and your partner, not others.Hiring a photographer and videographer is essential.Trendy elements may not be timeless; choose what feels right for you.DIY projects can lead to stress; know your limits.Guest lists should be guilt-free; invite who you truly want.Mental health is more important than aesthetics during planning.Focus on the marriage, not just the wedding day.Invest time in relationships during the planning process.Wedding planning should be a joyful experience, not stressful.Create boundaries to maintain joy in the planning process.

In this conversation, Kassidy Marie Photography dives into the topic of failure, emphasizing its inevitability and the importance of embracing it as a part of personal growth. She discusses the mindset shifts necessary to reframe failure from a negative experience to a valuable learning opportunity. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Kassidy encourages listeners to normalize conversations about failure, reflect on their experiences, and develop resilience. The discussion highlights the significance of community support and the need to detach one's identity from failures, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace their struggles and continue moving forward.TakeawaysFailure is a universal struggle that everyone faces.Embracing failure can lead to personal growth and resilience.Reframing failure as feedback helps in learning and improvement.It's important to detach failure from your identity.Surrounding yourself with supportive people can normalize failure discussions.Reflecting on failures allows for better future decisions.Celebrating lessons learned from failures is crucial.Expecting failure can help in preparing for it mentally.Training for failure is essential for long-term success.Sharing failure stories can foster community and support.

In this episode, Kass discusses the importance of quarterly planning for personal and business growth. She emphasizes the need for commitment, the mindset behind 90-day planning, and the significance of setting realistic goals. The conversation covers a three-step planning framework, tools for staying on track, common pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of making planning a lifestyle rather than just a system. Kassidy encourages listeners to embrace change, focus on their goals, and take actionable steps towards their dreams.TakeawaysCommit to showing up for your goals.Quarterly planning helps reduce overwhelm.Humans thrive on short-term focus.Confidence builds through consistent action.Set clear outcomes for your goals.Take time off to recharge and reflect.Use tools that work for you personally.Avoid overcommitting to prevent burnout.Make planning a lifestyle, not just a task.Embrace the compound effect of small wins.

** ONLY ONE TICKET LEFT FOR THE DOLOMITES PHOTO RETREAT **In this conversation, Kassidy Marie Photography discusses the transformative experience of the Dolmites retreat, emphasizing the importance of community, empowerment, and personal growth. She shares insights on the culture of the retreat, the core principles that guide it, and the unique opportunities for learning and connection that attendees will experience. The conversation highlights the significance of investing in oneself and the potential for both personal and professional growth through the retreat.

In this engaging conversation, Kassidy Marie Photography interviews Dolomites Photography Retreat Guest Speaker - Brittany Bell about her journey in photography, the upcoming Dolomites Retreat, and the importance of community and mindset in creative growth. Brittany shares her experiences transitioning from an attendee to a team member, the significance of networking, and how retreats can catalyze personal and professional development. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, embracing a multi-passionate career, and the value of setting intentions for success. The conversation is filled with insights, encouragement, and a call to action for those looking to level up in their creative endeavors.

In this conversation, Madison Hare shares her journey as a photographer, discussing her rapid business growth, the importance of mindset, and her transition into the luxury market. She emphasizes the role of social media in her success and the need for photographers to be seen. Madison also talks about diversifying income streams and the importance of client relationships, while encouraging others to overcome limiting beliefs and embrace their unique qualities.Madison will be a guest speaker for the Dolomites Photo Retreat speaking on: Stepping into the luxury market & booking destination weddings.

In this podcast, Kassidy Marie shares her top four strategies for achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from email, taking time off for creativity, setting joy goals, and using color coding in calendars to enhance mindfulness and joy in daily activities.

In this interview, Jazzy Wong shares her journey as a psychedelic-assisted therapist and facilitator of healing experiences. She discusses her work in Hawaii, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the transformative power of plant medicine. Jazzy emphasizes the significance of sisterhood, self-care, and the integration of experiences gained during retreats. The conversation also highlights the unique healing environment of Maui and the structured approach to retreats, including preparation, dosage, and the importance of community support.

In this interview, Nicole Love shares her transformative journey from personal struggles to becoming a self-worth and emotional mastery coach. She discusses the impact of emotional baggage on physical health, the importance of recognizing trauma, and the role of subconscious beliefs in shaping our reality. Nicole emphasizes the significance of energy healing and the healing modalities she employs in her coaching practice. The discussion also highlights the healing power of Maui and the importance of taking radical responsibility for one's healing journey.

In this episode, Kassidy Marie reflects on her challenging year, sharing insights on personal growth, celebrations, and lessons learned. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing achievements, even amidst difficulties, and encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection as they prepare for the new year. Kassidy introduces the iceberg analogy to illustrate the unseen struggles that contribute to personal development and concludes with a series of introspective questions to guide listeners in their own reflections.

In this episode, Kassidy Marie discusses the transformative power of the Maui Wellness Retreat, sharing her personal journey and the impact of life-changing experiences. She emphasizes the importance of community, celebration, and personal development, encouraging listeners to overcome excuses and take action towards their goals. The retreat promises a blend of adventure and self-discovery, featuring activities like surfing, Reiki, and guided experiences, all set in the beautiful backdrop of Maui. In this conversation, Kassidy Marie discusses the transformative power of guided mushroom experiences and the culture of her upcoming wellness retreat. She emphasizes the healing properties of mushrooms, the importance of creating a judgment-free environment, and the various activities planned for the retreat, including sound baths and deep conversations. Kassidy also outlines the four key rules for the retreat, focusing on self-acceptance, dropping expectations, and fostering a supportive community.

In this engaging conversation, Kassidy Marie Photography interviews her close friend Sophie Jean, exploring their friendship, Sophie's journey into photography, and her experiences living in Maui. They discuss the challenges of navigating life changes during COVID-19, the journey to becoming a full-time photographer, and the importance of self-belief. Sophie shares her insights on identity, relationships, and the magic of Maui, emphasizing the unique lifestyle and inclusivity of the island. The conversation highlights personal growth, the power of community, and the transformative experiences at the upcoming retreat. In this engaging conversation, Kassidy and Sophie explore the transformative power of photography and personal growth in Maui. They discuss the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape, the importance of community and support, and the life lessons learned through their experiences. The conversation also delves into the significance of friendship, the energy of retreats, and the advice for those considering attending one. Through their shared stories, they highlight the impact of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new experiences.

In this engaging conversation, Kassidy Marie and Mia Grace Hardaway explore their friendship, the journey of becoming a full-time photographer, and the importance of personal growth. They discuss the significance of open-mindedness in creative processes, the evolution of style, and the art of storytelling through photography. Mia shares her experiences with styling for retreats and how she approaches her work, emphasizing the blend of different styles and the importance of being true to oneself. In this conversation, Mia Grace Hardaway discusses her unique approach to photography, emphasizing the importance of prompting over posing to create a comfortable atmosphere for couples. She shares her growth journey as a photographer, highlighting the significance of second shooting and how it has transformed her approach to weddings. Mia also dives into her creative process, the development of her style, and the importance of building relationships with clients. The conversation touches on her recent experience shooting a celebrity wedding and the inspiration she draws from her travels, particularly in Hawaii.Takeaways: Mia emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself in business and life.The journey to becoming a full-time photographer can be challenging but rewarding.Open-mindedness is crucial for personal and professional growth.Styling is an essential part of photography that enhances the overall aesthetic.Experimenting with different styles can lead to personal evolution.Storytelling through photography creates a deeper connection with the audience.Collaboration and support among friends can lead to greater success.Every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to growth.It's important to embrace change and adapt to new situations.Building a strong network in the photography industry is beneficial. Prompting helps couples feel more comfortable during shoots.Mia emphasizes the importance of capturing multiple angles.Second shooting has significantly improved Mia's photography skills.Building relationships with clients enhances the overall experience.Mia's creative process is influenced by fashion and details.Consistency in showcasing work on social media is crucial.Finding a personal style in photography is an evolving journey.Mia loves incorporating grain into her images for a cinematic feel.Retreats provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth.Experiencing different cultures can inspire creativity in photography.

In this engaging conversation, Kassidy Marie interviews Sydni Shea, a talented photographer based in Maui. They discuss Sydni's early start in photography, their friendship origin story, and the unique energy Sydni brings to her work. The conversation delves into themes of imposter syndrome, empathy in photography, and the impact of personal experiences on artistic expression. Sydni shares her growth journey following the Maui wildfires, her creative process, and the importance of intentionality in her art. The discussion concludes with insights into branding and the significance of creative sessions. In this engaging conversation, Kassidy and Sydni explore the intricacies of photography, branding, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of creativity and intentionality in photography, the challenges of pricing and value, and the impact of mental health on artistic expression. Sydni shares her unique approach to photography, emphasizing the significance of connection and communication with clients. The duo also reflects on their friendship, the lessons learned from each other, and the transformative power of retreats and community in fostering growth and creativity.Sydni will be also be speaking on: Composition + Framing and thinking outside the box during the February 19th - 23rd, 2025 Maui Photo Retreat. 

This mini mic drop episode is for all my people who want to give less f*cks about what other people think. As I dive into the mindset behind what helps me live life on my terms, I hope it inspires you to prioritize YOU and WHAT YOU WANT vs. listening to other people. 

Aloha Sugar - If you are reading this -- then that means you are one step closer to changing your life forever. Maui, Hawaii is a place that everyone should experience in their lifetime. & then you add - Building your photography portfolio - Connecting with like-minded women - Experience the island in a locals eye - LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST with adventures - & taking the time for YOU to FIND YOURSELF a little more This episode dives into why LTFU Retreats are DIFFERENT than any other retreat out there. We walk through how we strategically go about the week and how it is an immersive experience that you will not want to miss. Give it a listen and if you feel called to join us, apply on our website and we will send over more information on how you can be a part of this magical week in 2025. xo!

This mini mic drop episode dives into the energy you put out into the world is the energy you get back. It is geared toward the women entrepreneurs who are struggling with self-doubt and want to break out of their limiting belief bubble that they continue to find themselves in. Kassidy Marie shares a relatable story of an encounter she had with another photographer and what she learned from it. Her hope in sharing it is to make others realize that they are not alone and how we each control the power to the level we put ourselves at. 20 minutes of pure motivation that will truly light a fire under your ass. 

This episode dives into how LIFE IS HARD & if we continually wait for things to get "easier," then we are robbing ourselves of being present and enjoying the NOW. If you are in a season that is hard and you need to see a light at the end of the tunnel, this episode is made for you. This fourteen minute episode will be your reminder to find the joy in your day to day life. We also unpack the quote -- "Adulthood is saying, [But after this week things will slow down a bit] over and over until you die." We shine light on how to not live like that ^^^ anymore. To find a way to embrace all of the ups and downs and not wait for the day that things get easy. Our hope is that this mic drop episode is the FIRE you need this week! xo <3

As we enter into a NEW ERA of LTFU, Kassidy Marie dives into giving the Level Up Tribe an update on the hardships of the last 8 months and also shines light on the future of the business, retreats, and podcast. This episode was not an easy one to record and our hope is that you listen with love and grace and support every woman who has ever been a part of this amazing community. The future is bright for all of us and we cannot wait to provide mic drops moving forward. Love you SO BIG!