Unveiled Interviews

The economy, changing values, re-defining traditions, and the “virality-factor” of house labels are all pushing consigned bridal fashion forward as the leading option for so many brides looking for ‘the dress’  – but, what does this process of shopping used actually look like?In this interview, we talk with Allison Chou, founder and curator of Double Happiness Bridal, a luxury bridal consignment boutique in New York City. Though growing in demand, the work Allison does is still relatively new to the industry, so we ask her all about the how’s and why’s of consignment over new, what makes a fashion label considered “luxury,” and the mindset that brides should have when choosing their dress.Website: https://www.doublehappinessbridal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublehappinessbridal/

In this flashy, new-aged world of high-tech cameras and high expectations, it’s always impressive to hear from artists who embrace the art of a slower and more intentional creative process. The pressure to create for a dopamine hit is real, and has caused a massive shift in the way we consume, appreciate, and create works of art today. It’s no surprise that this pressure has landed in the wedding industry as well, where we have too seen a shift in the way weddings are created and then captured.In this episode, we hear from cinematography-extraordinaire, Mark Brown, a UK-based wedding filmmaker who travels the world creating wedding videos using only analog media. Mark’s work is whimsical and comedic, but also romantic and poetic. It’s not flashy or boastful, highly edited or high-definition, but in a way, that’s what makes it so beautiful and memorable.Through all the trends and advancements in film tech, Mark continues to hold tight the process and style that most resonates with his personal taste and values, even when it may polarize with the expectations set by modern standards – all the reasons we wanted to learn from hilm. In our conversation, we ask Mark all about his use of film (the why’s and the how’s), how it informs his process and style, and what his thoughts are on the impact of modern technology on the creative process.Website: https://www.markbrownfilms.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbrownfilms/

Nearly all engaged couples have the same end goal in mind: showing their guests an incredible experience. But, what exactly does it take to accomplish this?Is it all in the food and beverage? The music or entertainment? Does a good experience depend on creative design or thoughtful amenities? What about the itinerary or wedding day timeline – is this the secret to a lasting impression?Given her business motto is all about “planning really good parties,” we figured the best person to ask all these questions to was Tory Smith, lead planner/producer at Smith + James Events. Tory and her team have done unparalleled work both executing events that perfectly fuse refinement with approachability, and reaching clients that also speak their language, so we invited her to find out: how do they do it?Website: https://www.smithjamesevents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithjamesevents

Building a thriving and reliable business, especially in the wedding industry, requires more than just creative talent or charisma. Many wedding professionals often get caught up in maintaining appearances through social media, blogging, submissions, and workshops, and while these are important for visibility, they don't guarantee long-term success or sustainability.Kelsey Connely, owner and creative director of Downey Street Events, brought a strong understanding of business-to-people relationships from her previous career in HR before later acquiring the premier wedding planning company.In our conversation, Kelsey and I delve into the often "daunting" aspects of business ownership, covering topics such as setting up bank accounts, saving for taxes, drafting and negotiating contracts, and strategizing to move a business into higher markets.Website: https://downeystreetevents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downeystreetevents/

As so many wedding photographers navigate tumultuous waters of business-ownership, many explore the pros and cons of expanding their team through associates. While many find this route to provide ease through added hands, others find that adding associates to their brand actually hinders performance of themselves or their business.With so many questions and unknowns around operating with associates, we invited someone much more experienced in the area – destination wedding photographer, Ali Beck. Through her career as a wedding photographer, Ali has dabbled in many forms of associateship including building an associate team then reverting back to solo. Throughout this process, she learned so much about her own personal and professional goals, all of which she so generously shares in this interview.Website: https://www.alibeck.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alibeckphoto/

For some brides, the tradition of shopping for “the dress” is warmly embraced, leading to joyous memories of "girl time" over champagne. But for others, the reality isn’t so simple or glamorous; its stress over finding multiple looks, refuting conflicting tastes, balancing price tags with budgets, and figuring out how to communicate likes (and dislikes) with the wedding party.Fortunately, for these types of wedding woes, we have professionals like Gabrielle Hurtwitz, a bridal fashion stylist based in New York City. Not to be confused with beauty artists or personal shoppers, bridal stylists like Gabrielle work closely with brides to curate thoughtful and thorough wardrobes for the entire wedding weekend. As you can probably imagine, layering colors, textures, and budgets for not just “the dress,” but also other looks for the bride – and often her close family and friends – comes with many challenges, so I was thrilled to interview Gabrielle on all parts of her role and process.Website: https://gabriellehurwitz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellehurwitz/

Wedding publications, magazines, digital editorial: Whatever you want to call it, what is going on in this space?What are publications' purpose in the wedding industry? What role should they fulfill? Are they genuinely helpful or relevant for couples planning their weddings today? For wedding professionals and vendors serving these couples, is it worth “paying to play” and why have the wait times for publication become so long? With me in this episode is weddings editor turned media consultant, Sarah Schreiber, who, over the course of her decade-long career in digital editorial at Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides, gained a deep understanding of how this world operates. During our conversation, we discuss how (and why) this space has changed so much over the past couple of years—and what the publication landscape might look like with the rise of a new generation of both couples and technology.Instagram: @sar_schreiber

Though he prefers to say he is “photographer fascinated by weddings, rather than a wedding photographer,” John Dolan is recognized today as a pioneer who helped bring wedding photography into the modern world, where we seek creative and holistic storytelling and appreciate it as an actual artform.But, the appreciation of the artform has seemed to fog up a bit as a new industry has emerged – the industry of education in wedding photography. Suddenly, the focus seems to be more on the business side where photographers are seeking quick-fixes and immediate gratification. So we wanted to know… what is John’s take on all of this? Are we onto something or have we lost the point?John’s Website: https://www.johndolan.com/John’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndolanphotog Memory Cult by Anastasia Pagonas: https://www.memorycult.com/John’s Book “The Perfect Imperfect, Second Edition”: https://www.johndolan.com/print-shop

This episode is for all the wedding documentarians out there – photographers, videographers, and yes, content creators,  I’m looking at you – who are wondering how they can get their clients to open up a bit more, feel more comfortable, and ultimately be fully present with the full range of emotions that are ultimately felt on a wedding day.In this interview, I welcome Joel & Justyna Bedford, a husband and wife destination wedding photography team. Joel and Justyna are highly recognized in their industry for their warm and whimsical approach to photography and for their ability to document their subjects with authenticity. For this interview, the scope of our conversation will be how wedding vendors can show up for their clients with said “softer footprint” and ways we can hold space for our clients and their loved ones on the wedding day.Website: www.joelandjustyna.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/joelandjustyna

What would weddings look like without our beloved Instagram, Tik Tok, etc.? Would the trends be the same? Would they last as long, or longer? How would we find our vendors? How would we find our inspiration? Though I originally reached out to her with the intention of having a conversation around floral trends, Amanda Luu of Studio Mondine and I immediately bonded over our mutual struggles with social media and the way it has shaped the way we think about weddings today. So, we figured why not have this conversation instead?In this episode, we take things back in time to the ways social media has shifted our approach, mindset, and ethos when it comes to weddings, and how moving past it might be the key to "success" we’ve been missing.Website: www.studiomondine.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/studiomondine

Workshops, content days, styled shoots – they come by many names, have many purposes, and run with many reputations, but not matter what you call them or how you see them, there is no doubt that these curated experiences have made tremendous impact for so many businesses in the wedding industry. From using them for content to their powerful networking opportunities, styled shoots and workshops have certainly earned their place as a powerful strategy to grow one's business.But what exactly makes for a successful styled shoot/workshop? As a host, what elements should we consider to create an incredible experience for the attendees and leave with glowing reviews? As an attendee, how do we know which experience is actually going to move the needle forward in our business and create lasting impact? With me for this conversation, I invited wokshop-host-extraordinaire, Nicola Dixon, a destination wedding photographer based in Mallorca Spain. Nicola has been hosting styled shoots and workshops of all shapes and sizes for over ten years and in the process, has learned almost everything there is to know about hosting and attending. In our conversation, she shares her experiences, lessons learned, and the inside scoop on what it actually looks like to host one of these.At the end of our conversation, Nicola even shares some incredible opportunites she is offering for October of this year – one of which I am personally attending myself!Nicola's website: https://nicoladixonphotography.com/Nicola's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/editorialsbynicoladixon/Mallorca Workshop with Jesse Tombs: https://nicoladixonphotography.com/mallorca

Considering that the wedding industry is largely composed of female entrepreneurs, it's surprising there isn’t a stronger dialogue in this space  concerning the realities of operating a creative business as a mother. Becoming a mother changes you in so many ways – physically, mentally, and spiritually – and comes with endless unknowns. With all of these shifts, how does one find a sense of work-life balance? How can women prepare their businesses for pregnancy, then again in post-partum, then create a sense of balance (and abundance) through the following seasons? As entrepreneurs, how can we be present with our child while also seeking growth and fulfillment in our businesses?Wanting to have this conversation with a fellow mother, I invited along Olivia Rae James, a destination wedding photographer living in Charleston, South Carolina. In our conversation, Olivia shares her invaluable perspectives on experiencing growth as both a mother and a business owner, from family planning and navigating the transitions of pregnancy to managing the ongoing changes throughout parenthood.Website: https://oliviaraejames.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/oliviaraejameswed

Navigating the complexities of wedding planning can be a challenge, especially when it comes to balancing dreams with practical realities. The abundance of inspirational examples can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations for newly engaged couples, who may be unaware of the resources and effort required to bring their visions to life. In an effort to alleviate these challenges, I invited Barbi Walters of The Lynden Co, an event production team who specializes in fully-custom build outs. During our conversation, Barbi and I demystify the logistics and costs behind so many of the wish list items for the modern couple, and shed light on the many reasons weddings have become as big (and expensive) as they are today.Website: https://lyndenlane.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/lyndenlane

In a world saturated with endless inspiration, how does one even begin to approach designing one of the most important events in a person's life – their wedding day?In this episode, I'm joined by Augusta Cole, one of the top event designers and producers in the wedding industry. Augusta’s work is widely recognized for its classic and inviting style, yet each event holds a unique character of its own.In our conversation, Augusta shares insights into how she uncovers the true goals and priorities of each client, and how these elements combine to shape the logistical, technical, and atmospheric stories of their unique celebration.Website: www.augustacole.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/augustacole

What does it take to grow a wedding business today? Is it more about networking, getting published, refining your portfolio, or cultivating a strong personal brand?While achieving these goals seems pretty straightforward when you’re familiar with your audience, entering a new market introduces a new set of challenges, often leaving business owners feeling stuck and confused.In this episode, we interview Samm Blake, a New York-based wedding photographer. Samm not only shares the key behind scaling her business to the high-end market but also reveals how she transformed her brand into a household name.Website: www.sammblakeweddings.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/sammblake

Like “documentary” photography, "editorial" is definitely a buzzword right now, but how many people know what this term actually means in terms of in-person process and approach on a wedding day? Do couples understand what will be expected of them in order to achieve an "editorial" style? Do photographers that use this term in their branding understand what could be expected of them in terms of their approach, experience, or philosophies? In this episode, wedding and editorial photographer Madison Aycoth demystifies these two terms and explains how although they may appear different in style, they can actually be quite similar in approach and play very well together on a wedding day.Website: www.madisonaycoth.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/madisonaycoth

It’s easy enough to start a business in the wedding industry and start calling yourself a professional artist, but what is it that makes your art different and unique? What sets your work apart from the sea of wedding professionals  out there and what does it take to achieve a truly distinguishable style?In this episode, we speak with NYC-based wedding photographer, Camille Delaune, where we discuss her journey in discovering her confidence and solidifying her place in the world of wedding photography.Website: www.camilledelaune.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/camilledelauneweddings

In this episode, we interview Lisa Ashley, founder and curator at The Wedding Artists Co, a company that represents a selective group of photographers and videographers in the wedding industry. Lisa’s role is pretty unique but one that (we believe) is up-and-coming and soon will completely transform the landscape of the wedding industry as we know it.Website: www.theweddingartistsco.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/theweddingartistsco

When looking at photos of a wedding online, it’s easy to imagine the execution of that wedding being as effortless and romantic as the images portray… but to the surprise of many, the reality is not so simple. Like cogs in a clock, the success of any wedding can be determined by the harmony of the professional team; when everyone has a similar vibrancy and end-goals in mind, that’s when true magic can be made.With me in this episode is Jesse Tombs, founder and lead creative director of the eponymous event production company based in the Bay Area of California. In our conversation, Jesse explains his why and how behind building these strong and symbiotic team​s, and explains the differing benefits between long-term creative partnerships versus welcoming in someone new.Website: www.jessetombs.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/jessetombs

Society loves to brand weddings as the “best day of someone’s life” but in reality, there is a ton of stress felt by so many during the planning process and sadly it's not openly talked about enough.  To help shed some light on the topic of stress, we invited Dr. Olivia Muzones to the podcast, a practitioner of holistic chiropractic kinesiology based in California. During this conversation, Olivia addresses many of the ways stress can manifest physically, emotionally, and spiritually and shares some things couples can do to hopefully keep the planning process as fun and beautiful as it deserves to be. You can follow Olivia and her work on instagram at @droliviamuzones.

From being one of the very first professionals a couple will interact with on their wedding day to determining how a person will look in photos for the rest of their lives, the role of a hair and makeup artist is certainly a role that holds a lot of power.  Here to talk about power of the role and what couples can do to ensure they find the best artist for them is Michelle Schultz, founder of the NYC-based hair and makeup collective, Willow House Beauty. Throughout this conversation, Michelle helps us understand how couples can find their wedding beauty artist(s), questions they should ask themselves to determining their wedding day look,  Michelle also speaks directly to the professional beauty artists out there looking to build their brand authority or make a lasting impression on their clients. From advice on branding and marketing to sharing ways hair and makeup artists can better serve their couples and leave with glowing reviews, Michelle shares all her best industry knowledge. You can follow Michelle and her business Willow House beauty on instagram at @willowhouse.beauty or at their website www.willowhousebeauty.com. Cover image by Jessica Perez

In the professional space, we see so many female business owners struggling with health issues that are frequently tied to stress/burnout in some form or the other. Especially in the wedding industry, a space predominantly operated by females, it’s sad that we commonly see business owners struggling with a sense of imbalance, overworking, perfectionism, and burnout especially when they originally established their businesses from a place of passion, joy, and inspiration. In this episode, we interview Rachel Nichols, a hormone-health specialist who predominantly coaches female entrepreneurs through her own business called Restoring Eve. During our conversation, Rachel shares some ways we as women can optimize our workflows and routines to lead both our lives and businesses with less burnout and instead, a greater sense of energy, clarity, and fulfillment.  To discover Rachel's work and learn more about the power of hormone health in business and general wellness, you can follow her on Instagram at ⁠@restoring.eve⁠ or on her website ⁠https://www.restoringeve.com/⁠

We talk a lot about the big, fancy, exuberant wedding celebrations here on Unveiled Interviews, but we also believe their is another way to get married. A wedding doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special; for some couples, it’s the simplicity of an elopement or courthouse ceremony that resonates most with their beliefs and priorities. In this episode we interview Blake Nelson, a wedding and editorial photographer based in New York City. Recently, Blake’s wedding work has been recognized as synonymous with Manhattan’s city clerk’s office, so he has so much wisdom to share in what it takes to plan, execute, document, and enjoy a simple wedding celebration. Not only does Blake walk us through the logistics of what it takes to plan a NYC city hall wedding, but also the mindset and energies that so many of his couples are embracing throughout the wedding planning process in order to have a day that speaks to their individuality. You can discover and follow Blake’s  work on Instagram ⁠@blakenelsonweddings⁠ or on his website at ⁠https://blakenelsonphotography.com/⁠.

In this content-driven world, the demand for photography in the wedding industry has skyrocketed. More and more, wedding photographers are feeling the pressure to work not only for the couple who hired them, but also the vendors who are also contributing to the wedding. The pressure of serving upwards of a dozen different clients per wedding has muddied the waters a little bit in how photographers approach their work. More than ever, photographers are having a difficult time distinguish themselves as unique artists, and it's not difficult to see why this is happening. Content is pushed out so quickly and with such demanding expectations, that we’ve forgotten to appreciate the “inside process” of how good photography is achieved, especially in an environment as important and sensitive as a wedding. In this episode, we speak with Emily Magers, a wedding photographer based in California. We talk not only through technical aspects of wedding photographers do but also on the art of observation and the specific thoughts going through their minds at different moments on a wedding day. You can discover and follow Emily's work on Instagram @emily.magers or on her website at https://www.emilymagers.com/.

With the rising trend of the term “luxury”, it seems like everyone wants to call themselves a “luxury” fill-in-the-blank these days.  But what does the term luxury even mean in the wedding industry? Are there qualifiers for being able to use the term? Does the term say something about how a professional charges or the level of service they provide? How do you know whether a wedding classifies as a luxury event? And the biggest question – is working in the luxury market a true pinnacle of success? In this conversation, we talk with Jaime Kostechko, lead planner and founder of the wedding planning firm, Wild Heart Events, who breaks down the term “luxury” and shares with us her interpretation of where it fits in the wedding industry. You can follow Jaime and her planning company Wild Heart Events on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wild_heart_events/.

One of the very first, and often most stressful, parts of wedding planning is establishing a budget. It’s the piece that sets the tone for the rest of the wedding planning and execution processes and when done right, has the power to alleviate you from further stressors down the road. However, how exactly does a couple establish a wedding budget? How do couples decide how much to spend on their wedding, then how do they decide where to allocate those funds amongst all of the areas including venue, food and beverage, decor, documentation… there is just so much to consider and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost in it all. In this episode, we talk with Corinne Van Arsdale, planner and founder of New York state wedding planning company Canvas Weddings. Corinne first walks us through all the questions couples should be asking themselves before deciding on a wedding budget, then advises couples on how to avoid budget creep as the planning unfolds. During our conversation, we also address the notion of “wedding tax” and whether or not its true if prices of goods or services  may be inflated just because they are being used for a wedding, and whether or not this could be a secret to cutting costs. You can follow Corinne and her team at Canvas Weddings on Instagram at @canvasweddings or on their website at https://canvaswedding.com/. Cover images by Joel & Justyna

After over a decade of being suppressed by the convenience of digital, film photography is having its renaissance, especially in the wedding industry. Even with its rising costs, slow and tedious process, and theoretically risky behavior, more and more couples are requesting their wedding days to be captured on film, which has led to more and more wedding photographers feeling the pressure to start offering it in their process. But, what exactly are people loving about film? Why has it become such a popular request? What can film do that digital cannot? I am so grateful that one of my personal industry inspirations, wedding and editorial photographer Sophie Berard, was willing and eager to jump on and talk with us on the allure of film and her best guess as to why it’s suddenly so sought after. You can find and follow Sophie on Instagram at @sberardweddings or on her website at sberard.com.

Out with the old and in with the new – weddings today are not what they once were. Waning traditions and a newfound love for personalized experiences have taken over the wedding industry and couples today are seeing their big day in a whole new light. Simply put, societal expectations for weddings have just changed, which has caused a little confusion for couples as to what steps they need to take, when, and in what sequence, in order to plan the celebration of their dreams. In this interview, Lara Mahler, founder and lead planner of wedding planning company THE PRIVILEGE IS MINE, breaks down the different approaches you can take while planning your wedding and offers examples of resources that can help along the way. During our conversation, she continuously offers bits of wisdom and advice for the couples struggling through the decision-making process and specific questions they can ask themselves to ensure the end result is a beautiful and genuine representation of their unique taste and priorities. During this interview, Lara also discusses her online planning platform, TPIM ONLINE, which offers free and paid subscription services for couples planning their weddings. Not only does the platform offer a vendor directory and an open discussion board for the community, but Lara also hosts regular webinars on various topics in hopes of providing clarity and direction to those who need it most.  You can follow Lara and learn more about her company at www.theprivilegeisminenyc.com or on Instagram at @tpimweddings.  To join or learn more about her online platform, TPIM ONLINE, visit https://community.theprivilegeisminenyc.com/c/start-here/. Cover image by Brian David Weddings.

Wedding stationery is so much more than just invitations – customized signage, paper products, personalized tokens and mementos all have the power to transcend a wedding’s experience and how this remembered. Yes, monogrammed matchbooks and handwritten place cards have their moment, but going a step further with other unique whimsical touches can collectively create an immersive experience that demands attention from all the senses – leaving a lasting impression on both the couple and their guests for years to come. In this episode, we are joined by stationery artist and visionary, Alexandra Collins of One Mimosa Please, a high-end event creative design studio based in Melbourne, Australia. Alexandra’s incomparable and captivating process interprets stationery not as a supplementary service for weddings, but rather an asset to how a wedding day is experienced from all angles.  During our conversation, Alexandra breaks down her process and provides examples of different ways couples can use stationery to set a vibe and create a lasting impression. This team isn’t just making invites and signs – they analyze the individual needs of every event and find creative solutions to elevate even the smallest of touch points. This conversation is not only inspiring, but a beautiful reminder that weddings are so much more than lavish productions; all the little decisions you make along the way really are a love letter to your guests. Follow Alexandra on Instagram at @onemimosaplease_ https://www.onemimosaplease.com/ 

Ever wonder what it’s like to plan a destination wedding from a couple’s perspective? In this two-part series of Unveiled Interviews, we sit down with a real couple, Gillian and Matt who reside in New York City, and ask them all about the experience of planning their upcoming destination wedding, which will take place June 2024 in Mallorca, Spain:  How did they decide where to have their wedding? How did they break the news to their family? Did they experience any backlash from guests, and if so, how did they handle it? How did they find their venue, vendors, and suppliers? What has been the most stressful part of the planning experience? Part II of this series, which will be recorded after their wedding has taken place, will gain even more perspective of the wedding’s execution:   How was their experience with all of their vendors? Did their guests enjoy the destination experience? Did anyone have any issues with travel? If given the chance for a do-over, would they choose a destination wedding again? Stay tuned for the launch of that episode later this summer. Follow Gillian, a New York City based wedding photographer and real-life bride, on Instagram at @gillianleephotos Cover image by Gillian and Matt's talented wedding photographer @hilaurenhello

So many couples dream of a destination wedding in their hearts, but when it comes to putting pen to paper, step away from their dream because of assumptions around cost, planning logistics, or even reactions from family and friends. But what if they knew planning a destination wedding ultimately isn’t much different than planning a local wedding?  During this episode of Unveiled Interviews, wedding planner Laura Garcia of Moon Velvet Studio – who specializes in destination weddings across Southern California, Spain, and beyond – walks us through all the logistics and debunks all the common misconceptions around planning a destination wedding. From deciding when and where to hiring vendors and navigating travel, Laura breaks down the planning process and helps us understand exactly what needs to be considered every step of the way. Laura Garcia is the owner and lead producer of Moon Velvet Studio, a full-service design and planning company based in San Diego, California but specializing in weddings world-wide.  Follow Laura on Instagram at @moonvelvetstudiohttps://www.moonvelvetstudio.com/ Cover image by Meghan Savage.

Business can often be seen as a very mechanical thing with cogs and wheels – we so often feel limited by the invisible rules set by our peers and forget to look at things with a holistic perspective. What if, instead of seeing things as mechanical and analytical, we started running our businesses with our hearts? What if our businesses were so intertwined with our personal morals and passions that we started operating with an abundance of energy, ambition, and creativity? What if we could see each and every opportunity with fresh eyes and infuse our work with soul every time? In this episode of Unveiled, we interview California-based wedding photographer, Lexie Hand. Lexie has experienced an incredible transformation in not only business but also in self over the past year or two, and in so has developed such  rich and passionate insight in what it means to infuse soul into your business.  Follow Lexie on instagram at @lexiehand https://www.lexiehand.com/

Wedding fashion – for not only brides but also grooms, family members, other guests, and even wedding professionals – has been rapidly growing in popularity in recent years and (we believe) for good reason. What you wear to wedding not only affects how you feel and therefore the energy you emit throughout the day, but then transcends to others around you affecting how they feel and the energy they emit throughout the day. Bold, artful, maybe even a little daring fashion has the ability to elevate not only the aesthetics of a wedding day, but also the overall energy and experience. In this interview, we sit down with wedding photographer and self-proclaimed fashionista, Syndey Slavens of Syndey Marie Co, who walks us through her philosophy as to why fashion matters at weddings and all the ways we can harness it's power to impact the vibes of the day. Our conversation with Sydney shares ideas for thinking outside the box, places to find inspiration, and strategies to blend timelessness with your unique vision and taste. Our conversation even unearths suggestions for wedding professionals and both how and why they should consider a wedding wardrobe that embraces individuality, and yes, color. Follow Sydney on Instagram at @sydneymarie.co https://www.sydneymarie.co/ Wondering where to shop for your wedding guest or vendor looks? We love these brands below: Zimmerman Faithful the Brand Ulla Johnson Shona Joy Sea New York Chloe Doen Alemais Net-a-Porter My Theresa Jenni Kayne Reformation Toteme Sezane Vince Moda Operandi Sachin and Babi Danielle Frankel

Pricing is a topic that comes up a lot in the wedding industry: why are weddings so expensive?! Why are wedding vendors charging so much for their services?! Is there an industry standard that you should be considering when shopping for your vendors? What about if you are a wedding professional – how do you determine what to charge? How do you determine what your work is worth? Are the prices you're dreaming of charging realistic? What about this concept of an industry standard... does it exist and if so, how do you figure out where you land? Anni Graham is a traveling wedding photographer based in Central Oregon. After photographing weddings for over a decade and scaling her business from budget celebrations in her home town, to epic adventurous elopements across the globe, to now high-production events teamed with other prestigious industry professionals, Anni has (in her words) "made all the mistakes" when it comes to pricing her photography services. In this episode, Anni dishes out her best advice for how to approach pricing in the wedding industry and explains why she believes the concept of "industry standard" needs to be reconsidered. There is absolutely no holding back in this episode and we believe that every person involved in weddings – clients and professionals – will leave this episode with an entirely new mindset on the topic. Follow Anni's wedding work on Instagram at @annigraham or her website at ⁠https://www.annigraham.com/⁠. Anni also offers education for wedding photographers at ⁠⁠@immersed_education⁠ and ⁠https://www.immersededucation.com/⁠ where she recently released an entire course on her approach and philosophy to pricing. You can learn more about this incredible course at https://www.immersededucation.com/pricing-course-for-photographers.

If you’re running your own professional business in the wedding space, you’ve probably found yourself wondering what it takes to get your business to the next level – you may be wondering: "How do I book projects that excite me? How can I connect with clients and other vendors that resonate with my own taste and approach? What’s it going to take to finally feel like I’ve arrived?" In this episode, we are privileged to hear from wedding photographer and filmmaker, Kelly Mouradian of @kellymour__, who walks us through her career journey and the purposeful steps she took to get her business from zero to one-hundred in only two years. Kelly’s natural ambition of course played a big part in her growth, but even more so her ability to accept failure as an option was the key she needed to find success in such a quick period of time. There’s no holding back in this episode – Kelly shares her deepest thoughts, knowledge, and philosophies without the smallest degree of gatekeeping, and we are sure that everyone will find value in her insight. Kelly is a wedding photographer and filmmaker based in the mountains of Colorado but serving destinations world-wide. After only a couple years in business, her work has already been recognized and published in renowned wedding publications such as British Vogue, the Anti-Bride, Rocky Mountain Brides and more.  Follow Kelly on instagram at @kellymour__  https://www.kellymour.com/  Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with Alyssa Vanzo. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at ⁠⁠alyssavanzo.com/podcast⁠⁠ or on Instagram ⁠⁠@unveiledinterviews⁠⁠.

Ever wonder what it takes to get your wedding featured in an esteemed wedding magazine like Brides or even Vogue? What are these publications looking for, what does the submission process look like on the other side, and  Shelby Wax is a writer, editor, and consultant who has created work for renowned publications such as Vogue, Allure, The Knot, and Brides. During our conversation, we discuss the prestige that such sought-after publications continue to strive for in their featured work and the specific elements desired in the wedding space. Shelby’s insight offers a first-hand look into the minds of editors at such prestigious wedding publications and the specific elements they look for in the features they select.  You can find Shelby on Instagram at @shelbywax or her website at https://www.shelbywax.com/  Cover image by Jenny Fu. Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with Alyssa Vanzo. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at ⁠alyssavanzo.com/podcast⁠ or on Instagram @unveiledinterviews. We hope you look forward to next time. Wondering where to submit your real wedding? Here are some ideas: *⁠⁠The Anti Bride⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Brides⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Carats & Cake⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Cut⁠⁠ *⁠⁠The Friend Club⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Green Wedding Shoes⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Hello May⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Junebug Weddings⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Knot⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Lane⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Over the Moon⁠⁠ *⁠⁠Partyslate⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Real Weddings Magazine⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Rock 'N Roll Bride⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Rocky Mountain Bride⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ruffled Blog⁠⁠ *⁠⁠Southern Bride⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Style Me Pretty⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Together Journal⁠⁠ *⁠⁠The Wed⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wedding Chicks⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wedding Sparrow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wed Vibes⁠⁠ ⁠⁠100 Layer Cake⁠⁠ *Please note that some publications require membership or submission fees in order to submit for feature. We have done our best to mark these above with an asterisk, but please be sure to do your own research and read through the unique instructions and requirements for each individual publication before submitting.

One of the biggest questions asked by couples planning their weddings – why are wedding florals so expensive? In this week’s episode, Brooklyn-based wedding florist Ahna Han breaks down the cost of wedding florals and all the reason’s couples today are receiving higher floral quotes than ever before. Spoiler alert: you aren’t just paying for the flowers themselves. Just like any other industry, florists are dealing with increased costs associated with labor, transportation, importation taxes, etc. Ahna gracefully shares her insight on all of these costs and how they impact overall floral costs for weddings.  Ahna Han is the owner and lead designer of a full-service wedding and event floral design studio based in Brooklyn, New York. The Ahna Han floral studio specializes in artful arrangements and installations designed with seasonal flowers and inspired by nature. Follow Ahna on Instagram at @ahna__han https://www.ahnahan.com/  Cover image by Hannah Jan Photo. Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with Alyssa Vanzo (@alyssavanzophoto). To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at ⁠alyssavanzo.com/podcast⁠ or on Instagram @unveiledinterviews. We hope you look forward to next time.

It’s taking over the internet for its eclectic whim and effortless vibe – but what is documentary photography, really? Why are we suddenly so drawn to it? How does it differ from "editorial" or other styles of photography? What mindset is required (of both the photographer and subject) for the most beautiful documentary style photographs to take place? What strategies and techniques can wedding photographers apply in their process before or on a wedding day to leave with more candid captures? In this episode, we sit down with wedding photographer Tracy Koflanovich of Tracy Jade Photography and ask her to help us define documentary photography and how it is utilized and approached in the wedding space. Tracy is a wedding photographer based in Rochester, New York. Specializing in a non-intrusive and observational technique, Tracy believes that the best images are those that are unposed, unstaged, and tell the truth about particular moments in time. She generously shares insight on her philosophy across her Instagram and in doing so has gained a substantial following with those who resonate with her documentary approach. Follow Tracy on Instagram at @tracyjadephoto https://www.tracyjadephotography.com/  Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with Alyssa Vanzo (@alyssavanzophoto). To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at alyssavanzo.com/podcast or on Instagram @unveiledinterviews. We hope you look forward to next time.

The cornerstone of the wedding day – venues play quite possibly the most influential role in how a wedding is experienced by the couple, guests, and vendors. Venues can define the personality and essence of a wedding, and can impact everything from the number of guests you can have, whether or not you can get ready or have the ceremony on site, how events flow from early to late into the evening, as well as additional rentals, florals, or amenities that must be considered in the overall budget. Even “last minute” details such as contingency plans, prep space for catering, parking, transportation, locations for photos, and proximity from nearby hotels are affected by the venue chosen for a wedding day. With all this pressure, how does one go about finding that perfect venue that will not only fulfill the vision, but also the ideal “flow” and vibe for everyone involved? During this episode, we talk with esteemed wedding planner Erika Bellitt of Array Creative Design, who walks us through every detail she considers (both good and bad) when helping her couples narrow down on the perfect venue. Besides just aesthetics, Erika touches on the more unsightly details such as vendor and decor restrictions, availability for set-up and tear-down, and even hidden fees that might pop up at certain venues. If you are an up-and-coming wedding planner or couple in the early stages of wedding planning, this is an episode you will not want to miss. Erika Bellitt is the owner and lead designer at Array Creative Design, a full-service wedding design and planning studio based in Santa Barbara, California and serving all of Southern California and beyond. Array Creative Design strives to produce original and authentic weddings inspired by each client’s vision and originality. Erika has featured designs in People Magazine, BRIDES, Over The Moon, Anti-Bride, 100 Layer Cake, Martha Stewart, and many more. Follow Erika and her team at @array_creative_design https://arraycreativedesign.com/  Cover image by Dani Toscano. Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with Alyssa Vanzo. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at ⁠alyssavanzo.com/podcast⁠ or on Instagram ⁠@unveiledinterviews⁠.

Both have their time, place, and impact in the wedding industry, but many fail to realize the true difference between their (vastly different) roles – the planner vs. the coordinator. In this episode, we sit down with renowned planner and educator, Manda Worthington of Mae & Co Creative, who breaks down the roles of wedding planners and coordinators and what makes their jobs so different from one another. She also defines the role of the venue coordinator, who yet again plays their own unique part in the wedding experience and in most cases should not be confused with these other roles. What jobs are each taking on? Where do their roles overlap with one another? What are the client-facing touchpoints for the planner versus the coordinator? What does each of  their day-to-day look like? What can couples expect to pay for each of these roles? How can coordinators start transitioning and marketing their services for full-service planning? – Manda answers all of these questions, and so many more. Manda Worthington is the owner and lead producer of Mae & Co Creative, a full-service design and production agency for high-end weddings and events across the globe. Follow Manda’s wedding planning business on instagram at @maeandco_creative and her educational platform for wedding professionals at @maeandcomonthly. https://www.maeandcocreative.com/ https://www.maeandcomonthly.com/  Cover image by Kristin Piteo. Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with Alyssa Vanzo. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at alyssavanzo.com/podcast or on Instagram @unveiledinterviews.

The wedding industry is a funny space; it depends on both the following and creation of trends but it's also compelled to keep old-school traditions alive. How can we possibly expect artists in this space to keep up with such insane expectations?! Imposter syndrome and burnout are two things nearly every wedding professional has experienced (or will) at one point or another in their career. Being a creative entrepreneur has its challenges beyond the logistics of business – it takes a lot of emotional energy to create with your heart – and in an industry as emotionally-driven as the wedding industry, there can be immense pressure to fall victim to things like trends and comparison. During this episode of Unveiled Interviews, we address these concerns around imposter syndrome and creative burnout with Los Angeles-based wedding photographer Krista K Photo. Since its inception only a few short years ago, her business has evolved rapidly and as a result, Krista has developed a keen sense of self-awareness. During our conversation, she shares insight on how she has learned to identify the sensations of burn out or imposter syndrome creeping in and ways she combats these feelings we all dread to experience as creatives. Follow Krista on Instagram at @kristakphotohttps://kristakphotos.com/ Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with host ⁠Alyssa Vanzo⁠. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at ⁠alyssavanzo.com/podcast⁠ or on Instagram ⁠@unveiledinterviews⁠. We hope you look forward to next time.

Is it the post-pandemic mindset, a shifting economy, or maybe the up-and-coming new generation of couples? The wedding industry has experienced a huge transformation in recent years leaving so many couples and industry professionals wondering how to prepare themselves for the 2024 and 2025 wedding seasons (and beyond).  During this episode of Unveiled Interviews, we sit down with New York City based wedding planner, Rachel Urban, to get her take on what is happening behind the scenes:  Why have weddings become so expensive? Why are couples taking longer to plan their weddings? Why are old marketing strategies no longer working for industry professionals? These questions, and so many more. Rachel Urban is a co-owner and full-service wedding planner at Apricity Event Co, a boutique wedding planning company specializing in understated-luxury events in the US, Europe and destination.  Follow Rachel and her team at @apricityevent.co https://www.apricityeventco.com/  Episode cover photo by Taylor and Porter. Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with host Alyssa Vanzo. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at alyssavanzo.com/podcast or on Instagram @unveiledinterviews. We hope you look forward to next time.

For the pilot of Unveiled Interviews, we wanted to start things off with a conversation around the importance of clients hiring vendors with whom they can develop a deeper, more personal and trusting relationship. Especially in an industry as emotionally-driven as weddings, it’s more important than ever that the vendor-client relationship is cornerstoned with trust above all else. As much as couples can try to plan their day with every single detail considered, things can happen on a wedding day that are completely out of anyone’s control. Rather than pulling themselves away from key moments with loved ones, it’s paramount for couples to have a team of truly aligned professionals they can fully trust to fulfill their vision and maintain a joyful and memorable experience for themselves and their loved ones. To help us elaborate on not only the importance, but also the how, of building foundational vendor-client relationships, we invited renowned wedding photographer, Kristin Piteo, to speak on her philosophy and process. Kristin Piteo is a wedding photographer based in California but most frequently serving destinations across the world. She works closely and passionately with each of her couple’s to provide them a high-touch experience that is tailored to their unique vision and priorities. During our conversation, Kristin enlightens us with her take on vendor-client relationships and the specific strategies she implements in her business to build that unwavering trust with her clients from their very first conversation. Follow Kristin on Instagram @kristinpiteophoto https://www.kristinpiteo.com/  Thank you for listening to Unveiled Interviews with host ⁠Alyssa Vanzo⁠. To hear more episodes or follow along on the journey, visit us at ⁠alyssavanzo.com/podcast⁠ or on Instagram ⁠@unveiledinterviews⁠. We hope you look forward to next time.

Biggest welcome to Unveiled Interviews: a podcast dedicated to making the wedding industry a more transparent place for everybody. My name is Alyssa (@alyssavanzophoto) and I am a wedding photographer based in Rochester, New York. Although most of my work is in the New York City and Hudson Valley regions, over my six years in business I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the continental US for weddings including many National Parks, up and down the coasts of Oregon and California, and nearly every corner of New York State. Before kicking off the podcast, I wanted to start with a brief introduction of myself and provide some clarity of what this podcast is all about and who it's for. With confusion and gatekeeping at the forefront of so many conversations in the wedding industry, I felt compelled to create a safe space where everyone could feel heard and validated. I created Unveiled Interviews as a sort of neutral playing field where couples and industry professionals could come to air out their concerns and get real, actionable insights. While some conversations are naturally more suitable for one group over the other, our goal at Unveiled Interviews for every interview is to provide value and clarity for everyone.  This passion project has lived in the depths of my mind since the inception of my wedding photography business and it feels surreal that everything is finally coming to fruition. I am so excited to get these incredible conversations out into the world and sincerely hope at least one person finds value from every conversation had. I truly love what I do and the industry I work in, so it brings me immense pleasure to bring you Unveiled Interviews. Follow us on Instagram @unveiledinterviews Submit your feedback & questions or apply to be a guest speaker on the podcast at alyssavanzo.com/podcast Follow Alyssa on Instagram @alyssavanzophoto or visit her website at alyssavanzo.com