Today is the two-year anniversary of my father’s death.  We all have limited time. How we spend it is important.

Today is the two-year anniversary of my father’s death. We all have limited time. How we spend it is important.

S4 E18 Time

Deep rest is important.  Having the ability to put your body and mind in a state of rest and relation will help prepare you and condition you for the times that you need to do intense work.  Here are my tips on how to achieve a state of deep rest.

Deep rest is important. Having the ability to put your body and mind in a state of rest and relation will help prepare you and condition you for the times that you need to do intense work. Here are my tips on how to achieve a state of deep rest.

S4 E17 Rest

Last weekend I found out that I had been exposed to Covid ahead of what was the biggest production of my career thus far.  

Last weekend I found out that I had been exposed to Covid ahead of what was the biggest production of my career thus far.

S4 E17 Covid Exposure and Wedding Days

As the world continues to spin off its axis, we as creative professionals need to acknowledge that we can and should control the work that we do. We must control who we do it for, who we do it with, and ultimately manage our creative process.It is our job to make the world a prettier place and to leave people better than we have found them. In the face of every excuse and every tragedy, my response is always the same:  “okay, and…”

As the world continues to spin off its axis, we as creative professionals need to acknowledge that we can and should control the work that we do. We must control who we do it for, who we do it with, and ultimately manage our creative process.It is our job to make the world a prettier place and to leave people better than we have found them. In the face of every excuse and every tragedy, my response is always the same: “okay, and…”

S4 E16 Okay, and...???

Q3 2021 has been intense and aggressive!  We as an industry are entering our busiest season while the world feels very unstable.  Here are 5 Ways to Combat the Crazy and move through the next few months with success.

Q3 2021 has been intense and aggressive! We as an industry are entering our busiest season while the world feels very unstable. Here are 5 Ways to Combat the Crazy and move through the next few months with success.

S4 E15:  Hold My Beer.  5 Ways to Combat the Craziness of Q3

Wedding planning is an exciting time, but it is also stressful and unnerving.  Many of us are currently faced with disgruntled clients.  Let's talk anger, ego, and how to move forward.

Wedding planning is an exciting time, but it is also stressful and unnerving. Many of us are currently faced with disgruntled clients. Let's talk anger, ego, and how to move forward.

S4 E 14 Anger + Ego

The year is almost over!  That's how it feels, anyway.  As my kids get ready to return to school, I am struck by how quickly 2021 will go.  With COVID still lingering and a return to regular life beginning, what are you holding on to?  How are you moving forward?  What will you protect, and what will you let go of?

The year is almost over! That's how it feels, anyway. As my kids get ready to return to school, I am struck by how quickly 2021 will go. With COVID still lingering and a return to regular life beginning, what are you holding on to? How are you moving forward? What will you protect, and what will you let go of?

S4 E13:  It's Almost Christmas

How do you manage your workload in the midst of a crisis? When enduring personal tragedy and trauma, what happens to your task list? Las Vegas wedding planner Andrea Eppolito discusses managing your personal life and your business when everything seems to go wrong.

How do you manage your workload in the midst of a crisis? When enduring personal tragedy and trauma, what happens to your task list? Las Vegas wedding planner Andrea Eppolito discusses managing your personal life and your business when everything seems to go wrong.

S4 E12:  Trauma, Tragedy, and Your Tasklist

As we recover from Covid, many businesses have found that they need to change vendors and work with new teams. Working with new teams can be scary, and in this episode I am offering five tips to help you qualify new wedding pros.  

As we recover from Covid, many businesses have found that they need to change vendors and work with new teams. Working with new teams can be scary, and in this episode I am offering five tips to help you qualify new wedding pros.

S4 E 11:  Vetting Vendors

The three largest challenges facing the wedding and event industry as we move into Covid recovery are supply chain issues, increased costs, and the fact that our partners are not ready to produce.  In this episode I discuss our issues and how we can combat them. 

The three largest challenges facing the wedding and event industry as we move into Covid recovery are supply chain issues, increased costs, and the fact that our partners are not ready to produce. In this episode I discuss our issues and how we can combat them.

S4 E10:  3 Challenges Facing the Wedding Industry Post Covid

Las Vegas Wedding Planner Andrea Eppolito shares her thoughts on wedding planning, party planning, event design, and luxury lifestyle choices.

She is one of the best! I learn so much from her and her guests.

So educational

Fun, Funny, Informative, Andrea is a Super Pro‼️💕 Love her energy.

The Truth!

Andrea Eppolito | Celebrating Life, Luxury, & Above All Else Love

Javier Valentino

Javier Valentino is a high end event designer specializing in luxury, over the top weddings.  His opulent style, love of texture, and creative genius guarantees that every event he produces will be incredibly unique and personalized to his couple.

Javier Valentino is a high end event designer specializing in luxury, over the top weddings. His opulent style, love of texture, and creative genius guarantees that every event he produces will be incredibly unique and personalized to his couple.

Episode 18:  Event Designer Javier Valentino

Shannon Underwood

How does the team at Wedding MBA vet their speakers and plan their tradeshow?  What should you do if you want to apply as a speaker?  Is it worth taking a booth?Shannon Underwood of Wedding MBA answers these questions and more on today’s episode.  For more information on Wedding MBA visit https://www.weddingmba.com/ or call  480-636-1066.

How does the team at Wedding MBA vet their speakers and plan their tradeshow? What should you do if you want to apply as a speaker? Is it worth taking a booth?Shannon Underwood of Wedding MBA answers these questions and more on today’s episode. For more information on Wedding MBA visit <a href="https://www.weddingmba.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.weddingmba.com/</a> or call 480-636-1066.

S3 E7:  Shannon Underwood with The Wedding MBA

This was my second time speaking at The DJ Collective, a symposium dedicated to the education and empowerment of the DJ Community.https://www.thedjcollectiveofficial.com/

This was my second time speaking at The DJ Collective, a symposium dedicated to the education and empowerment of the DJ Community.<a href="https://www.thedjcollectiveofficial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thedjcollectiveofficial.com/</a>

The DJ Collective 2019

Chicago based Wedding Photographer Rebecca Marie Ickes joined me on the blog to discuss systems and processes. How does one decide to start a business, and why? What does it take to scale a business, and what types of systems are needed for day to day success?Rebecca and I tend to gab like girlfriends, because we are. But her personality is infection and you will fall in love with her and her art.https://rebeccamarie.comhttps://instagram.com/rebeccamarieartmailto:studio@rebeccamarie.com

Chicago based Wedding Photographer Rebecca Marie Ickes joined me on the blog to discuss systems and processes. How does one decide to start a business, and why? What does it take to scale a business, and what types of systems are needed for day to day success?Rebecca and I tend to gab like girlfriends, because we are. But her personality is infection and you will fall in love with her and her art.<a href="https://rebeccamarie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://rebeccamarie.com</a><a href="https://instagram.com/rebeccamarieart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/rebeccamarieart</a><a href="mailto:studio@rebeccamarie.com?subject=I%20Heard%20You%20On%20Andrea%20Eppolito's%20Podcast!&amp;cc=andrea%40eppolitoevents.com">mailto:studio@rebeccamarie.com</a>

Rebecca Marie Talks About Systems & Processes

Rest and Recovery Rituals. Post wedding and events I have a very specific set of rituals that I do to help myself come down from an event. I need these things to help me feel better in my body and in my mind. Listen here and share your rest and recovery tips!www.andreaeppolitoevents.com andrea@eppolitoevents.com Social Everywhere @andreaeppolito

Rest and Recovery Rituals. Post wedding and events I have a very specific set of rituals that I do to help myself come down from an event. I need these things to help me feel better in my body and in my mind. Listen here and share your rest and recovery tips! <a href="http://www.andreaeppolitoevents.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.andreaeppolitoevents.com</a> <a href="http://andrea@eppolitoevents.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">andrea@eppolitoevents.com</a> Social Everywhere @andreaeppolito

Episode 20:  Rest & Recovery Rituals

Jessica Jordan

Introducing Jessica Jordan Events.  After a long career in the hotel space,  Jessica Jordan opened her own wedding and event planning business in New York City.  Listen to Jessica discuss her experience transitioning out of a venue and what she thinks about kick backs and payments.  And, her love of girlie dresses!

Introducing Jessica Jordan Events.  After a long career in the hotel space,  Jessica Jordan opened her own wedding and event planning business in New York City.  Listen to Jessica discuss her experience transitioning out of a venue and what she thinks about kick backs and payments.  And, her love of girlie dresses!

Episode 9:  Introducing Jessica Jordan Events

Las Vegas wedding planner Andrea Eppolito discusses the benefits of travel and how getting outside of your normal environment can impact you in business and in life.

Las Vegas wedding planner Andrea Eppolito discusses the benefits of travel and how getting outside of your normal environment can impact you in business and in life.

Episode 16:  The Benefits of Travel

Cindy Novotny

Radical mentor Cindy Novotny lives a life with no balance and loves it.  Cindy is the motivational shot in the arm that you need.  Cindy sits at the helm of Master Connection where she and her team work with businesses to develop sales, training, and execution programs.  Cindy believes in loving what you do, in doing it well, and in always being the hardest person in the room.  What always strikes me about her is how unapologetic she is, how grateful she continues to be, and what an absolute light she is for everyone .  To learn more, visit http://www.masterconnection.com/

Radical mentor Cindy Novotny lives a life with no balance and loves it. Cindy is the motivational shot in the arm that you need. Cindy sits at the helm of Master Connection where she and her team work with businesses to develop sales, training, and execution programs. Cindy believes in loving what you do, in doing it well, and in always being the hardest person in the room. What always strikes me about her is how unapologetic she is, how grateful she continues to be, and what an absolute light she is for everyone . To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.masterconnection.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.masterconnection.com/</a>

Radical Mentor Cindy Novotny:  Hard Work, No Excuses!

When up and coming wedding planners ask how they should begin, it's very difficult for me to give them advice without knowing anything about them personally. That said, the answer that is ALWAYS true is learn, learn, learn. Education is the answer to every question and will be the thing that saves us as an industry and propels you as an individual further.

When up and coming wedding planners ask how they should begin, it's very difficult for me to give them advice without knowing anything about them personally. That said, the answer that is ALWAYS true is learn, learn, learn. Education is the answer to every question and will be the thing that saves us as an industry and propels you as an individual further.

S3 E4: Answering the Question "Where should I begin? What should I do next?"

Rebecca Yale

I have been a fan of Rebecca Yale’s photography for years, but what I really love is her classical training, her commitment to heritage, and her use of words. She quotes masters, artists, and poets, has a stunning and romantic style, and she deeply believes in collaboration and the power of publishing.Be sure to listen as she shares her tips for planning a submission that gets shared!Listen to her talk about her process and herr business, and learn more by visiting http://rebeccayalephotography.com/.

I have been a fan of Rebecca Yale’s photography for years, but what I really love is her classical training, her commitment to heritage, and her use of words. She quotes masters, artists, and poets, has a stunning and romantic style, and she deeply believes in collaboration and the power of publishing.Be sure to listen as she shares her tips for planning a submission that gets shared!Listen to her talk about her process and herr business, and learn more by visiting <a href="http://rebeccayalephotography.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://rebeccayalephotography.com/</a>.

A Chat with Wedding Photographer and Artist Rebecca Yale

Hello, hello my friends!  Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Sean Low, the founder of the BBC Collective.  The BBC is a think tank that allows creative business owners to come together and discuss the status of our industry, the problems that we face, and the opportunity to simply do better business and better art.I adore Sean.  He is cerebral, he is in your face, he is brilliant, and he is utterly unapologetic in being who he is.  Sean moderates our group every week, and he has been instrumental in helping me put my business in perspective so that I can do what I love to do; which is make the world a more beautiful place. Check out the BBC Collectie Here:https://thebbccollective.com/Email sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com 

Hello, hello my friends! Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Sean Low, the founder of the BBC Collective. The BBC is a think tank that allows creative business owners to come together and discuss the status of our industry, the problems that we face, and the opportunity to simply do better business and better art.I adore Sean. He is cerebral, he is in your face, he is brilliant, and he is utterly unapologetic in being who he is. Sean moderates our group every week, and he has been instrumental in helping me put my business in perspective so that I can do what I love to do; which is make the world a more beautiful place. Check out the BBC Collectie Here:<a href="https://thebbccollective.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://thebbccollective.com/</a>Email sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com

Sean Low & The Business of Being Creative

At a recent breakfast with DJ Brian B inspired me to write about my feeling of responsibility to my vendors and creative teams, how I make decisions, and the fact that my creative partners change every 4 years or so.

At a recent breakfast with DJ Brian B inspired me to write about my feeling of responsibility to my vendors and creative teams, how I make decisions, and the fact that my creative partners change every 4 years or so.

Episode 24:  Responsibility, Vendor Selection, and How I Make Decisions

Responsibility has been on my mind a lot lately.  How does responsibility translate into contracts?  Do we use them to CYA or to tell a story?    What is our actual responsibility to our clients vs the imaginary and legal ones we impose on ourselves?  When it comes to vendors, what do we take responsibility for?  How can we be responsible for vendors that we don't select?  Is there a difference between fault and responsibility?  Does it matter?

Responsibility has been on my mind a lot lately. How does responsibility translate into contracts? Do we use them to CYA or to tell a story? What is our actual responsibility to our clients vs the imaginary and legal ones we impose on ourselves? When it comes to vendors, what do we take responsibility for? How can we be responsible for vendors that we don't select? Is there a difference between fault and responsibility? Does it matter?

Responsibility: How it Impacts Contracts, Client Communications, and Vendor Relationships

Fear can be a motivator or a paralyzing force.  How we move through it - if we choose to move through it - will change our businesses and the industry at large.  What are we so afraid of???

Fear can be a motivator or a paralyzing force. How we move through it - if we choose to move through it - will change our businesses and the industry at large. What are we so afraid of???

 Fear

Las Vegas Wedding Planner discusses social media.  Did we out think the room and ruin the medium?  Are we too dedicated to the pretty, and not showing enough of the real?  I posed a behind the scenes photo and go over 2700 likes, while pro pics maybe only get 200.  What does this say?

Las Vegas Wedding Planner discusses social media. Did we out think the room and ruin the medium? Are we too dedicated to the pretty, and not showing enough of the real? I posed a behind the scenes photo and go over 2700 likes, while pro pics maybe only get 200. What does this say?

Episode 10:  Social Media.  Did we out think the room?

The Top 10 Trends of 2020.  The biggest wedding trends that we can expect to see this decade. 

The Top 10 Trends of 2020. The biggest wedding trends that we can expect to see this decade.

S3 E2 Trend Report 2020

How do you survive a recession?  What can you do during a dip in your primary business?Recently I spoke at the Engage! Luxury Wedding Summits conference in Nizuc, Mexico.  My topic was not only how you survive a recession, but how you position yourself in such a way that allows you to come out of the dip and be positioned stronger and in a much better place than before.

How do you survive a recession? What can you do during a dip in your primary business?Recently I spoke at the Engage! Luxury Wedding Summits conference in Nizuc, Mexico. My topic was not only how you survive a recession, but how you position yourself in such a way that allows you to come out of the dip and be positioned stronger and in a much better place than before.

The 10 Tenets of Surviving a Recession:  Getting Through The Dip

Welcome to 2019! We are back celebrating life, luxury, and above all else, love. This episode talks about the challenges, successes, and opportunities of 2018 and how they set up my business for the coming year.This podcast is a space for creatives and businesses to discuss our art, our processes, and how we communicate with the world. I am very excited about the changes I have made to my business. I am - once again - speaking to my clients in a very real and intentional way. I've gotten very vulnerable, very open, and I sharing how it feels to break a business open and re-build it so that it serves not only my clients, but how it serves me as an artist.Thank you for coming along with me on this journey - I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for all of us as a community.

Welcome to 2019! We are back celebrating life, luxury, and above all else, love. This episode talks about the challenges, successes, and opportunities of 2018 and how they set up my business for the coming year.This podcast is a space for creatives and businesses to discuss our art, our processes, and how we communicate with the world. I am very excited about the changes I have made to my business. I am - once again - speaking to my clients in a very real and intentional way. I've gotten very vulnerable, very open, and I sharing how it feels to break a business open and re-build it so that it serves not only my clients, but how it serves me as an artist.Thank you for coming along with me on this journey - I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for all of us as a community.

Welcome to Season 2!!!

As a designer, I sometimes struggle with the production part of watching what I see in my head come to life. There is this risk associated with creating something very specific for a couple. Watching my partners actually bring forth the image can be scary, and when all of the pieces are scattered there can be a moment of "Oh my God, what have I done? I hate it!!!" As it comes together, I find that I hate it less. Then, I hate it much less, and less, and less...Until I love it.How can I avoid this anxiety? Should I? At what point does the gap between my design and the reality keep me sharp and on my toes, and at what point does it hinder me?To watch a quick BTS video of an actual demo, and to hear my client talk about how important it is for her to understand the design, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxFXe4YXKFEAnd to learn more about The BBC Collective and the think tank that helps me shape my thoughts, visit https://thebbccollective.com.

As a designer, I sometimes struggle with the production part of watching what I see in my head come to life. There is this risk associated with creating something very specific for a couple. Watching my partners actually bring forth the image can be scary, and when all of the pieces are scattered there can be a moment of "Oh my God, what have I done? I hate it!!!" As it comes together, I find that I hate it less. Then, I hate it much less, and less, and less...Until I love it.How can I avoid this anxiety? Should I? At what point does the gap between my design and the reality keep me sharp and on my toes, and at what point does it hinder me?To watch a quick BTS video of an actual demo, and to hear my client talk about how important it is for her to understand the design, watch here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxFXe4YXKFE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxFXe4YXKFE</a>And to learn more about The BBC Collective and the think tank that helps me shape my thoughts, visit <a href="https://thebbccollective.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://thebbccollective.com</a>.

I Hate It Less - Watching the gap of an idea come to life

We have launched two online educational courses.  The Business Blueprint for Wedding Planners is a 4 hour crash course designed for the aspiring to new wedding planner who needs to solidify a strong business practice, while the Wedding Planner Masterclass is for established businesses that want to grow and evolve.  As someone who believes that you LEARN when you TEACH, what did I get from this?  Well, first of all, my husband and I are rediscovering ourselves in the new dynamics of our relationship, which is exciting and interesting all at once.  And on the business side, I have learned a lot about the care and feeding of your email list. 

We have launched two online educational courses. The Business Blueprint for Wedding Planners is a 4 hour crash course designed for the aspiring to new wedding planner who needs to solidify a strong business practice, while the Wedding Planner Masterclass is for established businesses that want to grow and evolve. As someone who believes that you LEARN when you TEACH, what did I get from this? Well, first of all, my husband and I are rediscovering ourselves in the new dynamics of our relationship, which is exciting and interesting all at once. And on the business side, I have learned a lot about the care and feeding of your email list.

Online Education is the Future!

The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Investing Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!