Advertise on podcast: Wedding Pros who are ready to grow - with Becca Pountney

Show notes: In this episode I'm joined by Joaquin Corrales, wedding venue owner, software developer and founder of Venue AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the sales process and what wedding professionals can learn from it. Joaquin shares how his experience building and running Gran Paraiso Gardens, a successful wedding venue in Miami, helped him identify one of the biggest challenges businesses face: generating enquiries is only half the battle. If you're not responding quickly, following up consistently and understanding what turns a lead into a booking, you could be missing out on valuable opportunities. Drawing on the systems he's developed for his own venue and through Venue AI, Joaquin explains how AI can help businesses manage enquiries, answer questions, follow up with potential clients and streamline repetitive tasks. While his experience comes from the venue industry, these lessons are relevant to wedding planners, photographers, florists and other wedding professionals looking to improve their sales process and make better use of their time. We also discuss why AI shouldn't mean losing the personal touch. From getting the right brand voice to knowing when a conversation needs a human response, Joaquin shares what business owners should consider before introducing automation and how to choose tools that genuinely support their business. Venueai Joaquin's Instagram Gran Paraiso Gardens Time stamps: 00:59 - Joaquin Corrales — Venue Owner & Tech Entrepreneur 08:15 - Growing the Venue: Building a Consistent Lead-Generation System 18:25 - Building Venue AI — prioritising conversational quality and accuracy 22:21 - Practical Lead Workflow: Automated Handling Until the Tour 26:54 - Preserving Personality: Preventing Lazy, Generic AI 39:05 - AI for Small Businesses — How to Evaluate and Adopt Tools 42:27 - The Future of the Wedding Industry 48:33 - The One Business Lesson I Wish I'd Known Sooner Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Ready to take your Venue Team into the future? Take a look at what Venue AI has to offer, find out more or book a demo now. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Aymin, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Events, a venue management company in the US. Jonathan also hosts the VenueRx podcast and founded the Wedding and Event Venue Association, so he brings a wealth of experience and some refreshingly honest insights into running and growing a venue business. We chat about Jonathan’s journey into the wedding industry, from starting a staffing company to managing wedding venues across the US, and why being successful in this industry takes far more than simply having a beautiful space. We also get into the practical side of marketing. Jonathan explains why he doesn’t believe in writing off a platform just because it hasn’t worked for another business, and why looking at your own numbers is essential when deciding where to invest your time and money. From wedding directories and Google Ads to Meta, TikTok and AI-driven referrals, we explore why different platforms can work differently depending on your venue and your ideal client. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is our discussion about consistency. It can be tempting to give up when your marketing doesn’t seem to be generating immediate results, but couples may be watching your content for months before they’re ready to enquire. Jonathan explains why it’s important to keep showing up, track your results and look at the bigger picture rather than reacting to every individual post or quiet week. Common Sense Events The Venue RX podcast The Venue RX Instagram Time stamps: 03:53 - From Fired to Founder — Jonathan's Journey into Hospitality and Venue Management 19:20 - What marketing is actually working for venues? 34:02 - Measuring Social Media Success: What Metrics to Track 45:11 - People First: Turning Authenticity into Hiring and Culture 54:05 - Balancing Family and Work: Life with Seven Children 01:08:54 - Final takeaways: Track your data and next steps Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Looking to take your venue into the future? Why not take a look at Venue AI for yourself. Find out more or book a demo now.

Show notes: What happens when your ideal client stops Googling and starts asking AI who they should book? In this episode of Wedding Pros Who Are Ready to Grow, I’m chatting with Vivienne Wagner, CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, about the changing world of SEO, AI search and what it means for wedding businesses. Vivienne shares how she went from blogger to running a digital marketing agency with a team of specialists, and why the lessons she learned from building an audience still apply today. We talk about why blogging is still worth doing, how evergreen content can continue bringing people to your website years after you publish it, and why being clear about who you serve is more important than trying to chase every new marketing trend. We also get into the increasingly important relationship between SEO and AI search. Vivienne explains why SEO remains the foundation, but why simply being visible isn't enough anymore. AI is increasingly interpreting information from your website, social media, Google Business Profile and reviews to decide which businesses it recommends. One of my favourite parts of the conversation is the practical advice around Google Reviews. Rather than simply replying with "Thanks so much", Vivienne explains how your responses can reinforce what you do, who you serve and the experience you provide. Follow Vivienne on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Watch the FREE Bridal AIO Webinar Time Stamps: 00:08 - Episode intro — Meet Vivian Wagner & what to expect 01:52 - Vivienne's Journey: From Politics to Blogging and SEO 37:13 - Consumers trusting AI: where decisions and sales happen (and how businesses stay trustworthy) 42:31 - Pricing Strategy & AI: Transparency, Positioning, and Schema 53:26 - AI Was Coming: Lessons and Predictions for Business Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Venue AI Ready to embrace AI in your wedding venue? Take some time to find out more about Venue AI or book a free demo. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: What does accessibility really look like in the wedding industry? This week, I’m chatting to Charlotte Rowe, founder of The Unseen Weddings, about her experience of planning her own wedding as a disabled bride and the lack of accessibility and representation she has encountered along the way. From struggling to find genuinely accessible venues to seeing very little representation at wedding shows, Charlotte shares some of the experiences that inspired her to start The Unseen Weddings project. We talk about why simply describing somewhere as “wheelchair accessible” isn’t always enough, why asking couples what they actually need is so important, and how accessibility can look completely different from person to person. And it isn’t just about venues. We explore what photographers, florists, DJs, planners and other wedding professionals can do to make their businesses more inclusive; from asking better questions during consultations to thinking about sensory needs, mobility aids, photography and representation. Charlotte also shares some of the positive experiences she’s had, including a wonderfully accessible engagement experience at the Sea Life Centre, and explains her plans to create a directory of wedding suppliers who are committed to learning, listening and doing better. If you’re a wedding professional, I hope this episode makes you stop and think about your own business and the small changes you could make to create a more accessible experience. Unseen Weddings Instagram Time stamps: 00:57 - Charlotte Rowe — Founder of Unseen Weddings 08:45 - Sea Life Center: Accessibility Done Right 13:31 - Directories and Accessibility: Finding Accessible Wedding Venues 22:28 - When Wedding Planning Doesn't Reflect You: Realising You're Unseen 26:00 - Turning Frustration into Action — Starting Unseen Weddings 32:10 - Creating an Inclusive Supplier Directory and Accessible Events 39:34 - Asking About Accessibility: How Suppliers Should Start the Conversation 45:26 - A Word of Caution: Who Should Get Involved Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Ready to take your Venue Team into the future? Take a look at what Venue AI has to offer, find out more or book a demo now. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: In this episode, I’m chatting to Lianne Cole, a female wedding DJ, live vocalist and entertainer who is right at the beginning of her journey in the wedding industry. Lianne’s route into weddings hasn’t exactly been a straightforward one. With a Master’s in opera performance behind her, she’s worked across a whole mix of different industries and businesses before finding her way into DJing and entertainment. She now brings together her love of performing and her passion for music through LMC, combining live vocals with high-energy DJ sets. We talk about what it’s actually like trying to establish yourself when you’re new to the wedding industry, particularly as a female DJ in what has traditionally been a very male-dominated space. Lianne shares some of the challenges she’s come up against, from seeing the same male DJs repeatedly recommended in local wedding groups to feeling like female DJs can sometimes be brought in simply to tick a box. We also talk about why visibility matters, the importance of having more women represented in the industry and how venues and suppliers could help create more opportunities for people who are newer to the wedding world. Lianne's TikTok Time stamps: 01:37 - Leanne's Background & Opera Journey 13:57 - Gender and the DJ Industry: Women in Opera, Weddings, and Beyond 19:41 - Confronting Sexual Harassment in the Industry 27:34 - Unearthing the Gender Gap: Getting On Venue Supplier Lists 35:16 - Marketing on a Shoestring: Visibility Strategies for New DJs Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Looking to take your venue into the future? Why not take a look at Venue AI for yourself. Find out more or book a demo now.

Show notes: This week, I'm chatting to Ade, a wedding MC and celebrant based in London and working worldwide, about exactly that. Ade has built a hugely successful wedding business, with 50 weddings this year, while continuing to work full time as a management consultant. His journey into the wedding industry was almost accidental, starting when friends asked him to MC their wedding in Athens. Five years later, he's worked on weddings around the world and has even been featured in publications including The New York Times and Vogue Weddings. If you're currently juggling a wedding business alongside another job, wondering whether you're ready to go full time, or simply trying to figure out what makes your business different, I think you're going to get a lot from this episode. New York Times article Time stamps: 09:55 - Benefits to Couples: Guest Experience & Value 19:37 - Breaking Down 50 Weddings: Where Clients Come From 28:20 - When Time Becomes Precious: Balancing a 9-to-5 and a Wedding Business 40:00 - The Pipeline: When to Quit and Go Full-Time 51:52 - What I Wish I'd Known Sooner — Essential Business Advice Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Venue AI Ready to embrace AI in your wedding venue? Take some time to find out more about Venue AI or book a free demo. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: In this week's episode I'm chatting to wedding photographer Ollie Knight, who has been capturing weddings since 2011 and has photographed more than 400 couples. Based in Canterbury, Ollie has built a photography business around a documentary, unscripted approach, capturing the real moments of a wedding day rather than creating lots of staged images. But photography is just one part of Ollie's life. Alongside his business, he makes time for his family, his faith, music and his work mentoring and educating other photographers through Framed. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is our discussion around being niche. Ollie talks about how, in the early days, he sometimes compromised his documentary style because he wanted to attract more work. Looking back, he'd choose to double down on what makes his work different. And I couldn't agree more. You don't need everyone to love what you do. It's a brilliant reminder that your business doesn't have to consume every part of your life. You can build something successful while still making space for your family, your faith, your interests and the things that matter to you. FramED Instagram FramED website Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Ready to take your Venue Team into the future? Take a look at what Venue AI has to offer, find out more or book a demo now. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: What is it really like to run a wedding venue in the middle of a wild animal park? In this episode, I’m chatting to Stephanie Betts, Wedding & Event Sales Manager at Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, an award-winning wedding venue with a seriously unique USP. I was lucky enough to visit Port Lympne myself. From safari experiences and a stunning private orangery to exceptional customer service and a carefully curated recommended supplier list, there’s plenty that wedding businesses can learn from the way Port Lympne approaches its guest experience. Time stamps: 00:12 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing 05:34 - The Uniqueness of Portland's Wedding Experience 21:51 - Adapting to Changing Wedding Trends 30:02 - The Rise of Intimate Weddings 45:53 - Understanding Supplier Relationships in Event Management 01:01:29 - The Importance of Customer Experience in Weddings Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Looking to take your venue into the future? Why not take a look at Venue AI for yourself. Find out more or book a demo now.

Show notes: Is AI killing your marketing? I’m not anti-AI, in fact, I use it every single day in my business! But I am starting to see more and more wedding businesses using AI in a way that is making their marketing sound exactly the same. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how to use AI without losing your personality, creativity and unique voice. I’ll be sharing some honesty checks to help you work out whether AI might be hurting your marketing, the difference between generative and agentic AI, and exactly how I’m using AI behind the scenes in my own business. Because AI should be your partner, not your replacement! Download my AI worksheet The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions Time stamps: 00:03 - The Problem with Wedding Marketing 01:23 - The Impact of AI on Marketing 12:51 - Understanding AI in Business: Generative vs. Agentic 22:43 - Using AI as a Thinking Partner 26:52 - Using AI to Enhance Creativity and Efficiency Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Venue AI Ready to embrace AI in your wedding venue? Take some time to find out more about Venue AI or book a free demo. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: This week I’m joined by Lee Clubb Sansom, CEO of Sarah Haywood’s luxury wedding and party planning business, to talk about what goes on behind the glamour of the industry. Lee has had a fascinating career, starting in retail at just 15 before working in premium brands including Ted Baker, AllSaints, Selfridges and Harrods. He then moved into the luxury floral world with McQueens Flowers before joining Sarah Haywood four years ago. Lee’s career journey has given him a brilliant perspective on what it takes to build and run a successful wedding business. We get into the reality of working in luxury weddings, and it isn’t always quite as glamorous as Instagram makes it look! Lee shares why staying humble is so important, why your suppliers and event partners should be treated as clients too, and what separates the people who build long careers in the wedding industry from those who disappear after a few years. Time stamps: 00:13 - Introduction to Becca Pountney 03:13 - Transitioning Careers in the Wedding Industry 15:40 - Transitioning to Employee Ownership 20:40 - Understanding the Reality of Event Planning 27:51 - Navigating Relationships in Event Planning 37:55 - Navigating Follow-Up Emails in Professional Relationships 52:32 - The Importance of Professionalism in Business Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Ready to take your Venue Team into the future? Take a look at what Venue AI has to offer, find out more or book a demo now. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: Could the biggest change to marriage law in almost 200 years completely transform the wedding industry? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Zadie Ward, a wedding celebrant, to discuss the proposed changes to marriage law in England and Wales. And what they could mean for couples, celebrants and the wider wedding industry. But before we dive into the legal changes, Zadie shares her fascinating journey from training as an actor, to working in events and communications, and ultimately finding her calling as a celebrant after conducting a friend’s wedding. We also chat honestly about the realities of building a wedding business alongside a part-time career, why networking has been one of the biggest drivers of her success, and the mindset shifts that have helped her navigate rejection, self-doubt and the pressures of marketing. Marriage law consultation Zadie’s Instagram Ceremonies by Zadie - Zadie’s website Time stamps: 00:06 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing Strategies 01:47 - Exploring the Journey to Celebrancy 10:39 - Navigating the Challenges of Being a Celebrant 15:27 - Navigating Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword of Marketing 21:02 - Navigating Social Media Marketing 26:38 - The Myth of Going Viral 32:22 - The Importance of Data and Tracking in Business 34:34 - The Importance of Data in Decision Making 40:02 - Understanding the Value of Investment in Business 44:54 - The Changing Landscape of Marriage in England 51:11 - The Impact of Wedding Industry Reform 01:00:24 - Finding Focus in Business: Lessons from Experience Mentioned in this episode: Discover Venue AI for yourself Looking to take your venue into the future? Why not take a look at Venue AI for yourself. Find out more or book a demo now.

Show notes: This week on the podcast I’m chatting to Delia Monk. Delia is a messaging strategist and conversion copywriter who helps business owners uncover what makes them different and then communicate it in a way that actually connects with the right people. But before that, she had a fascinating career as a political journalist before spending ten years building a successful travel business. When the pandemic completely turned her world upside down, she had to reinvent herself all over again, and that journey has shaped the way she approaches marketing today. In this episode, we chat about why so much marketing feels the same, why connection matters more than perfection, and how you can uncover what Delia calls your “spark” so your marketing genuinely reflects who you are. We also dive into storytelling, why selling doesn’t have to feel awkward, how to use AI without losing your personality, and why your existing clients are actually your best source of copywriting inspiration. Delia’s newsletter Delia’s Instagram Unapologetic entrepreneurship podcast Time stamps: 00:11 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing Strategies 04:46 - The Decline of Journalism and a New Beginning 11:45 - Navigating Change: A Journey Through Travel and Adversity 13:34 - The Journey to Becoming a Conversion Copywriter 25:15 - Defining Your Spark in Copywriting 27:53 - Strengths and Vulnerabilities in the Industry 35:34 - Understanding the Importance of Values in Business 41:11 - Transitioning to Effective Communication 46:15 - The Art of Story Selling 54:49 - Finding Your Unique Voice in Selling 01:02:32 - Unapologetic Entrepreneurship: A New Beginning 01:06:00 - The Power of Email Marketing Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Venue AI Ready to embrace AI in your wedding venue? Take some time to find out more about Venue AI or book a free demo. Find out more about Venue AI

Show notes: In this week's episode I'm joined by Nina Beer, venue manager at Bugle House in Southampton, who completely reimagined what a wedding showcase could look like. Instead of focusing on selling, Nina focused on creating an unforgettable experience. From carefully curating suppliers to styling every room with purpose, every decision was designed to help couples emotionally connect with the venue and genuinely picture themselves getting married there. The results? A showcase that generated £25,000 worth of bookings, delighted suppliers and completely changed how couples experienced the venue. Time stamps: 00:15 - Understanding the Value of Marketing in the Wedding Industry 03:40 - Transitioning to New Beginnings in the Wedding Industry 09:57 - Rebranding and Marketing Strategies for the Bugle Venue 22:54 - Creating the Perfect Venue Experience 32:02 - Event Experience and Improvements 37:10 - Curating Supplier Lists: The Key to Venue Success 45:00 - The Importance of Supplier Relationships in Weddings 51:13 - Innovating the Wedding Industry

Show notes: Summer is here, the wedding season is in full swing, and for many of us in the UK, the school holidays have officially arrived too. Whether you're juggling children at home, working back-to-back weddings, or simply trying to carve out some time to recharge, this time of year can feel incredibly full. A few years ago, I recorded an episode all about surviving the school summer holidays as a wedding business owner, but so much has changed since then. My business has grown, my children are older, and I've learned a lot about what works (and what definitely doesn't!). In this episode, I'm sharing the practical strategies I use in my own business to help me navigate busy seasons without burning out. Even if you don't have children, these tips will help you manage your workload, protect your time and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live! Becca x Time stamps: 00:19 - Surviving the Summer Holidays: An Update 05:31 - Preparing for Summer Holidays in Wedding Business 08:03 - The Power of Outsourcing and Time Management 15:45 - Finding Balance: Enjoying Time Off with Family 19:39 - Navigating Business During School Holidays 23:02 - Tips for Managing Time Off and Work Balance

Show notes: In this week's episode, I'm joined by Sally O'Gara, a wedding business financial coach and chartered accountant who's on a mission to help wedding pros stop avoiding their numbers and start feeling confident about them. Now, before you switch off because we're talking about finances... stick with me. This isn't an episode full of complicated accounting jargon. It's a practical, honest conversation about why so many wedding business owners feel like they're working incredibly hard without seeing the financial rewards. And, more importantly, what you can actually do about it. Together we chat about why being fully booked doesn't necessarily mean you're profitable, how to work out which of your services are really making you money, and the simple financial habits that can completely change the way you run your business. Sally's LinkedIn Sally's Instagram Free Guide - Where is the money going? Time stamps: 00:09 - Managing Your Finances: The Importance of Professional Help 04:30 - The Journey to Financial Coaching in the Wedding Industry 09:49 - Understanding Profitability in Business 16:55 - Managing Business Finances: A Holistic Approach 20:02 - Understanding Your Business Numbers 26:42 - Understanding Profit Margins and Business Costs 32:56 - Planning for Financial Success 36:36 - Managing Cash Flow in Seasonal Businesses 46:21 - Building Financial Foundations: A Coaching Blueprint 48:23 - Gaining Clarity and Confidence in Business Finance Mentioned in this episode: Club 150 - Wedding Pro Members Lounge A private membership for wedding business owners and venues who are ready to invest in their growth. Weekly coaching from Becca, monthly guest masterclasses, and a full on-demand training vault, all inside a community capped at just 150 members. Find out more Wedding Pro Members Lounge