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Running a successful wedding business takes more than creativity and passion. It also requires systems that keep everything organized and running smoothly. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Becca Mai of Wed 2 You to discuss why your inbox and cloud storage might be two of the most overlooked tools in your business and how better organization can save time, reduce stress, and improve the client experience. Becca shares why wedding pros shouldn't rely on a CRM to solve every problem, how standard operating procedures (SOPs) can make growing a team easier, and why documenting your processes is so important. She also offers practical advice on organizing emails and files, creating effective workflows, knowing when to outsource, and regularly reviewing your systems to make sure they're actually working for your business. Becca Mai is the founder of Wed 2 You, a business coaching and mentorship firm built on 14+ years of experience in weddings and events. She works with wedding professionals who are ready to stop winging it and start running their businesses with the systems, workflows, and SOPs that actually stick. Through 1:1 coaching and group masterminds, Becca helps her clients build operations that give them their time back without sacrificing the client experience they've worked so hard to craft. Highlights: Why your inbox and cloud storage may be the most overlooked tools in your wedding businessHow SOPs can help streamline operations, set expectations, and prepare your business for growthWhy a CRM isn't always the solution to your organizational challengesSimple ways to organize your emails, files, and workflows to save time and improve the client experienceHow to recognize when your systems need improvement versus when it's time to outsource or hireWhy regularly reviewing your processes is essential and how to make improvements without getting overwhelmed Connect with Becca: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Networking is about more than collecting business cards and making small talk. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Jade Ladson of Jade Ladson Weddings to discuss the lost art of networking and how building genuine industry relationships can lead to long-term business opportunities. Jade shares how networking helped her grow her luxury wedding planning business, why meaningful connections matter more than simply meeting as many people as possible, and how wedding pros can approach networking with more intention. She also offers advice on following up after events, becoming a valuable connector in the industry, maintaining vendor relationships, and building a reputation that keeps referrals coming. Jade Ladson is the Founder and Creative Director of J. Ladson Weddings, an Atlanta-based luxury wedding and event planning company. With over 22 years of experience, she is known for creating elegant, thoughtfully designed celebrations and building meaningful industry relationships. Jade is also the founder of A Match Made in Wedding, an experiential bridal event, and the author of Whispers of a Wedding Planner. As a mentor and advocate for collaboration, she is passionate about educating and supporting fellow wedding professionals. Highlights: Why networking is still essential for growing a successful wedding businessCommon networking mistakes wedding pros make and how to avoid themHow to build genuine industry relationships instead of simply collecting contactsThe importance of following up and staying connected after networking eventsHow being a connector and helping others can lead to long-term referralsWays to maintain vendor relationships and build a reputation that keeps people recommending you Connect with Jade: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Whispers of a Wedding Planner Book Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Your website may be your own piece of online real estate, but how are people actually finding it? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with live wedding painter Renée van de Kerkhof to talk about backlinks, why they matter for your website, and how wedding pros can start building them in practical ways. Renée breaks down what makes a backlink valuable, why quality and relevance matter, and how relationships with fellow wedding pros can help strengthen your online presence. She also shares creative ways she's earned backlinks through blogging, vendor collaborations, styled shoots, guest posts, media opportunities, and even stock photography—plus common backlink mistakes wedding pros should avoid. Renée van den Kerkhof is a live wedding painter and courtroom sketch artist from the Netherlands. She specialises in portraits that actually resemble the wedding couple, in a romantic and detailed style. She services couples (and their loved ones) across Europe. Renée is autistic, a dog mom, and lives with her partner in Dordrecht (near Rotterdam). Highlights: What backlinks are and why they matter for your wedding business websiteWhy relevant, reputable backlinks are more valuable than simply having a lot of linksHow blogging and sharing your expertise can naturally lead to backlink opportunitiesHow vendor relationships, guest blogs, styled shoots, and directories can help build backlinksWhy spammy links and outdated backlink strategies can actually work against youSimple ways to start building backlinks without a large audience or marketing budget Connect with Renée: WeddingIQ Article Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Social media can bring potential clients to your business, but what happens once they land on your profile? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Nina Addeo of I Do Wedding Marketing to talk about how wedding pros can create social media that attracts the right audience instead of leaving potential clients confused. Nina shares how clear messaging, an optimized profile, strong storytelling, and a mix of polished and real-life content can help potential clients better understand who you are, what you offer, and whether you’re the right fit. She also explains why your inquiries and sales conversations can be some of your best tools for figuring out what your social media may be missing. Nina Addeo is the founder of I Do Wedding Marketing, a social media and marketing company dedicated to helping wedding professionals turn their online presence into a consistent source of inquiries and bookings. With a background in digital marketing and a deep focus on the wedding industry, Nina is known for her practical, no-fluff approach to content that prioritizes clarity, strategy, and results. She is also the host of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, where she shares actionable insights to help wedding pros grow sustainable, profitable businesses. Highlights: How to tell if your social media is attracting the right potential clientsWhy your profile should clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and where you workHow storytelling can help educate couples and create warmer leadsWhy polished portfolio content and real, behind-the-scenes content both have a place in your strategyHow your inquiries and sales calls can reveal gaps in your social media messagingWhy relying too heavily on AI-generated content can cause your personality to get lost Connect with Nina: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Standing out in the wedding industry can feel harder than ever, especially when couples have so many options competing for their attention. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with wedding business marketing expert Becca Pountney to rethink the traditional marketing funnel and explore a new way to approach the customer journey. Becca breaks down her “marketing theme park” approach and SCREAM framework, sharing how wedding pros can stand out, create better experiences, generate recommendations, and give potential clients more ways to connect with their business. Becca is the UK’s leading wedding business marketing expert. With a background in film and production, she has scaled her consultancy business to help and develop other wedding pros. Becca has also written a book and hosts a successful, award-winning podcast that allows her to further share her expertise with the wedding industry and help wedding pros grow. Highlights: Why the traditional marketing funnel doesn’t always reflect how today’s couples make booking decisionsHow the “marketing theme park” offers a different way to think about the customer journeyThe SCREAM framework and how wedding pros can apply it to their marketingWhy transparent pricing, recommendations, and client experience matterHow personality can help your business stand out in an increasingly AI-driven marketing landscapeWhy your inquiry and booking data can help you understand what’s actually working Connect with Becca: Website Instagram LinkedIn Podcast Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Contracts may not be the most exciting part of running a wedding business, but understanding what you’re signing can save you from major headaches. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Casey Glasser, founder of Foundwell Legal, to break down the contract terms wedding pros should actually be paying attention to. Casey shares what to know about common clauses like force majeure, indemnification, cancellation policies, and liability, along with when to push back on a contract and why your agreements shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Casey Glasser is the founder of Foundwell Legal, a law practice focused on event contract review. After noticing how often contracts in the event industry are signed without a clear understanding of key terms, she started the firm to work with event planners and their clients on reviewing vendor and venue agreements, as well as drafting and refining planner agreements. Her work focuses on helping clients identify risk, understand their obligations, and approach negotiations with clarity. Highlights: Contract clauses wedding pros should pay closer attention to before signingWhat force majeure, indemnification, and other common contract terms actually meanWhy copying and pasting contract language can create problems for your businessHow strong contracts can help set expectations and prevent miscommunicationWhen to negotiate a contract term and how to approach the conversationWhy it’s important to periodically review and update the contracts you use Connect with Casey: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

A beautiful website doesn’t always mean a website that converts. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Adrienna McDermott, Owner & Lead Strategist of Ava And The Bee, to discuss how your website could be costing you inquiries without you even realizing it. Adrienna shares what wedding pros should be paying attention to beyond aesthetics, from website analytics and clear messaging to pricing, testimonials, contact forms, and making it easy for potential clients to take the next step. If you’re getting website traffic but not enough inquiries, this episode is packed with practical ways to figure out where potential clients may be getting lost, and what you can do about it. Adrienna McDermott is the founder and CEO of Ava And The Bee, a marketing agency exclusively for wedding pros that builds connections with dream couples through inclusive, results-driven marketing, copywriting, branding, and website design. As a former bridal boutique owner, wedding planner, and florist, she intimately understands vendors' challenges when standing out against the competition. With a unique blend of real-world experience and a signature step-by-step process that is always backed with data, Adrienna knows how to simplify marketing so that wedding pros can confidently grow and scale their business. Highlights: Why website analytics should guide your marketing decisionsCommon reasons potential clients leave without inquiringWhat couples are looking for when researching wedding pros onlineHow pricing, testimonials, and clear messaging help build trustThe biggest homepage and contact form mistakes wedding pros makeSimple website updates that can help turn more visitors into inquiries Connect with Adrienna: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Destination weddings can open the door to an entirely new revenue stream for wedding professionals. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Tami Santini, founder of Paradise Getaways and Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Travel Business Academy, to discuss what it takes to break into the destination wedding travel industry. Tami shares why wedding pros don't need to know everything before getting started, from finding the right niche and building supplier relationships to understanding group travel and creating a message that attracts the right clients. She also explains how destination wedding travel can complement an existing wedding business and create opportunities to continue serving couples long after the wedding day. If you've ever wondered what it takes to work in destination wedding travel (or whether it could be a natural extension of your current services), this episode is a great place to start. Tami Santini is the founder of Paradise Getaways, an award-winning destination wedding travel agency, and creator of The 20K System & Toolkit, North America's leading course for building a destination wedding business. With numerous industry accolades and partnerships with top travel organizations, Tami now shares her strategies to help others achieve success in the wedding and travel industry. Highlights: Why destination wedding travel is a valuable niche for wedding prosWhat a destination wedding travel professional actually doesThe skills you need to get started in the industryWhy specializing can help you stand out and attract the right clientsHow resort and supplier relationships support your businessWays destination wedding travel can create repeat clients and new revenue opportunities Connect with Tami: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Tami’s Ultimate Checklist to Multiply Your Destination Wedding Leads Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Paid advertising can be one of the fastest ways to grow your wedding business... if you're doing it correctly. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Mark Chapman, Founder of The I Do Society, to discuss the biggest mistakes wedding professionals make with paid advertising and how to build a strategy that actually brings in qualified leads. Mark shares why most businesses waste money by relying on a single advertising platform, how today's couples really shop for wedding vendors, and why showing up in multiple places is more important than ever. He covers everything from Google Ads and Meta to website optimization and lead follow-up; this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smarter marketing decisions. If you've ever wondered whether paid advertising is worth the investment, or why your campaigns haven't delivered the results you expected, this episode will help you rethink your strategy. Mark Chapman is the Founder of The I Do Society and one of the wedding industry's leading experts on paid advertising. His team helps wedding businesses use Google Ads, Meta Ads, and TikTok Ads to reach their ideal couples and turn clicks into bookings. After discovering the power of paid advertising while growing his own family wedding business, Mark has spent nearly two decades helping thousands of wedding professionals grow through strategic advertising. Highlights: Why most wedding businesses waste money on paid adsUnderstanding how today's couples actually shopWhy Google Ads alone aren't enoughThe website changes that improve conversionsHow to build trust with cold leads before they inquireWhat wedding pros should know before investing in paid advertising Connect with Mark: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Difficult clients are part of the wedding industry, but what if the way you respond to them has more to do with your nervous system than you think? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with Wealth Capacity Strategist and Bookkeeper, Hailey Fernelius of Hailey Ann Co., to explore how stress responses can influence the clients you attract and the decisions you make. Hailey shares how the four survival patterns (fight, flight, fawn, and freeze) show up in business, why burnout often starts long before you notice it, and how simple shifts can help you build a healthier, more sustainable business. If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, over-delivering, or setting boundaries, this episode offers practical insights to help you work with more confidence and clarity. Hailey Fernelius is a Wealth Capacity Strategist who combines nervous system science with bookkeeping to help entrepreneurs align their brain, body, and bank account. She helps business owners break free from limiting patterns and build businesses that support the life they truly want. Highlights: How fight, flight, fawn, and freeze show up in businessWhy boundaries lead to better client relationshipsThe connection between burnout and difficult clientsUsing financial data instead of fear to make decisionsPractical ways to regulate your nervous systemBuilding a business that aligns with your goals Connect with Hailey: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Mind Your Wedding Business is back LIVE from NACE Experience 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the official podcast of NACE Experience! Kevin Dennis and Michelle Stansfield continue the conversation with speakers, sponsors, and industry leaders from this year's conference. They go deep into content creation and AI to generational leadership, industry trends, and what today's couples are looking for; this episode dives into the conversations shaping the future of the events industry. Plus, hear from NACE leadership as they reflect on another incredible conference and what's ahead for the association! Highlights: Using AI to enhance creativity without losing the human touchCreating content that builds trust and attracts clientsLeading and collaborating across multiple generationsWhat today's couples are looking for when choosing vendorsInsights from NACE leadership on the future of the events industry Thanks for joining us live from NACE Experience 2026 in New Orleans, and we'll see you at the next Mind Your Wedding Business live event (maybe in Omaha)! Connect with our Guests: Michelle Stansfield, CPCE, 2026 NACE National Immediate Past President, Senior Account Manager at Terramar, A DMC Network Company Chip Dizard, Lead Creative/Photographer at Chip Dizard Studios Jill Vidal-Raines, CPCE, 2026 NACE National President, Owner of EB Inc. Event Rentals Erin Dennis, Owner of Evergreen Hospitality Solutions Jennifer Jenkins, Director of Catering and Events at Sugar Creek Country Club Tom Chelednik, North America Executive Director of Vendor Engagement at The Knot & WeddingPro Anne Harper, CAE, Deputy Executive Director at NACE Lawrence Leonard, Executive Director at NACE Renee Dalo, CPCC, Visibility & Confidence Coach, Keynote Speaker Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Mind Your Wedding Business is LIVE at NACE Experience 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the official podcast of NACE Experience! Kevin Dennis and Michelle Stansfield are bringing you conversations with speakers and industry leaders from this year's conference. Your favorite past presidents are here to talk leadership, company culture, technology, hospitality, and the future of the events industry. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas shaping today's event professionals! Highlights: Leadership insights from event industry expertsThe future of AI, technology, and client experienceBuilding stronger teams and workplace cultureCreating more inclusive and memorable eventsBusiness growth, innovation, and industry trends And stay tuned... part two is coming soon! Connect with our Guests: Michelle Stansfield, CPCE, 2026 NACE National Immediate Past President, Senior Account Manager at Terramar, A DMC Network Company Vernetta Kosalka, Assistant Professor of Practice at University of Nebraska Lincoln, Owner of VK Events + Florals + Planning Micah Logan, CSO at The Logan Companies Dana Kadwell, CPCE, 2026 NACE National President-Elect, Owner/CEO of Hustle & Gather Lyn Gleasure, CPCE, CMP, 2026 NACE National Treasurer/Secretary, Director of Business Development at Rock Events John Chen, CEO of Engaging Meetings Margaux Fraise, Owner/Creative Director of Harmony Creative Studio, Founder/Host of Wedding Summit Series Ariana Adolph, Student Chapter President of Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Sara Kincaid, President & COO of Aisle Planner Pro David Porto, Partner/General Manager at Blue Plate Catering, Inc. Thao Moore, Executive Chef/Co-Proprietor at Green Mangos Catering Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin Dennis sits down with Nata Salvatori, business coach, fractional COO, and the founder of Accidental CEO, to discuss why so many business owners become the biggest bottleneck in their own companies and how to break free from it. Nata shares why lasting business growth requires more than better systems. From delegating ownership instead of just tasks to overcoming perfectionism and burnout, she explains what it really takes to transition from founder to CEO and build a business that can thrive without depending on you for every decision. If you've ever struggled to unplug, felt guilty taking time off, or wondered why your business still feels overwhelming despite your success, this episode is filled with practical strategies to help you create a more sustainable business and a healthier relationship with it. Nata Salvatori is a business coach, fractional COO, and the founder of Accidental CEO. Her work sits at the intersection of operations and identity, helping founders solve both the structural and leadership challenges that keep businesses stuck. With a doctorate, a background in psychology, and more than a decade in leadership, Nata now helps high-performing entrepreneurs create businesses that are sustainable, scalable, and no longer dependent on them for every decision. She also hosts the Accidental CEO podcast and speaks at conferences across the country. Highlights: Making the transition from founder to CEOWhy delegation means ownership, not just assigning tasksBuilding systems that reduce burnout and create freedomBreaking free from perfectionism and overworkCreating a business that can grow without depending on youWhy leadership and operations must evolve together Connect with Nata: The Identity Shift Guide CEO Delegation Method Course ($300 off!) Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin Dennis sits down with wedding PR expert Meghan Ely to unpack one of the biggest pop culture moments to impact the wedding industry in recent years: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. Drawing on her experience as a sought-after publicist and media expert, Meghan shares why this celebrity wedding generated worldwide attention, how the media approached the story, and what wedding professionals can learn from the way it was planned, protected, and publicized. Together, Kevin and Meghan discuss everything from guest experience and privacy to wedding trends, media opportunities, and why authenticity should always come before chasing headlines. Whether you're curious about how celebrity weddings influence client expectations or looking for practical ways to leverage timely industry moments in your own marketing and PR strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights for wedding professionals. Meghan Ely is an award-winning wedding industry speaker, PR expert, and founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency that helps wedding and event professionals grow their visibility through strategic media placements, thought leadership, and speaking opportunities. A frequent speaker at Wedding MBA, NACE Experience, and other leading industry conferences, Meghan is also the author of 20 Wedding PR Tips for 2026 and has helped clients earn features in publications including The New York Times, Brides, People, and Martha Stewart Weddings. Highlights: Why Taylor Swift's wedding became a global media phenomenonHow celebrity weddings shape wedding trends and client expectationsLessons wedding pros can learn about privacy, branding, and guest experienceUsing timely industry moments to generate PR and media opportunitiesWhy authenticity matters more than chasing viral contentWhat wedding professionals should be watching as celebrity wedding trends continue to evolve Connect with Meghan: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin Dennis sits down with Ashley Ebert, founder of The Abundance Group, to discuss how wedding professionals can break free from the "hustle loop," build scalable businesses, and create more freedom without sacrificing success. Ashley shares her journey from starting a wedding-planning business at 23 to growing it into a seven-location company with 35 team members before selling it for over $1 million. She opens up about the lessons she learned through burnout, difficult clients, leadership, and the mindset shifts that helped her become a true business owner. The conversation covers the importance of boundaries, delegation, team building, confident pricing, and why building a business around your own strengths leads to greater profitability and a more sustainable career. If you've ever felt stuck working every weekend, struggled to delegate, or wondered how to grow without burning out, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you build a business that supports both your goals and your life. Ashley Ebert built a wedding planning business from the ground up, scaled it to 7 locations and 35 team members, and sold it for over a million dollars. Now, through The Abundance Group, a mastermind for ambitious wedding professionals, she helps them ditch the hustle loop and build businesses they actually love. Ashley is obsessed with pursuing passion, her community, and proving that wedding pros can have it all: the success, the freedom, and yes, have an absolute blast while building it! Highlights: Breaking free from the "hustle loop"Setting boundaries that strengthen client relationshipsBuilding a team you can trustWhy delegation creates freedom and growthPricing with confidence and increasing profitabilityCreating a business that supports your life, not just your workload Connect with Ashley: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn