500 JENNIFER STEIN: Building Destination Dreams: Two Decades of Wedding Industry Resilience
Release Date: 04/15/2024
532 ANDY KUSHNER: Goodbye for Now
The Wedding Biz
In today's brief episode, Andy talks about why he started The Wedding Biz podcast and why he has decided to take a well-deserved break. To search for a previous guest's interview(s) date and episode number, go to theweddingbiz.com and type the name in the search field. Feel free to DM Andy on IG @theweddingbiz www.theweddingbiz.com IG: @theweddingbiz www.kushnerentertainment.com iG: @soundconnectionband
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531 COLIN COWIE: Retaining Longevity & Relevance Through Reinvention
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to be bringing back guest to the show this episode! A celebrated event designer and producer, Colin has created some of the most talked about parties and events around the world with a roster of clients including Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries. He is also a celebrated television personality, having spent eight years on the CBS Morning Show, eight years on NBC's Today Show, seven years on HSN Network, and even hosted his own show for five...
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530 DAVID TUTERA: A Candid Conversation
The Wedding Biz
Andy is thrilled to have guest back on the show for this episode! David is a globally celebrated event expert, and he joins Andy to offer another look at his decades-long career. Known for working with some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, David reflects on what it really takes to deliver unforgettable events beyond just the glitz and glamor. Listeners get an inside look at how David manages demanding clients, shifting visions, and the chaos that can unfold behind the scenes. This conversation goes beyond just logistics, though, and David reflects on the emotional core of...
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529 DAWSON HAYNES MITCHELL: Easton Events’ Executive Director
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to share this interview with , executive director of . Dawson pulls back the curtain on what it means to be the right hand of one of the industry’s most respected planners, Lynn Easton. She discusses how luxury event planning is all about seamless execution and stunning experiences and, behind the scenes, it's really a high-pressure world demanding adaptability, sharp problem-solving, and in-depth attention to detail. Listen in as Dawson shares how she rose from intern to a leadership role over the course of ten years, managing everything from budgets and timelines to client...
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528 REVISIT MAURICIO KIRSCHNER: Architect of Dreams and Deep in the Heart of Event Design
The Wedding Biz
Andy brings us a revisit of his March 2023 interview with Mauricio Kirschner, the founder and chief designer of . They create out-of-this world interior and event design, and are also professional architects which enables them to design and produce unique constructions and designware beyond the usual. In this insightful revisit, Andy and Mauricio discuss Mauricio's childhood passion for construction, structure, and architecture, and Mauricio talks about how he started his career as an architect and then got pulled into the event industry, then diving deep into the heart of what event design...
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527 JULIE NOVACK: PartySlate’s New Book, Rising Wedding Trends, and AI
The Wedding Biz
Andy is thrilled to have of on the show again! Julie is no stranger to the show as she has been on several times. Julie is the CEO and co-founder of PartySlate, a groundbreaking photo-rich website connecting event professionals, planners, and venues! Join Andy and Julie in this episode as she provides some updates, since the last time that she was on the show, including the publication of their book ! Listen as Julie discusses the inspiration behind the book, revealing how it serves as both a practical planning guide for couples as well as a valuable tool for industry professionals. She and...
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526 MARISSA MORRISON: Utilizing Gratitude & Manifestation to Create Your Dream Life & Career
The Wedding Biz
Andy sits down for this episode with , a successful destination wedding photographer, transformative mindset coach, and host of podcast. Listen in as Marissa opens up about her journey from being a 19-year-old single mother with no support to establishing a thriving business and helping others achieve their dreams! She also shares how gratitude and manifestation played incredibly important roles in her success and explains how these practices continue to guide her now. Marissa and Andy also discuss the power of gratitude, love, and presence in creating a fulfilling life and career, with...
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525 PRESTON BAILEY: A $600M Wedding, AI, and Embracing Creativity
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to have floral and event designer , a true icon in the industry, once again on the show! Tune in as he shares some fascinating insights into his work, including his involvement in one of the most extravagant weddings ever held for the Ambani family in Mumbai! With a rumored price tag of $600 million, the event pushed the boundaries of design, and Preston was at the heart of it all. He reveals how he worked on over 70 monumental floral animal sculptures, crafted from Indian flowers, which became some of the most talked-about aspects of the wedding! However, the conversation...
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524 LARRY WALSHE: An Evolving Journey to Artistic Triumphs in Event Design
The Wedding Biz
Andy welcomes listeners back to the show for this episode in which he sits down with , founder and CEO of , a world-renowned floral and event designer with studios in London, Lake Como, and New York City! Larry's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with top-tier names like Rihanna, Adele, Benedict Cumberbatch, and even royal households. He is truly a trailblazer in the industry, known especially for his 100% plastic-free luxury floral service, , and his venture! Listen as Larry discusses his creative journey, beginning with his artistic upbringing, an unexpected career shift after an...
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523 JOSH SPIEGEL: Collaborations, Company Culture, & How True Listening Can Transform Design Plans
The Wedding Biz
Join Andy this week as he enthusiastically welcomes guest Josh Spiegel, the visionary founder and Chief Creative Officer of , to catch up on the evolution of his company since they last spoke four years ago in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen as Josh opens up about the challenges and victories of being in the luxury event space, including his team’s expansion, collaborations, and the creative strides that they have made. He and Andy discuss the importance of being adaptable in the post-pandemic world and how these elements have reshaped both personal and professional landscapes,...
info_outlineReturning to the podcast this week is none other than Jennifer Stein, editor-in-chief, publisher, and co-owner of Destination I Do Magazine, a magazine that can be found online and on newsstands.
Jennifer joins Andy today to explore the journey of building a renowned brand in the destination wedding industry, sharing how she and her business partner started Destination I Do twenty years ago to fill a gap in the wedding industry by showcasing real couples celebrating their destination weddings worldwide. From humble beginnings with an amateurish first issue to becoming sought-after across various platforms, Jennifer reveals the challenges they faced, including financial struggles and burnout. Despite setbacks, they persevered, eventually turning a profit after three years of hard work and reinvestment.
She also discusses their staffing approach, emphasizing flexibility with independent contractors and prioritizing long-term relationships. She shares insights into their decision not to use virtual assistants and how they adapted during the pandemic by listening to clients’ needs and offering tailored solutions. With destination weddings making a strong comeback post-pandemic, Jennifer reflects on the industry's resilience and the evolving trends that she is observing.
Throughout the interview, Jennifer's passion for storytelling and commitment to serving her clients shine through, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned over two decades in the business. Andy had such a great time having her back on the show, especially since he feels that their conversations together are always especially animated and electric!
If you enjoy this conversation with Jennifer Stein, then please don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
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Time Stamps
[0:00] - This is episode 500, and Andy expresses gratitude for all of his loyal listeners!
[0:51] - Today’s guest is returning guest Jennifer Stein of Destination I Do!
[2:44] - Launching Destination I Do filled a gap for couples seeking more than tropical destinations.
[4:23] - How long was it before Jennifer turned a profit?
[5:55] - Jennifer touches upon how initial setbacks led to learning from mistakes, paving the way for eventual success and growth.
[8:06] - Jennifer reveals how limited resources led to self-financing without investors or loans, navigating challenges like the mortgage crisis.
[10:38] - Flexible staffing, Jennifer explains, includes hiring contractors for roles like sales, creating long-term mutual relationships.
[13:08] - Hear why Jennifer prefers not to use virtual assistants.
[15:24] - Jennifer nearly sold her business three times, prioritizing buyers who understand the wedding industry intricacies.
[16:34] - Despite setbacks and burnout, Jennifer avoided selling her company, realizing buyers misunderstood her situation and intentions.
[19:31] - Jennifer's realization in 2020 prompted her to pay herself what she's worth.
[20:53] - Andy reflects on a time when he felt burnt out and found relief by getting a business partner, re-energizing him for success.
[23:33] - Amid the 2020 pandemic, Jennifer prioritized client needs, offering assets and support and fostering valuable partnerships.
[26:05] - Jennifer shares how she and Harmony Walton revamped projects, enhancing storytelling and revenue.
[28:57] - Jennifer, a Gen Xer, learned that success isn't instant, facing setbacks but finding joy in victories.
[31:09] - Jennifer strongly feels that destination weddings are back with a vengeance!
[32:27] - Learn from Andy where Destination I Do can be found online.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Jennifer’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
Harmony Walton’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
Find Jennifer:
Destination I Do – Facebook Page
Destination I Do – Instagram Page
Destination I Do – Twitter Page
Destination I Do – Pinterest Page
Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:
The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz
The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz
Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.
Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.