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,...
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522 ABI MATESUN: Break Limiting Thought Patterns and Unlock Your Full Creative Potential
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to welcome to the show Abi Matesun of and ! Abi is a trailblazing Nigerian-American filmmaker and creative visionary with impressive accolades that include two Emmy Awards, two Telly Awards, and the People of African Descent Award. Abi has made waves in both the wedding industry and the broader creative space, and his Netflix series celebrates the artistry of African architects and designers, while his transformative Creative Mind Shift Masterclass helps entrepreneurs unlock their full potential! Abi joins Andy in this episode to discuss his philosophy behind the Creative...
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521 REVISIT SARAH WINWARD: A Master Floral Designer’s Process and from Creativity Blooms Beauty
The Wedding Biz
Andy welcomes you to revisit his November 2022 interview with ! Sarah is based out of Salt Lake City and is a destination wedding florist who creates flower arrangements that are inspired by the changing of seasons in nature. Believing that flowers should feel natural in the environment in which they are going to be viewed, Still, she also finds many of her materials in the immediate area where the event will be held. Sarah primarily does flowers for events but also works on installations for private and commercial clients. She also offers various workshops and is a master of her craft! Sarah...
info_outlineAndy is so happy to welcome Akeshi Akinseye to The Wedding Biz this week! Akeshi is a luxury wedding planner and designer based in Chicago. Running Kesh Events, Akeshi specializes in creating extraordinary celebrations all around the world. She is not only a luxury wedding planner and event designer but also an international speaker, author, and business coach, and she joins Andy for this episode to discuss how she came into the business, from where she finds inspiration, and how to open oneself up creatively.
Listen in to hear Akeshi also discuss current trends in the industry, how she goes about building an event team, how she has managed to garner such a big social media following, how she draws inspiration from her upbringing in the hospitality industry and her transition into event planning.
Discover how Akeshi found her calling in event planning, shifting from a career path in psychology to creating unforgettable experiences for her clients. She delves into her creative process, highlighting the importance of nature and open-mindedness in sparking fresh ideas. while also discussing the significance of culturally immersive entertainment.
Akeshi also shares her passion for celebrating life's moments beyond weddings through The Art of Celebrating, a platform that inspires people to host stylish and elegant gatherings, from intimate dinners to lavish picnics. Join Andy as he and Akeshi explore the world of event planning and uncover the beauty of celebration in all its forms!
If you enjoy the episode, please don’t keep it to yourself! Andy would really appreciate it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He 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
[0:24] - Today’s guest is Akeshi Akinseye of Kesh Events!
[1:37] - Akeshi shares how her upbringing in hospitality led me from psychology to event planning and design.
[4:08] - Andy reflects on having mediated a tense conversation between a bride and her mother, offering insightful advice.
[5:30] - Akeshi emphasizes the importance of balancing support for clients without taking sides in conflicts.
[7:21] - Akeshi stresses the importance of timing when delivering feedback, especially during sensitive moments like dress fittings.
[8:21] - From where does Akeshi find inspiration?
[10:10] - Akeshi further elaborates, revealing that she finds inspiration in everyday walks, turning photos into collages and drawing from unexpected sources.
[13:31] - Slowing down and allowing oneself to reset is crucial for creativity and avoiding forced designs.
[15:03] - Akeshi argues that honoring event locations through local culture, music, and personalized elements makes them meaningful and memorable.
[18:00] - Creating seamless transitions and immersive experiences in events ensures a memorable journey for guests.
[20:13] - Andy highlights his experience in the wedding and event industry, focusing on creating world-class entertainment.
[21:31] - Akeshi argues for the importance of forming the right team.
[23:16] - Akeshi prioritizes authenticity over aesthetics on social media, focusing on storytelling and brand representation.
[24:35] - Akeshi emphasizes the importance of storytelling on social media and discusses the perpetual uncertainty of securing future clients.
[26:41] - Andy reflects on business ups and downs, emphasizing faith in oneself to navigate challenges.
[29:36] - Appreciating work most during pauses, Akeshi emphasizes gratitude and trust in outcomes.
[31:32] - Akeshi discusses The Art of Celebrating, promoting celebration beyond weddings.
[33:00] - Learn where to find Akeshi online.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Find Akeshi:
Kesh Events - Website
Kesh Events - Instagram 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.