Weddings for Real: Recent Episodes
Megan Gillikin
Real wedding vendors share their tips and tricks for surviving and thriving in this one of a kind industry. Hosted by Megan Gillikin of A Southern Soiree Wedding Planning, you'll hear guests share their secrets on marketing, the client experience, networking, community, sales, and more - and you might even hear some crazy wedding stories along the way!
I’ve heard this question from a lot of you out there listening and engaging with us on social media, and from a lot of members of The Planner's Vault community: How can I generate money while I sleep? How can I get paid on more than just my time?
Two weeks ago on episode 241, Kendra Swalls came on to share her ideas on generating affiliate income.
Well today, we’re taking it a step further by diving into all things digital downloads - ways to monetize your knowledge while you dream about ways to spend your new income.
And the person we’re talking to? With over $9M in digital download sales, Molly Keyser is pretty legit.
Freedom Creator | YouTube | Instagram
(02:30) Molly made how much yesterday?!
(03:50) Digital download ideas for different wedding pro niches
(08:20) How do you separate service offerings from digital downloads...
(13:10) Without cannibalizing revenue?
(18:15) Building a following
(22:00) Starting a funnel. Do quizzes work?
(27:00) There are a lot of products you could create, but which one should you create?
(31:15) Pricing for digital downloads
(45:45) What's the one takeaway?
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
You're in a high-stress industry, your weekends are gold, and nobody's got time for filler content or fluff. That's why today's topic is super relevant - we're diving into affiliate income. Yep, we're talking about ways to diversify your income streams without doubling your workload. By the end of this episode, you'll have a toolbox filled with ideas to not only elevate your client's experience but also add a new revenue stream. And the best part is, you can do this without sacrificing another weekend.
So if you've been trying to figure out how to increase the numbers in your bank account without increasing the number of 14-hour Saturdays, tune in!
Kendra Swalls | Podcast | Instagram | Income Streams Free Guide
(01:50) Introducing Kendra Swalls
(03:23) "Look at what it is that you are currently doing in your business that could be applied in some other way"
(06:56) Bringing Affiliate Income to Your Business
(14:30) Building a My Favorite Things page
(19:10) Affiliate links for honeymoon, travel, and bougie airport lounges
(22:00) Creating blog posts featuring affiliates
(25:00) Love/hate with Amazon
(34:00) Reaching out directly to brands
(43:50) How do you put an affiliate strategy together?
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Enji, marketing experts your wedding business
The Messy Middle - it's one of those business owner struggles that we all go through. And over the years, with the rise of more social media platforms and more places than ever before to show up, yet no more magical hours added to our days... creating a marketing strategy in the messy middle feels like a vague and far-reaching concept that can make you want to put your head in the sand and pretend it's not necessary. But of course, it is, and I've got you covered.
In today's episode, my guest, Enji CEO Tayler Cusick-Hollman and I are are going to nerd out on some actionable, real-world strategies that can help you get clear on how to market your business now. We'll explore how to ensure a steady stream of quality leads are still heading your way even when the pressure is on and the hustle feels never-ending. Because, let's face it, marketing can be a bit of a maze, and at times, we all feel like we're just stumbling around in the dark.
So let's shine a light on your strategy.
Enji | instagram |
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Enji, marketing experts your wedding business
Have you ever wondered what makes a truly unforgettable experience stand out from the usual client interactions that often end up looking pretty much the same? It's not just the fancy website or the five-star venue or the fancy menu.
The answer might surprise you, but it's all about intuitive service and brand standards. It's about understanding that clients aren't just looking for transactional interactions, but for a deeply personalized and memorable journey, and brands like the Ritz, the French Laundry, and The Four Seasons know this all too well.
Brand Standards are not SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). They are the heart and soul of your business, the essence of what you represent, and the promise you make to every client. While SOPs are about the mechanics of running your operations, Brand Standards are about the values, principles, and unique qualities that define who you are as a brand. They guide your team in delivering an unparalleled, consistent experience that's impossible to copy, setting you apart from the crowd and elevating your brand to a whole new level…. not just in terms of services provided, but in terms of the emotions and memories you help create.
But how do your set these brand standards?
Emily Coyne Events | instagram | Tiktok
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Enji, marketing experts your wedding business
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Natalie Franke, cofounder of The Rising Tide Society, Chief Evangelist at Honeybook, host of the Independent Business Podcast, and author of Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage.
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
177 with Sara Margulis
184 with Andrea Eppollito
188 with Ashlyn Carter
191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"
193 with Rachel DeAlto
197 with Sandra Cassios
208 with Brian Green
218 with Nellie Butler
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Enji, marketing experts your wedding business
Over the last five years, I've spent countless episodes diving into the behind the scenes of working in the wedding industry. But in this special Life for Real series, I decided to take a meaningful detour to explore and dive deep into some of the harder to navigate aspects of life itself. And let's just say it's been quite a rollercoaster ride - from battling burnout to fostering resilience, managing personal finance, and understanding the complexities of ADHD, Life for Real has been a transformative experience - not just for me, but for all of you, my amazing listeners. So today my husband Jason and I are taking a candid look back at this series, sharing the motivations behind why I decided to do it, the incredible highlights from our guests, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
Life for Real Episodes:
232. Adding Resiliency to Your Emotional Toolbelt with Hannah Abad
233. Are you a Saver, Spender, Avoider, or Money Martyr?
234. ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Carissa Kruse and Dr. Amy Teumer
235. ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Dr. Amy Teumer (part 2)
236. Miscommunications, Mental Load, and Meltdown Moments, with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy D
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Enji, marketing experts your wedding business
Today's episode focuses on our life partners. That’s right, we went there, with psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleigh, who’s letting me ask her all the questions on how stress in a relationship can affect how you show up professionally, the mental load that we share with our partners, meltdown moments (ok MY meltdown moments), and how to have the difficult conversations so they don’t lead to blowups. Let's get uncomfortable!
I Didn’t Sign Up for This: A Couples Therapist Shares Real-Life Stories of Breaking Patterns and Finding Joy in Relationships . . . Including Her Own
Dr. Tracy D on Instagram
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Today I want to continue the conversation on ADHD by sharing an insight (and hilarious) podcast episode. Here we have the Learn with Dr. Emily Podcast, where Dr. Emily King talks to Pennn Holderness about his ADHD and how for him it’s a superpower, which is something Dr. Amy Teumer talked about as well on episode 235. I’m only going to share the first five minutes or so, then you’ll have to check out the Learn with Dr. Emily Podcast for more. Full episode on Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Growing up, Penn Holderness knew he was different than his friends. He had tics. He was called a spazz. He would cry really easily. In basketball practice, he would nearly chew through his shirt if he wasn't running around enough.
If he was growing up in the 2020's, he'd be treated for ADHD pretty quickly. But back in the 80's, ADHD information wasn't widespread, and it wasn't until college that he was officially diagnosed.
On today's episode, Penn talks about growing up with ADHD, finding his passion for music and performing arts, learning how to accept his limitations and lean into his superpowers, and how he would design a school for ADHD minds.
You don't want to miss this vulnerable and hilarious episode.
The Holderness Family YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Podcast
Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.
Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.
In the last episode, I spoke with Carissa Kruse, and we shared our stories of being recently diagnosed with ADHD, and how it’s affected us both personally and professionally.
Today, we extend that conversation in so many fascinating ways, with Dr. Amy Teumer, who you heard from some on yesterday’s episode. We get into how ADHD can be leveraged as a superpower, what we can do if our partners (in life or in business) have ADHD, and some tricks to work with our different (but awesome) brains.
Dr. Amy Teumer (@amyteumer) is a mental health counselor who has been practicing for 17 years and now offers mindset and business coaching.
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Earlier last year, my life changed when I was officially diagnosed with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I always felt that my brain functioned differently than others - I would forget things easily, I would try to complete 7 different tasks at the same time, I would leave a slime trail as my mom would say, and my brain could never shut down even when it was time rest or be “off the clock”.
It turns out, I'm not alone. Less than 20% of adults with ADHD are even aware they have it, and only about a fourth of those who do know are getting treatment for it.
So today, we're talking to an entrepreneur who was recently diagnosed with ADHD as well, and a licensed mental health counselor who can tell us not only medical information about ADHD, but also what we can do in our every day lives to work best with it.
Carissa Kruse (@carissakruseweddings) provides photography, videography, DJ, and floral services to her couples, and coaching to fellow wedding pros.
Dr. Amy Teumer (@amyteumer) is a mental health counselor who has been practicing for 17 years and now offers mindset and business coaching.
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Today we're navigating a topic that can cause quite a few of us to squirm: our relationship with money. But I’ve got good news, this won’t be one of those discussions that stresses you out. Instead, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave feeling more empowered to take action based on what you learn about yourself. So are you a spender, saver, avoider, or do you find yourself playing the financial martyr? And are you different personally and professionally? Let's find out from fractional CFO Shanna Skidmore.
Blog Posts:
My Monthly Money Workflow // How I organize my business finances! The Five Numbers Every Business Needs to Know! Marriage & Money: How to become a team in your finances 3 Tips for Talking about Money with your Partner The 397 Challenge: this is a 3-day challenge that digs into personal finance for business owners and a preview of Shanna's personal finance course, Blueprint at Home.
Consider the Wildflowers Podcast
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Today we're navigating a topic that can cause quite a few of us to squirm: our relationship with money. But I’ve got good news, this won’t be one of those discussions that stresses you out. Instead, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave feeling more empowered to take action based on what you learn about yourself. So are you a spender, saver, avoider, or do you find yourself playing the financial martyr? And are you different personally and professionally? Let's find out from fractional CFO Shanna Skidmore.
Blog Posts:
My Monthly Money Workflow // How I organize my business finances!
The Five Numbers Every Business Needs to Know!
Marriage & Money: How to become a team in your finances
3 Tips for Talking about Money with your Partner
The 397 Challenge: this is a 3-day challenge that digs into personal finance for business owners and a preview of Shanna's personal finance course, Blueprint at Home.
Consider the Wildflowers Podcast
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Today and for all of July, we’re going to do something a little different here. Instead of Weddings for Real, where the content is for wedding pros specifically, this series in July is about life in general. Life for Real. The things that happen, the way that we show up as entrepreneurs, all of the things that we're carrying and the mental load that comes along with it. We have some great guests lined up, including today's guest, mindset and growth strategy coach Hannah Abad, founder of Prime Collaborative.
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Three of my favorite episodes - and our most popular - are the ones where we had a chance to ask engaged couples exactly what they’re looking for in vetting their wedding vendors (episodes 48, 94, and 211). Well today, we’re talking to a brand strategist who also knows what couples want - because she just went through an engagement herself. She's Emily Foster, and she's sharing the yays and nays of how you may be portraying your business and attracting your ideal clients.
Emily Foster Creative | instagram | Emily's Elevated Website Checklist
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Three of my favorite episodes - and our most popular - are the ones where we had a chance to ask engaged couples exactly what they’re looking for in vetting their wedding vendors (episodes 48, 94, and 211). Well today, we’re talking to a brand strategist who also knows what couples want - because she just went through an engagement herself. She's Emily Foster, and she's sharing the yays and nays of how you may be portraying your business and attracting your ideal clients.
Emily Foster Creative | instagram | Emily's Elevated Website Checklist
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
We are all juggling a lot of things and wearing quite a few hats in our day-to-day lives. If you feel like you’re drowning in your to-do list or feeling pulled with how to divide the hours you have within a way- then this episode is for you. We’ll dive into what it looks like to be a multi-passionate entrepreneur, why a common myth in our industry is causing stress for many entrepreneurs and we’ll chat about some highly actionable productivity tips!
Our guest is Katy Murray, who has a lot going on - full-time HR manager, photographer, wife, mom, host of the Ginger Biz Podcast, founder of a virtual assistant business, and paper products creator.
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Our guest today is an absolute legend in the wedding industry, the one and only Lynn Easton. Her resume alone will blow you away- she’s the owner of Easton Events where she produces 8 ultra-luxury events per year, plus she co-owns several properties including Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Charlottesville VA and Zero George Street boutique hotel in Charleston SC.
Lynn has some hot takes on what wedding pros need to do - not just to make it, but to be the best in your market while avoiding burnout.
Lynn's 25 years of industry secrets in one course
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Wedding Biz Bonanza, June 5th-9th, 2023
I've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not sure who to listen to and what to do. What could be valuable learnings wind up leaving you frustrated and paralyzed. So what can you do about it? Join me today for five tips on how to identify who to listen to and what content you should be consuming to help you take your business to the next level.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to improve some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
If you’ve been in the wedding industry for really any length of time, you’ve probably had a nightmare client or two who sucked the life out of you and left you questioning whether or not you want to be in this crazy industry. I get it, I too have been there and have the t-shirt, the gray hairs, the extra wrinkles and the negative review to show for it. In our industry, we have a ton of pressure to deliver an exceptional experience for each and every client and we sometimes find ourselves working with clients that have unrealistic expectations when it comes to budget, communication, work output, and more. But if you’re coming across those soul-sucking clients too often, it might be time to ask yourself, “Is it them? Or is it me?” Maybe it’s time to make some changes in your business to avoid those calamities. Now if it’s truly them, the next questions become, “How do I know when it’s time to fire “THAT” client? And how would I do it?" The Planner's Vault's Gina Johnston and I have done it before - tune in to find out how we tackled this awkward situation. Episodes Referenced 178: 6 projects for your intern, with Gina Johnston 43: Wedding Industry Hiring and Onboarding with A Southern Soiree's Gina Johnston 154: How to shift your business to meet Amazon-addicted couples, with Michelle Loretta 62: How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
It's Terrica. It's wedding industry hot takes part 2. No need to say more. Part 1 Terrica's $9/mo Wedding Pro Workshop --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
It's Terrica. It's wedding industry hot takes. No need to say more. --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Today we bring back Jason Gillikin, my partner of 13 years and fellow entrepreneur. Life gets pretty hectic when you're growing businesses, raising kids, and trying to stay connected to each other. So what are some speed bumps we've faced and lessons learned along the way? Episodes Mentioned: 82 and 83 with couples' therapist Christian Charette Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
How can we guide our potential clients to take that next step? Maybe they see our instagram post or TikTok or our website, or maybe even an ad on TheKnot. And when they do, how can we take them from seeing copy we’ve put out there, and then jump to the next level? Today's guest, Lucy Bedewi, has some copy writing tips for us. My Write Hand Woman | Find Your Brand Voice Quiz This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
One of the most challenging questions I get asked in my coaching conversations is, “When do I know when it’s time to add to my team?” If you’re hiring a team member, how do you know what position do you hire for? And is it even possible to hire someone to sell for you? And even when you have all the information and you’re ready to make a move, how do you find the right person? It’s not an easy decision to make but let’s help you figure out your next steps in todays episode with Sales Uprising's Kelly Ann Peck. Sales Uprising | Instagram This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
If I was on stage at Wedding MBA in front of hundreds of your peers, and I chose your website to display on the big screen, how would you feel? Would you be proud? Would you feel like your website images, design, and copy fits your brand? Or would you feel at least a little dread and shame because you know it’s time for a brand refresh? Branding isn’t easy, but as you evolve as a business owner, so too does your brand. So today, we’re talking about a four step strategy for having a brand that books. Carry Love Designs | Take the Quiz This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Today we're celebrating five years of the podcast (!), so it's time for a fun and reflective episode on five truthbombs every business owner needs to hear. Episodes Mentioned: 120: The 4 People You Need in Your Circle of Trust 202: Navigating Education Overwhelm for Wedding Pros This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Neillie Butler, owner and executive planner of Mariee Ami, an event production company that brings multi-day celebrations to life, no matter the destination, scale, or complexity. For previous Unravelings: 156 157 with Adrianna McDermott 161 with Aleya Harris 177 with Sara Margulis 184 with Andrea Eppollito 188 with Ashlyn Carter 191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady" 193 with Rachel DeAlto 197 with Sandra Cassios 208 with Brian Green This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
The Planner's Vault doors are open! Come join us! ---- Recently I was a guest on The Women’s Social Club Podcast, a women supporting women community and membership with 15 locations including New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC. Some of you have heard my journey before, but one thing I noticed when listening to this episode is that I have the tendency to keep myself small, and I consider this one of my biggest challenges I’ll continue to tackle day by day - but it’s those voices of support in my life that push me to reach my potential. Now I have the opportunity and privilege to be the support system and cheerleader for so many in our community - and I don’t take that for granted. I believe that there are far too many amazing entrepreneurs out there who show up, serve so many, make a difference, and yet they continue to play it small. I hope this interview inspires you to stop getting in your own way. Great success is waiting on the other side. --- "I used to call my business my baby - it was my first baby before my actual babies. And I've really scratched that from the way that I describe my business because I think it's a toxic view. That means I can't leave it." LIVE from the University Club in Durham NC, wedding industry icon Megan Gillikin joins us to share her journey of building her wedding planning business, selling it, and pivoting to coaching and consulting. In this episode, you'll learn: * How Megan bought A Southern Soiree - and how it wasn't the experience she thought it would be * How burnout affected her mindset, and how she grew from that * How podcasting has opened doors for coaching, consulting, and mentoring wedding professionals * How she found her passion for b2b with The Planner's Vault
Resources: The Planner's Vault | Weddings for Real Podcast | Megan on Instagram Other episodes you'll enjoy: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, with Kiara Ruth LIVE On-Site at Glasshouse RTP, with Owner Sara Abernethy How the Women's Social Club Came to Be The Maxwell's Chelsea Hand on Building a Venue During the Pandemic Connect with WSC: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenssocialclub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWomensSocialClub/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/The_WSC_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/the-womens-social-club/ Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here Come join The Women's Social Club (locations in Raleigh, Atlanta, Boston, Central North Carolina, Charlotte, Chicago, Jacksonville Florida, Memphis, New York, and Wilmington North Carolina, with locations launching soon in Austin, Charleston South Carolina, Washington DC, Denver, Miami, and Nashville). And if you don't see your location, Start a Chapter! Hosted by The Women's Social Club CEO Hannah Weisberg, The Women's Social Club Podcast is produced by Earfluence.
When analyzing your own website, you want to ask yourself: * Does it pass the caveman test where the user knows in 5 seconds what you do, how it will make their life better, and how they can take the next step? * Are the images attractive, interesting, and a reflection of my brand? * When the prospect reads the copy, does it give them all the feels? Or is it essentially the same content that they've read from every other vendor?
That copy part is a huge challenge, and today we're learning from Can Do Content's Nadine Nethery on how to create stand-out copy without being too braggy. -------- Resources Mentioned: Over-the-Shoulder Tutorial: https://candocontent.com/audience The Audience Success Formula: https://candocontent.com/audience-success-formula -------- This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
On episode 211, we interviewed couples to find out what they REALLY are looking for in the vendor vetting process. And one common theme we heard is that couples are looking for reviews - in The Knot, on Google, on Wedding Wire, in social media, everywhere. So reviews need to be a major initiative for all wedding pros. But how do we get our clients to write reviews? Let's find out from our guest today - Desiree Dent, wedding planner at Dejanae Events in Chicago. -------- Episodes Referenced: 62: How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews 211: Live Interviews: Inside the (Buying) Mind of Engaged Couples This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
I say this with love... -------- Episodes Referenced: 168: How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon Tarrant 175: 9 tips for being a better wedding pro during busy season (Megan Gillikin solo) This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Today we’re talking about Engage, the luxury wedding business summit that happens twice a year in breathtaking locations around the globe. I’ve been a couple times, and they are definitely an experience like no other. The swag and gifting experience by itself are stellar and the over-the-top wow factor of each meal, each breakout, and each painstaking design detail are unmatched. I’ve always wondered how it all comes together. How do you put on event that wows people who put on ultra-luxury events for a living? Let's find out from Tara Fay, Dublin-based wedding planner who has led the vision for two recent Engage Summits. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
What happens when couples inquire (we get the inquiries!), but we’re not booking as many weddings as we want? Or what if couples are only wanting to book our smallest packages? Today we're talking to Ideaction Consulting's Sam Jacobson, who gives us 4 reasons our inquiries are NOT converting into clients. Free Workshop with Megan and Sam: Why Couples Don’t Book Full Planning (And what to do about it!) Episodes Referenced: 133: Selling Styles for Wedding Pros, with Ideaction’s Sam Jacobson 73: Relator, Analyzer, Boss, and Dreamer: How to Sell To and Work With the 4 Types of Wedding Clients, with Ideaction's Sam Jacobson 115: Tips for Improving Your Wedding Consultations, with Sam Jacobson 211: Live Interviews: Inside the (Buying) Mind of Engaged Couples Sam's Podcast, Own Your Business This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Megan and Jason Gillikin talk about their wins for 2022, their failures, word-of-the-year, and goals for 2023. Tune in and reflect along. Share your 2022 reflections on social media @weddingsforreal. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
I've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not sure who to listen to and what to do. What could be valuable learnings wind up leaving you frustrated and paralyzed. So what can you do about it? Join me today for five tips on how to identify who to listen to and what content you should be consuming to help you take your business to the next level. Join Brandee Gaar and me to discuss this topic, Monday December 5th at 3:30EST on the Weddings for Real Instagram page. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Let me ask you a couple tough questions - What is your innate brand advantage over your competition? Are you unique, or are you swimming in a sea of sameness? If you’re just starting your business, you might not really know what your brand is or where to even begin. If you’ve been at it for a while, you might be so head down in the day-to-day that you don’t pause often enough to reevaluate what your brand actually is, and how that brand is being used to attract (or potentially even repel) your ideal clients. So how do we figure out our brands? Today we're talking to psychology driven brand strategist Kaye Putnam to find our brand archetypes and how we use that to advance our businesses. Take the quiz to discover your innate brand advantage This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
I've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not sure who to listen to and what to do. What could be valuable learnings wind up leaving you frustrated and paralyzed. So what can you do about it? Join me today for five tips on how to identify who to listen to and what content you should be consuming to help you take your business to the next level.
Join Brandee Gaar and me to discuss this topic, Monday December 5th at 3:30EST on the Weddings for Real Instagram page.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Let me ask you a couple tough questions - What is your innate brand advantage over your competition? Are you unique, or are you swimming in a sea of sameness? If you’re just starting your business, you might not really know what your brand is or where to even begin. If you’ve been at it for a while, you might be so head down in the day-to-day that you don’t pause often enough to reevaluate what your brand actually is, and how that brand is being used to attract (or potentially even repel) your ideal clients.
So how do we figure out our brands?
Today we're talking to psychology driven brand strategist Kaye Putnam to find our brand archetypes and how we use that to advance our businesses.
Take the quiz to discover your innate brand advantage
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Last week, we were at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, and it was memorable to say the least - and at some points it felt like an out-of-body experience. I had two presentations this time, with one of them on the main stage which was juuuusstt a bit intimidating.
Today we talk about the journey from rejection to the main stage, the experiences of Wedding MBA 2022, and then we get to hear from you. That's right, we interviewed 10 planners at the Convention Center and from our Tacos & Tequila Party, and asked three questions: * Can you share a crazy wedding story? * How have you leveled-up in 2022? * What are you planning to invest in in 2023?
Thanks to the planners who shared with us: * Catherine Bell, Southern Bell Weddings and Events * Caroline Parker, Brooks and Reid Events * Dana Allison, Keyed Up Events * Jacqueline Grena, SunRae Planning * Maryssa Souza, Seven Oh Seven Events * Karla and Noelia, Kiss and Say I Do Events * Jennifer Savage, Plan to Party * Jen Shaefer, Southern Skies Events & the Wedding Crasher App * Libby Stults, em + elle events * Amanda Wrinkle, Eleven Ten Events
—
Couldn’t have done it without my team
The Tacos & Tequila party
Thank you for all the love, all the selfies, all the conversations
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
The Planner's Vault Doors are Open!
Last week, we were at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, and it was memorable to say the least - and at some points it felt like an out-of-body experience. I had two presentations this time, with one of them on the main stage which was juuuusstt a bit intimidating.
Today we talk about the journey from rejection to the main stage, the experiences of Wedding MBA 2022, and then we get to hear from you. That's right, we interviewed 10 planners at the Convention Center and from our Tacos & Tequila Party, and asked three questions:
- Can you share a crazy wedding story?
- How have you leveled-up in 2022?
- What are you planning to invest in in 2023?
Thanks to the planners who shared with us:
- Catherine Bell, Southern Bell Weddings and Events
- Caroline Parker, Brooks and Reid Events
- Dana Allison, Keyed Up Events
- Jacqueline Grena, SunRae Planning
- Maryssa Souza, Seven Oh Seven Events
- Karla and Noelia, Kiss and Say I Do Events
- Jennifer Savage, Plan to Party
- Jen Shaefer, Southern Skies Events & the Wedding Crasher App
- Libby Stults, em + elle events
- Amanda Wrinkle, Eleven Ten Events
—
Couldn’t have done it without my team
The Tacos & Tequila party
Thank you for all the love, all the selfies, all the conversations
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Join The Planner's Vault Challenge!
Hey WFR listeners, Megan here with an extra special bonus episode and an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Next week, I’ll be running a FREE 3 day engagement season challenge to help you get ready for the upcoming engagement season challenge and consider this your official invitation to join me you can find out more and signup at ThePlannersVaultChallenge.com.
Here’s five reason this challenge is extra special:
1- I’ll teach you how to get ultra-clear on your audience, messaging, and next steps to attract and book more clients you love.
2- I’ll teach you how to lean into relationship building to open doors in your business and reach your dream client without expensive marketing, complicated tactics, or salesy pitches.
3- I'll give away a TON of fabulous prizes, including gift cards and free coaching sessions!!
4- I’ll offer daily power hour live co-working sessions to get the work done and I’ll be there to answer your questions and cheer you on as you compete the tasks.
5- This exclusive challenge is really hands-on, so I only run it once a year. That’s also why I keep space limited— which allows me to connect with you directly for Q&As and personalized guidance. And did I mention, it’s free to join? You seriously have nothing to lose!
So, I have to ask…. Do you want to get more out of your wedding planning business? Do you crave confidence and clarity heading in to 2023? Are you ready to be challenged?
It starts November 14th!
Now if you still have a few more questions, Here’s some additional helpful info!
Question 1- is the challenge just for planners?
This challenge is designed for wedding planners but other wedding pros are welcome to join. You may need to adjust some of the templates and scripts to fit your business but you’ll still find value in the work!
Question 2-
Is this for new planners or experienced planners?
This challenge will be incredibly beneficial for you if you’re in year 1 or year 10. There are editable templates and scripts as well as tips for standing out in a saturated market and connecting with venues intentionally. It’s packed w goodness and over $200 in high value templates pulled from within my membership The Planner's Vault.
Question #3-
What’s the time commitment of the challenge?
3 day challenge with 3 business momentum building tasks each day. Hour of coworking and 30 minutes of lives a day!
See you inside!
The Planner's Vault Challenge
Starting a small business is not for the faint of heart. There’s fear that you’re not the right person to lead a company. There’s uncertainty that you’ll ever be able to make as much money as you did in your corporate job. There’s doubt that anyone will book you or that you can sustain the mental health hurdles running a small business requires. If you’re with me as a small business owner, congratulations on getting this far, and we see what you’re going through! Today, we hear from Merri CEO Randi Bushell - who went through all of these challenges - plus fundraising - plus scaling a tech company in the pandemic - and has figured out how to grow her business in the process.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
We all have some opinions about the wedding industry that might be considered unpopular. But as I say in the intro, this podcast is a safe space to dish about the real of our industry.
And someone who’s not afraid to give his opinion is amazingly talented and hilarious Atlanta based florist Shean Strong. If you’re not driving, follow Shean on instagram and check out his highlights called Opinions, Lil Kim, and Rat Saga - highly recommended.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Sandra Cassios, owner and lead planner at Sandra Bettina Weddings and Events, and owner of XO and Mane Gift Shop.
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
177 with Sara Margulis
184 with Andrea Eppollito
188 with Ashlyn Carter
191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"
193 with Rachel DeAlto
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
Ever since I got into podcasts (and believe it or not, it actually took me a while), I’ve been focused on growth: getting to the life that I want and not settling for less. If you’re listening to this podcast, I’m thinking that’s your mindset too. And that could mean so many things. A bigger house. Freedom from the 9 to 5. Working more. Working less. Spending more time with your family. Taking more vacations. Raising your rates. You know you and what you want. And if you don’t know, it's time to figure it out.
Because today we’re talking Tony Chatman - speaker, author, and business relationship expert - who is going to give us tips on moving away from the hand that you’re dealt into the life that you want.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
One of the reasons we started the Weddings For Real podcast and then formed The Planner’s Vault is because we want to create a community of wedding professionals who can share ideas, grow together, and avoid the feeling of being on an island with your businesses. You’re not alone. And yet, sometimes we feel like we’re the only ones who feel overwhelmed. We’re the only ones who feel like the to-do list is impossible to get through. We’re the only ones who feel like we need a break from it all.
Here's the deal - you are not alone. And on this episode, we’re talking to Kelly Ruta, former clinical psychotherapist and current CEO development strategist for female entrepreneurs who will tell you that if you have all those feelings, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
A couple weeks ago, I asked you the listeners for any questions you've been wanting to ask, and I received some truly thought-provoking submissions (so thank you!). So today, I answer those questions, touching on burnout, why I refer (or don't refer) wedding pros, navigating the busy season, selling my planning business, and more!
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Rachel DeAlto, Communication & Relatability Expert, Keynote Speaker, Chief Dating Expert at Match.com, former relationship expert on Married at First Sight, and Author of the book Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere (Even If It Scares You).
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
177 with Sara Margulis
184 with Andrea Eppollito
188 with Ashlyn Carter
191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
You may have heard of Timeline Genius, the platform that creates beautiful, detailed wedding day timelines, saving you hours in the process. But have you heard how CEO Eddie Babbage built the company? Today, Eddie shares the mistakes made, lessons learned, and mindset shifts that led to Timeline Genius's success.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
As we gain experience and raise our prices, we start to get into the luxury market. It’s something many of us strive for because it means we’ve made it - we beat out the competition for the best weddings, they become great portfolio pieces, and you can make better money.
But how do we attract the luxury clientele? And when we get those weddings, are they really all that we hoped for?
Laura Ritchie is the Founder and Designer at Grit and Grace.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Looking to save time in writing repetitive emails? Want to refine some of your client experience processes or package offerings? Grab some of our most coveted templates and course offerings within The Planner's Vault Shop!
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Kristen Mullins, aka The Pie Lady. Kristen is the owner of Slice Pie Company, and while everything on social media looks amazing - new retail shop, selling hundreds of pies a day, all the awards - the reality is that Kristen has been forced to undergo some serious growth over the past couple of years.
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
177 with Sara Margulis
184 with Andrea Eppollito
188 with Ashlyn Carter
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
If you’re looking to grow your business, a hard realization is that you can only go so far if you do it alone. If you’re a wedding planner, maybe you can do 25-30 weddings a year by yourself. If you’re a DJ, maybe 50 weddings. An officiant? You could probably do 100 weddings a year. But no matter what, there’s a limit in how much you can make - unless you build a team.
Of course, that comes with its own complications and headaches, so today we talk to someone who focuses on making sure you have the right people in the right roles - Dream Team Architect Veronica Romney.
RainmakerResidency.com
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Ashlyn Carter, founder of Ashlyn Writes. On the surface, Ashlyn looks like she's crushing it (because she is). She has over 30,000 Youtube followers and always seems so poised and focused on camera. But underneath it all, she has encountered struggles just like the rest of us.
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
177 with Sara Margulis
184 with Andrea Eppollito
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
You probably use Canva almost every day, but if you're just using it to create social media graphics, you're barely scratching the surface of what it can offer. Today, Verified Global Canva Expert (one of 26 in the world) Brenda Cadman comes on to tell us how we can maximize Canva to its full potential and unlock branding and marketing efficiency.
Brenda Cadman's Courses:
The Canva Recipe
Canva for Beginners
Clean Up My Canva
Weddings for Real 128: How to Avoid Being a Website Horror Story, with Brenda Cadman
How I Built This, with Canva CEO Melanie Perkins
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, the most common sentiments couples feel when planning their wedding right now are stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm that my friends. That is why we're gonna talk about how to use empathy, authority and authenticity as superpowers to set yourself apart as a wedding professional
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
When you feel your phone buzzing, and you look down to see your client's name, what do you think? Are you worried it’s something bad? What about when you KNOW it’s something bad? The client isn’t happy for whatever reason, and they’re calling to tell you about it. Do you get a pit in your stomach? Of course you do, everyone does. But how do you handle it? Today we're talking to conflict resolution specialist Jen Trotter about what you SHOULD be doing to handle these types of problems.
Jen Trotter is a DFW-based Makeup Artist (Lip Service Makeup), Published Writer, Magazine Editor, Communications Consultant and National Speaker.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we talk to Las Vegas luxury wedding planner Andrea Eppolito, who was crushing the Vegas wedding scene in 2016 - until she went home and told her husband, "I hate what I'm doing. I hate who I'm doing it for. I hate who I'm doing it with. I just can't function like this."
Andrea Eppolito is the founder of Andrea Eppolito Events and the host of the podcast, "Andrea Eppolito | Celebrating Life, Luxury, & Above All Else Love."
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
177 with Sara Margulis
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Do you have money mindset blocks that are preventing your business from growing and preventing you from leading your best life? Maybe you believe that you don't deserve to charge more yet. Or maybe you believe you shouldn't charge more because you love what you do. Or maybe you think there's a new competitor popping up every day who charges so little, it's not worth it to raise your prices.
I had some major money mindset blocks - until I discovered our guest today, Denise Duffield-Thomas.
Denise Duffield-Thomas is the author of Get Rich, Lucky Bitch and Chill and Prosper, and the host of the Chill and Prosper Podcast.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
What makes an amazing wedding experience for our clients and their guests? Is it the design elements that make them stop in their tracks when they first see the ballroom or the tent, plus the small little details that start multiple conversations throughout the evening? Is it the logistics of making sure that every vendor is on the same page and the wedding runs smoothly without any confusion or time that seems to drag on? As we all know, a truly memorable event has both precise logistics and beautiful design elements, but it can be a challenge to marry those two. So let's find out how to do it!
Becca Atchison is the founding partner and creative director of Rebecca Rose Events, and the co-owner of RRE Method.
Weddings for Real episode 29: Percentage-based Pricing with Becca Atchison
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Hi (First Name), Welcome to the (insert podcast here) Podcast! Are you wondering how to personalize some of your automated touch points with your (insert industry here) clients to make them feel more natural so you can connect with your clients more authentically? Business Operations Consultant and lifelong ease-seeker Charlotte Isaac tells us how.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
In some exciting news, after 12 years of running A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning, Megan has passed the torch to the next owner. There have been tears of joy, tears of overwhelm, tears of sadness, and tears of laughter. There have been many WTFs, crazy stories, bad decisions, and life-changing moments. Today, Megan and Jason reflect on the journey and talk about the next chapter.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
Let’s think about the couples who fill out an inquiry form. They’re interested in the specifics of your services and your price point of course, but what they're truly hoping for is a real, meaningful connection. It’s the longest they’ll work with someone and it’s the most money they’ll spend on one day, so a wedding pro who makes them feel understood, happy, and excited - that’s who they’re going to pick. But how do you make that connection happen?
Michelle Martinez is the host of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast (which has over 300 episodes!).
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
What are some ways to effectively work with an intern (and not just give them busy work)? Megan and Gina Annab Johnston offer 6 projects you can give your intern right away!
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we talk to Sara Margulis, who seemingly had it all - a successful business with her husband, TV appearances all over, an investment from Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, and partnerships with Target and Hilton - but she was deeply in need of getting rid of her old habits to grow professionally and personally.
Sara Margulis is the co-founder and CEO of Honeyfund. For the wedding planning guide she mentions, head to https://www.honeyfund.com/weddingplanning.
For previous Unravelings:
156
157 with Adrianna McDermott
161 with Aleya Harris
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Emma and Molly Gillikin have taken over the podcast to wish all the moms (especially Megan) Happy Mother's Day!
When you’re running a business, it can feel pretty overwhelming - like you need to do all the things and do them all really well. And even if you’re at the point in your business where you can outsource some, being aware of everything to make the critical decisions can seem exhausting. But the good news is your business can be broken down into just 6 core competencies - and you don't have to be amazing at all of them.
Brandee Gaar is a business coach, speaker, and fellow wedding planner. Join the Wedding Pro CEO Summit and get $100 off by using the code "plannersvault".
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career. It feels like you don't have time for anything other than your clients, but in this solo episode, I'm giving 9 tips for you to become a better wedding pro. Pick a couple to focus on now, then come back once it slows down to implement the rest! Here’s the link to our 20+ Helpful Email Template Bundle I mentioned in the episode from our shop!
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Let’s talk about your brand. Does it reflect who you are as a person and as a company - and does it attract your ideal clients? Is it something you’re proud of and passionate about, and you truly understand what your colors mean? Is it consistent throughout your website, your socials, your newsletters, and all the things? Branding can be super confusing, so that’s why I brought on branding expert Lisa Aihara to give us some answers.
Seasonal Brand Personality Workbook and Brand Keyword Workbook
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
It’s been 4 years since Weddings for Real came to be. Over the last 4 years we’ve evolved and grown in a lot of ways and today, we’ll share some of our all time favorite AHA-moment episodes, and we invite you to join in on the fun!
Episodes mentioned include: * 71: Toxic Stress and How It's Killing Your Business, with Therapist and Executive Coach Andy Maurer * 73: Relator, Analyzer, Boss, and Dreamer: How to Sell To and Work With the 4 Types of Wedding Clients, with Ideaction's Sam Jacobson * 85: What My Children Have Taught ME About Business, with Single Dad Jose Rolon * 104: Defining Luxury on Your Own Terms, with The Flower Guy Bron * 113: What is Entrepreneurship Costing You? (She Creates Business Podcast with Kinsey Roberts) * 119: Preventing Squirrel Brain: Time Blocking and Productivity Tips from Brandee Gaar * 140: Daily Routines and Personal Growth for Wedding Pros, with Gurminder Banga * 157: Unraveling, with Adrienna McDermott * 154: How to shift your business to meet Amazon-addicted couples, with Michelle Loretta * 164: Should wedding vendors require couples to use a planner? Photographer Jillian Knight does
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
On last week’s episode, Ashley Ebert gave us the inside scoop on WHY we need to build a team, even though it can be pretty scary. But what happens when you actually DO start building a team? How can you create a culture that you can truly be proud of, something that represents both you and your brand, and something that your team, your partners, and your clients can feel? As we graduate from solopreneurs to leaders, it is our responsibility to create this elusive culture, but most of us aren’t really sure where to start. Today's guest is Jonathan Aymin (@JonoAymin), Business Owner, Podcast Host (The Venue RX), Author, and Educator, whose mission is to help people build better businesses that allow them to reach their goals quicker - without burnout - in part by improving your hiring and company culture.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
When you think about building a team around you, what comes to mind? Is it that your company will be able to work more weddings and you’ll be able to make more money because of it? Or is it that more team members means more headaches and loss of control?
Growth in numbers can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Today, Ashley Ebert gives us the 3 myths of building a team. Ashley Ebert is the owner of The Simply Elegant Group and co-founder of The Abundance Group (You can also DM Ashley @TheAbundanceGroup). To learn more about Ashley's 12-week intensive team building program, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com/TeamBuilding.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
As a wedding planner, I’ve found that our jobs are 30% logistics, 30% vision and decor, and about 40% therapy. If you’re a planner - or wedding vendor who works with couples - you know that there’s stress, disagreements with family members, and quite a few (not happy) tears. I always tell the planners I coach that you can expect some sort of full meltdown one to two weeks before the wedding. For me 12 years ago, it was about gift bags. So wouldn’t it be great if we could get some help from someone who’s a certified life coach - someone who specializes in helping couples navigate some of these hard and meltdown-inspiring moments?
Kara Ghassabeh is a bridal coach and host of the Whispers to a Bride Podcast. You can find her on instagram where she's @KarahGhassabeh.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
One of my least favorite topics in the world to talk about is money. Don’t get me wrong, I love money and all the things money can buy for me and my family. And I love to see that what I’m charging for weddings - and what my coaching clients are charging for weddings - continues to increase. But the analysis of budgets and payroll and credit and assets….well, it’s not my superpower. So recently I hired an accountant who’s willing to take the time to talk strategy - to someone who's "not a numbers person" - in words I can actually understand.
Danielle Hayden is the CEO of Kickstart Accounting (subscribe to the newsletter!) and host of the Entrepreneur Money Stories Podcast. Follow Kickstart on instagram @KickstartAccounting.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
One of the most frequent questions we get in The Planners Vault is, How can I get on the preferred vendor list at the best wedding venue in my market? Or even before getting on the preferred vendor list, how do I even get the venue coordinators to know who I am?
It’s not as simple as sending an email to introduce yourself. So what do you do? Shannon Tarrant has some actionable tips - and mistakes to avoid.
Wedding Venue Map | @WeddingVenueMap | @TheVenuePlaybook
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Megan here for a super special announcement. I want to invite you to a free 3-day visibility and growth challenge designed specifically for wedding planners. It's the big event leading up to the door opening of my membership, the planner's fault. And I promise you this free challenge is absolutely packed with value, actionable tips, and some of my Planner's Vault members' favorite resources. No matter what stage of business you're in, we'll have you bringing more awareness and visibility to your business while helping you gain more clarity and confidence in how you show up in front of potential clients and other wedding pros. The challenge will take place February 7th through 9th, and it will be a mix of prerecorded videos, easy to follow and implement tasks, which will be dropped into your inbox each day. Join us at ThePlannersVaultChallenge.com. I hope to see you there! This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com. Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life." - Mary Kay Ash
Keep that quote in mind for this solo episode, as Megan Gillikin is giving her 5 tips for getting more referrals from your fellow wedding pros.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Lisa Lyons has been in the wedding industry for 19 years, but she has been drawn to etiquette her entire life. And in 2020 she got the certification to help wedding pros take their etiquette to the next level. But in this modern era of traditions changing, what does wedding etiquette even mean?
Lisa Lyons Events and Etiquette
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear, Atomic Habits
It's time to get serious about your business goals for this year and how you plan to achieve them. I'm going to keep this one short, sweet and packed with goodness as I share my top five hacks for maximizing efficiency in your wedding business.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Back in 2019, photographer Jillian Knight asked me to coffee to talk about an idea she had for her business - requiring a planner at ALL of her events. What this meant was that if couples didn’t have a planner or want to hire a planner, she simply wouldn’t work with them. As a planner, I absolutely loved it of course. And for the photographer, I thought it had a chance to be amazing for her and a way to stand out in our market…but there was also the reality that she’d literally be turning down business. So what’s happened since that meeting two and a half years ago?
@JillianKnightPhotography #SaveYourMomHireaWeddingPlanner #AllWeddingsNeedPlanners
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Megan is joined by her husband Jason Gillikin to discuss their word of the 2021, successes and failures (both personal and professional), and goals for 2022.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
I'm not good enough. Everything I have is from luck, and when people find out, they'll know I'm a fraud. Sound familiar?
Today we're talking all about imposter syndrome, and 3 tips to quiet your inner critic.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Welcome to The Unraveling, where we share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds you back, and the rebirth of new. Today's guest is Aleya Harris, empire builder at Flourish Marketing.
Download Aleya's Recalibration Guide to Reclaim Your Glow & Cash Flow
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Do you ever find yourself working your butt off, just go go go, working weddings, fixing problems, moving the business forward...and then you never stop to think why you’re doing all these things? Is it because you want to be the best vendor in your category? Is it because you like working with your clients? Is it because you like building teams? Or have you just been doing it without really knowing why? Today, Gurminder Banga from Banga Studios shows us how to slow down and look inside ourselves.
Gurminder's time blocking course
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
This episode is a special behind-the-scenes look at Wedding MBA from its first in person live event since 2019. Megan spoke on imposter syndrome - and what happened to her in Vegas did NOT help with her own imposter syndrome. And The Planner's Vault shared a booth with Weddings for Real, where we interviewed 15 of the 4000 wedding pros in attendance on why they attended Wedding MBA, what they wish other vendors knew about them, and what trends they want to see vanish in 2022.
Thank you so much to the interviewees!
- Maryssa Souza from Save the Date Weddings and Events
- Janet Abbey from Sterling Event Services
- Lynne Reznick from Lynne Reznick Photography
- Tina Wineglass with Wineglass Events
- Hawley Vining from Vining Events
- Lesley Acevedo with Indy Get Married
- Tyler Robb, Pearl and Tin Wedding and Event Planning
- Debra Reece, Debra Reece Events
- Claudia Terrazas, Time with Terrazas
- Karla Solórzano with Kiss and Say I Do Events
- Michele Suttile, SYWP Events
- LaShon Rodgers with Forever in a Day
- Keri Lugo from Timeless Rose Events
- Carrie Contrares, Carrie’s Delights
- Matt Kays with Mountain Event Services
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
When a couple is considering which vendors to go with, they look at a lot of different factors. Weddings you’ve worked before, website, social media, reviews, price point, the call you had with them. Ultimately, they narrow each category down to two or three vendors and then...they go with their gut. They go with what feels right to them. But what is that gut exactly? Today, Renee Sabo talks about emotional marketing.
Connect with Renee Sabo:
Urban Soiree | Instagram | The Confetti Hour Podcast
This episode is brought to you by Sara Does SEO. 7 Day Done-for-You SEO Setup for Wedding Pros
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Think back to the last 5 weddings you worked. How did they find you? Did you enjoy working with them? Would they recommend you to a friend? What are some of the ways that they think you could improve? If you're like most of us creatives, you have no idea. Today, Jordan Kentris comes on to teach us how research can make us better wedding pros.
Connect with Jordan:
A Good Day Inc | on instagram
This episode is brought to you by Sara Does SEO. 7 Day Done-for-You SEO Setup for Wedding Pros
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Welcome to The Unraveling, where we share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds you back, and the rebirth of new. Today's guest is Adrienna McDermott, formerly of Ivory and Beau (where her unraveling began), now owner of Ava and the Bee.
This episode is brought to you by Lemon Tree Editorial
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Once a month moving forward, we're bringing you a new series - The Unraveling. These episodes shine a light on the pivotal moments and ensuing decisions that industry leaders have encountered that changed everything. The unraveling moment.
Today, I'm sharing my own unraveling.
Unlocking Us, Brene Brown's Podcast where she introduces the Unraveling Concept.
The Midlife Unraveling, by Brene Brown
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
One of the biggest challenges I hear every single week is that there’s not enough time to build content. Or you’re not sure what to post. Or you’re worried that what you do post won’t be received very well - or worse, won’t be received at all. Does this sound like you? Let's fix that, with content creation master, Angela Proffitt.
This episode is brought to you by Lemon Tree Editorial
Angela Proffitt's websites:
GSDSecrets.com
TheGSDAcademy.com
GSDHouse.com
AngelaProffitt.com
TheProfitableShift.com
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
When I need something for my house or for my business, I order it on my phone and get it literally the next day. And if I have to wait two days, fine I guess, but I’m not too happy about it. We all want it right away. And with that mindset in mind, Michelle Loretta from Be Sage Consulting has some insight into what that means about how to work with Amazon-addicted couples.
This episode is brought to you by Lemon Tree Editorial
Michelle Loretta Episode 68: How to Weigh the Financial Risks of Your Big Business Decision
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Join Megan for an inside look at her one-on-one coaching session with Alisha Freeman, The Productionista. Alisha is a member of The Planner's Vault, where the doors open up next week (!) on Wednesday September 22nd, following a free webinar - "Charge More, Hustle Less." To sign up for the webinar (live at 12PM EST and then again at 8:30PM EST), visit Learn.ThePlannersVault.com/Workshop.
The Planner's Vault is the online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open (September 22nd!)
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Join Megan for an inside look at her one-on-one coaching session with Carrie Gillard from Blue Poppy Events. Carrie is a member of The Planner's Vault, where the doors open up next week (!) on Wednesday September 22nd, following a free webinar - "Charge More, Hustle Less." To sign up for the webinar (live at 12PM EST and then again at 8:30PM EST), visit Learn.ThePlannersVault.com/Workshop.
The Planner's Vault is the online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open (September 22nd!)
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin answers 5 questions from the Weddings for Real Facebook Group, including how to hire your #2, how to raise your prices, and how to take steps to make your business full time.
References:
Episode 151: Creating a digital welcome guide
Episode 145: Margeaux Fraise on leveraging Facebook Groups
For more client experience tips, visit ThePlannersVault.com/clientexperience
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin gives her 5 tips on how to set boundaries, ease anxiety, and build trust with new clients through a killer digital welcome guide.
For more client experience tips, visit ThePlannersVault.com/clientexperience
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
As a wedding pro, you are the expert in your field. You have a knack for creating the most beautiful floral arrangements. You can run through a timeline in your sleep. You have an eye for a moment that others can’t match. Your clients hire you for your expertise. But you’re just one you, and no matter how much you build your team, you can’t reach everyone in the world who craves your knowledge and guidance. So have you thought of digitizing your expertise so you can make income on demand? The Contract Shop's Christina Scalera has, and she's here to give us her tips for how to get it done.
Resource Mentioned: ThePlannersVault.com/SalesTips to help you nail each and every consult.
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
When a couple finds your website or your social media presence, do they know right away why you’re unique? Do they know what makes you special and different from all of the other vendors they’re looking at? Or are you swimming in a sea of sameness? The same colors, the same vibe, the same general aesthetic that has been done over and over again in your market. Amanda Bugden from Sea and Silk Wedding Planning gives her tips.
@SeaAndSilkEvents
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin gives 3 actionable sales tips for incoming inquiries that you can try right now. The wedding industry is currently in the midst of a wedding boom, and it's time for you to start turning more inquiries into paying clients.
Sales Tips for Wedding Planners
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
As wedding pros, we’re dealing with a lot of stressful situations, and we need to be at our best when dealing with all of them. In some respects, being calm under pressure comes with years on the job, but even us season pros (and I’m definitely raising my hand here) can get stressed out and nervous. So what can we do? Well, what better person to talk to about this than a former Olympian turned wedding planner Jessica Gelder with Shine Events in Scottsdale Arizona.
Jessica on Instagram:
@ShineEventsAZ
@TheConfidentPlanner
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
The release of this episode marks the 11-year anniversary of Megan running her wedding planning business, A Southern Soiree. She's made every mistake and learned every lesson in those 11 years, and today she gives tips for whatever stage of business you're in - the foundation, the messy middle, and the expert.
Resources mentioned:
Episode 143: Do You Need a Workcation? Yes You Do
Episode 111: 10 Lessons from 10 Years in Business
Episode 92: You Down with SOPs?
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
When you think about marketing your business with Facebook, most of us look at what kind of content we should be posting, whether or not to boost, whether or not Facebook ads work, and how much live video we should be putting out. But the fundamental goal is getting in front of more couples who need exactly what it is you do, right? Well, Margaux Fraise is here to tell us that that's exactly what Facebook Groups provide!
Course: Accelerate Your Wedding Biz with Facebook Groups (Don't forget to use code WFR37)
Wedding Summit Series - Design Edition
Margaux's previous appearance on Weddings for Real - Impactful Gifting Strategies
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, before we can experience love, we need to feel safe and secure. But with racial unrest, homophobia, a pandemic, and the "do we only invite guests who are vaccinated?" debates, unfortunately sometimes our couples and guests, and even us as vendors - we actually don't feel safe at all.
As wedding vendors, part of our job is to provide guidance and clear communication to our couples and guests that make them feel safe and secure… yet sometimes we just don’t have all the answers.
Beth Kramer, wedding planner based in Portland Oregon
Latest info on pandemic wedding planning
Altared
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
On this solo episode, Megan Gillikin dives into all things workcations - what it is, who you should go with, what you can accomplish, and next steps to getting started. For her, The Planner's Vault all started with a workcation and baby goats - and now it's time for you to get your big idea off the ground as well.
Resource mentioned - Tips to Combat Overwhelm for Wedding Pros
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
You probably started your business because you had a special passion or a superpower. Maybe you were amazing at logistics so you became a wedding planner. Or you knew how to get people on the dance floor so you became a DJ. But most of us didn’t start your business because we were passionate about entrepreneurship. We’re all kind of accidental entrepreneurs - who make a lot of mistakes!
So we talked to Kunbi Odubogon, business lawyer, mistake maker, and accidental entrepreneur as well!
KunbiO.com
LegallySet.com
Perfete.com
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
If you’re in the wedding industry, there's a high probability that you're a people pleaser. But as much as we want to take care of our clients 24/7, we also want to take care of our kids, our partners, our friends, and our mental and physical well-being. So if I can’t be working on our clients at all times, how can we amaze and delight them? How can we underpromise and overdeliver?
LynneReznickPhotography.com | @lynnereznickphoto
The Wedding Client Experience Academy
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Do you ever find yourself working your butt off, just go go go, working weddings, fixing problems, moving the business forward...and then you never stop to think why you’re doing all these things? Is it because you want to be the best vendor in your category? Is it because you like working with your clients? Is it because you like building teams? Or have you just been doing it without really knowing why? Today, Gurminder Banga from Banga Studios shows us how to slow down and look inside ourselves.
Gurminder's time blocking course
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
We've all seen it happen - ego and pride get in the way of the best wedding experience. And it's not just from the couples or their parents. As wedding vendors, sometimes we think we know what's best for the couples instead of truly listening to what they want. Today, Leah Weinberg talks about how we can get past that ego and pride, and truly find a place of empathy for their wedding journeys.
Color Pop Events
The Wedding Roller Coaster
Color Pop Events on Instagram | Facebook
Episode 70: Do's and Don'ts of Styled Shoots
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Do you feel like you’re on the way to achieving your goals and making the money you deserve? Or...is there something holding you back?
Maria Bayer is a sales & mindset strategist, coach & wealth builder. She is the creator of Irresistible Selling – a transformational program and community that helps wedding business owners create a million dollar mindset, stand confidently in their worth, and book high-paying clients they love.
Links:
bit.ly/amazonmaria
bookaclientchallenge.com
Learn Collaborate Flourish Facebook Page
Maria on Instagram
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Enneagram. For a better understanding of people we work with, people we're in relationships with, and most importantly, a better understanding of ourselves. We've covered the basics before on episode 87, but today, we’re going a little bit deeper - does your personality come from nature or nurture, if it’s ingrained in you from childhood, how there are healthy and unhealthy versions of each type, and most importantly, how you can use this information to grow your business.
Kristen Edwards
Free Masterclass, MAKE MORE MONEY USING THE ENNEAGRAM
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
What are some of the challenges you're running into when marketing your business? For many of the wedding pros I talk to, it’s that there are just so many different places that you could spend your time and money - is it in social media? Which platforms? Is it in networking? Is it paid media like Google ads? Is it redesigning your website? Is it Clubhouse? Maybe you want to think about who your ideal client is and where they tend to show up. But then….how do you figure out who your exact client is?
Heidi Thompson's Book More Weddings Summit
Evolve Your Wedding Business
The Evolve Your Wedding Business Podcast
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
We have been podcasting for over 3 years now! Crazy but true, we dropped our first 5 episodes on April 4th, 2018. Over the years, we get asked a lot of questions around podcasting, all related to how can someone leverage their business by using podcasting. Well, Jason and I have a lot of lessons to share!
Earfluence | Website | Instagram | Linkedin
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Take a moment to reflect on your business - are you working a job that pays your bills? Or are you building a company? Either answer is ok, but for those of you who want to scale your company to one day have the option to sell it or have someone else be the face of your business, we have some actionable tips from Donald Thompson - angel investor, mentor, CEO...and someone who has sold companies because he’s figured out a way to scale.
Connect with Donald Thompson on LinkedIn
Donald Thompson Podcast
The Diversity Movement
Donald Thompson on Instagram
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
We all have different sales styles - what works for one wedding pro might be different than what works best for you. And it’s those different selling styles that we need to lean into so we can turn our baseline personalities into our selling superpowers. But look out, each selling style has a blindspot as well that we need to be aware of. Wonder what your style is?
Sam Jacobson, Ideaction Consulting
Episode 73: The 4 Buyer's Types
Episode 115: Tips for Improving Your Wedding Consultations
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
You all know the reasons why to focus on Pinterest - it’s great to generate traffic to your website, it’s another platform to get in front of potential couples, and it’s a way to network with other vendors when you’re engaging with or sharing their work. While Pinterest can be amazing, it can also be confusing. Enter Pinterest expert Gabby Pinkerton.
Gabby's Pinterest e-course for wedding pros.
Episode 80: It's Time to Stop Neglecting Pinterest
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Over the past year, with the wedding industry in shambles, Don Mamone has come up with a new outlook on his professional life - People First, Then Profit. Today on the show, Don talks about what relationship marketing means to him and why they're on a mission to #StopTheDoubleTap.
People First, Then Profit Weekly Zoom
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Today we're sharing a few minutes of a new podcast, Hustle + Gather, with my friends Courtney Hopper and Dana Kadwell. It’s about the realness of running a business - how no one understands you except other entrepreneurs, tension between partners (in marriage and in business), doing all the non-glamorous things at all hours, paying yourself the least of your employees...it’s not all sunshine and rainbows as you know and thats what they tackle in each episode.
Listen to more Hustle + Gather on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts.
Sarah Miller and Nichole Holmes are the hosts of Netflix's new show, Marriage or Mortgage, where couples have to choose whether they want to spend their budget on a down payment on a house or a big wedding. They have a hard decision to make, and today, we’re sharing both sides of the debate with Sarah and Nichole!
Sarah's company is Southern Vine & Co, and you can follow her on instagram @SouthernVineCo.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Nashville area, follow Nichole @NicholeHolmesRealty.
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
We all want to know - how can I have better rankings on Google so more couples come visit my website? The answer of course is a little SEO (search engine optimization), but that seems complicated - unless Sara Dunn from Sara Does SEO is explaining it. And today, Sara shares her 3 Step SEO Checklist specifically for wedding pros.
Sara's SEO Bootcamp, March 22nd through 25th.
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Have you ever woken up to find your website gone? Every other site on the web works except for yours, and then you realize - you have absolutely no idea how to fix it or who to call. It's the stuff business nightmares are made of, and Brenda Cadman is on the show today to tell you how to avoid this - and other potential disasters with your website.
Brenda is the owner of Bon Accord Creative and the founder of the Online Tech Society. On the show, Brenda mentioned a ist of recommended requirements for hosting companies regarding backups. Your website host should
- have at least 30 days worth of daily backups
- have backups stored on a server separate from your website
- be able to store your backups fully (i.e. no storage limits that would prevent your full backup storage)
- include all files and databases
- enable you to restore backups yourself
- make it easy for you to restore a backup
She also mentioned the "Canva & Websites Made Simple" Facebook group, which is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlinetechmadesimple
This episode is brought to you by the Wedding Summit Series Community Edition. Grab your FREE ticket to the event taking place February 22nd-26th with 35 amazing industry speakers (including Megan!).
https://margauxfraise.mykajabi.com/a/41974/LtF3zHQj
This episode is also brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Kinsey Roberts (She Creates Business Podcast) and I first heard about community over competition from Natalie Franke of the Rising Tide Society. In theory, it makes a lot of sense. if we can all help each other - in support, in education, in successes and failures - a rising tide lifts all boats. But is that the reality in the wedding industry? Are we really supposed to be rooting for our competition when they’re potentially getting the clients and deposits that we want? This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
She Creates Business Links: Instagram: @SheCreatesBusiness Facebook: @SheCreatesBusiness Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Wedding venue coordinators are likely to be your number one source for referral business. So why aren't they referring you right now? Megan asked venue coordinators throughout the country why they refer planners (or not) - and shares the inside information. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
As an industry in 2020, we had some pretty major legal issues. With events being delayed, we all had to look back at our contracts and wonder:
- Are we able to keep all of the deposits?
- What other money are we entitled to?
- Can we charge more for postponing the weddings?
- How do we protect ourselves from this in the future?
It was chaos, and we don’t want it to happen again. Girija Patel tells us how to tighten up.
GBPLaw.com YourContractBuddy.com Law Chat with Girija This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Any wedding planner - including your competition - can put together an amazing event if they have enough budget to work with. So what sets you apart? What makes you special? Today, Megan gives 6 potential superpowers and discusses how you can lean into yours. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Hey there, I’m Megan Gillikin, and this podcast is for fellow wedding pros that know what it really takes to thrive as a professional in the wedding industry, because it’s NOT what they show you in the movies. spoiler alert, It takes more than the wave of a wand or the toss of confetti to take someone's special day from BIG idea to BIG success. But you knew that… in each episode I talk with other wedding industry experts to get real world tested advice on ways to better your business on the back end so that we can celebrate more on the front end.
I’ve been referred to as a fairy godmother extraordinaire that can make the seemingly impossible happen but the reality is that I’ve been in the wedding industry for 15+ years, I’m a business consultant and international speaker, and a mom of three and so, it goes without saying I’ve seen some things and like many of you, I've mastered the rare art of coordinating chaos with a smile on my face, a coffee in my hand and gel inserts in my shoes.
This podcast is a wedding professional’s safe space to laugh and dish about the glitz, the not so glam, and ALL things weddings, FOR REAL!
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
2020 was a year like none other, but there were many silver linings and hidden blessings throughout the chaos. Today, Megan and Jason Gillikin talk about wins, fails, and goals for 2021. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
You know that competitor in your market you just can't stand? The one that you're always up against, and you take business away from each other? What if you decided to collaborate with them to build an elite superstar team? Would you ever do that? Well today you'll hear from James x Schulze, two photographers who combined their talents to grow both professionally and creatively, and they’re talking all about what they’ve learned from the collaboration.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
What are your daily habits? Do you wake up early? Do you read? Do you journal? Unless you pressed the wrong button, I’m guessing you might listen to podcasts? Well, I’m trying to improve myself every day, and daily habits are something I’m working on. I’m nowhere near where I want to be, but I’m thriving off of being a work in progress. Today we're joined by Kim Montoya from Twenty 156 Events, who gives us actionable tips to making the most out of your day by building habits. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Do you have a circle of trust? A proverbial board of advisors? I do and it’s made up of a diverse group of people from my life who each know me in a different way and who I trust and respect their voice as someone I want to hear their insight on when it comes to decisions within my business. Their input throughout my career and my professional growth has been invaluable, and I encourage you to find your board of advisors too. On this episode, I’m going to let you know who should - and who shouldn’t - be on your board. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Do you suffer from squirrel brain? Symptoms include not being able to get $h!t done because your mind is wandering off in so many different directions on calls you need to make or emails you need to send or big picture ideas or whatever else that’s on your mind and all of a sudden you’ve wasted your time not getting anything done at all. I suffer from squirrel brain, and if you’re running a business or in the wedding industry, my guess is you could be a victim as well. But Brandee Gaar is here to help with time blocking and productivity tips. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
At the end of the episode, you heard about the webinar next week from The Diversity Movement called "Holiday Headaches: Dealing with Relatives Who Just Don't Get It." It's November 19th at 12PM EST, and you can sign up at https://thediversitymovement.com/holiday-headaches/.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Brandee Gaar on Social Media (watch her on Reels!): Instagram: @brandeegaar The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Today we're talking to Braden Drake, who describes himself as "your gay best friend, but also an attorney who's going to help you with your taxes." Braden somehow manages to make a boring (yet super-important) topic actually interesting, and gives us 3 mistakes we're probably making with our cash flow and taxes.
On the show, you'll hear about Braden's upcoming masterclass, "SETTING UP YOUR CASH FLOW, TAXES, AND LEGALITIES FOR 2021", which is Tuesday November 10th at either 12PM EST or 3PM EST, and you can sign up at BradenDrake.com/Masterclass.
Also, if you’re a planner and wanting to make some intentional changes to your inquiry and consultation process as well as your package offerings, this workshop is designed for you. This is two hours of live instruction and then a live Q&A. The link to sign up is bit.ly/plannerpricingworkshop.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Join me on this solo episode where I give you 8 quick and easy (yet important and impactful) tips to audit your website, just in time for engagement season. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Today we’re talking all about inclusive language - what to say and what not to say in what has historically been a very bride centric, straight, thin, pretty, white, and rich industry. As Taylor Griffith from Lemon Tree Editorial points out, that’s not what the world looks like, so it’s time to make some changes - on our websites, on our social media, in our contracts, and even in our speech.
On the show, you'll hear about a collaborative workshop from Sam and Megan - Packages and Pricing for Wedding Planners: How to Build Bundles at the Right Prices, on October 15th at 8:30pm ET.
If you’re a planner and wanting to make some intentional changes to your inquiry and consultation process as well as your package offerings, this workshop is designed for you. This is two hours of live instruction and then a live Q&A. The link to sign up is bit.ly/plannerpricingworkshop.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Today we’re talking to Sam Jacobson from Ideaction Consulting about the sales process, how to empathize with your clients right now and what you should NOT be doing when it comes to the initial consultation….and Sam’s going to be sharing some easy actionable shifts you can make ASAP. If you remember, Sam was on the podcast back in 2019 for one of the fan favorites, Episode 73, The Four Buying Types. On the show, you'll hear about a collaborative workshop from Sam and Megan - Packages and Pricing for Wedding Planners: How to Build Bundles at the Right Prices, on October 15th at 8:30pm ET.
If you’re a planner and wanting to make some intentional changes to your inquiry and consultation process as well as your package offerings, this workshop is designed for you. This is two hours of live instruction and then a live Q&A. The link to sign up is bit.ly/plannerpricingworkshop.
This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Join me on this solo episode where I give you 7 tips for balancing it all - life, business, family, personal pursuits. We're all works in progress, and no one has figured it out, but I have some ideas that can help. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Today we're sharing an episode previously published on the She Creates Business Podcast with Kinsey Roberts.
From SCB:
I'm honored to welcome back to the podcast, my friend and fellow podcaster, Megan Gillikin.
Megan and I have recently had many, hard, and truthful conversations about what owning a business and being entrepreneurs have cost us.
What we want to do differently in the years ahead and what is REALLY important to us and how we'd like to be remembered. (hint: we don't want to be remembered as the best planner and venue owner ever).
It's a conversation that I don't feel is had often enough. We start businesses and "grind it out" for years and many seasons before we take the time to look around at where we are and oftentimes, it's not where we WANT to be.
In this episode, we're going to talk about the big "Myths of Entrepreneurship," what is actually true and what is not.
We share personal experiences from our lives running businesses in the wedding industry and what our choices have cost us.
We also share what we're learning and what we're both committed to doing now and in the future so we don't have to pay business tolls that we actually don't want.
And finally, we'll share our hope for you. We're in the trenches with you, we're in this together.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown (book)
The Planner's Vault
It’s August 2020, five months removed from our two-week pause that we were supposed to have in March. That’s about half of your year that has probably gone up in flames, and let’s be honest, you’re probably not going to meet your goals for 2020.
So what are you doing about it? What’s your pivot? What are some new ways that you’re growing your business?
Dixie Bagley from Rome Georgia has 8 businesses, all in the hospitality industry, and we’re going to talk about what you can do to diversify through this pandemic.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The Planner's Vault is open through 11:59PM on Monday August 10th. Sign up now at ThePlannersVault.com!
You can find Dixie on Facebook and instagram where she’s AT dixieeventsGA, DixieTheFarmRomeGA, TheSweetBarRomeGA, among others. And if you’d like to reach out to her, she’s always open to chatting or giving advice - she’s dixiedoesweddings@gmail.com. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
The Planner's Vault Reopen Webinar
Have your wedding planning goals gone up in flames in 2020? Come join me Wednesday, Aug 5th at 8:30 pm EST for a free training on How to Stay Alive & Thrive During The Most Important Engagement Season of Your Career Despite Pandemics, Cancellations, & Reschedules - YIKES!
On this webinar training (sign up at https://www.theplannersvault.com/survive2020) you'll discover the answers every wedding planner needs to know, including:
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3 different pivots that you may not have even thought of that can bring in money for you RIGHT NOW.
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How you can still network and get on preferred vendor lists even during a pandemic.
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Some easy ways to shift your mindset from fear of failure that's holding you back to FOCUSING ON The SUCCESS YOU Deserve.
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How Planner’s Vault members and others in the wedding planning community are booking new clients and even raising their prices in 2020.
Sign up here: www.theplannersvault.com/survive2020
Megan and Jason Gillikin celebrate the 10-year anniversary of A Southern Soiree, and Megan shares her top ten lessons learned over the past decade - lessons she's now bringing into The Planner's Vault.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The Planner's Vault is closed for new members, but you can join the wait list for when it opens its doors in August.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
This pandemic has caused delays, cancellations, stress, tears, more delays, unanswerable questions, confusion...it really sucks to be in the wedding industry right now. But here's what it can't change - couples getting engaged and booking wedding vendors. So in this solo episode, here are 3 things you can change right now for more bookings.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The Planner's Vault is closed for new members, but you can join the wait list for when it opens its doors in August.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
In 2012, Julie Bunkley had run Invision Events in Birmingham Alabama for 7 years, and the business was doing...fine. But it wasn't growing. She knew that to grow, she had to find a true #2, not just someone to help out at weddings. She was lucky enough to hire Courtney Wolf, and the two of them have been a dynamic duo ever since. On the show today, they talk about hiring for your #2, and keeping them engaged and happy.
In addition to Invision, Julie and Courtney also run the Educate | Empower | Encourage Community
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The Planner's Vault is closed for new members, but you can join the wait list for when it opens its doors in August.
Invision Events on Social Media:
Facebook: @InvisionEvents
Instagram: @InvisionEvents
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
How can you network and build vendor relationships when there are no weddings and no networking events? Megan gives her top three tips that you can take action on RIGHT NOW.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
The Planner's Vault is closed for new members, but you can join the wait list for when it opens its doors in August.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Aaron Shook has been in the hospitality industry for 30+ years in restaurants, catering, and now in wedding planning at Perfect Storm Moments. Through it all, he's seen a lot of weddings - and a lot of waste. And his personal mission is to raise awareness and show wedding vendors how we can save the planet.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
Aaron Shook on Social Media:
Instagram: @PerfectStormMoments
Facebook: @Ocean5Social
Instagram: @Ocean5_Social
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
It's time to talk about racism in the United States, (the lack of) diversity and inclusion in the wedding industry, and how to have open and honest conversations.
Terrica Inc
Cocktails and Details
Upcoming Webinars with Terrica:
Healing Wounds & Bridging Gaps: An Honest Conversation About Race & Allyship in the Wedding Industry, June 3rd at 2PM EST
Protest or Progress? Actions, Reactions and the State of their Black Events Industry, June 4th at 7PM EST
About Terrica:
With over fourteen years in the wedding industry, award winning wedding planner and designer Terrica Skaggs has been creating exquisite weddings and events in the Golden Isles. As the Chief Wedding Planner and Designer of Cocktails & Details®, she leads a team of talented wedding planners and event managers in creating unforgettable destination Southern weddings. She also launched The White Lounge, an intimate wedding planning studio in Historic Downtown Brunswick that brings couples and wedding professionals together.
Maintaining a deep connection to her peers under the premise of “each one, teach one”, she created the largest and most diverse online community for wedding planners and designers– bringing together the best and brightest from every corner of the globe for collaboration and connection. She is extremely passionate about elevating and encouraging female entrepreneurs.
A featured expert for many TV, print and digital publications, she is known for keeping her finger on the pulse of all wedding and business trends. Traveling across the States and internationally, shares her breadth of knowledge at both national and regional wedding industry conferences and groups, with this year being named a 2019 Knot Pro Educator. Her speaking engagements are always highly anticipated as she is known for her humorous, yet blunt down-to-earth approach. Terrica uses her experience and knowledge of the wedding industry to translate real-life concepts into workable business models.
Terrica on Social Media:
Instagram: @CocktailTerrica
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Julie Painter (aka Dallas Girl Friday) is a virtual assistant who specializes in the wedding industry, and today she gives the inside scoop on what a VA does, when you should think about hiring a VA, and how to work best together.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
About Julie Painter:
"I get asked occasionally about my business name. Dallas Girl Friday. Well, Dallas is my city and one of the great loves of my life - Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose, #texasforever and Girl Friday literally means an efficient and faithful female assistant.
I’m enneagram-obsessed and I’m an 8w7. This means that when you work with me, you can expect I will kick your butt, not sugar coat the tough stuff, cheer you on, empower you, and definitely make you laugh. My StrengthsFinder top 3 are Command, Positivity, and Discipline."
Dallas Girl Friday on Social Media:
Instagram: @DallasGirlFriday
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Have you ever felt the pressure of keeping up with what looks "elegant" or "luxurious" on Instagram? Why? Why do we care about matching what we see on the cover of The Knot or Martha Stewart Weddings? Isn’t it more important that our clients are happy and we’re and we’re running a profitable business? Isn’t that why we all got into this? The Flower Guy Bron had this exact realization a few years ago and is on a mission to let wedding vendors know that winning Instagram shouldn’t be your goal. And as we move into a post-COVID-19 world where we’ll probably be experiencing more intimate weddings, that message will become more important.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
About The Flower Guy Bron (from The Flower Guy Bron):
"I'm Bron, the chief creative here at The Flower Guy Bron. I'm a wanderer of the world and a modern day Renaissance man. I love art, good wine and great company, oh and of course flowers.
My work with flowers is organic and my most natural expression. I let the blooms whisper and I listen. Therefore, it’s not always rocket science, but sometimes it is and I rise to the occasion.
I live by the simple principle, 'Be your best self' and encourage others to join me."
The Flower Guy Bron on Social Media:
Facebook: @TheFlowerGuyBron
Instagram: @TheFlowerGuyBron
Facebook: The Village Group
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Today we’re talking all about how to get your clients, your vendors, and your team on board with the digital age. Sometimes it’s super frustrating when clients can’t figure out how to sign a contract, or a vendor is ridiculously slow to respond, or a team member doesn’t respond the way you want them to. Well our guest today, Nora Shiels from Rock Paper Coin and Bridal Bliss Wedding Planning in Portland Oregon, gives some great tips on how we can all get on the same page.
If you're interested in checking out Rock Paper Coin, subscriptions are free right now while it's in beta if you use the code "WED20" at checkout.
Weddings for Real is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
Also be sure to check out the Startup Stage Podcast that we mentioned during the show!
About Nora Shiels:
A Portland native and founder of Bridal Bliss, INC, Nora is an expert in all things wedding and is the definition of a boss babe. Born to Iraqi immigrants, she was raised in a culture of over the top celebrations and from her beginnings, event planning was in her blood. While leading a team of 30 women who produce upwards of 150 weddings and events each year, Nora noticed a gap in the planning industry and developed Rock Paper Coin, a forum that brings together event professionals and couples to streamline the often daunting contract and invoice process.
When she isn’t busy running Bridal Bliss and Rock Paper Coin, you can find her spending time with her husband and two rambunctious boys, Dylan and Gavin, traveling, grooving through a sweaty spin session, adding sparkle to just about anything, or having a long family-style dinner with her nearest and dearest.
Rock Paper Coin on Social Media:
Instagram: @RockPaperCoin Facebook: @RockPaperCoin Bridal Bliss on Social Media:
Instagram: @BridalBlissNW Facebook: @BridalBlissNW Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
So be honest. Is email marketing something you do for your business? Are you bringing future clients into your sales funnel and giving them content every week? (Do you really even know what a sales funnel is?) If you’re like me, you have 100% NOT been using email marketing to generate leads from engaged couples, and I’m really just not sure how to do it. So I brought on an expert, Aleya Harris from Flourish Marketing, and asked her all the questions.
Aleya mentioned two great links to help. For an email list building roadmap and marketing funnel overview, go to FlourishMarketing.co/email-guide, and for even more freebies, go to FlourishMarketing.co/freebies.
THE PLANNER'S VAULT: On February 27, 2020, Megan launched The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
About Aleya Harris:
As a former catering
company owner and chef, Aleya knows how important it is to work in your passion. That's why
for the past 12 years, she has been focused on helping over 1,000 accounts, brands, and
business owners to be successful.
Her engaging, interactive, and actionable sessions help audiences stop feeling discouraged and broke and instead become the wildly successful owners of the businesses of their dreams.
Flourish Marketing on Social Media:
Instagram: @AleyaHarris Facebook: @AleyaHarrisGrowth Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Welcome to the Weddings for Real 100th Episode Extravaganza! On this special episode, you'll hear who won the awards for: Toughest Interview Easiest Interview Funniest Episode Best One-Liner Most Referenced Episode Topic Megan Thought Would Suck But Was Actually Great Biggest Impact Personally Person Most Likely to Become Insta-Famous Favorite Episode That Had Nothing to do with Weddings Guest You'd Most Like to Have a Beer With Most Boring Episode Fan Favorite Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Some of the most lavish and exciting weddings to work are the ones where culture plays a big part in the wedding. And today we talk to someone who specializes in multicultural weddings, international photographer Petronella Lugemwa, and she gives us the do's and don'ts of multicultural weddings.
THE PLANNER'S VAULT: On February 27, 2020, Megan launched The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
About Petronella:
Petronella Lugemwa is an international wedding and marriage proposal photographer, speaker, writer and storyteller based out of the New York area who specializes in helping multicultural couples celebrate their love in a modern way and believes that what makes you different makes your beautiful. She photographed the November 2018 cover of Rangefinder Magazine and was named 1 of 30 Rising Stars in wedding photography worldwide in 2018. Petronella Photography has been featured in Essence, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, New York Magazine Weddings and MunaLuchi Bride.
Petronella on Social Media:
Instagram: @PetronellaPhotography Facebook: @PetronellaPhotography Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
What a crazy, chaotic, noisy, tearful, and stressful week. In a world that's completely upside down because of COVID-19, what can we do to make it through so that we're ready for what's on the other side?
The Planner's Vault is a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
With the Coronavirus causing chaos throughout the world, it has taken its toll on the wedding industry as well. Gatherings are being limited, some vendors aren't comfortable working, some couples are panicking, some weddings need to be cancelled or postponed. So as wedding vendors, what do we do? Megan talks to Rachel Sheerin about tips for couples and vendors, and shifting your mindset both personally and professionally.
Next week, from March 16th-20th, Rachel will be providing a FREE webinar series on Motivating, Managing, and Handling Business in Times of Crisis.
On February 27, 2020, Megan launched The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Do you ever meet a new friend, and things are going great. You feel like you’ve made a solid connection, and then one day, BAM, she ghosts you? It probably doesn’t happen all that often to you, but I’ll bet your clients feel that way when the wedding is over. And that last feeling you give them of being ghosted, unfortunately that might be what they remember you by.
Today's guest is Renee Dalo, wedding planner at Moxie Bright Events in Los Angeles AND host of the Talk with Renee Podcast, and she talks about tips for offboarding your clients.
On February 27, 2020, Megan launched The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
Moxie Bright Events on Social Media:
Instagram: @MoxieBrightEvents Facebook: @MoxieBrightEvent Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
On February 27, 2020, Megan launched The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.
For Weddings For Real listeners, if you want $50 off your Annual Membership, use the code WFR50 at checkout!
How many of you are REALLY going after corporate events? You probably can work a corporate event just fine, and maybe you’ve done some, but are you really making an effort to show your market that you’re available for corporate? My guess is, probably not. Today, Caryl Lyons from Roar Events and The Roar Playbook gives us the top five reasons you SHOULD be doing more corporate events!
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. On February 27th, 2020, we are launching The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to open it up at the end of this month.
Roar Events on Social Media: Instagram: @RoarEvents Facebook: @RoarEventsGroup LinkedIn (yes, LinkedIn!): @Roar-Events-Group Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Lindsay Lucas is THE wedding venue consultant. She's a former wedding planner who now helps venue owners (and those aspiring to be) to create profitable and sustainable wedding venue businesses. Lindsay had the idea for a complete shift in her business, but it wasn’t easy convincing herself that this was the best way to go. Today, we talk about if YOUR idea is really something to go after, that feeling of imposter syndrome you are sure to have when you’re doing something new, and how vendors can know when it’s time to take the leap. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. At the end of February, we are launching The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to open it up at the end of this month.
Lindsay Lucas on Social Media: Instagram: @TheLindsayLucas Facebook: @TheLindsayLucas Podcast: The Venue Podcast Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Weddings for Real had the opportunity to interview engaged couples at The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh NC Bridal Showcase, so that vendors could have a better understanding of what couples are looking for.
We asked couples:
What's the first place you looked to find your wedding vendors?
Where do you get wedding inspiration?
What's your splurge for the wedding? And what do you not care so much about?
Do you need to see pricing on a vendor's website before contacting them?
What's surprised you the most about wedding planning?
Are you hiring a wedding planner?
Are you hiring a videographer?
Such insightful responses, and we would love for you to share your thoughts in our Weddings for Real Facebook Group!
Special thanks (and congratulations!) to all of the people interviewed:
Natasha and Ryan
Courtney
Megan
Kylie and Kevin
Elizabeth
Robert and Erin
Tricity
Katie and Paxton
Erin
Madison and Nate
The announcement we made at the top of the show is is that we have something in the works for all the planners out there………. To be the first to know when it’s live AND get Megan's free Client Experience Checklist, head on over to http://www.weddingsforreal.com/checklist and enter in your email address.
Merrimon Wynne on Social Media:
Instagram: @MerrimonWynne
Facebook: @MerrimonWynne
Pinterest: @MerrimonWynne
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Earfluence. Special thanks to Cee Cee Huffman for corralling couples and doing some interviews.
Do you work with your wife or husband? Or do you spend so much time with your work wife or work husband that it basically feels like you’re married? Well, working together for so many hours – and possibly living together too – those people probably get on your nerves quite a bit. Well my guests are Steven and Jenn Van Elk from Jennifer Van Elk Photography, the Wedded Podcast, and the Wedding Photo Hangover Podcast. They have (at least) two businesses together, two podcasts together, and two kids together. They’ve struggled but come out stronger, and they're here to give you tips on how to make it all work!
The announcement we made at the top of the show is is that we have something in the works for all the planners out there………. To be the first to know when it’s live AND get my free Client Experience Checklist, head on over to http://www.weddingsforreal.com/checklist and enter in your email address.
Jennifer Van Elk Photography on Social Media: Instagram: @jennvanelk Facebook: @JenniferVanElkPhotography twitter: @jennvanelkphoto Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
If you’re a solopreneur or you run a small team, and you’re thinking about growing, but you haven’t quite figured out how to clone yourself yet, then I want you to listen to this episode closely, because it’s all about putting your experience and knowledge in writing and making it easy for others to get in your head. On episode 92, Morgan Montgomery with Paisley and Jade talks all about SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures!
As you heard on the show, we have a BIG announcement coming soon, and the best way to hear about it first is to join our mailing list at weddingsforreal.com or text "wfr" to 33777. Paisley and Jade on Social Media: Instagram: @PaisleyAndJade Facebook: @PaisleyAndJade twitter: @PaisleyAndJade Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
How was 2019 for you? What were your wins and losses? Did you hit your goals? What are your plans for 2020? On today's episode, Megan and Jason Gillikin talk all about chaos, transitions, wins, fails, goals, and more in the last episode of 2019! As you heard on the show, we have a BIG announcement coming soon, and the best way to hear about it first is to join our mailing list at weddingsforreal.com or text "wfr" to 33777. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Today's guest is Margaux Fraise from Harmony Creative Studio in Los Angeles. Margaux has been planning weddings and events for 8 years. She's also a cancer survivor, which in 2014 knocked her out of running her business for about two years. Through that experience, she learned to appreciate life, the little things, and the gestures that go a long way. So today we talk about gifting for both clients and vendors – why that’s the right thing to do but can also be used as a strategy to get more business. On the episode, you heard Margaux talk about a Client Gifting for Wedding Pros Cheat Sheet, and you can find that at bit.ly/weddingprogifting! Harmony Creative Studio on Social Media: Instagram: @HarmonyCreative Facebook: @HarmonyCreativeStudio Pinterest: @harmonycreativestudio Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal As you heard at the top of the show, Southern Bride and Groom Magazine has rebranded to Heart of NC Weddings! Check out their website at HeartOfNCWeddings.com or visit them on social AT HeartOfNCWeddings. And be sure to celebrate with them on December 19th at Parlour at Manns Chapel in Chapel Hill NC. Information on their website. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Aneesa Glines can best be described as a force of nature with a huge smile and even bigger laugh, whose kind nature is matched by her business drive and desire to grow professionally. She's the owner and lead consultant of Harmony Weddings and Events, the owner of Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, AND the owner of the upcoming venue The Graham Mill. And she only got into weddings - while still in college - in 2015! So with the growth, she has become a master at building her team - all very different, but all with shared values. Harmony Weddings and Events on Social Media: Instagram: @HarmonyWeddingsNC Facebook: @HarmonyWeddingsEvents The Graham Mill on Social Media: Instagram: @TheGrahamMill Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal At about 22 minutes into the show, you heard the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT from Jenna Parks, who you may know as the owner and editor of Southern Bride and Groom Magazine, which has now rebranded to Heart of NC Weddings! Check out their website at HeartOfNCWeddings.com or visit them on social AT HeartOfNCWeddings. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Cindy Novotny has been called "The Radical Mentor" for good reason. She is a no-nonsense, call-it-like-it-is, whether-you-want-to-hear-it-or-not speaker and hospitality consultant. Today she comes on the show to talk about her upcoming book, The Secret to My Stamina, and her previous work, Living with No Balance and Loving It.
Cindy has run her consulting business Master Connection Associates with her husband for over 30 years and tours internationally 50 weeks out of the year. She is a keynote speaker at events like Engage, Wedding MBA, and many more conferences (not just in the hospitality field).
In the episode, you heard about the She Creates Content Calendar from Kinsey Roberts. By clicking on this link and entering coupon code WFR at checkout by December 1st, you get 10% off an already ridiculously priced $127 for a year-long content calendar! With the calendar, you get: - 10 Page Welcome Guide with Your 10-page welcome guide that includes marketing channel ideas, best practices, daily prompt ideas, and monthly themes to keep in mind as you're creating content. - 365 Days of Content Prompts for Wedding Business Owners. If you're in the wedding industry, serving engaged couples, this content is for you. - 30 Day Sample Strategy Prompts to boost your creativity when it comes to creating a consistent marketing strategy for your wedding business. Cindy Novotny on Social Media: Instagram: @cindy_novotny Facebook: @MasterConnectionAssociates twitter: @cindynovotny Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
If you're anything like Megan, 2019 has been all about personal and professional growth - how to be a better boss, friend, partner, and mom. And one of the most fascinating ways that she has found to analyze how she can improve overall is the Enneagram personality assessment. So on today's show, Megan talks to Joanna Kenney (also of Jo's Paper Kitchen in Montgomery TX) about what makes the Enneagram different from other personality tests, the nine numbers, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use your number to better yourself! In the episode, you heard about the She Creates Content Calendar from Kinsey Roberts. By clicking on this link and entering coupon code WFR at checkout by December 1st, you get 10% off an already ridiculously priced $127 for a year-long content calendar! With the calendar, you get: - 10 Page Welcome Guide with Your 10-page welcome guide that includes marketing channel ideas, best practices, daily prompt ideas, and monthly themes to keep in mind as you're creating content. - 365 Days of Content Prompts for Wedding Business Owners. If you're in the wedding industry, serving engaged couples, this content is for you. - 30 Day Sample Strategy Prompts to boost your creativity when it comes to creating a consistent marketing strategy for your wedding business. Jo's Paper Kitchen on Social Media: Instagram: @JosPaperKitchen Facebook: @JosPaperKitchen Pinterest: @JosPaperKitchen Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
If you’re a member of the Rising Tide Society Facebook Group, you might have seen a post (since deleted) a few months ago from a photographer who said that when a wedding planner is involved, it makes other wedding vendors’ jobs more difficult and it messes up the flow of a wedding day. From his perspective, it’s better to have a wedding WITHOUT a planner. Well as you either saw or can imagine, this sparked a lot of debate, and shockingly, many people agreed with his perspective. Danielle Pasternak, wedding planner at DPNAK and co-host of the Put A Ring On It Podcast, has some thoughts, and she shares them on the show today!
DPNAK on Social Media: Instagram: @dpnak Facebook: @dpnak Podcast: Put A Ring On It Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Jose Rolon is the lead wedding planner at Jose Rolon Events in New York City. Jose is a single father of 3 children, a 6 year-old and 5 year-old twins, and today he shares such incredible insight into how his children have helped him grow his business in this touching, funny, and emotional episode. Jose Rolon Events on Social Media: Instagram: @JoseRolonEvents Facebook: @JoseRolonEvents Pinterest: @JoseRolonEvents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Among other incredible accolades, Francie Dorman and Britt Cole of 42 North Weddings in New England have been named one of the top planning companies by Brides Magazine in 2019. With their success, they wanted to mentor up-and-coming wedding planners in the New England area. And so they founded a completely separate brand to do just that - Mavinhouse Events. 42 North on Social Media: Facebook: @42NorthWeddings Instagram: @42_North Pinterest: @42NorthWeddings Mavinhouse on Social Media: Instagram: @Mavinhouse_Events Facebook: @mavinhouse Pinterest: @mavinhouse Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason went onto the couples' therapy couch and got some amazing advice from their own therapist, Christian Charette from Couple Forward in Raleigh NC. This episode is part two of a two-parter. Last week, Christian shared what roadblocks in a relationship can lead to tension. This week, it's all about tips for better communication.
About Christian Charette:
Christian specializes in helping couples navigate their relationships. Christian has 15+ years of experience guiding others through their journey. Married for 25 years, and having raised three daughters has uniquely prepared him for being a reflective therapist with whom clients feel connected. Specifically trained and licensed in Marriage & Family Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Christian combines his creative personality to bring clients lasting solutions.
Couple Forward on Social Media:
Facebook: @coupleforward
Instagram: @coupleforward
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason went onto the couples' therapy couch and got some amazing advice from their own therapist, Christian Charette from Couple Forward in Raleigh NC. This episode is a two-parter, and today Christian shares what roadblocks in a relationship can lead to tension. So let's get uncomfortable and learn how we can be better partners. And next week, he'll share tips for better communication.
About Christian Charette:
Christian specializes in helping couples navigate their relationships. Christian has 15+ years of experience guiding others through their journey. Married for 25 years, and having raised three daughters has uniquely prepared him for being a reflective therapist with whom clients feel connected. Specifically trained and licensed in Marriage & Family Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Christian combines his creative personality to bring clients lasting solutions.
Couple Forward on Social Media:
Facebook: @coupleforward
Instagram: @coupleforward
If you haven't already, get your tickets to see Megan Gillikin speak WIPA Toronto on October 22nd! Get your tickets at Eventbrite now. This session will remind and enlighten industry vendors that the client experience starts way before the client books you and ends months after the event is over. Broken into three sections (pre-booking, working together, and post booking phases), Megan will highlight some of biggest missed opportunities when it comes elevating your client experience from start to finish and will provide tangible tips and takeaways on how to streamline this experience and exceed client expectations time and time again!!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Alisha Chadee is the co-owner of Events by Whim Event Planning in Toronto Ontario, and she comes on the show today to talk about how to make your clients feel like they're the only ones you're working with. It takes strategic time management and boundaries, and Alisha gives some amazing tips!
At the top of the show, you heard host Megan Gillikin mention that she will be speaking at WIPA Toronto on October 22nd! Get your tickets at Eventbrite now. This session will remind and enlighten industry vendors that the client experience starts way before the client books you and ends months after the event is over. Broken into three sections (pre-booking, working together, and post booking phases), Megan will highlight some of biggest missed opportunities when it comes elevating your client experience from start to finish and will provide tangible tips and takeaways on how to streamline this experience and exceed client expectations time and time again!!
About Alisha Chadee (and if you listen to the show, you'll know where she got this wonderful bio from):
Alisha has a project management background in learning and development, plus 5+ years of experience coordinating corporate events and the director of education for WIPA Toronto. She’s developed a proven planning process for couples who want to know how to create magic on their wedding day. (But not throw money off yachts like they’re in a rap music video.) She thinks in floor plans, endorses moving if you find a spider in your house, and has an oyster obsession.
Events by Whim on Social Media: Facebook: @EventsByWhim Instagram: @EventsByWhim Pinterest: @EventsByWhim Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Amanda Writesman is screaming from the rooftop that - if you're a wedding vendor - you need to get your Pinterest game back on point! Will you listen to her? If you want an easy way to put content out there that you already have, with the purpose of driving couples to your website, in a place where your competitors are slacking, you'll want to tune in!
Also, at the end of the episode, Amanda mentions a place for Weddings for Real listeners to go for Pinterest resources, and that at https://www.curatedmarketingsociety.com/weddingsforreal.
Also, in the intro of this episode, you heard a message from Wedding Business Bosses about the live show, which you can find at http://www.weddingbusinessbosses.com/wbb-live/.
WBB Live is for wedding industry entrepreneurs who are looking for an in-person workshop experience to help them grow themselves AND their business. It’s from January 19-22, 2020 in Birmingham, Alabama at the historic Tutwiler Hotel.
It has 3 components: presentations from educators, masterminding with fellow attendees and an entire day dedicated to creating an action plan for your business based on what you have learned at the conference for 2020 & beyond.
Come learn from Laura Foote, Lauren Carnes, CeCe Todd of CeCe Designs, Kristin Kaplan and many more!
Early bird registration ends October 14th so grab your ticket now at WeddingBusinessBosses.com.
About Amanda Writesman:
Amanda is the Editor and Creative Director for The Bridal Theory. She also owns Bel Momento Photography, a Memphis based wedding photography studio available worldwide. Amanda’s passion for helping both engaged couples and wedding vendors lead to the creation of The Bridal Theory, a publication with the goal of celebrating the beauty and joy surrounding weddings. Amanda also runs CuratedMarketingSociety.com.
Amanda Writesman on Social Media: Pinterest!: @TheBridalTheory Instagram: @TheBridalTheory Facebook: @TheBridalTheory Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Artem Lomaz is DJ Times' Entertainer of the Year two years in a row, in 2018 and 2019! Today he talks about what he does to go the extra mile for his clients, from sentimental cards, to trying (and still trying!) to get Lil Jon to send a message to one of his clients. Artem gives some great advice and tips in this episode so that we don't just do the bare minimum - and instead, we truly make it memorable!
On the show, Artem mentions Lil Jon schools in Ghana, which you can see at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrRiWry8Djg
And the organization, Pencils of Promise, is at https://pencilsofpromise.org/donate/ About Artem Lomaz:
Artem Lomaz is a multi-award winning event entertainer, public speaker, and entrepreneur. Known for his extreme attention to detail, personalized methodology, and refined performance style, Artem continues to personally cultivate his top-tier event entertainment entity, NinetyThree Entertainment, while in high demand with event planners and selective clientage.
Artem Lomaz on Social Media: Instagram: @ninetythreeentertainment Vimeo: @93entnj Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Support this show by supporting our sponsor, HelloFresh! Get $80 off your first month of HelloFresh (!) by going to HelloFresh.com/WeddingsForReal80 - with code "WeddingsForReal80" - and start enjoying some of their 5-star recipes!
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Engagement season is right around the corner, and you don't want a website that repels your ideal client right? On this episode, Megan and Jason Gillikin give 3 easy tips to audit your website so you can book more clients! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Valerie Gernhauser runs two wedding planning companies - Sapphire Events and Ruby and Pearl Events - in the same market (New Orleans). Why did she decide to do that? She wanted to diversify her business to reach different clientele at different price points. But why not just offer different packages? Valerie explains her strategy behind separating the brands and how it's worked for her so far!
About Valerie Gernhauser:
Valerie is a recovering attorney, Yale grad, pug lover, Springsteen fanatic, and Florida native. She has shared her knowledge on national platforms such as the Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summit, Trouvaille Workshop, Cultivate Retreat, Bliss and Bespoke, and honored to present as a keynote speaker at SEPA, ILEA, NACE, and WIPA events across the country.
Sapphire Events on Social Media: Facebook: @sapphireeventsnola Instagram: @sapphireevents Ruby and Pearl on Social Media: Facebook: @rubyandpearlevents Instagram: @rubyandpearlevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Wedding photographer Rachel May talks to Megan about motherhood, and they come up with the definitive guide to how to be an amazing mother, be ever-present with your kids, run your business well, be always put-together, give your kids the right amount of screen time and social media, and never feel guilt about anything. With a combined six kids, Megan and Rachel know exactly what needs to be done! (Hopefully you read this in extreme sarcasm mode.)
About Rachel May:
Rachel fell in love with photography after her first daughter, Kylie, was born. Her husband Justin was deployed overseas, so she wanted to document every little thing. She chased after those once-in-a-lifetime moments knowing how much they would mean. Today, she carries that same passion with her, chasing after the once-in-a-lifetime moments her clients will treasure.
Rachel May on Social Media: Facebook: @raymayphoto Instagram: @rachelmayphoto Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Kevin Dennis has been in the wedding industry for 30 years (!!) as the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services near San Francisco and the Napa Valley. He's also the international president of WIPA, the Wedding International Professionals Association. He's also involved in NACE and many other network associations. So needless to say, he knows his networking. Today, he shares how to use that networking (and other strategies) to get on preferred vendor lists!
Support this show by supporting our sponsor, HelloFresh! Get $80 off your first month of HelloFresh (!) by going to HelloFresh.com/WeddingsForReal80 - with code "WeddingsForReal80" - and start enjoying some of their 5-star recipes!
About Kevin Dennis:
As an event industry veteran and owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, Kevin takes pride in his leadership of and involvement in industry associations. He is a past chapter president of the Silicon Valley NACE as well as the national president for WIPA. Recognizing a need for networking in his own region, Kevin founded the Tri Valley Wedding Professionals in 2010 and the association has now grown to a membership of nearly 700 pros.
A respected thought leader and national speaker, Kevin was recently ranked as one of the top 3 speakers at NACE Experience. He is an ongoing contributor to Catersource and SpecialEvents.com and has been featured in BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings and the Travel Channel, among others. He recently received the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation from NACE.
Kevin Dennis on Social Media: Facebook: @fantasysound twitter: @fantasysound Instagram: @FSEevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Imposter Syndrome: a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud". Sometimes as creatives, we experience this, and it can be crippling to our success and our mental state. So what do we do? Megan talked to Nikki Whitt Belch from Fancy This Photography, and they share their struggles as well as some strategies for coping with it.
We'd love your feedback on our social media platforms. Let us know if YOU'VE ever dealt with imposter syndrome - and what have you done about it?
Support our Sponsors!
1) Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
2) The Carolina Wedding Market is an new outdoor wedding-planning show that you’ll love attending. With local beer, artisans, food trucks, and a beautiful outdoor-industrial setting this show is not your usual wedding show. Think art market meets dance party meets pig-picking! The Carolina Wedding Market will take place on September 8th, 2019 just south of Raleigh. Visit their website for details, TheCarolinaWeddingMarket.com.
Fancy This Photography on Social Media: Instagram: @nikki_fancythis Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Sam Jacobson, founder of Ideaction Consulting, has found that there are 4 types of buyers in the wedding market - The Relator, the Analyzer, the Boss, and the Dreamer. And today, Sam gives some ways to identify what each of your clients are, how to sell them, how to work best with them, and how you need to change your sales strategy if you want to maximize the opportunities for clients to work with.
About Sam Jacobson:
Sam is a business consultant, coach, and mentor for wedding pros across the country, whether they’re solopreneurs who are trying to level up, or established veterans who are trying to figure out how to not work quite so much.
Prior to starting Ideaction in 2016, Sam was the director of operations for Todd Events out of Texas, and before that the lodging director and sales manager at a resort venue in Washington State, where he discovered the concept of the 4 Buying Types.
Ideaction on Social Media: Instagram: @IdeactionConsulting Facebook: @SellWeddingsLikeAPro Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
When Cavin Elizabeth moved to the San Diego market, she was wondering if making educational videos and sharing them on YouTube would be a way to attract clients and grow her business. After 140 videos and over 1,700 subscribers, YouTube has been a resounding success. But why aren't most of us taking advantage of video marketing? We talk all about it in this week's episode!
Support this show by supporting our sponsor, HelloFresh! Get $80 off your first month of HelloFresh (!) by going to HelloFresh.com/WeddingsForReal80 and start enjoying some of their 5-star recipes!
Announcement as heard on the show:
We are beyond excited for our first LIVE recording on August 21st in Raleigh at The Laurelbrook from 10am-12pm! Our topic will be “How to Stay Committed to Boundaries”, and we invite you to submit a story about when a client might have gone a liiiiitttttle bit past the boundaries on respect, budget, contract, comfort zone, or anything else really. Feel free to email your story to podcast@weddingsforreal.com, and if we use it in the live show (anonymously, no names!) we’ll send you a little thank you gift!
Tickets are available here and include fresh coffee, delicious donuts, some guaranteed laughter and camaraderie. Hope to see you there!
About Cavin Elizabeth:
As a photographer who fully believes in the value of client education, Cavin published a book that teaches brides how to make the most out of their wedding photography and have magazine worthy images entitled A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding. Her passion for helping clients make the most out of their photos has often been described as one of their favorite things about working with her. Cavin lives in San Diego with her husband David, founder of Aventrix, and their two cats, Boots and Kudzu.
Cavin Elizabeth on Social Media: Instagram: @cavinelizabeth YouTube: @cavinelizabeth Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
At the Engage Luxury Wedding Summit in June, therapist and entrepreneurial coach Andy Maurer gave the most impactful and self-reflective speech at a breakout session - "Toxic Stress and How It's Killing Your Business". Many people left that session crying. I told as many people I could about it but could never do the speech justice. So I had to have Andy back on the show today to share his breakout session, what toxic stress is and where it comes from, and some tips on how to alleviate it. If you have stress in your life - hello wedding industry! - you won't want to miss this one!
Announcements as heard on the show:
1) Come join me and some of the top wedding vendors in the Triangle THIS SUNDAY, Aug 4th from 4-6pm at the Barn of Chapel Hill Open House! It is planned by our good friends and podcast supporters over at Harmony Weddings and Events. Tour one of our very favorite venues, sample food, drinks and cake and meet wedding vendors of all kinds. Tickets are FREE. See you there!
2) We are beyond excited for our first LIVE recording on August 21st in Raleigh at The Laurelbrook from 10am-12pm! Our topic will be “How to Stay Committed to Boundaries”, and we invite you to submit a story about when a client might have gone a liiiiitttttle bit past the boundaries on respect, budget, contract, comfort zone, or anything else really. Feel free to email your story to podcast@weddingsforreal.com, and if we use it in the live show (anonymously, no names!) we’ll send you a little thank you gift!
Tickets are available here and include fresh coffee, delicious donuts, some guaranteed laughter and camaraderie. Hope to see you there!
About Andy Maurer:
As a speaker and licensed therapist, Andy works with high performance leaders, including CEO’s, founders, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and TV personalities, educating and equipping them on the issue of toxic stress and trauma and its impact on their work and relationships. He uses mindfulness and experiential based exercises to help leaders build awareness, develop meaningful relationships, and create a purposeful and successful life. Andy Maurer on Social Media: Instagram: @andymaurer_ LinkedIn: @andymaurer Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Styled Shoots. You get your friendors together and create a completely unique pretend wedding that you don't have to plan out for months. They seem easy right? Well, not exactly. Styled shoots can cost money, time, and sanity, so today, Leah Weinberg from Color Pop Events in New York City comes on to share her 3 Do's and 3 Don't's for Styled Shoots!
Support this show by supporting our sponsor:
BetterHelp.com is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month.
Color Pop Events on Social Media:
Instagram: @colorpopevents
Facebook: @colorpopevents
twitter: @colorpopevents
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Weekend Wine Down Time! Megan and Jason talk about the live show coming up in August, where to spend a long weekend, and 9 years of A Southern Soiree!
The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
In a wedding market already filled with planners, photographers, videographers, DJs, florists....every wedding vendor you can possibly imagine, how can you possibly stand out? Raleigh-based wedding photographer Julia Wade is one of a kind, and she shares her tips for individuality in a saturated market! Support this show by supporting our sponsors:
Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
BetterHelp.com is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. Julia Wade on Social Media: Instagram: @juliawade Facebook: @juliawadephotography Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Michelle Loretta from Sage Wedding Pros is a wedding business consultant with a mind for numbers and a passion for business plans! Today she comes on the show to talk all about how to make your big business decisions, and it can't be just because your competitors are doing it. Sage Wedding Pros on Social Media: Instagram: @SageWeddingPros Facebook: @SageWeddingPros twitter: @SageWeddingPros Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Kinsey Roberts is the owner Vista View Events on Open Heart Ranch in Colorado, but you probably know her best as the fabulous host of the She Creates Business Podcast! Today, Kinsey comes on the show to talk all about opening up a wedding venue! What are some tips and recommendations to help you through the process? And what are some potential landmines to avoid? Kinsey Roberts (image by Mekina Saylor Photography) On the show, Kinsey recommends hiring Lindsay Lucas if you're interested in guidance on how exactly to open up a venue and how to deal with some of the county ordinances (and other things you don't even think about). Lindsay can be found at https://thelindsaylucas.com/. Support this podcast by supporting our sponsor, BetterHelp.com! BetterHelp is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. She Creates Business Links: Instagram: @SheCreatesBusiness Facebook: @SheCreatesBusiness Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
The latest Engage! Summit was June 10-13th in the Bahamas, and Megan was there for the full luxury wedding and event education experience! And today, she shares her top ten takeaways from the speakers she heard. Tips are from: 1) Hayley Paige (14:10) 2) Amirah Kassem (18:40) 3) Cindy Novotny (22:30) 4) Duncan Wardle (26:50) 5) Julian Leaver (31:55) 6) Tracie Domino (35:10) 7) Tracie Domino again (36:55) 8) Andy Maurer (37:55) 9) Jove Meyer (40:55) 10) Mike Michalowicz (43:50) Support this podcast by supporting our sponsor, BetterHelp.com! BetterHelp is affordable, private, online counseling. Anytime, Anywhere! By going to BetterHelp.com/WeddingsForReal, you get 10% off your first month. Engage Summits on Social Media: Facebook: @EngageSummits Instagram: @EngageSummits twitter: @EngageSummits Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Generation Z is the next generation of consumers and (wedding) clients. Christie Osborne from Mountainside Media is an expert on analytics and marketing, specifically for the wedding industry. And today she comes on to talk about what's different about Generation Z, what's the same, and what we as wedding vendors should be doing to get ready for this group! Christie Osborne, Mountainside Media (image by Dustin Osborne) Support this podcast by supporting our sponsor, Storyworth! For a really cool Father's Day (or any time) gift, visit StoryWorth.com/WeddingsForReal for $20 off your subscription! With Storyworth, you or a loved one answers questions about your life weekly, and at the end of the year, those stories are bound into a keepsake book! Mountainview Media on Social Media: Facebook: @mtnsidemediaco Instagram: @mtnsidemediaco Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Some believe the creative path is a winding road from zero to (one-day) reaching your full creative potential. But for destination wedding photographer Perry Vaile, that didn't work for her. Because as creatives, some days are more productive than others, and sometimes we have feel like everyone else is doing so much more than us, and sometimes we’re on a roll, and sometimes we want to be proud of our accomplishments, and some days, we fail. It’s a mindgame. And so Perry came up with an amazing metaphor called The House of Creativity! Perry Vaile on Social Media: Instagram: @perryvaile Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Brittny Drye started Love Inc Magazine in October 2013 as the first equality-minded wedding publication. And although the wedding industry has come a long way, we still have so much further to go to make sure that LGBTQ couples aren't discriminated against. Part of that is looking into our content - are we using bride- and groom-specific verbiage on our websites, contracts, and proposals? And even in our own language? Sha'Quitta Brown just got married to her wife L'Erin in July 2018. And for them, they didn’t feel welcome by all wedding vendors. Some were downright bigoted, and some just didn’t have the collateral on their website to make Sha’Quitta and L’Erin comfortable in contacting them. For those who are outwardly intolerant, Sha’Quitta doesn’t have any time for them. But for those who WANT to be inclusive and who WANT more LGBT weddings, Sha’Quitta has some great advice. Brittny Drye (Image by Brandi Gard) L'Erin and Sha'Quitta (image by Cedrick Forrest of Showtime Studios) Love Inc on Social Media: Instagram: @loveincmag twitter: @loveincmag Facebook: @loveincmag Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
If you've been in business long enough, you've probably had a negative online review (or several). Whether the review was fair or not, you NEED to respond. Not so much to the person who wrote the review, but for the potential clients who are reading your reviews. So how do you do it? We give some tips on today's show!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Lindsay Longacre from LVL Events (Southern California) and LVL Academy comes on the show today to talk all about pricing for profitability, a vision for creating pricing standardization, whether or not she takes on partial planning (or is it day-of coordination? or month-of? or wedding management), and the best way new vendors can connect with vendors in their market (hint: it's not a mass bcc email).
On the show, we also talk a lot about LVL Academy, and Lindsay is bringing their wedding planner workshop here to North Carolina in June and yours truly (Megan Gillikin) is on the planner panel! Join us June 7-8th at Muse at the Mill in Winston-Salem for 2 full days of learning best practices, ways to refine your planning process, resources and tools to grow your business, and more! Use the code WEDDINGSFORREAL by May 10th for $200 of your registration at lvlacademy.com. See you there!
Lindsay Longacre and Heather Hoesch LVL Academy (photo by Lorely Meza)
LVL Events on Social Media: Instagram: @LVLWeddings Facebook: @LVLWeddings twitter: @LVLWeddings LVL Academy on Social Media: Instagram: @LVL_Academy Facebook: @LVLWeddingAcademy twitter: @LVL_Academy Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
On this Mother's Day Weekend Wine Down, we have interviews with Megan, Megan's mom, and oldest daughter Emma.
Happy Mother's Day!
The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Happy Mother's Day! Today we give a real, honest, vulnerable, and hilarious look at the balancing act of being a mom and a business owner. Our guests today are Ginny Corbett from Ginny Corbett Photography, Kim Holderness from the Holderness Family Podcast and all those crazy YouTube videos, Grace Beason from Grace Leisure Events, Perry Vaile from Perry Vaile Photography, and Jessica King from Happily Ever After. These ladies share funny stories, best and worst advice, what they would tell their moms, and more!
Ginny Corbett with Twins (image by Sara Davis)
Kim Holderness and Family
Grace Beason and Her Boys
Perry Vaile and Family (image by Ally and Bobby)
Jessica King, Happily Ever After (image by Annie Timmons)
Ad sponsor:
My friends at LVL Academy are bringing their wedding planner workshop here to North Carolina in June and Weddings for Real Host Megan Gillikin is a speaker! Join us June 7-8th at Muse at the Mill in Winston-Salem for 2 full days of learning best practices, ways to refine your planning process, resources and tools to grow your business, and more! Use the code WEDDINGSFORREAL by May 10th for $200 of your registration at lvlacademy.com. See you there!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Meghan Ely, Wedding PR and Marketing Expert at OFD Consulting comes on to share the best ways to promote your business. Most of us creatives have very little time, so we need to figure out the most efficient strategies for maximizing exposure. And with the craziness of the past year or so – with WeddingWire and The Knot merging, with Southern Weddings shutting down, with Style Me Pretty shutting down and opening back up – it’s hard to know if we should be focusing on the bigger publications. So I asked Meghan what we should all be doing, and she shares some great tips!
Meghan also talks about her two other websites, WeddingIndustrySpeakers.com and OFDCollective.com (see promo code below).
We mentioned 3 promos on this show!
1) My friends at LVL Academy are bringing their wedding planner workshop here to North Carolina in June and Weddings for Real Host Megan Gillikin is a speaker! Join us June 7-8th at Muse at the Mill in Winston-Salem for 2 full days of learning best practices, ways to refine your planning process, resources and tools to grow your business, and more! Use the code WEDDINGSFORREAL by May 10th for $200 of your registration at lvlacademy.com. See you there!
2) For a really cool Mother's Day (or any time) gift, visit StoryWorth.com/WeddingsForReal for $20 off your subscription! With Storyworth, you or a loved one answers questions about your life weekly, and at the end of the year, those stories are bound into a keepsake book!
3) The OFD Collective. Go to OFDCollective.com, and at checkout, enter the promo code "weddingsforreal" for $20 per month off!
Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section!
Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting OFD Consulting on Social Media: Facebook: @ofdconsulting Instagram: @ofdconsulting Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Life is stressful. Owning a business is stressful. Clients are stressful. Parenting is stressful. Relationships are stressful. As a creative entrepreneur, it's not possible to be all things to everybody at all times. Sometimes it feels like life is in complete disarray. Catrina Ballard from Root and Restore has been both a creative entrepreneur AND a counselor, and she comes on the show today to give some tips for managing stress!
Support this show by supporting our sponsors:
For clothing made specifically for wedding planners, designed by a wedding planner, visit Working Wear at WorkingWearCo.com!
Visit GreenChef.US/WeddingsForReal for $50 off your first box of Green Chef!
Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section!
Catrina Ballard, Root and Restore (all images by Becki Smith of Smith House Photo)
Root and Restore on Social Media: Instagram: @RootAndRestore Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Jacob Boehm, owner and head chef of Snap Pea Creative Dining, doesn't run a typical catering company. He caters a few weddings, but not many. He doesn't do menu tastings. In fact, if you're working with him for your wedding, the menu that you pick...well, he might change it by the time your wedding comes around. And for his clients, that's one of the reasons he's so unique and in-demand. Find out more about what makes Jacob and Snap Pea special by tuning in!
Support this show by supporting our sponsors:
Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section!
Jacob Boehm, Snap Pea Creative Dining (image by Tim Lytvinenko) (image by Food Seen) Snap Pea on Social Media: Instagram: @snappeanc Facebook: @snappeanc Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
International Wedding Planner Eva Clark from Eva Clark Events has planned over 400 events. Some of those clients have been more difficult to work with than others. But still, she wants to make sure that everyone getting married has a memorable experience in a positive way. How does she do that? By making sure she infuses compassion into her professional and personal life.
Support this show by supporting our sponsors:
If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year!
Listeners, we are nominated (!!!) in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to IndyWeek and vote for us in the "Out and About" Section!
International Wedding Planner Eva Clark (image by Shauna Veasey)
Eva Clark on Social Media twitter: @evaclarkevents Instagram: @evaclarkevents Facebook: @evaclarkevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us over the past year plus! And we're so excited to announce that we've been nominated for Best Local Podcast on IndyWeek! Even though we have very little chance to win, we would love for you to vote for us (starting Monday April 8th)!
And on today's Weekend Wine Down, we talk about our one year anniversary, weddings on other planets, wedding season, podcast recommendations, and more!
The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Rachel Sheerin is a keynote speaker and trainer focused on helping hospitality professionals sell more and be happy! Featured in Inc. Magazine for her unorthodox, high energy style, Rachel has been an advocate for authentic sales and preventing burnout in our industry. Today she talks all about the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80-20 Rule, and how it applies to wedding vendors.
Images from the amazingly talented Jeremy & Debby Deal, Lunahzon Photography, www.LunahZon.com
If you're making the world better, then she's your sales whisperer. Rachel currently serves as International Director of Education for WIPA, is a long time NACE member and takes her margaritas on the rocks.
Rachel Sheerin Contact Info: www.rachelsheerin.com hi@rachelsheerin.com www.instagram.com/rachel.sheerin www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsheerin www.facebook.com/rachelsheerinspeaker Support our Sponsors:
Visit GreenChef.US/WeddingsForReal for $50 off your first box of Green Chef!
This Sunday from 4-7pm head over to one of the most stunning wedding venues in the Triangle, The Parlour at Manns Chapel for their Spring Open House hosted by our good friends at Harmony Weddings. This event is FREE and open to the public. It is especially perfect for engaged couples- come tour the beautiful venue and meet some of the top local vendors, all in one day! As a thank you for attending, if you book the Parlour as your venue, you can enjoy FREE use of all Parlour Vintage Rentals. This event is also wonderful for local vendors to get to tour The Parlour, network and meet new vendor friends. Last but not least, they will be unveiling a big bridal suite surprise!! Eventbrite Link here to register.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about making sure your website is found instead of your competitors' websites, when people are searching on Google for your service or product. In today's episode, digital marketing veteran Jason Gillikin gives four basic tips (Keyword Research, Google Business, Title Tags, and Content) to improve your website's rankings in Google, plus a few bonus tips. Jason and Megan Gillikin (image by Morgan Caddell Photography) Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Nightmare Clients. If you've been in the wedding industry long enough, no matter what vendor category you're in, you've had them! So what do you do? Erin McLean, owner of McLean Events in Raleigh North Carolina, comes on the show today to give her tips on avoiding the nightmare clients before booking, what she has done differently to avoid creating overbearing or nervous clients, the "Come to Jesus" talks with her clients who are not being realistic, and when it's time to fire a client.
Support this show by supporting our sponsors:
If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year!
Visit TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code WEDDINGSFORREAL50 for 50% your first month of Care/Of Vitamins!
Listeners, please nominate us in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to the IndyWeek's nominations, and in the Out & About Section, we're under "Best Local Podcast". Thanks so much!
Erin McLean, McLean Events (image by Perry Vale)
Erin McLean, McLean Events (image by Cyn Kain)
McLean Events on Social Media: Instagram: @mcleanevents Facebook: @McLean-Events Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Candice Coppola - wedding planner at Jubilee Events, business mentor, podcaster at Power in Purpose, author of The White Dress in Color: Inspirations for the Modern Bride, Barbados resident (I'm not jealous, YOU'RE jealous!), and more - comes on the show today to talk all about the importance of making a business plan! Whether you're just thinking about starting a business, in your first couple of years, or you're an industry veteran, you need a business plan - and Candice tells you why!
Support our Sponsor: BeautyByDesign.com/WeddingsForReal for 20% you first order!
Listeners, please nominate us in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to the IndyWeek's nominations, and in the Out & About Section, we're under "Best Local Podcast". Thanks so much!
Candice Coppola (image by Steve Depino)
Candice Coppola (image by Carla Ten Eyck)
(image by Steve Depino)
Candice Coppola on Social Media: Instagram: @Candice.Coppola Facebook: @TheCandiceCoppola twitter: @Candice_Coppola Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Madeleine Kojakian, better known as Maddy K, is a wedding planner and serial entrepreneur. She has had many successes (and many failures) in diversifying her business, and she comes on today to talk about if YOU should diversify your business, when the right time is, when is NOT the right time, hiring tips, and how she works less now than when she did years ago. This episode is packed with great information about taking that next step in your business!
Support our Sponsors:
Couples, setting up your own personal wedding website at Zola is super easy, and it's a great way to tell your guests everything about your wedding (where to stay, if you can bring kids, where you're registered). And couples who go to Zola.com/WeddingsForReal get $50 off your registry!
Listeners, please nominate us in the IndyWeek's Best of the Triangle Awards! You can go to the IndyWeek's nominations, and in the Out & About Section, we're under "Best Local Podcast". Thanks so much!
Maddy K (Images by Teresa Ste Marie)
Maddy K on Social Media: Facebook: @MaddyKAtelier Instagram: @MaddyKAtelier Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Sam Dockery is the former owner of Bliss by Sam, wedding planning company in both Raleigh and Chicago, until she abruptly left the industry altogether in October 2018. Why did she do it? Sam has her reasons, both personal and professional, and she talks all about it on this week's episode!
Support this show by supporting our sponsors:
If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year!
The Wedding Photo Hangover Podcast is a light-hearted look at wedding photography. Go listen, these guys are awesome! Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Support our Sponsor:
Visit Audible.com/WeddingsForReal for a free 30-day Trial of the world's largest collection of Audiobooks!
Veronica Armstrong, head of marketing at Mayflower Venues, is all about that startup life. She was the 4th employee and General Manager of the Wedding Market at Lovepop and helped grow that company to what it is today. She loves taking a small marketing budget and turning it into something amazing. As wedding vendors, we have small budgets as well. So what strategies should we be using to maximize our time and budget? What tools are available to help? Veronica gives her tips on today's show!
Veronica Armstrong, Mayflower Venues
Mayflower Venues on Social Media: Instagram: @mayflowervenues Facebook: @mayflowervenues Veronica sharing a meme on twitter: @Veronicatheblog Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
At the Carolina Inn (Chapel Hill NC) Event Showcase on January 27th, Megan and Jason Gillikin walked around and interviewed 15 couples to get their take on what it's been like to find their vendors, where they're looking, what role social media played (Instagram!), and what they would tell wedding vendors to do differently. Wedding vendors, this is some easy market research for you!
Support our Sponsors:
Couples, setting up your own personal wedding website at Zola is super easy, and it's a great way to tell your guests everything about your wedding (where to stay, if you can bring kids, where you're registered). And couples who go to Zola.com/WeddingsForReal get $50 off your registry!
Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
Carolina Inn Chapel Hill NC
Thank you to all of the couples who participated, because it couldn't have been easy to randomly be interviewed, but all of these couples were amazing!
- Katie and Charlie
- Megan and Forest
- Summer and Greg
- Jessica and Dylan
- Sarah and Robert
- Amy and Matt (married three years ago)
- Jackie and Hayden
- Chris and Corey
- Taylor (who was with wedding planner Gina)
- Tim and Julia
- B and Will
- Teressa and Nick
- Brienne (with mom Jewel)
- Molly and Tom
- Allison and Al
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Support our Sponsors:
If you're a wedding vendor, you should be using Honeybook! And you can use promo code "WeddingsForReal" for 50% off your first year!
Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
Are you in the side hustle mode of your business? Are you trying to figure out when to take it to the next level? That's where Hair and Makeup Artist Nina McCaskey was just a few months ago when she hit the Raleigh wedding scene strong. And today, she comes on the show to tell her story of deciding to go full-time with her business Wedded Kiss, and some tips for all the side-hustlers out there!
Wedded Kiss on Social Media: Instagram: @weddedkiss Facebook: @weddedkiss Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Support our Sponsors:
Visit GreenChef.US/WeddingsForReal for $50 off your first box of Green Chef!
Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
Wilmington NC wedding planners Sally Lindroos and Courtney Stone from Kickstand Events come on the show today to talk all about what happened when Hurricane Florence cancelled FIVE of their events in October 2018! All 5 were on Bald Head Island which was completely closed after the hurricane. They talk how they and their couples handled that, what they would do differently, and what advice they have to couples who are getting married in hurricane season.
Courtney Stone and Sally Lindroos, Kickstand Events (images by Kate Supa Photography)
Kickstand Events on Social Media: Instagram: @kickstandevents Facebook: @kickstandweddings Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Support our Sponsors:
Visit TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code WEDDINGSFORREAL50 for 50% your first month of Care/Of Vitamins!
Visit MyPinkPartyBox.com for Vendor Gifts and Hotel Welcome Boxes!
Ivy Robinson is the wedding planner for celebrities like Dale Earnhardt Jr and Emily Maynard, has been on wedding reality TV shows like Whose Wedding Is It Anyway, and has been designing big budget weddings in the south for 16+ years. Today, she comes on the podcast to talk about longevity, motivation, clients' trust, and why she gets those big name clients!
Ivy Robinson on Social Media Instagram: @ivyrobinsonevents Facebook: @ivyrobinsonevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Wedding Education Seminar February 4th from 9:30am-12pm at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC. Purchase tickets by following this link.
In this intimate and educational seminar, we will cover two distinct topics relevant to purposefully growing your event business! Jason Gillikin will cover digital marketing and SEO tips for helping your ideal client find YOU, and Megan Gillikin will cover the client experience from start to finish.
This seminar is ideal for wedding vendors that have a high touch relationship (multiple interactions) with their clients such as: planners, venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, DJs, bakeries, florists, hair and makeup artists, and stationers.
Whether you're an up and coming vendor or a veteran member of the event industry, you are certain to walk away with an increased knowledge on digital marketing and gain invaluable insight from this seminar on how to best serve your client.
Get your tickets at Eventbrite!
We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more.
Engaged Couples, on Sunday January 27th from noon to 4PM, come check out the Carolina Inn Showcase in Chapel Hill NC! Eat some sample desserts, check out some of the latest designs, and meet some photographers, planners, DJs, and other vendors. Also, for a future episode of Weddings for Real, Jason and Megan will be walking around the Carolina Inn talking to couples to get their perspective on what planning a wedding has been like so far, so we’re very excited about that. Tickets to the showcase are just $15, and you can find them at CarolinaInn.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Finding the right employee in any business is challenging, but it's a unique challenge in the wedding industry because it's "so glamorous". And they can be, but working a wedding involves long hours and sometimes difficult clients. So how do you find the right hires? Gina Johnston, Senior Wedding Coordinator at A Southern Soiree and Megan's luckiest hire, comes on the show to discuss the hiring and onboarding process (and mistakes made) at A Southern Soiree. Megan Gillikin and Gina Johnston, A Southern Soiree (image by Ginny Corbett Photography) A Southern Soiree on Social Media: Instagram: @asouthernsoiree Facebook: @asouthernsoiree twitter: @asouthernsoiree Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Wedding Education Seminar February 4th from 9:30am-12pm at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC. Purchase tickets by following this link.
In this intimate and educational seminar, we will cover two distinct topics relevant to purposefully growing your event business! Jason Gillikin will cover digital marketing and SEO tips for helping your ideal client find YOU,and Megan Gillikin will cover the client experience from start to finish.
This seminar is ideal for wedding vendors that have a high touch relationship (multiple interactions) with their clients such as: planners, venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, DJs, bakeries, florists, hair and makeup artists, and stationers.
Whether you're an up and coming vendor or a veteran member of the event industry, you are certain to walk away with an increased knowledge on digital marketing and gain invaluable insight from this seminar on how to best serve your client.
Get your tickets at Eventbrite!
We have a new sponsor for 2019, MyPinkPartyBox.com! Vendors, if you’re looking for gifting ideas, this is perfect because these boxes are just gorgeous, and they have them specifically for hotel welcome boxes (like below). Plus they have bachelorette boxes, birthday boxes, and more.
Engaged Couples, on Sunday January 27th from noon to 4PM, come check out the Carolina Inn Showcase in Chapel Hill NC! Eat some sample desserts, check out some of the latest designs, and meet some photographers, planners, DJs, and other vendors. Also, for a future episode of Weddings for Real, Jason and Megan will be walking around the Carolina Inn talking to couples to get their perspective on what planning a wedding has been like so far, so we’re very excited about that. Tickets to the showcase are just $15, and you can find them at CarolinaInn.com.
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
The Barn of Chapel Hill on Wild Flora Farm is one of the hottest new venues in the Triangle area of North Carolina, opening up in 2017. Kara Brewer, the owner, and Jennifer Wood, the creative director opened up to Megan about how it hasn't been the easiest process to start weddings up at the Barn. In fact, there was (and still is) a very active protest group, and the media once portrayed the new venue as "The Party Barn". Kara and Jennifer tell us all about that saga, plus how they run the business together, and what's next to the barn. If you've ever wondered what it's like to start a new venue when there's opposition, you won't want to miss this one! The Barn of Chapel Hill (image by Bow Tie Collaborative) The Barn before they moved it from upstate New York Inside the Barn of Chapel Hill (image by Krystal Kast) Kara Brewer and Jennifer Wood, Barn at Chapel Hill (image by Danell Beede Photography) Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm on Social Media: Instagram: @barnofchapelhill Facebook: @barnofchapelhill Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Wedding Education Seminar February 4th from 9:30am-12pm at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC. Purchase tickets by following this link.
In this intimate and educational seminar, we will cover two distinct topics relevant to purposefully growing your event business! Jason Gillikin will cover digital marketing and SEO tips for helping your ideal client find YOU,and Megan Gillikin will cover the client experience from start to finish.
This seminar is ideal for wedding vendors that have a high touch relationship (multiple interactions) with their clients such as: planners, venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, DJs, bakeries, florists, hair and makeup artists, and stationers.
Whether you're an up and coming vendor or a veteran member of the event industry, you are certain to walk away with an increased knowledge on digital marketing and gain invaluable insight from this seminar on how to best serve your client.
Get your tickets at Eventbrite!
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason Gillikin are back for a Weekend Wine Down, where we reflect on the chaos that was 2018 and put some goals out there for 2019!
We hope you enjoy, and have a great weekend, and Happy New Year!
The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan Gillikin was the guest on the Holdermess Podcast with Kim and Penn Holderness, on their episode, "Our Wedding was NOT the best day of my life". If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to their podcast, and check out their latest viral video, "Baby Just GO outside!" Holderness Family on Social Media: Instagram: @theholdernessfamily Facebook: @TheHoldernessFamily twitter: @KimDHolderness Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
It's the Day in the Life Podcast on the Weddings for Real feed! If you don't know Day in the Life with Brittney Lynn, go check it out! She interviews people that have interesting jobs - counterterrorism expert, pastry chef, Hollywood producer, etc - and gets to know what a day in the life is like for them. Such a cool concept! And today we're sharing her interview with Megan Gillikin, host of the Weddings for Real Podcast. Megan is the owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Go subscribe, rate, review, and follow the Day in the Life Podcast on: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/day-in-the-life/id1292726596?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3js3PiIdZxq6LTS4s50Tra Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/brittney-lynn/day-in-the-life Instagram: @dayinthelife Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal
Megan Gillikin, host of the podcast, has been a wedding planner in the Raleigh NC market since 2010. Over the last 8+ years, she has made some mistakes in her business. And today she opens up and talks about those, with lessons learned from the experience. Wedding vendors, hopefully you can avoid some of these. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Deanna and Grant of Harrison Wedding Films in Washington DC came on the show to talk lessons they've learned in their first year of business, communication tips for vendor collaboration and creativity, what they do differently that sets them apart from their competition, and the hurricane that took years off their lives! Deanna and Grant are such a fun and talented couple, and we're excited to share this episode!
Deanna and Grant, Harrison Wedding Films (Image by Never There Yet Photography)
Deanna and Grant with one of their couples
Deanna and Grant at their wedding (image by Joy Michelle Photography)
Deanna and Grant in Film School
Here's some of Harrison Wedding Films' work! You can find more on their YouTube Channel!
Harrison Wedding Films on Social Media: Instagram: @harrisonweddingfilms Facebook: @harrisonweddingfilms Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Did you know that 40% of engagements occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day?!?! Wedding Vendors, is your business ready for engagement season? Megan Gillikin, qualified industry veteran, host of this show, wedding planner, and business coach (along with her completely unqualified but occasionally funny husband Jason Gillikin), gives her tips for making sure your business is ready! Rockefeller Center Proposal Image from Katherine Miles Jones Photography (Katherine was on episode 9) Proposal Image by Mikkel Paige Photography (episode 11), featuring Mollyann Russel (episode 21) Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Jaine Kershner, owner of Brklyn View Photography, has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and many more, and she was even named by BRIDES Magazine as one of NYC's best wedding photographers. Today she comes on the show to give her 5 tips to get your wedding photography published! Jaine also has a podcast, Tea with Jaine, so go give that a listen! Brklyn View Photography owner Jaine Kershner (image by Mekina Saylor) Jaine Kershner has a podcast, Tea with Jaine (image by Bethany Michaela) Jaine's websites: http://www.brklynview.com/ http://www.brklynviewblog.com/ https://www.teawithjaine.com/ Brklyn View Photography on Social Media: Instagram: @brklynview Facebook: @brklynview twitter: @brklynview Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Laura Wasser, Celebrity Divorce Attorney, comes on the show to talk prenuptial agreements. What can and cannot be included in a prenup? How do prenups help with difficult future conversations in marriage? Can you get a post-nup? And of course, what are some of the weirdest clauses that Laura has been asked to put in a prenup? :) Laura is the founder of ItsOverEasy.com and practices law at Wasser, Cooperman, & Mandles. She also has her own podcast, Divorce Sucks! And she wrote a book, "It Doesn't Have to be That Way: How to Divorce without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself". Laura Wasser on Social Media: Instagram: @itsovereasy twitter: @itsovereasy Facebook: @itsovereasy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0LdyqapFXeDcAi2Ln2LpWQ Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason walked around with a microphone at the Forest Hall at Chatham Mills Open House on Sunday, talking to wedding vendors and some engaged couples, and it was such a fun experience! Thank you Aneesa for having us, and thank you to everyone who let us interview them. They were:
- Aneesa Glines, Forest Hall and Harmony Weddings (Forest Hall Instagram, Harmony Instagram)
- Elyssa Kevis, owner of Kevis and Camera (Instagram)
- Michelle Bonham, Magnolia and Grace Wedding Planning (Instagram)
- Kristen Cleve, Slice Pie Company (Instagram)
- Nina McCaskey, Wedded Kiss Hair & Makeup (Instagram)
- Ashleigh Davis, Tenco Coffee (Instagram)
- Michelle Clark, Makeup Artist (Instagram)
- Brent Dietrich, Live View Studios (Instagram)
Forest Hall at Chatham Mills Vendor Group Picture! (from Live View Studios)
And as promised, here's Michelle Clark's puntastic Halloween Costume, Taco Belle
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Nash Roberts is the lead singer and guitarist of The Shakedown Band in North Carolina, which plays a lot of weddings. So Nash has seen some craziness. But nothing could have prepared him or his bride Beth Quinton for what was going to happen on their wedding day, which happened to be the weekend of Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Nash and Beth talk all about the wedding, then Nash shares some tips for wedding planners in working with a band, what songs he loves to play, and what happens when a guest wants to get up on stage. Beth and Nash First Look (wedding images by Graham Terhune) Nash and Beth had 11 bridesmaids and 11 groomsmen! The Shakedown Band - Don't give them a "Bandwich" The Shakedown Band Oh and here's that video of the NC State - Notre Dame game during the hurricane: The Shakedown Band on Social Media: Facebook: @theband.shakedown twitter: @shakedownbandnc YouTube: The Shakedown Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Weekend Wine Down 8! Megan and Jason follow up on this week's episode on Next-Level Instagram with Tyler J McCall, and Megan shares more of her Instagram no-no list, which is:
- Do NOT follow/unfollow!
- Do NOT crop a professional photograph!
- Do NOT use bots!
- Do NOT forget to tag the vendors!
- Do NOT post photos you had nothing to do with!
We hope you enjoy, and have a great weekend!
Weddings for Real will be at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro NC for their open house on Sunday November 4th from 4-7PM. Tickets are available at https://foresthall.eventbrite.com. We hope to see you there, and maybe we'll ask you some questions!
The host of Weddings for Real is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Tyler J McCall is a social media strategist and coach...actually that's selling him way short...Tyler is THE Instagram Guru, and he comes on to share some of his Instagram tips and tricks for wedding vendors! Hear his advice on Instagram Stories versus your feed, sharing too much on Instagram, how to attract the right clients through client onboarding AND client offboarding, and the concept of relational capital. It's fabulous, he's fabulous, and you won't want to miss it! You can find Tyler at TylerJMcCall.com, the Follower to Fan Society, and The IG Advantage Facebook Group. Tyler McCall on Social Media: Instagram: @tylerjmccall Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Weddings for Real will be at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro NC for their open house on Sunday November 4th from 4-7PM. Tickets are available at https://foresthall.eventbrite.com. We hope to see you there, and maybe we'll ask you some questions! If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason just came back from the Rocky Horror Show at Booth Theatre in Cary NC, and it was amazing!
Plus Megan shares her "dead cat as a groomsman story"!
Last week we had Katie and David from Overlook Barn, and next week we have Instagram guru Tyler McCall.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
The Overlook Barn on Beech Mountain (North Carolina) is an absolutely stunning wedding venue both inside and out, with views for miles and so many options inside. But just four years ago, it was a run down storage shed. That is until Katie Elder and David Schumann got engaged and decided to buy the property, turn it into a venue for their own wedding, then make it one of the most sought after venues in North Carolina!
Listen in to hear about how Katie and David met, all about the history of the barn, their wedding, what it's meant to the town, and what it means to them to run a venue.
And check out these incredible before and after photos!
Overlook Barn Before and After Overlook Barn Before and After Overlook Barn Before and After, Bridal Suite Katie and David with Katie's 105-year-old Grandma (wedding photos by Michelle Lyerly Photography) Katie and David's Wedding Ceremony at Overlook Barn on top of Beech Mountain Can you imagine this reveal when they saw this for the first time? So gorgeous! Overlook Barn on Social Media: Instagram: @overlookbarn Facebook: @overlookbarn pinterest: @overlookbarn Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Are you planning a wedding and still looking for a gown or decor and want to stay on budget? Our friends at All Saints Chapel in Downtown Raleigh are hosting the All Saints Day Wedding Marketplace on Thursday, November 1st. Vendors and past brides will be selling items at a discounted rate. It will be like a Facebook marketplace, in person! Pop-up shop style. A $10 VIP ticket gets you a swag bag and early access to shop from 6-7pm. General admission is free, with access from 7-9pm. Don't miss out! Tickets are available on Eventbrite right here. If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Kim and Penn Holderness are known for their viral videos on YouTube where they sing and dance, sometimes in their Christmas Jammies. But Kim and Penn are much more than what you see in the videos. They are a dynamic, hilarious, and down-to-earth couple who came on the show today to talk about how they met, their engagement, their wedding, tips for a healthy marriage, and how to be a great guest at a wedding.
We find out, what advice would Kim and Penn give themselves, about marriage, on their wedding day 13 years ago?
Kim and Penn Holderness
That's Jason as a seat while his brother was about to take off the garter
Megan was on the Holdermess Podcast a couple months ago. You can listen to that here: The Holderness Family on Social Media: Instagram: @theholdernessfamily Facebook: @theholdernessfamily YouTube: @VisitTheGreenroom twitter: @KimDHolderness Podcast: http://marriedwithpodcastwiththeholdernessfamily.libsyn.com/ Go see Penn as Riff-Raff in the Rocky Horror Show in Cary NC on October 26th and 27th. Tickets are available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1007940/rocky-horrow-show-cary-carys-koka-booth-amphitheatre. Megan and Jason will be there in section 2, Row M, so come say hi!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a wedding professional in the Raleigh area, come check out our online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason give advice to their 20-year-old selves, Megan on kissing frogs and Jason on traveling more.
Coming up on Wednesday's episode, Megan talks to the hilarious and wide-open Kim and Penn Holderness on what marriage advice they would give themselves on their wedding day, plus how to be a great guest at a wedding.
Don't forget, we have a seminar coming up at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Day-Of Wedding Coordination, sometimes called month-of wedding coordination, can actually be more difficult than full-service planning - or at least it can be more confusing. Wedding planners, and really anyone in the events industry, tend to be people pleasers. So when couples ask for more than what's in the contract, it's a wedding planners natural inclination to say yes. But when you're only contracted for the logistics of the day, how do you eliminate that scope creep?
Erin McCauley from Chestnut and Vine Day-Of Wedding Coordination came on to talk to Megan about her business, which she started three and a half years ago, her wedding four years ago, why she chose to market herself as a day-of wedding coordinator, how she defines her role, and what's next for her company!
Erin with one of her lovely brides (photo by Brian Mullins)
Erin McCauley on the day-of (photo by Brian Mullins)
Chestnut and Vine on Social Media: Instagram: @ChestnutAndVineWeddings Facebook: @ChestnutAndVineWeddings Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal And here's the information you need on our seminars!
The first one is an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
In this intimate and focused seminar geared towards planners and aspiring planners in years 0-3 of their business, we will focus on the below topics to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level!
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the event industry, Megan and Gina of A Southern Soiree are teaming up to provide a behind the scenes look into how to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level by sharing tips and strategies on best practices for event contracts, tools to help with workflow, the client and vendor experience, and pricing to be profitable!
Topics We'll Cover: * The Importance of Managing the Client Experience From Initial Inquiry to Completion of Event Including Coverage of: Responding to Client Inquiries, Client Onboading Process, Setting Clear Expectations, and Managing Difficult Situations * Best Practices for Strengthening Vendor Relations and Building Your Referral Base * Contracts and How To Protect Your Business - The top 5 clauses your contract should include to protect your business!
-
Systems to Streamline Your Business - What to use for proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines and more!
-
Pricing for Your Worth: We will cover basic pricing strategies and well as insight into package offerings that focus on your core strengths!
Finally, at 5:30, we have a Podcast Marketing Seminar! Click Here for the Eventbrite Link!
Podcasting is a great way to create evangelists for your brand and stand out from the competition. But how do you get started? Two successful Raleigh podcasters share their secrets on building an audience, buying gear, and turning listeners into customers.
How to Start a Branded Podcast is for:
-
Marketers looking to stand out and become thought leaders.
-
Small businesses looking to grow their business.
-
Beginners wanting to learn how to launch a podcast.
For all seminars, use the coupon code WFR25 for $25 off your ticket!
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
In this weekend wine down, Megan just got back from a wedding, so she talked about that - why she has purple feet, and did the best man really throw a head of lettuce at the groom during his speech?
Plus unpacking the amazing experience that was interviewing Van Eure and Kelly Joslin from the Angus Barn.
Next week, we have Erin McCauley from Chestnut and Vine Day-Of Wedding Coordination on the show, so be sure to check that out!
And here's the information you need on our seminars!
The first one is an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
In this intimate and focused seminar geared towards planners and aspiring planners in years 0-3 of their business, we will focus on the below topics to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level!
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the event industry, Megan and Gina of A Southern Soiree are teaming up to provide a behind the scenes look into how to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level by sharing tips and strategies on best practices for event contracts, tools to help with workflow, the client and vendor experience, and pricing to be profitable!
Topics We'll Cover: * The Importance of Managing the Client Experience From Initial Inquiry to Completion of Event Including Coverage of: Responding to Client Inquiries, Client Onboading Process, Setting Clear Expectations, and Managing Difficult Situations * Best Practices for Strengthening Vendor Relations and Building Your Referral Base * Contracts and How To Protect Your Business - The top 5 clauses your contract should include to protect your business!
-
Systems to Streamline Your Business - What to use for proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines and more!
-
Pricing for Your Worth: We will cover basic pricing strategies and well as insight into package offerings that focus on your core strengths!
Finally, at 5:30, we have a Podcast Marketing Seminar! Click Here for the Eventbrite Link!
Podcasting is a great way to create evangelists for your brand and stand out from the competition. But how do you get started? Two successful Raleigh podcasters share their secrets on building an audience, buying gear, and turning listeners into customers.
How to Start a Branded Podcast is for:
-
Marketers looking to stand out and become thought leaders.
-
Small businesses looking to grow their business.
-
Beginners wanting to learn how to launch a podcast.
For all seminars, use the coupon code WFR25 for $25 off your ticket!
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Angus Barn events coordinator Kelly Joslin came on the show to talk about what happened when the Angus Barn took over ownership of Bay 7 in Durham in 2013, some fun hilarious stories of both tours and weddings, and what makes the Angus Barn so special. Kelly started at the Barn 18 years ago as a waitress and has grown into an amazing lead wedding coordinator at the Pavilion, which the Angus Barn built in 2008. If you haven't already, be sure to check out part 1 of the Angus Barn podcast this week where owner Van Eure came on to tell the history of the restaurant and their commitment to servicing the customer. It's been an amazing week here! Events Coordinator at the Angus Barn, Kelly Joslin Angus Barn on Social Media: Instagram: @angusbarn Facebook: @angusbarn twitter: @angusbarn Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal And here's the information you need on our seminars!
The first one is an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
In this intimate and focused seminar geared towards planners and aspiring planners in years 0-3 of their business, we will focus on the below topics to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level!
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the event industry, Megan and Gina of A Southern Soiree are teaming up to provide a behind the scenes look into how to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level by sharing tips and strategies on best practices for event contracts, tools to help with workflow, the client and vendor experience, and pricing to be profitable!
Topics We'll Cover: * The Importance of Managing the Client Experience From Initial Inquiry to Completion of Event Including Coverage of: Responding to Client Inquiries, Client Onboading Process, Setting Clear Expectations, and Managing Difficult Situations * Best Practices for Strengthening Vendor Relations and Building Your Referral Base * Contracts and How To Protect Your Business - The top 5 clauses your contract should include to protect your business!
-
Systems to Streamline Your Business - What to use for proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines and more!
-
Pricing for Your Worth: We will cover basic pricing strategies and well as insight into package offerings that focus on your core strengths!
Finally, at 5:30, we have a Podcast Marketing Seminar! Click Here for the Eventbrite Link!
Podcasting is a great way to create evangelists for your brand and stand out from the competition. But how do you get started? Two successful Raleigh podcasters share their secrets on building an audience, buying gear, and turning listeners into customers.
How to Start a Branded Podcast is for:
-
Marketers looking to stand out and become thought leaders.
-
Small businesses looking to grow their business.
-
Beginners wanting to learn how to launch a podcast.
For all seminars, use the coupon code Angus40 for $40 off your ticket!
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
The Angus Barn Way, their commitment to unparalleled service, is legendary in the local hospitality industry. The owner of the Angus Barn, Van Eure, sat down with Megan to talk about the history of the Barn (her father opened it in the middle of nowhere in 1960), empowering employees to make sure the customer experience is second to none, why she vowed never to do weddings again (never say never), and building the Pavilion for weddings back in 2008.
Such an amazing institution and presence in Raleigh, and we're so excited to share this episode with you!
The Angus Barn
Van Eure with her father Thad Eure
Megan and Van after recording in the Wine Cellar
Angus Barn on Social Media: Instagram: @angusbarn Facebook: @angusbarn twitter: @angusbarn Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal And here's the information you need on our seminars!
The first one is an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
In this intimate and focused seminar geared towards planners and aspiring planners in years 0-3 of their business, we will focus on the below topics to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level!
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the event industry, Megan and Gina of A Southern Soiree are teaming up to provide a behind the scenes look into how to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level by sharing tips and strategies on best practices for event contracts, tools to help with workflow, the client and vendor experience, and pricing to be profitable!
Topics We'll Cover: * The Importance of Managing the Client Experience From Initial Inquiry to Completion of Event Including Coverage of: Responding to Client Inquiries, Client Onboading Process, Setting Clear Expectations, and Managing Difficult Situations * Best Practices for Strengthening Vendor Relations and Building Your Referral Base * Contracts and How To Protect Your Business - The top 5 clauses your contract should include to protect your business!
-
Systems to Streamline Your Business - What to use for proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines and more!
-
Pricing for Your Worth: We will cover basic pricing strategies and well as insight into package offerings that focus on your core strengths!
Finally, at 5:30, we have a Podcast Marketing Seminar! Click Here for the Eventbrite Link!
Podcasting is a great way to create evangelists for your brand and stand out from the competition. But how do you get started? Two successful Raleigh podcasters share their secrets on building an audience, buying gear, and turning listeners into customers.
How to Start a Branded Podcast is for:
-
Marketers looking to stand out and become thought leaders.
-
Small businesses looking to grow their business.
-
Beginners wanting to learn how to launch a podcast.
For all seminars, use the coupon code Angus40 for $40 off your ticket!
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
In this weekend wine down, we talk about the new intro where Megan mentions a dead cat as a groomsman. It's true, and we'll share it...when we get to 60 reviews on Apple Podcasts. We also talk about our seminars on October 22nd, and the guests coming up in the next several weeks.
Be sure to check out the podcast this week where we release 2 episodes with the Angus Barn Restaurant in Raleigh NC!
And here's the information you need on our seminars!
The first one is an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
In this intimate and focused seminar geared towards planners and aspiring planners in years 0-3 of their business, we will focus on the below topics to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level!
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the event industry, Megan and Gina of A Southern Soiree are teaming up to provide a behind the scenes look into how to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level by sharing tips and strategies on best practices for event contracts, tools to help with workflow, the client and vendor experience, and pricing to be profitable!
Topics We'll Cover: * The Importance of Managing the Client Experience From Initial Inquiry to Completion of Event Including Coverage of: Responding to Client Inquiries, Client Onboading Process, Setting Clear Expectations, and Managing Difficult Situations * Best Practices for Strengthening Vendor Relations and Building Your Referral Base * Contracts and How To Protect Your Business - The top 5 clauses your contract should include to protect your business!
-
Systems to Streamline Your Business - What to use for proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines and more!
-
Pricing for Your Worth: We will cover basic pricing strategies and well as insight into package offerings that focus on your core strengths!
Finally, at 5:30, we have a Podcast Marketing Seminar! Click Here for the Eventbrite Link!
Podcasting is a great way to create evangelists for your brand and stand out from the competition. But how do you get started? Two successful Raleigh podcasters share their secrets on building an audience, buying gear, and turning listeners into customers.
How to Start a Branded Podcast is for:
-
Marketers looking to stand out and become thought leaders.
-
Small businesses looking to grow their business.
-
Beginners wanting to learn how to launch a podcast.
For all seminars, use the coupon code WFR25 for $25 off your ticket!
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Alan Berg, Certified Public Speaker, Global Speaking Fellow (one of 31 people in the world to have that distinction), Wedding Industry Sales and Education Guru, Wedding Wire Consultant, and 4-time Book Writer, comes on the show today to talk about his new book, "Why Don't They Call Me? 8 Tips for Converting Wedding & Event Inquiries into Sales"! Alan gives his 8 tips and tells YOU the wedding vendor why you're not booking as many weddings as you could.
Alan's Websites and Social Media: Website: https://alanberg.com/ Books: http://GetAlansBooks.com/ Facebook: @AlanBergSpeaker twitter: @alanberg Instagram: @alanberg Alan Berg, Certified Public Speaker, Episode 30 of Weddings for Real
Alan Berg and Joe Bunn, who was on Episode 2 of Weddings for Real
Alan Berg Always Takes a Selfie When He Speaks
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Also, at the top of the show, Megan mentioned 3 seminars!
The first one is an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
The second conference that day is for wedding planners. For tickets, click here!
In this intimate and focused seminar geared towards planners and aspiring planners in years 0-3 of their business, we will focus on the below topics to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level!
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the event industry, Megan and Gina of A Southern Soiree are teaming up to provide a behind the scenes look into how to elevate your wedding planning business to the next level by sharing tips and strategies on best practices for event contracts, tools to help with workflow, the client and vendor experience, and pricing to be profitable!
Topics We'll Cover: * The Importance of Managing the Client Experience From Initial Inquiry to Completion of Event Including Coverage of: Responding to Client Inquiries, Client Onboading Process, Setting Clear Expectations, and Managing Difficult Situations * Best Practices for Strengthening Vendor Relations and Building Your Referral Base * Contracts and How To Protect Your Business - The top 5 clauses your contract should include to protect your business!
-
Systems to Streamline Your Business - What to use for proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines and more!
-
Pricing for Your Worth: We will cover basic pricing strategies and well as insight into package offerings that focus on your core strengths!
Finally, at 5:30, we have a Podcast Marketing Seminar! Click Here for the Eventbrite Link!
Podcasting is a great way to create evangelists for your brand and stand out from the competition. But how do you get started? Two successful Raleigh podcasters share their secrets on building an audience, buying gear, and turning listeners into customers.
How to Start a Branded Podcast is for:
-
Marketers looking to stand out and become thought leaders.
-
Small businesses looking to grow their business.
-
Beginners wanting to learn how to launch a podcast.
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Thanks for listening! On this Weekend Wine Down, Megan and Jason talked about 2 seminars coming up on October 22nd, what happens when you play a podcast on half speed, attending The Big Fake Wedding in Raleigh, last week's episode with Becca Atchison, and next week with Alan Berg. We hope you enjoy!
Below are the seminar images with links:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-learn-instagram-millennials-marketing-your-wedding-business-tickets-50302613471?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventname_text
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planning-for-success-tips-for-elevating-your-wedding-planning-business-tickets-50543994448?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventname_text
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Full Service Wedding Planning Company Rebecca Rose Events founder, owner, and creative director Becca Atchison comes on the show to talk about how and why her pricing model is different than almost everyone else in the wedding planning industry, why she decided to bring a partner into her company, what she's most proud of (not being named top planner by Southern Living Magazine or a Planner to Follow by Martha Stewart Weddings, which she was), and that time her company was sued by a client.
In addition to being a wedding planner and creative director, Becca is passionate about coaching and consulting, and you can find information about that on her education page on her website, https://www.rebeccaroseevents.com/education.
Becca will also be speaking at The School of Styling in July.
Clearly she has a lot going on (plus she's a mom with baby 2 on the way soon!), so we appreciate her coming to visit!
Becca Atchison on the Job (Image by Jake and Heather Photography)
Becca Atchison, Rebecca Rose Events and Rebecca Rose Creative (image by Jake and Heather Photography)
Becca Atchison and Betsy Krug (image by Nancy Ray Photography)
Becca Atchison (image by Nancy Ray Photography)
Rebecca Rose Events on Social Media: Instagram: @rroseevents Facebook: @rebeccaroseevents twitter: @rroseevents Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Also, at the top of the show, Megan mentioned an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on Monday, October 22nd, for a Brunch and Learn from 9:30AM-12PM. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up with Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
If you're a wedding vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Megan and Jason talk about what a weird week that was because of the Hurricane, and the new seminar Brunch and Learn: Instagram, Millennials, and How to Market Your Wedding Business, coming October 22nd at The Umstead. Listen to the episode for a discount code! As part of that seminar, Megan will share her Instagram No-No list, and she gives a preview of it in this Weekend Wine Down today.
If you want to sign up for the seminar, it's 9:30AM 10/22, and you can see more information here!
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Makeup Artist and all-around hilarious and amazing person Michelle Clark came on the show today, not so much to talk about makeup - although we get to that in the lightning round - but more so about what goes on in the bridal suite before the wedding. The makeup artist and the hair stylist are usually the first vendors in the room, so they see the dynamic between the bride and her tribe first-hand. Usually it's a fun festive atmosphere, but sometimes, it can get a little tense. Michelle Clark in her new office! (image by LiveView Studios) Michelle and Megan on Recording Day Makeup Artist Michelle Clark in Action Makeup Artist Michelle Clark on Social Media: Facebook: @karenmichelleclark Instagram: @kmichelleclark twitter: @kmichelleclark Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Happy Weekend! It was a big week here, and Megan and Jason talked about it. We had our "Instagram, Millennials, and How to Market Your Wedding Business" seminar, and we're already planning another one for next month!
Give us feedback if you get a chance - what do you think of this format? In addition to the regular episodes of course!
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
I brought my mom onto my podcast, and you'll hear all about our arguments from my wedding, which included cake, videography, photography, and invitations. And believe it or not, we both admit that the other one was right!
Today’s show is all about how moms and daughters can plan a wedding together in peace. As you probably know, the wedding tradition still is that the bride’s parents pay for the wedding, and with so much money invested, there’s going to be some tension – and even some arguing - between brides and moms.
Usually when I’m planning a wedding, either the mom or the daughter are my primary contact. And they don’t always get along – sometimes they openly argue right in front of me and it can be pretty tense. I get it, wedding planning can be stressful, and I had a few arguments with my mom too when I was getting married.
But whose wedding is it really? Let’s say the parents are paying for the entire wedding – does the mom get to make all of the decisions? What if those decisions aren’t what the daughter wants at all?
So I talked to my mom about all of this, plus we talked about our own weddings, what happens to money that’s saved up if a daughter elopes, if we’ll ever get out of the tradition of a brides’ parents paying for a wedding, and finally I get to put my mom through the lightning round.
Jackie Brewer and Megan Gillikin
Jackie and Megan (image by f8 Photography)
(image by f8 Photography)
(image by f8 Photography)
Jackie and William Brewer
If you like this episode, leave us a review! Here's how:
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Max Trujillo and Felicia Perry Trujillo are a power couple in the North Carolina Food Scene, even though they've only been in Raleigh for less than five years. When they moved from Los Angeles, Max became the general manager of Midtown Grille in North Hills, and Felicia had a 10-year wedding photography business. But Max was working 70-hour weeks that weren't great for family life, and Felicia was starting to get burnout from weddings, so they both decided to make a change.
Felicia started Food Seen, a niche photography, videography, social media, and web design company for the Food and Linen industries. Go check them out, they do incredible work!
And later, Max (with his co-host Matthew Weiss) started the NC F&B Podcast (North Carolina Food & Beverage), where he gets to talk to local chefs, sommeliers, and other experts in the food and beverage industry. That show now has 111 episodes, which is an amazing accomplishment!
On the show, we talk about how they changed careers, crazy stories from their wedding, and being passionate about what you do in life.
Felicia and Max Trujillo at the James Beard Awards (image by Food Seen)
Max and Felicia on their wedding day
Max Trujillo, Co-Host and Producer of the NC F&B Podcast (image by Food Seen)
Felicia Perry Trujillo, Owner of Food Seen (image by Food Seen)
Food Seen on Social Media: Facebook: @foodseennc Instagram: @foodseennc twitter: @foodseennc NC F&B Podcast on Social Media: Facebook: @NCFandBPod Instagram:@ncfbpod twitter: @ncfbpod Latest Episode: Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal If you're a vendor, go get Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Also, Megan mentioned an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on September 6th. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up at Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Terry-Michael Newell, Officiant and Marriage Therapist, comes on the show today to talk about why all couples should go to pre-marital counseling, some of the common reasons he sees couples after the marriage, tips for a healthy marriage, adults giggling like middle schoolers when talking about sex, and the one time he told a couple to fire him and hire a maid.
Terry-Michael Newell, Therapist and Pastor
For more information on pre-marital counseling or any other type of couples' therapy or counseling, check out Integrative Therapy and Pastoral Counseling at TPCCounseling.org.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal This episode of Weddings for Real is brought to you by WeddingBee.com. Wedding Bee features blogs, editorial articles, message boards, classified ads, and image galleries, with a focus on providing advice, tips, and tricks to real couples around the world. They actually featured our podcast last week, which was very exciting! For couples, check out their new section at WeddingBee.com/Real-Weddings to submit YOUR real wedding story...they will be sharing submissions next month on how couples met. For vendors, Wedding Bee gets 4.5 million visits per month, so if you're looking for exposure, check them out. You can also find Wedding Bee on instagram, @weddingbee, and Facebook, @weddingbee.
This episode is also brought to you by Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Also, Megan mentioned an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on September 6th. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up at Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
Also, go check out the 919 Podcast, which has so much great information about Wake County, at https://the919.podbean.com/, or Apple Podcasts at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-919-podcast/id1330854382?mt=2.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Mary Larick, Director of Sales at CE Rental in Raleigh NC comes on the show today to talk about linens, tents, and all things wedding rentals! Mary is bubbly, fun, and hilarious, and I was so excited to have her on the show! We went into how much you should realistically budget, styles and trends, what happens when clients disagree, my “tell you twice" rule, and when weather doesn’t cooperate with your wedding.
Mary Larick, Director of Sales at CE Rental (image by F8 Studios)
CE Rental on Social Media: Facebook: @cerentalraleigh Instagram: @ce_rental Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal At the top of the show, you heard about Honeybook! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Also, Megan mentioned an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on September 6th. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up at Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Jennifer Ammons, CEO of The Big Fake Wedding, came on to talk about her company which puts on weddings throughout the country, which are Big and Fake. There are flowers and food and cake and music and dancing. The couple getting fake married is usually someone renewing their vows, while the guests are engaged couples so they can see wedding vendors in action.
So it's like a wedding show, but you get to actually see the vendors in action. I love the concept! Because at most wedding shows before, and they can be beneficial, but you don’t really get to show off what you can do. And for couples, it’s tough to figure out from just a short interaction with a vendor if that’s who you want to hire.
Jennifer explains it all in the show today!
The Big Fake Wedding in Raleigh is Thursday, September 20th at the Merrimon Wynne House, and we will be there as guests! If you're a wedding vendor in the Raleigh area, and you want to get involved, there are still a couple slots open! You can head over to thebigfakewedding.com/apply to get in touch with the Big Fake Wedding team! For couples, tickets are $25 each, and you can purchase here. If you happen to go, come say hi, we’d love to chat with you!
Jennifer Ammons, Owner and CEO of The Big Fake Wedding
The Big Fake Wedding Team
Jennifer and Family (minus 1)
Luca Bennett Ammons, Born July 24th 2018
The Big Fake Wedding on Social Media: Facebook: @TheNotWedding Instagram: @TheBigFakeWedding twitter: @bigfakewedding Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal At the top of the show, Megan mentioned an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on September 6th. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up at Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
We didn't get the ad read in time for the show today, but we are happy to welcome Honeybook as a sponsor! At A Southern Soiree, we’ve been using Honeybook since February 2015. I think we were one of their very first clients, and it has truly been a life changer. They make proposals and contracts super easy to use on both our side and the client side. I think before Honeybook I would send proposals and contracts by email, and the client would have to mail the contract to us or fax it by efax. Proposals were in no way streamlined either, so this has made our lives so much better. As a consultant, whenever I sign up a vendor client, one of the very first recommendations I make is Honeybook. No need to complicate things – it works, it’s great…just get it. And if you follow this link, you get 50% off your first year of Honeybook, which is nice, but not nearly as nice as all the time you’re going to save. And if you have any questions about my experience, feel free to send me an email to megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Jill Donovan came on the show today to talk about the growth of catering company Donovan's Dish, and her positive perspective in the face of overwhelming tragedy. In March of 2016, Jill's husband, business partner, and the chef of the company, TJ Donovan, tragically passed away. Jill was left with businesses to run and 3 young girls to raise. With the help of her amazing village surrounding her, Jill has not only survived but has continued to grow both personally and professionally. Listen in, it's truly an inspiring story! Episode 22 Guest Jill Donovan TJ and Jill Donovan Jill Donovan and her 3 girls Donovan's Take-Out Market. The first take-out market opened 4 days before TJ passed away in 2016. Donovan's Dish on Social Media: Instagram: @DonovansDish Facebook: @DonovansDish Jill's Beach on Social Media: Instagram: @jillsbeach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jills-Beach-69787834084/ Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal At the top of the show, Megan mentioned an online marketing seminar. It's at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on September 6th. Here are some of the details, and you can sign up at Eventbrite. We can't wait to see you there!
What you can expect from this intimate seminar: An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Strategy & Etiquette, SEO Tips and Tricks, and Generating More Legit Inquiries! The Social Media Strategy: • Breaking down Instagram components and how to maximize use of them for your business • How to build the right following and continue a steady growth of followers/future clients • Social Media Vendor Etiquette and how this translates into real life referrals • Best use of Instagram stories, polls, etc • What to post, what not to post, and best times to post • Tools and tips to streamline your Instagram posting Millennials: How are millennials finding their wedding vendors? What factors determine whether you get the job? Learn some easy best practices for attracting and communicating with the generation that is your biggest client base. The SEO Component: • Setting up/Refining your Google business page • Online directory tips to improve your rankings • Getting reviews (the formula Megan uses!) • Titles, tags and descriptions and how these help or hurt your business rankings • Writing SEO friendly and user friendly content for your site • Image optimization tips Sign up at Eventbrite. See you there!
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Mollyann Russell, Event Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Empire Properties (Stockroom at 230, The Glass Box, and All Saints Chapel), comes on the show today to talk about Venue Tours and Venue Marketing. Mollyann has booked over 1,200 events at the 3 properties combined, so she has given her fair share of venue tours and has the insight into what clients should be asking both before and during the tour. Plus, she offers marketing tips to venues. Marketing isn't easy, but if done the right way, can generate the right leads.
Venue Tour Tips from Mollyann:
(Before the Tour)
1) Ask how many guests the venue can accommodate. Is it enough for your guest count?
2) Find out if the venue is available on your date. Consider if your date is flexible.
(During the Tour)
3) Bring at least two people total, but not too many. Usually one to take pictures and one to take notes is plenty.
4) Ask what is included. Tables, chairs, flatware, etc, but also services and time allowed in the space.
5) Ask about vendor requirements. Is there a required list, or a preferred list? Are some planners or caterers not allowed? Do you have to use an in-house planner, caterer, florist, etc?
6) Ask about logistics, and figure out what the day will look like. Who is doing the setup? What time will the couple get in the space? What do nearby accommodations look like? Where are the nearby restaurants?
Mollyann also shares some hilarious venue tour stories, venue marketing tips, and then of course, Megan grills Mollyann in the lightning round!
Here are some pics of Mollyann:
Mollyann Russell giving a tour at The Stockroom (image by Kate Pope Photography)
Mollyann showing off The Glass Box (image by Mikkel Paige)
Mollyann at All Saints Chapel (image by f8 studios)
Mollyann Russell, Event Sales and Marketing Coordinator and Caroline Placey, Event Logistics Coordinator (image by LiveView Studios)
Mollyann Russell, Empire Properties (image by Mikkel Paige)
Empire Properties on Social Media: All Saints Chapel: facebook | instagram | pinterest | virtual tour The Stockroom at 230: facebook | instagram | pinterest | virtual tour The Glass Box: facebook | instagram | pinterest | virtual tour Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal This episode was brought to you by The Crepe Cakerie. Gâteau de Mille Crêpes, or 1000 layer crepe cake, is a decadent and classic French dessert consisting of layers and layers of buttery crepes, each separated with a brush of hand-made filling. At The Crêpe Cakerie, located right here in the Triangle, we take this beautiful tradition to a fresh and elegant level for brides and grooms who appreciate French chocolate ganaches and handmade nutellas. Decorated with organic fruits, flowers, and herbs, your custom made wedding cake will make memories for you, your family and your friends. Visit www.thecrepecakerie.com to check out the beauty of these wedding "super stars" and to sign up for your complimentary cake tasting. Cakes that will make you say OUI…Visit The Crepe Cakerie at www.thecrepecakerie.com. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Comedian Freddy Valoy came on the show to talk about how to give a great and memorable wedding speech.
Together, he and Megan came up with the following tips:
- Don't Drink (Too Much).
- Remember, Everyone is Rooting for You.
- Don't Bring Up Your Phone 4. Keep it Short. Under 4 minutes. 5. Tease, but Don't Embarrass 6. Own The Moment, even if you mess up. 7. Be Honest, and Come from the Heart. 8. You're giving a speech about the couple, not just one person. 9. Practice! 10. If you're not sure about the material, ask someone. 11. No slideshows. 12. Don't bring up exes. With these tips, especially bringing it from the heart, you'll be sure to give a great wedding speech! Freddy is a fellow podcaster. Go listen to the FredTalk Podcast at: http://fredtalkpodcast.libsyn.com/ https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fredtalk/id1358150827?ls=1 http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=177210&refid=stpr Fred gets very personal in some of these, especially the Break Up Episode, which should have a Part 2 coming out soon (maybe - Fred says that "the FredTalk podcast is like the ocean, it comes in waves").
Check out Freddy live at: Bombers Bev Co in Wilmington, July 27th Trali Irish Pub in Raleigh, July 28th The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, July 31st Freddy Valoy on Social Media: Instagram: @freddylvaloy Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal This episode was brought to you Triangle Real Estate Agent Katie Humphries from Fonville Morisey. Katie was a Wake County teacher for over 10 years before moving into real estate, so she knows school districts, private schools, and charter schools. As a mom of 3, picking a house in a district with good school reviews was very important to me, and if you have kids (or you're thinking of having kids), I know that's important to you too. So go contact Katie - she can help you out on your journey to being a homebuyer. She prides herself on personal attention and is always available on short notice to answer a question or even check out a house. So if you're interested in buying or selling, you can reach Katie at 919-215-8404 or khumphries@fmrealty.com. If you would like to advertise on this podcast, for the month of July, donate to the American Heart Association in Megan's dad's name, and we will do an ad read for you at no additional cost. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Filmmakers Chris and Toni Wheaton from Heart Stone Films and Portico Pictures are on the show today! They talked about how they became business owners (and married) at 22 and 23 years old, their incredible marriage "streak", learning to fight, filming Dale Earnhardt Jr and Emily Maynard's weddings, being starstruck by Danica Patrick (they're available for whatever date you choose Danica!), seeing Backstreet Boy AJ McLean sing at a recent wedding, some of the craziest wedding stories you'll ever hear, trends they wish would go away, their reality TV show "Weddings with the Wheatons" on LoveStories.tv, mistakes that they've made, and why you need a wedding video.
(Image above by Nancy Ray)
Heart Stone Films on Social Media: Instagram: @heartstonefilms Facebook: @heartstonefilms twitter: @heartstonefilms Portico Pictures on Social Media: Facebook: @weareportico twitter: @porticopictures Instagram: @porticopictures Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal This episode was brought to you by The Crepe Cakerie. Gâteau de Mille Crêpes, or 1000 layer crepe cake, is a decadent and classic French dessert consisting of layers and layers of buttery crepes, each separated with a brush of hand-made filling. At The Crêpe Cakerie, located right here in the Triangle, we take this beautiful tradition to a fresh and elegant level for brides and grooms who appreciate French chocolate ganaches and handmade nutellas. Decorated with organic fruits, flowers, and herbs, your custom made wedding cake will make memories for you, your family and your friends. Visit www.thecrepecakerie.com to check out the beauty of these wedding "super stars" and to sign up for your complimentary cake tasting. Cakes that will make you say OUI…Visit The Crepe Cakerie at www.thecrepecakerie.com. If you would like to advertise on this podcast, for the month of July, donate to the American Heart Association in Megan's dad's name, and we will do an ad read for you at no additional cost. Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Happy 4th of July!
In today's episode, we replay some of the best and craziest stories from the first three months of the podcast so far!
You'll hear stories from:
Photographer Ginny Corbett (Episode 7, Instagram Stories and Wedding Photography Style)
Videographer Phil McInnis (Episode 5, Why You Need a Wedding Video)
Photographer Katherine Miles Jones (Episode 9, Moving Her Business from NYC and Putting Clients at Ease)
Author and photographer James Walters (Episode 12, Writing the Book of Wedding Stories)
DJ/Speaker/Podcaster Joe Bunn (Episode 2, How to Hustle and Grow Your Wedding Business)
Planner Nicole Smith (Episode 16, Wedding Planners and Venues Working Together in Harmony)
Ice Cream Entrepreneur Jared Plummer (Episode 8, Ice Cream at Weddings and the Explosion of Two Roosters)
Venue Owners, Planners, and Sisters Courtney Hopper and Dana Kadwell (Episode 13, Sister Entrepreneurs Courtney and Dana on Building a Wedding Venue)
We hope you enjoy!
At the top of the show, Megan mentioned donating to the American Heart Association for free advertising. Here is the link - http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/weddingsforreal. Anyone can donate of course, and it's to a great cause, in honor of Megan's dad William "Brew" Brewer, who passed away on July 4, 2006 after complications from a massive heart attack. But if you're a business, and you'd like to advertise, there's a bonus for you. If you donate $100 or more to the American Heart Association through the tribute page, you can get a free ad read at the top of one of the next three shows (July 11th, 18th, or 25th). If you contribute $50 or more, you can get a free ad read in the middle of the show or at the end. For more details about this, or to coordinate scheduling the ad read, email us at megan@weddingsforreal.com. Thank you!
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
This week, Megan brings on her husband Jason Gillikin, and they discuss the Top 5 Wedding Movies of All Time, and how they relate to real weddings that Megan has worked.
Top movie candidates include:
Wedding Crashers
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (fun fact, produced by Tom Hanks!)
Meet the Parents
27 Dresses
Bridesmaids (with the dreamy Jon Hamm)
The Princess Bride
Father of the Bride
The Wedding Planner (with its 15% Rotten Tomatoes score!)
My Best Friend's Wedding
The Wedding Singer
Tune in to find out which is our #1 wedding movie of all time.
When he's not watching movies or becoming super famous because of his podcast appearance, Jason Gillikin works in online marketing and podcast production.
Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Nicole Smith, owner of wedding planning company Vision Events and former venue coordinator at The Sanderling Resort in the Outer Banks and the Marriott in Chapel Hill, comes on Weddings for Real to talk about how wedding planners and venues can work together in harmony. Megan worked as a venue coordinator as well, so the two of them talked about several issues that come up that sometimes make the process much more difficult.
What makes a good wedding planner for a venue? What makes a venue coordinator's job more difficult? What do planners look for in a venue? What happens when a venue is over capacity?
These are some of the topics that Nicole and Megan discussed. And then Nicole talks about a crazy wedding story she experienced as a planner and how she really feels about sparkler exits.
Nicole Smith, Vision Events (Image by Pinehurst Photography)
Vision Events on the Web https://www.visioneventsnc.com/ Facebook: @visioneventsnc Instagram: @visioneventsnc Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Megan was a guest last week on the HolderMESS Podcast. It was hilarious! Go listen below or anywhere you get podcasts! http://marriedwithpodcastwiththeholdernessfamily.libsyn.com/holdermess-7-weddings-with-megan-gillikin Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/holdermess-the-holderness-family-podcast/id1378725018?mt=2 Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Eclectic Sage's Heather Miller comes on Weddings for Real today to talk about style, her wedding last year, The Royal Wedding, and the time a couple sued her over a color of a rose.
Our guest Heather Miller, owner of Eclectic Sage (photo by Tulle and Grace)
Heather's description of "Coral", as given to the judge. The couple argued that the flowers should not have been orange.
Heather and Steven at their wedding (Photo by Amanda Dumouchelle Photography)
Eclectic Sage: http://www.eclecticsage.com/ Instagram: @eclecticsage Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Elana Walker has built up her empire in the Raleigh NC market. It started with her wedding planning company Elana Walker Events back in 2009, and has expanded to her inspiration blog Southern Noir Weddings, her Masterclass for wedding industry vendors, her month-of coordination company Carolina Fete, and she even co-authored a book...she really does it all. It seems like she never stops and always has ideas on how to improve and expand that empire.
Elana came on the show today to talk about how to work best with a wedding planner, and she provides some budget tips as well so you can get the most for your money.
Below is the book that Elana co-wrote, and here's a link to buy.
And below are some images of Elana in action as well as a picture of her two kids :)
(image by Donnell Perry Photography)
(image by Ariel Perry Photography)
(image by Chronicles Photo)
(image by Chronicles Photo)
(image by Donnell Perry Photography)
Elana Walker Events: http://elanawalker.com/ Facebook: @elanawalkerevents Instagram: @elanawalkerevents twitter: @ElanaWEvents Southern Noir Weddings: http://southernnoirweddings.com/ Pinterest: @southernnoirweddings Facebook: @southernnoirweddings Instagram: @southernnoirweddings Carolina Fete: https://www.carolinafete.com/ Facebook: @carolinafete Instagram: @carolinafete Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Courtney Hopper and Dana Kadwell are sisters and serial entrepreneurs in the Raleigh wedding industry. In this show, you'll get a sense of what that means to really be an entrepreneur. Courtney and Dana were willing to sell everything and go for it, knowing that their visions for their businesses would work.
Courtney and Dana own both C and D Events Wedding Planning and The Bradford Wedding Venue in New Hill NC, just outside of Raleigh.
Their partnership, loyalty, and love for each other is something special too - building a business isn’t easy, and working weddings isn’t always glamorous – and there’s tension – and they fight – but in the end, they’re always there for each other, and that really comes through.
You’ll hear them talk about their families a lot on this show. Courtney is married to Mikhail, and they have 3 kids, Mason, Nora, and Liam. Dana is married to Sam, and they have two kids, Henry and Ada. And it sounds like their families are together all the time. It’s just a special relationship as you’ll probably tell.
On the show, Courtney and Dana talk about how they got into wedding planning, saving up enough money to start the venue, the difficult times when money was tight and tensions were high, how they work together, one of the craziest stories you'll hear, and advice they would give for someone starting out.
Courtney and Mikhail with Liam, Mason, and Nora (Photo Credit Sarah Joann Photography)
Dana and Sam with Ada and Henry (Sarah Joann Photography)
Cousins!
Dana and Courtney at The Bradford Grand Opening (Photo Credit Live View Studios)
Courtney and Dana at their FIRST wedding they planned, which started C and D Events
The Bradford (Photo Credit Caroline Lima Photography)
Today's episode is brought to you by Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, which is having an Open House Sunday June 3rd from 3:30PM-6PM. Forest Hall is located in Pittsboro and is about 20 minutes outside of Chapel Hill Nc. The open house is FREE and open to everyone - engaged couples, fellow vendors and community. At the open house, you can see the space set up and decorated for a wedding as well as meet some of our favorite vendors who will be giving away samples, prizes and special discounts. Forest Hall is a stunning industrial venue with indoor and outdoor ceremony options, hardwood floors, tall windows and exposed brick walls. Click on the invitation at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-hall-open-house-tickets-44849767863 for more information.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
James Walters of Walters and Walters Photography has been in the wedding industry for 16 years, and he has some crazy stories to tell. So he did!
In 2013 he came out with the book, Accessory to Marriage: A Chronicle of Outrageousness from My Life as a Wedding Photographer.
In today's episode, James talks about some of his favorite stories from the book and his code language when it comes to weddings, like who "Fluffy" and "Triple D" are.
Above images from Eden Holt Photography.
Walters and Walters can be found at:
http://waltersandwalters.com/
https://www.instagram.com/real_jameswalters/
https://www.facebook.com/waltersandwalters/
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Mikkel Paige is a wedding photographer and travel blogger, and she came on the show to give her Top 5 Destination Wedding Tips!
They are:
- Destination Weddings can be Stressful! If you’re getting married and you need to be in control, a destination wedding may not be for you, because there is so much you CANNOT control.
- Look Closely at your Contracts. A photographer might be included, but is that photographer right for you? And what if it’s not? Can you get a discount off of your package?
- Review the Laws of your Destination. Are you allowed to get married there? Are there different rules based on the country’s laws on religion or gay marriage?
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen! If you’re golfing or lounging or drinking or whatever before the wedding, use sunscreen. You don’t want the sunglasses or bikini straps showing in your pictures!
- Consider the Weather. If you’re getting married on the east coast, a sunset ceremony is probably not going to happen for you. And if it’s windy that day, you can’t force pictures by the beach.
Mikkel can be found pretty much everywhere online, including:
https://www.mikkelpaige.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mikkelpaige
https://www.instagram.com/mikkelpaige/
http://departmentofwandering.com/ (Blog Mikkel contributes to)
http://sometimeshome.com/ (Mikkel’s personal travel blog, which is fantastic!)
Check out the timeline of the blog and her wedding career:
Today’s episode is brought to you by Honeyfund. CEO Sara Margulis was on Episode 10 of Weddings for Real, and our listeners can get the Elite Package at Honeyfun for $19.99 by following this link -
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Shark Tank Winner Sara Margulis comes on the show to talk about her wedding to her Honeyfund partner Josh Margulis, how they came up with the business idea for Honeyfund, the company's big break of being on Martha Stewart Weddings, the Something Wonderful Platform, the new partnership with Target, millennials, and some amazing vacations and excursions that they've taken.
Below are Sara and Josh with Mr. Wonderful Kevin O'Leary, Sara's headshot, Sara and Josh, and then two pictures from their 2004 wedding.
On the show, Sara mentions their new partnership with airline disruptor Skyhour.
She also talks about using HomeExchange.com, which sounds like an incredible budget hack.
For another wedding podcast you might like, check out the Wedding Photo Hangover Podcast by Steven Van Elk and Dustin McKibben.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Honeyfund on Social Media:
- Twitter @honeyfund
- Facebook @honeyfund
- Instagram @honeyfund
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
- Twitter @weddingsforreal
- Facebook @weddingsforreal
- Instagram @weddingsforreal
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Katherine Miles Jones joins Megan to talk about her career start in New York City, how she started in the wedding photography business, an amazing and breathtaking engagement shoot at the Rockefeller Center (see image below), the biggest regret of her wedding, the community of vendors and developing friendships with her competition, how she makes clients feel comfortable, her love of photography, how she recharges her batteries, and some crazy wedding stories, including photo shoots with Abraham Lincoln the alpaca (see image below) and Nacho the Donkey.
Plus Katherine tells Megan what her favorite food is and the one movie that she has seen in theaters over the past three years.
Portrait of Katherine by Sarah Der Photography.
Alpaca and Rockefeller engagement images by Katherine Miles Jones. For more of Katherine's amazing images, check out her portfolio on her website.
This episode was not sponsored by Wandering Bear Coffee.
No alpacas were in Katherine's car during the recording.
For another wedding podcast you might like, check out the Wedding Photo Hangover Podcast by Steven Van Elk and Dustin McKibben.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
“It was a hobby that turned into an obsession that turned into a business.” That’s how Jared Plummer, the owner of Two Roosters Ice Cream, describes his start in the ice cream business. He was experimenting and developing crazy concoctions of ice cream flavors in his apartment and bringing them to dinner parties, and then one day he decided to follow his passion.
Over the past four years, Jared has exploded onto the Triangle food scene, initially with a food truck, then a stand at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and now a store for almost a year.
At the store, Jared has 10 Regular Flavors:
- Coffee Bourbon
- Double Fold Vanilla
- Classic Chocolate
- Girl Scout Mint
- Roasted Strawberry and Honey
- Sola Cinnamon Donut
- Non-Dairy Chocolate
- Blackberry Hibiscus
- Cookies and Cream
- Butterscotch Haystack
And each month, Jared comes up with new Guest Flavors, like this month Two Roosters has Tea-Inspired Ice Creams, and in the past he’s done Beer Inspired, Cereal Inspired, Coffee Inspired…he even did a Pizza Flavor!
On this episode, Jared talks to Megan about his start, the special meaning behind the name Two Roosters, how he grew from just the food truck, to adding the Durham Bulls stand, to adding the store, and what’s next for the business.
They also discussed his crazy opening of the store and why it’s best not to pull all-nighters, some of the guest flavors that may or may not have worked out and which flavors are the fan favorites, and his entry into the wedding market.
You can follow Two Roosters at:
- http://www.tworoosters.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/tworoosters/
- https://www.facebook.com/TwoRoostersIce/
- https://twitter.com/two_roosters
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
If you like podcasts about delicious food and the visionaries who come up with incredible dishes, check out the NC F&B Podcast on itunes or wherever you get your podcasts. Max and Matt are food and beverage veterans who have been podcasting for over a year, and their guests include Ashley Christensen, Vivian Howard and the brewers of Bond Brothers Beer Company.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
This quote, attributed to Maya Angelou, is how Ginny Corbett of Ginny Corbett Photography remembers what’s important on the wedding day. She wants to make sure that her clients are at ease and can take in the memorable moments, so when they look at a picture hanging on the wall from their wedding day, they remember exactly how they felt.
Ginny sat down with Megan to talk about her style, why you need an engagement session, what’s missing from weddings today, and how Ramona has helped her unlock the power of Instagram stories.
Her wedding photography brand is about being authentic, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from Ginny in this podcast.
She also tells two of the craziest wedding stories you’ll ever hear, one of which ends with an 8-year-old yelling at Ginny that she’s a homewrecker!
Here are some images of Ginny’s remarkable work. For more, check out her Portfolio.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Amanda Scott with A Swanky Affair sat down with Megan to go over the Top Ten wedding planning mistakes couples make. Both Megan and Amanda are wedding planners in the Triangle area and have seen just about every mistake possible. In going over them, they get to share some of their stories usually reserved for parties, from both the planning process and the wedding day.
The top ten wedding planning mistakes are:
- Planning outside your budget
- Booking the venue before hiring a planner
- Assuming a home wedding will be less expensive than a wedding in a venue
- Not having a rain plan
- Sending out save-the-dates too soon
- Using friends and family as vendors
- Planning for others
- Not hiring a videographer
- Not hiring a wedding planner
- Hiring vendors without due diligence
Then Megan grills Amanda with some personal questions in the lightning round, the hard hitting questions like what her guilty TV and fast food pleasures are and what celebrity quote book she reads from every day.
Episode 6 is brought to you by JustMensRings.com, the leader in affordable fashion and wedding rings. The rings on the website look amazing and are ridiculously inexpensive already - typically less than $50 for a ring you'd pay $500-$1000 for in a store. And if you use the promo code “real” at checkout, you’ll get an additional 15% off your purchase. So there’s no need to spend $1000 on a wedding band, just go to JustMensRings.com with promo code “real”. Excludes designer benchmark rings.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Phil McInnis from 21 Films Videography in Raleigh came on the show to talk about how he has built up his business from just Phil and his wife Jess to a team of 6 filmmakers and editors, what differentiates the 21 Films style of videography from other wedding videographers, what motivates Phil, how to work with other vendors, and of course we get into some crazy stories about people drinking a little too much and being on camera.
21 Films Team
Blair + Danny, The Merrimon-Wynne House from Twenty-One Films on Vimeo.
Jess + Mike, The Umstead from Twenty-One Films on Vimeo.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. We have launched The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Cydney English, owner of The English Garden, has been in the flower business for literally her entire life and runs a florist shop in Raleigh where about 60% of her business is weddings. She does over 120 weddings per year, and she employs 10-20 people at a time depending on the season. Actually, Cydney and her husband Warren are both third-generation florists.
On this episode, Cydney talks about her life growing up with her dad and grandma as florists, what it was like in the early days of starting her business, trends in the wedding industry, making your wedding personal to you, and what she thinks about competition.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. We have launched The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
Jenna Parks is the co-owner of Southern Bride and Groom Magazine of the Triangle. Jenna’s mom Donna started the magazine back in 1986, and Jenna came on board in 2010 to advance it into the digital age.
To have any sort of impact in the wedding magazine space – which features some huge names like Martha Stewart, Brides Magazine, Grace Ormonde, Premier Bride, Wedding Style, The Knot, Bridal Guide, and Inside Weddings – a smaller magazine needs to know their local market extremely well.
That’s exactly what Southern Bride and Groom has done over the past 30+ years. They don’t just write articles about what’s trending or what the color of the year is or what celebrity wore what dress to a wedding. They get to know their local vendors so they can recommend to Raleigh area couples what the best venues are, who the legitimate wedding planners are, what linen companies are reputable, etc. They develop that trust with couples and vendors alike, and they become entrenched in the market so couples know when flipping through the magazine, that if they use these vendors, they can be comfortable with who they hired.
Jenna came on the show to talk about how her mom started the company and how she came on to take it to the next level, instagram etiquette, and marketing strategy for wedding vendors – where should you as a vendor spend not only your money but your time as well.
Southern Bride and Groom Magazine 2018
Southern Bride and Groom Magazine 1996
Jenna's Blog Post about the reliability of reviews.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. We have launched The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
This episode is with the one and only Joe Bunn from Bunn DJ Company of Raleigh. Joe has been DJing for over 30 years and has built his business up so he now has 15 DJs working with him in Raleigh, plus three other divisions, in Charlotte, Charleston, and Richmond, with multiple DJs at each of those locations The company has over 1,100 5-star reviews on Wedding Wire.
And Joe just keeps grinding and advancing his career. He now runs a PhDJ workshop where he coaches DJs from all over the country, he’s always traveling for a speaking gig, and he’s hosted a weekly podcast now for over a year.
So on the show, Megan talks to Joe about his hiring process, guys that have worked out for him and some that haven’t, what it takes to run a multi-DJ business, some of the crazy stories he has from over the years, who he got star-struck by at a recent wedding, and why you need to work with professional vendors.
Joe Bunn with Taylor and Marcus Paige (UNC basketball legend)
Dallas Cowboys return man Ryan Switzer and Joe Bunn
Bears Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at Ryan Switzer's Wedding
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. We have launched The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.
In the first episode (!) of Weddings for Real, Megan sits down with fellow planner Grace Beason to talk about her career start at The Knot, planning her first weddings with her mentor Marcy Blum, how weddings have evolved over the years, how anyone can say they're a planner with an Instagram account, being a mom while running a business, same sex weddings, advice for breaking into the wedding industry, personalities she wants to work with (assistants, couples, and vendors), and how weddings might not be quite as glamorous as everyone thinks.
Grace has some incredible stories throughout, and you'll see why she was voted "Most Likely to Host a Talk Show" in high school.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEGAN. We have launched The Planner’s Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there will be guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. My mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul. For more information, head on over to ThePlannersVault.com.
Music for this episode by https://www.bensound.com.
The host of the show is Megan Gillikin, owner and lead consultant at A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning. She's also available for wedding and hospitality business consulting and can be reached at megan@weddingsforreal.com.
Weddings for Real is edited and produced by Jason Gillikin for Earfluence.