Tag: luxury weddings

  • Shelby Wax: Inside the Mind of a Wedding Editor – Taste, Timing, and the Stories That Actually Get Published

    James

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    In this epidsode In this episode, James sits down with writer and contributing editor Shelby Wax for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how editorial decisions are really made—and why so many beautiful weddings never get featured. What actually makes a wedding publishable? Shelby shares her journey from interning at Martha Stewart Weddings to working Listen…

  • Kayley Watson: The Art of Connection, Culture, and Celebrations at Belmond

    James

    ,

    In this epidsode James and Otto sit down with Kayley Watson, Account Director of Celebrations at Belmond, to explore what makes the world’s most iconic destinations feel so personal, so storied, and so unforgettable. Kayley shares how Belmond’s approach to hospitality goes far beyond five-star service—it’s rooted in culture, connection, and emotional storytelling. Listen on…

  • Chris Jespersen — Big Swings, Bold Moves & The Hidden Cost of Playing Small

    James

    In this episode hosts James and Otto sit down with filmmaker and founder of Storybox Cinema, Chris Jespersen, to talk about what most people never say out loud: the risks, identity shifts, and emotional cost behind building something great. Chris opens up about the wild early moments of his career (including flying to Mexico for…

  • Dawson Mitchell — From Fired to Thriving – What It Takes to Become Undeniable

    James

    In this episode in our second installment in a special series on incredible number twos—James and Otto sit down with Dawson Haynes, Director of Operations at the world-renowned Easton Events, to unpack what it really takes to thrive inside a brand known for precision, polish, and excellence. What does it look like to grow inside…

  • Bryan Rafanelli — From Frat Parties to the White House—How Connection Built an Iconic Brand

    James

    In this episode hosts James and Otto sit down with one of the most sought-after event designers in the world—Bryan Rafanelli, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rafanelli Events. From orchestrating White House state dinners and Chelsea Clinton’s wedding to producing multi-day luxury weddings around the world, Bryan shares Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on…

  • Melissa Sullivan – Studio Sully

    James

    ,

    In this episode James and Otto are joined by Melissa Sullivan, the owner and founder of Studio Sully, a design and production firm focused on events that is located in Los Angeles and New York. Melissa had years of professional experience in the wedding and event industry with top designers, and after the tail end…

  • The Fourniers

    James

    In this episode James and Otto are joined by Joshua, half of the incredible fine art wedding photographer duo The Fourniers. To begin, Josh shares that he comes from a background in medicine, with a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He recounts how his venture into wedding…

  • Rosemary Events

    James

    In this episode On today’s episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events. Rosemary plans weddings and social events, but first got her start in the film industry as a line producer. She worked with A list film directors on commercial work with US television and abroad. Listen on Apple…

  • Diwan by Design

    jenniferleigh

    In this episode James and Otto are joined by Sneh Diwan of Diwan by Design. Sneh shares her background, beginning with her education in fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned a degree in design and merchandising. Sneh draws a unique connection between her love for watches and her role in wedding…