Podcast
90 Minute Cocktail Hour
Hosted by Michael Guccione · EN
My name is Michael Louis and I've helped document hundreds of weddings. I've been working in the industry for over 10 years and I've met some amazing people! In this podcast, I'm sitting down with all the wedding industry professionals I've met over the years to have a conversation. I'll be talking with photographers, videographers, planners, and other vendors about their journey to the wedding industry...and we'll take some detours along the way.
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I want to hear and share YOUR STORY.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
90 Minute Cocktail Hour 017 - Events by Emily
Mar 3001:34:00Tap to summarizeJoin us for a candid conversation with Emily, a passionate wedding planner and coordinator. Discover her journey from dental hygiene to the dynamic world of wedding planning, and gain insights into creating memorable, stress-free celebrations.In this episode, you’ll learn about:Emily's transition from dental hygienist to professional wedding plannerThe nuances between full planning, partial planning, and day-of coordinationHow she collaborates with vendors and manages wedding timelines seamlesslyThe importance of making intentional wedding decisions that reflect a couple's personalityHer favorite moments during weddings and how she crafts emotional, meaningful experiencesChallenges of planning during unpredictable weather and how to adaptThe significance of honoring family relationships amidst wedding day stressBuilding a trusted team and long-term vision for her businessThe role of spontaneity and flexibility in executing perfect weddingsBalancing parental life and a creative career, and future goals within the industryTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Emily and her journey into wedding planning 02:00 - Emily’s background and the leap from dental hygiene to events 04:30 - The different levels of planning services explained 07:15 - Managing wedding day timelines and vendor coordination best practices 10:00 - The importance of intentional wedding decisions and personalized touches 13:00 - Favorite wedding moments, from emotional first looks to candid family moments 16:30 - How to handle weather surprises and stay agile on the wedding day 19:30 - Building a business and long-term growth plans 22:30 - The emotional and therapeutic role of wedding planning in families 27:00 - Balancing family life with the demands of a wedding career 32:00 - The creative outlet: Florals, styled shoots, and personal passions 37:00 - Overcoming fears and challenges of starting a business 42:00 - The significance of community, trust, and making lasting memories 45:30 - Final thoughts on gratitude, adaptability, and future aspirationsResources & Links:Poppy Rosy - Floral DesignEmily's Business WebsiteInstagramFacebookSpecial Notes: Emily reflects on the emotional depth of weddings, leveraging her nurturing personality to comfort couples and families. She emphasizes the importance of making intentional choices, embracing flexibility, and cherishing the meaningful moments that make each wedding unique. From managing spring weather surprises to fostering community, Emily’s insights are invaluable for any wedding professional or couple planning their dream day.
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 016 - Alexa Lynn Photography
Mar 901:24:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Alexa Lynn shares her inspiring journey from a media arts student to a successful wedding photographer and business owner. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing her creative career with motherhood, offering insights into the evolving trends in wedding photography and the importance of community and collaboration. Alexa also touches on the impact of social media, the significance of early work experiences, and her aspirations for future growth. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal development.https://alexalynnphoto.com
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 015 - Kelly Czupkiewicz of Kelly Sea Images
Feb 2301:33:32Tap to summarizeIn this engaging conversation, Michael Guccione interviews Kelly Chupkowitz, a seasoned wedding photographer with 15 years of experience. They discuss Kelly's unexpected journey from aspiring defense attorney to a successful photography career, highlighting the importance of early experiences, supportive clients, and the art of problem-solving in wedding photography. Kelly shares insights on how her background in customer service has shaped her approach to photography, emphasizing the significance of making clients feel comfortable and the joy of capturing their special moments. In this engaging conversation, Kelly and Michael delve into the intricacies of wedding photography, discussing the balance between capturing beautiful moments and ensuring client comfort. They explore the journey from part-time to full-time photography, emphasizing the importance of experience and volume in skill development. The discussion also touches on the competitive nature of the photography industry, future plans, and the potential transition from wedding photography to other ventures, including education and personal passions.www.kellyseaimages.comLink to Kelly's Episode on the Kaitlyn James Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-life-differently/id1506821200?i=1000648345248
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 014 - Greg Lorenzo
Feb 901:29:05Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Michael Guccione and Gregory Lorenzo discuss the journey of entrepreneurship in the wedding industry, exploring themes of creative freedom, operational challenges, and the balance between creativity and consistency. Gregory shares his experiences from childhood, college, and early career, leading to his successful ventures in wedding photography and videography. They delve into the importance of building confidence, trying new techniques, and the realities of running a business while managing personal life and family. In this conversation, Michael Guccione and Gregory Lorenzo explore the balance between creativity and backend processes in their work, the challenges of managing family responsibilities alongside professional aspirations, and the importance of finding purpose in their creative endeavors. They discuss their long-term visions for their businesses, the search for fulfillment beyond work, and the significance of reconnecting with their inner child. The conversation delves into the paradox of success and contentment, emphasizing the need for purpose in life and the importance of questioning one's journey.Check out Greg at: https://www.lorenzomediaproductions.com
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 013 - Sasha of Smooth Sailing Weddings
Dec 2901:39:49Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Michael Guccione and Sasha discuss her journey from working on cruise ships to becoming a wedding planner in the Outer Banks. They explore the challenges and joys of wedding planning, the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations, and how COVID-19 served as a catalyst for many in the industry. Sasha shares insights on building relationships with clients and the significance of sensitivity and empathy in her work. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of destination weddings and the unique experiences that come with planning them. In this conversation, Sasha and Michael discuss the intricacies of wedding planning, emphasizing the importance of connecting with couples, the role of approachability on the wedding day, and the necessity of collaboration among vendors. They explore the challenges faced during weddings, the growth that comes from experience, and Sasha's aspirations for expanding her business while managing stress and maintaining gratitude for their work in the wedding industry.www.smoothsailingweddings.com
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 012 - Chris Santos of Sacred Crown Studios
Dec 2201:28:32Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Michael Guccione and Christopher Santos discuss the evolution of Christopher's career from a freelancer to the owner of Sacred Crown Studios, a videography and photography business. They explore themes of collaboration, the impact of personal loss on creativity, the importance of preserving memories, and the balance between work and family life. Christopher shares his aspirations for the future of his business, including expanding into digital marketing and hiring a team to alleviate the workload, allowing him to spend more time with his family.www.scaredcrownstudios.com
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 011 - Liza Fonarev of Big Day BTS
Nov 601:32:27Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode of the 90 Minute Cocktail Hour, host Mike Guccione welcomes Liza Fonarev from Big Day BTS, a wedding content creation business. They discuss Liza's journey into the wedding industry, her experiences working alongside photographers, and the importance of collaboration. Liza shares insights on capturing unseen moments during weddings, the transition to becoming a business owner, and the challenges of marketing oneself. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of content creation in the wedding industry and the significance of authenticity and humor in storytelling. In this engaging conversation, Liza and Michael explore various themes surrounding the wedding industry, including the role of astrology in personal insights, the importance of understanding client needs, and the revival of passion for vendor collaboration. They discuss the significance of authentic connections in their work, the challenges of time management, and the emotional toll of wedding weekends. The duo also emphasizes the need for individuality in wedding planning, breaking away from traditional norms, and the pursuit of creative inspiration. As they reflect on their future aspirations, they highlight the importance of self-care and the balance between creativity and business.
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 010 - Stephanie + Justin Herrera of Tone Media
Oct 601:21:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the 90 Minute Cocktail Hour, host Mike Guccione welcomes Justin and Stephanie from Tone Media, a wedding videography business. They discuss their journey from early career paths to discovering their passion for videography, the challenges of working together as a couple, and navigating family life with young children. The conversation also touches on the importance of client experience, capturing authentic moments in weddings, and their aspirations for future growth in their business. They reflect on generational differences in the wedding industry and the evolving nature of their work as they adapt to changing family dynamics and client expectations.Check out Tone Media
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 009 - Jill Sahner
Sep 2201:34:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the 90 Minute Cocktail Hour, host Michael Guccione welcomes wedding photographer Jill Sahner. They discuss Jill's journey into photography, starting from her childhood passion for drawing and animals to her first experiences with a camera. Jill shares her transition from a full-time marketing job to pursuing photography full-time, the challenges she faced, and how the pandemic influenced her career. The conversation delves into the importance of finding one's unique style, the dynamics of working with clients, and the balance between confidence and anxiety in the wedding photography industry. In this conversation, Michael Guccione and Jill Sahner delve into the nuances of candid photography, the balance between directing and allowing moments to unfold naturally, and the importance of building connections with clients. They discuss the challenges of the photography industry, the significance of personal branding, and the evolving landscape of social media. The conversation also touches on the uncertainty of future directions in their careers and the shared experiences of navigating the pressures of the profession.Check out Jill Sahner at : https://www.jillsahner.com/home/
Transcribe →90 Minute Cocktail Hour 008 - Jose Santiago of Delia Studios
Jun 601:39:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the 90 Minute Cocktail Hour, host Michael Guccione interviews videographer Jose Santiago, exploring his journey from a music career to wedding videography. They discuss cultural identity, the impact of job loss, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives creativity and personal growth. Jose shares insights into his early experiences in music, the transition to videography, and the challenges and successes he faced along the way. In this conversation, Jose and Michael discuss the journey of becoming successful wedding videographers, emphasizing the importance of transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning. They share personal experiences that highlight the significance of teamwork, customer service, and the need to leave ego at the door. The discussion also touches on the complexities of working in the wedding industry, where effective communication and adaptability are crucial for creating a positive experience for couples. In this conversation, Michael Guccione and Jose discuss the intricate balance between capturing beautiful wedding moments and ensuring a seamless experience for couples. They explore the evolving role of social media in videography, the critical importance of storytelling in video production, and the high stakes involved in wedding photography. They emphasize the value of experience in navigating the unpredictable nature of wedding days and how professionals adapt to ensure they capture the essence of each couple's unique story.
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