Podcast
The Business of Luxury Weddings
Hosted by James × Schulze · EN
The only podcast designed to help driven wedding professionals elevate your wedding business, travel to amazing locations, and double your revenue even if you don't think this is possible…yet.
Each week we talk to luxury wedding pros who have broken through & built a high-net-worth clientele. Together we share the strategies, success tips, and roadmap to follow. So you can build a lifestyle filled with powerful experiences, inspiring relationships, and long-lasting connections.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Shelby Wax: Inside the Mind of a Wedding Editor - Taste, Timing, and the Stories That Actually Get Published
Apr 2701:01:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James sits down with writer and contributing editor Shelby Wax for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how wedding editorial really works—and what it actually takes to get published. Shelby shares how her path through Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and now freelance work shaped her perspective on storytelling, curation, and taste. Together, they unpack what most photographers and planners misunderstand about editorial, why "beautiful" isn't always enough, and how timing, brand alignment, and narrative all play a role in what gets selected. They also dive into the realities behind submissions—why great weddings get passed on, how SEO and internal goals shape decisions, and what editors are really looking for when they open a gallery. If you've ever felt confused or frustrated by the editorial process—or wondered how to get your work published—this conversation will reframe it completely and give you a clearer path forward.
Transcribe →Kiran + Leigh: On Taste, Trust & Never Doing the Same Wedding Twice
Feb 2500:47:30Tap to summarizeSome planners execute a vision. Natalie Kiran Laskowski and Chelsea Leigh Wenner of Kiran + Leigh are the vision. In this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings, the co-founders of one of the most quietly compelling destination wedding studios in the country sit down with hosts James Christianson and Otto to talk about what it actually takes to build something with taste — and keep it that way. How they left a firm, launched a brand during a pandemic, and decided early on that they would never compromise on quality, creativity, or each other. They talk vendor relationships, editorial design, the guest experience as the true measure of luxury, and the kind of partnership that only works when the friendship comes first. No formulas. No repeats. Just two women who built exactly what they set out to build.
Transcribe →Samkoma: How to Build a Brand People, Feel, Follow and Never Forget
Jan 2800:53:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with the creative minds behind Samkoma—a collective that's redefining what it means to build a brand in the luxury event world. From their roots in nightlife and cultural production to curating experiences for global fashion houses and elite weddings, Samkoma brings an entirely different energy to the table. Josiah and Otto open up about the intentionality behind every decision—the lighting, the sound, the scent, the pacing—and how those details create more than a mood… they create memory. You'll hear what makes a brand feel unforgettable, why culture is your most valuable currency, and how collaboration is the new competitive edge. If you're a creative, planner, or brand-builder looking to stand out without selling out, this conversation will challenge the way you think about value, vision, and what it takes to move people—not just impress them.
Transcribe →Kimberley Curtin: The Quiet Power of Trust, Timing, and Unshakable Calm
Jan 800:59:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with Kimberley Curtin, Senior Event Producer at JZ Events, for a rare and generous conversation about what it really takes to operate at the highest level of luxury event planning. As the right hand to Jennifer Zabinski—one of the most sought-after planners in the world—Kimberley brings an extraordinary combination of calm precision, deep intuition, and flawless execution to every wedding she touches. They talk about the quiet power of being a number two, how to lead from behind without needing credit, and why trust is the most valuable currency in this business. From 4 a.m. vendor calls to anticipating needs before they're spoken, Kimberley shares the mindset that allows her to show up with confidence, excellence, and ease—no matter the pressure. If you've ever wondered what true behind-the-scenes leadership looks like in this industry, this one's a masterclass.
Transcribe →Kayley Watson: The Art of Connection, Culture, and Celebrations at Belmond
Dec 1600:44:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with Kayley Watson—Account Director of Celebrations at Belmond—for a journey through the soul of luxury hospitality. With her signature blend of warmth, wit, and unshakable professionalism, Kayley pulls back the curtain on what truly sets Belmond apart: curated experiences rooted in place, culture, and human connection. From designing unforgettable moments across Belmond's legendary global portfolio to nurturing the kind of planner partnerships that last a lifetime, Kayley shares what it means to lead with generosity, curiosity, and joy. This isn't a conversation about logistics—it's about legacy. It's about turning every celebration into a love letter to a destination. If you're a planner, creative, or hotelier who believes in the magic of service done well, this episode will leave you inspired (and probably craving an Italian rail journey).
Transcribe →Amrit Dhillon-Bains: On Belonging, Boundaries, and Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be
Nov 1400:54:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with Amrit Dhillon-Bains—founder of Anais Events—for a conversation that goes beyond weddings and deep into identity, resilience, and leadership. Known for her powerful presence and soulfully intentional celebrations, Amrit shares what it's meant to build a globally recognized brand while holding true to her values. From navigating cultural expectations to setting healthy boundaries in a demanding industry, she reflects on how her own journey has shaped the way she leads, serves clients, and shows up in her work. She also talks candidly about the pressure of representation—what it's like to lead with excellence while carrying the weight of being "the first" or "the only." And why, in her words, belonging isn't something you find—it's something you build. If you've ever wrestled with identity, struggled to set boundaries, or wondered if you're allowed to do things differently—this episode is a quiet permission slip to trust yourself.
Transcribe →Emily Coyne: The Power of Clear Standards, Quiet Confidence, and Luxury that Feels Personal
Sep 2900:55:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with Emily Coyne—creative director, founder, and force behind Emily Coyne Events—for a masterclass in elegance, leadership, and intentionality. Known for her elevated simplicity and seamless execution, Emily shares how her team creates weddings that feel effortless, emotionally resonant, and deeply personal—without sacrificing operational precision. From her background in finance to building a high-performing team grounded in trust and clarity, she unpacks the systems, rituals, and values that drive her world-class client experience. She also opens up about the quieter side of leadership—why presence is more powerful than performance, and how grace under pressure builds more than events; it builds reputation. And in one of the episode's most personal moments, James, Otto and Emily reflect on a real-life rupture in their working relationship—what went wrong, how it almost cost them future projects, and what it looked like to repair trust with honesty, humility, and a phone call. It's an episode full of depth—for anyone who values integrity, growth, and beauty.
Transcribe →Julian Leaver: Why Good Taste Isn't Enough—It's How You Make People Feel
Jul 2200:57:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with Julian Leaver, the celebrated event planner of Julian Leaver Events, former hotelier, and master of gracious hosting, for a conversation that redefines what luxury really means. Julian shares why beautiful design is only the beginning—and how emotional intelligence, anticipation, and warmth create the kind of experiences that guests never forget. With roots in Southern hospitality and a sharp understanding of client psychology, Julian unpacks how he makes people feel cared for at every turn—without ego, noise, or theatrics. He talks about navigating the luxury market as a man in a traditionally female-led industry, the leadership lessons learned from hospitality giants, and how confidence and kindness can (and should) coexist at the highest level. If you've ever wondered how to build a brand that feels as good as it looks—or how to lead without overpowering—this episode is your guide to thoughtful luxury and modern creative leadership.
Transcribe →In the Margins: Strength Doesn't Need to Be Loud — with Michelle Rago
Jul 200:09:57Tap to summarizeIn this In the Margins episode, we step into a quiet but powerful moment with Michelle Rago, one of the most respected voices in luxury event production. Michelle opens up about how her childhood shaped her ability to stay grounded under pressure—and how that emotional clarity has become a cornerstone of her leadership. She shares why she no longer feels the need to prove herself, what she looks for in creative collaborators, and how true confidence often arrives quietly, without the need for noise or performance. This conversation is a reminder that you don't have to be the loudest in the room to be the most trusted, and that calm, kindness, and presence are still the most underrated superpowers in business. If you've ever felt like you had to work harder to be taken seriously—or questioned your place in high-stakes creative spaces—this episode will meet you right where you are. Guest Bio: Michelle Rago is the founder of Michelle Rago Destinations, a global event production firm known for curating unforgettable destination weddings and celebrations around the world. Her greatest strength lies in her ability to interpret her clients' desires and translate them into events that are both meticulously planned and effortlessly beautiful. With years of hands-on experience, a refined eye for design, and a mastery of logistics, Michelle has built a reputation for navigating complex destination productions with grace and precision. What truly sets her apart is her curiosity—about people, about place, and about how aesthetics, culture, and hospitality come together to shape meaningful experiences. It's this lens that makes her work not just admired, but remembered. From private estates to faraway coastlines, Michelle creates moments that are intentional, elegant, and deeply rooted in connection.
Transcribe →Beth Helmstetter: Designing With Heart—Luxury Hospitality as a Love Language
Jun 1600:47:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode, James and Otto sit down with renowned planner and designer, Beth Helmstetter, for a masterclass in emotionally intelligent event design. Known for her deeply intentional, soulfully refined approach to luxury weddings, Beth shares how she's built a brand rooted not just in aesthetics—but in hospitality, heart, and human connection. From working with ultra-high-net-worth clients to managing teams across multiple ventures (including her gifting company and boutique hotel), Beth reveals how she brings a sense of calm leadership to every space she enters. She shares her philosophy on true hospitality, why emotional safety matters more than wow-factor, and how planners can lead with softness while still commanding respect. Beth also discusses The Good Beginning, her charitable registry platform that invites couples to start their marriage with generosity and intention. If you're a wedding planner, designer, or creative searching for more meaning in your work, this episode is an invitation to rethink what luxury really means—and how to infuse it with presence, purpose, and care.
Transcribe →