When you're not getting consistent planner referrals yet, your next best (and most overlooked) opportunity is right beside you: the photographer. In this episode, Rich Lander of Chard Photo shares exactly what makes him refer one filmmaker over another—and how wedding videographers can stand out through service, communication, and collaboration. ✅ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why photographers can be a major referral source ✅ What photo teams value in video collaborators ✅ How to build trust and avoid f...
Mar 21, 2023•39 min•Ep. 99
How do you create a recognizable style that gets you booked? In this episode, Molly Williams of Love Story Films shares how she developed a distinct cinematic brand that attracts loyal clients and stands out in a crowded market. Whether you're defining your look or refining your voice, this episode is packed with actionable insight. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to discover and refine your signature style ✅ The role of consistency in creative branding ✅ Why your style shapes your referrals an...
Mar 14, 2023•45 min•Ep. 98
As you grow into higher-end weddings, your ability to communicate with planners becomes just as important as your filmmaking or photography. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley break down the key shifts wedding creatives need to make to build trust, stay professional, and become planner favorites. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How communication changes when planners are involved ✅ Common mistakes to avoid when working with planners ✅ How to be a respectful, proactive creative partner ✅ When it's a...
Mar 07, 2023•26 min•Ep. 97
In a world of moody tones and cinematic trailers, Kyle Smith took a different path—and it paid off. In this episode, Kelley and Taylor chat with the founder of 87 & Smith about embracing authenticity, breaking the mold of traditional luxury branding, and building a standout wedding filmmaking business that’s both personal and profitable. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to craft a wedding film brand that reflects YOU ✅ Why luxury clients are drawn to originality ✅ How to define your voice an...
Feb 28, 2023•35 min•Ep. 96
Want to know how to become a wedding planner’s go-to filmmaker or photographer? In this episode, Kelley and Taylor chat with Sam Eng of Sam Eng Films about exactly how he built strong planner relationships that now fuel his luxury bookings. From the way you show up on the wedding day to how you deliver galleries, every detail matters. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What wedding planners really value in a creative partner ✅ How to build long-term relationships with luxury planners ✅ What to do on t...
Feb 22, 2023•42 min•Ep. 95
If you're ready to attract higher-end clients, editorial work might be your secret weapon. In this episode, Taylor and Kelley sit down with Andrew Aziz of Aziz Studios to explore how styled shoots can shape your brand, build your network, and open doors to luxury bookings. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How editorials help elevate your portfolio ✅ What separates styled shoots from real weddings ✅ Ways to make your editorials marketable and strategic ✅ Tips for getting planner buy-in and publicatio...
Feb 14, 2023•32 min•Ep. 94
Think the luxury wedding world isn’t for you? Think again. In this short but powerful episode, Kelley and Taylor break down the most common fears that hold wedding photographers and filmmakers back from stepping into the high-end space. Whether it’s fear of not being “luxury enough” or misunderstanding what clients actually want—this episode will help you shift your mindset and take the next step. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Common myths about the luxury wedding space ✅ What luxury clients trul...
Feb 07, 2023•19 min•Ep. 93
If you’re feeling burned out, overbooked, or attracting the wrong clients—it might be time to raise your prices. In this empowering episode, Taylor and Kelley walk you through the signs it’s time to raise your rates, the mindset required to do it confidently, and practical tips to transition without losing momentum. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Key signs it’s time to increase your prices ✅ Why pricing isn’t just about deliverables ✅ Mindset shifts to overcome pricing fear ✅ How to communicate ne...
Jan 31, 2023•44 min•Ep. 92
Your brand isn’t just your logo—it’s how you live, work, and show up. In this powerful episode, luxury wedding planner Andrea Eppolito shares how to align every aspect of your business with your brand promise. Whether you're a filmmaker or photographer aiming to break into luxury, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with intention and consistency. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to live your brand on and off social media ✅ Why emotional experience matters more than aesthetic ✅ H...
Jan 24, 2023•59 min•Ep. 91
Times are changing, friends. As we embark on a new year and a new wedding season, I can't help but feel like we are ushering in a new era in the wedding industry. What worked 5 years ago won't work now, and what was HUGE in 2022 is suddenly on the "out" list. Join in on this fun, lighthearted conversation about Kelley + Taylor's "In / Out List" for 2023 in the wedding filmmaking world. Connect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @thelevelupco Instagram: @taylorpetrinovich Instagr...
Jan 17, 2023•37 min•Ep. 90
The luxury market is anything but boring. If you've been hesitant to take the leap into the luxury market as a wedding creative because you're afraid it's all white flowers and well-mannered guests, then I have good news for you. Luxury can look a lot of different ways, and can sometimes come with an unexpected twist. Connect with Osiris & Michele: modernlovemiami.com @modernloveproductions Modern Love Productions is the wedding videography company of wife and wife team Osiris and Michele Ha...
Jan 03, 2023•42 min•Ep. 89
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there are always things to learn that will improve your work quality, overall business, or both. Joining me today in conversation about this topic of pursuing knowledge and always learning is guest Calen Rhome of White In Revery. Get on the waitlist for Venture Workshop for $100 off using the code LEVELUP: https://ventureworkshop.co/ @ventureworkshop About White In Revery From Italy to Iceland, White In Revery has traveled the world over in order to c...
Aug 12, 2022•37 min•Ep. 88
The wedding industry is an endless sea of possibility. So where, exactly, do you want to fit in? Instead of following the crowd, feel empowered to pave your own way as a wedding creative with Harrison Films. Together, Deanna and Grant are Harrison Films: a husband and wife destination wedding filmmaking team, based in Washington, DC. With formal education in film production combined with over a decade of experience in their field, Deanna and Grant have developed a distinguished style that has le...
Aug 09, 2022•34 min•Ep. 87
Wonder what you can accomplish in just 2 years? If you're anything like today's guest Julia Kentner, a whole lot. She has pushed the boundaries of her own wedding film business since 2020, and has really spring boarded to success through intentional strategy. Julia Kentner is a destination wedding cinematographer based out of St. Louis, Missouri. She began capturing weddings in 2020 and went full time in her business one year later in August 2021. Born and raised in Germany, traveling throughout...
Aug 02, 2022•42 min•Ep. 86
An honest look at business and life in 2022 with Taylor Petrinovich Instagram: @taylorpetrinovich Episode Sponsors: The Artist's Lawyer - Use code LEVELUP for 15% off contract templates Illume LUTS - Use code LEVELUP for 15% off LUTs Tonic Site Shop - Use code LEVELUP15 for 15% off Website Templates Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @taylorpetrinovich Instagram: @thelevelupco www.TheLevelUpCo.com The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in October 2025! We are thrilled...
Jul 26, 2022•30 min•Ep. 85
The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in October 2025! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 12 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind 📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway. The Level Up Co. Resources: - Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle - Elevated Client Experience...
Jun 08, 2022•44 min•Ep. 84
As a wedding videographer or wedding photographer, sometimes it can be challenging to let go of tasks within your business, and that's especially true with editing. Miguel Garcia shares what freeing up editing time has allowed him to do (professionally and personally), as well as what to look for in an editor. Episode Sponsors: The Artist's Lawyer - Use code LEVELUP for 15% off contract templates Illume LUTS - Use code LEVELUP for 15% off LUTs Tonic Site Shop - Use code LEVELUP15 for 15% off Web...
Jun 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 83
As a soloprenuer, the wedding industry can be a lonely place. That's why finding a group of vendors who align with you in terms of style, business, and personality is crucial to building a sustainable business. It's just more fun that way. Today's episode is with Wendy Kay of Birds of a Feather Events. Connect with Wendy: Instagram: @birdsofafeatherevents Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @taylorpetrinovich Instagram: @thelevelupco www.TheLevelUpCo.com The next round of The Luxu...
May 30, 2022•36 min•Ep. 82
We all know that Instagram is an incredible marketing tool for us in the wedding industry. It can be challenging enough to decide what to post, and many of us tend to neglect one very important piece of the Instagram puzzle: the caption. As wedding photographers, wedding videographers, and wedding planners, Instagram's main purpose is to connect with our ideal clients & other vendors within the industry. The captions of our posts is where most of that connection happens. Don't sleep on the c...
May 11, 2022•50 min•Ep. 81
Whether you're a wedding photographer or wedding videographer who wants to go full time, make six figures, or shoot a celebrity wedding, you probably have a pretty big goal for your business. When it comes to going after your goals, it's paramount to create a roadmap on how you plan to achieve those goals. The old saying "Failing to plan is planning to fail," holds a lot of weight, especially in the wedding industry. Today's conversation with Sean Thomas Photography focuses on this very sentimen...
Apr 26, 2022•43 min•Ep. 80
It's true that your brand can make or break you. That's why taking the time to make sure your brand is targeted & cohesive is vital. My guest today is Ida Winstead. Read more about Ida and her company below. Ida Winstead is the owner of Hygge Design Co, a brand and Showit website design company serving creative entrepreneurs and the host of The Hygge Hour Podcast. After moving to the US from Norway and finding that American corporate life was not for her, she’s made it her mission to help ot...
Apr 14, 2022•28 min•Ep. 79
One question most creatives forget to ask themselves, but has a HUGE impact on their overall success, consists of a single word: why. Today, I'm chatting with Elevate Mastermind Alumni Kevin Cochran of 718 Creative about his rapid business growth, and how asking himself "why?" has played a huge role in his overall success. Connect with Kevin & 718 Creative: 718creative.com Instagram: @718.creative Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @thelevelupco www.TheLevelUpCo.com The next ...
Apr 06, 2022•36 min•Ep. 78
Instagram has been pushing their Reels feature heavily over the last 6-12 months. If you haven't hopped on the bandwagon yet, it's not too late! Join in on the conversation with Alesia Films on how to best leverage reels to grow your business, and your revenue. About Alesia: Alesia is a destination wedding and elopement videographer based in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in engaging wedding films for non-traditional couples who want their story told through a fun, music driven video to share...
Mar 22, 2022•40 min•Ep. 77
Erica is the Lead Planner and Designer of Erica Estrada Design, a Full Service Wedding Planning and Design company. Although based in Northern California, Erica travels wherever her clients take her. She has been named Top Planner and Designer by both BRIDES and Martha Stewart. Connect with Erica: ericaestradadesign.com Instagram: @ericaestradadesign Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @thelevelupco www.TheLevelUpCo.com Join the *Free Facebook Community * - As wedding professional...
Mar 15, 2022•39 min•Ep. 76
When it comes to building a wedding business that stands the test of time, there are several key things to consider. In today's episode, Taylor sits down with Kevin Dennis, a wedding industry veteran, to discuss what has kept his business alive and well for the past few decades. Points discussed in this episode include: How to step back and look at the bigger picture of your business's trajectory, whether as a new event pro or a professional with experience under your belt Best practices for set...
Jul 01, 2021•40 min•Ep. 74
It's no secret that success doesn't happen accidentally. Achieving your dreams takes big, purposeful action on a regular basis. And this philosophy, paired with a strong work ethic, is what gave today's guest, Peyton Frank, the edge in her career that yielded huge results. Join the *Free Facebook Community * - As wedding professionals, we are often running our businesses while flying solo. But you don't need to go it alone. Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @thelevelupco www.The...
Jun 22, 2021•29 min•Ep. 73
Marketing is a crucial part of business, and that statement also applies to us in the wedding industry. But how can you tell if your marketing strategy is even working? Christie Osborne joins Taylor on the podcast today to chat about : Sales and marketing funnels: what are they and how can a business owner get started in structuring their own funnel? How can business owners determine the best channels to reach their target market? What is at risk when skipping the evaluation stage of one’s adver...
Jun 15, 2021•49 min•Ep. 72
What could possibly go wrong on a wedding day for the vendors involved? Apparently there's quite a list! This lighthearted episode about wedding horror stories is a compilation of previous guests on the podcast sharing their stories of what went wrong on a wedding day. Join the *Free Facebook Community * - As wedding professionals, we are often running our businesses while flying solo. But you don't need to go it alone. Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @thelevelupco www.TheLeve...
Jun 08, 2021•16 min•Ep. 71
What is a publication, and why should you care if your work is featured? Today I'm chatting with Jainé Kershner all about the ins and outs of being published as a wedding creative. Connect with Jainé : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jainekershner/ Website: https://www.jainekershner.com/ Podcast: https://www.teawithjaine.com/ Join the *Free Facebook Community * - As wedding professionals, we are often running our businesses while flying solo. But you don't need to go it alone. Connect with ...
May 13, 2021•41 min•Ep. 70
As wedding industry pro's, client experience makes up a huge portion of our jobs. Yes, we are technically hired to deliver the film, photos, or the floral design, but taking care of our clients by going above and beyond is what creates a standout brand. Join the *Free Facebook Community * - As wedding professionals, we are often running our businesses while flying solo. But you don't need to go it alone. Connect with Taylor + The Level Up Co.: Instagram: @thelevelupco www.TheLevelUpCo.com The ne...
Apr 30, 2021•16 min•Ep. 69
