Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Wedding Planner, and Certified Educator Emma Cockerham teams up with CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas, to transform how you approach religious ceremonies. This eye‑opening conversation with Emma, reveals why wedding planners must move beyond the dangerous habit of generalizing religious traditions. When planning church weddings, the difference between success and disaster often lies in your preparation. Emma shares her decade of experience navigating ever...
Jun 24, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Kindness, clear communication, and mutual respect aren't just nice-to-haves in the wedding industry—they're the essential building blocks for creating seamless wedding experiences. Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, and Owner of For the Love of Events, Amanda Borrero, joins CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas, as she shares powerful insights on navigating vendor relationships with professionalism and grace. Ever wondered why some wedding days flow effortlessly while others feel tense? T...
Jun 17, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Money conversations may not feel romantic, but they're the foundation of every successful wedding celebration. In this illuminating episode, Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Riley Snider joins CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas Thomas to transform how wedding professionals approach the often-challenging topic of budgeting with clients. The difference between couples who feel empowered during planning versus those who feel stressed often comes down to budget clarity. Riley sh...
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator and Co-Founder of The Event Ledger, Matt Mitchell joins the CWP Society's COO, Krisy Thomas for this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files to talk about a topic that’s often glamorized but rarely unpacked with honesty—scaling your wedding planning business. Together, they dive deep into what sustainable growth really looks like, and why it’s not always about doing more, but doing better. The wedding industry buzzes constantly with talk abou...
May 20, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this eye-opening episode, Hailey Beard of Hailey Beard Events joins host and CWP COO, Krisy Thomas , for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked ethics of being a wedding day assistant. Hailey brings a unique perspective as both a Certified Wedding Planner and someone who has assisted more than 15 planning companies throughout her career. The conversation dives deep into the ethics of being a wedding day assistant—particularly the delicate balance of supporting another planner's br...
May 15, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 14
From helping her mother with wedding henna applications as a child to becoming a Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator, and the proud Owner of Big Guava Events, Rima Shah’s journey reflects the vibrant evolution of cultural celebrations in America. In this episode, Rima joins host Krisy Thomas for a rich and insightful conversation exploring the dynamic, intricate world of South Asian weddings. Rima reveals how these multi-day festivities require meticulous attention to detail—navigating...
May 13, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Feeling overwhelmed by social media? You're not alone. Wedding professionals often struggle to maintain a consistent online presence that actually converts to bookings. Serena Waller, founder of the Dande Agency, joined, CWP Society's COO, Krisy Thomas, for this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files podcast to break down the ever-shifting landscape of social media marketing for wedding pros. Serena breaks down the surprising truth about Instagram's algorithm changes, hashtags are out, keyword...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Weddings should be joyful celebrations for everyone present, but for neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities—the typical wedding environment can quickly become overwhelming. Bright lights flash, music thumps, schedules run tight, and social expectations mount. How can wedding planners create truly inclusive experiences? Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Brianne Ackerland, joins CWP Society Vice President, Krisy Thomas, as she...
Apr 15, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, is joined by special guest Carissa Kruse, marketing guru and founder of Win More Weddings Content Club, for an eye-opening conversation on what truly works in wedding industry marketing today. With a background in building a successful multi-state wedding business alongside her marketing agency, Carissa shares why many wedding pros are unknowingly “automating themselves out of business.” In a world where modern couples book based on connection and...
Apr 08, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 10
The CWP Society has launched an innovative Wedding Associate Certification that's transforming how wedding planning teams operate and deliver consistently exceptional service. This new credential ensures every team member—not just lead planners—meets the highest professional standards, creating seamless experiences from initial consultation through the wedding day. CWP Society has been the gold standard for wedding professional certification worldwide since 2007 The new Wedding Associate Certifi...
Apr 04, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this episode, Vice President of the CWP Society and Co-Host, Krisy Thomas sits down with Crystal Dailey , owner of Empower Weddings, and a Master Certified Wedding Planner whose journey proves the transformative power of education in building a thriving wedding business. Crystal's journey from event planner to Master Certified Wedding Planner reveals the transformative power of education in building a thriving wedding business. Her candid confession about initially trying to learn by simply s...
Apr 01, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Krisy Thomas, Co-Host and Vice President of the CWP Society, is joined by special guest Hailey Beard to tackle a game-changing topic for wedding planners: transforming assistants into assets, not liabilities. Ever wonder why some weddings flow perfectly while others face constant hiccups? The secret often lies not with the lead planner, but with how well they've prepared their assistant team. When wedding day assistants aren't properly equipped, they become a liability rather than an asset. In t...
Mar 24, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 7
What happens when wedding planners invest in their education? Co-host Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, interviews three award winning, Master Certified Wedding Planners and Industry Advancement Directors, who reveal the transformative power of professional certification in this candid conversation that goes far beyond basic credentials. For Brianne Ackerland, certification turned a hobby into a thriving business after she sought education to balance motherhood with entrepreneursh...
Mar 10, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Emma Cockerham, Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator and Owner of Infinity Events, joins Krisy Thomas, VP of the CWP Society, on this episode to share her journey from challenging church-hosted weddings to crafting the transformative Wedding Ministry Certification Course. By tackling the common issues faced when planning religious weddings, Emma reveals how her course, initially aimed at the Memphis church community, has expanded to inspire a broader change in the wedding plannin...
Feb 25, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Unlock the Secrets to Educating Your Couples for a Seamless Planning Experience As a wedding planner, one of your most important roles is educating your couples—helping them navigate the planning process with confidence and clarity. In this episode of Wedding Planner Pro Files , Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, is joined by Riley Snider, Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, to discuss essential strategies for guiding couples through the complexities of wedding plan...
Feb 18, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Discover the secrets to success in the wedding planning industry with our special guest, Certified Educator and Certified Wedding Planner, Amanda Borrero. Amanda joins us to share her invaluable insights on building robust vendor relationships that not only enhance business success but also create a thriving community of wedding professionals. You'll learn how to leverage selflessness and collaboration to foster mutually beneficial partnerships, and why these relationships are vital for both new...
Feb 12, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Unlock the secrets to mastering financial management in the wedding industry with insights from our esteemed guest, Matt Mitchell. With his unparalleled expertise in both wealth management and event planning, Matt joins Laurie Hartwell, to tackle the unique financial challenges faced by wedding professionals. Discover how financial literacy can be a game-changer for wedding planners, equipping them to handle seasonal demands and unpredictable cash flow with confidence. Their conversation dives i...
Feb 04, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Can you imagine planning a $100,000 wedding without the right skills or support? Join me, Laurie Hartwell, as I share invaluable lessons planners learned (sometimes the hard way) about the importance of proper training and certification in navigating the challenges of wedding planning. This episode sheds light on why planners should not just "get experience" when they enter the industry, and how certification is more than just a piece of paper; it's a gateway to a professional network, mentorshi...
Jan 23, 2025•7 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Discover how to elevate your wedding planning career with the invaluable insights of Aisha Garnett, a Master Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, in this episode of the Wedding Planner Profiles podcast. Unlock the secrets of connecting with seasoned professionals through the CWP Society and learn the art of finding your "wedding planner bestie" for mutual support and accountability. Aisha shares her personal journey and outlines the benefits of being part of a supportive network, es...
Nov 25, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Discover how authentic relationships can revolutionize your wedding planning business with insights from Amanda Borerro, owner of For the Love of Events. Gain practical tips on transforming professional connections into trusted friendships that foster collaboration and support. Amanda, along with hosts Krisy Thomas and Laurie Hartwell, shares the secrets to achieving seamless events through genuine engagement with vendors, moving beyond online presence to create a more meaningful network within ...
Oct 31, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Unlock the secrets to keeping your wedding clients overjoyed and stress-free with our expert insights on the Wedding Planner Pro Files podcast. Join Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas as they reveal strategies that transform the client experience, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships over relying solely on automation. Learn which automation tools can enhance your professionalism without losing the personal touch, like automated invoice reminders and out-of-office replies. W...
Oct 17, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Prepare to unravel the mystery behind the distinct roles of wedding planners and venue coordinators with the vibrant prose of Lady Whistlewed, as we promise to untangle these pivotal positions in the world of weddings. Tune in to the enchanting Wedding Planner Profiles podcast, presented by the CWP Society, where our latest episode promises to enlighten you with tales of how these professionals harmoniously collaborate to create unforgettable matrimonial celebrations. From orchestrating grand sy...
Oct 08, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Ever wondered what sets the top wedding planners apart? Join us as Lady Whistlewed reveals the secret ingredient to their success: certification from the prestigious CWP Society. Discover how this rigorous program transforms aspiring coordinators into industry leaders, equipped with unparalleled skills in design, event management, and client relations. Through Lady Whistlewed's captivating storytelling, learn about Miss Prudence Heatherington's cousin, who skyrocketed to fame with her CWP Societ...
Oct 03, 2024•4 min
Why do so many wedding planners and church coordinators clash during the happiest day of a couple's life?" This episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files Podcast is an eye-opener as we unravel the frequent misunderstandings and miscommunications that often arise between wedding planners and church staff. Emma Cockerham, with her experience in wedding planning and as a certified educator, shares both heartwarming and frustrating real-life stories, including the emotional turmoil caused when church...
Oct 01, 2024•28 min
Can setting clear boundaries and acting with confidence really reduce wedding planning stress? Discover the insights of Riley Gersch, owner of Elegant Affairs by Design and a Master Certified Wedding Planner, as she unpacks the secrets to building trust from the first consultation. Riley guides you through the essentials of client rapport, setting expectations, and providing a clear roadmap for the planning journey. This episode promises to reveal how involving clients from the outset can ensure...
Sep 23, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Lady Whistlewed is at it again! In her latest column she discussed the folly of wedding professionals discouraging couples from hiring wedding planners. Uncover the surprising motivations and the significant repercussions of this trend with Laurie Hartwell, CEO of the CWP Society, and her co-host Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society. Together, they unravel the reasons behind this behavior, such as overlapping services and vendors seeking extra revenue streams, and discuss the importan...
Sep 12, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Ever wonder what sets a certified wedding planner apart from the rest? Today, we promise to unravel that mystery with Laurie Hartwell, founder of the CWP Society, and Krisy Thomas, its Vice President. Together, they shed light on the crucial distinction between certified and uncertified wedding planners, emphasizing the unique expertise and ethical standards certified professionals bring to the table. Drawing from Lady Whistlewed's latest column, Laurie and Krisy reveal how proper training can s...
Aug 26, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 13
What happens when a string quartet plays just a bit too long at a wedding? Chaos ensues, and we're here to tell you why reading and sticking to the Wedding Day Itinerary is absolutely critical. On today's episode of the Wedding Planner Profiles Podcast, we delve into Lady Whistlewed's latest column to uncover the hidden stories behind the scenes for planners and pros. We'll explore how a wedding planner's role as the "conductor of the symphony" can make or break the day. From ensuring every prof...
Aug 19, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Ready to unlock the secrets of becoming a top-tier wedding planner? In this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Crystal Dailey, the esteemed owner of A Crystal Event in Atlanta, Georgia. Crystal walks us through her inspiring journey in the wedding planning industry, revealing her extensive certifications and the profound impact of continuous education. Discover how Crystal's affiliation with the Certified Wedding Planner Society has elevated he...
Aug 16, 2024•31 min
What if underpricing your wedding planning services is hurting you more than you think? Tune in as Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas explore this pivotal issue, drawing inspiration from Lady Whistlewed's latest column. Through the cautionary tale of Miss Amelia Flairfax, we shed light on the dangers of undervaluing your expertise, which can lead to burnout and financial woes. Discover how education and certification through the Certified Wedding Planner Society (CWPS) can equip you with the essen...
Aug 14, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 14
