Ever wondered why even the most budget-conscious couples might want to engage a wedding planner? Join us in this illuminating episode as Laurie Hartwell, CEO of the CWP Society, and Krisy Thomas, Vice President and owner of Southern Sparkle Weddings, reveal the secrets behind a flawless wedding day. Drawing inspiration from the latest Lady Whistlewed column, "A Matrimonial Missive: Why the Ton's Wisest Betrothed Engage a Wedding Planner ," we explore the intricate web of challenges that professi...
Aug 07, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Imagine ensuring that every single moment of a wedding is captured perfectly without any last-minute surprises. Laurie Hartwell, Krisy Thomas, and Aisha Garnett join us to unravel the common, but critical, challenge of when photography companies withhold the contact information of assigned photographers. Learn how early communication and transparency can prevent misunderstandings and create a personalized, seamless experience for the bride and groom. Hear firsthand stories of near mishaps and mi...
Jul 05, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Imagine a world where AI transforms wedding ceremonies into unforgettable, deeply personalized experiences. Today, we bring you an exclusive conversation with Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder, and Josh Fagel, head of business development, as they unveil Provenance , an AI-driven tool revolutionizing ceremony, vows, and toast writing. Steven shares his heartfelt journey of officiating weddings for friends, which sparked the creation of Provenance, addressing the need for legally compliant, meanin...
Jun 20, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode, we will be discussing new Certifications and Membership through the CWP Society, as well as how couples are trying to use AI as wedding planners, and how it can all go terribly wrong. Tune in to hear Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas from the CWP Society as they reveal the secrets behind the new Wedding Ministry Team Certification Program. This initiative is more than just a certification; it’s a comprehensive effort to foster better collaboration between wedding planners, church...
Jun 01, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Discover the unexpected truths behind successful team dynamics in the wedding industry with our special guest, Shane Presley of DJ Shane Entertainment. We're peeling back the layers to reveal why a bigger team doesn't always mean a better business or more success. From the challenges of aligning passion and vision, to the art of impeccable coordination, this episode is an insider's guide to building and nurturing the dream team that will take your wedding planning service to the next level. Join...
May 17, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Ever encountered the puzzling silence after sending out wedding invitations? We all know the feeling, but our latest episode tackles the RSVP conundrum head-on with insights from wedding industry mavens, Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas of the CWP Society. We dissect the bold strategy of a past bride's 'missed RSVP card' and debate its effectiveness in nudging those elusive responses from guests. Is it a necessary measure or a step too far? Let's navigate the tricky waters of wedding RSVP etique...
May 01, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Embark on a journey with us as we unravel the hidden truths behind vendor meals at weddings, a topic that's sparked more debate than you might think. Krisy and Laurie delve into the ins and outs of the "why, when, and where" those working your special day should eat. It's a candid look at the wedding industry, where we're setting the record straight on the essential timing of meals for vendors to ensure they're energized and poised to capture every cherished moment without missing a beat. As the...
Apr 12, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Embark on an enchanting journey with us, Aisha Garnett, and Courtney Justice, a Master Certified Wedding Planner and owner of Just Us Weddings and Events, as we walk you through the dreamy realm of destination weddings. Uncover the magnetic pull of picturesque countries such as France and Italy, and the practicalities of orchestrating an unforgettable "I do" far from home. Prepare to be captivated as we discuss the industry's skyrocketing growth, forecasted to reach a breathtaking $105 billion b...
Apr 02, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Step into the world of weddings with us, as we unravel the key ingredients that make or break the most special day of a couple's life. Joining me is Laurie Hartwell, the woman behind the CWP Society, where we dissect the latest findings from The Knot and delve into how wedding planners can transform any nuptial into an affair to remember. Ensure every guest leaves with a lasting impression, potentially becoming a future advocate for your services. We'll also share a charming tale of a photograph...
Mar 01, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Are wedding trends pressuring you into creating a celebration for your couples that feels more like a fad than a reflection of their love story? Fear not, for Krisy Thomas and Laurie Hartwell have joined forces to guide you through the maze of wedding industry "do's and don'ts," unleashing the secrets curating a day that's unmistakably designed to reflect your client. Tune in as we unravel the often-overlooked reality that the pursuit of trendiness can eclipse personal touches, leading to carbon...
Feb 20, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 4
When Brianne Ackerland, a seasoned Master Certified Wedding Planner, faced a sudden cardiac arrest, it changed not only her life, but the way we think about emergency strategies in our bustling industry. Our latest episode is a wakeup call, detailing the harrowing account of Brianne's experience and the critical lessons in preparedness it offers for wedding planners everywhere. We dissect the chaotic spectrum of potential crises, and underscore the indomitable spirit needed to navigate such unpr...
Feb 01, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Wedding planning isn't just about selecting the perfect centerpiece or the most photogenic venue—it's an art form honed over years of personal growth and industry evolution. Laurie Hartwell, founder & CEO of the CWP Society, brings this to life, sharing her thirty-year voyage through the ebbs and flows of the wedding industry. As she unfolds her story of building self-esteem and the crucial role of intuition in business, you'll find yourself nodding along, thinking of your own evolution—whet...
Jan 09, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode, we interview the Executive Director of Wish Upon a Wedding, Lacey Wicksall, where we discuss the organization, and celebrate the industry's spirit of giving and highlight the incredible resilience found in the face of adversity. Our conversation is a tribute to the impact of community support, as we delve into the process of creating dream weddings and vow renewals for couples braving serious health challenges. After that, we also navigate the treacherous waters of wedding budge...
Jan 01, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Navigating the wedding industry can be a dance of love and logistics, even more so when you're stepping to the rhythm alongside your soulmate. Philip and Laurie pull from thier own experiences to offer a candid look at the synergies and complexities of running a wedding planning business as a married couple. They explore the essential role of communication, the art of compromise, and the profound impact of trust in both thier personal and professional lives. Their journey hasn't just been about ...
Dec 19, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 21
What happens when wedding professionals fail to communicate effectively and misunderstand each other's roles? Listen to our heart-to-heart chat as we unpack this. We'll guide you through the challenging journey of collaboration and understanding among wedding professionals, highlighting the importance of having a professional's perspective and working with approved vendors. In the final lap, we discuss the new FREE membership that the CWP Society now offers wedding professionals and how importan...
Dec 10, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Ever been to a wedding and thought, "I could do this better?" I, Aisha Garnett, used to think the same, until she found her path from TV production to becoming a Certified Wedding Planner. Her journey was shaped by the Certified Wedding Planner Society (CWP Society). Together with its founder and CEO, Laurie Hartwell, they explore the mission of the CWP Society - to provide affordable, comprehensive education and certification for aspiring wedding planners and now... to ALL wedding professionals...
Dec 01, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Ever wondered about the risks couples are taking when entrusting their big day to a wedding planner with no formal education? This episode grapples with this substantial issue, spotlighting the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on experience alone, and the discomfort it could breed in couples investing their hard-earned thousands into their celebrations. We challenge the trend of stepping into this industry without comprehensive training, and ponder whether the lack of an educational inv...
Nov 10, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Listen in as the host of the Wedding Industry News Series, Aisha Garnett, unravels the shocking tale of a bride swindled out of a whopping $12,000 by her seemingly trustworthy wedding planner. Laurie Hartwell, founder and CEO of the Certified Wedding Planner Society, shares invaluable insights, highlighting the critical need for couples and wedding professionals alike to thoroughly vet vendors before shelling out any cash. Discover the essence of contracts and direct payment transactions in safe...
Nov 01, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Over this 3-part series, we are going to tackle how personal relationship can evolve into a successful professional partnership? My husband, Philip and I embarked on this journey in the wedding planning industry and let me tell you, it was no easy ride. We braved the storm of transitioning from soulmates to professional partners with a fair share of hurdles and triumphs. But through it all, we discovered the power of communication, and the importance of understanding what goes into the process. ...
Oct 20, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Ever felt like you're falling behind as you constantly compare your wedding planning business to those perfectly crafted posts on social media? Say no more! We're here to unmask the misleading perception built by these highlight reels. Trust us, it's time to focus on your journey, set your own goals, and embrace authenticity! Let's not ignore the elephant in the room - don't let the idea of others' successes fool you; success is not measured by the number of times you've been published in popula...
Oct 10, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Picture this: you're scrolling through your social media, and you stumble upon a stunning wedding cake made by the bride herself. This is what happened to Lily Mendoza, who skyrocketed to viral fame, navigating a deluge of both cheers and jeers from netizens worldwide. Caught in the crosshairs of 'wedding shaming', she turned this into an opportunity to showcase her passion and talent, proving that every cloud indeed has a silver lining. Join us as we delve into Lily's inspiring story and discus...
Oct 01, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Strap in as we pull back the curtain on the wedding and event industry, offering a raw and honest look at the personal impact and challenges that come with this demanding career. Ever wondered why we're often absent from social gatherings and family milestones? It all boils down to our commitment to our clients and the events we've been tasked to organize. But, fret not, we're here to share some insights on how to maintain a balance between work and personal life, and also, how to explain our ab...
Sep 20, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Ever felt awkward broaching the subject of budgets with your clients? Rest easy; we're here to guide you through it with empathy and professionalism. This episode removes the same of the budget conversation, and we discuss the pros and cons of asking about it upfront. We also delve into how to educate couples about the realities of wedding planning costs while ensuring they don't feel judged or uncomfortable. Finally, we address the elephant in the room - Instagram. Its influence on wedding plan...
Sep 10, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Navigating the evolving world of the wedding industry just got a whole lot easier. Join Aisha Garnett, Certified Educator and Master Certified Wedding Planner, as she teams up with Laurie Hartwell, CEO and founder of the Certified Wedding Planner Society, to bring you a timely and in-depth conversation. Ever wondered about the impact of the US Department of Labor’s proposed rulemaking on the wedding industry? Look no further. Learn how this could influence the classification of workers as employ...
Sep 01, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Planning weddings, managing a family, all while balancing a business can be a tough journey. Well, you're in for a treat listening to our latest episode as we delve deep into the world of wedding planning, revealing the strains and stresses of this high-pressure job, and the impact it can have on their soulmates. We shed light on the importance of a balanced partnership and clear communication, which can significantly buoy the success and well-being of a wedding planner. As we take this journey,...
Aug 20, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Ever wondered how to navigate the realm of wedding planning with professionalism and ample technological support? We bring you deep insights from Nora Sheils, founder of Bridal Bliss and co-founder of Rock Paper Coin, a multifaceted platform that streamlines sending contracts and invoices. We delve into how this software fortifies the booking process, simplifies invoicing and contracts, and creates a positive first impression with clients, facilitating their journey towards the perfect wedding. ...
Aug 10, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Wedding Industry News - August 2023: Have you ever thought about how a Supreme Court ruling could rock the entire wedding industry? Our esteemed guest, Matt Mitchell, an LGBTQ+ community member and Master Certified Wedding Planner, helps us dissect a recent ruling that tilted in favor of a Colorado website designer who wanted to refuse service to LGBTQ+ couples. Join us as we delve into the ripple effects of this ruling on the LGBTQ+ community. Further into this robust discussion, we unpack the ...
Aug 01, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 8
What does it mean to create a lasting legacy in the wedding industry? Today, we find ourselves in the company of Eddie Babbage, CEO of Timeline Genius, as we dissect the nuances of this very question. Eddie's philosophy is simple yet profound: live each moment right, fueled by selflessness, integrity, and service. His belief is that these ingredients, coupled with the right motivations and self-awareness, can manifest good and create an impactful legacy in the wedding industry. Learn ways to sta...
Jul 10, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Are you a Wedding Planner who has ever wondered how your career affects your soulmate?? Join us, your hosts and married couple, as we reveal the behind-the-scenes reality of living with and loving a wedding planner. My husband Phil and I open up about the challenges we've faced in balancing our personal relationship with the demands of a high-stakes job that requires so much passion and commitment. Throughout the episode, we discuss a range of topics, from managing clients' expectations and deal...
Jun 30, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 6
This month we had the pleasure of interviewing the fabulous Krisy Thomas, owner of Southern Sparkle Weddings and Events, and Vice President of the Certified Wedding Planner Society. We were so happy to have 2 guest hosts for this special edition of our podcast, they were: Aisha Garnett, and owner of Sheree Amour Weddings & Events, and Amanda Borrerro, owner of For The Love Events. Become a VIP of The Wedding Planner Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1933700/subscribe www.cwpsociety.com | i...
Jun 14, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 5
