In 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.

What if success in luxury wasn’t about being seen—but about helping others feel seen?

In this intimate In the Margins episode, Alicia Fritz—founder of A Day in May Events—pulls back the curtain on what it really means to serve at the highest level. From honoring generational legacy to staying grounded in the presence of extraordinary wealth, Alicia shares how her small-town values built a brand trusted by some of the world’s most private families.

She reminds us: these moments aren’t for us.

They’re for the families we serve—and the love they’re trying to preserve.

If you’ve ever questioned whether kindness and integrity still belong in the luxury space, this is your answer.

Guest Bio

A native of Traverse City, Michigan, Alicia Fritz is the founder and Principal Designer of A Day in May Events, a nationally recognized event production firm sought after for mastering the art of entertaining. Alicia’s appreciation for hospitality is rooted in her company’s ethos; to architect milestone celebrations that embody the taste and priorities of her clients, accentuated by a strong sense of place and purpose in every detail. With a mission to preserve the unique history and life experiences of her clients and their families, Alicia and her team have been entrusted as strategic partners for their private, legacy clients for close to two decades.

Since 2007, Alicia has built a dedicated staff of event specialists and creative thinkers who operate with a methodical and intuitive system that prioritizes collaboration with their clients, respectful partnership with their creative teams and an unwavering commitment to a flawless event. Harmonizing an architect’s mindset with the imaginative and artistic touch of a great host, Alicia has been recognized as one of the country’s top event planners by VOGUE and Martha Stewart Weddings to name a few. From the serene, idyllic coastline of Northern Michigan, to the exquisite landscape of the South of France, and far flung locales likeMustique, Alicia and her team rarely create in the same place twice and welcome the challenge of producing these exceptional moments for beloved clients in unchartered territory.

For more information, head to https://www.adayinmayevents.com/ follow @adayinmayevents on Instagram.

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