In this episode—our second in a special series on great number twos in the industry—hosts James and Otto sit down with Dawson Mitchell, Director of Operations at Easton Events, the globally respected luxury event firm founded by the legendary Lynn Easton.

Dawson shares the now-iconic story of getting fired on her first day—then showing back up the next morning with quiet determination and a plan to become undeniable. Nearly a decade later, she’s not just part of Easton Events—she’s integral to how it runs, scales, and protects its gold standard.

This episode is a rare look inside the operations, philosophy, and expectations that have made Easton Events one of the most trusted names in high-end weddings. Dawson pulls back the curtain on ruthless self-editing, shaping team culture, and how she internalized Easton’s voice so completely she could finish Lynn’s sentences—and sometimes her emails.

For planners, creatives, and leaders alike, this is a masterclass in earning trust, maintaining excellence, and growing inside a vision bigger than yourself.

In this episode, hosts James and Otto sit down with Bryan Rafanelli, founder of Rafanelli Events, the creative force behind some of the most iconic celebrations in the world—including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and major White House events. But Bryan’s story doesn’t start with celebrity clients and presidential galas—it starts with frat parties, hand-drawn flyers, and a deep love for storytelling through design.

Bryan shares how he built an industry-defining brand by focusing on relationships, risk-taking, and original creative thinking. From his “Rafanelli Rules” to his obsession with spatial scale, authenticity, and emotional connection, he opens up about the power of designing moments that feel deeply personal.

Whether you're a planner, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in longevity, leadership, and standing out in a world of trends. Bryan doesn’t just chase beautiful—he chases the extraordinary.

🎧 Hit play, and don’t be surprised if you leave rethinking your entire approach to creativity.

Most wedding professionals think they’re selling a brand. They’re wrong. Clients don’t buy logos, color palettes, or fancy websites—they buy trust. And no one understands that better than Natalie Denyse, founder of In Good Company PR. In this episode, Natalie breaks down why most businesses struggle with branding (hint: it’s not about aesthetics), how to build a brand that actually lasts, and why high-end clients are making decisions differently than ever before. She also dives into the biggest marketing mistakes creatives make, how to break free from the Instagram hamster wheel, and why every business owner needs to sit down and redefine their mission at least once a year. Whether you’re a photographer, planner, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will shift the way you think about branding, marketing, and business longevity.