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.

Weddings aren’t about perfect pictures—they’re about the in-between moments, the blurry edges, the unscripted, beautiful chaos. And no one captures that better than Preston Utley, a photojournalist-turned-wedding photographer who sees beyond the surface. In this episode, Preston takes us deep into his philosophy of shooting from the gut, anticipating emotion, and embracing imperfection. We talk about his early days covering ski races and crime scenes at the Vail Daily, why he left news photography for weddings, and how his daily meditation practice makes him the calmest person in the room. He shares why one honest frame can say more than 1,000 perfect images, the myth of timeless wedding photography, and how the best moments aren’t found—they’re felt. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a truly impactful photograph, this episode will change the way you shoot forever.

In this episode, we sit down with Mollie & Sunna, the powerhouse duo behind Bash Please, one of the most forward-thinking event planning and design firms in the industry. With backgrounds in luxury hospitality, private catering, and large-scale event production, they’ve built a firm known for its intentionality, authenticity, and ability to create multi-day experiences that leave a lasting impact. They dive into why experience matters in event planning, how they’ve strategically navigated both weddings and corporate events, and what it truly takes to stand out in an industry saturated with trends and Instagram-driven expectations. From why they prioritize hiring local vendors in destination events to their perspective on elevating corporate retreats beyond the boardroom, this conversation is packed with wisdom for planners, photographers, and creatives alike. If you’re looking to level up your business, refine your brand, and break free from the noise, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we sit down with John Dolan, the legendary wedding photographer who has spent decades redefining what it means to capture life’s most intimate moments. Known for his philosophy of “The Perfect Imperfect,” John shares how he approaches weddings with empathy, artistry, and a deep respect for authenticity. From his early days in the darkroom to photographing iconic events, including high-profile weddings at the White House, John reveals the mindset and method behind his minimalist goal of delivering just 15 exceptional images to each client. He dives into the emotional layers of weddings, his relationships with planners, and why he believes great photography should feel honest and timeless. Whether you’re a wedding professional, photographer, or creative entrepreneur, John’s unique perspective on storytelling and his philosophy of “less is more” will leave you inspired to find depth and meaning in your own work.

In this episode, we welcome Katherine Gray, Senior Event Producer at Michelle Rago Destinations, a globally renowned luxury wedding planning firm. Katherine shares her incredible journey from cold-calling her way into the industry to becoming the trusted right hand of Michelle Rago. With a background in theater and a knack for anticipation, Katherine dives into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of event planning. She discusses the importance of collaboration, why confidence and simplicity are key markers of professionalism, and how humor keeps teams grounded during high-stakes events. Katherine also provides actionable insights for photographers, videographers, and planners on becoming better collaborative partners. Whether you’re a creative, a planner, or a luxury wedding enthusiast, Katherine’s approach to solving problems, building trust, and maintaining authenticity will leave you inspired to elevate your own work.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco, the powerhouse duo behind Estera Events, a luxury wedding planning and design firm based in Chicago. Starting as interns and eventually purchasing the business in 2019, Bianca and Erica share their incredible journey of transforming Estera into a global brand known for stunning destination weddings and exceptional client experiences. They discuss how they navigated the challenges of taking ownership right before the pandemic and how this “trial by fire” shaped their approach to resilience and innovation. Tune in to learn how they craft highly personalized vendor teams, balance authenticity with ambition, and stay inspired by their clients and travels. With insights on their transition to a percentage-based pricing model and their passion for breaking industry norms, this conversation is packed with inspiration for wedding professionals and creative entrepreneurs alike.