Wed.Co Podcast

Days Like These Events: Effective Communication, The Key to Successful Vendor Relationships

Welcome to Episode 40 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, Toga + Joel sit down with Em from Days Like These Events for a chat about the wedding industry as a whole, filmed at the stunning Greenview 1963 in Cabarita Beach.
Em shares her journey in the wedding industry, from starting as a sales and events manager to eventually starting her own business. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being a wedding planner and coordinator, as well as managing multiple venues. Em also talks about the importance of networking and building relationships with other vendors in the industry.
She shares her experience organizing Lovefest events, which bring together wedding professionals for styled shoots and networking. Em emphasizes the value of communication and personal connections in working with vendors and creating the perfect wedding timeline. In this conversation, Toga + Joel discuss the importance of timelines and the benefits of having a wedding planner involved. They also talk about the power dynamics within the wedding industry and how wedding planners can recommend and shape the overall wedding day.
The conversation touches on the role of preferred supplier lists and the value of working with trusted vendors. They also discuss work-life balance and the challenges of managing a business while being a mother. Finally, they talk about the current trends in weddings, including a shift towards more formal and traditional weddings.
Takeaways
Starting as a sales and events manager, Em transitioned into the wedding industry and eventually started her own business.
Managing multiple venues and offering photography services, Em provides a comprehensive range of wedding planning and coordination services.
Networking and building personal connections with vendors is crucial in the wedding industry.
Lovefest events, organized by Em, bring together wedding professionals for styled shoots and networking.
Effective communication and timely responses are key factors in building successful vendor relationships.
Creating the perfect wedding timeline requires careful planning and coordination.
Having a wedding planner involved can help with timelines and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Wedding planners have the power to recommend and shape the overall wedding day.
Working with trusted vendors from a preferred supplier list can ensure quality and a cohesive wedding experience.
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially for mothers in the wedding industry.
The current trend in weddings is a shift towards more formal and traditional celebrations.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review. 
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals. 
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast. 
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast. 
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings. 
Toga + Joel xx
 
 

Toga + Joel - "I've averaged one lead every day this year"

Welcome to Episode 39 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, Toga + Joel sit down for a chat about the wedding industry as a whole, filmed at the stunning Greenview 1963 in Cabarita Beach.
In this conversation, Steve and Joel discuss various topics related to the wedding industry, including marketing strategies, booking weddings, and the importance of relationships with vendors. They talk about the effectiveness of Instagram advertising and the value of personal connections in the industry.
They also touch on the benefits of using a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for wedding professionals to adapt to new marketing methods while also prioritizing strong relationships with vendors and clients.
Takeaways
Instagram advertising can be an effective way to generate leads and book weddings
Building relationships with vendors and industry professionals is crucial for success in the wedding industry
Personal connections and excellent client experiences can set wedding professionals apart from their competitors
Using a virtual assistant can help streamline administrative tasks and free up time for creative work
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review. 
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals. 
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast. 
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast. 
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings. 
Toga + Joel xx
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction05:21 Booking Weddings through Instagram Advertising09:26 The Importance of Relationships with Vendors17:20 Building Relationships with Venues21:02 The Role of Paid Advertising in the Wedding Industry22:01 Streamlining Business Operations with a Virtual Assistant22:56 Conclusion
 
 

Flossy Byron Bay - "Business is constantly about navigating, adapting, and picking yourself up."

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Christina from Flossy Byron Bay on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning Greenview 1963 in Cabarita Beach.
Christina shares the backstory of her interactive cocktail experience business and the importance of creating an exceptional customer experience. She discusses the process of booking Flossy for a wedding and the customization options available.
Christina also talks about the expansion plans for Flossy and her passion for providing high-quality flavors and ingredients. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients and thinking outside the box for marketing strategies. The conversation concludes with a discussion about a $50,000 wedding giveaway that Flossy is participating in.
Takeaways
Flossy offers an interactive cocktail experience for weddings and events, providing a surprise element and customization options for guests.Creating an exceptional customer experience is key to the success of Flossy, and building relationships with clients is important.Thinking outside the box for marketing strategies can help differentiate a business and attract more clients.Flossy is participating in a $50,000 wedding giveaway, showcasing the value and quality of their services.Christina's passion for high-quality flavors and ingredients drives her business and ensures a memorable experience for clients.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review.
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals.
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings.
Toga + Joel xx
 
 

Wedding Collective Gold Coast - "Just have fun. It's literally the vision. Just enjoy it."

Welcome to Episode 37 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Lauren from Wedding Collective Gold Coast on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning Greenview 1963 in Cabarita Beach.
This is a little bonus episode to chat all of the ins and outs of the upcoming Wedding Trail on August 18th across the Gold Coast / Scenic Rim.
Toga, Joel and Lauren discuss the venues, vendors, and experiences that will be available at the event. They emphasise the importance of enjoying the day, taking in the different venues, and connecting with vendors.
The conversation also touches on the planning journey and the elevated experience that vendors can provide for their clients. The hosts encourage couples to have fun, eat good food, and drink good drinks while exploring the event.
Takeaways
The Wedding Collective Gold Coast event offers couples the opportunity to explore different venues and connect with vendors.
Attendees should take their time, enjoy the day, and have fun while planning their wedding.
Vendors can provide an elevated experience for their clients by being transparent, staying connected, and showing genuine interest in their clients' lives.
The event offers food, drinks, live entertainment, and the chance to see different styling setups.
Couples should choose venues that offer something unique and different to create a memorable wedding day.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review. Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals.
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings.
Toga + Joel xx
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Wedding Collective Gold Coast event
01:18 Overview of the event and venues
02:35 Renovations and updates at venues
03:04 The growing wedding industry on the Gold Coast
04:08 Details about the event and vendors
05:32 Number of vendors and venues
06:31 Ideal day for a couple at the event
08:39 Number of vendors at each venue
09:59 Focus on enjoying the day
11:39 Venue tours and experiences
12:07 Improvements from previous events
13:26 Considerations for vendors and setups
14:15 Registration and media promotion
15:08 Closing remarks and invitation to the event

The Lex: A Stunning Venue for Weddings at W Brisbane

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Emma, Senior Head Planning Executive from the W Brisbane on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning The Lex at the W Hotel in Brisbane.
Emma discusses the wedding offerings at The Lex, a signature restaurant at the W Brisbane hotel. The Lex provides a beautiful space for weddings with full riverside views and a New York-inspired grill menu.
Emma mentions the different ceremony spaces available, including the back of The Lex, the sundeck, and other event spaces. She also talks about the accommodation options for wedding guests and the styling package provided by Main Event Weddings.
Emma highlights the exclusive 2024 wedding offer, which includes a complimentary cocktail for each guest and bonus Marriott Bonvoy points.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review.
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals.
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings.
Toga + Joel xx

Bo and Luca - "It's like a piece of art." The Artistry of Hand-Beaded Wedding Dresses

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Shannon, the owner and head designer of Bo and Luca on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning The Lex at the W Hotel in Brisbane.
Shannon from Bo and Luca shares her journey of starting a bridal fashion brand and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about her fascination with couture fashion and her experiences in Dubai and India that inspired her to create unique and intricate wedding dresses.
Shannon discusses the process of creating hand-beaded dresses in India and the importance of personalization for each bride. She also shares the story of how she had to navigate through the challenges of COVID-19 and a war in Ukraine to ensure that her brides received their dresses. Bo and Luca is a bridal brand that creates custom handmade dresses and accessories.
The dresses are like pieces of art and are often kept as heirloom pieces. The brand has a niche market and appeals to brides who value quality and craftsmanship. The custom design process takes about 12 months, and the brand works with partners in India to create the dresses.
Bo and Luca also offers a more affordable luxury line called Temple. The brand draws inspiration from travel, architecture, and handmade details. They have a strong presence on Instagram and rely on word-of-mouth referrals.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review.
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals.
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings.
Toga + Joel xx

EverNew Studio - "You have the power to change the Wedding"

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Andy, the owner and Head Shooter at Evernew Studio on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning The Lex at the W Hotel in Brisbane.
Andy from Evernew Studios discusses his approach to wedding photography and videography, focusing on capturing fun and inviting moments. He talks about the importance of teamwork and how he navigates challenging situations during weddings.
Andy also shares his thoughts on trends in the industry and the power of not showing certain aspects of a wedding. He mentions his desire to have his work featured in prestigious magazines but acknowledges that it depends on the type of clientele he works with.
In this conversation, Toga and Andy discuss the challenges and strategies of building a successful wedding photography business. They touch on topics such as branding, niche markets, delivering a high-quality experience, and expanding into new locations. Andy shares his desire to shoot weddings all over the world and the importance of finding the right team members who share his passion and commitment to excellence.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review.
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals. Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings.
Toga + Joel xx

Queensland Brides - Featuring Weddings: Styles, Locations, and Advertisers

Welcome to Episode 33 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Nikki, editor in Chief of Queensland Brides on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning The Lex at the W Hotel in Brisbane.
Nikki Ernst, the publisher and owner of Queensland Brides, shares the history and evolution of the magazine. Queensland Brides was co-founded in 1984 and has been a family business ever since. Nikki acquired the brand in 2020 and transitioned it to a digital-only magazine.
She discusses the challenges of print publication and the benefits of digital publishing, including flexibility and trackability. Nikki also talks about the process of featuring weddings in the magazine and the importance of showcasing a variety of styles and locations. She emphasizes the focus on guest experience and the shift away from traditional portrait shoots.
Queensland Brides is a wedding magazine and online platform that curates and showcases real weddings, vendors, and wedding planning resources. They have transitioned from print to digital and focus on providing valuable content to engaged couples.
The magazine features a variety of weddings, from minimalist to extravagant, and emphasizes the importance of high-quality photography.
Queensland Brides has partnered with the Scenic Rim Wedding Expo and are set to launch the upcoming Queensland Brides Luxury Wedding Expo at City Hall Brisbane. They are constantly evolving and looking for new opportunities to serve the wedding industry.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review.
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals.
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.
Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings.
Toga + Joel xx
 
 

Pepis - Authenticity in Italian Cooking and Sourcing the very best Ingredients

Welcome to Episode 32 of the Wed.Co Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Joe from Pepi's on the podcast with us, filmed at the stunning Redleaf Wollombi.
Joe from Pepi's shares his journey in the wedding catering industry, from his early experiences working in wedding event centers to starting his own business. He emphasizes the importance of food at weddings and how Pepi's focuses on creating a memorable food experience for guests.
Joe discusses the sequencing of food throughout the event and the significance of menu tastings for couples. He also highlights the role of client ideas in driving innovation and the importance of investing in talented chefs.
Joe discusses the importance of having a dedicated and passionate team in the catering industry. He emphasizes the need for a team that is fully invested and understands the work at hand. Joe shares his experience of building a team that includes individuals with no prior hospitality experience, who are now running weddings for him.
He highlights the importance of patience and enabling his team to do their best job. We also discuss the authenticity of Italian cooking and the challenges of sourcing ingredients in Australia. He shares his passion for exploring different regions of Italy and finding inspiration from local produce.
Joe talks about the process of building partnerships with venues and the significance of delivering restaurant-quality food in the wedding catering industry.
 
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review.  Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals. Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.  Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast. Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings. Toga + Joel xx  
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:14 Entering the Wedding Market
16:09 Menu Tastings and Client Engagement
20:25 The Shift in Wedding Food Focus
23:17 Sequencing the Food Experience
25:43 Late Night Bites and Dancing
27:39 Innovation and Investing in Talent
29:01 The Importance of a Dedicated and Passionate Team
36:04 Authenticity in Italian Cooking and Sourcing Ingredients
45:35 Building Partnerships with Venues
54:23 Delivering Restaurant-Quality Food in Wedding Catering
 
 

RedLeaf Wollombi - "People are craving that whole weekend experience"

Welcome to Episode 31 of the Wed.Co Podcast.
Today, we're excited to have Matt from Redleaf Wollombi on the podcast with us. Redleaf Wollombi is a wedding venue that offers a whole weekend experience for couples and their guests.
The property, located in Wollombi, Australia, features a stunning villa, beautiful gardens, and a lake. The venue can host weddings of 200+ guests and offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Redleaf gradually transitioned into hosting weddings. The owners have focused on creating a personalized and immersive experience for couples, with the goal of making them feel like they are hosting a big dinner party at their own home.
Redleaf has become a popular destination for weddings, attracting couples from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as international couples as well. The venue also supports the local community by promoting local businesses and providing accommodation options for guests.
If this episode sparked inspiration, don't forget to hit that subscribe button, share it with friends or colleagues in the wedding industry, and consider leaving us a review. 
Your support enables us to bring more enriching conversations and insights to both engaged couples and wedding professionals.
Stay connected with us on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and watch all your favorite wedding professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.  Catch our episodes on major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and IheartRadio, all under WedCo Podcast.
Join us for our next episode on the Wed.Co Podcast, where we continue to explore the mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape of weddings. Toga + Joel xx   Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:14 The Backstory of Redleaf and its Evolution
05:26 Accommodations and Transportation at Redleaf
07:48 The Team Behind Redleaf
10:31 Unique Requests and Experiences at Redleaf
13:19 The Marketing and Branding of Redleaf
16:39 Future Plans and Developments at Redleaf
21:45 The Importance of Variety in Vendor Selection
22:34 Community Support and Relationships at Redleaf
25:25 Renovations and Upgrades at Redleaf
26:18 Expanding Events and Offerings at Redleaf
27:44 The Vision and Design of Redleaf
28:40 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Venue
30:37 The Unique Features of Redleaf
34:36 Setting Redleaf Apart from Other Venues
36:05 The Whole Weekend Experience at Redleaf
37:34 Creating a Beautiful and Memorable Wedding Weekend
38:02 Contacting Redleaf and Booking Availability
38:29 Conclusion and Closing Remarks