The Michael Coombs Show

What do snowboarding and wedding photography have in common? More than you might think. On this episode of The Michael Coombs Show, I sit down with wedding photographer Jake Anderson to talk about trusting your instincts, finding your flow, and learning to adapt when things don't go as planned.

From photographing his snowboard buddies to accidentally shooting his first wedding (thanks to his mom!), Jake shares lessons from 14 years behind the camera, including a few early mistakes that changed how he approaches weddings. We also get into his love for private-estate weddings, capturing those unscripted moments, and...

Host Michael Coombs interviews wedding photographers Joel and Justyna about their spontaneous, guest-like approach to capturing weddings “from the inside out,” prioritizing how people feel over perfect shot lists. Joel traces his path from growing up around photographer parents in Ottawa to being scouted for modeling, buying a camera, second-shooting weddings in 2009, and eventually expanding with Justyna from local work to Toronto, Montreal, and global destinations. He describes assisting his father—Canada’s official royal portrait photographer—during Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee portrait, emphasizing months of preparation and the importance of people skills. Justina shares her fine art and art...

Host Michael Coombs interviews luxury wedding and event planner Andrea Eppolito about making a clean-break repositioning from high-volume work to a personal, intentional luxury brand. Eppolito describes letting go of the need to take every inquiry, overcoming fears that the phone wouldn’t ring again, and clarifying who she serves by removing misaligned portfolio content, rebuilding her website, refining messaging, and only accepting ideal clients—taking just two weddings from 100+ leads during a difficult transition year. She explains how a “board of directors” led by her husband and strategist Sean Lowe supported the shift. Discussing pricing (starting around $2,500 per person...

Host Michael Coombs interviews Nigerian-born planner, designer, educator, and author Akeshi Akinseye of Kesh Events about building meaningful, culturally rooted celebrations and redefining luxury as “the felt” rather than visible, expensive details. Akeshi explains a planner’s responsibility in translating a client’s culture by listening first, asking real follow-up questions, and reflecting insights back in proposals to personalize the experience. She describes the “felt journey” as designing emotion and intention at every touchpoint, and urges creatives to shift content from visuals to feelings to better communicate value. Akeshi shares how education, constant learning, and humility support premium positioning, and discusse...

Host Michael Coombs interviews event planner Julian Leaver, who started by planning sorority parties at the University of Oklahoma, nearly pursued a State Department career, worked in hotels including Rosewood, and now runs Julian Leaver Events with offices in Dallas and Paris. Leaver explains how low-budget college events taught scrappiness, tight logistics, and prioritizing guest experience, and how hotel systems, data, and collaboration shaped his firm while he left behind high-volume repetition. He discusses saying no based on fit and budget, educating clients on costs (including a budgeting method based on venue and food-and-beverage estimates), and managing 3,000+ micro-decisions through...

Host Michael Coombs interviews husband-and-wife destination wedding photo and video team Dryden and Emily about building a respected luxury storytelling brand since launching in 2020. They explain why destination work keeps them inspired and removes seasonality, how they manage creative disagreements by leaning into each other’s strengths, and why extensive preparation—like arriving 2–3 days early to scout—helps them capture “magazine-worthy” imagery without harming the couple’s wedding experience. They credit rapid growth to social media, constant debriefs, and pursuing excellence in shooting, editing, branding, and posting. They discuss rebranding from Wild & Rome to “Dryden and Emily” to better resonate with luxu...

Host Michael Coombs interviews DJ Malike of Curate Entertainment about his recent high-profile appearances (BizBash, New York Bridal Fashion Week, Engage, FIFA) and why audiences respond to his authenticity, energy, and focus on joy. Malike defines joy as a resilient choice distinct from happiness, shaped by his mother and influenced by Viktor Frankl, and describes practicing it through acceptance, gratitude, and service, including a FIFA Fan Fest moment when sprinklers ruined the sound system and he shifted to uplifting others backstage. He discusses being the first DJ to speak on Engage’s main stage, the role of goal-setting with de...

Host Michael Coombs interviews Kristin Banta, founder of Kristin Banta Events, about being named one of the most influential event professionals of the past 25 years and how her 23-year journey evolved from learning weddings from scratch to producing premieres, immersive brand events, and corporate work. Banta explains she broke from traditional weddings by first mastering the rules, then reshaping them around a clear point of view, and advises creatives to define what they uniquely bring and find clients who respond. She describes her client intake process as listening, asking the right questions, and uncovering the “why” before design begins, noti...

Today’s show features Veronica Di Santo, co-founder and managing partner of Ines Di Santo, about luxury bridal fashion, entrepreneurship, and resilience. 

Veronica describes herself as a passionate, people-focused, and spiritual person while sharing the story behind the launch of V, Veronica Di Santo. She reflects on growing up in her mother’s atelier, where she learned that bridal is about creating history and that building a successful brand requires both sacrifice and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She also shares the “aha” moment she experienced while in university that led her to join the family business.

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Host Michael Coombs interviews sales, leadership, and customer service trainer Cindy Novotny about building sustainable businesses through the combination of strong sales, exceptional service, and leadership. Drawing from her experience with the Ritz-Carlton Learning Institute and Malcolm Baldrige quality standards, she shared how vision, mission, onboarding, daily standards, reviews, and communication huddles all contribute to long-term success — and how luxury hospitality practices can translate into corporate industries.

She also emphasized the importance of fast, personalized follow-up through “personal automation,” avoiding public pricing for customized work, and consistently pursuing business through referrals, outreach, and re-engaging after lost bids. We dis...

Host Michael Coombs interviews Josh Spiegel, founder and chief creative officer of Birch Events, about his path from selling florals in his dad’s Brooklyn balloon shop to producing 200+ events a year. Spiegel says Birch’s foundation is service and listening, defining luxury as how clients feel and how heard they are. He recounts early financial naivety that led to about $1.5M in debt, and describes steps to regain control: paying himself a salary, using an “envelope diet,” finding partners with complementary skills, and selling 70% of the company to gain operational and financial support; he says the debt took about 10...

Host Michael Coons interviews Mo Govindji of Mango Studios, a wedding photography company founded in Toronto in 2005 that now shoots globally with a boutique team across Toronto, Miami, and destination markets. Mo attributes 20+ years of consistency to quality as a prerequisite, plus strong people, customer service, consistency, systems, and embracing change. He explains Mango’s three “machines” (sales/marketing, hiring/training and shooting, and production) and how their funnel uses tools like Instagram, Typeform, Acuity, Salesforce, and ShootQ. After COVID reduced in-person consultations, Mango built an in-house, collaborative system that transcribes calls and turns them into a visual canvas/plan...

Host Michael Coombs interviews global event planner and brand strategist Kathy Romero following her surprise talk at Toronto’s client appreciation party, The Interlude. Romero explains that reaching high-profile work required complete self-trust, strong boundaries, and projecting certainty because clients “hire a presence,” not just a planner. She emphasizes leaving fear by choosing yourself, vetting client alignment through experience, and building a clear, evolving vision rooted in the life and lifestyle you want rather than comparison or volume. Romero discusses recurring doubts, grief-driven overcompensation, burnout, and recovering through certainty. She defends a lean three-person team and fewer, higher-value clients, warnin...

Toronto International Film Festival isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural force.  TIFF’s Director of Special Events, Mariangel Urdaneta, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring it to life. At its core, TIFF operates as a charity with a bold mission: to shift how people see the world through film.

For its 50th anniversary, the focus wasn’t on doing more—it was on doing better. Think elevated experiences. Opening day set the tone with a Walk of Fame moment, back-to-back premieres, and a high-energy kickoff party that only TIFF can deli...

Host Michael Coombs interviews Katie Hendricks, founder of Masterfully Managed and Forma, about supporting wedding creatives through operations and representation. Katie explains that Masterfully Managed, an eight-year-old 17-person team, acts as an extension of clients’ brands by handling behind-the-scenes tasks like client communication, vendor/venue sourcing, submissions, social media, blogs, and Pinterest. She shares how Forma, launched five to six months ago, emerged from photographers requesting agency-style representation, and how she now matches photographers/videographers to planners and couples by factoring in budget, availability, and personality dynamics. They discuss the value of in-person conferences and relationship-building, the benefits of a...

Host Michael Coombs interviews DJ MOS, an NYC and LA nightlife veteran and, with his wife DJ Kiss, the Academy Awards’ official DJ. MOS recounts how he manifested the Oscars gig and met an assistant to the Academy president who helped connect him, and explains preparing for celebrity rooms by reading the crowd and mixing classics with current hits. He reflects on formative experiences at NYC clubs like the Tunnel, interning at Elektra Records, and learning through “DJ university” nights, citing mentors including Peter Paul, Du Ray, Mark Ronson, Rich Medina, DJ AM, and Clark Kent. He describes moving to LA...

Host Michael Coombs interviews Santa Barbara planner, designer, and florist Tyler Speier, creative director for Engage! Santa Barbara, about executing luxury at scale under industry scrutiny, short turnarounds, and high expectations. Speier explains the intentional Santa Barbara story he designed for Engage—from natural beauty and monarch migration to agriculture, downtown, Fiesta, cowboy history, and old Hollywood—and why he took on the project for both challenge and ROI, citing amplified reach, stronger venue relationships, and new contracts. He shares how his company began after high school with budget weddings, grew alongside a nonprofit career, and expanded rapidly after an a...

In this episode,  Ashley Pigott shares her insights on the power of manifestation, the importance of obsession with excellence, and the personal costs of growth in the event planning industry. She discusses the calculated risks involved in expanding her business internationally and the significance of building collaborative partnerships. Ashley emphasizes the need to stay true to oneself amidst industry noise and the evolving definition of success. She also highlights the importance of creating memorable experiences for clients and managing pressure during high-stakes events. Finally, she reflects on her journey of manifesting opportunities and her recent work with the Ritz-Carlton Y...

Brandee Gaar, founder of Wedding Pro CEO, explains that many wedding professionals undercharge and avoid leading clients to a decision because they fear sounding pushy, which leaves couples confused about next steps. She outlines a four-part consultation framework: deep discovery to uncover motivations and pain points; pitching only in direct relation to those pain points rather than listing generic service bullet points; securing small verbal “yeses” throughout (including addressing budget and pricing in the call instead of deferring it); and then assuming next steps by confidently guiding clients into a contract when readiness is confirmed. She emphasizes not sending a co...

In this episode, renowned bridal designer Hayley Paige, shares her inspiring journey from loving dresses as a young girl to navigating a tumultuous legal battle over her own name. Hayley discusses her early influences, including her grandmother who taught her to sew, and her academic journey, which initially included pre-med at Cornell before pivoting to fiber science and apparel design. She reflects on her professional experiences, including creating a 10-piece bridal collection at Cornell and working with top designers like Jill Stewart. Hayley opens up about her time at JLM Couture, her public legal battles, and the emotional toll...

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Meghan Ely, a renowned expert in wedding and event PR. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong digital presence and the role of PR in achieving credibility, bookings, and growth. Meghan emphasizes the need for customized PR strategies based on specific goals within the event industry, such as wedding submissions, increasing brand awareness, and diversifying into B2B. She addresses current shifts in media publications, the impact of AI, and the significance of in-person conferences and associations. Meghan concludes with practical advice for wedding professionals looking to improve their PR efforts.
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In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Wassal Seddiqi, the founder and creative force behind Toronto-based planning and design boutique Petals and Pearls. They discuss the challenges of wedding planning, including a worst-case scenario where a venue canceled last minute. Wassal shares her strategies for managing crises, the importance of education and certifications, and how she uses social media to showcase her personality and attract clients. They also delve into her passion for interior design and the value of workshops for aspiring planners.

00:00 Introduction and Business Philosophy
00:27 Meet the Guest: Wassal Seddiqi
00:43 Handling a Wedding Crisis<...

In this episode of the show, host Michael Coombs interviews Lisa Zachery, the CEO and creative director of Papered Wonders. Known for her custom stationery work for brands like BET, Essence Magazine, and Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman Tour, Lisa discusses her unique approach to design. She explains how she incorporates personal elements from her clients' lives into their invitations to set the tone for unforgettable events. Lisa also shares insights on the importance of personal connections, her self-taught design journey, the evolving role of digital invitations, and her passion for brand identity. Additionally, she touches on...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs talks with Sean Low, the founder and president of the Business of Being Creative. They discuss the importance of emotional connection, value, and alignment in running creative businesses. Sean emphasizes the pitfalls of using packages in luxury and creative businesses, advocating for a focus on personalized value instead. He explains how businesses can pivot from package-based models to valuing their unique talents and how to effectively structure pricing and contracts. Sean also touches on the significance of intellectual property provisions and the necessity of aligning business operations with creative goals. The conversation concludes...

In this episode, Michael Coombs converses with Natalie Denyse, the founder and director of In Good Company PR. They delve into the evolving landscape of media strategy for luxury wedding and hospitality brands, emphasizing the importance of targeted exposure and founder-led storytelling. Natalie discusses the increasing value of developing privatized storytelling channels, such as podcasts and digital journals, and how brands can leverage these tools for longevity and sustainability. The conversation also covers strategies to optimize digital presence, the role of real-life immersive experiences, and the growing importance of one-to-one connections in a post-Covid world. Additionally, the episode highlights...

In this episode, Michael Coombs welcomes Simon T. Bailey, an award-winning keynote speaker, success coach, and bestselling author. They discuss the importance of resilience and brilliance in both business and life, and offer practical advice on how to unlock these qualities. Simon shares insights from his 20 years of experience, including the three key components of brilliance: confidence, competence, and creativity. They delve into the significance of energy management, the power of reflection and journaling, and the value of community and connection. Simon also emphasizes the importance of kindness and small acts of service in making the world a better...

In this episode, we hear from Phong, who shares his remarkable path from being a mechanical engineer and personal trainer to becoming a successful wedding filmmaker with his company, Modern Frame. Phong discusses how his diverse background in engineering and personal training has given him a unique edge in the wedding videography industry. He delves into the emotional aspects of wedding filmmaking, the impact of social media on his methods, and the importance of staying physically and mentally fit to manage multiple demanding roles. Phong also talks about the significance of genuine relationships and networking in the wedding industry...

In this episode, Michael Coombs speaks with acclaimed International Wedding Photographer Raphaëlle Granger, who shares her journey through two major rebrands. Starting as an adventure elopement photographer, Raphaëlle found herself disconnected and later redefined her brand to align more with weddings that evoke human connection. She discusses emotional intelligence on wedding days, the impact of being named one of Rangefinder's 30 Rising Stars, and the importance of connecting authentically in the luxury wedding market. Raphaëlle also delves into international networking and the role of photography in capturing the many layers of human emotion.

00:00 Introduction and...

In this episode of the Michael Coombs Show, Michael talks with a multicultural and destination wedding specialist Fidan Ismayilova, from Designed Dream Events. Fidan discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in planning weddings that blend different cultural traditions. Fidan elaborates on the importance of communication, managing family expectations, and the logistics of running destination weddings across various countries. The conversation also covers the growth of Designed Dream Events from a one-woman operation to a full team and the future trends in destination weddings. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences and maintaining open, transparent...

In this episode of The Michael Coombs Show, Michael interviews Michelle Cundari, an international wedding planner and founder of Sincerely Yours Events and Fancy Puffs. Michelle shares insights on how she juggles the responsibilities of being a new mom while running a successful business. She discusses her day-to-day life, the importance of building strong vendor relationships, and how she manages to keep her clients happy. Michelle also touches on her journey from planning small family events to managing large-scale weddings, both locally and internationally. She reveals the challenges and rewards of running two businesses and offers heartfelt advice to...

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Todd Kjargaard, the Creative Director of Jackie O Floral Affairs and Event Design. They discuss Todd's unique approach to collaborating with a wide variety of designers, the importance of maintaining creativity in event design, and the impact of AI in the planning process. Todd shares his insights on balancing client desires with innovative designs, the significance of good leadership over management, and strategies for keeping a team motivated and engaged. They also cover the challenges and trends in the wedding industry, such as the demand for immersive experiences.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction<...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Sara Lam from August in Bloom on her unexpected journey from executive roles to wedding planning. Sara shares how her passion for pastry led her to start a sweet table company, which eventually evolved into a wedding planning business. She discusses the importance of project management, sales skills, and automation in her success. Sara also explains her approach to setting transparent pricing, building trust with clients, and the role continuous learning plays in her business growth. Tune in for valuable tips on balancing the aesthetics and logistics of event planning.

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In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Abdul and Hafsa, the sibling co-founders of Ethereal Creators. They share their fascinating journey from crafting DIY home events to founding a renowned event design company. Abdul recounts his struggle to leave his uninspiring job to pursue his passion for event design, while Hafsa discusses her artistic inclinations and their first grand event, which set the tone for their future projects. The duo emphasizes the importance of originality, continuous self-improvement, and drawing inspiration from global design trends, architecture, and nature. They also talk about their internal creative processes, the dynamics within their...

In this episode hosted by Michael Coombs, Derek and Cece from DC Film Co. dive into the balance between artistry and high-touch service in the wedding cinematography industry. They discuss the importance of collaboration, hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail learned from attending Engage conferences. The duo shares how their unique filming style is shaped by personal experiences and high standards, and how they continually strive to improve through networking and learning from industry leaders. Additionally, they touch on the evolving role of AI and the significance of situational awareness and exceptional service in making weddings memorable.

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Bianca and Erica, co-owners of Estera Events in Chicago, share their inspiring journey from starting as interns in 2010 to taking over the business in 2019. They discuss key moments and challenges that shaped their leadership, the influence of their mentor Hillary, and their unique approach to blending minimalist and maximalist design styles. The conversation highlights their transition to a percentage-based model, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their burgeoning focus on destination weddings. The duo emphasizes their commitment to client experience, personalized wedding designs, and the importance of respect and collaboration with vendors worldwide.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions<...

In this episode, Shealyn Angus discusses how she built meaningful friendships with her competitors in the event planning industry. She explains how these relationships began organically through shared values of community over competition and how they have positively impacted both her personal life and business. Shealyn highlights the importance of cooperation to push the Canadian event industry forward, contrasting it with the more recognized American market. She delves into her background in hospitality and theater production, shedding light on how these experiences influenced her boutique event planning approach. The episode also touches on her 'one night only' philosophy, emphasizing...

In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes Kristi Drago-Price, the founder and creative director of Editor's Edge, a New York City-based boutique creative agency. They discuss the nuances of branding, highlighting the importance of a strategic approach that goes beyond mere logos or websites. Kristi explains the structured 'house analogy' methodology for brand development and emphasizes the need for businesses to evolve from startup basics to more refined brand strategies as they grow. She also addresses common pitfalls like imitation over inspiration and the paralysis often faced in branding due to overwhelming options and perfectionism. Additionally, Kristi shares insights...

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Matthew Myhrum, a concept artist specializing in luxury weddings and events. Matthew shares his career journey, starting as a set designer in theater and transitioning to the event industry, working with prestigious clients like Preston Bailey. He elaborates on the role of a concept artist, which involves creating detailed 2D and 3D visualizations for event planners and clients. Matthew discusses the technological advancements he has embraced, including game engines and virtual reality, to enhance his designs. He also highlights a pivotal project that shifted his approach to event design and emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, Sasha shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, co-founding multiple businesses including Purple Tree Photography, Indigo Events, August Media, Mint Room Studios, and Preto Loft Studio. He discusses the serendipitous start of Purple Tree Photography in 2011, born out of a casual conversation at a Halloween party. Sasha highlights the importance of adapting to challenges, nurturing long-term opportunities for employees, and fostering a culture of radical honesty. He reflects on the company's growth, including strategic partnerships with competitors like Mango Studios, and the expansion of Mint Room Studios to Miami. Sasha's story also touches on the personal...

In this engaging episode, Nadia Colella of Nadia & Co. discusses how scaling back has enhanced her creativity and allowed her to explore other artistic ventures. Nadia shares her approach to custom wedding cake design, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding her clients' visions. She talks about her transition from a busy luxury cake market to a more selective and creatively fulfilling clientele, and her new artistic endeavors including Tabletop and textiles. Nadia also touches on the challenges of separating her identity from her work and the impact of showing her authentic self on social media. Tune in to learn...