The Business of Luxury Weddings

What if the most successful version of your business is simply the most honest version of you? Akeshi Akinseye, founder and CEO of Kesh Events and a globally recognized wedding planner and designer, joins James and Otto for a conversation about building a career on truth instead of polish. Raised in Nigeria in a family of hosts, Akeshi traces how her mother shaped the way she creates, and why she believes your origin is your greatest differentiator. She gets honest about stepping out from behind her brand to stand in front of it, designing celebrations that move people through all five senses, and the emotional luxury philosophy at the heart of her work. Along the way she shares the two lessons that changed everything: be willing to fail, and stop trying to be everything to everyone. She also opens up about her new book, The Art of Celebrating, and the surprising way AI is now helping her book clients. Part masterclass on intentional design, part permission to simply be yourself.

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. Want a clear and comprehensive roadmap on how to succeed in the luxury wedding market? Check out the Business of Luxury Weddings course. You'll learn the entire business model and thought process - so you can sign consistent 5-figure contracts, build a powerful network of the right people, and travel to iconic destinations. Learn more and join the waitlist at SageJourney.co.

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.

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 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'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.

In this episode, we welcome Jose Villa, arguably the most influential wedding photographers of our time. With over 20 years in the industry, Jose's journey has been about more than just taking photos—it's been about building a legacy. From his early days charging $400 for weddings to now capturing million-dollar events around the globe, Jose opens up about the power of client relationships, mastering the art of film in a digital age, and the discipline it takes to succeed in an industry fueled by creativity and pressure. Hear how he navigates the expectations of high-profile clients, the role of humility and discipline in his career, and why he believes in lifting others within the industry. This conversation is a must-listen for photographers and creatives looking to make their mark with integrity and passion.