Shows
The Business of Luxury WeddingsDawson Mitchell: From Fired to Thriving – What It Takes to Become UndeniableIn 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 episo...2025-04-2853 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsBryan Rafanelli: From Frat Parties to the White House—How Connection Built an Iconic BrandIn 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...2025-03-3155 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsBash Please: Reinventing Weddings & Corporate Events—What Planners Need to KnowIn 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 prio...2025-02-1052 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsJohn Dolan: The Perfect Imperfect—How 15 Frames Can Tell the Story of a LifetimeIn 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 wh...2025-01-271h 03The Business of Luxury WeddingsKatherine Gray: The Art of Anticipation, Authenticity and being Number Two.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...2025-01-1349 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsEstera Events: How Partnership and Passion Built a Global Wedding BrandIn 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 authen...2024-12-1647 min
Behind the Frame with Rebecca YaleBehind the Frame with James and SchulzeOn this episode of Behind the frame, I had the pleasure of chatting with the dynamic duo, James and Otto from James and Schulze, renowned luxury wedding photographers and educators. During our conversation, James and Otto shared their journey of coming together as business partners after years of individual success in the photography industry. They discussed the challenges they faced in transitioning to the ultra luxury market and the importance of collaboration in their business.James and Otto touched on the balance between creativity and business acumen in their work, highlighting the fulfillment they find in both...2024-12-1054 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsMichelle Gainey: Authenticity, Resilience, and Breaking Barriers in Luxury EventsIn this episode, we sit down with Michelle Gainey, the visionary behind Lemiga Events, a luxury event design and planning company based in Atlanta. Michelle opens up about her inspiring journey of breaking racial barriers in the wedding industry while staying true to her authentic self. She shares how she overcame societal assumptions as a Black woman in the luxury market, transforming those challenges into opportunities to create meaningful and breathtaking events. With 20 years of experience, Michelle reveals how her focus on storytelling, collaboration, and authenticity has set her apart and earned her the trust of high-profile clients. She...2024-12-0253 min
PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast593: James and Schulze – How to break into the ultra-luxury wedding photography market
Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area
James Christianson and Otto Schulze of www.jamesandschulze.com and www.sagejourney.co are wedding photographers servicing the ultra-luxury wedding photography market.
They joined forces around 7 years ago after each running individual wedding photography businesses for close to 15 years.
I've heard them say they are still competing with each other, and the only difference is that today, they share a bank account.
They both believe that moving into the premium and luxury space can be a game-changer for any p...2024-11-2500 min
PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast593: James and Schulze – How to break into the ultra-luxury wedding photography market
Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area
James Christianson and Otto Schulze of www.jamesandschulze.com and www.sagejourney.co are wedding photographers servicing the ultra-luxury wedding photography market.
They joined forces around 7 years ago after each running individual wedding photography businesses for close to 15 years.
I've heard them say they are still competing with each other, and the only difference is that today, they share a bank account.
They both believe that moving into the premium and luxury space can be a game-changer for any p...2024-11-2554 min
For the Hawkra - A Seattle Seahawks PodcastFly or Fail: Seahawks' Keys to Victory Over CardinalsComing off the momentum from Sunday's victory over the 49ers, do we believe the Seahawks are playoff-bound, or do we need to wait on the outcome of this game to decide? The defense appears to have improved and they're going to need the run stopping ability against James Connor and Kyler Murray this week. With the Cardinals riding a four-game winning streak, the conversation turns to the challenges Kyler and the offense pose. We break down the Cardinals' recent performances and highlight the key players to watch. What offensive strategies are needed to overcome the Cardinals? We share some...2024-11-2252 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsJose Villa: How Film Photography, Humility and Bold Choices Built an Icon in Luxury WeddingsIn 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 hum...2024-11-1951 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsDowney Street Events: How Strong Relationships and Profit First Drive Success in Luxury WeddingsIn this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Connely, owner and creative director of Downey Street Events, a premier wedding planning firm. Kelsey shares her fascinating journey from corporate HR to the world of luxury weddings and how she successfully took over an established event planning business. She dives into the importance of vendor relationships and how these partnerships are the backbone of her firm’s success. Kelsey also discusses the creative vision she brings to each event, shaping a unique brand aesthetic that attracts high-end clients. Wedding professionals will find her insights on leadership, team dynamics, and maintaining lo...2024-11-0443 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsStudio Sully: How Vendor Partnerships and Creative Vision Fuel Success in Luxury WeddingsIn this episode of the Business of Luxury Weddings, we sit down with Melissa Sullivan, founder of Studio Sully, a renowned event design and production firm based in Los Angeles and New York. Melissa shares her unique journey from assistant planner to headlining her own firm—right as the pandemic hit. Tune in to hear how Melissa navigated the challenges of launching a business during unprecedented times, built invaluable vendor relationships, and found her creative voice. For wedding pros looking to make their mark, Melissa’s insights on authenticity, design inspiration from fashion, and the importance of a strong supp...2024-10-2142 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsColin Cowie: The Gold Standard — Lessons in Luxury, Culture, and the Pursuit of ExcellenceIn this captivating episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings, we’re honored to be joined by the renowned Colin Cowie, an iconic figure in the world of luxury events. With nearly 40 years of experience, Colin shares his fascinating journey from his humble beginnings with just $400 and a dream to becoming the go-to planner for Hollywood's elite. He opens up about the evolving landscape of the event industry, offering invaluable insights into navigating its cyclical nature while keeping elegance and style at the forefront. Colin also dives deep into the power of creating a rich company culture, pr...2024-10-0746 min
How To Film Weddings367. Going After The Truly Exceptional with James and ShulzeLuxury Wedding Photographers James and Schulze are on the How To Film Weddings Podcast this week, and if we are being honest, this might be one of the best episodes we have ever created. John interviewed these two about ‘going after the truly exceptional.’ They really dig into the fact that what got you where you are won’t get you where you want to go. These two have been in the industry for nearly 20 years, and they bring their knowledge to help you gain a new perspective for your business. We hope you enjoy this episode as muc...2024-09-301h 03The Business of Luxury WeddingsThe Fourniers: Risk, Resilience, and the Road to Luxury Wedding SuccessIn this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Fournier, one half of the power duo behind a flourishing luxury wedding photography brand. Coming from a medical background, Joshua and Leidy share how they transitioned from physician assistant studies to photographing weddings full-time—all while balancing the demands of medicine and life as new parents. They discuss their early success, booking 19 weddings in their first year, and their consistent growth, even during the challenges of COVID. Josh opens up about the lessons learned from both the medical field and running a business, including th...2024-09-1638 min
Main Street RadioEp. 19 | What Makes Animal Kingdom Lodge Unique?EPISODE DESCRIPTION:Join us for a wild adventure in this episode as our guest host, Lindsey shares her top picks for staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! Discover what makes this unique resort stand out, from its stunning savanna views filled with exotic animals to its award-winning dining options. Lindsey will take you through her personal experiences which includes the immersive African-themed experiences. Tune in for tips and insights that will enhance your magical stay at this enchanting hotel!From Main Street to Your Speakers, this is Main Street R...2024-09-0938 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsExperience is Everything: Mastering the Art of Flawless ExecutionIn this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, James and Otto chat with Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events. Rosemary's journey started in the film industry as a line producer, where she worked with A-list directors. Now, she brings that same level of attention to detail and collaboration to luxury weddings. Rosemary shares what it takes to succeed in high-end event planning—confidence, experience, and a solid team that’s willing to go the extra mile. She talks about how timelines are key, and how finding the right people who value the process is crucial. Ro...2024-09-0245 minFor the Hawkra - A Seattle Seahawks PodcastSix Moments that Mattered: Seahawks vs. Browns and 53-Man Cut DownWe break down the game, highlight key moments, and discuss the standout performances that led to the win in this week's 3 IN, 3 OUT. From Geno Smith's impressive plays to the defensive prowess shown by Julian Love and DJ James, we cover it all. Plus, we have some insights into the 53-man roster as cut-down day approaches.
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Support the podcast and become a member of the Flock! GetInTheFlock.com for rewards and...2024-08-2755 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsDiwan by Design: Keeping Time - Where Watches, Design and Weddings ConvergeIn this episode of The Business of Luxury Weddings Podcast, hosts James and Otto sit down with Sneh Diwan of Diwan by Design. Sneh opens up about her journey from studying design and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology to becoming a "timekeeper" in wedding planning, where her love for watches perfectly complements her passion for crafting unforgettable events. Sneh shares the profound emotional impact of weddings, those rare moments where all the important people in your life come together in one place. She reflects on how high-end weddings create meaningful connections, blending stunning locations with...2024-08-1248 minThe Business of Luxury Weddings42 North: Together We Shine - The Beauty of Partnership and a Collaborative Spirit On today’s episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Britt and Francie from 42 North, a weddings and event planning business. While much of their clientele is in New England, they also plan destination weddings for clients in New York, Chicago, and LA. Britt and Francie share what a wedding planner does, comparing wedding planning to putting on a Broadway production with no rehearsals. They discuss building their venues and creating beautiful yet functional environments, such as mitigating dust with a water truck for a desert wedding. With a crew of up to 200 people and a multi-million-dollar budget, th...2024-07-3050 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsAlison Bryan Destinations: The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity On today’s episode, hosts James and Otto are joined by Alison and Bryan from Alison Bryan Destinations. The couple has an impressive portfolio, which includes work around the globe, including Morrocco, Spain, and Greece, Italy and Mexico, just to name a few. Many people use “experience” as a buzzword, but with Alison and Bryan, it is a fundamental part of their ethos. Kicking things off, Alison and Bryan share their business, which started 16 years ago in Seattle, moved through Michigan and California before going global. Alison explains that their passion for hospitality naturally evolved into a love for...2024-07-2254 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsErik Clausen: From Creativity to Content: The Power of Self-Reflection and Personal GrowthAs photographers and business owners, continuous growth is the name of the game. What gets in the way of this growth are the blindspots we all have. If we’re not booking the weddings we want or showing up the way we want to, curiosity and radical self-honesty are the only way to initiate the change we need. It’s really hard to assess ourselves, and often that process is brought on by a huge life event. Nothing makes us self-reflect more than a moment of transition in our lives, like the end of a relat...2024-07-1544 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsManda Worthington: How to Craft A Wedding Around Wellbeing and HappinessUnique experiences, powerful emotions, beauty, family, love and legacy…these are some of the words planners use to describe the service they provide. It’s very rare to hear a planner talk about wellbeing and happiness being the leading drivers of what they do. At the highest level of wedding planning, the concept of caring for people can get lost in the luxurious logistics. What sets the best apart isn’t being really good at the job because everyone’s good. What makes the difference is caring about the client as a human being, being their roc...2024-07-0847 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsBrooke Keegan: It's a Party! But it's Still a BusinessLuxury weddings involve so many great things like travel, amazing experiences and glamorous events. Because all these facets are so fun and exciting, it’s easy to fall into the trap of treating the job like a hobby. In order to build something that sustains you, you have to treat it like a business. Yes, the job is fun, but it’s also our livelihood so we have to handle it accordingly. In an industry where the barrier gets lower everyday, the people who have staying power are the ones who think like CEOs, and build...2024-07-0148 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsLe Rêve Films: How to Turn One Industry Relationship Into a Lifetime of ROIMost wedding professionals are taught to grow by way of digital marketing, but there’s something with a much higher ROI - relationship marketing. When you compare what you get out of fostering industry relationships with digital marketing, it’s not even close. The former will always win. One ad can bring in a single wedding. One industry collaboration can bring you hundreds of weddings throughout your lifetime. That’s the kind of ROI marketing dollars will never buy! It doesn’t matter what level you’re at - entry level, high-end or ultra-luxury, investing in relation...2024-06-2443 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsLea Stafford: How to Intentionally Fold Familiarity and Coziness Into a WeddingWhen you work in the fast-paced, demanding world of luxury weddings, it’s easy to run on reactivity - to act first and then think later. Running on intentionality, being thoughtful first and then taking action is a completely different approach. Living by intention touches every facet of your life, and of course impacts how you run your business and serve your clients. For Lea Stafford, being intentional means slowing down to think more clearly, identifying what allows her to be her best and making that the foundation of everything she does. What pr...2024-06-1739 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsAugusta Cole: Atmospheric, Tangible and Organic: How to Create An Heirloom ExperienceA special event is made up of 3 types of experiences - the atmospheric, the tangible and the organic pieces of what’s happening in the moment. Wedding planners are tasked with weaving all these things together and adding connection to the recipe. When this takes place in the context of a destination - local or abroad - there also has to be a story component centered on the place. From the fluttering fun of initial planning to the gratification of the culminating moment, everything has to be about designing this experience. Then the experience has to...2024-06-1041 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsDon't Devalue Yourself: How to Triple Your Price w/John MolerOffer a discount, drop your rates, or put more into the package - this is what most people will do when they want to get more business. The problem is, in doing this, you’re devaluing yourself in the eyes of the client, which works against you in luxury. The secret to raising your rates is actually refining your brand and elevating your proposal which means eliminating elements. Instead of incentivizing clients by lowering your price or stuffing your offering, you get them to spend by valuing yourself more. What are some...2024-05-2234 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsJack Ezon: Experience First, Location Later: The Secret to Luxury TravelAs luxury shifts from conspicuous consumption to conscious consumption, we have to change how we think about the services we provide. It’s not that people are spending less money, they are just choosing to spend smarter, and putting more meaning behind every buying choice. In the luxury travel space, crafting a great experience shouldn’t start with the location, it starts with the feeling people are seeking. It’s about focusing on the ingredients of the experience rather than the deliverable. What they want, not where they want. This is especial...2024-05-1734 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsSofia Crokos: How to Chase Beauty, Inspiration, and CollaborationEvery human being has moments where inspiration strikes them, but not everyone will chase it. A great creative concept, collaboration, or business idea can fade because you’re scared to put it out there. Not for Sofia Crokos. She goes down every avenue of creativity from fashion and weddings to food and flowers. Her secret: manifesting, chasing beauty, and acting on inspiration without limitation. Instead of saying ‘no’ or ‘not now’ to an idea she engages with it and goes after it. Because of this, her pursuits aren’t just s...2024-05-0639 min
The One Shot Movement Podcast With Craig SchulzeInterview with Matt Gordin and Brendan James, Founders of Boutique Fitness Studios Matt and Brendan, the dynamic duo behind Boutique Fitness Studios, share their journey of building a franchise empire from the ground up.
[00:00] Matt and Brendan's journey and vision.
[03:18] Core principles that laid the groundwork for Boutique Fitness Studios.
[08:27] The importance of fostering community within the fitness industry.
[12:45] Boutique Fitness Studios' philanthropic initiatives.
[15:56] Franchise opportunities with Boutique Fitness Studios.
[19:14] Connect with Matt and Brendan on social media.
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Ready to elevate your online presence?
Meet SHOPLY, the game-changing platform designed for influencers and business owners. Empower your brand with cutting-edge AI strategies, tap into a...2024-05-0646 minThe One Shot Movement Podcast With Craig SchulzeInterview with Matt Gordin and Brendan James, Founders of Boutique Fitness Studios Matt and Brendan, the dynamic duo behind Boutique Fitness Studios, share their journey of building a franchise empire from the ground up.
[00:00] Matt and Brendan's journey and vision.
[03:18] Core principles that laid the groundwork for Boutique Fitness Studios.
[08:27] The importance of fostering community within the fitness industry.
[12:45] Boutique Fitness Studios' philanthropic initiatives.
[15:56] Franchise opportunities with Boutique Fitness Studios.
[19:14] Connect with Matt and Brendan on social media.
----
Ready to elevate your online presence?
Meet SHOPLY, the game-changing platform designed for influencers and business owners. Empower your brand with cutting-edge AI strategies, tap into a...2024-05-0646 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsLindsey Morgan: Letting a Profitable Business Go For Something BetterWhen your successful planning business has a thriving floral arm, why would you shut it down? To make room for more creativity and collaboration! Most people wouldn’t dream of ending something that’s doing so well, but that could be keeping us from what we really want. If a business is just chugging along, it’s easier to keep going as is. Shaking things up is actually so much harder than staying the same, but as entrepreneurs, we often have to let go to level up. We have to close down something good to make ro...2024-04-2940 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsThem, Not You: How to Adapt a Better Branding MindsetWhen it comes to branding and approach, most photographers are focused on themselves. It’s all about their aesthetic and getting clients to fit into it. We make ourselves the thing our clients should aspire to. That was our approach for years…until we realized that it wouldn’t allow us to sustain real success in luxury. So we switched to this: focusing on our clients; and instead of pigeonholing them, shifting our approach according to their needs. Many photographers would consider that selling out - why would we let clients dictate what we do, we’re t...2024-04-2327 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsPhotographer's Edit: Creating Desire in the Mind of Your Buyer w/Nathan HolritzGet to know your client and match yourself up to that. That’s the format of traditional marketing we’re taught to use. What if we could accomplish more by going about it in a completely different way? In luxury, cost isn’t the biggest factor in the decision making process - desire is. If we make people want our service, they will buy it. Creating desire instantly makes us more sought-after, especially in a market segment where exclusivity and uniqueness are the currency of buying choices. From the way we book client calls, to the phot...2024-04-161h 07The Business of Luxury WeddingsB&H Photo: Shifting From Cost to Want Transformed Our BusinessFor many photographers, weddings are a highly intimidating niche. The idea of shooting a once in a lifetime event, at the highest spectrum of emotions can be daunting. And that’s before you add a luxury component to it. Shooting that level of event and having that caliber of client comes with a lot, but the biggest thing is a shift in our own mindset. To break into luxury and command those rates, you’re basically creating value overnight and that can understandably be a real challenge psychol...2024-04-0852 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsAlicia Fritz: Staying Grounded in the High Gravitas World of Luxury WeddingsAt the luxury level of weddings, it’s easy to think you have to live in an epicenter city and have a ton of notoriety to succeed. The whole world has to know you if you want your business to grow. But bigger, famous and splashier isn’t the only route to visibility, success can happen without notoriety. You can thrive while being the best kept secret. It’s possible to create these gravitas “goosebump moment” events, and still live your life. A planner can create dreamy destination weddings without living in New York, Miami or LA....2024-03-121h 00The Business of Luxury WeddingsJennifer Zabinski: Make Weddings Authentic To Who You're CelebratingCreating a magical wedding is a dance of balancing contradictions. You have to saturate the senses without over-producing, steep the event with individual details that become seamless, pace a fast-moving day, and counter the emotional crescendos with much needed lulls. The planners responsible for this do multiple events a year, but they still have to make that particular event authentic to who’s being celebrated. The ultimate litmus test and sign you’ve succeeded? When someone can’t pinpoint what exactly made the day so magical because the components are so harmonio...2024-03-1145 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsHow to Strip Success Down to the Exceptional Essentials w/Steph KadlickoIn this business, the biggest leaps don’t come from adding bells and whistles to our approach. They come from stripping what we do down to the clearest, most actionable and exceptional basics. Going an inch wide and a mile deep produces more profound results than going a mile wide, an inch deep. When you really think about it, we spend 10% of our time in the business behind the camera. What moves the needle is what we do with that 90%. There’s hundreds of things we could be doing. Success comes from distilling the process down a...2024-03-0258 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsJoshua Coombes: The Powerful Ripple Effect of One Free HaircutA simple, kind and meaningful act can have a powerful ripple effect, like giving a haircut to someone in need. Not only does it create doorways to connection. It can open up entire portals that break the typical pattern of how we interact with the community around us. Through one simple compassionate act, we can create moments that matter - moments that can start to break through layers of hardship and make people feel seen after feeling invisible. How did the decision to give a haircut become a powerful movement for kind...2024-02-2149 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsBarbi Walters: Beyond Ballrooms: The Rise of Interior-Informed Wedding DesignInterior design and wedding design have always had a natural synergy. Inspiration from interiors has always trickled into events. Now that there’s a huge movement to make weddings feel residential, interiors aren’t just inspiring events, they are informing them. People want the big day to feel authentic, and not just like another decorated ballroom. The big day is an extension of how they’d host people in their homes. It makes sense then for a wedding designer to also have a firm footing in interiors, which is what Lynden Lane Co. have done. 2024-02-1952 min
Energized with Ian ChristiansonThe Benefits of Training the Mind and Body with Otto SchulzeSend me any questions hereSummaryOtto discusses the power of collaboration, the importance of embracing failure, and the benefits of physical fitness. He shares his experiences with pushing beyond comfort zones and the rewards of persistence. Otto also emphasizes the value of continuous learning and skill accumulation. He discusses the journey of building a business and the importance of education and skill development. He highlights the complexity of thought and language and the ability to update and change perspectives. Otto concludes by discussing the privilege of choice and opportunity and the power...2024-02-1255 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsSarah Tivel: From Formulaic to Intentional: The Beautiful Evolution of Wedding PlanningJust like dress trends and decor trends, weddings and how they are planned have gone through a huge evolution of their own. How the special day was crafted used to be formulaic and predictable. There were traditions that had to be met and boxes the event had to check. Today, there’s plenty of room for the unexpected, the whimsical and the meaningful. What people include in that day is more about intention, not because it’s what they have to do. Wedding days have become wedding weekends...2024-02-1245 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsWendy Jacobs Hampton: Indecisiveness is the Downfall of Luxury EventsAmong the many superpowers of a luxury wedding planner, is the ability to turn 18 months of planning into a timelined, well-executed event with hundreds of moving parts. The secret: there is absolutely no room for indecisiveness. The clients hire you to guide them and make decisions. If you’re still thinking “I wonder if we should…” on the day, it’s not a business you’re built for. Wendy Jacobs Hampton has this and so many other superpowers that make her perfect for this job. Growing up in a party family. Being a highly-m...2024-02-0657 min
Design Your Business | Empowering Creative Women Business OwnersBreaking into the Luxury Market: Advice for Wedding Professionals with James x SchulzeHow do you get into the luxury market? If your goal is to work with high-end clients, you might be wondering where to start. I have the perfect guest for you in this episode of the Design Your Wedding Business podcast. James Christianson from James x Schulze is sharing his expert advice for breaking into the luxury market as a wedding professional. There’s more to this than just marketing; we’re talking about mindset, sales, buying psychology, and (of course) systems and processes. In this episode, James explains how all these pieces work together to get...2024-02-0532 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsShut Up and Listen: How to Elevate Events into Experiences w/David BeahmLuxury is the ability to surprise, delight, anticipate, and deliver. In the wedding space, it's ultimately the difference between planning an event and creating an experience. Our clients are incredibly discerning individuals, so we have to be discerning too. The job is going above and beyond “what we have in the warehouse” to actually bring about a well-executed vision. In this high stress environment, not breaking a sweat while pulling off these feats of creativity is part of the job. How do we elevate an event into an unforge...2024-01-2956 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsEvery Detail For a Reason: The Secret to Precise, Elevated Design w/Rishi PatelIn the realm of ultra-luxury event design, the pressure to exceed the client’s high expectations comes with the territory. Creatively speaking, it’s hard to say no to the vision, and that requires us to constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. The work of designers is incredibly detailed and precise, and that can be a heavy energy expenditure to whoever’s at the helm of that vision. The designer’s job is to push, cultivate and curate everyone around them to elevate to the level of that vision. That’s something Rishi Patel does ex...2024-01-2252 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsEvery Detail For a Reason: The Secret to Precise, Elevated Design w/Rishi PatelIn the realm of ultra-luxury event design, the pressure to exceed the client’s high expectations comes with the territory. Creatively speaking, it’s hard to say no to the vision, and that requires us to constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. The work of designers is incredibly detailed and precise, and that can be a heavy energy expenditure to whoever’s at the helm of that vision. The designer’s job is to push, cultivate and curate everyone around them to elevate to the level of that vision. That’s something Rishi Patel does ext...2024-01-2252 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsRelationships Are the Job: The Highest ROI Decision You’ll Ever Make w/Sarah BradshawIn an industry like wedding photography, “there are as many opinions as there are planners”. It's easy to get caught up in groupthink and herd mentality. People parrot information about running our businesses and what it takes to succeed like it’s universal truth when it’s one perspective. All information and advice is meaningless if it’s not filtered through what works best for us. Sometimes, the most profitable decision we can make is stepping away from the herd. That was the case for Sarah Bradshaw. She detached from groupthink, tore her busin...2024-01-1456 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsObsessive Craftsmanship, Relentless Collaboration: What Wedding Photography Means to UsObsessive craftsmanship, storytelling, collaboration. If we could sum up wedding photography, it would be in these 4 words. It’s not just about taking a pretty picture, and it’s definitely not just about the technical stuff. At some point focus, light, and composition become so deeply ingrained in us we have to reach for something more. We have to learn the art of earning the photo - both from our experience, and also our ability to truly capture the moment. A camera isn’t just a way to capture an image, it’s a way to access...2024-01-0848 minThe Business of Luxury Weddings"Your Vision’s Safe With Me": The Number 1 Rule of Luxury Event Planning w/ Michelle Rago“Your vision is safe with me.” That’s what a planner needs to say and deliver to their clients. When you’re at the helm of a magical moment where every detail matters, how things look isn’t your first consideration. You have to go 30,000 ft up, take what they want to see and steep it in reality, while still maintaining the magic. To do this effectively, confidence, competence, and kindness are required. For Michelle Rago, these things come easy, and it shows in the experiences she creates. How did she get started? W...2024-01-0150 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsFocus On Worth, Not Work: The Secret to Quadrupling Your Rate w/Sidonie VidalIf you’re good at the craft, raising your rates isn’t a question of skill. It’s more about doing the mindset work so you can confidently elevate how you show up in the marketplace. Your work has to be good - that’s a given, but you’ll hit a ceiling if you only focus on that. To grow our revenue, we have to raise what we think our work is worth - and that has a lot to do with branding. The shift to a higher rate starts internally. Believing it for ourselves fi...2023-12-2655 minThe One Shot Movement Podcast With Craig SchulzeSeason 12 Season Finale Episode - The One Shot Movement Podcast Episode Overview:
In this finale episode, we express gratitude for our phenomenal guests in season 12 and give you a little tease of what's to come up for season 13. Hint: We are about to make things even bigger!
Here's a quick recap of the whole season 12, highlighting our guests and their unique contributions:
Fergus Watts: Former AFL star and CEO of the Reach Foundation, Watts shared his journey from sports to leadership, focusing on overcoming sports injuries and life transitions.
Listen to the episode here: https://craigschulze.com/podcast/episode/interview-with-Fergus-Watts-The-High-Performance-Mindset-How-Athletes-Dominate-In-Business
Ni...2023-12-1907 minThe One Shot Movement Podcast With Craig SchulzeSeason 12 Season Finale Episode - The One Shot Movement Podcast Episode Overview:
In this finale episode, we express gratitude for our phenomenal guests in season 12 and give you a little tease of what's to come up for season 13. Hint: We are about to make things even bigger!
Here's a quick recap of the whole season 12, highlighting our guests and their unique contributions:
Fergus Watts: Former AFL star and CEO of the Reach Foundation, Watts shared his journey from sports to leadership, focusing on overcoming sports injuries and life transitions.
Listen to the episode here: https://craigschulze.com/podcast/episode/interview-with-Fergus-Watts-The-High-Performance-Mindset-How-Athletes-Dominate-In-Business
Ni...2023-12-1907 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsRead the Room, Collaborate & Serve: What It Takes to Pull Off Seamless, Fairy Tale Experiences w/Peyton FrankLuxury wedding or not, we’re in the business of serving our clients and pulling off a once-in-a-lifetime fairytale for them. Of course, we have to be exceptionally talented, but there’s also a whole strategic process of unglamorous, behind-the-scenes work to make it look seamless and luxurious. All wedding vendors are in the unique position of not being guests, but having such a pivotal role on a very important day. Ultimately, we’re privileged service providers who work together to make magic happen. The better we get at reading the room and collaborating, the more ele...2023-12-1852 minThe One Shot Movement Podcast With Craig SchulzeInterview with Rhiannon Simcocks - CEO of James Home Services Australia.mp3 --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:06) - CEO of James Home Services
(0:12:33) - Removing Barriers to Franchise Ownership
(0:24:17) - Franchise Network Growth and Future Goals
(0:39:21) - Consume Diverse Content and Advice Importance
(0:46:00) - Accessible Business Ownership Opportunity
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:06) - CEO of James Home Services
Rhiannon Simcocks shares her journey in business management and the recent ownership takeover of James Home Services.
(0:12:33) - Removing Barriers to Franchise Ownership
New subscription model addresses barriers of upfront costs and long-term commitment, with...2023-12-1847 minThe One Shot Movement Podcast With Craig SchulzeInterview with Rhiannon Simcocks - CEO of James Home Services Australia.mp3 --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:06) - CEO of James Home Services
(0:12:33) - Removing Barriers to Franchise Ownership
(0:24:17) - Franchise Network Growth and Future Goals
(0:39:21) - Consume Diverse Content and Advice Importance
(0:46:00) - Accessible Business Ownership Opportunity
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:06) - CEO of James Home Services
Rhiannon Simcocks shares her journey in business management and the recent ownership takeover of James Home Services.
(0:12:33) - Removing Barriers to Franchise Ownership
New subscription model addresses barriers of upfront costs and long-term commitment, with...2023-12-1847 min
Bloody Monday - Persönlichkeitsentwicklung, Mindset & NLP52 - Mit 4 einfachen Schritten neue Gewohnheiten erschaffen
Hast Du schon einmal versucht, eine bestehende Gewohnheit zu verändern? Egal worum es sich handelt – das Rauchen, zu viel Fernsehen oder zu wenig Bewegung. Wahrscheinlich hast Du auch schon festgestellt, dass es gar nicht so einfach ist, seine Gewohnheiten zu verändern.
Das liegt unter anderem daran, dass Dein Verhalten in der Vergangenheit so oft von Dir wiederholt wurde, dass es ab einem ganz bestimmten Punkt automatisch abläuft und somit zu einer Routine wird, die automatisch ausgelöst wird.
In dieser Folge geben Dir Stefan und Jakobs praktische Tipps mit, wie Du es leicht...2023-12-1824 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsThrough the Lens of An Elite Planner: How to Get Your First Ultra-Luxury Wedding w/Lynn EastonAn emotion-provoking image that speaks to the planner, not a wasteful unsolicited gift. Steady, quiet persistence, not annoying pushiness. Understanding the cues that say ultra-luxury, and nothing less. That’s how you get on the radar of an elite ultra-luxury planner, and get hired again and again. In the high stakes, high-touch and high detail world of elite wedding planning, photographers are the most important vendors on game day. Planners want collaborators who understand their role and how to bring the ultra-luxury experience from start to finish, with mi...2023-12-0843 minThe Business of Luxury WeddingsFrom Charging $500 per Wedding to a 7-Figure Wedding Photography Business & Our Vision for This Podcast“If only I was just better at the craft....” If you’re a creative in the wedding industry struggling to get those next level weddings, you’ve probably said this to yourself. It’s easy to think getting better at what you do is the missing link. The truth is: digging into and putting an emphasis on the business side is the solution. Most creatives feel like artists who happen to run a business. We have to shift to business owners who happen to be creative. In order to grow...2023-12-0732 min
Get a "Heck Yes" with Carissa Woo Wedding Photographer and CoachEpisode 100 - Get in the Luxury Space - James x SchulzeHappy Woo Wednesdays! I have James x Schulze in the Get a Heck Yes House.Hot Topic: Get in the luxury spaceCombining editorial, documentary, and fine-art styles, James x Schulze has become a world-renowned photography brand. Our experience and knowledge combine to make a significant impact on photographers who want to take their business to the next level. The methods we’re sharing have turned our photography business into a million-dollar business annually.James started his career as an educator and entrepreneur. With 20+ years of experience as a photographer, combined with his bus...2023-10-1147 min
LVR PodcastBenefitting from Quality Time Off out of your BusinessSend us a textAre you juggling a busy career while trying to maintain a healthy work and family balance? We've all been there, and sometimes it feels like there's no time for a breather. In our latest episode of the LVR Podcast, our hosts, Ruan and Marissa, explore a crucial topic that's relevant to professionals at all stages of their journey: "Reward and Recognition" through quality time off.Marissa, co-host and experienced professional, shares her incredible three-month adventure with her family across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Africa. An inspiring journey, indeed, but more...2023-10-1020 min
The Faith and Money PodcastThe Laws of Business Leadership with James SchulzeIt is lonely at the top for both business leaders and ministry caretakers. One way that business leaders can receive both professional and personal support is by joining a mastermind dedicated to C-Suite Leaders.
In this episode, Keith and Crystal interview James Schulze who is the chair of the Orange County, CA chapter of Vistage. The benefits of a mastermind are numerous, including gaining different perspectives from leaders in a range of industries and accountability.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of leadership as found on the Vistage website.
You can contact Jame...2023-10-0936 min
Wedding Industry InsiderWII 125: James x Schulze Tell Us How to Book Luxury Weddings
“Who are you?” “What do you need?” “How can I help you reach your goals?”
These are the kinds of questions that can elevate your business and bring you closer to your dream clients.
In today’s episode of Wedding Industry Insider, we’re learning how building authentic relationships can help you book more creative and high-paying weddings.
James Christianson and Otto Schulze are the founders and co-owners of James x Schulze, a luxury wedding photography brand that was named one of the Top Wedding Photographers in the World by Harpe...2023-09-121h 02
Wedding Industry InsiderWII 125: How to Book Luxury Weddings with James x SchulzeLuxury photographers James x Schulze tell us how building authentic relationships can help you book more creative and high-paying weddings. Want more from Wedding Industry Insider? Check it out! 2023-09-091h 02
Talk with Renee Dalo189 | Talk About Luxury & the Recession with James Christianson & Otto SchulzeLuxury can be an uncomfortable, out of reach word for many of us. In today’s podcast, I chat with wedding photographers James Christianson & Otto Schulze about working the luxury market and how you don’t need to change your values in order to succeed. James and Otto talk about their experiences of working withe the clients they want, the difference in standards and how this may be the anwer to recession proofing your business. So grab a pen and lets talk it out! Topics Covered: The Luxury Market Now Level of Standa...2023-07-0640 min
Tea With JainéA Different Sales Psychology When Moving into the Luxury Space with James x Schulze - Ep. 153We are chatting with James and Otto from James x Schulze about the different sales psychology when moving into the luxury space. James and Otto educate us on why selling in the luxury space is much different from the middle market. We chat about how to interact, how to think, and most importantly how to sell yourself inside the Luxury market wedding space. A little bit about James & Otto, they combined their unique talents to create a thriving business together. Combining editorial, documentary, and fine-art styles, James x Schulze has become a world-renowned photography brand. Their experience and knowledge...2023-06-2741 min
B&H Photography PodcastThe Business of Luxury Wedding Photography with James x Schulze No matter how you slice it, wedding photography is a fancy business. On this week’s podcast, we take that fancy up a notch in a conversation about luxury wedding photography with James Christianson and Otto Schulze. These former competitors took a giant leap to reinvent themselves as the collaborative partnership James x Schulze, while also adapting their sales strategy to a marketplace where the driving force is want rather than means. Listen in as they describe how they balanced economic risk with the creative freedom to chase small moments and beautiful light. You’ll also gain insi...2023-03-2353 min
Bokeh - The Photography Podcast#611: How to Create Desire in the Mind of the Buyer - James and SchulzeBeing there to meet a client’s need is one thing, but is there a way to actually create desire for your brand in the mind of a potential client? Tune in to this episode with photographers James and Schulze to learn how!
The Bokeh Podcast is brought to you by Photographer’s Edit: Custom Editing for the Professional Photographer. You can subscribe to the Bokeh podcast on the Apple podcast app, follow on Spotify, add to your playlist on Stitcher, or listen on Overcast.
Show Notes:
James and Schulze's Introduction (1:34)
Ho...2023-03-091h 04
The Boss Mom PodcastHow to Turn Your Business Into a Multi-Million Dollar Brand w/James Christianson and Otto SchulzeTo many of us, turning our businesses into a million dollar brand is nothing but a pipe dream. Without the proper support, finance and safety net, it can feel too far out of reach. Fear of failure holds us back and stunts growth and taking our businesses global seems impossible. How do we reinvent our businesses and turn it into an industry giant? How do we gain the confidence to take our brand global, and how do we prepare ourselves to take the necessary risks to make our business boom. Founding pa...2023-01-051h 05
Own Your BusinessBrand Integrity with James x SchulzeWhat happens when you take your biggest competition and make them your business partner?
That’s what James Christianson and Otto Schulze did seven years ago - and they haven’t looked back on their way to the top ranks of wedding photographers.
In this week’s episode of Own Your Business, I dive deep into James and Otto’s artistic education and individual careers to learn how their unique approaches make for a successful partnership.
During the conversation we dig into:
- How complementary skills and mindsets create a well-rounded business...2022-12-121h 02