              Episode 97 continues my wide-ranging conversation with Jen Stone about the multi-faceted approach that a truly innovative Global Event Designer can bring to any celebration. At the 14:00 minute mark, Jen launches into a truly hilarious “stand-up-comedy-worthy” rant on the “virtual insanity” of negotiating the Loading Docks of midtown Manhattan’s most iconic, luxury hotels. Together with episode 96, Jen paints an endearingly loving portrait of the life of a top-tier Event Designer that is both hysterical and delightfully enlightening. I’ve hope you’ve enjoyed this Master Class on Event Design as much as I have. Thanks so much for your generosity of time and wealth of wisdom. As always, stay safe and stay strong. -Doug

Wedding Wisdom Podcast w/ Doug Winters

Ep. 97: Jen Stone II

              Named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s 2020 Top Wedding & Event Designers in the World,  the talented, charming treasure trove of knowledge and skill, Jen Stone, started out as an innovative entrepreneur with a thriving floral business on New York’s upscale Upper West Side. Discovered by two luminaries in the event industry, Tinker Boe of “Mood Food” and the incomparable event planner Marcy Blum, Jen (a painter and protegée of the brilliant Robert Isabell) began a journey that led her to become one of the most sought-after names in “the art of the party.” Pictured above with her current, long-time artistic partner and brother-in-law, Marco Olmi,  the innovative co-owner of StoneKelly (which began with her original partner, Don Kelly), I found her effusive, expressive way of speaking to be a virtual education about flowers, caterers, lighting, venues and all the artistic touches that make an event unforgettable. Our conversation was so compelling, Jen Stone’s podcast is the first to become a two-parter. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did…and stay tuned for Part 2! As always, stay safe and stay strong. All my best -Doug  

Ep. 96: Jen Stone

                My guest for Ep. 95 of The Wedding Wisdom Podcast is the extraordinary Chef Jill Freiberg, the owner of Jillicious Foods & Events. Our fascinating conversation from her home in Park Slope, provides an extraordinarily vivid portrait of what it’s like to be both Head Chef and owner of one of New York’s most sought-after “Off-Premise” catering companies. With a true artist’s sensibility, she talks about finishing the construction of her “post-COVID” dream kitchen with the same charm that she speaks of offering her beloved “Spiced, Smoked, Roasted Popcorn,” “S’mores Kit” and “Grazing Boxes” to purchase online. I truly hope you enjoy this unique look into a fascinating life as much as I did. Thanks for everything Jill! -Please stay safe, Doug

Ep. 95: Chef Jill Freiberg

                  Episode 94 brings us the charming, sophisticated and talented Boston-based Event Planner, Sara Kovel, of Sara Kovel Events.  In our fast-moving thirty minute conversation, we discuss precisely what the actual experience of a wedding planner entails. Creative, intuitive and inventive, Sara draws a remarkably apt comparison between that of an interior designer and an expert industry planner. Our inspirational chat draws on her invaluable experience at the elegant Four Seasons in Boston and the legendary Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.  I know that you’ll enjoy our delightful conversation. As always, stay safe…and get out there and enjoy the beginning of Spring. — Doug

Ep. 94: Sara Kovel

               In a truly refreshing conversation with Kleinfeld Bridal’s Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Jennette Kruszka, you’ll meet an extraordinary woman. One with an uncompromising pride and loyalty to her company and its owners, Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein, who she considers her “second parents” as well as devoted mentors. What I found amazing about Jennette is that working at Kleinfeld has been her sole employer. Starting as a 17-year old high school student Customer Service Rep, straight through college as a marketing major, she worked at the original Brooklyn location three days a week. Her final college paper was the reason why she deserved a full-time position at her beloved Kleinfeld. She got it, and since then, has never looked back. Jennette says: “It’s been twenty wonderful years and I’m looking forward to the two decades.” I think this is a wonderful introduction to fans of TLC’s “Say Yes To The Dress” and brides who’ve never had the true Kleinfeld Bridal Experience. Please stay safe, and enjoy. All my best, Doug   

Ep. 93: Jennette Kruszka

                My erudite guest for Episode 92 is Seth Stern, the owner of Something Different Party Rental.  Extraordinarily well-spoken, he explains the intricacies of the often-overlooked “Party Rental” side of our $1.3 trillion event industry.  One of the most unusual parts of what this side of the industry does is found in its “invisible” nature — providing tabletop to full kitchens and everything in between. Our conversation traveled from his enormous warehouse and fleet of trucks in Paterson, New Jersey to his home on the North Shore of Long Island, his long-time love of The Grateful Dead and so much more. Please join us for a completely entertaining and compelling glimpse into something completely different with the remarkable Seth Stern. As always, stay safe. All my best, Doug

Ep. 92: Seth Stern

            Meet Allan Kurtz, Managing Director of both Gotham Hall & Ziegfeld Ballroom, after three years at The Water’s Edge and 13 years at Tavern on The Green. To say he is a wealth of information would be a vast understatement. He is heavily involved with petitioning the government for aid to our $1.3 Trillion Event Industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s actually an “event historian” working with Hollywood impresario Warner LeRoy at Tavern On The Green, and studying Broadway impresario Flo Ziegfeld when helping to create Ziegfeld Ballroom. In the course of our wide-ranging conversation we talk about meeting Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama as well as a moving story about being in a position to put his grandfather on the phone with Willie Mays. This specific episode is a “must-listen” for anyone in, or interested in the Events Industry.      

Ep. 91: Allan Kurtz

              My guest for Ep. 91 is the Event Planner Nancy Hoehler of ShimmerNYC. Our truly delightful, insightful conversation ranges from her early days working at a large Wall St. brokerage firm, to establishing ShimmerNYC as a top-tier full-service event planning office. In the mix are stories of her hilarious experience with “Bar Mitzvah crashers” at her very first event to helping another Bar Mitzvah family deal with a blizzard that started right in the middle of their child’s service. Nancy very humbly refers to herself as “providing the calm” in any situation that might arise before, during or after an event, and very clearly elucidates the very nature of being an innovative Event Planner in Manhattan. I hope you enjoy meeting this extraordinary woman as much as I did. As always, stay safe & stay strong, -Doug  

Ep. 90: Nancy Hoehler

      My guest for episode 89 is Rachelle Doreen Koser of Rachelle Doreen Events & Exploration. With an office in Manhattan as well as Newport Beach, California, she is a total breath of fresh air. Her ebullient personality shines throughout our entire conversation, which takes her from the West Coast to New York, where she became the Director of Events at The Norwood Club, a private arts club in a landmark building on 14th St. At the same time, she is truly delighted to open her eponymous event planning company here. In 2018 she officially launched her company which continues to thrive, even though many of her events are now “virtual” during COVID, hosting, planning and executing events for what she calls her “sweet spot” of one hundred or less guests. Join us in her journey through studying and mastering “Aerial Arts,” which she started as a way to relieve stress. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.  As always, stay safe…we’re all in this together. Best, -Doug 

Ep. 89: Rachelle Doreen

    My guest for Episode 88 is the compassionate, charming, consummate wedding professional, Randy Janis. He’s been both Maitre ‘d and Director of Sales at two of the most prestigious venues in all of Manhattan, if not the world, and is uniquely qualified to speak about virtually every moment before, during and after a wedding, Randy and I  covered everything from the importance of details on a timeline that must be accounted for and executed as close to perfectly as humanly possible…including the signing of the contracts, the load-in of the florist, band and design elements, until the last car has been delivered by the valet. I hope you learn as much from this episode as I did. Here’s to all of our health, prosperity and success entering the Biden-Harris Administration. As always, stay safe! Fondly, -Doug

Ep. 88: Randy Janis

                   My guest for Episode 87 is the absolutely delightful Amanda O’Callaghan. Her career as a top-tier wedding planner began at Housing Works, a NYC-based non-profit fighting AIDS and homelessness. At that point in time, Amanda  simultaneously began developing byAmanda Event Studio, which officially grew into The Union Studio in 2020. We take a deep-dive into the development of The Hudson Valley as the new epicenter of the NY tri-state area weddings,  the relationship between producing weddings and conceiving a theatrical play, her artistic pursuit of singing and dancing on Broadway, and so much more. I truly hope you enjoy meeting Amanda as much as I did. She’s truly amazing. Stay Safe! Enjoy! Doug        

Ep. 87: Amanda O’Callaghan

         Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, acclaimed photographer Phillip Van Nostrand has already led an extraordinary life. His background as an Evangelical Christian speaks to his passion for mentoring young people and a long-held belief that there is nothing more important than inspiring others to “live out their dreams.” He credits the program “Semester At Sea,” as a college student at UCSB for igniting his lifelong passion for travel and  “Engage Summits” for introducing him to the world of luxury weddings and events. Much of our delightful conversation focuses on these glamorous and exciting twin passions.  He has great expectations for 2021, but, thoughtfully, takes time to talk about “the gifts” he received during this past troubling year. With all my best wishes to you, Phil, and to my audience,  here’s to a spectacular New Year! Stay safe, healthy and hopeful as we look ahead to the future. All my best, -Doug 

Ep. 86: Phillip Van Nostrand

 For Episode 85 I got the unique opportunity to sit down with Steve Frost, President & Managing Partner of Stamford Tent & Event Services, to take s seriously deep dive into the world of tents, outdoor weddings and/or corporate events. We discuss the concept behind the idea of enjoying an elegant wedding outdoors under the stars, in a tent, as an alternative to more traditional venues, like a hotel, or synagogue.  I learned what a “sub-floor” is, and why it’s the most expensive part of constructing a tent. I learned the difference between a “sailcloth” and a “frame tent” is and most importantly, how incredibly labor intensive constructing a tent actually is. And more than I ever thought possible in one forty minute conversation. I submit that this episode be “required listening” for anyone considering a tent wedding. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, one and all. Please stay safe and stay warm. All my best, -Doug  

Ep. 85: Steve Frost

               Today I have the privilege of sitting down with the brilliant and talented owner of Neuman’s Kitchen, Paul Neuman. Paul takes us from his college years and lifelong journey as an artist to being the one of the most respected and influential “Off-Premise” caterers in New York.  In 2017, Neuman’s Kitchen opened an office in Philadelphia and takes great pride in his new partnership with the city’s National Museum of American Jewish History. This episode is a must for anyone who has ever considered hosting their wedding or gala event in a tent, museum, library or any other non-traditional venue. This is truly a masterclass on the role of food and food service in the event industry. Stay safe, stay strong, and keep listening to the scientists. We’re gonna get through this together! -Doug

Ep. 84: Paul Neuman

     My guest for Episode 83 is the irrepressibly charming Wedding Planner Pejy Kash. In a delightfully candid conversation, we talk about his passion for his work, his marriage, his “check-list” of locations and venues to display his work in, and his astonishing group of friends who collectively make up New York’s elite “next generation” of Wedding/Event Industry Icons. Pejy’s devotion to exceeding his wedding clients’ wildest artistic expectations is only matched by the love of the fashion world  shared with his husband of four years. Sit back and hear this uniquely American story of emigrating to the suburbs of Long Island at seventeen, learning to speak English by watching cartoons, utilizing his native “Farsi” to comfortably bond with the “extraordinarily loyal tight-knit community” of Persian Jews and so much more.  

Ep. 83: Pejy Kash

The Wedding Wisdom Podcast is a weekly interview-style audio discussion on the most efficient way to plan the perfect wedding. We will be talking to event coordinators, florists, photographers, musicians, videographers, dress designers, and anyone else who can "drop some knowledge" about all things weddings.

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Wedding Wisdom Podcast w/ Doug Winters

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