Wedding Pros who are ready to grow - with Becca Pountney

Show notes:This podcast episode features an insightful discussion with Charlie Marchant, the CEO of Exposure Ninja. We discussed the impact of AI and SEO on the marketing landscape within the wedding industry and how to get your wedding business into AI search. As we navigate the complexities of AI search, we emphasise the necessity for wedding business owners to establish a coherent and transparent online presence, particularly regarding pricing. Furthermore, we explore actionable strategies that can enhance visibility across various AI platforms, and look at the importance of aligning website content with consumer expectations and search behaviours.Exposure Ninja's YouTubeCharlie's LinkedInTime stamps:00:18 - Introduction to Wedding Business Growth07:27 - Understanding the Shift to AI in Search Marketing21:32 - Navigating AI and SEO for Wedding Businesses28:04 - Understanding AI and Pricing Strategies43:51 - Navigating AI and Search Visibility

Show notes:In this weeks episode, we explore the question: How can new wedding businesses make a good impression? Through Vim’s journey from registrar to celebrant, it becomes clear that confidence, authenticity, and showing up consistently are key. Vim shares honest insights into the challenges of starting out, the importance of investing in the right support, and how embracing what makes you different can become your greatest strength.Vim's websiteVim's Instagram Vim's TikTokTime stamps:00:20 - Introduction to the Wedding Pros Podcast10:05 - Transitioning from Employment to Self-Employment: The Journey of a Celebrant10:11 - Starting a New Chapter: Transitioning from Registrar to Celebrant23:25 - Embracing Visibility and Authenticity on Social Media36:57 - Embracing Inclusivity in Spaces

WedProsLive: London waitlist, Ireland tickets, WedProsLive 2027Show notes:This week I'm chatting to Michelle Miles. We looked at journeys to sustainability and explored the tangible actions that wedding professionals can undertake to foster sustainability within their businesses. To enhance a competitive edge whilst contributing positively to the environment.Carbon LiteracySME Climate Hub inc. simple carbon calculatorNavigating the Path to Net Zero: A Guide for Wedding Professionals Offsetting Guide Time stamps:00:15 - Introduction to Sustainable Wedding Business Strategies02:42 - Shifts in Sustainability in the Wedding Industry09:48 - The Importance of Community in Sustainable Business Practices18:53 - Understanding Carbon Literacy Training20:58 - Understanding Carbon Literacy and Its Impact33:32 - Practical Steps to Carbon Reduction37:29 - Preparing for a Successful Conference45:09 - Embracing Messy Action in SustainabilityMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Wed Pros LiveShow notes:This week on the podcast I spoke to Nikita Thorne, an esteemed strategist at Guides for Brides, we delve into the necessity of understanding our target audiences as wedding businesses. Nikita addresses the misconceptions surrounding wedding directories, elucidating their ongoing relevance and the strategies to leverage them effectively in a digital age dominated by AI.Why wedding businesses need directories more than everGuidesforBridesTime stamps:00:00 - Understanding Audience Engagement on Social Media02:28 - The Impact of AI on the Wedding Industry11:47 - The Evolution of AI in Marketing20:24 - The Evolution of Social Media Marketing26:33 - The Evolution of Wedding Marketing Strategies34:20 - Learning from American Speakers: Insights and Perspectives41:41 - The Importance of Networking in the Wedding Industry44:24 - Navigating Industry Connections and Networking Opportunities

Didn't get a Wed Pros Live ticket? Get on the waiting list!Show notes:This week I'm catching up with Ciara Crossan, throughout the episode, we explore the significance of utilising technology, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, to streamline operations and enhance client interactions. We addressed the necessity of data driven decision making, as understanding market trends and client preferences can significantly impact a business's success.Ciara's Instagram WedPro Instagram WedPro TiktokTime stamps:00:23 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies02:03 - The Evolution of Wed Pro and the Wedding Industry10:36 - The Importance of Authenticity in Business23:57 - Navigating Chaos in the Wedding Industry24:07 - The Birth of an Idea38:44 - Understanding Wedding Trends and Marketing Strategies46:45 - The Importance of Networking at Industry Events48:45 - The Power of Connection and CommunityMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Not got a ticket? Get on the Wed Pros Live waiting list!Show notes:This week I spoke to Renee Dalo about how vital it is for wedding professionals to embrace visibility, especially in an evolving digital landscape dominated by social media platforms. We also discussed habits that business owners can adopt for the most success.Renee's websiteRenee's Instagram Renee's TiktokTime stamps:00:09 - Introduction to Wedding Business Growth04:48 - Shifts in the Wedding Industry11:00 - Visibility and Authenticity in Business17:01 - The Impact of Visibility on Social Media Engagement23:50 - The Importance of Content Creation Structure29:07 - Embracing the 1% Better Mindset31:02 - The Importance of Morning Routines and Microhabits38:02 - Building Community at Conferences41:39 - The Importance of Energy and Connection at Events48:05 - Embracing Authenticity in BusinessMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Final Wed Pros Live tickets!Show notes:Meghan Ely, from is back on the podcast to chat about how the wedding industry is shifting and what that means for your visibility in 2026. We dive into buyer behaviour, the evolving role of press, styled shoots, and why “purposeful visibility” matters more than ever. Plus, Meghan shares what makes a great speaker, why in-person events still count, and the one thing she wishes she’d learned sooner in business.Meghan's InstagramOFD consultingTime stamps:00:06 - The Importance of Understanding Your Audience06:12 - The Impact of Celebrity Engagements on Wedding Trends10:50 - Shifts in the Wedding Industry19:10 - The Evolution of Wedding Industry Marketing23:51 - The Importance of Purposeful Visibility34:20 - The Importance of Great Speakers at Conferences40:51 - Finding Balance in Professional CommitmentsMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Last Wed Pros Live tickets!Show notes:This week I'm chatting to Leah Weinberg, an accomplished lawyer and wedding planner. Leah delved into the necessity of having well-drafted contracts that can safeguard wedding businesses against unforeseen complications. We discussed the importance of understanding intricacies of legal documents. We explore actionable strategies to ensure that wedding professionals are not only compliant with legal obligations but are also equipped to navigate the complexities of client relationships.Leah's InstagramLeah's law firm's InstagramWeingberg legal websiteTime stamps:00:00 - Introduction to Wedding Business Essentials02:26 - The Evolution of a Wedding Lawyer13:59 - Understanding Legal Protections for Small Businesses21:12 - Understanding Client Disputes and Effective Contract Management28:23 - Understanding the Relevance of Legal Expertise for Wedding Professionals36:41 - The Importance of In-Person Networking38:20 - The Comparison Trap in BusinessMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Last few Wed Pros Live tickets!Show notes:This week I spoke to Anshika Arora, a wedding industry expert and founder of a CRM platform, about why wedding professionals need to rethink how they show up for Gen Z couples, who now make up over 50% of the wedding market. We talked about how technology is transforming the wedding planning experience, from the need for more interactive and authentic communication on websites and social media to being upfront about pricing.Anshika's InstagramAnshika's LinkedInTime Stamps:02:00 - Transitioning into the Wedding Business Landscape03:26 - Understanding Gen Z in the Wedding Industry25:00 - Launching a New Conference: Becca's Journey39:54 - The Power of Networking in Business42:54 - Exploring Networking and Technology in WeddingsMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Last Wed Pros Live tickets!Show notes:This week I'm chatting to Elizabeth Marberry. We discussed the critical role of social media in modern business, particularly focusing on Instagram marketing strategies that are essential for wedding professionals. Elizabeth shared her journey of growing her brand through use of social media, transitioning from traditional marketing methods and using platforms like Instagram and TikTok.Elizabeth's InstagramSimple & Proven Ways to *Finally* Make Money on InstagramElizabeth's podcastTime Stamps:00:00 - Building Connections Through Storytelling03:42 - Starting the Journey into the Wedding Industry20:27 - The Power of Storytelling in Social Media Marketing29:21 - Transitioning Through Life's Seasons44:43 - Exploring New Places: Elizabeth's First Trip to Ireland and LondonMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Show notes:This week I spoke to Mark Chapman, President of the I Do Society and the wedding industry's leading expert in Google Meta and TikTok ads. We discussed the significance of paid advertising strategies in 2026, emphasising the evolving landscape of social media and the pivotal role of short-form video content.Find out more about the DIY Ads courses use code BECCA for a discountGet your tickets for Wed Pros Live!Time stamps:00:11 - The Impact of Live Events on Personal Growth04:17 - Navigating the New Era of Wedding Business Marketing10:03 - The Evolution of Wedding Advertising Strategies22:53 - Deciding Where to Allocate Advertising Resources26:09 - The Shift in Advertising Strategies39:27 - The Impact of AI on Advertising40:51 - Transitioning to In-Person EventsMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

This week I'm chatting to wedding photographer Mycah Bain. We discussed her philosophy that success in the wedding industry is not solely defined by financial metrics but rather by the joy and fulfilment derived from her work. She reflects on her early career, the challenges of burnout, and the pivotal decisions that led her to establish a balanced approach to business.Visit Mycahs websiteFollow Mycah on InstagramGet your tickets for Wed Pros LiveTime stamps:00:14 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies00:29 - Embarking on the Journey of Wedding Photography11:48 - Embracing Change: The Journey to Self-Care and Business Growth17:33 - Transitioning to a Team-Based Business Model31:24 - Understanding Money Mindset37:52 - Embracing Change: The Role of AI in Business40:26 - Defining Your Dream LifeMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Show notes:This week I'm speaking to Daisy Bradley about the evolution of the wedding industry, focusing on the operational challenges and marketing strategies that define success for venues like Post Barn. Daisy recounts her personal journey through the hospitality sector, and now the wedding industry. Daisy highlights the significance of fostering a strong team culture that prioritises client relationships, ensuring that every couple feels a personal connection to the venue and its staff.Time Stamps:00:00 - Building Connections in Wedding Business01:24 - The Journey to the Post Barn11:33 - Embracing Change in the Wedding Industry24:01 - Building Relationships with Suppliers36:41 - The Changing Landscape of Wedding Planning44:43 - Navigating Wedding Planning: The Evolving LandscapeMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Are you and your wedding business aligned? Today I'm catching up with Lina Orsino-Allen, half of Lina and Tom Photography. Lina's ethos is to see you grow a soul led business that can thrive without burnout. I've known Lina as part of the wedding industry for nearly 10 years, so it's an absolute pleasure to have her on the podcast today.Lina will also be part of my real wed pro panel at Wed Pros Live London - we hope to see you there!Follow Lina on InstagramVisit Lina and Toms websiteLina Della Luna websiteBook your ticket for Wed Pros Live.Chapters:00:00 - Rediscovering the Joy in Wedding Businesses09:39 - The Journey into Wedding Photography10:40 - Building Confidence in Your Photography Business24:52 - Navigating Desperation in the Wedding Industry34:12 - The Shifting Landscape of Client Relationships44:33 - Navigating Business Burnout and New Beginnings53:10 - Embracing Intuition in BusinessMentioned in this episode:Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live

Planning on growing as a wedding business in 2026? Entering the new year today I want to reflect upon 2025 and set new goals for the year ahead. The wedding industry has a lot in store for us in 2026, lets prepare together and get ready for a successful year!Time Stamps:00:11 - Reflecting on 2025 and Embracing 202607:29 - Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 202618:08 - Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 202626:08 - Setting Intentions for 202633:35 - Setting Audacious Goals for 2026Mentioned in this episode:Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live

Today I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas - thanks for all your support this year!Chapters:00:00 - Christmas Reflections01:07 - Christmas Day Traditions01:28 - Board Games: A Family Tradition02:37 - Christmas Traditions and Celebrations03:11 - The Essence of Christmas: Family and Connection03:42 - Embracing the Holiday Spirit

Do you feel like you never have enough time to get everything done in your business? Do you truly know what you use your time doing right now? Today I'm chatting with Colleen Carswell, CEO of Structured to Scale about how to audit your time, and become more effective in your wedding business.Download the time auditFollow Colleen on InstagramTime Stamps:00:03 - The Importance of Time in Business03:00 - The Journey of a Wedding Planner16:08 - Understanding Time Audits for Business Efficiency22:51 - The Importance of Time Management and Delegation32:31 - Breaking the Productivity MindsetMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

We are living in an 'experience era' where events need to go deeper than just logistics and design. Today I'm chatting with Experience Designer - Julie Comfort about her work in this field.As founder of The Experiential Wedding - she works alongside couples and planners to design the experience for their event, ensuring the event is remembered long after it has finished.Find out more: https://www.theexperientialwedding.com/The retreat: https://www.theexperientialwedding.com/workshopsTime Stamps:00:00 - The Importance of Experience Design in Wedding Planning06:15 - Exploring the Journey to Experience Design10:48 - Creating Meaningful Experiences at Weddings21:20 - Creating Memorable Wedding Experiences28:23 - The Importance of Experience Design in Weddings35:51 - Introduction to Experience Design in WeddingsMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

It's that time of the year where I recap everything I learnt this year during my trip to Las Vegas (and San Francisco). Wedding MBA is one of my favourite times of the year, you can't help but be inspired when speaking at the worlds biggest wedding industry conference. I share all the lessons learnt on my travels and you will hear from some of the speakers and sponsors of my new event Wed Pros Live about why they think Wedding Industry Conferences are ALWAYS worth attending.Attend Wedding MBA 2026 (Use code Becca at checkout)Attend Wed Pros Live in Ireland or London in 2026Time Stamps:00:14 - Recap of Lessons from Vegas02:24 - Lessons from Vegas: The Importance of Premium Service15:54 - Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Importance of Community25:18 - The Importance of Content CreationMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live London has sold out!Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.Wed Pros Live 2026

Are you ready to start scaling your wedding business to new heights? Today I am chatting with the founder and CEO of the Gilchrist collection -Samantha Gilchrist. It's one of the most inspiring conversations I have ever had as she shares her journey from wedding photographer to owner of 12 wedding venues in the UK and USA. Find out more about the Gilchrist CollectionFollow Samantha on InstagramTime Stamps:00:00 - Evaluating Team Performance in Small Businesses01:01 - The Journey to Wedding Photography12:04 - Transitioning from Photography to Venue Ownership29:15 - Transitioning to Multiple Venues36:03 - Expanding Horizons: Entering the American Wedding MarketMentioned in this episode:Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live