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 D...
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 event...
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 e...
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...
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, contin...
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 indu...
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...
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...
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...
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, includ...
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 reflect...
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 ...
In this episode, Michael Coombs welcomes Sarah Singleton from Hype Gal Media to discuss the evolving role of content creation in weddings and events. Sarah explains how content creators complement traditional photo and video services, the challenges she faced entering the industry, and her transition from wedding coordinating to content creation. The conversation covers her creative process, dealing with misconceptions from industry peers, and the growing trends in wedding content, such as pr...
In this episode of the show, host Michael Coombs interviews Mariangel Urdaneta, the Director of Event Experience and Hospitality at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Mariangel, who was recently recognized by BizBash Magazine as one of 2025's 40 under 40, shares insights on her journey from Venezuela to Toronto, her dream role at TIFF, and the complexities and highlights of event management at one of the world’s premier film festivals. She discusses her day-to-day responsibilitie...
In this episode of the Michael Coombs Show, Michael Coombs welcomes Leah Weinberg of Weinberg Legal. They discuss Leah's dynamic career journey from being a lawyer to a wedding planner and back to a lawyer serving the events community. The episode dives into the risks of using AI for drafting legal contracts, clients using AI to threaten vendor lawsuits, and essential legal protections for event professionals. Leah shares key contract provisions and advice on maintaining smart legal practices...
In this episode, host Michael Coombs welcomes wedding photographer and health coach Julian Ribinik. Julian shares his personal transformation story, detailing how he lost 90 pounds by changing his diet and lifestyle, which improved his health dramatically. He discusses the impact of sugar, the benefits of staying hydrated with electrolytes, and the detrimental effects of caffeine. Julian also offers practical advice on diet and exercise for maintaining energy, especially for those working lon...
In this episode, host Michael Coombs sits down with Melissa Baum, who transitioned from a wedding blogger to a full-time wedding and event producer. Melissa shares her unconventional journey into the wedding industry, starting with a blog that led to planning small parties, and eventually taking her passion full-time. They discuss the importance of assembling the right team, staying calm under pressure, and the role of collaboration in creating memorable events. Melissa provides insights on m...
In this episode, Michael Coombs chats with Becky De Oliveira from Blush & Bloom about her journey into floral design, her unique approach to creativity, and the evolution of her career from delivering flowers in a small town to running a successful business in Toronto. Becky shares insights on collaboration with planners, adapting to economic challenges, and how her personal transformation, including losing over 100 pounds, has impacted her life and business. Additionally, Becky discusses...
In this episode, Rachel and David Clingen, co-owners of separate but supportive companies, Rachel A. Clingen Designs and Eventure share how their businesses have grown and evolved over the years. They discuss the importance of distinguishing between their personal and professional lives to maintain a strong marriage, which has flourished for 33 years. The couple attributes much of their business success to their faith, teamwork, and the support of a passionate and committed team. They also di...
In this episode, Michael Coombs hosts Nicole Pieckenhagen , founder and managing director of Graydon Hall Manor and Couture Cuisine. They discuss the 25-year journey of transforming the historic 90-year-old mansion from a dilapidated state to a premier event venue, the challenges of maintaining such a property, and the importance of authentic hospitality in making client's events truly memorable. Nicole shares insights into her accidental start in hospitality, the significance of hiring the...