Event: Crushed for Wedding Pros

55 | Systems, Empathy, & Grace in the Wedding Industry with Danielle of DPNAK Events

In this episode, I chat with wedding planner and systems expert Danielle Pasternak about something we don’t talk about enough in the wedding industry: how to run a business with structure and heart.
We explore what it looks like to balance backend systems with empathy — for your clients, for your vendor team, and  for yourself. Danielle shares her favorite tools, how she organizes her week, what she does after every wedding to improve, and how setting boundaries can actually serve your couples better in the long run.
If you’ve ever struggled with juggling your tasks and inbox while still trying to show up with patience and grace, this conversation will be a breath of fresh air.
We chat about:
Building systems that don’t feel overwhelming
Navigating vendor communication with empathy
Setting client boundaries (like texting and after-hours calls)
Danielle’s go-to tools like Todoist and Notion
What it really means to be a team player in the wedding industry
💡 Favorite quote: “The more organized I am, the more capacity I have to show up with creativity and compassion.”
 
Find Danielle at: @dpnak on Instagram
Links:
Website: www.dpnak.com
Insta: www.instagram.com/dpnak
Podcast: www.putaringonitpodcast.com (not currently adding new episodes)
 
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54 | Cheers to One Year! & Why You Should Start the Dang Thing Already 🔥

This week marks one whole year of Event: Crushed, and I’m celebrating with a solo episode that’s part reflection, part encouragement, and part behind-the-scenes look at what podcasting has taught me.
I’m sharing:
The imposter syndrome I had to overcome to launch this podcast
A few listener reviews and DMs that kept me going
A super embarrassing mistake I hoped no one would notice 
My top 3 most-downloaded episodes from the first year
Rapid-fire favorites including my fave guest interviews, my most nerve-wracking moment, favorite bloopers, fave topics, and soo much more
Hot takes and wisdom from past guests
And an honest pep talk if you’ve been putting off that “thing” you know you need to start
Whether you’ve been here from episode one or you just found the show recently — thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting this dream. I couldn’t have done it without you!
Resources & Mentions:
Episode 1: The Girl Behind the Podcast
Episode 21: Demystifying SEO for Wedding Pros with Adrienna of Ava and the Bee
Episode 45: Market Smarter, Not Harder with Taylor of Enji
Episode 48: Quit Sleeping On Email Marketing with Candice Coppola
Episode 39: The Happiest Clients on Earth: Disney's Secrets for Wedding Pros
Enji Birthday Promo: Get 6 months for $19/month during the month of May using this link
Want to be a guest or suggest someone for the show? DM me at @eventcrush.ed or email me anytime!
We are so excited for YEAR TWO of Event: Crushed and hope you'll stick around! 

53 | Mindset Shifts Every Wedding Pro Needs with Aislinn Eileen Coaching

This week, Aislinn is BACK with more wedding pro mindset shifts for us!If you haven't already, make sure to tune into Aislinn's first episode on Event: Crushed - Episode 14.
In this inspiring episode, former luxury wedding photographer, Aislinn McKenna helps us tackle the mindset challenges wedding pros are facing right now. We talk about the myths that hold entrepreneurs back, how to reframe slow seasons, avoiding burnout, and why simplifying your life and business matters more than ever. Aislinn also shares powerful mindset mantras you can lean on when you need a boost. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or second-guessing yourself lately — this conversation is exactly what you need.
Highlights:
Why the idea of "saturation" is just a mindset (and how to stand out)
How to stay grounded during slow seasons
The truth about burnout and what it might actually mean
Simple mindset mantras that will keep you encouraged and empowered
Connect with Aislinn:Instagram: @aislinneileencoachingExplore her programs and membership details on her websiteAislinn also has her own podcast, Clarity Convos for Wedding Pros. Listen here!
Loved this episode?Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed! You can also follow us on Instagram at @eventcrush.ed.

52 | How Curiosity & Connection Can Guide Your Wedding Business with Cody of Mac Wedding Films

Today, I’m chatting with Cody McDonald of Mac Wedding Films about what it really takes to build a wedding business that’s rooted in genuine connection. Cody shares his refreshing perspective on staying creatively inspired, avoiding burnout, and leading with curiosity and care — not just behind the camera, but in every client and vendor relationship.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to keep up with trends or grow faster, this conversation will be a breath of fresh air. Cody’s approach proves that building a meaningful, sustainable business isn’t about doing more — it’s about showing up with intention.
In this episode, we’re covering:
How to avoid burnout by staying focused on relationships, not just results
Why genuine curiosity is one of the most powerful tools you have as a wedding pro
The importance of serving your clients with care over chasing industry trends
Building a timeless brand that still resonates years down the road
How Cody’s background in accounting shaped the way he runs his creative business
Advice for wedding pros who want to show up more authentically in their work
Connect with Cody:
Website: macweddingfilms.comInstagram: @macweddingfilms
 
Loved this episode?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with a friend in the industry who might need a little encouragement today. And make sure you're following us on Instagram at @eventcrush.ed!

51 | Parenting, Productivity, and the Power of Delegation with Oralia of Dream Decorations

This week on Event: Crushed, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to run a wedding business while raising a family. I’m joined by Oralia Aguirre, owner of Dream Decorations in Northern California. Oralia started her event décor business at just 19 and has grown it into a thriving full-time career — all while raising two daughters and creating a life they love. 
In this honest and refreshing conversation, we talk about:
How Oralia built her business before becoming a mom
The evolving seasons of parenting and entrepreneurship
Battling mom guilt and embracing quality time
Productivity tips for busy parents in the wedding industry
Delegation at home and in business (and why it matters!)
If you’re a wedding pro balancing parenthood, business, and everything in between — this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that you can thrive in both roles.
Connect with Oralia:Instagram: @oralia.aeWebsite: Dream Decorations
 
Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!Follow us on Instagram at @eventcrush.ed for more encouragement and tips for wedding pros.  🙌🏻

50 | Dear Wedding Pro: Your Impact is Bigger than You Know

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Event: Crushed Podcast — a heartfelt milestone that called for something a little different. In this solo episode, I'm sharing an open letter to all the wedding pros out there who are pouring their hearts into their businesses in the midst of a tough season.
If you've been feeling discouraged, questioning whether this work is still worth it, or feeling unseen in the background of your couples' biggest days — this episode is for you. This episode reminds us that the work we do matters deeply. From designing timelines to putting out behind-the-scenes fires, creating floral magic to documenting forever moments, every single effort is part of something greater.
 
You’ll hear:
Honest thoughts on the current climate in the wedding industry
Encouragement for when you’re feeling burnt out or overlooked
A powerful real-life story about how a wedding day memory became even more meaningful with time
A reminder of the impact you make, even when it goes unnoticed
This episode is dedicated to you, wedding pro. To the early mornings, the late nights, the deep care, and the dreams you're helping come true. We see you. We appreciate you. And we hope you feel reignited in your purpose after tuning in.
 
Connect with Becky:Instagram: @eventcrush.edWebsite: www.eventcrush.comSign up for the email list!
 
Loved this episode?Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!

49 | Steal These Local SEO Strategies & Get Found Online with Carrie of Bloem Creations

Struggling to show up on Google? You’re not alone! Many wedding pros feel frustrated when they don’t see their business ranking in search results. That’s why I brought in Carrie of Bloem Creations, a web designer, copywriter, and SEO expert who specializes in helping wedding pros and creatives get found online. In this episode, she’s sharing local SEO strategies that actually work — so you can attract more of your ideal couples and book more weddings.
We’re covering:
How local SEO is different from general SEO, and why it matters
The key updates your Google Business Profile needs
Why reviews and backlinks are SEO gold
The biggest mistakes wedding pros make with SEO (and how to fix them!)
And so much more!
Links & resources mentioned:
Carrie's Website: Bloemcreations.com
Follow Carrie on Instagram: @bloem.creations
Grab Carrie's brand-new SEO guide and save 25% with code "Crushed25"!
Google Search Console
Ubersuggest
Moz
Google Analytics
 
Next week is our 50th episode! 🎉To celebrate, I’m doing something fun for my amazing listeners! If you leave a review on Apple Podcasts this week, you’ll be entered to win a little something special from me. Check our Instagram account @eventrcrush.ed for full details!And be sure to come back next Wednesday for our 50th episode. 🥳

48 | Wedding Pros, Stop Sleeping on Email Marketing with Candice Coppola

Social media is noisy, algorithms are unpredictable, and relying solely on Instagram for your leads is a risky game. So, what’s a wedding pro to do? Enter email marketing—the dark horse of marketing strategies that most of your competitors aren’t using (yet!)
In this episode, I sit down with my very own business coach, Candice Coppola, to talk about why email marketing is one of the most powerful marketing strategies you may be ignoring. If you’ve been hesitant about starting an email list or feel overwhelmed by the thought of sending newsletters, this conversation is for you.
We’re covering:✔️ Why wedding pros need email marketing (even if you've survived for years without it)✔️ Common myths that hold people back from starting or growing an email list✔️ How to set up an automated email sequence that nurtures leads while you sleep✔️ The best ways to get more people on your email list✔️ How email marketing helps you book more weddings without chasing social media trends
Candice is sharing her expert insights, plus a freebie to help you create an irresistible email opt-in! 🎉
Links & Resources:
Download Candice’s free guide: 10 Lead Magnet Ideas for Wedding Pros
Grab Candice's Email Marketing Cheat Sheet: Lingo Cheat Sheet
Connect with Candice: candicecoppola.com | @candice.coppola
Join the Event Crushed email list for weekly wedding pro insights: Sign Up Here
Laura' Bellgray's email list: Sign up Here
Get hooked on Candice's podcast, The Power in Purpose Podcast
Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!

47 | What Wedding Pros Need to Know About ChatGPT with Nina Addeo

In this episode, Becky sits down with Nina Addeo of I Do Wedding Marketing to explore how wedding pros can use ChatGPT and AI to streamline their content creation, marketing, and daily workflows. They break down common misconceptions about AI, practical ways to integrate ChatGPT into your busy wedding business, and ethical considerations for using AI-generated content. If you've been hesitant to embrace AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get started.
Topics Covered:
Nina’s background in wedding marketing and why she created her ChatGPT for Wedding Marketing course
An introduction to ChatGPT and other AI tools you should know about
How wedding pros can use ChatGPT for social media, blogging, and email marketing
Tips for making AI-generated content sound more personal and authentic
Ethical considerations when using AI for wedding marketing
How to leverage AI to review and optimize your existing content
The importance of fact-checking AI-generated content
Nina’s favorite ChatGPT prompts for wedding pros
A special 20% off discount for Nina’s ChatGPT for Wedding Marketing course
Resources Mentioned:
ChatGPT
Claude.AI
I Do Wedding Marketing Website
I Do Wedding Marketing on Instagram
ChatGPT for Wedding Marketing Course – Use code EVENTCRUSHED for 20% off!
The I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast - Listen to my conversation with Nina about Threads this week!
Connect with Us:
Follow Becky on Instagram: @eventcrush.ed
Follow Nina on Instagram: @idoweddingmarketing
Join the conversation on Threads: @eventcrush
Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!

46 | Best Friends Turned Business Partners: The Story of Birdie June Events

What happens when two best friends take a leap of faith and launch a wedding business? Meet Clarae and Taressa of Birdie June Events, the duo who went from being my wedding interns two summers ago to running a thriving event rental, planning, and photo booth business.
 
In this episode, they share:
The unexpected text that changed everything
What it’s really like to run a business with your best friend
How they divvy up responsibilities to make it all work
How their theater backgrounds uniquely prepared them for wedding planning
The biggest challenges of their first year in business
What they’ve learned about balancing work, friendship, and life
Resources & Links:
Follow Birdie June Events on Instagram: @birdiejuneevents
Check out the Birdie June website: www.birdiejuneevents.com
Curious to learn more of my backstory? Listen to episode one here
Be sure to check out Carrie with Bloem Creations for your website design, copywriting, and SEO needs
Are you local to the Willamette Valley, OR area? Make sure you're coming to Engaging Eugene!
Stay Connected!
Follow us on Instagram: @eventcrush.ed
Join my newsletter for weekly wedding pro tips & podcast updates: Sign up here (and receive my free networking guide)
Love the podcast? Make sure to subscribe + leave a review on Apple Podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
See you back here for another episode on Wednesday!