Behind The Veil Keith

Behind The Veil: The Knot Real Weddings Study and Budgeting

The Knot and Wedding Wire are the main sources that couples use for finding and booking vendors.  it is also where many of them go to get their information.  Find out where they get their numbers and more!

Our guest: Tom Chelednik, North America Director of Vendor Engagement, The Knot Worldwide

Tom Chelednik, North America Director of Vendor Engagement, The Knot Worldwide

Tom Chelednik has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, with 16 specifically in the wedding industry. From 2008 - 2020, Tom held several sales positions at The Knot, including Regional Director of Sales and Director of Training and Enablement. 

He led teams instrumental in growing and retaining new business across 20 states and Canada, ultimately helping wedding professionals book more weddings and grow their businesses. During his time at The Knot, Tom traveled the country 70% of each year to speak with and learn from wedding professionals. 

Tom is passionate about sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years and continues to coach pros, specifically to help them increase their leads and bookings. In addition to The Knot, Tom was the COO of The Treasury Venue Collection in St. Augustine, Florida, where he learned firsthand what it was like to operate a wedding venue. 

During that time, he also helped build an online learning platform called Venue Profit Pro, designed for wedding venues nationwide to improve their marketing and sales results.  

Tom rejoined The Knot Worldwide in the summer of 2022 and is now The Director of Vendor Engagement. When he's not traveling around the country, Tom spends time with his family, which now includes three grandchildren.
Support the show
Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

Behind the Veil: luxury lifestyle concierge

The most valuable asset we posses is time. When planning a wedding, a honeymoon, or any escape, having a someone to take care of every detail could be immeasurable!
Our Guest: Shauna Norton - Founder of Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life)

Known for her attention to detail, she stands as the owner of a thriving Lifestyle Concierge service. With a proven track record in project management and a knack for strategic problem-solving, Shauna is a versatile entrepreneur who has honed her skills across various industries. Her expertise spans operations management, financial planning, and event execution.
Dolce Vita is the vision of founder Shauna Norton, a Jamaican native who grew up in the US. Possessing a lifelong love of travel and new experiences, Shauna has traveled extensively. Throughout her experiences, has forged an extensive network of contacts and sources that allows Dolce Vita Concierge to deliver a broad world of services to clients inside and outside the US.
Shauna Norton holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University. With licenses including SIE, Series 6, and 63, she combines academic excellence with financial expertise.



Support the show
Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

Ever want to know what really goes on behind the scenes on "Say Yes To The Dress"?  Or wish you could ask a burning question to one of the stars about your wedding dress?  This coming Tuesday is your chance!
This week we welcome the amazing Monte Durham - one of the stars from TV's Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta.
Finding the right dress has never been easy for most brides.  The idea of going shopping for a dress downright scares some brides.  But now, throw in issues with fabrication, transportation, and labor, and the perfect dress can be something nightmares are made of.
Monte's whole job is to take that complicated mess and bring it down to easy to digest small bites, that allow you to stay in the joy zone while also giving you sound advice about what is, and what is not, your perfect dress.
Monte Durham the Fashion Director at Bridals by Lori, the South’s premier bridal salon featured on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. 
A native of small-town West Virginia, Monte describes his ascension from one-room schoolhouse to the fashion industry an unlikely story. Before he found his way to bridal, Monte worked in fashion merchandising and hair styling, then made a name for himself as a Washington, D.C.-based bridal image consultant. His work has appeared in the pages of The Washingtonian, Martha Stewart Living, Brides Magazine, and several other publications. Monte’s no-nonsense fashion commentary and naughty sense of humor have made him a favorite and regular guest on CNN and Fox. 
Monte’s current project is building the M.O.N.T.E. brand, a line of hair care line that’s sold in Salon MONTE Located in the Watermark in Historic Old Town Alexandria.
Support the show
Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

Being a wedding planner - The good the bad and the not so pretty
When you tell someone that you are an event and wedding planner, most think they know what you do.  In reality, there is so much more to, and the job is different for every client.
Our Guest: Marina Luri-Clark
Marina Luri-Clark is the owner and creative director at Marina Luri Events, an event planning & design company with offices in New York, Connecticut, and Italy. With over 20 years of international experience in the event industry, Marina has successfully and creatively executed events throughout the United States and Europe. 
Some of her past accomplishments include a birthday celebration with a concert by  Beyonce, a Polo tournament & gala on a private island, and several high-profile weddings - including a recent collaboration with Level by Toni Breiss for Tiffany Trump & Michael Boulos.
Continuously mercurial, Marina’s creative ideas, exceptional attention to detail, and calm demeanor make her one of the most sought-after event professionals. Her unparalleled work ethic, enthusiasm and passion are evident in every project she takes on. Her international upbringing, fashion experience and extensive travel have cultivated her love of unique locations, art and design which she graciously weaves into every event. 
Couples love her ability to be cool under fire – and CEO’s admire the way she innovatively problem solves and negotiates. Both know that she will do whatever it takes to deliver a flawless event
Support the show
Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

Bringing Flair & Excitement to Your Wedding From Down Under
Every couple always seems to look for something to make their wedding standout.  Sometimes this can include going back to basics, such as having an MC guide your night.
Meet Nathan Cassar, Australia's Premier Award-Winning MC - specializing in truly unforgettable events that always leave a lasting impression.
Based in Sydney, Nathan Cassar MC has for over 10 years (and counting) proudly done what he is most passionate about – creating 1000s of lasting memories through the power of live entertainment and a flair for the extraordinary. Nathan is the standout go-to choice for smooth and exceptional weddings and corporate events and transforms every event, no matter the size, into a thrilling and unforgettable experience, never settling for anything less than perfection. Whether as a Cruise Director for Princess Cruises, at the helm of a wedding reception, or leading a major awards gala evening, Nathan knows how to bring energy and excitement to every gig he hosts. It's also no surprise that he's been hailed as a leader in the industry, earning accolades including:
• Two-Time Winner - Best Wedding MC - Wedding Industry Awards (Western Sydney) 2023 & 2022
• 2nd Overall Best Wedding MC - Australian Wedding Awards (National) 2022
• Winner - Best Wedding MC (NSW) - Lux-Life Global Wedding Awards 2023
• Winner - International Wedding Awards Best MC (Local & Country Round Awards) 2023
• Winner - Australian Achiever Awards 2023 - Remarkable Customer Service in Bridal & Wedding Services & Supplies (National Winner)
• 3rd Place - ABIA Wedding Awards - Master of Ceremonies (NSW) 2022
• Winner - Most Entertaining MC (NSW) - Lux-Life Global Excellence Awards 2022
From humble beginnings as a high school competitive public speaker and co-founder of the UOW Debating Society (SWORDS) to Cruise Director for Princess Cruises, Nathan's award-winning entertainment career has taken him all over Australia and the world. Companies and organizations that have engaged and featured Nathan’s MC talents in the past include events hosted by the REA Group, the Marlow Hotel Group, Cancer Council NSW, University of Wollongong, Nectr Energy, MG Motor Australia, Standards Australia, and local city councils including Campbelltown and the Northern Beaches. He is also a preferred MC of some of the most notable venues in Sydney, including Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Sheraton Grand Hyde Park, The William Inglis Hotel, Burnham Grove Estate, Centennial Homestead, Grow Wild Wildflower Farm, and 12 Micron and Watersedge at Campbell’s Stores (part of The Venues Collection
Support the show
Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

The value of a wedding planner for DIY couples

Planning a wedding is no easy task, even for the best DIY couples. But if you are really Doing It Yourself, do you really need a wedding planner too?  And for planners - How do you show the value of hiring a planner to a couple?

Our guest today: Cassie LaMere

Blending a lifelong passion for exceptional event curation with a keen eye for detail, Cassie LaMere stands as a paragon in luxury event planning. As the Founder and Creative Director of Cassie LaMere Events, she has redefined the art of creating memorable experiences, merging meticulous design with a flair for the extraordinary.
From her early days, Cassie was destined to dazzle. Her innate desire to transform every occasion into a cherished memory has been the cornerstone of her 15-year career. This journey has seen her evolve from a zealous entertainer into a venerated architect of bespoke events, celebrated for her commitment to excellence and innovation.
The philosophy of personalization and authenticity is at the heart of Cassie LaMere Events. Each event is a tapestry of unique experiences woven with the threads of Cassie's diverse expertise across various sectors. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the event, from conception to execution, resonates with the client's vision and exceeds their expectations.
Cassie's leadership extends beyond the realm of event planning. Her firm, a namesake testament to her dedication, is a collective of skilled designers and coordinators who share her enthusiasm for crafting joyous moments. Their work transcends the ordinary, creating luxury experiences that not only meet but anticipate the discerning standards of their clientele.
Support the show
Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci