Best Laurie Hartwell & Krisy Thomas CWP Society Podcasts (2025)

1
Every Altar is Different: Navigating Religious Wedding Protocols with Respect 26:03

7d ago26:03

26:03

Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Wedding Planner, and Certified Educator Emma Cockerham teams up with CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas, to transform how you approach religious ceremonies. This eye‑opening conversation with Emma, reveals why wedding planners must move beyond the dangerous habit of generalizing religious traditions. When plan…

1
Beyond Business Cards: The Ethics That Bind Us Together 43:41

14d ago43:41

43:41

Kindness, clear communication, and mutual respect aren't just nice-to-haves in the wedding industry—they're the essential building blocks for creating seamless wedding experiences. Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, and Owner of For the Love of Events, Amanda Borrero, joins CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas, as she shares powerful insigh…

1
Budgeting with Heart: Creating Financial Confidence for Wedding Clients 35:11

21d ago35:11

35:11

Money conversations may not feel romantic, but they're the foundation of every successful wedding celebration. In this illuminating episode, Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Riley Snider joins CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas Thomas to transform how wedding professionals approach the often-challenging topic of budgeting with clie…

1
Are You Ready to Scale? Hard Financial Truths Every Wedding Pro Should Know 44:51

1M ago44:51

44:51

Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator and Co-Founder of The Event Ledger, Matt Mitchell joins the CWP Society's COO, Krisy Thomas for this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files to talk about a topic that’s often glamorized but rarely unpacked with honesty—scaling your wedding planning business. Together, they dive deep into what s…

1
Beyond the Hashtag: Social Media Ethics for Wedding Day Assistants 26:49

2M ago26:49

26:49

In this eye-opening episode, Hailey Beard of Hailey Beard Events joins host and CWP COO, Krisy Thomas, for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked ethics of being a wedding day assistant. Hailey brings a unique perspective as both a Certified Wedding Planner and someone who has assisted more than 15 planning companies throughout her care…

1
Cultural Celebrations: Navigating the Art of South Asian Weddings 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

From helping her mother with wedding henna applications as a child to becoming a Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator, and the proud Owner of Big Guava Events, Rima Shah’s journey reflects the vibrant evolution of cultural celebrations in America. In this episode, Rima joins host Krisy Thomas for a rich and insightful conversation explorin…

1
Social Media Savior: How to Post with Purpose in the Wedding Industry 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? You're not alone. Wedding professionals often struggle to maintain a consistent online presence that actually converts to bookings. Serena Waller, founder of the Dande Agency, joined, CWP Society's COO, Krisy Thomas, for this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files podcast to break down the ever-shifting landsc…

1
Sensory-Friendly Celebrations: Reimagining Wedding Planning for All Minds 29:10

3M ago29:10

29:10

Weddings should be joyful celebrations for everyone present, but for neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities—the typical wedding environment can quickly become overwhelming. Bright lights flash, music thumps, schedules run tight, and social expectations mount. How can wedding planners create truly inclu…

1
Transforming Your Wedding Business: The Personal Branding and Marketing Revolution 32:38

3M ago32:38

32:38

Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, is joined by special guest Carissa Kruse, marketing guru and founder of Win More Weddings Content Club, for an eye-opening conversation on what truly works in wedding industry marketing today. With a background in building a successful multi-state wedding business alongside her marketing agency, Cari…

1
Wedding Associate Certification Now Available through CWP Society! 12:39

3M ago12:39

12:39

The CWP Society has launched an innovative Wedding Associate Certification that's transforming how wedding planning teams operate and deliver consistently exceptional service. This new credential ensures every team member—not just lead planners—meets the highest professional standards, creating seamless experiences from initial consultation through…

1
Beyond Experience: How Education Transforms Wedding Planning Businesses 33:33

3M ago33:33

33:33

In this episode, Vice President of the CWP Society and Co-Host, Krisy Thomas sits down with Crystal Dailey, owner of Empower Weddings, and a Master Certified Wedding Planner whose journey proves the transformative power of education in building a thriving wedding business. Crystal's journey from event planner to Master Certified Wedding Planner rev…

1
Setting Your Wedding Day Assistants Up for Success 29:58

3M ago29:58

29:58

Krisy Thomas, Co-Host and Vice President of the CWP Society, is joined by special guest Hailey Beard to tackle a game-changing topic for wedding planners: transforming assistants into assets, not liabilities. Ever wonder why some weddings flow perfectly while others face constant hiccups? The secret often lies not with the lead planner, but with ho…

1
Beyond the Badge: How CWP Society Elevates Wedding Planners 38:54

4M ago38:54

38:54

What happens when wedding planners invest in their education? Co-host Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, interviews three award winning, Master Certified Wedding Planners and Industry Advancement Directors, who reveal the transformative power of professional certification in this candid conversation that goes far beyond basic credenti…

1
The Wedding Ministry Certification: A New Era of Church and Planner Partnerships 26:28

4M ago26:28

26:28

Emma Cockerham, Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator and Owner of Infinity Events, joins Krisy Thomas, VP of the CWP Society, on this episode to share her journey from challenging church-hosted weddings to crafting the transformative Wedding Ministry Certification Course. By tackling the common issues faced when planning religious w…

1
Educating Your Couples: Essential Strategies for Planning Success 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

Unlock the Secrets to Educating Your Couples for a Seamless Planning Experience As a wedding planner, one of your most important roles is educating your couples—helping them navigate the planning process with confidence and clarity. In this episode of Wedding Planner Pro Files, Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society, is joined by Riley Sni…

1
Nurturing Success: Mastering Vendor Relationships in the Wedding Industry 31:51

5M ago31:51

31:51

Discover the secrets to success in the wedding planning industry with our special guest, Certified Educator and Certified Wedding Planner, Amanda Borrero. Amanda joins us to share her invaluable insights on building robust vendor relationships that not only enhance business success but also create a thriving community of wedding professionals. You'…

1
From Passion to Profit: Financial Mastery for Wedding Experts 38:19

5M ago38:19

38:19

Unlock the secrets to mastering financial management in the wedding industry with insights from our esteemed guest, Matt Mitchell. With his unparalleled expertise in both wealth management and event planning, Matt joins Laurie Hartwell, to tackle the unique financial challenges faced by wedding professionals. Discover how financial literacy can be …

1
Beyond Experience: Elevating the Standards of Wedding Planners (S4, E1) 6:38

5M ago6:38

6:38

Can you imagine planning a $100,000 wedding without the right skills or support? Join me, Laurie Hartwell, as I share invaluable lessons planners learned (sometimes the hard way) about the importance of proper training and certification in navigating the challenges of wedding planning. This episode sheds light on why planners should not just "get e…

1
Unlocking Success in Wedding Planning: Building Community and Achieving Goals 34:39

7M ago34:39

34:39

Discover how to elevate your wedding planning career with the invaluable insights of Aisha Garnett, a Master Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, in this episode of the Wedding Planner Profiles podcast. Unlock the secrets of connecting with seasoned professionals through the CWP Society and learn the art of finding your "wedding planne…

1
The Power of Industry Relationships: Discovering The Secret To Success 34:42

8M ago34:42

34:42

Discover how authentic relationships can revolutionize your wedding planning business with insights from Amanda Borerro, owner of For the Love of Events. Gain practical tips on transforming professional connections into trusted friendships that foster collaboration and support. Amanda, along with hosts Krisy Thomas and Laurie Hartwell, shares the s…

1
Making Your Clients Happy 38:11

9M ago38:11

38:11

Unlock the secrets to keeping your wedding clients overjoyed and stress-free with our expert insights on the Wedding Planner Pro Files podcast. Join Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas as they reveal strategies that transform the client experience, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships over relying solely on automation. Learn wh…

1
Lady Whistlewed: Demystifying the Roles of Wedding Planners and Venue Coordinators 4:29

9M ago4:29

4:29

Prepare to unravel the mystery behind the distinct roles of wedding planners and venue coordinators with the vibrant prose of Lady Whistlewed, as we promise to untangle these pivotal positions in the world of weddings. Tune in to the enchanting Wedding Planner Profiles podcast, presented by the CWP Society, where our latest episode promises to enli…

1
Dear Gentle Reader: A Wedding Planner's Passport to Prestige 4:19

9M ago4:19

4:19

Ever wondered what sets the top wedding planners apart? Join us as Lady Whistlewed reveals the secret ingredient to their success: certification from the prestigious CWP Society. Discover how this rigorous program transforms aspiring coordinators into industry leaders, equipped with unparalleled skills in design, event management, and client relati…

1
Enhancing Collaboration Between Wedding Planners and Church Coordinators 27:35

9M ago27:35

27:35

Why do so many wedding planners and church coordinators clash during the happiest day of a couple's life?" This episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files Podcast is an eye-opener as we unravel the frequent misunderstandings and miscommunications that often arise between wedding planners and church staff. Emma Cockerham, with her experience in weddin…

1
Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Success: How To Educate Your Couples 23:21

9M ago23:21

23:21

Can setting clear boundaries and acting with confidence really reduce wedding planning stress? Discover the insights of Riley Gersch, owner of Elegant Affairs by Design and a Master Certified Wedding Planner, as she unpacks the secrets to building trust from the first consultation. Riley guides you through the essentials of client rapport, setting …

1
Misguided Vendors Who Discourage Couples From Hiring Wedding Planners 20:00

10M ago20:00

20:00

Lady Whistlewed is at it again! In her latest column she discussed the folly of wedding professionals discouraging couples from hiring wedding planners. Uncover the surprising motivations and the significant repercussions of this trend with Laurie Hartwell, CEO of the CWP Society, and her co-host Krisy Thomas, Vice President of the CWP Society. Tog…

1
Lady Whistlewed: Why Wedding Planners Are Essential for a Proper Wedding 20:06

10M ago20:06

20:06

Ever wonder what sets a certified wedding planner apart from the rest? Today, we promise to unravel that mystery with Laurie Hartwell, founder of the CWP Society, and Krisy Thomas, its Vice President. Together, they shed light on the crucial distinction between certified and uncertified wedding planners, emphasizing the unique expertise and ethical…

1
Wedding Pros: Please read the Planners Wedding Day Timeline! 24:01

11M ago24:01

24:01

What happens when a string quartet plays just a bit too long at a wedding? Chaos ensues, and we're here to tell you why reading and sticking to the Wedding Day Itinerary is absolutely critical. On today's episode of the Wedding Planner Profiles Podcast, we delve into Lady Whistlewed's latest column to uncover the hidden stories behind the scenes fo…

1
Elevating Your Wedding Planning Career: Professional Growth & Opportunities 30:45

11M ago30:45

30:45

Ready to unlock the secrets of becoming a top-tier wedding planner? In this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Crystal Dailey, the esteemed owner of A Crystal Event in Atlanta, Georgia. Crystal walks us through her inspiring journey in the wedding planning industry, revealing her extensive certifi…

1
Lady Whistlewed: The Hidden Costs of Underpricing 17:39

11M ago17:39

17:39

What if underpricing your wedding planning services is hurting you more than you think? Tune in as Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas explore this pivotal issue, drawing inspiration from Lady Whistlewed's latest column. Through the cautionary tale of Miss Amelia Flairfax, we shed light on the dangers of undervaluing your expertise, which can lead to …

1
Lady Whistlewed: How Planners Make the Impossible Possible 23:02

11M ago23:02

23:02

Ever wondered why even the most budget-conscious couples might want to engage a wedding planner? Join us in this illuminating episode as Laurie Hartwell, CEO of the CWP Society, and Krisy Thomas, Vice President and owner of Southern Sparkle Weddings, reveal the secrets behind a flawless wedding day. Drawing inspiration from the latest Lady Whistlew…

1
From Shot Lists to Seamless Days: Wedding Planner and Photographer Insights 28:43

12M ago28:43

28:43

Imagine ensuring that every single moment of a wedding is captured perfectly without any last-minute surprises. Laurie Hartwell, Krisy Thomas, and Aisha Garnett join us to unravel the common, but critical, challenge of when photography companies withhold the contact information of assigned photographers. Learn how early communication and transparen…

1
Harnessing Tech/AI for Wedding Ceremonies, Vows, and Toasts: Introducing PROVENANCE 36:00

1y ago36:00

36:00

Imagine a world where AI transforms wedding ceremonies into unforgettable, deeply personalized experiences. Today, we bring you an exclusive conversation with Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder, and Josh Fagel, head of business development, as they unveil Provenance, an AI-driven tool revolutionizing ceremony, vows, and toast writing. Steven shares h…

1
Wedding Industry News: Can Technology Match Human Touch? 40:43

1y ago40:43

40:43

In this episode, we will be discussing new Certifications and Membership through the CWP Society, as well as how couples are trying to use AI as wedding planners, and how it can all go terribly wrong. Tune in to hear Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas from the CWP Society as they reveal the secrets behind the new Wedding Ministry Team Certification P…

1
Misconceptions of Building a Team: Hint: Large ≠ Success 38:42

1y ago38:42

38:42

Discover the unexpected truths behind successful team dynamics in the wedding industry with our special guest, Shane Presley of DJ Shane Entertainment. We're peeling back the layers to reveal why a bigger team doesn't always mean a better business or more success. From the challenges of aligning passion and vision, to the art of impeccable coordina…

1
Wedding Industry News: The RSVP Dilemma; Venue Shutdown Shocks; and After Parties 32:47

1y ago32:47

32:47

Ever encountered the puzzling silence after sending out wedding invitations? We all know the feeling, but our latest episode tackles the RSVP conundrum head-on with insights from wedding industry mavens, Laurie Hartwell and Krisy Thomas of the CWP Society. We dissect the bold strategy of a past bride's 'missed RSVP card' and debate its effectivenes…

1
The Unsung Importance of Vendor Meals: The Why, When, and Where 28:21

1y ago28:21

28:21

Embark on a journey with us as we unravel the hidden truths behind vendor meals at weddings, a topic that's sparked more debate than you might think. Krisy and Laurie delve into the ins and outs of the "why, when, and where" those working your special day should eat. It's a candid look at the wedding industry, where we're setting the record straigh…

1
Wedding Industry News: Navigating the Romance and Realities of Destination Weddings, and Protecting Precious Memories 37:11

1y ago37:11

37:11

Embark on an enchanting journey with us, Aisha Garnett, and Courtney Justice, a Master Certified Wedding Planner and owner of Just Us Weddings and Events, as we walk you through the dreamy realm of destination weddings. Uncover the magnetic pull of picturesque countries such as France and Italy, and the practicalities of orchestrating an unforgetta…

1
Wedding Industry News: Crafting Unforgettable Nuptials and Navigating Venue Legalities 24:14

1+ y ago24:14

24:14

Step into the world of weddings with us, as we unravel the key ingredients that make or break the most special day of a couple's life. Joining me is Laurie Hartwell, the woman behind the CWP Society, where we dissect the latest findings from The Knot and delve into how wedding planners can transform any nuptial into an affair to remember. Ensure ev…

1
Beyond The Trends: Pitfalls of Trends Preventing Pros from Curating Weddings That Reflect Our Couple's Love Story 24:10

1+ y ago24:10

24:10

Are wedding trends pressuring you into creating a celebration for your couples that feels more like a fad than a reflection of their love story? Fear not, for Krisy Thomas and Laurie Hartwell have joined forces to guide you through the maze of wedding industry "do's and don'ts," unleashing the secrets curating a day that's unmistakably designed to …

1
Wedding Industry News | Triumph Over Tragedy; Pop Up Weddings; Cake Cutting Considerations 33:24

1+ y ago33:24

33:24

When Brianne Ackerland, a seasoned Master Certified Wedding Planner, faced a sudden cardiac arrest, it changed not only her life, but the way we think about emergency strategies in our bustling industry. Our latest episode is a wakeup call, detailing the harrowing account of Brianne's experience and the critical lessons in preparedness it offers fo…

1
The Evolution of the Wedding Industry - An Interview with Laurie Hartwell 39:43

1+ y ago39:43

39:43

Wedding planning isn't just about selecting the perfect centerpiece or the most photogenic venue—it's an art form honed over years of personal growth and industry evolution. Laurie Hartwell, founder & CEO of the CWP Society, brings this to life, sharing her thirty-year voyage through the ebbs and flows of the wedding industry. As she unfolds her st…

1
Wedding Industry News - January 2024: Giving Back; Wedding Budgets; Friends/Family Officiating Weddings 22:23

1+ y ago22:23

22:23

In this episode, we interview the Executive Director of Wish Upon a Wedding, Lacey Wicksall, where we discuss the organization, and celebrate the industry's spirit of giving and highlight the incredible resilience found in the face of adversity. Our conversation is a tribute to the impact of community support, as we delve into the process of creati…

1
A Couple's Journey in the Business of Bliss: Tips To Succeed 44:39

1+ y ago44:39

44:39

Navigating the wedding industry can be a dance of love and logistics, even more so when you're stepping to the rhythm alongside your soulmate. Philip and Laurie pull from thier own experiences to offer a candid look at the synergies and complexities of running a wedding planning business as a married couple. They explore the essential role of commu…

1
Wedding Pros: The Symphony of Trust, Collaboration, and Understanding 48:22

1+ y ago48:22

48:22

What happens when wedding professionals fail to communicate effectively and misunderstand each other's roles? Listen to our heart-to-heart chat as we unpack this. We'll guide you through the challenging journey of collaboration and understanding among wedding professionals, highlighting the importance of having a professional's perspective and work…

1
Wedding Industry News: Elevating The Wedding Industry; Combatting Wedding Crashers; and Creative Guestbook Ideas 32:44

1+ y ago32:44

32:44

Ever been to a wedding and thought, "I could do this better?" I, Aisha Garnett, used to think the same, until she found her path from TV production to becoming a Certified Wedding Planner. Her journey was shaped by the Certified Wedding Planner Society (CWP Society). Together with its founder and CEO, Laurie Hartwell, they explore the mission of th…

1
The Value and Impact of Formal Education in the Wedding Planning Industry: A Critical Exploration 38:00

1+ y ago38:00

38:00

Ever wondered about the risks couples are taking when entrusting their big day to a wedding planner with no formal education? This episode grapples with this substantial issue, spotlighting the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on experience alone, and the discomfort it could breed in couples investing their hard-earned thousands into their…

1
Wedding Industry News: Wedding Planner Gone Wrong; The Engagement Gap; and a New Trend 27:14

1+ y ago27:14

27:14

Listen in as the host of the Wedding Industry News Series, Aisha Garnett, unravels the shocking tale of a bride swindled out of a whopping $12,000 by her seemingly trustworthy wedding planner. Laurie Hartwell, founder and CEO of the Certified Wedding Planner Society, shares invaluable insights, highlighting the critical need for couples and wedding…

1
Setting Up Events With Your Soulmate - Unpacking the Challenges and Victories 20:08

1+ y ago20:08

20:08

Over this 3-part series, we are going to tackle how personal relationship can evolve into a successful professional partnership? My husband, Philip and I embarked on this journey in the wedding planning industry and let me tell you, it was no easy ride. We braved the storm of transitioning from soulmates to professional partners with a fair share o…

1
Authenticity Over Comparison: A New Approach To Being A Wedding Planner 34:40

1+ y ago34:40

34:40

Ever felt like you're falling behind as you constantly compare your wedding planning business to those perfectly crafted posts on social media? Say no more! We're here to unmask the misleading perception built by these highlight reels. Trust us, it's time to focus on your journey, set your own goals, and embrace authenticity! Let's not ignore the e…

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Laurie Hartwell & Krisy Thomas CWP Society Podcasts

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