The Venue Success Podcast

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• Wedding Planner to Venue Owner // Brittany Schrader 27.05.2026 35min

  In this episode, Tirzah interviews Brittany Schrader shares her journey from wedding planner to successful venue owner, offering insights on building a venue, vendor relationships, family dynamics, and lessons learned in the industry. Learn practical tips and lessons learned from her first years in the industry.Brittany Schrader is a multifaceted entrepreneur with experience in events, operations, and business development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from East Carolina University, which shaped her approach to leadership and client experience.Brittany has been immersed in the wedding industry since 2017, building her career across planning, wedding and event sales, and business ownership. She developed her foundation working alongside other businesses in the industry, gaining insight into best practices and operations before launching and acquiring businesses of her own. She went on to found Elle Gray Events, where she produced over 200 events. She also acquired and sold a table and chair rental company, later expanding into venue ownership in 2022.Alongside her work in weddings, Brittany is a licensed real estate agent and investor, bringing a strategic and creative approach to both hospitality and property ventures.Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mom of nine year old twins, Brittany blends family, business, and community into everything she does. Her career reflects both her professional experience and her belief in creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home.Brittany Schrader is a multifaceted entrepreneur with experience in events, operations, and business development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from East Carolina University, which shaped her approach to leadership and client experience.Brittany has been immersed in the wedding industry since 2017, building her career across planning, wedding and event sales, and business ownership. She developed her foundation working alongside other businesses in the industry, gaining insight into best practices and operations before launching and acquiring businesses of her own. She went on to found Elle Gray Events, where she produced over 200 events. She also acquired and sold a table and chair rental company, later expanding into venue ownership in 2022.Alongside her work in weddings, Brittany is a licensed real estate agent and investor, bringing a strategic and creative approach to both hospitality and property ventures.Married to her high school sweetheart and a proud mom of nine year old twins, Brittany blends family, business, and community into everything she does. Her career reflects both her professional experience and her belief in creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel at home.@colonialsunsetthecolonialatsunset.com@venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.com
• Microweddings, Maximum Impact // Dixie Bagley 13.05.2026 1t

  In this episode, Tirzah interviews wedding venue veteran, Dixie Bagley. Dixie shares her journey from accidental venue owner to successful wedding entrepreneur, including innovative micro wedding strategies, the decision to sell her venue, and insights on building a resilient business and life balance.Dixie Bagley is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur based in Rome, Georgia with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry. Specializing in venue operations, she is the venue owner of The Farm — a European farm estate with lodging set in the northwestern Georgia mountains. In addition to owning and operating a venue, she also owns The Sweet Bar Bakery, Tillman Hangar, Dixie Events Planning, and founded The Southern Wedding Collective. She uses her 12 years of experience guiding other wedding professionals to become the boss in their businesses. Between managing her brands and consulting, you’ll find her enjoying family time with a good wine in hand.dixiebagley.com@dixiedoesweddingswww.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
• Inside the Vendor-Venue Partnership // Fausto Pifferrer 29.04.2026 35min

  In this episode, discover the insights from Fausto Pifferrer, a seasoned venue and event expert, on optimizing venue-caterer relationships, navigating challenges, and creating memorable events. Perfect for venue owners, caterers, and event professionals seeking practical tips and inspiring stories to elevate their business partnerships.blueelephantcatering.com@blueelephantcateringwww.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastCo-founder of Blue Elephant Events and Catering, Maine Venue Partners, and Co-owner of Real Maine Weddings magazine, Fausto began his career in catering and event planning 40 years ago in Philadelphia. He has an eye for detail and production and is passionate about creating high-quality, memorable events for his wedding and corporate clients. Fausto is a member of the Leading Caterers of America, sits on the board of directors of the International Caterers Association and Seeds of Hope Community Center, and is a past President of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club. He recently published his first book: Temporary Friends: A Caterer’s Guide to the Perfect Day.
• Experiencing the Soul of Your Venue // Mary Luz Rodriguez 15.04.2026 44min

  As we start a new season, Tirzah will return to interviewing venue owners across the nation! In this inspiring episode, venue owner Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez shares her unique journey from law to creating a sanctuary that blends nature, legacy, and love. Discover how her heart-driven approach transforms the venue experience into a spiritual and emotional journey, emphasizing the importance of purpose, healing, and authentic leadership.Interested in being on the show? Email venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com https://www.livingsculpturesanctuary.com/@livingsculpturesanctuarytirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastMary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez, Esq. is the co-founder of Living Sculpture Sanctuary, one of South Florida’s most distinctive and spiritually immersive wedding destinations. Since opening in 2015, she has helped shape the Sanctuary into a beloved venue known for its emotional warmth, nature-forward design, and focus on wellness. Under her leadership, it has hosted more than a thousand weddings and milestone celebrations, each created with intention, empathy, and a genuine commitment to bringing couples’ visions to life in a meaningful, heart-centered way.Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Mary Luz has always felt a deep respect for the Earth. This passion led her to study environmental law and explore holistic wellness, two paths that eventually inspired the idea behind Living Sculpture Sanctuary. She studied law at La Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City and later earned her Juris Doctor, with honors, from St. Thomas University School of Law. Today, she continues to work as an environmental attorney while directing the Sanctuary, a combination that grounds her leadership in purpose, integrity, and environmental stewardship.Her legal career includes work on complex cases involving toxic exposure, pollution, and environmental harm. These experiences shape her perspective as a venue owner. She believes that spaces of celebration should honor the planet and that the most meaningful venues lead with authenticity, connection, and service. This philosophy shows up in everything she does, from the way she guides couples during their tours to how the Sanctuary’s design reflects the five natural elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. The result is an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply symbolic.Mary Luz and her husband, attorney Robert J. McKee, built the Sanctuary themselves over the course of two years. What started as a personal dream and the setting for their own wedding eventually grew into a thriving event space where couples immediately feel grounded, welcomed, and emotionally supported. Today, the Sanctuary is known for its thoughtful wellness offerings, including sound baths, guided meditations, spa rituals, and private photoshoots. Each experience is designed to elevate the wedding journey and help couples create intentional, memorable, and transformational moments.Beyond weddings, she has expanded the Sanctuary into a holistic gathering space that hosts bonsai workshops, floral design classes, yoga sessions, meditation practices, and corporate retreats. Through all of these offerings, Mary Luz champions the idea of Living the Sanctuary Life, a philosophy that blends natural connection, mindful leadership, and the belief that working in harmony with nature enhances personal well-being and professional success.Mary Luz continues to balance her work as an environmental trial attorney with her role as director of the Sanctuary. Whether she is advocating for environmental justice in the courtroom or curating unforgettable wedding experiences, she remains deeply committed to helping others find meaning, healing, and genuine connection with each other, with nature, and with the milestones that shape their lives.
• Tip from Tirzah #9: Selling Your Venue 01.04.2026 40min

  In this heartfelt episode, Tirzah shares her personal journey of selling her family-owned venue, the challenges faced during the transition from private to corporate ownership, and her plans for future seasons focused on venue owners and industry insights.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
• Tip from Tirzah #8: Need a Venue Tune-Up? 18.03.2026 18min

  In this episode, Tirzah shares her extensive experience in the wedding venue industry, introduces her 'Venue Tune Up' service, and offers valuable insights on how venue owners can optimize their operations, marketing, and profitability. She also discusses her journey, resources, and how she supports venue owners across the country.@venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.com
• Tip from Tirzah #7: The Importance of Tracking Data 04.03.2026 19min

  summaryIn this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah Caffee emphasizes the critical role of data in managing a successful venue. She discusses key metrics to track, such as leads, tours, and conversions, and shares insights on creating effective tracking systems. Tirzah also addresses the natural fluctuations in the wedding industry and the importance of setting goals and incentives for sales teams. The episode concludes with encouragement for venue owners to embrace data tracking as a means to navigate their business challenges.hello@tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.com
• Tip from Tirzah #6: Working With Family 18.02.2026 25min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah discusses the complexities of working with family in the venue business. She explores various dynamics, including hiring family members, working with spouses, and managing parent-child relationships in a business context. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication, boundaries, and job descriptions to foster a healthy work environment while navigating the challenges that come with family dynamics.www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
• Tip from Tirzah #5: Navigating Google Reviews 04.02.2026 31min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah shares her passion for obtaining reviews and how it played a crucial role in her venue's success. She discusses various review platforms, strategies for soliciting reviews, and how to handle negative feedback. Tirzah emphasizes the importance of quantity in reviews and encourages listeners to set goals for obtaining more reviews to stand out in a competitive market.www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
• Tip from Tirzah #4: Marriage Bound 21.01.2026 24min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah and her husband Bradley discuss the importance of premarital preparation for couples planning their weddings. They introduce their initiative, Marriage Bound, which aims to provide accessible and affordable premarital counseling through an online platform. The couple reflects on their experiences as venue owners and the need for couples to focus not just on the wedding day but on the marriage itself. They emphasize the significance of having meaningful conversations before tying the knot, addressing common issues that couples face, and how their program can help facilitate these discussions.Sign up to be an affiliate! marriagebound.net@venuesuccesspodcastwww.tirzahcaffee.com
• Tip from Tirzah #3: The Open House Blueprint 07.01.2026 32min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah discusses the importance of open houses for venues, providing actionable insights on how to effectively plan and execute these events. She emphasizes the need for a clear objective, understanding the audience, and creating a memorable experience for both current and prospective clients. The conversation covers strategies for engaging clients, the pros and cons of blended open houses, and the significance of timing and seasonal considerations. Tirzah also shares her personal experiences and tips for maximizing sales during open houses, ultimately encouraging venue owners to strategize effectively to ensure the success of their events.www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastThe Open House Blueprint: https://go.tirzahcaffee.com/open-house-success-blueprint-4152
• Tip from Tirzah #2: Christmas at Your Venue 24.12.2025 11min

  Join Tirzah in today's quick episode to discuss Christmas and the holidays at your venue. The winter is a slow season for many venues, and celebrating the holidays is a great way to bring clients back in during the winter months and create lasting memories for couples. Tirzah shares how she ran her "Christmas at the Homestead" event to help you jumpstart your holiday celebration at your venue.We know this season is busy for many of us, so we hope you are enjoying these quick tips from Tirzah you can listen to on the go!Merry Christmas! www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
• Tip from Tirzah #1: The Three Legged Stool 10.12.2025 16min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah shares insights from her experience at the Wedding MBA, focusing on the challenges faced by venue owners. The discussion revolves around a three-legged stool model for venue success, emphasizing the importance of leads, tours, and conversion. She provides actionable tips for optimizing each leg, including the significance of a strong online presence, effective communication, and building trust with potential clients. The episode concludes with resources for further learning and improvement in the venue business.USE CODE "podcast" for 10% off Tirzah's Courses!https://www.tirzahcaffee.com/online-training Check out our sticker shop! The perfect holiday gift for your fellow venue owners, or yourself! https://www.redbubble.com/people/VenueSuccess/shop?asc=u
• Utilizing Ads Like a Pro // Daniela and Whitney 26.11.2025 46min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee welcomes Whitney and Daniela, co-founders of Wedding Industry Ads. They discuss the importance of effective digital advertising strategies for wedding venues, including common mistakes, the significance of landing pages, and the balance between Google Ads and Meta Ads. The conversation also touches on the importance of tracking metrics, adapting to market changes, and the role of SEO in advertising. Whitney and Daniela share their insights on how to improve lead generation and conversion rates, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to advertising in the wedding industry.Daniela & Whitney are the co-founders of Wedding Industry Ads, a boutique digital advertising agency serving venues and wedding pros.They specialize in strategic Google Ads, Meta Ads, and fully built sales funnels through their lead management platform, LeadLock.Their mission is to make digital advertising accessible and profitable for the wedding industry.Whitney & Daniela met in 2020 as they were both entering the online world of Facebook Ads Management and have been biz besties ever since.Daniela is a visual artist, marketing strategist, and multi-passionate entrepreneur based in Lubbock, TX. With an interest in collaboration, intentionality and holistic business strategy, she found Digital Advertising to be the perfect marriage between data analytics and creative problem solving. In addition to making advertising more accessible to venues and vendors in the wedding industry, Daniela also specializes in offering Digital Ads Management and Growth Strategy for premium service based businesses as well as coaches, course creators, small agencies, and service providers.Before becoming a digital marketing entrepreneur in 2020, Whitney had a 12-year career in the events and wedding industry in Austin, TX. She sold and serviced events, first at local wedding venues and later working for Omni and then Fairmont. She lives in Liberty Hill with her husband and young daughter. She is passionate about helping wedding business owners understand the why behind adding multi-channel digital advertising to their overall marketing strategy.Along with their team of seven incredible women, they're here to help you use paid ads with confidence — turning them into a reliable, results-driven part of your marketing strategy.weddingindustryads.com@weddingindustryadstirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcast
• Making Your Venue Irresistible Like a Pro // Maria Bayer 12.11.2025 1t 4min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee and guest Maria Bayer discuss the intricacies of sales in the venue industry. They explore the importance of emotional connections, active listening, and differentiation in a saturated market. Maria shares insights on how to build urgency in sales, the significance of mindset, and the value of sales coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for venue owners to understand their clients deeply and to approach sales as a relationship-building process rather than a transactional one.Maria Bayer is a high-ticket sales strategist and the creator of Irresistible Selling, the most trusted sales resource for wedding and event business owners and educators who want to confidently book high-ticket clients and become industry leaders. Her signature method blends timeless psychology, strategic pricing, and powerful positioning to help clients raise their rates, shorten their sales cycle, and create true wealth—without chasing or being salesy.With over $25 million in personal sales and a background negotiating with brands like Target and Best Buy, Maria equips her clients with proven strategies that go far beyond what’s typically taught in the wedding industry. Her clients often 2–10x their revenue within a year, transforming not just their income, but their identity as leaders.A sought-after speaker, Maria has presented at top industry events including Be Sage, WIPA, ILEA, The Wedding Pro CEO Summit, Rock Paper Coin, Refine Collective, and many more. Through her high-impact trainings and powerful Irresistible Selling community, Maria is helping raise the bar in the industry by helping wedding pros charge more, work less, and lead with unshakable confidence.Possible Opener for Interview: Today’s guest is Maria Bayer, a sales and mindset strategist with over $25 million in sales under her belt, who’s helped wedding and event business owners and educators book high-ticket clients and 2–10x their sales - without being pushy or salesy.She’s the creator of Irresistible Selling, a psychology-driven, proven sales methodology and mastermind that helps venues and creatives sell with confidence - without chasing clients or discounting their value.If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded market, raise your rates without fear, or lead sales conversations that actually convert, this episode is your masterclass.www.mariabayer.com@mariabayer1www.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastEXCLUSIVE: Use code VSP50 for 50% off Tirzah's courses. Check it out on her website!
• Educating Yourself Like a Pro // Susan Landfried 29.10.2025 41min

  In this episode of the Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee welcomes Susan Landfried, owner of Rocking L Ranch, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a wedding venue. They share personal stories, the importance of community and education in the venue industry, and introduce WedEd, a new resource for venue owners. The conversation emphasizes the need for realistic expectations, the value of continued education, and the shared struggles of venue owners.@newvenueownersrockinglranchweddings.com@venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/608838924229038/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=ZPD1tVIJuLFZ26nQ&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2F1DEb5TPD3m%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# https://wed-ed-academy.passion.io/checkout/de80e1f0-bc42-4b14-bdab-7a539ea7cbfd
• Mastering Lifelong Learning Like a Pro // Alan Berg 15.10.2025 1t 5min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee welcomes Alan Berg, a renowned sales strategist, speaker, and author, to discuss the intricacies of the wedding industry. They share personal anecdotes about challenging client interactions, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of 'Dadzillas' and the importance of setting boundaries with difficult clients. Alan emphasizes the significance of supporting team members in high-pressure situations and the need for venues to adapt their sales strategies to cater to the unique characteristics of Gen Z clients. The conversation also delves into best practices for venue websites, the role of AI in enhancing customer interactions, and the importance of creating personalized experiences for clients. Throughout the episode, Alan shares valuable insights and actionable advice for venue owners and wedding professionals.Alan Berg CSP, Global Speaking Fellow – Sales Trainer, Speaker, Author (and Bourbon Nerd)If you’re in the wedding or event business and want to book more and grow faster, you’ve probably already heard of Alan Berg. With over 25 years in sales, marketing, and sales leadership—and real-world experience as VP of Sales at The Knot and publisher of two wedding magazines — he’s helped thousands of businesses, from solopreneurs and startups, to global hotels, turn more leads into bookings.Alan’s not just a speaker—he’s one of only 44 Global Speaking Fellows worldwide, the first Certified Speaking Professional™ in the wedding industry, and a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association in the UK and Ireland. He’s been named to the “Top 100 Speakers To Watch in 2025” (again!) by Motivator Music on LinkedIn, alongside names like Tony Robbins and Gary Vee.He’s also the host of the Wedding Business Solutions Podcast, with over 280,000 downloads and counting. His clients span the globe—from Ireland to India, Dubai to Australia—covering everything from DJs and caterers to planners, florists, and dress shops.Oh, and did we mention he’s written 13 books? His best sellers include Shut Up and Sell More, Stop Selling and Help Them Buy, Why Are They Ghosting Me?, and his newest, From Browsing to Booking.Alan’s presented in 14 countries (five in Spanish, and once in French— both self-taught!) and speaks to thousands of wedding pros every year through live events, webinars, and in-person trainings.When he’s not on stage or on Zoom, you’ll probably find him blending his own small-batch whiskeys as a certified Executive Bourbon Steward.
• Insuring Your Venue Like a Pro Pt. 2 // Justin Sutton 01.10.2025 34min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee welcomes back Justin Sutton, founder of Nuptial Risk and Vowed, to discuss the importance of specialized insurance for wedding venues. The conversation covers various topics, including event management challenges, the significance of risk management, and actionable steps for venue owners to protect their businesses. Justin emphasizes the need for proper documentation, understanding insurance requirements, and the value of having a reliable insurance partner who understands the unique needs of the wedding industry.When it comes to wedding venues, Justin isn’t just the guy who knows how to “save the date”—he’s the guy who helps make sure it doesn’t need saving in the first place. As the fearless Chief Ever-After Officer of Nuptial, Justin has spent over a decade showing venue owners how to dodge disasters before they even appear on the radar.Forming Nuptial in 2022 was Justin’s way of making the world a safer place, one flower-laden aisle at a time. He and his team work with over 300 venues across 35 states, equipping owners with proactive strategies to manage risks effectively. His secret sauce? A philosophy that’s as simple as it is uncommon: "Products don't solve problems, but processes can help solve products." Translation? Insurance is great, but it’s the last line of defense—not the first.Justin believes that no one should have to rely solely on insurance to solve a problem, because, let’s be real, everyone enjoys writing premium checks about as much as a root canal. Instead, Nuptial helps venue owners put policies and procedures in place to help avoid chaos altogether. Whether it’s protecting a century-old barn from unruly groomsmen or keeping an elegant ballroom free of champagne-related mishaps, Nuptial’s got it covered.When he's not busy helping venue owners master the fine art of risk management, Justin can likely be found explaining to people that, no, Nuptial isn’t a wedding planning business—though his attention to detail might make them pretty OK at that too.@nuptialriskwww.nuptialrisk.com/vowed@venuesuccesspodcastwww.tirzahcaffee.comCHECK OUT OUR STICKER COLLECTION: https://www.redbubble.com/people/VenueSuccess/shop?asc=u
• Attending Wedding MBA Like a Pro // Shannon Underwood 17.09.2025 31min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee speaks with Shannon Underwood, Vice President of Wedding MBA. They discuss the challenges of wedding planning, the importance of networking and learning in the wedding industry, and the role of Wedding MBA in fostering connections among wedding professionals. Shannon shares insights on common mistakes made by wedding pros, the significance of customer service, and the process of selecting speakers for the event. The conversation also covers tips for attendees to maximize their experience at Wedding MBA, emphasizing the value of personal connections and continuous learning.@theweddingmbaweddingmba.com@venuesuccesspodcasttirzahcaffee.comCHECK OUT OUR STICKER COLLECTION: https://www.redbubble.com/people/VenueSuccess/shop?asc=u
• Taking Care of Yourself and Your Business Like a Pro // Kristin Binford 03.09.2025 51min

  In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee welcomes venue coach Kristin Binford to share her experiences and insights from the venue industry. They discuss the challenges and unexpected situations that arise in venue management, Kristin's journey from corporate America to owning a wedding venue, and the importance of balancing business with parenting. The conversation also touches on the current state of the venue industry, the misconceptions new venue owners often have, and the value of coaching for venue owners looking to grow their businesses. Kristin emphasizes the need for heart in the venue business and the importance of being adaptable in a changing market.kristinbinford.com@weddingvenueownerwww.tirzahcaffee.com@venuesuccesspodcastCHECK OUT OUR STICKER COLLECTION: https://www.redbubble.com/people/VenueSuccess/shop?asc=u