LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

Hosted by Taylor Petrinovich & Kelley Gilster | The Level Up Co.

Business Education Tv FilmExplicit

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264

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Ready to take your wedding photography or filmmaking business from mainstream to luxury? We are on a mission to equip YOU with the information and resources you need to scale your business into the premiere and luxury markets, where you can successfully 2-3x your prices. Every Tuesday we invite you to tune in on conversations with Kelley and Taylor, luxury wedding cinematographers and business coaches, as we teach you what we have learned over 22+ years of combined experience in the wedding industry. Learn the ins and outs of the luxury market, how to align your brand within it, and become fully prepared to take your business from mainstream to luxury. In a nutshell: this is the wedding filmmaking + photography podcast for creatives striving for MORE in their businesses. The wedding industry can be a challenging place to build a career, and we are here to help. https://thelevelupco.com/

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June 16, 2026Episode 26930 min

269: The Art of Building Legacy Clients w/ Steve Moore

Most wedding professionals spend years trying to figure out how to stand out.They tweak their websites.They refine their portfolios.They spend hours creating content.But often the thing that creates the deepest connection with clients isn't another perfect image or beautifully curated post.It's you.In this episode, Kelley sits down with Steve Sinclair of Sinclair & Moore to talk about the power of personal branding, authentic storytelling, and building relationships that last far beyond the wedding day.Steve shares how a business that started with wedding cakes, custom gowns, and flowers evolved into one of the most respected planning and design companies in the industry. More importantly, he shares why showing up as a real person online has been one of the most impactful business decisions he's ever made.We talk about:✨ How sharing your personal life can help build trust with clients✨ The role hospitality plays in creating a luxury experience✨ Why people connect with people, not just businesses✨ Building legacy clients who come back generation after generation✨ Setting boundaries while still showing up authentically online✨ Creating a business that supports your life, not the other way aroundIf you've ever struggled with how much of yourself to share online, or you're looking to build deeper relationships with your clients, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss.This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoConnect with Steve:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinclairandmooreWebsite: https://sinclairandmoore.com/Timestamps:00:00 - 01:44 | Sponsor Spotlight: Elevating the Client Delivery Experience with VidFlow01:45 - 04:44 | Meet Steve Sinclair: 24 Years in Weddings and an Unconventional Journey04:45 - 07:50 | From Cakes to Planning: The Power of Service and Hospitality07:51 - 11:34 | Building a Personal Brand Through Family and Authentic Storytelling11:35 - 18:50 | Sharing Your Personal Life Online with Intention and Boundaries18:51 - 22:18 | Human Connection, Brand Trust, and Why People Buy From People22:19 - 29:04 | Legacy Clients, Family Values, and Relationships Beyond the Wedding Day29:05 - 30:14 | Where to Find Steve Sinclair and Final ThoughtsThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

June 9, 2026Episode 26830 min

268: We Asked Wedding Pros Their Biggest Questions. Here's What Came Up.

What does it actually take to move from the middle market to the luxury market?In this special live Q&A episode recorded at Hybrid Conference, we sit down with wedding photographers and filmmakers from across the country to answer some of the biggest questions about growing a profitable, sustainable business.We cover everything from creating a luxury client experience and building stronger planner relationships to navigating husband-and-wife business dynamics and refining your wedding day workflow.One of the most powerful conversations in this episode centers around success itself. Is being featured on the biggest publications really the goal? We discuss why reputation, relationships, and consistently serving clients well often matter more than industry recognition.We also talk about keeping business in perspective. Growth is exciting, but your health, your relationships, and the people you love matter more than any booking goal or accolade.If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker looking to attract higher-end clients, elevate your client experience, and build a business that feels both profitable and fulfilling, this episode is for you.Topics discussed:• Moving into the luxury market• Creating an elevated client experience• Building planner relationships• Husband-and-wife business partnerships• Wedding day workflows• Industry recognition vs. reputation• Balancing ambition and personal well-beingLearn more about The Luxury Mastermind at thelevelupco.com/mastermind.This episode was sponsored by VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 03:01 | Hybrid Conference Q&A Series Introduction & Elevating the Client Experience03:02 - 06:14 | Luxury Wedding Day Workflows: Service, Presentation & Planner Communication06:15 - 11:44 | Supporting a Spouse on Wedding Days & Photo/Video Team Dynamics11:45 - 17:57 | Photographer Wellness: Fitness, Recovery & Surviving Wedding Season17:58 - 23:24 | Recognition vs Reputation: Defining Success in the Luxury Market23:25 - 27:28 | Perspective, Health & Keeping Business in Its Proper Place27:29 - 28:01 | Closing Thoughts & Hybrid Conference Series Wrap-UpThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

June 2, 202632 min

267: AI Is Changing the Wedding Industry

What if the thing holding your business back isn’t your talent… but your workflow? 👀In this episode, we’re sitting down with wedding photographer turned tech founder James Broadbent, the creator of Narrative, to talk about AI, business growth, workflow optimization, and how photographers + filmmakers can stop spending countless hours stuck behind a computer and start creating more freedom in their businesses.James shares how he went from shooting 50 weddings a year to building one of the most widely used AI culling and editing tools in the photography industry, and this conversation is FULL of perspective shifts for wedding creatives who want to work smarter, scale their income, and create more time for the things that actually move the needle in their business 🚀We also dive into the fears surrounding AI in the wedding industry and why embracing new tools does NOT mean sacrificing your artistry. The wedding industry is evolving fast, and the creatives who are willing to adapt, stay curious, and focus on growth are going to be the ones who thrive.One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Your business does not grow because you are the most talented artist in the room. It grows because you learn strategy, stay consistent, and focus on the right things over and over again 💪Timestamps:00:00 - 05:19 | From Wedding Photographer to Tech Founder05:20 - 10:17 | Building Narrative & Saving Photographers Time with AI10:18 - 16:44 | AI, Creativity & The Future of Photography16:45 - 22:24 | Using AI Tools & Diversifying Revenue Streams22:25 - 26:53 | Business Strategy vs Artistic Talent26:54 - 32:00 | Marketing, Growth & Final ThoughtsThis episode was sponsored VidFlow. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoConnect with James:Narrative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narrativeapp/Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasewildphotos/Website: https://narrative.so/The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

May 26, 202637 min

266: An Honest Conversation About Shooting Celebrity Weddings w Samm Blake

In this episode, we’re sitting down with internationally recognized wedding photographer Samm Blake to talk about what it really takes to build a long-term, creatively fulfilling career in the luxury wedding industry. From shooting her first wedding for $500 and losing money on the job to now starting at $40,000 per wedding, Sam shares the mindset shifts, creative risks, and intentional decisions that shaped her journey over the last 20+ years.We dive into the evolution of the wedding industry, building a recognizable artistic voice, and why standing out matters so much more than blending in. Sam shares her perspective on portfolio curation, attracting luxury clients without sacrificing your style, and how photographers can stop chasing trends and start building work that actually feels true to them.We also talk about photographing high-profile celebrity weddings, navigating pressure at the highest level, and the confidence that comes from finally realizing you do not have to conform to succeed in the luxury market.If you’re a wedding photographer or filmmaker wanting to raise your prices, book more intentional weddings, refine your portfolio, and create work that feels both profitable and artistically fulfilling, this conversation is packed with perspective shifts and tactical takeaways you won’t want to miss.In this episode, we cover:• Building a luxury wedding photography brand• How to stand out in a saturated wedding market• Portfolio curation tips for photographers• Creative risk-taking at weddings• Luxury wedding client experience• Breaking into the high-end wedding industry• Finding your unique artistic voice• Growing a profitable photography business without copying trendsThis episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 02:19 | Podcast Introduction & Elevating the Client Delivery Experience02:20 - 06:10 | Sam Blake’s Photography Journey & Adapting Through Industry Changes06:11 - 09:25 | Moving to New York, Building an International Brand & Luxury Pricing09:26 - 12:14 | Career-Defining Weddings & Photographing High-Profile Clients12:15 - 18:25 | Finding Confidence in Your Artistic Voice Within the Luxury Market18:26 - 20:14 | Outsourcing, Business Growth & Creating Space to Scale20:15 - 23:34 | Standing Out in the Luxury Market Through Authenticity & Curation23:35 - 28:37 | Portfolio Curation, Identifying Weaknesses & Improving Your Craft28:38 - 33:17 | Taking Creative Risks, Experimentation & Artistic Growth at Weddings33:18 - 36:27 | The Value of Representation, Support Systems & Creative Freedom36:28 - 37:14 | Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Sam BlakeConnect with Samm:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammblake/Website: https://www.sammblakeweddings.com/The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

May 19, 202626 min

265: The Wedding Industry Is Evolving… Are You?

Today on The Level Up Podcast, we’re answering your questions straight from Hybrid Co. and diving into everything from networking at luxury events, building real connections in the wedding industry, handling pricing pushback, creating an elevator pitch that actually reflects your brand, and knowing when it’s time to diversify your income beyond weddings.One of the biggest mindset shifts we’ve learned over the years is that growth rarely comes from staying comfortable. The photographers and filmmakers who build sustainable, profitable businesses are the ones willing to keep evolving. They refine their brand. They stay visible in the off-season. They learn how to position themselves differently. And eventually, they stop relying on one single revenue stream to carry the weight of their entire future.We also talk about:✨ How to confidently introduce yourself at networking events✨ Why understanding your ideal client changes everything✨ The truth about “off season” as a business owner✨ How we personally navigate pricing flexibility and client budgets✨ The smartest ways to diversify your income as a wedding creative✨ Why digital products, education, and corporate work can completely change your financial futureIf you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable of building something bigger, this is your reminder that you are.The wedding industry is changing quickly, and the creatives who are willing to think long-term, take strategic risks, and keep showing up are the ones who will continue to grow.We’re so excited for you to listen.This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 01:44 | Elevating the Client Experience Through Premium Delivery Systems01:44 - 02:50 | Hybrid Conference Recap & Listener Q&A Introduction02:50 - 08:00 | Networking Events: Elevator Pitches, Personal Branding & Ideal Clients08:00 - 12:51 | Off-Season Mindset: Work Ethic, Business Growth & Long-Term Success12:51 - 15:08 | Navigating Pricing Pushback & Making Strategic Business Decisions15:08 - 19:11 | Diversifying Revenue Streams & Reducing Financial Risk19:11 - 25:24 | Revenue Growth Through Education, Digital Products & Corporate WorkThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

May 12, 202622 min

264: Your Team is Your Biggest Asset

Your business can only grow as far as your team can carry it.In this episode, we’re diving into what it actually looks like to build a high-level team that supports your growth, elevates your client experience, and allows you to show up at your highest creative level. Because the truth is, your second shooters, your assistants, your team… they are not just extra hands. They are a direct reflection of your brand.We’re talking about when to bring people on, how to source the right talent, and why waiting for the right timing matters more than locking people in too early. We’re breaking down the difference between just filling a role and intentionally building a team you can trust when it matters most.You are not just a creative. You are leading people. And that requires a different level of responsibility, communication, and preparation than most people realize. From setting expectations to creating clear workflows to making sure your team feels supported on the wedding day, it all matters more than you think.Your team will either elevate your business or hold it back.So the question is… are you building one that can take you where you want to go?If you’re ready to stop doing it all alone and start building a business that actually supports your growth, this episode is for you.This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 01:28 | Elevating the Client Experience01:29 - 03:42 | Podcast Intro at Hybrid03:43 - 06:06 | Why You Need a Strong Team06:07 - 08:13 | When to Book Your Team08:14 - 10:00 | Trusting Your Team at a Higher Level10:01 - 12:21 | Pricing, Value, and Better Talent12:22 - 14:10 | Layers of Value in Your Business14:11 - 16:04 | Leadership on Wedding Days16:05 - 18:13 | Training and Setting Expectations18:14 - 20:18 | How Your Team Impacts Growth20:19 - 21:16 | Final Thoughts on Building a TeamThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

May 5, 2026Episode 26326 min

263: How One Yes Turned into 30k

We’re recording live from Hybrid in Charleston, and this conversation turned into a real, honest look at what it actually takes to grow in today’s wedding industry. From the power of getting in the room and building real relationships, to the behind-the-scenes decisions we’re making as we head into the 2026 season, this one is packed with perspective shifts that can change the trajectory of your business.We talk about pricing in a way that most people avoid. When it makes sense to hold the line and when it actually benefits you to be flexible. How one referral can turn into tens of thousands of dollars in bookings. And why your relationships with planners and photographers matter more than any marketing strategy.We also get into branding and what clients are really looking for right now. The shift we’re seeing with the next generation of couples, how to stay true to your style while still evolving, and why being clear in your positioning will always win over trying to be everything to everyone.And then we go deeper into what it looks like to scale. Letting go of control. Building a team. Outsourcing in a way that elevates your brand instead of diluting it. Because at a certain point, growth isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, with the right people.This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to stay stuck where you are. You are capable of more. Your business can look different. But only if you’re willing to move, adapt, and go for it.If you’re ready to step into a higher level of business, start thinking bigger, and build something that actually supports your life, you’re in the right place.Let’s get into it.This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 01:30 | Elevating Client Experience & Delivery Systems01:31 - 03:30 | Hybrid Conference & The Power of In-Person Networking03:31 - 06:30 | Pricing Flexibility & Strategic Booking Decisions06:31 - 10:00 | Leveraging Relationships & Referral-Based Growth10:01 - 14:30 | Branding Clarity & Evolving Client Preferences14:31 - 18:30 | Navigating Client Dynamics & Planner Relationships18:31 - 22:39 | Preparing for 2026: Scaling Through Team & OutsourcingThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

April 28, 2026Episode 26233 min

262: Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed

In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the simplest but most overlooked shifts you can make in your business. Start saying what you actually want. The bookings you’re after. The markets you want to step into. The rooms you want to be in. Because the moment you speak it, things start to move.We talk about what it looks like to go from waiting… to taking action. From playing small… to actually putting yourself in the position to grow. And how something as small as asking for an introduction or sharing your goals can open doors you didn’t even know were there.I spent years thinking if I just kept my head down and worked hard, it would all happen for me. But growth didn’t come from staying quiet. It came from getting uncomfortable, speaking up, and going for it before I felt fully ready.Momentum doesn’t come from overthinking. It comes from action.This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps00:00 - 05:30 | Elevating Client Experience & Intentional Delivery 05:31 - 10:30 | Stop Waiting: Why You Need to Speak Your Goals Out Loud 10:31 - 16:00 | Awareness, Growth & Navigating Different Market Levels 16:01 - 22:00 | Building Momentum: Education, Action & Saying Yes Before You're Ready 22:01 - 27:30 | Networking That Converts: Opportunities, Relationships & Visibility 27:31 - 33:00 | Shoot Your Shot: Confidence, Communication & Closing Thoughts The next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

April 21, 202643 min

261: Luxury Clients Notice This Immediately

What actually separates a luxury wedding brand from everyone else charging less?Spoiler: It is not just prettier work.In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, we are breaking down the real differences between standard service and true luxury hospitality by pulling examples from our own experiences with Disney VIP tours, five-star hotels, and other high-end brands outside the wedding industry.Because if you want to book luxury clients, you need to understand what luxury actually feels like.We unpack how elite brands create trust, exclusivity, and white glove experiences from the very first touchpoint, and how you can apply those same principles to your wedding photography or filmmaking business.Inside this episode, we cover:How concierge-style booking creates instant perceived valueWhy luxury clients expect you to lead with confidenceThe small hospitality details that make a massive differenceHow social etiquette impacts your ability to book higher-end clientsWhy luxury brands never nickel and dime their customersHow to study other industries to improve your own client experienceIf you want to attract higher-end clients, raise your rates, and create an experience that makes your brand unforgettable, this episode is a must-listen.Because luxury is not just about what you deliver.It is about how you make people feel every step of the way.This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 05:24 | Intro to Car Chats & Why Luxury Experiences Matter05:25 - 10:22 | Disney VIP Booking Experience & The Power of Concierge-Level Sales10:23 - 15:27 | Leading Clients With Confidence & Going Above and Beyond15:28 - 21:14 | Hospitality, Social Etiquette, and Reading the Room as a Professional21:15 - 28:34 | Ritz-Carlton Lessons, Saying Yes, and Expanding Your Offerings28:35 - 34:44 | Hotel Hospitality Examples & Personalization in Luxury Service34:45 - 39:19 | Why Luxury Brands Don’t Nickel and Dime Their Clients39:20 - 43:19 | Building a White Glove Client Experience in Your Wedding BusinessThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/

April 14, 2026Episode 26049 min

260: How Hanging Out With Industry Friends Earned Me $34k in December

If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens inside rooms like Engage! Summit and whether they are really worth it, this episode is a full, honest debrief.We’re taking you behind the scenes of three days spent surrounded by some of the top planners, designers, photographers, and filmmakers in the luxury space and sharing what actually matters once you’re in the room.Because yes, the details are beautiful. The events are over the top. But that is not why you go.We talk about what it looks like to walk into a room like this for the first time, the social dynamics that no one prepares you for, and how networking at this level is so much less about pitching yourself and so much more about building real, long term relationships.We also get into the real ROI of events like this. When it makes sense to go, when it does not, and why getting in the right rooms at the right stage of your business can completely change your trajectory.And maybe most importantly, how to approach these opportunities with intention so you are not just attending, you are actually leveraging them.If you’ve been curious about luxury industry events, feeling like you are not quite ready, or questioning if proximity really makes that big of a difference, this episode will give you clarity.Because growth does not come from working harder.It comes from getting in rooms that expand the way you think.This episode was sponsored by Wanderlust Videos, use LEVELUP100 for $100 off your first edit at https://www.wanderlust-videos.com/And thank you to VidFlow for sponsoring today's episode. Level up your delivery experience at https://vidflow.co/thelevelupcoTimestamps:00:00 - 05:30 | Elevating Client Experience & Podcast Introduction05:31 - 12:00 | Arriving at Engage: First Impressions & Event Overview12:01 - 20:30 | Gifting Experience, Event Structure & Behind-the-Scenes Moments20:31 - 30:30 | Networking, Social Dynamics & Making Meaningful Connections30:31 - 40:30 | Education Sessions, Branding Presence & Industry Insights40:31 - 49:07 | Key Takeaways, ROI of Networking Events & Final ReflectionsThe next round of The Luxury Mastermind will start in Spring 2026! We are thrilled to welcome you inside our signature 8 week program. Learn more + save your seat here >> https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind📲 Love this episode? Screenshot and share it on social media! Tag us on Instagram at @TheLevelUpCo and let us know your biggest takeaway.The Level Up Co. Resources:- Wedding Planner Email Templates: https://thelevelupco.com/planner-email-template-bundle- Elevated Client Experience Bundle: https://thelevelupco.com/client-experience-bundle- Elevated Shot List: https://thelevelupco.com/elevated-shot-list- The Luxury Framework Course: https://thelevelupco.com/theluxuryframework- The Luxury Pricing Mini Course: https://thelevelupco.com/resetConnect with Taylor , Kelley + The Level Up Co.:🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelevelupco/🔗Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpetrinovich/🔗Kelley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/618studios/💻Website: https://thelevelupco.com/