Shifting Focus with John Bunn

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
If you think luxury is about venues and budgets, you are missing it. Luxury is about experience. And if you do not understand how to create one, you will stay stuck in the middle.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Emily Burton to unpack what actually separates high-end planners from everyone else.
Emily started as a floral designer and built her way into becoming a sought-after luxury wedding planner on St. Simons Island. Her growth was not accidental. It was intentional. It required refining her brand, elevating presentation, deepening client relationships, and understanding how experience drives value at the highest levels.
We talk about what it takes to transition into the luxury market, how to design an elevated client journey, why networking is more about trust than transactions, and how personal connection becomes your greatest competitive advantage.
If you want to move upmarket without becoming someone you are not, this episode will give you a clearer target.
Connect with Emily Burton:
Website: https://emilyburtondesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyburtondesigns/
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Emily Burton
03:10 Emily's Journey from Floral Design to Planning
06:39 Current Business Landscape and Clientele
11:40 Transitioning into Luxury Weddings
16:42 Designing a High-End Client Experience
22:02 Understanding the Language of Luxury
29:05 Presentation, Positioning, and Networking
37:11 Green Flags in Vendor Collaboration
45:47 Building Genuine Relationships in the Luxury Market
52:33 Personal Touch and Long-Term Reputation
53:08 Why Experience Is the Real Product

What does professionalism actually look like at a wedding?
Not on Instagram.
Not in theory.
But in the room.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with etiquette expert Alison Cheperdak to talk about modern wedding etiquette, social awareness, and the subtle behaviors that shape your reputation in the event industry.
If you are a wedding photographer, filmmaker, planner, florist, or creative vendor, this conversation will sharpen how you show up with clients and fellow vendors.
We cover:
• The essential rules of wedding etiquette every vendor should know
• Common wedding day faux pas that hurt your credibility
• How to interact professionally with planners and clients
• Navigating compliments and awkward conversations with confidence
• Cultural considerations in dress and traditions
• Why kindness is a competitive advantage in business
 
Your work might get you in the room.
But how you behave determines whether you are invited back.
 
Connect with Alison:
Website: https://www.elevateetiquette.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevateetiquette/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elevateetiquette 
 
Support Alison's new book:
Was It Something I Said? https://elevateetiquette.com/book 
 
Recommended Resource Mentioned:
Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg
 
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Modern Etiquette
03:56 The Journey to Etiquette Expertise
06:26 The Impact of Social Media on Etiquette
09:37 Understanding Wedding Etiquette
12:40 Common Wedding Faux Pas
15:34 Researching Wedding Etiquette
18:38 Vendor Etiquette on Wedding Day
21:37 Building Relationships with Wedding Planners
24:35 Navigating Compliments and Conversations
27:29 Maintaining Professionalism in Challenging Situations
30:30 The Importance of Kindness in Etiquette
33:23 Conclusion and Book Launch

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
Most wedding creatives never actually get unstuck. They just work harder inside the same ceiling.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Ryan Koral, one of the early pioneers of wedding filmmaking, to unpack the real reason some creatives grow, pivot, and build freedom while others stay trapped in the same cycle for years.
Ryan started filming weddings in 2005, helped shape the education space for filmmakers, and eventually transitioned into corporate storytelling. But this episode is not about leaving weddings. It is about identity, brand, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.
We talk about letting go of control, the truth about branding, why most networking fails, and how storytelling is still the most powerful asset you have in business. Ryan also shares the mindset shift that allowed him to grow, delegate, and evolve without losing who he is.
If you feel stuck between where you are and where you want to go, this episode will show you what actually needs to change.
Ryan's Links
Studio Sherpas https://www.studiosherpas.com/ 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourvideobusiness  https://www.instagram.com/growyourvideobusiness 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryankoral/ 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Ryan's early filmmaking journey
01:53 From weddings to corporate without losing identity
03:43 Why education and community shaped his career
06:36 Ryan's current business model and priorities
10:41 Storytelling as the foundation of brand and connection
15:05 Growth requires delegation and letting go
21:10 Control vs trust in creative business
26:30 Balancing life, art, and business
32:39 Early struggles and learning from mentors
34:01 Networking that actually builds relationships
38:09 Branding and perceived value in the market
53:18 Crafting a brand story that feels true
57:14 Continuous growth and authenticity
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
 
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
What does it actually take to build a wedding planning brand that people trust at the highest level?
Rena Wiser didn't inherit it. She didn't shortcut it. She earned it.
After battling cancer and walking away from a stable career in the beverage industry, Rena took a leap of faith and started Event Lab. In this episode, she breaks down what most planners get wrong about branding, pricing, networking, and vendor relationships.
If you want to get out of the middle market, this conversation hits all three pillars of the Exposure Triangle: Work, Brand, and Network.
We talk about:
• Starting at the bottom and earning your stripes
• Working for free to learn the industry
• Pricing based on value, not fear
• Why authenticity attracts better clients
• What drives planners crazy in vendor outreach
• How collaboration actually works at the top level
This is not theory. This is earned experience.
If you're a planner, photographer, filmmaker, or creative trying to level up, this one will challenge you in the right ways.
Listen in.
Follow Rena here: https://www.instagram.com/eventlab1 
See Rena's Website: https://www.eventlab1.com/ 
 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
 
00:00 Introduction to Rena Wiser's Journey
02:40 Starting Event Lab: A Leap of Faith
07:34 Understanding the Wedding Industry
14:30 Pricing Strategies and Client Relationships
19:40 Finding Your Niche in Event Planning
26:19 Building a Collaborative Vendor Team
31:44 The Importance of Teamwork in Weddings
37:05 The Importance of Timelines in Wedding Planning
38:01 Challenges with Non-Team Players
39:59 Maintaining Professionalism in the Wedding Industry
44:18 The Shift in Collaboration Post-COVID
51:20 What Drives Rena Crazy in Vendor Outreach
55:48 Building Genuine Relationships with Vendors

https://theexposuretriangle.com/  - Mentorship and Mastermind Group is now open for enrollment - grab a seat before they are gone
What does it actually take to build an ultra-luxury brand in the wedding industry?
Maxine Owens didn't grow her business by chasing more weddings. She did it by refining her work, elevating her brand, and building intentional relationships with the right people. Today, she designs some of the highest-end weddings in the industry while taking on only a limited number of events each year.
In this conversation, Maxine shares how she transitioned from zoology to luxury floral design, why rebranding transformed her business, and how genuine networking created real momentum. We also talk about client experience, creative alignment, and why saying no is often the move that moves you forward.
This episode quietly reflects all three pillars of the Exposure Triangle: Work, Brand, and Network.
 
Follow Maxine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxowensdesign/ 
Check out Maxine's Website: https://maxowensdesign.com/ 
 
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast 
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:46 Maxine's Journey into Floral Design
06:14 Transitioning to a Luxury Floral Business
08:28 Building a Team and Expanding Services
10:57 Rebranding and Elevating the Business
13:56 Networking and Industry Connections
17:00 The Importance of Social Media and Branding
20:05 Overcoming Introversion in Networking
22:54 Advice for Aspiring Floral Designers
32:50 The Power of Mutual Benefit in Networking
36:51 Finding Your Niche in the Wedding Industry
39:59 Intentional Connections and Strategic Networking
46:56 Building Momentum and Confidence in Your Business
52:50 Understanding Minimums and Green Flags in Client Inquiries
01:05:19 Designing for the Camera
01:08:30 The Power of Collaboration
01:09:17 Building Genuine Relationships
01:10:49 Connecting with the Audience
01:11:22 The Future of Education in Floral Design