A lot of times we hear “How can I show a planner that I can be a really great creative partner without having worked with them directly before?” Well today’s guest, Erin Taylor of Bustle Events is giving her take on just that. And do you want to know a big part of it? Someone who can not only tell the story of the day through the couple, but someone who can tell the story of the day through the design, the guest experience and all the details that are poured into the wedding during the planning purpose. Whew that was a mouthful but it doesn’t make it any less true! We are excited for you to listen to today’s episode and to start implanting some of the tips Erin shares!
Prefer to listen to podcasts in your favorite podcasting app? Use the links below!
If you’ve ever tried to break into the luxury wedding market, you know that it’s not just about being an amazing photographer or filmmaker. You can be the most talented creative in the room, but if you’re not connected to the right planners, it feels like you’re constantly hitting a wall.
Luxury planners are the gatekeepers to those big-budget, high-end weddings. They’re the ones who clients trust to handpick their vendor teams. They’re the ones making recommendations and curating who gets to be part of those next-level experiences. And if they’ve never heard of you—or worse, don’t know what makes your work valuable—you’re not getting the call.
This is something we’ve had to learn firsthand. For a long time, we thought that just doing great work would eventually get us noticed. But the reality is, planners aren’t just looking at your portfolio. They’re looking at your reputation, how well you work with teams, how you present yourself, and how you fit into the luxury experience they’re trying to create.
If your name doesn’t come up when they’re building out a vendor list, it’s not necessarily because you’re not talented enough. Sometimes it’s just because you’re not on their radar yet.
How to Stand Out Without Being Pushy
We get a lot of questions from filmmakers and photographers about how to actually get noticed by planners, and the truth is, it’s not about being aggressive or overly self-promotional. It’s about being genuinely present in the right spaces and building authentic relationships.
One of the most insightful things we learned from talking with Erin Taylor from Bustle Events was that it’s less about “pitching” yourself and more about being someone who planners actually want to work with. Erin made it clear that planners aren’t just looking for someone with a pretty portfolio. They’re looking for people who can seamlessly fit into a high-pressure environment, communicate well, and contribute positively to the overall experience.
Think about it—planners are putting their reputation on the line every time they recommend a vendor. If a filmmaker or photographer doesn’t mesh well with the team or doesn’t deliver on promises, it reflects poorly on them. That’s why personality, attitude, and professionalism matter just as much as your creative work.
It’s easy to assume that because you’ve shot a few nice weddings or have an impressive Instagram feed, planners will automatically want to work with you. But luxury planners have their go-to lists for a reason—they know these people are reliable, talented, and easy to work with. If you’re not already on that list, you have to do more than just send a cold email.
Building Real Relationships, Not Just Business Contacts
Erin shared something that really stuck with us: you don’t have to be pushy to build connections. A lot of times, planners are too busy to meet for coffee or have long conversations, especially during peak wedding season. So instead of feeling rejected when they don’t respond right away, focus on being consistent and genuine.
It’s not about forcing a connection—it’s about showing up where they are, being genuinely interested in their work, and supporting their vision. Sometimes that means attending industry events, commenting thoughtfully on their social media posts, or sharing their work when it aligns with your own.
One of the things Erin mentioned that stood out was how important it is to share more than just your highlight reel. Planners want to see how you document an entire wedding day, not just the curated shots. They’re looking for consistency and the ability to tell a story from start to finish. That’s why sending a full gallery or a complete video from a past wedding can make a bigger impact than just sending your top three images.
And don’t underestimate the power of reaching out to other vendors who have worked with that planner before. Getting a positive word-of-mouth recommendation from someone already in their circle can be invaluable.
Why the Right Connection Makes All the Difference
It’s not just about landing one luxury wedding—it’s about creating a steady stream of high-end bookings. Once a planner knows and trusts you, they’ll keep bringing you onto projects because they know you’re reliable.
But that doesn’t happen by chance. You have to show up intentionally, build your reputation with consistency, and be willing to put in the work to make genuine connections. You’re not just trying to get noticed—you’re trying to prove that you belong in the luxury space.
Sometimes it feels intimidating to step into that world, especially if you’re used to working more mainstream weddings. But just like anything else in business, it’s about pushing through the discomfort and being willing to learn from those who are already where you want to be.
The creatives who are booking $10K+ weddings aren’t necessarily the ones with the most followers or the flashiest Instagram. They’re the ones who have built solid relationships with planners who trust them implicitly. They’re the ones who consistently deliver not just beautiful work, but an effortless client experience.
If you want to take your business to the next level, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re positioning yourself with planners. Are you easy to work with? Do you communicate proactively? Are you genuinely interested in collaborating, or just focused on booking your next gig?
The truth is, you don’t have to be pushy or overly persistent to get noticed. You just have to be intentional, consistent, and genuinely invested in building relationships. When planners see that you’re not just in it for yourself, but genuinely care about creating something amazing together, that’s when they’ll start reaching out.
You don’t need to do this alone. And you don’t need to wait years to feel like the real deal. You just need a roadmap. And the courage to get started.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, we’ve got something coming just for you. Our signature education experience is opening soon—and it’s designed specifically for wedding photographers and videographers who want to grow fast, book better clients, and finally build the business they’ve been dreaming about.
When you RSVP, we’ll reserve a guaranteed seat for you inside the next round of Mastermind—plus you’ll unlock a 60-minute 1:1 coaching session as a bonus.
Because the next level of your business isn’t as far off as it feels—you just need the right support to get there.
👉 https://thelevelupco.com/mastermind
