“At the Table” is a series of interviews and spotlight conversations with people I admire from within and outside of the wedding industry. These conversations focus on topics related to building an intentional, relationship-first business alongside a present, connected, values-driven personal life.
Introduction:
After following Beth’s work from afar for literally years, we finally had the opportunity to meet at Engage Tuscany in April 2025. She gave a talk about how burnout is not a viable retirement plan, and her takeaways were so valuable that I found her during lunch and spent an hour asking questions and learning more from her one-on-one. She is thoughtful, intentional, and wildly talented. So grateful for the chance to interview her!
Follow Beth via her work website and IG, listen to her podcast, read her substack, read her contributions to the LA Times, and follow her work with The Good Beginning.
THE INTERVIEW
→ First of all, tell me in your own words what you do for work, and why you do it?
At the heart of it, I design spaces and experiences that allow people to connect. On the surface, that looks like planning destination weddings and multi-day celebrations around the world. But underneath, it’s really about creating environments where people can feel seen, celebrated, and deeply present with one another. Celebration is my love language, and events just happen to be my way of expression.
→ What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are alike, but my rhythm is a blend of creative immersion and intentional living. Mornings usually begin with meditation, journaling and a workout before I dive into design work or calls with clients around the globe. Afternoons often mean scouting trips, design presentations, or collaborating with my team. Evenings, I try to reserve for my husband, dear friends, or simply a beautiful meal. Travel is frequent, but wherever I am, I try to create small rituals that keep me grounded.
→ In her book Dare to Lead, Brené Brown says that every person has just two core values that shape everything else that they do or believe. Do you agree with that idea? If you could boil your values down to just two, what would they be? How do those influence how you do your work & live your life?
I do. For me, those values are connection and intention. Connection guides how I design events, how I build relationships, and how I live at home. Intention ensures that nothing is done for show or trend’s sake, it’s always rooted in meaning, authenticity, and care. Together, they shape everything from the way I design a dinner table to the way I spend a weekend with loved ones.
→ The British author Alain de Botton has this famous quote: “There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” I tend to agree with this idea, that work-life balance is an unhelpful goal, and we should instead think about aligned values and healthy rhythms in all spheres of life. What do you think about the phrase “work-life balance?” How do keep healthy rhythms & momentum going in both work and personal spheres?
Balance feels like a moving target, and one that can be more guilt-inducing than helpful. Instead, I think in terms of alignment and rhythm. When my work reflects my values, it doesn’t drain me, it fuels me. And when I build in moments of rest, travel, and hospitality at home, it sustains the energy I need to keep creating. It’s less about drawing hard lines and more about weaving life and work into a pattern that feels true.
→ Some people argue that a focus on people and a focus on profit are competing priorities, but I love talking about the ways that running a relationship-first business aids in building more profitable, sustainable businesses. What do you think about this idea? Are they competing ideas? Why or why not?
In my experience, prioritizing people is what makes profit possible. The trust we build with our clients translates to longevity, referrals, and opportunities we could never have orchestrated through marketing or transaction alone. When people feel genuinely cared for - whether it’s a client, a vendor, or a guest - they want to invest, return, and share that experience with others.
→ What are some ways that running a people-first business has benefited you? How has it benefited others?
It’s benefited me with loyalty, trust, and relationships that have spanned decades. Many of my clients become dear friends, many of our vendor partners feel like family. For others, it means they walk into their wedding or event feeling like they can fully exhale, knowing everything is handled with care. The ripple effects extend far beyond one weekend. It’s a reminder that human connection is always worth the investment.
→ Our culture and our industry is fast—trends come and go in the blink of an eye, and there’s just so much noise, especially on social media. It can be tempting to believe that the only way to stand out is to add to the noise, to follow trends, to make a bigger flash than our competitors. But what if you’re a quiet brand? I have written about the difference between Fireworks and Fireplace brands here. Would you say that your business is more of a fireworks display or a fireplace? How does that influence how you market?
I might show up early and often, but I’m a fireplace at heart. My work isn’t about flash or spectacle without purpose driving it. Whether it’s my events, my online presence, my writing, a speech I’m delivering, etc. it’s about creating a warm, layered, lasting atmosphere that draws people in. Marketing, for me, has always mirrored that approach. Everything is intentional and rooted in relationships.
→ How do you stay authentic when it often feels that “fake it ‘til you make it” energy is rewarded?
Authenticity, for me, is non-negotiable. I’ve found that the right clients, partners, and opportunities are drawn to honesty and transparency. Of course, there are moments when it feels tempting to project something shinier or more perfect, but true connection comes from showing up as yourself, with confidence in your craft and humility in your humanity.
→ What is bringing you joy in your work right now?
Right now, I’m inspired by weaving more cultural storytelling into events—finding ways to honor a couple’s heritage, the destination’s traditions, and the little rituals that make gatherings unforgettable. I also love hosting more intimately at home. Dinners where every guest feels special, nostalgic desserts that make people smile, and small touches that remind me why I fell in love with hospitality in the first place.
→ If we were to meet here a year from now, what do you hope we would be celebrating?
I’d hope we’d be celebrating more people choosing to mark their lives with meaningful, intentional celebrations, big or small. On a personal note, I’d love to be celebrating new creative projects that merge travel, interiors, and entertaining, as well as the continued growth of The Good Beginning.
→ Final question: what is the number one book you recommend to every creative entrepreneur?
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It’s a reminder that the way we come together, whether in business, family, or friendship, can transform not only the experience, but the meaning we carry forward.