Today on Get a Heck Yes, we’re diving into one of the most underrated secrets behind a thriving wedding business — strong vendor relationships.

Our guest, Melissa Buffaloe, is the creative force behind Blue Moon Events, known for transforming venues into magical, moody, and unforgettable spaces. With years of experience collaborating with top-tier wedding pros — from photographers and florists to DJs and caterers — Melissa has mastered the art of partnership.

In this conversation, Melissa opens up about her early mistakes investing in the wrong things, and how shifting her focus toward community over competition completely changed her business. She shares tangible insights on:
✨ Building trust and reputation through collaboration
💡 How to become the vendor everyone wants to work with
🤝 Turning networking events into long-term relationships
🌸 Why being “easy to work with” is a major business asset

Melissa reminds us that success in this industry isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about people, energy, and integrity.

🔑 Key Takeaways

 * “I stopped chasing leads online and started investing in real connections.”
 * “When you show up, do great work, and support others — referrals naturally follow.”
 * “Vendor relationships are the backbone of every successful event.”

💕 Connect with Melissa

Blue Moon Events
📸 Instagram: @bluemoon.events [https://www.instagram.com/bluemoon.events]
🌐 Website: https://www.bluemooneventplanning.com/

Joined the 10 day challenge https://course.digitalwealthyhypegirl.com/

https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 203 - How to Build Powerful Vendor Relationships with Melissa Buffaloe of Blue Moon Events

🎉 Happy Woo Wednesdays, friends!

Welcome to Episode 202 of Get a Heck Yes — the podcast that helps you attract your dream clients and build a business that feels like a heck yes!

Today, I’m so excited to welcome Jaz the Planner into the Heck Yes House! 🎊

Jazmene Thomas is an incredible LA-based wedding planner and founder of J. Moton Event Elements (JMEE). Her events are gorgeous, her energy is magnetic, and she’s all about creating experiences that clients will remember for a lifetime.

In this episode, we dive into a topic that’s fresh but so important:
👉 Embracing Sober and Wellness-Centered Celebrations.

Jaz opens up about her sobriety journey and how it’s influenced the way she curates events. Together, we share ideas on how to craft meaningful, mindful celebrations where everyone feels present, joyful, and connected.

💫 What you’ll hear:

 * How Jaz transitioned from funeral director to full-time planner
 * Why she founded JMEE and what drives her passion for stress-free event planning
 * Tips for designing wellness-centered weddings and celebrations
 * How embracing sobriety can transform your business and client experience

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and get inspired to create events that feel intentional, elevated, and full of heck yes energy.

Connect with Jaz:
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jaz_the_planner
Website → jmottoneventelements.com

Connect with me (Carissa Woo):
Instagram → @carissawoo [https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo]
Join the 10-Day Digital Product Challenge → https://course.digitalwealthyhypegirl.com/

If you loved this episode, share it on your stories and tag us! 💖

Ep. 202 - Embracing Sober and Wellness-Centered Celebrations - Jaz the planner

Happy Woo Wednesdays! Carissa Woo Here!

In this episode of Get a Heck Yes, I sit down with Jake Wysocki, founder of IntentionCraft [https://www.intentioncraft.com/], to talk about how to deliver a world-class client experience that turns happy clients into raving superfans.

Jake shares practical ways to infuse intention into every touchpoint—from first inquiry to final delivery—and why going the extra mile isn’t just about service, it’s about strategy. We dig into:

 * How to build trust and wow clients without burning out
 * The mindset shift from “serving clients” to “crafting experiences”
 * Why your workflow is part of your marketing
 * Real-life examples from creative businesses doing it right

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your clients feel something deeper and keep coming back for more, this episode will light you up.

💡 Grab Jake’s Free Resources:
👉 WorkshopWHY.com [https://workshopwhy.com/] – Access his 45-minute Workshop WHY Session + the World Class Workshop Crash Course

🌐 Connect with Jake:
Website: www.intentioncraft.com [https://www.intentioncraft.com/]

📚 Resources Mentioned:

 * The Nathan Barry Show (episode with John Meese – about sales)
 * Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

🎙️ Episode 201: Give a Client Experience That Creates Superfans with Jake Wysocki

🎙️ Get a HECK YES — Episode 200
✨ From Loss to Light: Finding Purpose Through Scent with Rachel of Bodi Botanica

🎉 Happy Woo Wednesday, friends!

We’ve officially hit 201 episodes — how wild is that?! Thank you for tuning in, sharing, and growing with me over the years. If you’ve been loving the “Heck Yes” vibes, it would mean the world if you left a quick review on Apple Podcasts. That’s how we keep the heck yes energy going! 💖

💡 Sponsor Spotlight: 17hats
Big shoutout to 17hats for sponsoring this episode!
They recently hosted a workshop where we learned how to build a client quote — with upsells, contracts, and invoices — all automated. I realized I’d been leaving so much money on the table!

If you’re ready to simplify and automate your business, head to 17hats.com and use code HECKYES to save!

🌿 Episode Overview
Today’s guest is Rachel, the amazing founder of Bodi Botanica. I met her at an event at the Natural History Museum — and she’s the kind of person who skips small talk and dives deep right away (in the best possible way).

Rachel creates fun, sensory perfume workshops that are truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Her journey is incredible — from a major life revelation during the pandemic that transformed her marriage and perspective, to losing everything in the Eaton fires and rebuilding her life from scratch.

Through her story, Rachel discovered her true purpose — blending creativity, healing, and play into a business that helps others reconnect with their senses and their most authentic selves.

You’ll walk away from this episode inspired to find more play and purpose in your own life.

📸 Connect with Rachel
Follow her journey and check out her upcoming workshops:
👉 @bodibotanica [https://www.instagram.com/bodibotanica]

💬 Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite takeaway from this episode on Instagram and tag me @carissawoo [https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo]!

💖 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts so we can keep the Heck Yes energy going strong.

Ep. 200 -From Loss to Light: Finding Purpose Through Scent with Rachel of Bodi Botanica

✨ Episode Overview

Weddings are so much more than two people saying “I do.” They’re about the blending of families, generations coming together, and creating an environment where everyone — from grandma to the flower girl — feels included, comfortable, and cared for.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Brittany Janice Renault, a talented Big Island–based photographer known for her warm energy, natural connection with clients, and ability to capture intimate, joy-filled moments. Brittany shares her expert tips on how couples (and photographers!) can make the entire family feel relaxed and at ease on the wedding day — because when the family feels good, the photos feel magical.

💡 What We Talk About:

 * 🌿 Energy matters: How Brittany uses her calm, positive presence to set the tone for family portraits and group interactions.
 * 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Inclusive planning: Ways couples can communicate and plan ahead to ensure family members feel considered and appreciated.
 * 📸 Creating comfort on camera: Tricks for helping even the most camera-shy relatives feel natural and confident during portraits.
 * 💍 Blending generations: Navigating sensitive family dynamics with empathy so that the day remains joyful for everyone.
 * ❤️ Going beyond the shot: Why connection and trust often lead to the most authentic, emotional wedding imagery.

📸 About Brittany Janice Renault

Brittany is a Hawaii-based photographer who specializes in capturing the heart and soul of families, couples, and weddings. Known for her vibrant personality and exceptional eye for storytelling, Brittany doesn’t just take photos — she creates experiences that clients rave about.

⭐️ “Brittany is a phenomenal, exceptional, spectacular photographer. Most importantly, she has great energy! … We LOVED EVERY SINGLE IMAGE! I can’t wait to visit the Big Island again just to work with Brittany!” — Beryl, 2021

Her thoughtful approach to every session — from planning to delivery — ensures each client feels seen, celebrated, and deeply connected to their images.

🎧 Tune In If You Want To:

 * Learn how to make family dynamics work for you, not against you, on the wedding day
 * Pick up strategies to guide and support relatives who might feel out of place or nervous
 * Discover why emotional comfort is just as important as the perfect timeline or shot list

📍 Connect with Brittany: www.bigislandhawaiiphotographer.com [https://www.bigislandhawaiiphotographer.com/]
📸 Follow her for more stunning work and behind-the-scenes stories from paradise.

Connect with Carissa Woo https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 199 - How to Make the Family Feel Comfortable at a Wedding  Guest: Brittany Janice Renault

Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of Get Ahead Guests, Carissa sits down with DJ Kevro and wife Chevonna — the powerhouse behind Musical Phunktions, a multi-DJ company that’s brought unforgettable energy to over 10,000 events across Southern California. But today, we’re not just talking playlists and packed dance floors — we’re going deeper.

Alongside his wife Chevonna, a therapist and mother of their four children, Kevro shares the real story behind building both a thriving business and a lasting marriage in one of the most demanding industries out there. From the pressures of wedding weekends to learning how to truly support each other’s dreams, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical wisdom for any couple trying to balance love, family, and entrepreneurship.

In This Episode, We Talk About:
💍 How Kevro and Chevonna built a strong marriage while growing a successful wedding business
🎧 The story behind Musical Phunktions and how it’s evolved into a multi-DJ empire
🧠 The role therapy, communication, and mutual respect play in sustaining love under pressure
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What raising four kids while running a business really looks like — and how they make it work
💡 Tips for creative couples on building a business without burning out or growing apart

Whether you’re a wedding pro, an entrepreneur couple, or just curious about how love and business can truly coexist, this conversation will leave you inspired — and ready to dance through both the highs and lows of building a life together.



https://www.instagram.com/djkevrothecurator

https://instagram.com/carissawoo



Ep. 198 - Making Marriage Work in the Wedding Industry with DJ Kevro + Chevonna

Welcome back to Get a Heck Yes with Carissa Woo! I have a special guest today. Her name is Aislinn and she was a wedding photographer for 14 years and then transitioned into a coach for wedding photographers. My mind is blown on how she gets people to charge $10k for weddings! She's really good at mindset and being a teacher. 

https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

https://www.instagram.com/aislinneileencoaching

Ep. 197 - Charging Premium Prices and Mindset with Aislinn Eileen

🎙️ Get A Heck Yes – Episode with Sarah James

Happy Woo Wednesdays!
Today I’m joined by the adventurous and inspiring Sarah James, a wedding and elopement photographer who helps couples design unforgettable “I do” moments in some of the most breathtaking places on earth.

✨ Meet Sarah

If your dream is to wake up at sunrise to say “I do” surrounded by mountains — whether you’re in hiking boots, heels, or barefoot — Sarah is your girl. She creates magical elopement experiences everywhere from deserts and lakes to caves, canyons, wild beaches, big trees, or even your own backyard.

Born and raised in Tunisia, a tiny country in North Africa, Sarah became a world traveler at a young age and has never stopped chasing adventure. With over 12 years of experience working for an airline, her travel knowledge is extensive — and she’s always on the go, ready to capture love stories around the world.

🌍 Where You’ll Find Sarah

This year, Sarah is heading to some incredible destinations. Tune in to hear more about her journey, her travel schedule, and how she helps couples create an elopement day that’s truly about them.

🎧 In This Episode, We Chat About:
 * What makes elopements so meaningful and stress-free
 * How Sarah’s global upbringing shaped her adventurous spirit
 * The endless possibilities when you ditch tradition and make your day your own
 * Her insider tips for traveling and planning the perfect destination wedding or elopement

https://photosbysarajames.com/ https://www.instagram.com/photosbysarajames

Connect with Carissa https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Join the 24 hour AI challenge https://digitalwealthyhypegirl.com/digital-products

Sponsors - 17hats.com - use code HECKYES

Ep. 196 - Horses make everything better - Sara James

I’m so excited for today’s episode because I get to sit down with my dear friend, Quendie from Quendie Joy. She’s not only a stunning makeup artist known for her signature soft glam style, but also one of the bubbliest, most magnetic people I know. For the past five years, I’ve been referring her because she brings so much beauty, talent, and joy to every client she touches.

But here’s the best part—you need to follow Quendie on social media. She’s hilarious, unfiltered, and always keeps it real. From silly stories about planning her own wedding, to navigating life on crutches or in a wheelchair, she shares it all with authenticity and humor.

In this episode, we dive into: ✨ What it’s like planning a wedding as both a wedding professional and a bride-to-be ✨ Her journey to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she’ll say “I do” later this year (and yes, I’ll be there!) ✨ Why joy, humor, and authenticity are her superpowers—on and off social media

You’re going to fall in love with Quendie’s energy, her honesty, and her laughter. Get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and fun!

https://www.instagram.com/quendiejoy

https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo

Ep. 195 - Wedding Planning with Quendie Joy: Makeup Artist, Bride-to-Be, and All-Around Joy

Welcome to Get a Heck Yes!

Today’s guest is someone whose career has been as dynamic as it is inspiring: Jolene Purdy.

Jolene first captured attention with her breakout role in the cult classic Donnie Darko, and since then, she’s continued to impress audiences with memorable performances in Under the Dome, Orange Is the New Black, WandaVision, and The White Lotus. Most recently, she stars opposite Kevin Bacon in The Bondsman.

In this episode, Jolene shares her journey as a performer, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what it means to keep evolving in an ever-changing industry.

If you’re a fan of authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes insight, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Tune in now and join us as we welcome the multitalented and endlessly inspiring Jolene Purdy!

https://www.instagram.com/jojopurdy

Connect with Carissa

https://instagram.com/carissawoo

Sponsors: https://www.17hats.com/

Use code heckyes

Ep. 194 - Not checking any boxes with Jolene Purdy 

Welcome to "Get a Heck Yes" with Carissa Woo. Carissa has been a Los Angeles
wedding photographer for over a decade. She's traveled the world, built her
team, and seen it all! Carissa Woo Photography won best wedding photographer by
California Wedding Day 2 years in a row. She now coaches wedding photographers
hit 10K a month and builds a thriving business. In this podcast, Carissa will
deep dive into how top wedding creatives get that heck yes from their dream
clients. She is not holding back on the struggles of the business and how to
push through the noise. Some healthy hustle, mindset shifts, up-leveling your
money story, time hacks because she's a mom of 2, a little bit of woo woo, and
most important, self-love and confidence are just a few of the many things we
will talk about. See you all soon Connect with Carissa Coaching IG: @Carissawoo
Photography IG: @carissawoophotography Download a free guide on how to become a
lead generating machine HERE

Get a "Heck Yes" with Carissa Woo Wedding Photographer and Coach

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