Paying Your Dues: What It Takes to Break Into Luxury Weddings

LEVEL UP: A Wedding Photography + Videography Podcast

If you're trying to break into the luxury wedding market, are you doing it the right way?
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events shares hard-earned insights from 23+ years in the industry. From working with A-list directors in film production to planning high-end weddings worldwide, Rosemary reveals why paying your dues, mastering etiquette, and building trust with planners are non-negotiables for success.
If you're a wedding photographer or filmmaker looking to book luxury clients, network with top-tier planners, and elevate your brand, this episode will give you the roadmap to long-term success.
In this episode, we cover:
✔️ How film production experience translated into luxury wedding planning
✔️ Why jumping into the luxury market too soon can backfire
✔️ The #1 reason top planners only refer vetted vendors
✔️ How building relationships—not cold pitching—creates real opportunities
✔️ Why luxury clients expect professionalism, etiquette, and discretion
✔️ Common mistakes photographers & videographers make at high-end weddings
✔️ How pricing, branding, and networking influence long-term industry success
💬 What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about working in luxury weddings?
DM us on Instagram @TheLevelUpCo or drop your thoughts in the comments on YouTube!
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Timestamps:

00:00 – 05:00 | Introduction
12:01 – 20:00 | Paying Your Dues & Mastering the Luxury Space
20:01 – 30:00 | Breaking Into the Luxury Market the Right Way
30:01 – 40:00 | Professionalism, Etiquette & Avoiding Common Mistakes
40:01 – 48:00 | Pricing, Trust, & Long-Term Success

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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/reset
Connect 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/