525 PRESTON BAILEY: A $600M Wedding, AI, and Embracing Creativity
Andy is excited to have floral and event designer Preston Bailey, a true icon in the industry, back once again on the show! Tune in as he shares some fascinating insights into his work, including his involvement in one of the most extravagant weddings ever held for the Ambani family in Mumbai! With a rumored price tag of $600 million, the event pushed the boundaries of design, and Preston was at the heart of it all. He reveals how he worked on over 70 monumental floral animal sculptures, crafted from Indian flowers, which became some of the most talked-about aspects of the wedding!
However, the conversation goes beyond the luxury of this massive event, as Preston also opens up about his morning routine, the daily practices that fuel his creativity (including his use of morning pages and meditation) and how these routines have helped shape his work and personal growth. He also discusses the role of AI in his creative process and how it fits into his ever-evolving approach to design.
Andy, as always, had such a great time taking time to sit down with Preston and have another enlightening conversation with him, and he hopes that you enjoy this conversation. If so, please don’t keep it to yourself! If you can think of at least three good friends who might really benefit from and enjoy this conversation with Preston, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already and to leave a top review wherever you listen, especially since it really helps the show and helps people find it!
Also, did you know that Preston has his own podcast, Stop and Smell the Roses, on The Wedding Biz network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
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Time Stamps
[0:16] – Andy reveals that today’s guest is returning guest Preston Bailey!
[1:22] – Preston discusses having been involved in a life-changing event, collaborating with Mrs. Ambani, who was incredibly creative and hands-on.
[2:51] – The wedding design focused on India’s culture, featuring large animals and an Instagram-worthy display.
[5:16] – Even though there was a tight deadline, working in India allowed for swift execution with skilled local teams.
[8:47] – Preston discusses how his bold designs came to life without many changes.
[10:33] – Preston remains open to new challenges, embracing whatever the universe offers him creatively.
[11:24] – Andy expresses admiration for Rick Rubin’s philosophy of receiving opportunities by staying present and open to creativity.
[12:40] – Preston reflects on how being open to new opportunities has led to unexpected successes throughout his career.
[14:29] – Preston finds reinvention exciting, believing that creativity keeps him alive.
[16:59] – Preston describes his morning routine.
[19:04] – Hear how getting fired taught Preston to accept mistakes, be kinder to himself, and embrace setbacks.
[21:34] – When events are canceled, Preston believes that returning money and expressing empathy builds long-lasting client relationships.
[23:57] – Preston does experience burnout but finds theater and galleries help him recharge, while AI has pros and cons in design.
[25:40] – Andy’s brother uses AI for various tasks, believing that it is an enormous technology with vast potential.
[26:58] – Preston highlights embracing AI in business, using it to improve his writing and stay competitive.
[28:46] – Andy shares where Preston can be found online.
RESOURCES
Preston’s Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
Rick Rubin – The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Find Preston:
Stop and Smell the Roses Podcast
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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.
