Host Marie Adornato sits down with bridal industry leader Wendy Rivera—founder of Do You Speak Bride?—for a masterclass in love-first leadership, boutique branding, and the psychology of the bridal experience. Wendy shares her unlikely path from music to bridal, why people-pleasing turns stylists into “doormats,” and how emotional intelligence transforms tense appointments into joyful, decisive moments.

They dig into building a brand that’s bigger than designer labels, turning “I found the dress” from a finish line into a starting line with lifetime celebrations, and making courageous decisions (not fear-based ones) about inventory, alterations, and services. Wendy also recounts a high-stakes alteration crisis that became a reputation-defining win, then explains how Do You Speak Bride? equips teams to communicate clearly, lead with compassion, and serve brides in their “native language” of love—complete with a newly gamified training platform.

You’ll learn:

• How to design experiences that reduce fear and invite clarity
• Why fewer, better-curated lines can be a growth strategy
• Practical ways to set boundaries without losing warmth
• The difference between manipulation and leadership in sales
• How to build a community brand brides want to join for life

Subscribe to Because Marie Said So for more real-world entrepreneurship and bridal business insight.

In this value-packed episode of Because Marie Said So, Marie sits down with Beth Giambrone of IMS Barter and Lydia Jackson of Oh My Gowns to talk about two major pillars of entrepreneurship: resourcefulness and resilience.

Beth breaks down the power of bartering in modern business—how IMS Barter helps over 14,000 businesses across the U.S. trade services to save cash and boost visibility. Whether you're a dentist, landscaper, or boutique owner, you'll learn how to use barter as a smart strategy for growth, employee perks, and more.

Then, Marie catches up with Lydia, a fellow bridal store owner in Florida who bought her boutique through seller financing—no bank, no VC, just grit and trust. They dive into the emotional side of bridal retail, the dangers of Instagram dress envy, and how authenticity wins every time.

💡 Plus: A fascinating conversation with Professor Michael Lynn, a leading expert on tipping psychology, where he debunks myths, explores tip culture's controversial past, and shares what service workers can do to earn more—all rooted in decades of data.

This episode is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, relationship building, and knowing your worth—because if we’re not talking entrepreneurship, we’re not talking.

In this glamorous and deeply insightful episode of Because Marie Said So, Marie sits down with Matt Sutherland of Jovani Fashions — one of the biggest names in designer eveningwear — for a behind-the-scenes look at fashion trends, bridal business, and what it really takes to thrive in the industry. From styling Reba McEntire and Real Housewives to shaping future trends in prom and bridal, Matt shares stories from the showroom, advice on fashion sales, and what makes Giovanni truly unique in the market.

Later in the episode, Marie is joined by Gen Z bride Larissa Nichols for a fresh, honest conversation about wedding planning in the digital age. Larissa shares her journey from Pinterest boards to finding the dress, what Gen Z shoppers truly value, and how her generation is changing the bridal experience—from budgeting and vendor expectations to the psychology behind saying yes to the dress.

💡 Key highlights:

• The evolving trends in prom and bridal fashion (hello, simplicity and Bridgerton sleeves!)
• Why experience and inventory matter more than ever in retail
• Matt’s unforgettable celebrity styling moments (yes, including Tyra Banks)
• Gen Z’s take on credit cards, buy-now-pay-later options, and the modern shopping mindset
• Tips for brides on making the most of their dress appointments

Whether you're in the industry or preparing to walk down the aisle, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and sparkle. ✨

Why tune in? Because Marie said so.