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

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