Romance is being reclaimed at a moment when culture feels rushed, transactional, and increasingly disconnected. As social media accelerates trends and weddings risk becoming aesthetic checklists, many couples are left wondering whether they’re planning a meaningful experience or performing one. In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with Ashley Pigott, luxury wedding producer and founder of Ashley Pigott Events, to explore why excellence, intentionality, and human connection are the true foundations of unforgettable celebrations.
Together, they unpack the difference between a planner and a producer, the psychology of guest experience, the invisible infrastructure that makes magic possible, and why labor, lighting, and logistics matter just as much as flowers and fashion. Ashley shares how her humble beginnings shaped her leadership style, why listening is her most important creative tool, and how she’s raising daughters to use their voices in rooms that once asked women to shrink.
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The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.
Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.
Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.
SUPPORT OUT GUEST:
Instagram: @ashleypigottevents
Website: ashleypigott.com
00:00 – Producing Magic, Not Just Planning Weddings
03:00 – The Difference Between a Planner and a Producer
06:00 – Trust, Micromanagement & Creative Freedom
09:00 – Architecture, Atmosphere & Guest Psychology
13:00 – The Cultural Craving for Romance & Connection
16:00 – Finding Inspiration in the Ordinary
20:00 – Manifestation, Networking & Attracting Luxury Clients
25:00 – Social Energy, Boundaries & Prioritizing Home
28:00 – From Humble Beginnings to Global Weddings
31:00 – Imposter Syndrome & Belonging in the Room
34:00 – Listening as Leadership
36:00 – Demanding Extraordinary vs. Accepting “Good Enough”
40:00 – Building Teams That Deliver Excellence
44:00 – Raising Powerful Girls
48:00 – Building a Business in Toronto
50:00 – What’s Next: Europe, Expansion & More Magic
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