What if success in luxury wasn’t about being seen—but about helping others feel seen?

In this intimate In the Margins episode, Alicia Fritz—founder of A Day in May Events—pulls back the curtain on what it really means to serve at the highest level. From honoring generational legacy to staying grounded in the presence of extraordinary wealth, Alicia shares how her small-town values built a brand trusted by some of the world’s most private families.

She reminds us: these moments aren’t for us.

They’re for the families we serve—and the love they’re trying to preserve.

If you’ve ever questioned whether kindness and integrity still belong in the luxury space, this is your answer.

Guest Bio

A native of Traverse City, Michigan, Alicia Fritz is the founder and Principal Designer of A Day in May Events, a nationally recognized event production firm sought after for mastering the art of entertaining. Alicia’s appreciation for hospitality is rooted in her company’s ethos; to architect milestone celebrations that embody the taste and priorities of her clients, accentuated by a strong sense of place and purpose in every detail. With a mission to preserve the unique history and life experiences of her clients and their families, Alicia and her team have been entrusted as strategic partners for their private, legacy clients for close to two decades.

Since 2007, Alicia has built a dedicated staff of event specialists and creative thinkers who operate with a methodical and intuitive system that prioritizes collaboration with their clients, respectful partnership with their creative teams and an unwavering commitment to a flawless event. Harmonizing an architect’s mindset with the imaginative and artistic touch of a great host, Alicia has been recognized as one of the country’s top event planners by VOGUE and Martha Stewart Weddings to name a few. From the serene, idyllic coastline of Northern Michigan, to the exquisite landscape of the South of France, and far flung locales likeMustique, Alicia and her team rarely create in the same place twice and welcome the challenge of producing these exceptional moments for beloved clients in unchartered territory.

For more information, head to https://www.adayinmayevents.com/ follow @adayinmayevents on Instagram.

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In this episode—our second in a special series on great number twos in the industry—hosts James and Otto sit down with Dawson Mitchell, Director of Operations at Easton Events, the globally respected luxury event firm founded by the legendary Lynn Easton.

Dawson shares the now-iconic story of getting fired on her first day—then showing back up the next morning with quiet determination and a plan to become undeniable. Nearly a decade later, she’s not just part of Easton Events—she’s integral to how it runs, scales, and protects its gold standard.

This episode is a rare look inside the operations, philosophy, and expectations that have made Easton Events one of the most trusted names in high-end weddings. Dawson pulls back the curtain on ruthless self-editing, shaping team culture, and how she internalized Easton’s voice so completely she could finish Lynn’s sentences—and sometimes her emails.

For planners, creatives, and leaders alike, this is a masterclass in earning trust, maintaining excellence, and growing inside a vision bigger than yourself.

In this episode, hosts James and Otto sit down with Bryan Rafanelli, founder of Rafanelli Events, the creative force behind some of the most iconic celebrations in the world—including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and major White House events. But Bryan’s story doesn’t start with celebrity clients and presidential galas—it starts with frat parties, hand-drawn flyers, and a deep love for storytelling through design.

Bryan shares how he built an industry-defining brand by focusing on relationships, risk-taking, and original creative thinking. From his “Rafanelli Rules” to his obsession with spatial scale, authenticity, and emotional connection, he opens up about the power of designing moments that feel deeply personal.

Whether you're a planner, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in longevity, leadership, and standing out in a world of trends. Bryan doesn’t just chase beautiful—he chases the extraordinary.

🎧 Hit play, and don’t be surprised if you leave rethinking your entire approach to creativity.